Tot Trends Weekly

v 5 issue 32: Luck of the Irish

2010-03-07T21:08:00.002-05:00

St. Patrick's Day is coming and it is time to celebrate with all things green! Plus: Songs and a craft for your kids to enjoy.

Cover by Suymey Benson

1 Take a green onesie, add a reflexive pronoun & a little shamrock, and you've got a great little shirt to celebrate the culture of Ireland. Unlike those other St. Patty's tees, the "himself" onesie is appropriate for showing your love of the native land during any month of the year. Available at snugfits.com

2 Fuzzibunz provide exceptional service to baby's bottom while maintaining an ethical approach to diapering the planet. Through adjustable leg and waist settings fastened with durable snaps, stretchy elastic bands which prevent leaks without leaving marks, and a patented pocket design for easy stuffing and un-stuffing, this reusable cloth diaper is beneficial to both baby and Mother Earth.

3 Wrap your cherub in the heavenly softness of Eaz-z wraps. These hand-sewn blankets are made of 100% certified organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. The all in one blanket was specially designed to accommodate every baby, from preemie to triplets and decked out with ribbon loops on the ends. Generously-sized at 45”x45”. Free Shipping thru March 21,2010

4 The lily pad hue of the Striped Play Dress from Tea Collection has the fairies frolicking with joy. Cap sleeves allow the arms to flow freely during a jig and the quick pull-over capacity gets girls ready in a jiffy. The 100% cotton, machine washable dress definitely exudes fun in a very pretty way.

5 Green in more ways than one, Lullaboards allow caretakers to "write. read. wipe. repeat." the activities of the day for ample tracking & reporting duties. Layouts are available to record pumpings, feedings, naps, diaper changes, and activities.

6 Multiple styles & colors are included in the holiday collections from Personalized Creations. For St. Patrick's Day, the Shamrock Bow displays a thin green bow with white shamrocks dispersed throughout the ribbon. The clippie can be purchased in a knotted bow or flat style for only $3.00. Enter code: March721 for 10% off entire site.

7 So you can't kiss the blarney stone this St. Patrick's Day...Build-A-Bear Workshop has a solution any kid would love. Kids can kiss and hug the Beary O'Lucky Teddy for the wee price of $16.00. His apple green fur bares the luck of the Irish through oodles of textured shamrocks and a sound of your choice (which can be added for a small fee).

8 With the skill of an Irish leprechaun Curly Birdie loops, tugs, & wiggles needles to form the most adorable crocheted baby shoes for infants of 3 to 6 months. Comfortable, soft, and capable of a gentle stretch, the "Hannah" Mary Janes in celery green are soled in pink with a vanilla flower placed on felted leaves.

St. Patrick’s Day songs
I'm A Little Leprechaun
Sung to: "I'm a little teapot"

I'm a little leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
That you ever seen.
If you ever catch me, it is told,
I'll give to you my pot of gold!

On St. Patrick's Day
Sung to: "The Mulberry Bush"
Let's wear green and dance a jig,
Dance a jig, dance a jig.
Let's wear green and dance a jig,
On St. Patrick's Day.

Eensy Weensy Leprechaun
Sung to: "Eensy Weensy Spider"

An eensy, weensy leprechaun
came out St. Patrick's Day
to look for the gold
That was hidden far away.
Over the rainbow
was where he was told
so, with the wink of his green eye,
He ran for the gold.

St. Patrick's Day Song
Sung to: "If You're Happy and You Know It"

If you're wearing green today, dance a jig,
If you're wearing green today, dance a jig,
If you're wearing green today,
Dance a jig, then smile and say,
"Have a very Happy St. Patrick's Day"

Additional verses:
"If you're wearing green today, clap your hands"
"If you're wearing green today, spin around"
"If you're wearing green today, shout "Hurray!"
"If you're wearing green today, stamp your feet"

Shamrock Tree Craft
With St. Patrick’s Day almost upon us, it will soon be time to get out the decorations. Here is an some easy St. Patrick’s Day craft for your kids to enjoy.

Decorate a "homemade" trunk on brown construction paper(to make the trunk, trace your child's arm from the elbow up, including the fingers). If you use white paper just have child color the tree with brown crayon.

Print Shamrocks template... color cut and paste them on the truck.

Materials:
printer, construction paper, scissors, glue stick, crayons

Instructions:
Print out the shamrock template HERE

Color the leaves green. Color before cutting.

Cut out the pieces. This step may require adult assistance.

You can glue the entire tree to a decorated background (construction paper, add green for grass, a colored rainbow, sun and white cotton balls for clouds.

Glue the shamrocks all over the tree to decorate.

There is no end to the many creative and imaginative ideas you can incorporate when engaging in a fun activity such as decorations for St. Patrick’s Day. Put on some Irish CD’s, and have a great time!

original source: DLTK Crafts for kids

v 5 issue 31: Spring Shopping Guide

2010-02-28T21:02:00.003-05:00

It's here! Our new Spring Shopping Guide of 2010 is up and it is loaded with exclusive discount codes for our readers.

Cover by Melissa Jean

1 Stop by EM Tanner Designs for personalized gear that is sure to please and create an impression with fun funky and original designs that many have tried to emulate but none can match! Be sure to check back often for her seasonal products that always bring a smile. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchases.

2 Bellarisa Designs is beautiful, comfortable, and fashionable flower hair accessories and more for infants, toddlers, and girls. Every product is handcrafted in the United States using the highest quality fabric and embellishments. Enter code: TTW10OFF for $10.00 off entire order.

3 Sassy Baby Boutique is known for her trendy style and playful, unique designs. These adorable dresses are perfect for every day fun or a spring/summer party. With gorgeous bright fabrics and attention to detail these collections are just right for the warmer days ahead. Enter code: ttw20 in comment box for 20% off your purchases.

4 For those who love funky, eye-catching jewelry, you'll love Allura Marie. The artist Jodanna Cook has been designing and creating jewelry since she was a little girl. Enjoy her many jewelry designs using materials like sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, Venetian glass, and Swarovski crystals. These collections are phenomenal...and sure to draw attention! Enter code: TOTTRENDWKLY for 15% off your purchases.

Click here to shop our Spring Shopping Guide

Shopping Guide Cover
Be sure to check out all our wonderful shops for gifts, great designer clothing, fabulous boutiques and even a little something for Mom. Click on covers to start shopping. Don't forget to use shop coupon codes for exclusive discounts.

Products above (clockwise): Jogakbo Sundress by Tea Collection , 42 Piece Puzzle in a box, Petunia Pickle Bottom at Layla Grayce, Winter Kate by Nicole Richie

v 5 issue 30: Boys will be boys

2010-02-21T20:09:00.003-05:00

Calling all boys and girls too. We have selected some of our favorite items that your boys will be proud to own. Plus: Author Max Elliot Anderson shares his action-adventure books and the story behind why he became an author.

Cover by Brittany Stover

1 iStyle Originals has taken on the task of gearing up little ones for the iGeneration. Onesies, snapshirts, and bibs are available for those who rock, burp, nap... Sizes start as small as 6-12 months for short sleeves, and bibs are one size fits all. Mention Tot Trends in instruction box when placing an order to receive a Free baby bib.

2 The mini kickboard, with it's award-winning design, is constructed with 3 wheels for greater stability and driver control. Two polyurethane wheels in front help with the "lean and steer" of the scooter and provide a smooth, quiet ride. Perfect for young scooters of 3-5 years.

3 T-Rex is safely transported from the Jurassic Period into modern times on the Dinosaur Treasure Tee from Aardvark. A petite-sized version of the most feared carnivore is safely trapped inside a clear plastic bubble and placed upon an olive green tee with a great prehistoric background.

4 Vintage soft & lightweight, the King Bee Tee crowns the mightiest of tots with a rank of superiority. Two capitalized and boldly stated words have the ability to transform even a drone into royal-tee. Originated at Southern Brand Co. where a big YEE-HAW goes into every stitch! Enter code: TOT15 for 15% discount thru 3/31/10.

5 New from Deux Par Deux for the Spring of 2010 is the Coeur de Rockeur Shirt & Pants Set. Rugged and sturdy like the boys who wear them, each set comes with coordinated pants and a tri-colored short sleeve tee with guitar graphics. Available at mylildarlingsboutique.com. Enter code: TTWFREE for free shipping.

6 Huddy Buddy is a full-service, kid-friendly & convenient clothing store for boys (& girls...but we're talking about the boys today!). Like most boys, the Huddy Buddy Fuel Co. is ALWAYS full of gas and this tee markets that quality perfectly. Enter code: TOTS15 for 15% off your purchase.

7 A playful primate hangs around for good times on the Monkey Around Tee from Hatchling. The green, 100% organic cotton tee is available in sizes 2T-6T. Machine washable and oh-so-soft. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases.

8 With over 2 hours of fixing fun, The Best of Bob the Builder DVD gets down & dirty digging up some of the greatest episodes of HIT Entertainment's ongoing classic. A great choice for new & old fans alike. Includes the extended episode, When Bob Became a Builder which delves into the history of Bob and the Can Do Crew.

This weeks mom tips:

Time Saving Tip: One of the easiest ways to start managing your time is to get a planner. This can be a paper planner or an electronic one. The key is to find one that fits your lifestyle and your personality. If you buy one that you don’t like, you won’t want to use it very much, and that defeats the whole purpose.

When you find a planner that you enjoy, create a regular schedule. If you are a creative type, you may balk at this suggestion, but you will find that living with a schedule can allow you to have more free time.

You can break your schedule down in any way that makes sense to you. You may want to group tasks by day or even by week. Just as long as you find time to get it all done. As you are scheduling your time, don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself.

When you schedule your tasks, it is important to prioritize them. This way, you’ll know what activities are the most important and you’ll know what things you need to work on first.

Health tip: Earache Home Remedies
Earaches are common among adults and children. They are most likely caused by too much wax forming in the ear, or an infection. In either case there are earache home remedies you can use to alleviate the pain and irritation caused by this common condition.

- Apply a lightly warmed heating pad to the ear, and take aspirin.
- Keep infected ears dry and clean; wipe away any discharge with cotton.
- Never use Q-tips to remove ear wax.
- Warm up some baby oil and place a few drops in the ear.
- For wax build up, place a few drops of mineral oil into the ear. Then use an ear bulb implement to withdraw the wax.
- Hydrogen Peroxide has also been effective in ridding wax in the ear quite efficiently.

While earaches can be very painful for children, it is always best to visit your pediatrician to determine the cause of the earache and the method of treatment. For adults, the same holds true although you can try the treatments above. If there is no relief, the condition may be serious enough to warrant a visit to your doctor.

Depending upon whether the cause of your earache is an infection or wax buildup, you can be assured your doctor has the tools available to relieve your pain, and will most likely prescribe antibiotics or ear drops if necessary. Keep in mind, the time to become concerned is when the middle and inner ear is affected, causing you loss of hearing or signs of acute infection. In either case, earache home remedies may be applied in the short term.

Books For Boys...And Girls

Author Max Elliot Anderson
shares his action-adventure and mystery books written especially for boys and the story behind why he became an author.

I grew up hating to read. In a family of seven children, I wasn't especially pushed to read, so I never formed good reading habits. This was ironic because my father has published over 70 books. A number of these were written for children.

A few years ago I decided to look into some of the reasons for my lack of interest in reading. My findings lead me to begin writing action-adventure and mystery books, for readers 8 - 13, that I would have liked as a child. My books are highly visual, with lots of humor, dialog, and plenty of heart-pounding action. My purpose was to craft books that would excite the interest of reluctant readers, especially boys.

After a detailed study into why I didn't like to read, and looking at books that were written for children, I set out to write the kind of stories I would have read when I was a child.

During my study, I discovered books with large blocks of copy, making it easy for a reluctant reader to lose his place on the page. Books tended to be produced on a brown shade of paper with small type. A reluctant boy reader is not going to be interested in endless sections of detail and description. He wants something happening on every page, fast action, and humor.

My books are larger than most, the paper is bright white, and the type is larger. Sentences and paragraphs are short, the books contain a lot of dialog and humor, along with heart-pounding action and adventure. Most chapters end in a cliffhanger, nearly forcing the reader to start the next chapter.

The first seven books are Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott's Cave, and Legend of the White Wolf. Each book takes place in a different part of the country with different characters, settings, and plots.

Readers and reviewers have likened my books to The Hardy Boys, modern day Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Star Wars, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London. These will soon be republished by a new publisher. And a new series, The Sam Austin Mystery & Adventure Series is in the works. The first three manuscripts have been completed.

Remember, readers are the leaders others follow.

v 5 issue 29: Make Mine Chocolate

2010-02-14T18:22:00.005-05:00

This weeks issue is packed with yummy rich brown fashion, accessories and gifts. Be sure to check out our delicious chocolate recipes.

Cover by Kelly Smith

1 A dimpled minky fabric of white is partnered with brown plush on the reverse side to create the Fuzzy Wuzzy- a blanket of outstanding softness. Fuzzy is the king size version of luxury, but the Cuddlebug- with pint-sized proportions & all the softness of Fuzzy- intends to help out with burping duties until it is time to take on a more important challenge...becoming a tag-along version of it's cohort. Available at bouncingfrogs.com. Enter code: MMB210 for 15% off all purchases.

2 On the outside, you get a rich mocha fabric spruced up with pink polka-dots, ribbons, and a personalization of your choice. On the inside, you'll find 100 acid-free magnetic pages for arranging pictures anyway you like. The album pages are clipped to a 3 ring binder, so extra pages can be added as needed. Available at thetrendybebe.com in both a small & large sized photo album. Enter code: Gift for 20% off your entire purchase.

3 Antique gold tulle and gold glimmer tulle are fashioned into a fabulous double layered tutu with chocolate and caramel pom-poms surprisingly placed between the layers. Topped off with a large satin bow, the Christina tutu is ready for any special occasion. Available at Cutie Pa Tutus for $39.99. Enter code: tottrends for $5 off all tutus and capes.

4 Woobie Wear offers a wide assortment of hats and headbands in toasty tans and cocoa browns... Dabbled throughout the collections, shoppers will find tasty treats to satisfy any craving for fashionable headgear. All headbands & hats receive their flirty flair through added flowers and bows which can be ordered in any color combination.

5 Plan on adding a little sweetness to a tot's wardrobe with silky soft pull-on pants made of a bamboo/organic cotton blend in chocolate brown. The boy's pants are accented with a contrasting blue stitch and the girls get a ruffled hem with a contrasting band of rose. Adorable! Green Sproutlets. Free 3-pack bamboo washcloths with purchases of $50 and more.

6 Indulge baby with a gift from Bubele. Slip off the sage ribbon and chocolate tissue wrap to unveil an adorable set decorated in browns, stripes, and blue dots. The set comes with striped lounge pants, a polka-dotted long sleeve shirt, and a double knotted stocking hat. All items are made of quality combed cotton and coordinate nicely. Enter code: TTWLOVE for 15% off your entire purchase.

7 Orazio is a versatile and useful orangutan found @ Cupcakes & Caterpillars. Besides being a soft squishy friend, Orazio has a secret pillow hidden on the inside and a detachable blanket stored in his tummy. Perfect for traveling! Enter code: sweet for 20% off all purchases.

8 Jakes are a pair of deep chocolate Nubuck leather uppers securely fastened to Flex-the unique fit system of Pedipeds. These Flex shoes come with an extra 2mm insole which slips into the shoe creating a custom fit for your child's foot. When the shoes get snug, simply take out the extra insole for extended wear. Not only are these shoes smart and fashionable, they cradle feet in flexibility, cushion heels, and slide on quick...but certainly don't look like ordinary velcro sneakers!

Chocolate Recipes
Peanut Chocolate Buckeyes

Ingredients:
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of softened, real butter
1 full pound of confectioner's sugar
2 1/2 cups rice cereal finely crushed
3/4 cup finely ground, unsalted peanuts

Dipping sauce:
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon butter

Directions:
Blend peanut butter, butter and sugar together until a paste forms. Add cereal and nuts. Roll into small balls; set on wax paper or a cookie sheet. When dough balls are made, melt butter and chocolate chips in a double boiler. Blend until smooth. Carefully dip each cookie into the chocolate mix, leaving a part of the cookie uncovered. Cool on a plate or cookie sheet.

Simple Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:
Crust:
1 cup chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed
2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cake:
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 large eggs
Fresh whipped cream

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all ingredients for crust; spread onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until slightly crispy.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. While crust cools, mix cream cheese, sugar and the extracts until well blended. Add eggs; blend until well mixed. Slowly pour chocolate into batter and mix until color is smooth. Pour batter into springform pan and make sure to smooth out top. Bake for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 35 minutes longer. When done, remove edge from rim of springform pan and cool. Serve with fresh whipped cream and chocolate garnishes.

America loves chocolate!
Humanity's love affair with chocolate dates back to ancient times. From chips and bars to hot, frothy drinks and ice cream, there is no denying America's long-lasting love affair with chocolate. The International Cocoa Organization reports that Americans and Europeans are the world's biggest chocolate consumers. The industry itself is so big that chocolate is often referred to in measures of tons rather than ounces or pounds.

What Goes Into Making Chocolate
Chocoholics might not take the time to pause and wonder exactly how it is this miraculous creation is made. If they did, they'd probably be surprised at how much work actually goes into creating their favorite confection. The fact of the matter is there is a great deal more to making fine chocolate than picking a cacao bean and cooking it. From the actual bean selection right down to the creation of different varieties, expert touches are required to ensure the highest quality, most flavorful chocolate creation. Going from Point A to Point B takes a very special touch if perfection is desired.

The first and perhaps the most important step in making chocolate is the actual bean selection itself. If the bean chosen isn't of high quality, the end result will be a less than desirable chocolate. For this reason, many fine chocolate makers take great pains to select their beans personally.

Once a master chocolate chef, or chocolatier, selects the beans, they are then fermented and roasted. The roasting can have a big impact on the finished flavor, but the next steps are even more important. After the roasting, the chocolate creation process involves actually grinding the beans. During the grinding, the liquid from the beans is mostly removed. Known as cacao liquor, this fluid is turned into the actual chocolate.

To create the end product from chocolate liquor, sugar must go into the mix. Once this is done, a grinding process takes place again. This helps ensure that a gritty, grainy taste doesn't result. Following the grinding, chocolate makers move on to a step that is known as conching. This involves a combination of heating and further grinding. This step can take place over a few hours or for more than a day. It is at this point that chocolate begins to take on the form that most chocoholics love.

