Kids Trends Weekly

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v 3 issue 16: St. Patrick's Day Fun

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0000

St. Patrick's Day is coming and it is time to celebrate...from wearin' o' the green to Irish songs and crafts.

Cover by Kirsty Hadjes

1 Add a little Lucky Clovis to life and luck will be on the way. Clovis is a quirky four leaf clover critter from Zolo Xoox. We hear he is the luck of the Andes disguised in Irish decor. Oh, just so you know, his power can also be boosted by collecting his friends who are equally kooky and fun. Play toy trivia and win a $1,000 Shopping Spree.

2 Keep a nano safe and sound inside the cushioned case of the Camouflage RockBoom Speaker iPod Case @ chicblvd.com. Each case has an elasticized strap to hold a nano in place during the bumpy ride of the tweenage years. A speaker with amazing sound is also hidden behind a secret panel, so kids have the ability to share music with friends. Enter code: KidTrends30 for 30% off purchases.

3 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).

4 Irish eyes are smiling at the comfort and durability of the seed green Survivor Jacket from Hannah Anderson. The month of March brings blustery winds scattered with days of warm sunshine, so the front-zip hoodie makes a perfect layering option for the season.

5 Plenty of room to hold a small pot o' gold! The Girls Sock Change Purse may look like ordinary hosiery, but add a metal clip on top and voila...you have an instant purse to hold the many treasures of childhood. Only $5.00!

6 With a need for some food on the table and a little jingle in his pocket, Tim O'Toole sets out to find a job, but stumbles upon the wee folk instead. As the pages are turned, the reader continues to experience the lively Irish tale of Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk through the witty humor and Caldecott winning illustrations of Gerald McDermott.

7 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.

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 3 issue 15: Lets hear it for the boys

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:18:00 +0000

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 Kelly Smith

1 Have a future Olympian in your family? This super soft tri blend cotton tee from paperlili shouts out Olympic spirit with just a tad of attitude. Never underestimate a child with a vision. Available in sizes 2-8. Enter code: FRIEND for 20% off all purchases!

2 From cute to creepy, Booby Trap & the pen of Marco Rached bring the afterlife to life in the Glow-in-the-Dark line. Booby Trap carries tees for the "bats and cupcakes" of the world and they offer styles and sizes to please both. Take a look. Enter code: weloveyou for 25% off purchase with free shipping.

3 Thankfully, Bersica Futurewear provides clothes for children with Nanosphere technology. A nanosphere finish naturally repels water & liquids, oil, and dirt through nanotechnology & the self-cleaning processes observed in certain plants and insects. The result: cold water washing with results, longer wear-time, and the reduction of stains! Shirt/Short Set on sale for $25.

4 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.

5 Trapped inside each of the 8 dripping monster bubbles of chocovenyl is the imaginative artwork of Julien Canavezes. Chocovenyl provides PVC free wall decor which is easily repositioned without damaging walls. More importantly, you will find truly unique illustrations attained through collaboration with leading international artists. Enter code: TTW for 10% off at checkout.

6 Choose your favorite sport and customize this shirt to reflect your child’s sense of personality and adventure. Sports Kids has a large range of actives to choose from and are sure to bring a smile to all sports enthusiast. Keep an eye out, wheelchair basketball kids tees to arrive any day. Available in sizes 2-10. Enter code: TTW in coupon box for 10% off all purchases thru 3/31/10.

7 A realistic false wood finish is decked out with the sea-worthy illustrations of Johnny Yanok and filled with 192 pages of lined paper. Secret words, drawings, or plans can be locked up inside for safe-keeping. The Captain's Log (shhh...diary) is available @ galison.com.

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 3 issue 14: Love is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Love is in the air and we have found gifts and more that will help you celebrate the holiday of love. Inspire smiles with these lovely products. Plus...reunite with your true love and "Recapture the Romance."

Cover by Suymey Benson

1 Now you can stay connected and share your love with those that are far away. Logitech’s Webcam Pro 9000 features true to life optics for high quality videos that are razor-sharp, even in close-ups. Seeing the smiles on both your children and family members as they share special moments...priceless!

2 For the girls, the Heart Charmed Knotted Bracelet is the present to get. A little tough but very girly, the bracelet offers a knotted leather cord, in a natural or black color, dressed up with a 14kt rose gold heart charm. The charm can be engraved and each bracelet can fit children 2 to teen. Available at Iceingontop.com Enter code: totval10 for 10% discount storewide.

3 Pink Francie Pants get dolled up with hearts and roses for some short pants the girls go ga-ga for. Wear them any way you choose: under a skirt, with a tank, over tights. These fancy Francies can be worn any way and just about anywhere. Be sure to check out the site for the dress-up doll fun or send in a picture of how you wear your Francie Pants for a discount your next purchase. Enter code: love for 20% off your purchases.

4 Norah James Designs did not forget the boys this Valentine's Day. They've designed a boyishly appropriate Robot Tee just for the holiday. A robot with a heart can be printed on your choice of a long or short sleeve tee...personalized for his wearing pleasure. FREE Shipping.

5 Whether you choose one or decide to cluster, the Heart Peel & Stick Mirror from Roommates surely is an easy, fast, & cool way to decorate a room. Just peel off the backing and attach it to any flat surface: bedroom walls, lockers, & even ceilings. The mirrors are fully removable and easy to clean. Enter code: LOVELY for 15% off all purchases thru 2/21/10.