After chocolate has been properly conched, the chocolate maker then works the last few steps of the process. This can involve adding the ingredients for milk chocolate, dark or more. Depending on the type of chocolate desired, the final touches might include decorative shaping, filling or even frosting.

There is a great deal more to creating chocolate than many lovers even realize. From the bean to the finished confection, an expert touch is necessary at every step in the process.

v 5 issue 28: Happy Valentine

2010-02-07T22:26:00.002-05:00

Celebrate Valentine's Day with unique and fun gifts for your little ones. Plus...reunite with your true love and "Recapture the Romance."

Cover by Shannon Lott

1 The heart and PAW emblem is one of many signature prints from Lucky Puppy. Our choice for the month of February is the Heart PAW shirt with a dark pink PAW printed onto a long-sleeved heather grey thermal shirt of exceptional quality. Please note, 15% of each online purchase is donated to the Paws and Learn Humane Education Center. Enter code: TT15 for 15% purchases.

2 Genny and Jane creatively intertwine red and pink grosgrain ribbons into the shape of love. The Woven Heart Ribbon Sculpture Clip gets a grip from a partially lined alligator clip and is made to fit either the right side or left side of the hair. Email gennyandjane[at]gmail.com with code: TTW Friends for 15% off purchases.

3 Based upon real animals from around the globe, YooHoo & Friends live in the virtual world of Yootopia-where you can play games & have tons of fun with your new furry friend. The Pink YooHoo is a lemur with large lovable eyes, a pink heart, and a very special surprise...when you squeeze his tummy he lets out a big smooching sound. Available at Auroragift.com

4 Who needs candy for Valentine's Day! The very thought of the Heart Moccasin from Nowali warms the heart with sensations of comfy & cozy toes...and this coziness lasts way longer than a box of chocolate. These adorable knitted mocs have no-slip leather soles and are available in shades of red or pink. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for free shipping thru 2/21/10.

5 The Valentine socks from Trumpette are full of L-O-V-E. Little lovebird's piggies will stay toasty in these fiery red stockings decorated with enough hugs and kisses to get them way beyond the day. Fit sizes 0-12 months. Available at Myprincesscloset.com

6 Look dazzling and festive in these hearts shaped Pink Amethyst gemstone earrings. Check out Alluramarie’s full Valentine’s Day Collection as well as her other fabulous jewelry in a wide range of styles you're sure to love. Three's A Crowd Earrings are on sale now $12.50. Enter code: TOTWKLY for 15% all purchases.

7 Pass on some love (and an updated picture!) with gorgeous boutique quality portrait cards this Valentine's Day. Mango Ink stands apart from the big companies by providing real life designers to work diligently on all orders-perfecting color coordinations and fonts for true customer satisfaction. Dozens of predesigned cards are currently available for all occasions, but be sure to stay tuned for the addition of some amazing new thank you cards. Need these in a hurry... Enter code: TOTLOVE for free 2nd day air shipping on orders $50 or more thru 2/28/10.

8 The Ooh La La Couture Hot Pink Floral Denim Skirt Set is one of those great finds which lasts through the seasons. The set includes a denim skirt with floral print ruffles and a heart print tank. Match it up with the available bolero and leggings to keep warm during the chilly seasons, but don't put it away for the summer...this is sure to be a favorite all year long. Available at Everythingbuttheprincess.com. Enter code TTWFree for Free shipping.

Our Interview with the owner of Woobie Wear
Q: What was the inspiration behind Woobie Wear?
My daughter, Lauren Jessica, who is now turning six in April, is my inspiration. She models my line and loves to have her hair done! I also do photography, so we spend a lot of time together at photo shoots too.

Q: What obstacles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
There are basically two main obstacles that I've encountered. First, learning how to run a full-time business, while maintaining balance in my family life; it is a challenge every day. I force myself to stop working and hug my kids as often as I can! Second, we grew tremendously from 2008-2009; therefore, keeping up with the product demand was a challenge; fortunately, I was able to connect the growth of my business to a great social mission by partnering with St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation, a local non-profit agency that helps provide people with disabilities meaningful employment. You can read details on my website under Community Involvement.

Q: How do you manage juggling being mom/wife/entrepreneur?
It's never easy, but you adapt. I'm lucky to have a very supportive husband who believes in me and this business and helps out whenever he can...at the same time, I have a wonderful babysitter who lives across the street to care for my 19 month old son, Andrew. I also work at night when the kids go to bed, while my daughter is at Kindergarten and the while baby is napping! (and having a Blackberry helps too!)

Q: What is your greatest success professionally?
My greatest success so far was my line being picked up by Von Maur, a major department store here in the Midwest. When I took Lauren to the store, she was so excited and we introduced ourselves to the sales people, they loved meeting us and seeing Lauren in person since she is on all the hang tags!

Q: What is unique or special about your business that gives it an edge over your competitors?
Woobie Wear is unique in that we pride ourselves on not only providing a top quality, fashionable product; but we work hand in hand with our community, as I mention above, and we donate to several charities. Also, I designed our hats exclusive for Woobie Wear and they are all hand made with sequin trim around the bottom.

Q: Tell us about your donations and involvement for children battling cancer.
My brother-in-law is a Pediatric Oncologist who started his work out of medical school with the Dana Farber clinic in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During his time there, he was heavily involved in their fundraising programs and my husband and I always donated in support of their events. As I launched my business, it occurred to me that another way to support these wonderful organizations was to donate my product directly to the children with the hopes of brightening their day. As I began to do this, I received a wonderful response and immediately had to do more, so I began to find local hospitals and foundations I could donate to. It's a very moving and emotional experience when you see the impact on the families and their children and words can't express how good it makes you feel. This past Christmas holiday, my International Sales Rep for Japan, who also does my PR, donated our hats to a children's hospital in Tokyo, which was the first time anything like that had been done. Woobie Wear always welcomes any special requests or sponsorships for charities.

Lisa Blackman, is the Designer/Owner of Woobie Wear, Inc. Reach her by email at woobiewear@comcast.net View her website at Woobiewear.com

Recapture the Romance
Remember the thrill when you first fell in love? Hearing your spouse’s voice on the phone would send tingles up your spine. When you embraced, all was well with your word. And when the two of you daydreamed about your future together, it seemed anything was possible.

The wonderful, heady feeling of being in love is part physiology, part psychology, and total bliss. While it is no substitute for the more mature, long-term love that follows, it is certainly a great beginning, and great place to revisit at any point in a marriage. Here are some ideas for bringing back the thrill of those early days, and cultivating it in the present.

Indulge the senses. Sensuality isn’t just about sex. It is a romantic experience in its own right, one that the human body is designed to experience.

Ever wonder why we associate things like red roses, candlelight and moonlight, wine and chocolate, and silky fabrics with romance? It is because the senses are a gateway to our emotions. They are also a short-cut to long-forgotten memories and experiences that we associate with them.

Plan an evening of sensuous pleasure, making sure there is an element to entice each of the sense. Prepare foods and beverages that appeal to both eye and palate. Play music that soothes you. Enjoy candlelight, roses, and chocolate – they are more than just a cliché! Pamper yourself and your spouse with physical comfort – warm baths, scented lotions, the fresh smell of clean linen.

And don’t forget the delicious sensation of falling asleep in each other’s arms. Too often, busy couples find themselves on different schedules. After an evening of pleasing the senses, make it a point to surrender to the haven of slumber together.

Have a night of music the two of you enjoyed while dating. The idea is to recreate that period in time, and music is a powerful facilitator. There are two ways to do it. One is to go to a concert by this artist and enjoy reminiscing about your shared history. On a budget (or in the event that the artist is no longer performing), you can play CDs or watch a concert on DVD. To expand on the theme, wear your favorite outfits that are reminiscent of that era. Prepare foods that you both indulged in. Bring out your photo album or saved love letters, and revel in the memories of the “good old days.”

Take a walk. What is more romantic than seeing a couple out for a stroll, holding hands in companionable silence? Such a simple pleasure can easily become a habit, and a regular opportunity to share thoughts about your day when the two of you reunite each evening.

v 5 issue 27: Splish Splash

2010-01-31T16:45:00.002-05:00

Scrub-a-dub-dub, time for fun in the tub. This issue is full of bathtime treats sure to put a smile on any water baby.

Cover by Danette Kay

1 A silky smooth combination of bamboo and organic cotton keep baby royally dry and pretty as a princess. The creamy white hooded towel is a fine quality piece adorned with a pink crown and metallic rhinestone appliques. Six fun towels to choose from at Bambooh Brand Organics. All towels on sale now!

2 A staple of American bathtub culture has been revamped with bright colors, polka-dots, and a glow. The Light Up Rubber Duckie Family is a trio of ducks -including a parent and two babies- which all light up when squeezed. Sure to delight the hearts and minds of the little ones. Elegantbaby knows how to make bathtime fun.

3 No need to play Guess the Water Temperature when you can purchase Primo's Starfish Water Thermometer for only $19.99. The days of scalded elbows and reddened tushes are over. Simply drop the corded thermometer into the water for an instant LCD temperature reading.

4 Irresistibly soft, the Bath Wrap from Dwell Studio envelops children in instant warmth, comfort, & style. Girlish pastels shade the sparrows and natural elements perched on the outer shell, while the lush fabric of the inner layer promptly relieves children of the chills.

5 Gentle, effective, and soothing, Belli Baby's Calm Me Hair and Body Wash leaves baby refreshed & clean with the scents of marigold and chamomile. Purchase a 14.35 oz bottle for only $12.00, or dibble dabble in sample sizes of all the babycare products with the Bundle of Joy Gift Set for only $14.99.

6 Bummas are the indispensable, multi-purpose cloths perfect for just about any dirty, or not so dirty, nursery job. They clean, they dry, they wipe messes good-bye. Best of all, Bummas are reusable and long-lasting with the ability to be washed over and over again without pilling, shrinking, or fading. Enter code: Coupon Code: u1d9h for 15% off your total purchase.

7 Certainly the most clever and attractive way to store the bath toys between uses. The Küster Bath Toy Store is designed with handles and drains to assist in scooping toys from the water and allowing them to drain thoroughly...all while remaining discreetly concealed within a colorful container. Available at modernlola.com. Enter code: HAPPY10 for 10 % off your purchase.

8 Kid O Stack & Nest Cups provide entertainment both in and out of the bathtub. While the tub is filling, anxiously awaiting tots will remain distracted by tower construction...and when the tub is warm and ready, it's time to plop 'em all in the water for filling & dumping fun. After use, cups can be nested neatly for proper storage.

This weeks mom tips:
Sent in from one of our readers:
I have a great tip to share with Moms who might not know what to do with all the keepsakes and homework assignments that you want to keep from your child's school year. Get a 3 ring notebook with a clear outside cover. Have your child decorate an 8x10 paper and incorporate that year’s number on the paper somewhere. Fill it with 3 hole punched page protectors and insert any homework or artwork that you want to keep. You will have years of fun looking at how your child has progressed each year.
-submitted by Lindsay

Green Tips:
If a vehicle's tires have less than recommended air pressure, gas mileage will suffer. Determine the correct pressure level from the small plaque likely found just inside the driver's-side door, but possibly on a rear doorpost, in the trunk/latch area, the glove box, or even on the sun visor.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, but can kill. Gas stoves, furnaces and water heaters, kerosene space heaters and barbecues, as well as automobiles, produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Protect a household with a carbon monoxide detector.

Choose low-toxic paints that also are low in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which convert to gas at room temperatures. Outdoors, certain VOCs react with sunlight to create smog. Indoors, VOCs can irritate lungs and cause allergic reactions. Check the paint label for a VOC level below 150 grams per liter. Zero-VOC paints also are available.

Time Saving Tips:
Cook big meals – stews, soups, roasts anything that can be had for more than a day. Nothing says time saving like getting a night off from cooking.

Write out your grocery list according to the major aisles in your grocery store. This will make in-store grocery shopping go much faster because you won't have to backtrack.

Tubby Time Tips:
Is Your Child Afraid to Take a Bath?

Some toddlers live for bath time. Their faces light up with joy when you mention getting in the tub, and they would happily spend a large portion of their lives there if you would allow it. Other toddlers, however, can't stand taking a bath. You have to bring them kicking and screaming to the tub, and you don't get a moment's peace until the bath is over. The fact is that many toddlers are scared of bathing. It's one of the most common things they fear. But you have to keep your child clean, so what can you do?

Sponge Baths
If your toddler panics when you start to put him in the tub, try giving him sponge baths sometimes. It's important that he overcomes his fear of the bathtub, but there's no harm in giving him a sponge bath at times. It can be a lifesaver when you are in a hurry.

You could even sponge your toddler off for all but one bath a week to get him used to the idea of bathing in the tub. Once he starts getting comfortable with it, increasing it to two a week will start to ease him into a regular bath time routine. Once he is content with being in the tub, you can start giving regular baths every time.

Bath Toys
One reason that many kids love to take a bath is the fact that they get to play in the water. Getting some fun and brightly colored toys and putting them in the tub before you bring your toddler in can make a bath more enticing. Bath paint is also a favorite, because it gives them license to make a colorful mess.

Once you have gotten your child in the tub with toys, play along with him. Making bath time a time to bond with you will add greatly to its appeal.

Bath time is a grand opportunity for your toddler to unwind. It's filled with fun sights and smells, and playing in the water is a blast. Getting your toddler over his fear of the bathtub may take some time, but once you do he may actually begin to look forward to it.

Bath Facts and Tips:
Never leave your baby unsupervised in water, even for a minute and always keep at least one hand on her body at all times.

Bath temperature should never be higher than 100F before you put your child in the tub.

Daily baths can dry your child's skin out. Try limiting baths to just 3 times a week during the winter weather.

Fill the tub with only 2 to 3 inches of water for babies up to 6 months old and never more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older children.

Before bathtime raid your dirty laundry of towels to lay them out on the floor. After water play just scoop up the wet towels and throw in the washer.

v 5 issue 26: Teach Me

2010-01-17T18:09:00.002-05:00

This issue is full of products to help develop essential early learning skills through play using imagination and creativity.

Cover by Kate Callahan

1 The Onaroo Teach Me Time Clock from American Innovative educates children on the relationship between analog and digital time by incorporating both time telling systems onto one clock face. Added highlights include a cool bubble design, a glowing nightlight, and a built in alarm to teach the kiddos to get up and go on their own. Enter code: TOTTW20 for 20% off your pre-order of the Teach Me Time thru 1/31/10.

2 When everything in the world is broken down into simplistic shapes, a child really can be enticed to draw just about anything. In the Art House, visuals of animation are blended with energetic music and a spunky art-loving teacher. The end result is a fun-filled DVD with the ability to spark the inner Picasso of any child. Offering a special price for our readers thru 1/31. $15 per DVD and/or buy 2 get 1 free.

3 Tessy & Tab's Money Management Kit breaks down concepts of money management into a 7-step program parents can teach to their children. By keeping the responsibilities of both children & parents simple, kid-oriented financial goals can be easily attained. Each kit includes 3 Tessy & Tab books, a 3 part bank, charts and tools to enhance learning, and a parent guide. Enter code: TOT TRENDS for 2 free issues with purchase.

4 Teach My Toddler is the all-in-one teaching system designed for toddlers aged 18 months and up. This package includes 17 teaching tools to help toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. Everything needed to reinforce and teach the basic skills to toddlers. It's fun, coordinated educational play.

5 Dive into potty training with the help of the Potty Tots. Through song, dance, video, and charts, children will be on their way to learning the 6 steps of potty training with a Potty Tot friend of their choice. This system works so well because it is built around a toddler's spirit of independence...and the DVD has some really catchy sing-alongs to make the potty seem like a party. Email: jill[at]pottytots.com for a Free Potty Tots Potty Chart of your choice with purchase.

6 No one is better than Barney when it comes to whipping up a snappy jingle to get the family on a joint venture of learning. Barney: Please & Thank You skillfully delivers the basics of manners. Kids will love to sing along. Parents will be thankful for the breakdown of the basics!

7 If the World Were a Village, the best-selling and award winning book, is available in a DVD version of equal intensity. When you take a world populated with six billion and reduce it to a village of just 100, the result is a unique global representation of what the Earth has to offer...an amazing array of the sights, sounds, tastes, and beliefs of a truly multi-cultural world.

8 The insights of speech, music, and art therapy are integrated into each animated DVD of Kidwinks resulting in an intelligent speech development video for the young. With repetition and fun music, the DVD visually enhances children's vocabulary with simple words through sound, movement, and sign language. Use code: TTW in notes and Email: kylelundberg[at]mac.com for $5 off via PayPal.

Your Funny Kids
Kids say the funniest things, don't they? You sent us your funny kids' sayings and we had to share!

Hey there! Here is a shot of my adorable baby errrr, I mean toddler girl Sophia! My brother had come over to show off his new motorcycle one day. He took his tools out to work on it a bit. Sophia was right next to me, but she is a sneaky little thing! I was chatting with my brother & noticed ms. s was no longer right next to me. I turned around, and what do I see? Sophia had picked up the tools & started "working" on uncle Josh's motorcycle herself! Thank goodness I had my camera!!!
-submitted by Rachel

My 3rd grade daughter finished dressing for school this morning, in the clothes I set out for her before she woke. Afterward, she approached me with a frown on her face claiming, “This outfit doesn't go together. Orange and pink don't match." I assured her that it looked fine. She stomped back down the hall toward her room. She returned a few minutes later and claimed, In an FYI toned disposition, "I'm sure that my friends will be kicking me out of their club today...because of my terrible sense of fashion." I wanted to laugh so badly but instead, I followed my motherly instinct and replied, "You don't go to school to join clubs, you go to learn." I still snicker inside, when I think about her statement.
-submitted by Dawna

Here is my funny photo... my 2 year old daughter Macy snuck into my bathroom and decided to be like daddy... I think she was trying to prep to "shave". It was sooo stinkin' cute! I just have to share it with you!
-submitted by Nicole

My 6 year old came home from kindergarten one day to tell me that his teacher told him that hamburgers come from cows. My first thought was, oh no he is not ready to know that we eat animals. He says, "mommy that is silly, cows can't poop hamburgers."
-submitted by Janah

My four year old daughter was fighting over a toy with her two year old sister. After the tears were dried and "sorrys" were exchanged, she looked at me and said very seriously, "Can I have a boy sister instead?"
-submitted by Sherry

My children are ages 22 months and nine years old. This summer we had a bee hive under the steps of our back door and my 22 month old was attacked and stung several times. Needless to say he is now afraid of bees and we are very protective of him when he is outside that he does not get stung again. My nine year old Wyatt and 22 month old Jordan were outside eating on the patio when Wyatt began to scream for me. When I ran out there he said, "Help me Jordan is about to get pollunated by the bees". I laughed until I cried and then had to explain to him what pollination is and what bees do.
-submitted by Lindsay

I think every day if you have children is a new adventure and a new chapter to be written. Eli is now turning a year and I can truly say he is a BOY. We already have a 5 year old daughter who enjoys being a big sister and teaches him a lot of things not always good things though. The other day I was doing laundry and I hear very loud giggles I go and check and Josephine gave Eli her lunch which was peanutbutter bread ... OMG it was everywhere but I still hear her laughter and see the smile in Eli's face. I got my camera right away and took a photo this is a wonderful memory to keep. Oh I love them so much.
-submitted by Melanie

My 5yr old sweet son, Brandon know's I love the show 20/20...so the other day it was on and he said, 'hey mommy, 50/50 is on!" LOL I laughed soooo hard!
-submitted by Paula

We love hearing about and seeing your funny kids...submit your kid's comment or photo to contact@tottrendsweekly.com

Understanding a Child with ADHD
If you have a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder you may feel like you are the only person in the word going through it. You may be frustrated, feel hopeless and ready to throw your hands up in the air. A child with ADHD is challenging, that is a fact, but you don't have to feel alone in the fight. There are many parents going through the same exact thing you are and many are winning the battle and can help you help your child cope better with the disorder.

The main thing is to not blame yourself or be embarrassed about your child's condition. You need to accept the disorder first off and then learn ways in which you can deal with it and help your child to live with it, challenges and all.

ADHD can be a destructive disorder if parents who have children diagnosed with the disorder are not willing to work with a their children. The worse thing you can do is ignore the behaviors. They must be addressed to be overcome. Patience, love and support, these three things can and will get you through.

A child who has been diagnosed with ADHD is not purposefully doing anything to cause you the frustration you may feel. Deep down they want to please you as the parent by doing and saying what you want but the disorder causes them to not be able to exhibit this behavior. Instead they often act the opposite of how you want them too.

Responding to a child in positive manner will most likely help them respond in a like manner. Not always though, so it is important to remember they are not doing it on purpose. This is perhaps the most frustrating part and it can leave parents feeling hopeless.

The best way to deal with a child who is acting out because of the disorder is to find at least one thing positive in the behavior. Push them to be open about things they don't like and then offer them a solution to the issue they are unhappy with. Always praise the child and never scold them for acting in a certain way even if it causes embarrassment for you.

Try and keep a sense of humor and show your child that you are not angry but are learning to deal with the disorder just as they are. If the child sees that you are in the fight to understand and deal with the disorder with them, then they may not feel so alone.

If you have other children in the home without the disorder, it is important to educate them about the disorder so they don't take things too personally when the affected child takes something out on them. A supportive family dynamic is the most important thing you can offer a child who has ADHD.

Offering guidance to your child and to their siblings can create a better harmony within the household. This also goes for your partner. Parents raising a child with ADHD need to know how to effectively help and raise a child with ADHD. It has to be a partnership and both parents need to go through the challenges together and support one another 100%.

v 5 issue 25: Sweet Tooth

2010-01-10T15:23:00.006-05:00

This delicious issue features gifts that are sure to please everyone that loves sweets, from fashion and toys to recipes to treat your sweet tooth!

Cover by Kate Callahan

1 Lollipop plates from EM Tanner will get the kids to clean their plates lickety-split! The mealtime dishes are designed with swirls and splats reminiscent of childhood's favorite confection-on-a-stick. Colors for girls & boys...all personalized. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off purchases.

2 To please the palettes of those with a modern appetite, Bunny and Bee presents the Dolce Cupcake tee. Brilliant shades of fuchsia and lime green boldly decorate the graphics of this pink long sleeve tee. Email designs[at]bunnyandbee.com with code: LOVETTW for 15% off purchases.

3 Heirloom quality aprons to suit the tastes of all bakers are available at Jessie Steele. The Cupcake Apron blends a fine quality printed cotton with salmon tinted edging and neat bows. Waist ties and custom tailoring mold the bib apron for a flattering fit.

4 Three sparkling cupcakes present themselves in an orderly fashion as part of Lil' Swanky's Ouch line. The Cupcake Tee comes in a soft pink color on a long sleeved tee. Available in sizes 3 months to 8 years. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off purchases.

5 Now here’s something we can all sink our sweet tooth into…Kid’s Choice Baking Mixes from Kids Central Kitchen. This large baking set includes 7 yummy mixes that are kid friendly. Just add a few simple ingredients and you are on your way to natural, whole grain deliciousness for just $36.99. Enter code: HAPPYBAKING15 for 15% off your first order.

6 Feast your eyes on the handmade artwork of Hiho Batik. The Ice Cream Tee is printed with three hot-colored scoops of dairy delight... with a cherry on top. Shades can vary, but each tee is truly unique.

7 A blue, shatter-proof cookie jar is filled with ten of the smartest cookies around. Children can count the decorative dots on top, then turn the cookie over to see the corresponding number printed on the flipside. Learning has never been sweeter! Available at Psycho Baby.

8 Gratify a child's love of repetition with a Candy Jar Spill & Fill from Melissa & Doug. The attached lid easily opens to uncover 4 soft and squishy treats: a gingerbread, pop, and two wrapped candy toys.

Recipes for your sweet tooth
Gingerbread Trifle

General Information
Makes: 12 to 14 servings
Preparation Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:20 minutes

Ingredients
Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 (14.5 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Gingerbread
1 cup water
1 large egg
1 (12 oz.) jar Smucker's Pumpkin Spice Topping, divided
1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1. HEAT oven to 350°F. Coat 13 x 9-inch pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. PREPARE gingerbread mix according to package directions using the water and egg. Pour into prepared pan.
3. BAKE 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Cut gingerbread into 1-inch cubes. Stir 1/2 cup pumpkin spice topping into thawed whipped topping until well blended.
4. LAYER 1/3 of gingerbread cubes in bottom of 3-quart trifle or serving dish. Spread 1/3 of topping mixture over cubes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice topping. Repeat 2 times to make 3 layers. Sprinkle nuts on top. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice topping. Chill 1 hour or until ready to serve.

Strawberry Coffee Cake

General Information
Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 1/2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
or 1/2 stick Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
3/4 cup Smucker's® Sugar Free Strawberry Spoonable Ice Cream Topping
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions
1. HEAT oven to 375ºF. Coat 9-inch pie plate with no-stick cooking spray.
2. COMBINE flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in large bowl. Cut in shortening with fork until even crumbs form. Reserve 1/2 cup crumbs for topping.
3. WHISK milk and egg until blended. Add to remaining flour mixture, stirring just until evenly moistened. Spread evenly in prepared pie plate. Spread topping on batter to within 1-inch of edges. Combine reserved crumbs with nuts. Sprinkle evenly over topping.
4. BAKE 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Celebrate winter with comforting deserts, meals and snacks made from Smucker's jams, jellies and preserves.

Make the Most Important Meal of the Day the Healthiest
When trying to help your family eat healthier, like anything else in life, the best place to start is at the beginning. The first meal of the day is also the most important because without it our bodies aren’t fueled and ready for what the day may bring.

By starting out healthy you’re paving the way for more healthy meals throughout the day as well. Even if you, or your other family members, are prone to grab a high calorie snack or fast food style lunch, you’ll be one step ahead by eating a healthy breakfast. Just remember, skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Instead of omitting breakfast or filling up on sugary foods each morning, try some of these ideas for a healthy breakfast menu in your household each and every day of the week.

1. Bagels – Low-fat cream cheese or your favorite natural fruit spread make bagels a quick breakfast when you’re pressed for time. You can even take them with you if necessary, but beware eating them in the car might be a little messy depending on the toppings you choose.

2. Smoothies – Blend your favorite fruits with a bit of low-fat milk or yogurt and drink your breakfast in the car or on the bus. The possibilities are endless as far as flavors go. You can even add some of your favorite vegetables to help get in the recommended 5 servings per day.

3. Non-Fat Yogurt – With fruit or without fruit, yogurt is a great addition to just about any breakfast. It’s full of calcium and fat free yogurt can actually work as a substitute for higher fat content foods such as mayo and cream cheese.

4. Fresh Fruit – Mix it up in a salad. Cut it up in your cereal, or eat your favorite kind by itself. Fruit is great no matter how you eat it. For those who like cottage cheese, mixing it with your favorite fruit is a great breakfast option that doesn’t take forever to prepare.

5. Cold Cereals – Whole grain cereals are what you want here. Skip the sugary coated kid cereals. The benefits include a healthier heart and decreased risk for diabetes, among many others.

6. Oatmeal – There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day to get you started on the right foot. Top with your favorite fruit and enjoy!

7. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Toast – Peanut butter is a great source of protein and the whole wheat is a healthier option than white toast. Most kids love peanut butter and will jump at the chance to eat it for breakfast instead of with jelly for lunch.

8. Omelets or Scrambled Eggs – Eggs are a great source of protein and mixing them with your favorite veggies or peppers give them a boost compared to just eating them plain or worse, frying them. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese for added appeal to little ones.

9. Granola – Granola is a great source of fiber and other essential vitamins. Be careful though some granola can be very high in fat. Eat in moderation and you’ll be just fine.

10. Muffins – Muffins are great because they can be made ahead of time saving lots of hectic mornings from become even more rushed. Mix fruits or vegetables in the batter and you’ll not only receive the grain from the muffin but your fruit and veggies too.

Start your family out right each and every morning with a healthy breakfast. It’s the most important, but it can also be the healthiest without a lot of hassle or time. Enjoy the variety that the options above, along with others give you.

v 5 issue 24: Winter Wonderland

2010-01-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Cooler days are here with more on the way and we have found products that make it easy to keep your little one warm. Plus: Some ideas for having fun in the winter air.

Cover by Joy Kaminski

1 Meet Rufus, an espresso brown quilted twill hat from the Short Hat Company. Each Rufus comes complete with a coolmax headband, thermolite lining, and berber earflaps...and it's only one of the many fabulous melon warmers available for this season.

2 Hats and mittens from the Re Sa Collection are handknit from fine yarns to create a feel which is super soft, indeed. Blends of colors are available for boys, girls, and every baby. Available at libraknits.com. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 15% off thru 1/17.

3 A pink patchwork hat with ornate stitching is boosted into the extraordinary when two over-sized pompoms are added to each side. The colors are spectacular, and the pom-poms are unique. No doubt, you will be able to spot your little one in a crowd when she is sporting the Madcap Andalucia Hat from Lilly Anna Kids.

4 Add a little bling to baby's winter wardrobe with Okkies Reversible Hoodie. The jacket can be switched between a shiny black diamond quilt pattern and a grey/black diamond design on the reverse. Find this and other great fashion at lilswanky.com. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off.

5 Bundle baby in the furry warmth of this Morado Designs Modern Pinwheel Baby Blanket. A silky plush fabric of chocolate brown is sweetened with the bursts of green, blue, and brown on it's reverse side. Generously sized, this snugly blanket keeps the chill from interfering with naps &/or stroller excursions.

6 Contrasts of leather and lace disguise the reinforced toes and sturdy soles of the Brown Butterfly Boot. Embellished with a beaded leather butterfly for added frill, the boots provide a great alternative to traditional winter boots. Available at Yunginz.

7 With an adorable illustration drawn by 6 year old Ellie, Retse Designs helps fund the Foundation for Seminole County Schools by contributing $1.- from each t-shirt sold. Help a school by purchasing an "S is for Snowman" tee on Sale for only $10! Enter code: WINTER for an additional 10% off thru 1/31.

8 The Snuggle Bug Bagz is made specifically for babies of 0-16 months. Each zip blanket bag is lined with organic sateen or minky fabric and is available in a multitude of colors and styles. Designed with a cut out for a three point seat belt harness, so baby can stay covered up while in the stroller, car seat, baby swing. Enter code: tottrends for 35% off all snuggle bagz!

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tips:
Save an average of $90 a year by shutting down a home computer every night. Also, shut it down if you don't expect to use it for the next two hours. Turn off the monitor if the lag is going to be at least 20 minutes.

Generating enough electricity to cook for an hour in a standard electric oven creates 2.7 pounds of carbon dioxide. Here's a list of what can do it for less: toaster oven, 1.3 pounds over 50 minutes; slow cooker, 0.9 pounds over seven hours; and microwave, 0.5 pounds over 15 minutes.

Programming your thermostat to reduce your home’s temperature by 5 degrees when you are asleep or away will reduce your heating bill and your impact on global warming. Wearing a sweater and turning down the heat while you are home will save even more energy. In fact, each degree below 68 will reduce the home heating bill by about 3 percent.

Organizing Tips:
Constantly evaluate your children’s clothing by setting aside a pile of clothing that is too small for donation you will keep their closets more organized and help a family in need.

Set a cleanup time in the evening when everyone picks up their space. Show your kids exactly how you want their room picked up…label bins with photos so that your kids know what should go in them (or words for older kids who can read).

Cleaning Tip:
Found a sticker on the wall? Remove as much of the sticker as possible then remove the rest with a little bit of Ben Gay ointment and a blow dryer (on low heat setting). Other ways to remove stickers include WD-40, Oops brand latex paint remover, De-Solve, fingernail polish remover, and rubbing alcohol.

One day a week, you and the family finish up the rest of the housecleaning that didn't get done during the week, or any larger jobs. Keep track during the week of areas that need more work during your clean-for-all. Assign tasks to all members of the family. Again, set a time budget and use your timer to stick to that budget. Anything that doesn't get done this week will get done next.

Fun in the Winter Air
Who says that the cold weather means you stay indoors? There is no reason why the winter can’t be a fun time for family just like the summer. Here are some ideas for having fun in the winter air.

1. Go sledding. The big hill could be in your back yard or somewhere else in the neighborhood. Grab the sleds and head for the top. Sledding is one thing that adults can do and still feel like a kid. Everyone loves the feeling of their heart in their throat as they go speeding off towards the bottom of the hill. Hardware stores sell out of sleds so get yours early.

2. Have a snowball fight. But, don’t just hide behind a tree. Take the time to build a snow fort. The family can divide into teams and each take an hour or two to construct the snow place of safety. Once the forts are finished and the flags are flying, let the snow fly!

3. Make snow angels. Wear a warm coat, gloves, and hat before attempting this wonderful winter artwork. Find a clear clean place in the snow and allow yourself to fall backwards. The snow will break your fall. Once you’re down there start flapping those arms and legs.

4. That walkway isn’t going to get clean all by itself. Each person can take a shovel or a bucket and work together to get it cleared. Why pay someone else to do it when the family can get some physical activity together? Afterward, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa together and warm up.

5. Try a new sport. The winter brings a new set of exercises to enjoy. Take up snowshoeing. snowboarding, skiing, or ice skating. The point is not to become an expert but to have fun with your family.

6. Catch a snowflake on your tongue. This is an activity that has to wait until the snow is actually falling but when you live far up north that could be an everyday occurrence. Stand out on the front lawn and throw your head back. After catching a few, take a break. No one wants to get a sore throat. Besides, the neighbors will wonder what is going on when they see everyone sticking their tongue out.

7. Build a snowman. By this time, you’ve tried everything else so a snowman is the last best thing to do in the snow. It’ll take everyone’s help to roll a really big base and lift the other body parts on top of each other. A sturdy snowman will take longer to melt in the sun.

Don’t sit in the house longing for warmer weather. Get out and enjoy the possibilities of the winter season...together.

v 5 issue 23: Editor's Picks ll

2009-12-27T19:54:00.003-05:00

More of our favorite picks from 2009. We love these products and know you will love them too!

Cover by Gina Oh

1 Surf's up...campin' style! Go over to good 'ole Barn Dandy's to get yer self one of the fine indoor tents for great outdoor fun...even on a rainy day.

2 Show your love! An oh-so-comfy burnout tee is decked out in messages that rock. The glitter and glam of this my kids rock tee is a specialty of paper lili.

3 A compact, sleek design. Amazingly simple to use. The minui HandySitt converts adult chairs into an instant high chair. Great for traveling and everyday use (...with no cracks and crevices for the accumulation of the dreaded crud!).

4 Neige clothing delivers again. Gorgeous Liberty cotton fabric is layered over a soft voile petticoat with matching voile straps. Pulled all together with a drawstring neckline and a full back bow, your little girl is bound to be...oh, so pretty!

5 Simple to use and utterly organic. Just tuck baby into the center pocket & fold over each flap which is secured in place with Velcro. This is one swaddle baby can wiggle in, but won't want to wiggle out of. - babybonkie.com.

6 April showers are on their way. No need to stay indoors and pout...get outside and play in the puddles with a little help from puddlegear. The Gecko Rain Set is just one of the rugged rain gear styles to keep your kids dry from head to toe.

7 Now, let's change our focus to protecting the eyes. Large hip lenses, four fab colors, and a matching Neoprene strap (...to hold 'em in place) all help Retro Baby Banz stand out in a crowd. Available in baby and kids sizes, these high quality shades get the job done.

8 Absolutely adorable A-line dresses from The Trendy Tot have the fabulous advantage of being flexible. This flexibility allows the dresses to be worn as a dress, a top, with jeans, with tights... making it a wise and economical purchase!

9 A fabulous idea to help infants, and even toddlers, fit securely into "one size fits all" activity centers, jumpers, and park bucket swings. Hugga-Bebe provides extra torso support through generous padding of the sides and front of its patent-pending system. Velcro side closures hug the padding to the child for an upright boost that fills in the gaps, allowing little ones to safely enjoy otherwise unattainable fun.

10 The Puj tub can be used in any standard sized sink. Use it in the bathroom, the kitchen, at Grandma's, or on vacation! This soft tub dries quickly and conforms to baby for ultimate cradling during a tubby.

11 Organic style has come a long way in this simply sheik Cindia Dress found at Mama Om. Both super comfortable and fabulously hip, the dress comes in shades of kiwi, tan, and mora. Treat your little girls to a matching Cindilina dress.

12 An on-the-go necessity. The travel duo from Ajo.Bebe is a diaper sack and wipe holder combination to keep things together when you're out and about. Swanky fabrics make this duo a winner.

Healthy Eating Tips for the Busy Mom:
Before you buy that next weight loss infomercial product, sit and think a minute. Learning a few facts about choosing foods can help you to develop eating habits that will help you to provide your family with the nutritional requirements they need.

Here are some facts about food nutrients:

- Carbohydrates are nutrients in food that are broken down for fuel by the body. According to the glycemic index, bad carbs are those foods that spike the blood sugar and lead to overeating. Foods in this category are white flour products, processed sweets and fried snacks like donuts.

- Omega-3 fatty acids are found mostly in fish. These are good fats that can help to lower your cholesterol and improve heart health. Eating at least three servings a week will benefit your body.

- Fiber is found in plant food sources. There are two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in your system. Insoluble fiber can’t be broken down by the body so it is flushed out. As the fiber passes through the system it carries some of the fat from your food with it. Healthy portions of fiber give you the feeling of fullness so you eat less.

- Eating protein provides building blocks for the proteins the body creates to aid in muscle growth and repairs for organs and cells. Lean meats like skinless, boneless chicken, beef and pork provide the needed protein without the added fat.

- Nuts, beans and seeds also provide protein. Plant source protein has fewer calories and fats than animal sources. When choosing nuts, avoid the fancy salted or artificially flavored varieties. When possible use fresh beans instead of canned.

- Salt can cause bloating when you ingest too much. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for salt is about 2,000 milligrams. You can get more than that from one pre-packaged meal or a bagged snack. Limit salt by washing off canned vegetables and using salt-free spice combinations to flavor your food.

- Sodas contain empty calories. How many people get full from a 12-ounce can of Pepsi? Take the couple hundred calories in that soda you are drinking and trade it in for a filling snack and a flavored bottle of water (if regular water isn’t to your liking).

- Eat several meals a day to keep your metabolism going. Six small meals alleviate the mid-morning and the mid-afternoon hunger cravings. Eating every two or three hours seems like a lot but you are eating less.

Do you know a little more about food than you did before? Uncovering the basic facts about food removes the mystery and helps you to make better food choices for yourself and your family.

Setting goals for 2010
Would you like to make the conscious effort to improve yourself? Learn how to manage your time more effectively? Gain new skills?

Some skills are easier to improve upon than others. When a person decides to improve their life, the process that follows may take quite a bit of time.

When a person makes the decision to learn a new skill or improve upon their existing skill level in some area of their life, they are making a decision to move their life forward.

This is a very courageous act and can be very exciting. It can also be a time for quiet reflection and growth. No matter which way people choose to learn and improve, the outcome is becoming a better person and living a better life.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by setting goals. For some, the word “goal” may be something that is reserved for the workplace. Goals can help people accomplish things in all areas of life, whether it is for work or for personal development.

When setting a goal, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First of all, the goal must be specific. If you were going on vacation, you wouldn’t just get in the car and start driving. You’d know ahead of time where you were going.

Another important part of goal setting is to give your goal a deadline. Without a deadline, your goal is just a wish. Again, using the example from above, when you do start driving to your vacation destination, you’ll know when you plan on arriving.

Your goal must also be attainable. If your goal is too easy to achieve, you won’t have much motivation in completing it. If you set your goal too high, you’ll have a hard time completing it and you’ll become disappointed in yourself. To make the most of your goal and your time, you’ll want to set your goal just out of reach. You’ll want to stretch for it, but you don’t want it to cause you too much pain.

v 5 issue 22: Editor's Picks l

2009-12-20T13:28:00.002-05:00

Our current issue includes our favorite picks from 2009. These products are of high quality, along with being stylish and of excellent value.

Cover by Robin Long

1 Federal Safety Guidelines state children should NEVER be strapped in car seats over heavy coats or snowsuits (click for more information!). Babycapes are the innovative solution to keeping baby warm while secured safely in a car seat, stroller, or any product with harness straps. Front and back openings allow for easy strap adjustments. Colorful fabrics provide the warmth!

2 Experience the benefits of baby-wearing with the most recognized baby wrap on the market. The Moby Wrap is made of slightly stretchy 100% cotton fabrics in a plenitude of colors and prints. Specially printed, UV protected, and organic styles are available.

3 Crispy days are here and Matilda Jane has a trunk full of new goodies! The Dottie dress works great for fall with its long sleeves and the fact it fits into any dress code. Pair it with the striped leggings for a warm & funky look.

4 Cutie Pa Tutus has entered the race for world domination...super hero style. A matching cape and mask, both reversible, instantly transform any kiddo into a masked marvel ready to save the holidays! Email order to info[at] cutiepatutus.com.

5 The Betsy Clippie Set from Ruby's Closet includes a padded animal print heart with a bow and a clippie with a small black crystal. Available in tan animal prints, camo, and, of course, black & white. All sets only $7.50!

6 Absorbent and absolutely adorable. Wrap baby up in a fully enclosed bamboo hooded robe after a tubbie for gentle-loving cuddling sessions. So cute you won't want to take them out. bamboobino.com.

7 EM Tanner Designs now has a Me 2 an Indian tee available for Thanksgiving. Like all Me 2 a Tee designs, numerous choices are available to make accurate characterizations of your little Indian!

8 Super dolls in more ways than one. Customize eye color, hair color, and clothes. Each Bamboletta Doll is uniquely spectacular and made of all natural fibers...including assorted yarns, cotton fibers, and exquisite fabric choices. Love and pride is crafted into all companion dolls, baby dolls, and little buddies making each the cream of the crop.

9 Invitations, announcements, and even recipe cards can be personalized with a "look-alike pose" at PosePrints. Design and preview cards instantly by following a simple step-by-step process. You'll find a wonderful assortment of backgrounds and accessories to make cards, notepads, or magnets feel just like you.

10 Keep track of belongings with ease using the help of Mabel's Labels. A combo pack contains 108 printed labels to mark shoes, jackets, containers... Labels are dishwasher/microwave safe & UV resistant. Clothing labels are laundry safe.

11 Perfect for going to market. This little piggy is a 10" x 8" backpack, hand-knitted for tot-sized carrying. Trot on over to blabla kids for this oinktacular find. Enter code: barnyardfun for 10% off your total purchase.

12 An absolute necessity! No more troublesome window shades to rumble with, this car seat sunshade attaches to any car seat for an instant sun shield. Works on infant & toddler car seats to provide 50+ upf protection. A fantastic find for new Moms or any Mom who needs to escape the cranky side effects of the sun's rays. Available @ protect-a-bubusa.com.

Our favorite mom tips:
Green Tips: Stamp out junk mail once and for all the Green way.

There is now a solution for reducing your carbon footprint while freeing your mailbox from those irritating direct mailings that leave it overflowing.

Each year, 100 million trees are cut down to create the approximately 4 million tons of unwanted junk mail in the U.S. This unwanted junk mail ends up in landfills.

GreenDimes offers a giftable Junk Mail Reduction Kit. You can buy GreenDimes eGifts for friends in various denominations of value, and GreenDimes will send your recipients an email with a code to redeem their gift. The kit includes automatic removal from major direct marketing lists, plus 10 trees planted with one of GreenDimes's nonprofit tree-planting partners.

For a $20 annual fee Green Dimes pledges to reduce your junk mail 90% within 90 days. They do this by pulling your name off a broad range of lists and follow up monthly to make sure you stay off those lists.

Visit Green Dimes for more details.

Natural Drain Cleaner
1-1/2 cups vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Boiling Water
Put a kettle of water on the stove to boil. Pour the baking soda down drain. Next, pour in the vinegar and cover the drain. Allow the solution to sit and work for at least 5 minutes. (The vinegar and baking soda will begin to break down some of the fatty acids which will allow the clog to wash down the drain.) Grab the now boiling kettle of water, remove the cover from the drain and begin to pour the boiling water down the drain. Do not use this method if you have used a chemical drain opener as it may still be present in the drain.

Green Cleaning Supplies: How green are your green cleaning supplies? Manufacturers of commercial cleaning products are not required to list all of the ingredients used. So, while the new green products may be less toxic, that does not mean they are non toxic. In order to find the greenest and least toxic of the commercial cleaners available, read the labels. Learn what the warning labels mean. Don't assume that all of the environmental and health claims made by these products are true. Check the ingredients list. You can also check out the Eco Label center at GreenerChoices.org to see how a particular product rates.

We recently had the opportunity to try out some Eco Mist Solutions products and absolutely love their Kitchen cleaner. It is totally unscented, non toxic and made with plant based ingredients. Now that is a cleaner you can trust!

Make It a Special Holiday Week
Christmas day is the big day, no doubt about it. There's much anticipation leading up to it, and then "poof", it's over in what seems like a lot less than 24 hours. And then, if you admit it, you feel a little let down. All that work and excitement for just one day?

The answer is to enjoy the whole season, not just the day. One way to do that is to turn the whole week into something special. You will need to plan it out ahead of time and get any necessary supplies to make it a success. The kids will love it!

The idea is to make each day of the week special with a theme of some sort. Here's a sampling:

Day #1 - Bake cookies and invite your favorite family or two over to enjoy them with you. Put on an animated Christmas movie while you visit.

Day #2 - Have the kids create a Thankful Stocking picture on poster paper and decorate it. It should be big with lots of empty space on the front of the stocking. Throughout the day, everyone in your family should write in as many thankful declarations as they can.

"I am thankful for my warm socks."
"I appreciate my mom sewing my button on."
"I am thankful for the French fries I had at dinner."
"I really love Fluffy."

Day #3 - Write a family Christmas story, giving all family members a part in the story. Have the kids write it down, add pictures, bind and laminate it. Then you can read it aloud every year.

Day #4 - Make a mailbox from an old shoebox and have everyone in the family "mail" special short letters to each other telling what they like about the person.

Day #5 - Make a holiday quilt. Get different holiday fabrics from the fabric store and have everyone cut out squares, 6 inches by 6 inches, or whatever size you'd like. You can also cut squares from old clothing. Lay them out and arrange them in a pleasing design. Sew together, by machine or hand. You can have a family member with quilting skills finish it off. You'll enjoy the quilt every Christmas from that point on. Quilts are good memory makers.

Day #6 - Giving day. Each family member gives each of the other family members a gift, and it can't be newly purchased. It has to be something you already own that you know another member would like to have, a homemade craft item, or a gift of time.

Examples:
• a kid can knit a scarf for mom
• a girl can give her funky pair of mittens to her sister
• dad can give mom a ticket for a good back rub
• mom can give her son an extra hour of TV time

Day #7 - Christmas day. Everyday - Read a Christmas book out-loud to the family right before bed. There's something magical about this. Take time to watch your favorite seasonal movies too.

v 5 issue 21: Belly Up

2009-12-13T21:53:00.001-05:00

Maternity essentials for the belly and beyond. This issue features some of our favorite new products for pre-post natal needs. Great shower gifts!

Cover by Samara Hutcheson

1 Beaming with adjustability, the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bustier understands the unique body shapes & sizes of women, and adapts accordingly in many different ways. Most importantly, it's smart design achieves a tight seal, so Mom is able to multi-task, or relax, during pumping sessions. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 15% off all purchases.

2 Full of benefits for breastfeeding Moms, the Shower Hug gently wraps around the breasts during a shower to provide protection from soaps, relief from sharp sprays, and support during engorgement. The wrap is so handy, many Moms find the support useful out of the shower too. Enter code: Code TOTS09 for free shipping on purchases of $50 or more.

3 The labor intensive exercise of post-natal tummy wrapping has been transformed into a Cinch! The 360 degree support of this one piece wrap focuses on the tightening of the abdominal muscles, but never loses sight of comfort. A built in measuring guide helps to track progress & dual front panels shrink with you...so you only need to buy one size. Enter code: CinchIt for 15% off all purchases.

4 OG Mama has taken extra care to develop organic and clean products to ease the effects of stretching on growing maternal torsos. The Belly Polish, through gentle exfoliation, and the Moisture Oil, through a combination of oils and botanicals, ease the tightness of dry skin and decrease the effects of the inevitable stretching. Available @ trilliumorganics.com.

5 Share the sounds of lullabies with baby. The Lullabelly is a comfortable waist band equipped with a safe volume speaker. Just plug in an MP3 or CD player and play music for baby in the womb. Includes dual adapter and earphones, so Mom can listen too. Enter code: TTYFREESHIP for free shipping on purchases of $50 or more thru 1/15/10

6 Hair Care for Moms-to-be is truly pure at Nine Naturals. Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, DEA, and silicone, the Premium Natural Shampoo hydrates and softens hair into a brilliant shine through a list of ingredients you can actually pronounce. Enter code: NN15 at checkout through duematernity.com to receive 15% off Nine Naturals products!

7 Everyone needs a little humor...and Chicken and the Egg Maternity sure has a way of shifting a big belly into a big giggle. A wide selection of maternity tees are available in a whole slew of comedic declarations. Enter code: happy mom for 10% off the total purchase excluding shipping.

8 Refreshing & low in calories, Glow Mama is a lightly sweetened fruity drink packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fantastic straight from the bottle, but even more gratifying when mixed into a delicious Mocktail. A perfect alternative to the no-no drinks of pregnancy.

Exploring Traditions - New and Old
When you're young, you follow the holiday traditions already set in place by your family. Some of these traditions your parents had came from their parents and grandparents, and so on. Did you ever stop to think about the traditions you grew up with and where they came from? I bet there's a story or two behind each one.

You may have heard the story where a young bride cut off the ends of her Christmas day ham before putting it in the oven. Her new husband asked her why she did this and she said she didn't know, she was following what her mother had always done. So she asked her mother why she did this and her mother didn't know as she was following the tradition passed down from her mother. When the new bride asked her grandmother, the elderly woman said she cut off the ends of the ham to make it fit in her small roasting pan.

Other traditions go back farther than that and are common in many households, like decorating a tree and putting stockings on the hearth. It's easy enough to find out where these traditions started. Less common are the more personal, such as what you eat on Christmas eve or Christmas day. These are the traditions with meaningful, personal stories attached that, when explored, tell you a lot about the history of your family. Investigate, ask questions, and document the answers you get so you can preserve your heritage for now and coming generations.

When you get married, you now have two families whose traditions you want to continue. It's not easy, as traditions run strong and yours might conflict with your spouse's, but you will find a way to compromise. It may be that you switch off each year - his Christmas day traditions and family one year, hers the next. Another idea is to take the best of each - her meal Christmas eve, and his of opening presents Christmas eve.

Lastly, when you have children, you will want to establish some new traditions of your own. Up to this point, you may have spent all your Christmases at your parents or in-laws house, but now you see the need to spend most of that time at home. Carry on old traditions with reading "The Night Before Christmas" and opening one present on Christmas eve, and add in your own; milk and cookies for Santa, setting the Santa trap, and your favorite egg dish for Christmas morning breakfast.

Who visits who and for how long is a common problem for families as the adults want to see their parents and siblings, but don't have enough time to visit everyone and still have some special time alone with their own kids. It's compounded when there are step-parents involved too.

There are several approaches such as taking turns with the visits. Your parents Christmas eve, home Christmas morning, his parents Christmas dinner. Or if they live far away, visit a different set every year. You can also ask them to visit you for the holidays. My family's solution was to have our own Christmas, then gather at my folk's house with my siblings and their families on the New Year's holiday and have a second Christmas. This allows everyone to spend time alone or with their spouse's family beforehand. And you'll never hear the kids complaining about having two Christmases!

It might be a struggle at first, but be creative and you'll find a way to work it out.

Showcase: Squeeze Hugs
Squeeze Hugs Children's Boutique - the most precious things are worth a squeeze! There is still time for some great Christmas gifts out there and right now, just about all apparel is on sale!

One of our best sellers is our Piggy Story Art Folio for your little artist! This velcro-secured fold n’ stow art case will keep your kids

steeped in creativity (and happily occupied) at home or on the road. Each organized ArtFolio comes complete with a drawing pad and 12 crayons – sure to inspire the most discerning petit artiste.

Go ahead, let them try to get dirty… Our play smocks have them covered! Our smocks are laminated and completely MACHINE WASHABLE – a mess-free miracle! Even the inside of the pockets are laminated. Our play smock /art apron has two large pockets that can hold all those 'makings of a mess!'

Our selection of baby and girls clothing is exceptional and we have something for everyone! Let her whirl and twirl with our Mim Pi Pink Glitter Black Tulle Skirt! This skirt is absolutely darling! Featuring black tulle with rainbow large circle sequins arranged around the elastic waist skirt.

We are equally as proud of our boys clothing selection! Choose from our favorite brands such as Appaman, Monster Republic, Gold Rush Outfitters and Wes & Willy!

Don't forget our wonderful selection of custom birthday shirts too! For both boy or girl, we have a vast selection of birthday shirts and outfits in any size and birthday number!

Enter code: TTW10 for an extra 10% off your entire purchase!

v 5 issue 20: Holiday Fashion

2009-12-06T13:46:00.003-05:00

The Holidays are fast approaching and you may be wondering what to dress your little ones in. Not to worry, we have you covered! Our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits for the upcoming festivities.

Cover by Kim Hernando

1 The Angel Wing Dress from ZozoBabyBug composes subtle signs of the holiday into the perfect dress for the whole season. Snowflakes bathed in shades of burgundy are accentuated with holly berries and twirled into a flowing dress with sleeves of an angel. Order early! Enter Code: KTW for 20% off.

2 The Holiday Dress from Mia Carina is positive proof of the beauty and talent which goes into each of the creations from this chic boutique. Smart shoppers will agree, the green and gold florentine print accented with creamy whites, creates a dress adaptable to special occasions throughout the year. Free Shipping on orders over $100.

3 And for the boys...the Brown Glenn Plaid Sport Coat from Velvet & Tweed. The fully lined sports coat is made of a brown plaid with red accents. Corduroy elbow patches, leather buttons, and back venting add to the authenticity of this pint-sized classic blazer.

4 Complete your little girls holiday outfit with this precious crocheted hat. Large vintage sheer and silk flower is accented with beautiful crystals. Crochet hats are one size fits all 12 months to 6 yrs. Soft, comfortable, stylish! Just one of many elegant holiday hair accessories available from Petite Fleur Designs & Co. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off.

5 The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Bebe Dulce is prepared with Christmas Applique Onesie and Shoe Sets. Handmade & unique, the snowman set can be appliqued with a festive green snowman print or a snappy Santa pattern in red. Matching booties included! Enter code: trend20 for 20% off thru 12/31/09

6 Check out Sweet Pea Kids Too for the perfect accessory for your little ones holiday outfit. The hair bows interchange on headbands with alligator chips. For a real festive look choose this woven candy cane strip or "The Grinch" headband set. Enter code: TotTrends for 20% off your entire order and Free Shipping thru 12/20.

7 Add a little glam to the festivities with a sassy tutu from Miss Priss. Tufts of green and red tulle burst from the seams of a polka-dotted green ribbon, fashioning a little elfish fun that comes only from a tutu! Enter code: Tots for 10% off.

8 Black quilted fabric and patent leather cover the award winning soles of the Naomi pedipeds. The simplistic beauty of these black mary jane shoes will pair appropriately with any dressy outfit this season...and all come with the bonus of padded leather soles proven to promote healthy foot development in infants and toddlers.

9 Tartan plaid and polka-dot birdies perch themselves upon the grosgrain ribbon wires of this custom Eco Holiday Dress. The A-line tunic dress, nicely complimented by a cotton velvet band, is made from a recycled charcoal men's dress shirt...so each piece is 100% unique. Available at Lillipopsdesigns. Enter code: TTWfreeshipping for Free worldwide shipping(refunded via Paypal).

The Stress Of The Season
The holidays are a time like no other... in many ways. A less than pleasant byproduct of the season is the huge amount of stress many people feel, especially moms, at this time. You can't snap your fingers and make it go away, but you can take steps to reduce it.

Just say no. You've probably heard this one before, but it's even more applicable during this time of year. You don't have to go to every party, get your children every gift on their wish list, have the best decorated house, give an acquaintance a gift who gave you one unexpectedly, or host the extended family dinner every year for 32 people. Just say no! It can free you up to enjoy yourself. Of course you're not going to say no to everything, just the things that are too time consuming, expected, expensive, and not a priority for you and your family.

Don't script everything out. Many of us, mostly females, tend to try to plan everything out in minute detail. We're the organizers of the family and for some reason we try to take it too far during the holidays. Plan the bare bones, and let everything else happen as it will. This will take a load off your shoulders and you'll actually be able to enjoy yourself.

Stop being a martyr. This again applies to the females who think they have to do everything. I've got a favorite word and it's "delegate". You don't have to cook the full meal - put your son in charge of the mashed potatoes, your daughter in charge of the green bean casserole, and your husband in charge of the pies. Or if you're having guests, ask them to each bring one of the dishes. And speaking of dishes, don't think you have to do them all. Again, delegate.

When you're feeling stressed, see if you can get rid of or change what is stressing you. If not, do what you can to change your attitude or find a sounding board such as a close friend so you can get it off your chest and let it go.

Remember to take care of yourself; eat healthy, drink lots of water, get your sleep, and remember to pamper yourself.

Our Holiday DVD Picks
The Dog Who Saved Christmas When two burglars set out to break into the Bannister's home while they're away for Christmas, Zeus, a former K-9 police hero seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog has his day.

Barney: Tee-riffic Holiday CollectionBundle up with your best friend Barney for this special 3-pack collection of wintertime favorites! Take a musical journey to the North Pole with Barney, BJ, and Baby Bop. Tee- riffic holiday gift set!

In Search of Santa Claus A beloved and iconic figure in a multitude of cultures around the world...but do you know the true story behind this ubiquitous legend? Smithsonian Networks takes a revealing pop history look at the amazing transformation of a holy man into a treasured icon of Christmas joy.

Bob the Builder: Building Crew Holiday Collection Discover why the fun is in getting it done in these action-packed, fun-filled adventures! Make some amazing discoveries in this one-of-a-kind 3-pack collection that's the perfect holiday treat for Bob the Builder fans.

Christmas Story Long ago, a boy named Nikolas began a mission. "Christmas Story" tells the tale of Nikolas and the mission which has inspired giving through the generations. The whole family will enjoy this one. Get this one while it is marked down to $7.99.

HIT Favorites: Frosty Friends Learn about Christmas with your best friend, Barney, build a snowman with Bob, go sledding with Kipper, whistle down the tracks with Thomas, and laugh along as Pingu plays hilarious tricks on his friends.

The Polar Express Adapted from the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, Polar Express tells the story of an average young boy beginning to lose his faith in Santa Claus and holiday magic. He boards a train on its way to the North Pole and encounters many adventures along the way. A true classic that can be enjoyed year after year.

v 5 issue 19: Holiday/Winter Shopping guide

2009-11-29T17:55:00.006-05:00

Our Winter Shopping Guide is here. Full of gifts, great designer clothing, fabulous boutiques and even a little something for Mom. Shop for your holiday gifts in our guide full of exclusive discounts!

Cover by Alexi Killmer

1 EM Tanner Designs is the place to shop when looking for personalized goods this holiday season. Create and customize cuteness with their me2atee products for every occasion. Check out their fun holiday tee collection as well as Dear Santa plates but hurry personalization turnaround is 10-14 days. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchases.

2 OnTray2Go is a mom invented product that is perfect for snacks, coupons, crayons and many other small items you may want to have handy while shopping. On Tray snaps easily to any cart handle for a hands free, clean way to keep your little one occupied and happy while you’re on the go. Available in 4 colors.

3 At The Trendy Bebe you will find unprecedented quality and luxury gifts within their catalog. With brands like Three Marthas, Haute Baby and Misha Lulu this shop has everything to make present-giving an unforgettable and precious moment. Enter code: GIFT for 20% off your purchases.

4 Smilebox helps you create amazing seasonal greetings, slideshows & scrapbooks in an instant with hundreds of delightful designs to choose from. Your creations can be emailed, printed, posted to social media groups, and copied to DVD. Add videos, music, and personal messages...How fun!

Click here to shop our Holiday/Winter Shopping Guide

Shopping Guide Cover
Be sure to check out all our wonderful shops for gifts, great designer clothing, fabulous boutiques and even a little something for Mom. Click on covers to start shopping. Don't forget to use shop coupon codes for exclusive discounts.

Products above (clockwise): Erin Carlyle Photography, Name Your Design Personalized canvas wall art, Mia Carina Fall Fancy Fairy Tales Dress, Allura Marie Smokey Quartz Necklace.

Family Holiday Party Ideas
When you think of holiday parties, visions of fancy work parties might come to mind. While those kinds of parties can be entertaining, I think a family party during the holidays is even more fun. It's a special chance to spend quality time with your kids and other family members or good friends. Here are some ideas to try for your next family party:

Caroling
Invite your friends and their kids to meet at your house for some caroling fun around the neighborhood, followed by hot chocolate and cookies back home. Find song lyrics online, make copies, and pass them out at the beginning of the party. Make it informal - kids in front, parents in back - and belt out 2 songs at each house you stop at.

Progressive Dinner
Get your neighbors involved with this and cement friendships. Appetizers at one house, salad at another, main meal at a third, and dessert at the last works well. Several families can get together and host each stage, especially the main meal. Get your kids involved in decorating the table, planning the meal, and making what you will be serving.

White Elephant
I think all adults know what a white elephant exchange is, but most kids do not. Explain it to them and have them help pick out and wrap the white gift. They'll discover a new side to getting and giving gifts!

Ice Cream Feast
Although it might be cold out, ice cream is always a favorite treat. Turn up the heat in your home a bit during the ice cream party and everyone will be digging into the cold treats. You provide the ice cream, in several flavors, and ask everyone to bring a topping or two. It's amazing what kind of concoctions the kids will come up with. Take pictures of each person and their creation.

Soup Cook Off
Every family on your guest list brings a pot of soup to share, plus copies of the recipe for others. Provide plenty of disposable cups so all the soups can be tasted and rated. Prizes go to the winners, and warm bellies to everyone.

Sing-a-long
Nothing says the holidays more than an old fashioned sing-a-long. This works better if you have someone who can play the piano or a musical instrument and can lead the singers. You can even make it a karaoke night or fun with an old favorite, "Name that tune."

Potluck Breakfast
Who says parties have to be at night? Ask everyone to bring a breakfast item to share and a wrapped kids Christmas book to exchange. After eating, allow kids to take turns reading their newly unwrapped book present aloud to the group.

There you have it, an incomplete list of family party ideas. If none of these work for you, do a search online and see what you come up with. Make it informal and have everyone pitch in and you'll have an enjoyable and relaxing time bonding with your kids and close friends.

v 5 issue 18: Holiday Gifts

2009-11-22T20:26:00.002-05:00

We’ve put together the most fun and fabulous gifts worth every penny and they’re all available online, so skip the frenzy and shop by mouse this holiday season.

Cover by Jodie Goodison

1 Cutie Pa Tutus has entered the race for world domination...super hero style. A matching cape and mask, both reversible, instantly transform any kiddo into a masked marvel ready to save the holidays! Email order to info[at]cutiepatutus.com to save $8 on capes and 10% off everything else thru 12/15/09.

2 Gummy Lump Toys offers a 100 piece My Unit Block Set for hours of building pleasure. 70 pillars, cubes, columns...are neatly stored in a crate with 30 accessory pieces for added fun.Enter code: TTW5 for an additional $5 off any order over $100 plus Free Ground Shipping thru 12/31/09.

3 Wear your memories with style with Tiny Tag Designs. Choose from mommy jewelry or their sweet collection of little girl jewelry. We love that you can also add a special charm to these little necklaces to make it extra personal. Great price at $36. Enter code: tot for 20% off all purchases.

4 Toot. Toot. Celebrate the holidays on a cool island with Thomas & Friends. The Sodor Friends Holiday Collection is filled with whimsical wintertime tales to warm the heart.

5 Cloud is the unpredictable Kimochi who flips faces between a beautifully happy smile and a thunderous frown. One of four stuffed toys with feelings on the inside to teach and appreciate the world of emotions.Enter code: KimochiTOT for 20% off purchases thru 12/18/09.

6 Innovative and educational, this toy offers layers and layers of puzzles stacked together to form the Ark of Noah...with puzzle pieces which double as animal figurines for pretend play. Available at tiertoys.com

7 The Agile Doll Carrier from myWallaby is handcrafted in the USA of 50 individual pieces. In seconds, the doll carrier transforms between a purse or a carrier for holding dolls of 12 to 18 inches. Enter code: TOTSTREND for Free shipping thru 12/6/09.

8 The Giant Timeline Playmat illustrates 600 million years of evolution. Children young and old will enjoy walking along the 18 foot path of 67 ancient creatures...includes activity guide. Available at charliesplayhouse.com Enter code: 19tottrends10% for 10% off purchases thru 12/31/09. Excl. apparel.

9 Your little ones and big ones will love these Kreechers by Manhattan Toys. Each Kreecher pillow is made of over 5 different fabrics and multicolors. They are fun, cozy and make wonderful companionship. Pick up your favorite monster pillow at psychobabyonline.com Enter code: TRENDS15 for 15% off all purchases thru 12/15/09.

10 A Travel Art Portfolio from Zookies is perfect for on-the-go creativity. Zip up the case and kiddies can carry a chalk board, pad, and art supplies wherever they go. Enter NOTE: TOT for FREE shipping and $5.00 back on order.

11 Slice, decorate, and serve up a plate full of imagination with a wooden play set from Melissa and Doug. Each Slice and Bake Set comes complete with baking sheet, oven mitt, tools, cookies, and toppings for decorating. All Melissa & Doug marked down 20% as well as all play food sets are Buy 3 Get 1 FREE! Enter code: TTW5 for an additional $5 off any order over $100 plus Free Ground Shipping thru 12/31/09.

12 Introduce children to the linguistic joys of the Alphabotz. Superphonic Decoder Cards open the eyes of young children to the sounds and rules of the English language through 50 robotic themed cards. Enter code: HGGPROMO for 20% off all purchases thru 12/12/09

Tis The Season For Giving
Sometimes we need an excuse, a reason to stop what we're doing in our busy, rushed lives and think about others. There is no better time to do this than during the Christmas season. Even though we're busier than ever, stressing out while we try to earn more money to buy our kids gifts, we know that many people have it worse than we do.

There are many ways to give and not all of them involve spending money. Some only require the gift of your time. I'll split them up here and give you some examples of each. Hopefully you can put one or two of these to work immediately, or they'll spark your imagination and help you create just the right gift for someone else.

Involve the whole family and watch your kids jump into it eagerly. They're learning that not only does giving help someone else, but it feels good too. Let them come up with ideas; they'll surprise you when they hatch a marvelous plan.

Added bonus - you're doing something together as a family and launching new traditions.

Time

Shovel snow for your neighbor. This is even more fun if you can do it secretively.

If you live in sunnier climates, rake a neighbor's leaves, sweep the sidewalk, prune bushes, or plant flowers in beds or pots.

Position yourself inside or outside an entrance to the mall and cheerfully open the door for people. Moms with strollers and Dads with lots of packages will appreciate this.

Make some bread, muffins, or cookies and leave them on the doorsteps of those people you know can't make their own and would like to be reminded of the season.

Offer a parent's night out babysitting service at your home for a handful of friends so they can go gift shopping or have some time to relax.

Start a neighborhood canned food drive. Have the kids make flyers, leave them with each neighbor and come back to collect on the appointed day of collection. Box the cans up and take them to your local food pantry.

Offer to read Christmas books or tell Christmas stories at a shelter. Your kids aren't the only ones who treasure a good story.

Volunteer at a hospital. You might end up doing something quite mundane, but rest assured that you are helping people out.

Go through all the old toys and books at home and give them to charity.

Become a pen pal with an elderly person who has no family or friends around. Bring them home for your holiday dinner.

Knit or sew blankets, baby hats, or stuffed animals for a children's hospital.

Each of you can decide on doing something nice for another member of your family, such as making another's bed for them, doing their dishes, allowing them to have control of the TV clicker for the night, etc.

Money

Sponsor a family in need this Christmas. This means supplying them with food for the holiday dinner, needed clothing, and toys for the children. Add some toiletries and first aid supplies like bandaids.

Send care packages to military personnel stationed away from home. Find out what they require and send only those things.

Gather family and friends together to purchase necessary items for a homeless shelter or women's crisis clinic.

Sponsor a needy child in another country. This will be the start of long-term giving and the kids can be involved too, by sending letters and pictures.

Check out other monetary giving situations you can find in your community. Many malls have a tree with names and gift ideas for those in need. So do many churches. You can also check with the fire department.

Showcase: Lollipop Rascals
Lollipop Rascals Sweet Playtime Adventures – Make reading an adventure!

Lollipop Rascals’ playtime adventures center around inspirational storybooks to encourage the development of children’s individuality, creativity, interactive play skills, and most of all—reading skills! Lollipop Rascals hand-picks each themed product to enhance storybooks into an adventure, making reading an opportunity for your rascal to read, learn, and play.

Whether your rascal is a fairy princess who loves pink, a boy who dreams of flying to the moon or sailing the seven seas, the journey is easy!

Our unique collections feature storybook gift sets, designer toys, educational games, activity sets, fun baking kits, dress up clothing, pajamas, graphic tees, and more!

Join our rascals, Madison, JoJo, Sophie, and Tiki, as they travel on many adventures throughout the website. Madison and JoJo also happen to be my grandchildren and official toy testers!

Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping! Each order comes beautifully packaged in a clear peek-a-boo bag filled with vibrant raffia, tied up with colorful ribbon.

Shop Lollipop Rascals’ Holiday Adventure including affordable stocking stuffers!

Be sure to spread the news about our Rascals Adventure Club email and our Facebook fan page with your friends and family! Our Club members and Facebook fans will be the first to receive our EXCLUSIVE offers and giveaways. Story time has never been more fun than with our Lollipop Rascals’ playtime adventures, where storybooks come to life through imaginative play.

Happy Holiday Celebrations to Tot Trend Weekly readers from Lollipop Rascals!

Enter code: Holiday25 for an additional 25% Savings off all Regular and SALE items this week Nov. 23 through Nov 30.

v 5 issue 17: Smart Products

2009-11-15T17:01:00.001-05:00

From mood lifters to solutions for a gassy tummy, this issue is packed with smart products for your child that will make your life a little easier.

Cover by Robin Long

1 A fabulous idea to help infants, and even toddlers, fit securely into "one size fits all" activity centers, jumpers, and park bucket swings. Hugga-Bebe provides extra torso support through generous padding of the sides and front of its patent-pending system. Velcro side closures hug the padding to the child for an upright boost that fills in the gaps, allowing little ones to safely enjoy otherwise unattainable fun. Enter code: thankyou09 for 20% off.

2 Mama's Moodlifters add a little inspiration and creative playtime to the day through a deck of 32 beautifully illustrated cards. Each card comes with a reflective quote so Mom can take a deep breath and get herself back on track for the imaginative and fun activity listed below. Shifts moods or entertains 2-5 year olds during a sibling's feeding. Enter code: TTW15 at checkout for 15% discount back to account.

3 Non-toxic laminated fabric, bordered and backed by a sturdy oilcloth, is fashioned into a 36" x 44" multi-purpose Splat Mat. Thrown under a high chair or craft area, the mat makes clean-ups a cinch while protecting floors from stains and spills. Available at bambinibliss.com. Enter code: TTW for free ground shipping thru 12/08/09.

4 Cut down on laundry and frequent clothing changes with myBibzy. A 100% cotton onesie comes with an attached terry bib and waterproof underlay. Teething dribbles and messy spit-ups stay off baby's delicate skin & wipe up easily. A plethora of colors available to keep baby hip and dry.

5 The Benji Warming Belly Blanket is a natural solution to ease the uncomfortable feelings of gas and bloating sometimes present in infancy. Stuffed with grain and a hint of lavender, the blanket is warmed quickly and safely in the microwave to provide a warming sensation to baby's tummy. Use on the floor or on a lap as an alternative to electric heating pads.

6 The contoured interior and spoon-shaped lower corner of this triangular bowl helps Mom in more ways than one. Early on, Mom can single-handedly feed baby with one hand free for multi-tasking. As baby grows, the Baby Dipper Bowl's non-slip base and non-traditional design promotes cleaner, self-feeding in toddlers.

7 Prissy Designs makes a simply sweet diaper clutch to stylishly hold baby's bare bottom essentials. Each clutch folds out into a gorgeous attached blanket of fleece with cotton on the reverse. When folded back into a pouch, it easily stores a wipe holder and diaper. The available i.d. holder and key ring make this a perfect grab & go clutch. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 15% off purchase thru 11/29.

8 The Kids Konserve Waste-Free Lunch Kit comes with all the reusable products needed for containing a healthy lunch. A cotton lunch bag holds the included 16 oz. stainless steel beverage bottle, a food kozy, and 2 stainless steel food containers with covers. And, lets not forget, an organic cloth napkin for clean-up and a recycled aluminum name tag for proper i.d.! Enter Code: TOTTRENDS10 in cart for 10% off.

9 Bring it on dryer...Blind Mice Socks are not only quality socks that won’t fall off but they are mismatched to coordinate with one another so there is no need for sorting socks, they all just go together. Sold in packs of three or five. Say yes to mismatched socks.

Stress Free Thanksgiving
Tips to Keep the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Dinner

Why do people always get stressed at the holidays? Is it the rush to get everything done? Is it wanting everything to be "perfect"? Is it having to deal with family members that know how to push our buttons? Most likely it is a little of each. So how do we have a stress free Thanksgiving dinner? Here are a few simple tips to have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Plan ahead - While planning the Thanksgiving meal, do you plan who is going to help? Instead of doing it all yourself, recruit your family to help. Not only will the work go faster, it's more fun working together. Make a list of what needs done before everyone arrives. Give everyone something to do and assign things that are age appropriate to the children. Before you know it, the leftovers will be wrapped in foil and everyone will have had a great time.

2. Covered dish meal - If you are having a large group get together for Thanksgiving, divide the menu amongst all those attending. The host family can provide the main dish (turkey or ham) and the drinks. Each family brings a favorite side dish and dessert. If you want to make sure there is a variety, provide a menu and mark things off as people chose what they want to fix.

3. Simplify - Instead of having a huge feast, prepare a smaller meal. We all tend to overeat at Thanksgiving, so make an effort to make fewer dishes. Not only will the preparation be smaller, so will our waistlines. Another option is to prepare as much ahead of time as you can. Slow cookers can be used to make all kinds of foods, even desserts. Many things can also be made as "freezer meals" and stored for weeks before re-heating them. The less actual cooking you need to do on Thanksgiving, the lower your stress levels will be.

4. Family harmony - While you can't make everyone happy, there are ways to promote a peaceful, relaxing dinner. Use place cards to put the people who tend to bicker further away from each other during dinner. This will help alleviate some of the tensions.

5. Be thankful - Simply taking the time to be thankful for all your blessings can reduce your stress level. Before everyone arrives, take the time to list all that you're thankful for over the last year. Have everyone share their blessings before dinner. Having a better attitude will help everyone enjoy the day more.

Stress doesn't have to ruin the holidays. If you stop to smell the turkey, and plan ahead, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Planning and organization, while not great fun, can help you enjoy things later once all the guests arrive.

Showcase: Bloom putty

Bloom putty is a silicone based, nontoxic, gluten, casein and latex free putty that will never dry out or crumble. It is available in 14 scented varieties, which only organic and natural oils are used to scent, not chemicals, as well as 6 unscented varieties. There’s a Bloom Putty for everyone!

Created to relieve stress, fight boredom, work as a mood enhancer, inspire creativity and imaginations, and help calm and relax, Bloom putty meets many needs.

You can create with Bloom Putty! Squeeze, twist, stretch, break, bubble and pop, bounce, mold, braid, and even pick up comics with Bloom Putty! Bloom putty can even be melted or frozen and will return back to normal every time!

Out of the five human senses, smell has the most influence on mood, behavior, and memory. We react to a scent according to our opinion of it, be it good or bad. Choosing a pleasant scent for your putty means that, as you play with it, the aroma has an immediate, positive impact on your emotions, mood, and behavior. Bloom Putty is a great mood enhancer and sensory stimulator for kids and adults.

Not only is Bloom Putty a great solution for a bored child or tedious day at the office, but it can also assist with memory and concentration. Having some in your hands while studying or working can help you focus and recall, especially when you smell that same scent again. How often do you smell something that reminds you of another time?

Bloom Putty makes a perfect goody bag favor for any event, gift, office desk fidget toy, kids birthday party theme or activity, and fundraising item. Bloom Putty was tested and is proudly made in USA.

Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off through December 15, 2009

v 5 issue 16: Make it Personal

2009-11-08T14:42:00.002-05:00

This week we review products that are personalized for your little ones. Products include clothing, blankets, room decor and more. Great gifts!

Cover by Carrie Steffe

1 Sentimental Silver creates petite sized pendants engraved with initials or a name. Recycled silver composes this hefty pendant with equally impressive delicacy provided by the accenting gem. A cherished addition to any neckline. Enter code: SALE for 20% off your purchase.

2 Invitations, announcements, and even recipe cards can be personalized with a "look-alike pose" at PosePrints. Design and preview cards instantly by following a simple step-by-step process. You'll find a wonderful assortment of backgrounds and accessories to make cards, notepads, or magnets feel just like you. Enter code: ttw2009 for 15% off any order thru 11/30/09.

3 Quality craftsmanship is sewn into each stitch of the Carnival Bloom Bib from Julianne Originals. A thick chenille is backed with a vibrant floral fabric and enhanced with an initial of the same funky print. Infant and toddler sizes available, as well as personalized burp cloths and tees. Enter code: TTW15 for a 15% your purchases.

4 As the cold days and early nights settle in, thoughts of tasty treats tickle our hearts and tummies. Moms can prepare children for the somewhat instinctual joy of cooking by gifting a child with an adorable monogrammed apron from the Get Dolled Up Boutique. Enter code: TOTS15 for 15% off your purchases.

5 Honor an expecting Mom with a pendant necklace from gobellygo.com. Each polished zinc pendant is strung from an 18" sterling silver chain, and comes packaged in a keepsake tin. Pendants are stamped with "DUE IN" and the estimated month of arrival. Make it super special with an engraved message on the back!

6 EM Tanner Designs now has a Me 2 an Indian tee available for Thanksgiving. Like all Me 2 a Tee designs, numerous choices are available to make accurate characterizations of your little Indian! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off purchases thru 11/28/09.

7 The Zoo Blue Initial Blanket offers opposing sides of chic mink plush and designer printed cotton mediated by a monogrammed circle of blue. A favorite item from the personalized baby essentials found at Two Tinas. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases thru 11/28/09.

8 Spell out your child’s name or one of your favorite phrases with this museum quality heavy canvas wall art by Cathy Heck. Using their interactive website you can choose the sizes, colors, characters, and letters of your liking. Making room decorating personal has never been so much fun. Really cute!

Making chores and daily tasks fun
Instill a positive attitude about helping around the house from an early age.

Kids as young as 2 can help with household chores. Remember to keep it fun, keep it age appropriate, and set a routine. You need to organize and plan age-appropriate chores for them so that they grow into skillful, happy and responsible adults.

Chores are an opportunity to teach your children important skills and instills a sense of responsibility in the child.

Always praise, appreciate and reward your child's contribution, this will reinforce positive feelings. Just think of the smile it will put on their little faces if they feel that you are pleased with their work.

Give kids choices when assigning chores. A chore chart can be very helpful as a starting place to keep track of chores. Change up the list often so that they are always trying new tasks.

Try these products that promote confidence while having fun.

Easy daysies is a teacher invented product that teaches responsibility through visual display. The Chores & Rewards package Includes 9 durable picture magnets for use on fridge or white board. Use the included dry erase marker to check the white boxes below the task your child completes. Once all six boxes are checked they receive a reward of your choosing. Made with 70% recycled material! For ages 3-12. Enter: TOTTRENDS at checkout to receive FREE BLANKS KIT (2 blank magnets plus a blank clock - $6.00 value!)

Deck of Chores is an oversized deck of playing cards (5.5 X 3.75 inches) that come in a sturdy box with lid. These cards have colored pictures on the front side with chores that are easy to read for early readers and can actually be played as a card game for older children. We love that it includes 4 blank cards for writing in your own chores. Well worth the $14.95 to encourage fun while teaching responsibilities.

Showcase: Couture Invito
Couture Invito specializes in custom and personalized stationery and gifts.

With Couture Invito’s Holiday photo cards, you can share your family’s smiles with unique and custom-designed cards. Express your style — Choose your design color, font and greeting. Plus, FREE digital proof and ships within 3-5 business days after your approval. With over 35 designs, the design possibilities are endless... every card is professionally designed, so if the card needs to be modified to fit your picture, or if you would like to add a verse... we can do that!

Looking for the perfect gift for under $20? The best-selling Holiday gift item is the Custom Photo Notepad... Use your favorite picture to create the perfect 100-page notepad, where your photo is featured on every page for as low as $14.25. A wonderful Holiday gift for yourself and others! Free personalization and quick turnaround time.

Stationery is a wonderful gift for yourself, gifts for mom, friends and teachers, and Holiday gifts! Create personalized stationery with your child's artwork featured on the back. Couture Invito also offers over 60 stationery designs. Have fun while choosing your font, your color and your envelope to create stationery that is truly unique!

Do you like being "green"? Couture Invito does ~ Couture Invito prints all Holiday Photo Cards, stationery, birth announcements and stationery on recycled 100 lb. cardstock that is manufactured using wind power.

Shop CoutureInvito.com for Holiday Photo Cards and Gifts.

Enter code: HSTTW129 for 20% on your total purchase now through 12.15.09

v 5 issue 15: Nighty Night

2009-11-01T18:22:00.003-05:00

It's time for bed and sweet dreams. This issue is full of bedtime treats that will make night time eazzzy and fun.

Cover by Danette Kay

1 Soft, cozy, and smart! Hello World Clothing developed the first ever baby sleeper to unzip from both ends. Parents are raving about the obvious benefits to sleepytime diaper changes. Elementary, yet brilliant indeed! SmartZip sleepers are available in Blue Me Away for the boys & Made Me Blush for the ladies. Email info[at]helloworldclothing.com to receive 20% off purchases thru 12/31/09.

2 Sized to fit standard preschool cots or kindermats, but able to adjust accordingly to any sleep environment. The Nap Mat from Crafty Baby is a 48" long fleece blanket with an attached pillow. Easily rolls up and stays secure with velcro straps. Can be carried self-sufficiently by cutie pies ages 3 and up. Free standard shipping on all purchases over $50.

3 Sweet Pete Shoes makes the most adorable moccasins in hues of bubble gum pink or chocolate brown. Quality and style inhabit the leather of these mocs right down to the nubbies on the sole. Online shoppers can purchase and monogram either pair to their liking @ twofunnygirls.com.

4 Each Bear Night Sack at jolibebeboutique.com is screenprinted with a silhouette inspired by Mother Nature herself and completed with a cubby cute nightcap. Comes in a pale echinacea color with a twig and flower neatly perched in a corner, or a bright blueberry shade with dandelion puffs blowing in the breeze. Enter code: tot trends for 10% off Jolibebe at azbabyboutique.com

5 Cradle baby in the softness of a blanket from The Modern Baby Company. Plush microfiber lines the inside of trendy cotton fabrics to provide unbeatable comfort during cool days and nights. Comes in two sizes: a mini version with an attached toy/pacifier strap 15" x 20" or the regular size of 30" x 40".

6 A custom designed baby lounger, exclusive to Tiny Dimples, starts out as a nap nest for baby, but transcends the test of time by turning into a big comfy pillow for the older kids. Long lasting durability is also the result of a removable & machine washable cover. Three delightful patterns to choose from. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off purchases over $50.

7 My Pet Lamp from Offi is made of molded non-toxic, odorless plastic. Its soft glow is produced by a halogen bulb which is easily replaced by a quick visit to the hardware store, and all lamps come with a washable marker for decorating. Many colors and pets to choose from.

8 One of Oprah's Favorites for the month of October! Hatley's infant footed coverall with pink bears is trimmed at the neck with brown ribbing and offers a classic snap top-closure with a full zip. Adorably affordable @ $28.99.

Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy MomsMoms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her? If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.

Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure. Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes doing nothing. Even reading a book for 30 minutes can also seem like heaven to many moms.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:
Get up early if you have to. When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

Turn ordinary experiences into major events. When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.

Ask your significant other for help. Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.

Moms, take care of you. Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them. You owe it to yourself and you deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

Night Terrors
Imagine This: You wake up to your toddler screaming. You go to her room to find her sitting straight up in bed with her eyes wide open. She's crying and has a startled look on her face. There's nothing in the room that should have caused such a reaction, so you assume that she has had a nightmare. But that might not be the case.

It's possible that your toddler may have had a night terror. These typically occur in children from 2 to 6 years old, and differ somewhat from nightmares. When having a night terror, the toddler is never fully awake and probably doesn't even know you're there. She becomes confused and inconsolable, and after you see such a scene you may feel similarly.

The good news is that night terrors can often be treated without medication. Treatment usually consists of simple changes in routine or interruption of sleep patterns. Even if your child does not completely stop having night terrors with treatment, she will most likely outgrow them.

How Should I Handle a Night Terror?
When they discover their child having a night terror, the first instinct of many parents is to wake her up. But that will probably make the child even more upset and confused. That's the last thing you want.

Some experts advise parents to gently console their child, but others say it is futile due to the fact that she doesn't know you're there. The most important thing you can do is make sure that the child is safe and doesn't get hurt. Many children flail their arms and legs about when having a night terror, and some even bolt out of bed. So safety is a big concern for them.

Prevention of Night Terrors
One of the primary causes of night terrors is going to bed too tired. Making sure that your toddler is getting enough sleep may reduce or eliminate the occurrence of night terrors. You could put her to bed earlier, wake her up later, extend her nap or put her down for an additional one during the day.

If the additional sleep doesn't get rid of the night terrors, you may need to try interrupting your child's sleep cycle. This is accomplished by waking her up after about 1 to 2 hours of sleep, or about 15 minutes before the time the night terrors usually occur. This change in her sleep pattern could ward of the night terrors.

If these methods do not work, talk to your child's doctor. He may determine that she needs medication to get rid of her night terrors.

Night terrors are scarier for parents than they are for children. The child does not know what is going on when she has one, and will not remember it the next morning. But effectively treating them will result in a better night's sleep for both you and your child.

Great read on sleep terrors in young children... American Sleep Association

v 5 issue 14: Rock Baby

2009-10-25T19:36:00.007-04:00

This issue is packed with Rock 'n' Roll items from clothing to accessories for your little rocker. PLUS: Our favorite new rock music that both kids and parents will love listening to.

Cover by Kate Callahan

1 Take a trip to the Grateful Thread for smokin' good deals on tot sized toys. Guitar Softies are poly-stuffed fabric guitars in rebel, classic, and rock star styles. Softies lets kids jam safely (no dings in the floors or walls with these babies) & realistically with a squashy size of 65cm x 23cm. email jaminico[at]the-gratefulthread for 20% off.

2 Cheeky Funky keeps kiddos snug as a bug in a rug with heavy duty cotton interloc fabric. The newborn baby sleepsuits cover babes to the toes in cozy delight. Available in an array of colors all donned with a signature Cheeky Funky cutie crankin' his tunes. Enter Code: 10TTW for 10% off your purchases.

3 Looking for the perfect gift for someone about to have rock baby? At Rock Star Baby you will find this gift set that includes three silicone pacifiers, one pacifier clip and one baby bottle each adorned with rock star graphics and best of all these items are BPA, Lead, PVC and Phthalate Free. Designed especially for infants with soul by Tico Torres, longtime drummer of Bon Jovi.

4 Three old school blasters break out a beat on the Boom Boom tee from eight3one. The long sleeve tee is available in a turquoise tone capable of making any day a beautiful day. Comes as a lap tee for infants and a jersey tee for the tots.

5 Pickleberry Punch handcrafted hair clips are partially lined in luxurious Swiss velvet of the highest quality. The velvet, when combined with a small strip of velcro and an alligator clip, holds on tight and looks fabulous. Add a little punk to an outfit with the skull and crossbones hair clippie in bright pink. Enter code: tottrends for 20% off your purchase.

6 The Rock Your Baby signature print is doodled onto a white long-sleeved tee trimmed in black for an authentic punk rock look with pint-sized appeal. The lap tee aids the dressing process with an easy on and off design...perfect for wiggle worms with soul in their toes. Available @ jojomangoes.com. Enter code: TTW09 for 15% off any purchase thru 11/25/09.

7 For those who want it all & want it now, Tiny Tots With Style offers a 4 piece Rock Star gift set. The onesie, beanie, & socks of the set are dressed in black, and all items, including shoes, are adorned with Rock Star insignia. The set comes packed in a Silly Souls collectible tin for quick wrapping and giving! Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your purchases.

8 Make baby a bad glamajama with a rock star lap tee. Small silver and red embellishments portray the feel of big city lights when gathered together to form the R-O-C-K and star of this magnificent top. Long and short black tees start at just $19.00.

Rock ’n’ Roll Music for Kids
Some boys never grow up. Drew, Daron, and Jack make up Recess Money and they are as silly as their music...sure to bring a smile to your face as you slip back into childhood yourself. Reminds me of Adam Sandler but they can sing, sorry Adam. The lyrics in "Field Trip" will have you cracking up with songs like "Sack Lunch", "L.I.C.E", and "Haven't got a pet yet". Join Mayor Monkey the hand puppet as he walks you through music videos and interviews in "Get On The Bus".

Get ready to sway, bop, and rock with Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck. Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin' is full of family music for the entire family to enjoy. Your child will love these silly songs, and you will too... we promise! This group is as contagious as the wiggles but kinder on the ears. We dare you to sit still during "Robot Dancer"!

The whole milkshake band got together for this one and in six twelve-hour days, "Great Day" was tracked. Their mission was to create great rock ’n’ roll music for kids and we think they nailed it! So shake it up and dance the day away with this great CD.

The Jimmies is a rock and roll extravaganza full of creative music that has a great beat with fun lyrics that bring their songs to life. "Trying Funny Stuff" is a 2-disk DVD/CD set that includes 6 music videos, a live concert, karaoke videos and more. We adore their hit song, "Cool to be Uncool" as well as "Do the elephant". Available 11/3/09.

The Jumpitz Shortcutz is a 2-disc combo pack that includes videos and music that is fun as well as entertaining with great beats, guitars, drums and other instruments that bring the fun lyrics of these songs to life. We encourage you to grab some instruments, form a conga line...just get up and move to the groove.

Who would know better about kids and their love for sweets, camping, and lullabies than a work-at-home dad dedicated to raising his 4 children. Tracey Singer brings you a fun CD appropriately called, "Sweets 'n' treats" that is full of old time rock 'n' roll, pop, jazz and FUN!

Butterflyfish Ladybug CD mixes nature, animals, bugs and faith to bring sweet melodies that develop a connection with the world and spirituality with songs that are infectiously catchy and fun!

Bedtime music makes a great routine for your children. We love the soothing lullabies found on this "Under the Stars" Sunflow CD. With soft rock and beautiful melodies we give this music two thumbs up! on CD or as a digital download at: itsaboutmusic.com.

Showcase- Eternal Creation

Eternal Creation will lift your spirits with 30% off their beautiful range of ethically produced winter kids’ clothing. Just enter TTW30 at checkout to get 30% off all full-priced Winter kidswear, as well as the lovely sleepwear range*. But hurry, this offer ends on November 8th!

Based in the foothills of the Himalayas, Eternal Creation works with Tibetan refugees and the local Indian community to produce beautifully tailored designs, featuring gorgeous combinations of soft and snug cottons and woolens with bold botanical prints.

Be inspired by perfect party dresses, alpine jackets, pin-tuck shirts, sweet pinafores, hand crocheted cardigans, shoes, classic pyjamas and more. Funky little fairies will fall in love with the fabulous floral wings and wands, perfectly co-ordinated with their Eternal Creation wardrobe!

Become part of the amazing Eternal Creation story at eternalcreation.com

Enter code TTW30 for 30% off full-priced Winter kidswear and sleepwear thru 11/8/09.
* Minimum order $50.

v 5 issue 13: Celebrate Halloween

2009-10-11T15:48:00.002-04:00

Halloween is almost here and we have unveiled our finds to make this Halloween a treat. Be sure to read our article on planning a simple Halloween party.

Cover by Shannon Lott

1 Halloween Rocks is kapowed off a burnout tee to emit a message of spirit & excitement for Halloween. Super soft and comfy, the tee comes in a chilling black and orange color combination. Throw it over a long sleeve on cool days or wear it with a pettiskirt to spice things up. - Paperlili. Enter code: FRIEND for 20% off.

2 Gobs of gobbly good Halloween-inspired photocards are available @ inababycarriage.com. Invitations, announcements, or Halloween tidings are all good reasons for sending out one of these single-sided, 5" x 7" photocards with included envelopes. Black and white or color photos take center stage on your choice of eerie or harvest inspired backdrops. Enter code: TTWHOLIDAY for 15% off thru 10/23.

3 Strap some kooky little pumpkins on the toes of your tot this October. "Playful Pumpkins" mary jane shoes are uniquely styled with glow-in-the-dark eyes, as are all shoes in the Glow Bugs collection found at Monkey Toes. Enter code: TTWHALL09 for 30% off all purchases!

4 With an included food coloring marker, you can write a special message to someone using the unique & scrumptious Kookie Stationery. The Trick or Treat Kookie is 6.4" wide x 6.43" tall and comes with a built in easel and envelope package for display. "It really is an edible cookie!"

5 Dig down deep into a bowl from Sweet Mady's and you'll get more than just a full belly. At the bottom of each 20 ounce bowl, a Halloween inspired design awaits to spook up some personalized fun. Enter code: trendy for 15% off.

6 EM Tanner Designs invites you to bite into a spooktacular collection of Halloween tees. Add a child's name to Dracu to create a personalized tee kiddies can't vait to sink their fangs into. A mouthful of personalized designs and colors to choose from. Take a look! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off.

7 Sure to scare up lots of booty for trick-or-treat night, the pirate costume from Sage Nicole's comes with everything to create a truly authentic pint-sized Captain Black. All you need to add is the perfect sword to shiver the timbers out of the neighborhood! Enter code: TRENDYBABY for 15% off.

8 The Halloween Spooktacular DVD from HIT Entertainment scares up some "EEK" for the little ones. Bob the Builder, Thomas, & Sam the Fireman spin tales with bats, ghostly trains, and jack-'o-lanterns, while Barney and Angelina show the kids how to have some fun. 57 minutes of Boo!

Halloween Party Food Ideas
Getting ready for a howling Halloween party this year? Spruce up your party this year with some icky, but yummy party food. Here are some fun food ideas for your ghostly Halloween party:

Bad apples
Using a small, sharp knife cut a small, round hole in one side of the top of an apple. Insert a gummy worm inside the hole. Create display of “bad apples” in a wooden bucket.

Terrifying Tortilla Chips: Start with some flour tortillas and spray a bit of canola oil on them. Sprinkle parmesan cheese or cinnamon and sugar on them. Then cut fun shapes out of the tortillas with a bat, ghost or pumpkin cookie cutter. Put the shapes into the oven for a crispy treat.

Buggy Ice Cubes
Insert gummy worms or raisins (for bugs) in ice trays with water and freeze. Insert frozen buggy ice cubes in your bowl of party punch.

Snot cubes
Refrigerate yellow and green Jello (any flavors) in ice cube trays. Serve chilled.

Worms in snot
Make snot cubes, as directed above, out of Jello. Insert gummy worms in each cube of Jello then refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Monster Mash
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

* 10 cups popcorn
* 1 pound plain M&M’s
* 1-14 oz. jar dry roasted peanuts
* 1 cup raisins (optional)
* 1 cup Reece’s pieces (found in baking isle by chocolate chips)

Bowl of Brains
Scramble several eggs. To get the gray brain color, mix in green, red, and blue food coloring as you beat the eggs before cooking them.

Fun Halloween Games for Kids
Part of the fun of Halloween is playing silly games. When planning the games, it’s best to keep the costumes in mind and plan things that will work around them. Games should be simple with easy to follow rules.

Jack-o-Lantern Faces – Hang a picture of a jack-o-lantern on the wall and have matching face pieces cut out of black paper for the eyes, nose and mouth. Place sticky-tack on the back of the pieces. Blindfold each player when it is their turn and play the same as pin the tail on the donkey except players put the eyes, nose and mouth on the pumpkin face. Younger children can do just the mouth, while older children and adults can do the entire face for more of a challenge.

Bobbing for apples without the water– Tie the stems of the apples to varied lengths of string and then hang them up. Then the kids have to put their hands behind their back and try to take a bite out of the apple. You can also play the game using marshmallows.

Mummy Wrap Up – Divide kids into small groups. Provide them each with a roll or two of toilet paper and see who can use the tissue paper to wrap up one of their teammates the fastest. The first one to complete their mummy using the entire roll wins.

Ghost Bowling – Collect ten empty one or two liter soda pop bottles (use the larger bottles for younger guests). Paint the bottles white and decorate with silly ghost faces. Use a small playground size ball as the bowling ball. If you can find orange ones, decorating them as jack-o-lanterns can add to the fun.

Pirates’ Treasure – Fill two small buckets with sand and place inside a larger washtub or box. Bury treasure in the buckets such as small prizes or candy. Each player receives a plastic spoon to dig for their treasure. Divide players into two teams. Position players around their designated bucket and tell them when to start. They dig in their treasure “chests” until every piece is found. The first team to find all their treasure wins.

v 5 issue 12: Fall Fashion

2009-10-04T21:01:00.003-04:00

A crisp chill is in the air and that means it's time to update your child’s fall wardrobe. In this week’s issue we feature the latest fall looks from layering to sweaters in rich and bold color palettes.

Cover by Gina Oh

1 Editor's Pick- The Material Girl Collection from

My Vintage Baby is funky for sure! One wild purple print splashes onto a blazer then pops off to add just a hint of flair to the ruffled bottom jeans. Throw in the white shirt embellished with a fancy dog walking fashionista, and you've got quite an outfit. Click Girls page 6 to find this outfit.

2 Mini Rotation Kids has a Daredevil tee worth jumping for. A stunt driver dares to fly over three school buses while propped on a bark colored tee with built in thermal long sleeves. Sizes 2T through 6 available for $34

3 The lil' sprouts clothing co. definitely designs great clothes that grow with your child and last through multiple seasons. The Color Me Happy/Grow With Me Outfit has cuffed pants that can fold down for extra length. Even better, when spring comes along fold the cuffs back up and you have a pair of capris. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off plus free shipping.

4 The people at pediped make little feet look fabulous while keeping comfort and healthy foot development at the top of their priority list. Accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Alyssa shoes are just one fine example of the beauty of pediped's. Chocolate brown leather in contrasting sheens is shaped into a traditional Mary Jane style and placed on flex soles for the health of growing feet.

5 Crispy days are here and Matilda Jane has a trunk full of new goodies! The Dottie dress works great for fall with its long sleeves and the fact it fits into any dress code. Pair it with the striped leggings for a warm & funky look.

6 Simply adorable. Tyler Trends carries a long sleeve tee boys & girls will love. A silly little monkey gets his tongued pulled out just enough when set on the fiery red backdrop of this quality cotton tee. Order it a bit larger to make it last. Enter code: TTW2 for 25 % off all purchases.

7 A knitted cardigan brings on the swing using three large top buttons. Totally organic & lots of fun, the sweater from Frugi Knitwear pairs well with any outfit. Available in Fuchsia and Grey Marl colors.

8 This sweater skirt at Magpie Lovely is a perfect addition for her fall wardrobe. It is made from scraps of sweaters with a fun flare and soft jersey stretch waistband. Twirl in comfort and warmth with this skirt of many colors. Available in sizes newborn all the way up to mom’s. One customer this week gets their order free. Email MPL to be entered.

This weeks mom tips:
Time Saving Tip:
Plan your meals one week in advance. List ingredients that are needed for the planned recipes, as well as items that you have run out of during the week. Grocery shop once a week. This will save you the time and effort that it takes to stop every night. Plus, it relieves the stress of trying to figure out what to serve one hour before dinner.

Cleaning Tip:
Before you sit down for that coffee, pick a particularly untidy spot and work vigorously and methodically at it for just 10 minutes. Set a timer because those 10 minutes will go by so fast and you will not believe how much you can actually get done when you are focused!

Financial Tip:
You can save several hundred dollars a year on homeowner insurance and up to $50 a year on renter insurance by purchasing insurance from a low-price, licensed insurer. Ask your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different licensed companies. Then call at least four of the lowest priced insurers to learn what they would charge you.

Green Tip:
Looking to purchase a new home?
A home's location directly affects the owner's ecological footprint. Look for a house close to work and shopping, minimizing the need for auto transport.

Look for a residence that requires you to pare down and simplify, rather than encouraging sprawl. Larger homes require more resources to heat and maintain and more stuff to fill the extra space.

Look for green features, such as Built Green and Energy Star certification. Or ask to see the last year's utility bills to get a sense of the home's current efficiency.

Fall Shape Up
The cooler weather is here and it is calling your name. So go outside, have some fun and get in a workout at the same time. Bring the kids, baby stroller and start walking, jog or run. Fall is the perfect time to Jump-start a fitness program that works for you and your family. Just remember to set attainable goals.

Running - This is one of the best cardio exercises there is. All you need to get started is a good pair of shoes, some weather-appropriate running gear, and a place to run.

Push-ups - Push-ups are excellent for strength training. They work the arms, shoulders and chest, and they also build upper core strength.

Crunches - Crunches are like sit-ups, but they are not as hard on the back. They are wonderful for toning the abdominal muscles.

Lunges - If you want to improve muscle tone in the legs, lunges are perfect. They can also provide cardiac benefits if you do enough repetitions.

Walking – Considered one of the best forms of exercise that just about anyone can do. Walking works the entire body and the participant can go at their own pace. In fact, walking doesn’t have to seem like “exercise” at all to be beneficial – simply incorporating more walking into your daily life will make a difference.

A Little Equipment Goes a Long Way
It is entirely possible to get an adequate workout without any special equipment. But adding in some simple exercise aids will add variety to your workout. Variety will help keep you motivated and make it easier to work all of your muscles.

An exercise ball is a favorite of workout minimalists. You can use it in a number of ways. It's great for balance training, working on core strength and even weight training. Exercise balls are not very expensive, but they are quite versatile.

Resistance bands are also simple yet versatile. Often used in physical therapy, they provide resistance without heavy weights or bulky machines. They're ideal for those who live in small spaces.

Dumbbells are good to have on hand, too. They can help build strength in the arms without creating bulk. Some are pricey, but the inexpensive ones found at discount stores work just as well.

You don't have to spend a fortune just to stay in shape. Exercising can be as simple as doing some stretches and jogging around the block a few times. While some exercise equipment offers added benefits, it is unnecessary for most of us. Some comfortable clothes and a little motivation is all we truly need to stay fit.

v 5 issue 11: Room to Grow

2009-09-27T17:25:00.004-04:00

Are you preparing for a newborn baby? Or buying a gift for a baby shower? This issue contains a variety of nursery furnishings from quality bedding to wall accessories and so much more.

Cover by Stephanie Natale

1 The naturalmat Coco Mat is the most breathable and organic crib mattress. A core of organic coir, a fiber made from coconut husks, is wrapped with a lambswool dipped in extracts of lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus to make it dust mite free with a bit of bounce. The mattress is then covered with a pure cotton mattress cover for breathable protection. Organic, exceptionally supportive, and heavenly soft! Enter code: ttw10 for 10% off your purchase.

2 Using the adorable artwork of Cathy Heck and her fabulous interactive website, nursery rooms can be filled with one-of-a-kind artwork. A 7 step process allows one to choose the sizes, colors, characters, and letters of their liking. Each creation is printed on heavy canvas using the giclée method and stretched around a heavy 1-1/2 inch frame to create museum quality pieces. Enter code: tottrends99 for 25% off before shipping and handling thru 11/1/09.

3 Upper and lower case letters of the alphabet are dressed in modern hues and arranged in a jumbled, yet orderly, fashion. A great piece of artwork for the contemporary palette. Find this and other great wall decor at Trendy Peas. Enter code: B2G1 in memo at check for a free print when you buy 2 full price prints.

4 With the Design Center at the Simple Stencil, patrons have the ability to preview stencil colors on backgrounds, simplifying the color decision process. All transfers are easy to apply on smooth surfaces...just peel and stick for a quick and easy "painted" appearance. Enter code: SSFC3 for 20% off your purchases.

5 Outfitting a crib is simple & fun at MiGistyle.com. The Alphabet Crib Set contains 4 pieces (a bumper, crib sheet, quilt, and crib skirt) of superbly coordinated bedding. Classic animals and letters set the foundation for this set, while chocolate brown neatly trims and accents. And for just the right amount of panache, some waves, embroidery, and appliques are tossed into the mix.

6 Remaining true to a motto of "No fuss, no muss!", Muralettes offer a quick fix for room decorating. Easy to put up, easy to take off, and great for those with a fear of commitment. The fishies set is stacked with 72 decals ready to transform any room into an underwater adventure! Enter code: tottrends for a 15% off thru 10/15/09.

7 The Bratt Decor Dick Crib in white is an updated version of the classic baby crib. Solid head and foot panels hide distractions and quiet noises and a classic design works with multiple interior styles. The crib also easily transforms into a gorgeous toddler bed with an optional toddler conversion kit. Available at motherearthandbaby.com. Enter code: TOT10 for 10% off thru 11/29/09

8 The low-rider glider and ottoman from Monte Designs is no ordinary glider combination! Sleek lines and a clean design allow these pieces to blend into any contemporary floor plan. Available in 9 attractive colors!

For the love of chocolate recipes:

Easy Chocolate Soufflé

Ingredients:
3 tablespoon real butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 ounces unsweetened, fine baker's chocolate
5 large eggs, separated

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and sugar the inside of a soufflé dish. Melt butter and flour in a pan over medium heat. Add milk and stir constantly. Mix in vanilla and chocolate. Mix until well blended and smooth. Cool chocolate mixture slightly and add three to four of the egg yolks; blend until smooth. Beat egg whites until firm, but not fully stiff. Place chocolate mix in a bowl; carefully fold in egg whites. Place mix in the soufflé dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until top appears to be floating, but isn't oozing liquid. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Pudding Brownie Bake

Ingredients:
2 tablespoon butter, evenly melted
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
4 tablespoon fine cocoa, halved
1 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 cup boiling water
dash of salt
nuts, if desired, 1/4 to 1/2 cup, finely chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend butter, milk, vanilla, white sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and 2 tablespoons of the cocoa. Add nuts if desired. Place the mixture into a greased baking dish or casserole pan. Mix brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle on top of the batter. Slowly pour boiling water into the mix. Bake until a brownie cake rises to the top, approximately 30 minutes. Serve immediately with whipped cream of ice cream.

Ten Things to Consider When Purchasing a Baby Crib
When expecting a new baby in the family, one of the most important purchases you will make will be the crib. There is a myriad of styles to choose from. How do you narrow it down to just one? Here are ten important considerations to help you make your decision:

1. Safety standards - The first consideration for any crib that is purchased is whether or not it is safe. Crib slats should have a span of no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. This will prevent the infant from accidentally getting their head stuck between the slats.

2. Style - When selecting a crib, style plays a part. Do you want it painted or natural wood? Light or dark? If you have other furniture, do you want it to coordinate? One thing to avoid is a crib with finials, as it can be a choking hazard if babies get caught on it once they begin standing.

3. Convertible - Conversion cribs are a great investment. The crib can grow with the child. They cost a bit more to start with, but they can be reconfigured into a toddler bed, day bed and finally a twin bed. However, you may have to buy the supports for the twin bed and the mattress.

4. Wheels - There are pros and cons to having wheels on the crib. It can make it easy to move while cleaning, but you also have to make sure it has locks on the wheels to keep it from moving when you don't want it to be moved.

5. Drop sides/release - Most parents need a drop side crib, unless they are tall. There are some cribs that have a drop on both sides, but most people only need it to be accessible from one side. You should also look for cribs with latches that are easy for the parent, but not the child, to release. There are two-handed or one-handed releases. Test out the cribs in the store and make sure you can do it easily. Also check to see if they move quietly, so it won't wake up the baby. The side needs to be nine inches above the top of the mattress to protect the baby from accidentally rolling out before the side is back in place.

6. New vs. used - Some people want to save some money by buying a used crib. This isn't always a problem; however, you have to make sure that it meets current standards. Check it to make sure it doesn't wobble and has all the hardware in place. Make sure it's not too old, as many older cribs had lead paint.

7. Stability - Make sure the crib you choose is stable. Most cribs have to be assembled once you bring them home. Be sure to purchase one that is easy to put together but is still sturdy enough.

8. Mattress - It is important to get the right mattress for the crib you purchase. Be sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If there are any gaps around the edges, it could be a danger to the baby. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the sides of the crib, it is too small. Be sure to buy a new, firm mattress.

9. Adjustable mattress height - In addition to the convertible cribs, it is important that you are able to adjust the height of the mattress as the child grows. A crib with at least a 26-inch span between the top of the rail and the mattress is a good guide.

10. Where to shop - There are many options for shopping for a crib. There are baby specialty stores, department stores, the internet, gently used baby stores, and garage sales. You have to balance cost against customer support, returns, and shipping. Shop around and find the best quality for the best price.

v 5 issue 10: The Great Toy Review

2009-09-20T16:50:00.002-04:00

This issue is full of some of our favorite new toys on the market to keep your little ones entertained and build creativity.

Cover by Angela Bergsma

1 Let your child explore and learn with this Award Winning Block Set @fatbraintoys. Each Twig set consists of 72 wooden pieces made with natural wood, carved with care, and colored with brilliance. Encourage creativity with each precision-cut and compatible piece. Ages 3+. Enter Code: FW-5565 for 10% off your total toy order, 1 offer per customer thru 9/30/09.

2 Hisss is a simple and enjoyable card game where children reinforce the skills of counting, color identification, and cooperation. By matching colors from head to tail, children make snakes for their snake pit. At the end of the game...whoever makes the most snakes wins! Quick and easy for children of young ages. Visit gamewright.com for this and many other fun and educational toys.

3 With Crayola's Crayola Undersea Adventures Color Stories, children strengthen listening skills and their ability to follow directions while playing along with an interactive DVD and included coloring books. Three swimmingly good tales are adapted with a unique randomization feature to provide children with repeated gameplay and unexpected twists and turns while they match, identify, and color.

4 Madeline, the main character of the Ludwig Bemelman's classic tales, has delighted and entertained girls of many ages for 7 decades. Celebrate her legendary tenure with the 70th Anniversary Madeline doll. The dressable doll stands 13.5 inches tall, comes in a fancy toile dress of blue with a matching bow, and is protected in a special gift box. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 10% off this Madeline doll.

5 Miss Sugar Pops makes dolls full of wild and crazy love. Meredith is a funky little girl born on November 7th. Tulle poofs, striped leggings, and sparkly shoes are some of Meredith's fine accoutrements which compliment her soft black hair and beautiful blue eyes. So gorgeous, you may want to leave this one on the shelf! Enter code: KTW to receive 20% off your purchases.

6 Rubbabu presents soft and squishy vehicles which bounce and bumble, but they don't bruise. 100% biodegradable, all-natural rubber is coated with a non-toxic flocking to create the fuzzy nature of this durable and safe toy. Simple and sweet, yet kids love them! nicoandzoe.com. Enter code: tottrends09 for 10% off orders of $25 or more thru 10/31/09

7 Wild Planet and Crayola Crayon Town invites children to color, build, and play in a neighborhood all their own. Five themes available: neighborhood, airport, ranch, zoo, and construction site. All sets come with multiple coloring mats and accessories to turn broken crayons into imaginative props. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 10% off any order. (Excludes certificates, sale items, bundles and packs) thru 12/31/09.

8 Hours and hours of dairy delight can be yours with the Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shop from Play-Doh. Comes with cones, cups, and spoons to aid the imagination, and three unique stations for pouring pleasure. Sprinkle and decorate ice cream goodies with endless possibilities...yummy fun!

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip:
Refrigerators and freezer units account for one-sixth of a home's energy use, so select energy-efficient models when buying replacements. Today's appliances consume three times less than old appliances.

The federal government is making money available to states so consumers could get rebates of $50 to $200 for new, more energy-efficient appliances later this year in a so-called "cash for appliances" program. Check with your state's energy department for details on when the rebates will be available.

Organizing Tips:
Stuffed animals must go! They not only can cause health problems due to buildup of dander and more but they cause massive clutter chaos. For those favorite stuffed animals consider a hammock for them up near the ceiling or Boon’s stuffed animal holder is a great ‘pillow’ that keeps them contained.

Time Saving Tips:
Prioritize items on your to-do list if you feel like you're spinning your wheels. Use A for the items that have to be done today, B for the things you should do today, and C for the tasks you hope to do.

Toys allow creativity to blossom
Toys are among a child's first possessions. They entertain kids, but they also help them learn about the world around them. Early experiences with toys can have lasting effects on a child.

There has been much debate about which toys are the best for children. Some argue that high-tech toys provide the best educational opportunities, while others say that simpler toys that require imagination and creativity teach a child to think for himself. But most children end up with a mixture of both types of toys and perhaps that approach gives them the best of both worlds.

Imagination is a great way to learn. Years ago, children did not have electronic toys and video games to play with. All they had were things like dolls and doll houses, toy cars and jump ropes. No matter what toys they played with, they had to use their imagination to a certain extent. Today, kids have all sorts of electronic toys to choose from. Even many books talk and allow children to interact with them. While there are benefits to these types of toys, it is still important to let a kid's imagination flourish.

Imagination is not only a fun way to learn, it is also effective. While children may learn such things as letters, numbers and even phonics from electronic toys, they are no substitute for learning by doing. Imaginative play often leads children to figure things out for themselves and things learned that way are not soon forgotten.

Some great toys that push imagination and creativity:
Play-Doh, Dress-Up Clothes, Building Toys, Art Toys, Craft Kits, Dolls and Action Figures.

Creativity comes naturally for kids. Giving them toys that help them express themselves is a great way to encourage them to do so. Kids who are allowed to be creative often have a greater interest in learning and as a result they are more likely to do their best in school and life.

v 5 issue 9: Off to a Shower

2009-09-13T11:15:00.002-04:00

Shower her with gifts
We are headed to a baby shower and want to share our favorite gifts to give and receive. It's all about spoiling the mom-to-be in this issue.

Cover by Kellie Anderson

1 The presentation of the Apricot Organic Baby Bunch is outstanding! Organic and recycled items are fashioned into a beautiful bouquet and placed into a lidded floral gift box. Each bouquet includes one bib, t-shirt, hat, onesie, and a pair of socks. All clothing items are unbleached, undyed, and sized to fit babies of 0-6 months. Enter code: ttrends09 for 15% off purchases thru 10/13/09

2 The Rings Blanket Bag from Chic Tots easily converts from bag to blanket. Cozy and chic, Moms can carry this bag to any outing where a clean space is needed for play, rest, or diaper changing. The waterproof exterior keeps things dry, while the terry lining provides the comfort. With pockets for all kinds of storage, this bag is both versatile and functional.

3 The Prego Planner at braelynbountybug.com gives Moms-to-be the ability to arrange and rearrange their own pregnancy planner. Take out ages you don't need and move pages where you want them to go. A three ring binder comes beautifully decorated with pre-printed pages for all the planning pregnancy requires. Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive a FREE Tot Tag with any planner. Enter the style you prefer. Exp. 10/13/09.

4 Sweetness comes packaged in a heart shaped box with this gift set from Baby Bella Maya. The set includes a onesie complete with pink champagne ruffles on the touche, a pink headband with a bow of champagne, and matching booties. Sized for 0-6 months @ only $40! Enter code: TTW01 for a 10% discount on your purchases.

5 An absolute necessity! No more troublesome window shades to rumble with, this car seat sunshade attaches to any car seat for an instant sun shield. Works on infant & toddler car seats to provide 50+ upf protection. A fantastic find for new Moms or any Mom who needs to escape the cranky side effects of the sun's rays. Available @ protect-a-bubusa.com.

6 The bbBasic at Baby Time Bags has all your post delivery essentials packed and ready-to-go for a worry-free hospital stay. Exemplary products are neatly stored in your choice of vibrant paisleys or snazzy solids. So many goodies in this gorgeous quilted luggage piece, you need to check out the link to see what's included for only $125! Tottrends Weekly is offering one of these dynamic prepacked carry-alls in a fabulous giveaway. Enter code: TNT10 for 10% off your purchase.

7 Peek into The Looking Glass for the stroller blanket from SwaddleDesigns. A lime green fuzzy blanket is accented with a mod circle print and trimmed in a silky smooth satin. Sized at 30" x 40", the blanket's plush fabric is perfect for covering baby and keeping them snuggly warm.

8 For a Momma who loves her coffee, Pences has an adorable gift set with a presentation guaranteed to grab a few giggles. Two chocolate colored onesies, with cafe inspired messages, are tucked inside a clear coffee cup complete with a domed lid and a top-knot hat of foam. Enter code: tottrends15 when ordering and purchases will receive a 15% rebate back to your credit card.

Our Favorite Shower Games
We have asked around and found our favorite baby shower games. Each game costs very little (if anything) and will have everyone laughing and having a great time. Enjoy!

Measure Mommy:
Pass out yarn, string, or toilet paper and have the guests take off the amount they think will fit around mom-to-be’s belly.

The Price is Right:
Just like the TV show, purchase several baby items and keep the receipt (you may want to do separate receipts). Leave the items out for the guests to see on a table and have them write down what they think the price of each item may be. The guest closest without going over to the actual price for all items wins.

Guess the Baby Food:
Purchase 6-10 jars of baby food, remove the wrappers and then number the jars. Have the guests try to guess the food. Provide lots of plastic spoons and have guests write down their thoughts. The guest who answers the most wins.

Guess the Photo Game:
Collect a baby photo from each guest and one of the mother, display them and have the guests try and pick which photo is the mother when she was a baby (be sure to alert guests on the invitation to bring their baby photo).

Baby Bottle Drink-Off:
Fill small baby bottles with fruit juice for each guest. The person who finishes the bottle first receives a prize. This is the funniest shower game our staff has played!

Feeding Race
Pair guests up in two’s. Put a bib on one person from each team. The other team member stands behind the ‘eater’ and will be their ‘arms’. The person behind feeds the person with the bib from a jar of baby food. Warning…this game will create laughter and a large mess!

The Tray Game
Pass out a pen and paper to each guest. Have a tray full of baby items ready for the mom to be to walk around and show each of the guests. Once the guest of honor has walked around and shown each of the guests the tray, have her head to a back room. While the guests have studied the tray and believe they will be asked questions regarding the contents, you will instead ask questions about the mom-to-be (example questions include what top was she wearing, was she wearing earrings, what is her due date, etc).

Showcase: Personalized Nursery Art by Cathy Heck

If you are looking for a perfect one-of-a-kind shower gift for a special baby you know (or almost know), here is a wonderful find.
cathyhecknurseryart.com
From this easy-to-use website, you can customize beautiful nursery art featuring the classic illustrations of internationally recognized artist, Cathy Heck.

Cathy’s adorable illustrations have been defining baby products for over 20 years. In fact, over two million babies own a Cathy Heck baby book. Now, Cathy is offering art for the nursery based on her most requested collections. Each piece of artwork is printed on heavy canvas using the high-quality giclée method of printing, then wrapped around a solid wood frame.

The personalize-your-own nursery art website is easy to follow and just plain fun. You can spell your baby’s name, choose your favorite characters, pick the best border patterns and finish your canvases with perfect ribbon colors.

An assortment of nursery art without names is also available, as well as beautiful limited edition signed prints. Go to cathyhecknurseryart.com and start your baby’s first art collection with a unique masterpiece.

Tot Trends Weekly readers save an additional 25% off your entire purchase before shipping and handling when you shop at cathyhecknurseryart.com before November 1, 2009. PromoCode: tottrends99

v 5 issue 8: Black & White

2009-09-06T23:09:00.000-04:00

Black and white adapts itself so easily to any occasion. It is simple and elegant as well as fun and full of pizazz.

Cover by Fara Smith

1 A gorgeous tapestry print exudes elegance with shades of black & white in this infant dress from Kidbodies Versatile in both size and style, top-tie straps allow for adequate length adjustment and the dress promises to look great alone or worn over a black knit top and ruffle pants. Available in sizes6 to 18 months for $48. Enter code: TTWFALL for 10% off your purchases.

2 Visit gap.com to pick up a dress full of retro voguish flair with an affordable pricetag. Clean lines and a zigzag print turn this shift dress into a must have for late summer/early fall. Grab this one before it's too late. Enter code: SAVE for 15% off $75, 20% off $100, or 25% off $150, online only. Offer ends: 9/8/09.

3 An elegant motif and sharp color contrasts create the irresistible pattern of the Midnight Garden Baby Sling. At tot-to-go, cotton/lycra fabric is crafted into uncomplicated one piece designs which easily fit into carrying bags, unlike bulky carriers. Great for hands-free soothing of fussy babies, so you can actually get stuff done! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off regular priced slings thru 09/30/09.

4 The Betsy Clippie Set from Ruby's Closet includes a padded animal print heart with a bow and a clippie with a small black crystal. Available in tan animal prints, camo, and, of course, black & white. All sets only $7.50! Enter code: trends20 for 20% off entire order including shipping!

5 The Hipster is a black & white version of the Mop Top Hat. Full of fluff and fun, these hats put pizazz into the art of keeping warm. Sizes begin @ 0-6 months and go all the way up to 2-5 years. @ zooniwear.com. Enter code: TOTS15 for 15% off thru 9/30/09.

6 Sprout Shell, the place to find chic infant carrier covers, offers a black swirl design for lovers of clever curves and classy color schemes. Elasticized edges hug the corners of almost any carrier to keep babies free of rain, stinging sun, and peeping passers.

7 Stacked full of goodies: zippered and elastic compartments, a detachable fold out changing pad, and a snack bag. Bumble Bags are covered in the exclusive bee quilt and lined in a gorgeous print pattern. Each bag easily converts between a backpack, stroller bag, & messenger bag with it's removable and adjustable straps.

8 The fall/winter line from Kit + Lili is here and Dragonflies and Ladybugs has picked out a few special little numbers for preview. The Lucie Black Peace Sign Dress is the perfect outfit for a modern girl with a sharp eye for fads of the 60s. Peasant sleeves and waves of black and white lend a hand to evoking fashionista styles of yesteryear.

Healthy Eating Tips:
Importance of Healthy Eating

- Talk to your child about the health benefits of healthy eating, such as how it promotes a stronger immune system , the less they’re sick the more fun they get to have doing things they enjoy.

-Switch to water or milk only with meals, no sugary drinks while they are eating.

- Show them charts like the food guide pyramid and let them ask questions, they will have questions and they may even notice what parts of the chart they aren't getting enough.

-Make small changes to begin. Less sugary drinks, switch to whole wheat products; add fruits and veggies to every meal.

- Pack a nutritious lunch, snack, and drinks for your child’s school lunch. This way you know just what they are eating.

A few of our favorites:

Snacks:
Earth Balance's all-natural, no-stir nut butters are the perfect addition to any lunchbox snack (think celery and apples) as a healthier alternative to traditional peanut butters. These nut butters are infused with flax seed for excellent ALA Omega 3 content and are sweetened with natural agave syrup, a low glycemic sweetener. We absolutely love this product in our house!

Plum Organics Tots Fruity Fingerfuls are great snacks for the little tykes and bigger tykes as well. Try these freeze-dried fruits and whole grain deliciousness for a perfectly balanced snack. Available in strawberry, banana and apple flavors.

Drinks:
HINT Water is pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners. My son loves these and I don’t have to worry about sugar highs. Thirteen flavors of deliciousness! Try them all.

Wild Waters is another flavored water choice that we highly recommend. Packed with 7 important vitamins and minerals, 100% natural ingredients with 1/2 the sugar of leading kid’s drinks. No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Packaged in a convenient made-to-grip sports top package that is perfect for lunch, sports or on the go!

And for one stop shopping for guilt-free snack foods check out this site... Healthysnacksdirect.com. Enter code HGirl20 for 20% off your order thru 9/15/09. Full of many favorites such as Popchips, Pirate's Booty, Luna bars, Gnu bars, and more.

Make school lunches and snacks fun, colorful and earth friendly with these ReUsies. They are 100% cotton lined with leak-resistant nylon and are secured with Velcro® closures. Easy to clean, resists odors and are machine washable. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% discount or use free shipping coupon currently in place.

From fruit bars to salads, healthy lunches can be as diverse and different as our unique children's appetites ...and our imaginations.

Getting Kids to Eat Healthier Foods
It can be difficult to get kids to eat healthy foods these days. Healthy foods seem to be their least favorite and they would rather eat candy, cookies, and all the other junk than sink their teeth into some good ole broccoli. It is even harder when society teaches them to eat foods not good for them. These lessons can be learned via television, commercials, school cafeterias, and even family events. So what can you do?

There are ways we can increase the amount of healthy foods our children eat without stressing the whole family; how we cook, how we shop and how we eat. Choose whichever methods work best for your family.

Taste is important. We can add cheese to a lot of foods to make them taste good. Most vegetables would be good with cheese, just melt a bit of cheese and pour it on top of the veggies. You can also add natural sweeteners to foods like raw honey or sucanat (non-refined cane sugar) instead of using refined sugars. There are spices you can add to food too that do not have any MSG or salt in them. You have to read the ingredients carefully, but it will make the food you eat healthy and yummy.

Encourage them to eat fruits, especially their favorites. This isn't usually too difficult to do because they are already sweet and/or sour and these are two tastes kids love. You can switch up the fruits available to them. Get some apples and oranges one week, grapes and pears another week, and plums and peaches another week. By switching it up they are more apt to eat all of the fruits every week. Put them in a big bowl on the kitchen table or counter and make them accessible for snacks.

Another tactic that works is to eat healthy foods yourself. Like it or not we are our kid’s role models and if we want them to behave a certain way, we should behave that way as well. Whether it be foods we eat, things we say or the actions we take, they are going to learn from us. So, make sure you have healthy foods on your plate at meal time, and they see you eating them.

There is a lot to say about how you shop. Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store to get fresh and healthy foods for your family. You might also try shopping a grocery store that offers a natural and organic area to shop for condiments, and boxed foods.

Last but not least check out some new and useful recipes. You can make honey pancakes, put chopped up broccoli in your macaroni and cheese and more. These are additional ways to make foods healthy even when they still taste good. Give it a shot and your kids will be eating healthy in no time.