6 A timeless Valentine confection is introduced to the pastime of puzzle making for a long-lasting relationship that's anything but boring. Any sweet tooth will delight in piecing together the 20 piece Candy Heart Personalized Puzzle at Frecklebox where their name is permanently featured as the front and center treat.

7 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: KT15 for 15% purchases.

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 3 issue 13: Learning is Fun

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Learning can be and should be fun! This issue is full of products that promote thinking while having fun.

Cover by Danette Kay

1 Dictionaries will never be the same. The Talking Dictionary has the ability to immediately spell, pronounce, and give the meaning of 46,000 words in cursive or print. And, for more dollar value, it includes 5 built-in word games: Hangman, Jumble, Guess That Word, Flashcards, and Tic Tac Toe.

2 With song titles like It's a No Brainer and The Brain Train, Roger Day is clearly setting out to increase the brain power of today's younger generation. Thankfully, he has delivered quality lyrics and toe tapping beats for songs that get kids using their brains.

3 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.

4 The well-loved art of Magnetic Poetry is available in a Kid's Kit. Throw it on the fridge and let the fun begin! With words ranging from simple to challenging, this set will keep the kids busy with nearly limitless wordplay.

5 The SciQ team delivers triumphantly in Volume 2 of the Smithsonian Network's engaging science show geared toward kids. Three 25 minute episodes include the analysis of water, snow, and air. As usual, the trio of hosts turn everyday adventures into scientific explorations...showing kids how science is ever present in everyday situations.

6 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.

7 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.

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 3 issue 12: Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

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

Cover by Erin Carlyle

1 From slope to playground, this Denim Snowboard Jacket from Polarn O. Pyret keeps kids warm and dry for hours of outside fun. The rugged construction of the wind-resistant, waterproof jacket is framed from a "denim-look" fabric, Thinsulate, and fleece lining. Designed with flexibility & play in mind, the loose fitting jacket's greatest trick is thumb holes at the wrist for keeping sleeves in mittens. Huge winter sale going on now, savings up to 70% off.

2 We are huge Sunuk fans! Our newest favorite is for mom. The Laurel Chill Sidewalk Surfer combines the same rubberized Happy-U sole with a textured upper with a “Chill” liner. Come on...ride the wave of style, warmth and comfort with Sunuk.

3 Working respectfully with talented tailors of the Indian Himalyas, Eternal Creation brings forth children's clothing inspired by the blended colors & backgrounds of both founder & employees. The hand crocheted jacket of the winter collection offers a charcoal wool blend with red and white accents in it's roping and flowers. Available in sizes 2 through 10. Enter code: TTSHIP for Free International Shipping on $75 or more.

4 Here is a stylish and classic way to keep warm this winter. Choose from the many styles, colors and collections of hats and scarves for mom and the whole family at Stitches Of Faith. Each of Faith's pieces are handmade using 100% cotton yarns with organic yarns available upon request. Our favorite...the floppy Beret. Enter code: TTWSOF for Free Shipping thru 1/30.

5 The highly respected sole of KEEN is fashioned into a trendsetting boot. With fleece insides and gripping soles, the Tallinn Keen boot enables kids to romp and stomp through snow and ice with no falls & nice dry toes. Available in shades of potting soil or brandied apricot.

6 Keita Slip-On Shoes come with a "beefy" non-slip Vibram sole and genuine sheepskin lining to handle the inclement conditions of winter. Combined with chocolate suede uppers, these slip-ons from Soft Star Shoes are perfect for stepping in and stepping out for a quick jaunt to the store or anywhere. Available in youth and adult sizes.

7 Spell out fun with handcrafted blankets and pillows at Butterscotch Blankees. Choose from 11 designs using 2 color combinations personalized with name, initials and date. Arrives packaged in butterscotch foil paper tied with bronze tulle ribbon on the ends.

8 Get all wrapped up in this double-layered scarf of many colors. Made of 100% cotton and 101 inches long … This scarf is the perfect way to stay warm while expression their love for color. Available at Little Miss Matched.

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 3 issue 11: Editor's Picks

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:02:00 +0000

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 Shannon Stewart

1 When the mission is a good night's sleep, venture on over to Barn Dandy's. They've got a sleeping bag that is out of this world. Comfy & cozy with a vintage moonwalk feel.

2 Great. Great. Great. "Reduce your forkprint" with reusable bamboo utensils & chopsticks. Each set of RePEaT utensils comes in a storage case made of recycled PET plastic bottles. But, that's not it! To-Go Ware also has the most fabulous stainless steel food carrier. Works with both hot and cold foods. The 2 tier system is fashioned after a lunch box system used in India. Use just the top, stack them up, &/or store dressing/sauces in the sidekick tiffin. Stupendous!

3 Get to steppin' with Sidewalk Surfers from Sanuk. The Culprit's canvas upper comes with an EVA soft molded footbed and a rubberized Happy-U sole. These make great house shoes for the winter months.

4 The tight weave of the fabric used in UVSkinz sunblock clothing provides 50+spf protection by blocking 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love it because it's chemical-free sun protection which doesn't need continuous reapplying. Plus chlorine resistant. Easy & effective!

5 The black tie and rocker buttons on this tee are all a bluff. Call it the safe way for tots to get their rock on. Go to shrnk to find this and other "stylin' hip rags for newborns & kids".

6 For any little girl, the Camille skirt is a perfect addition for her summer wardrobe. It is made of light-weight cotton with a fun flare and gathered waist. Visit sweetfunkyvintage and check out their hip, stylish, boutique clothing for babies and girls up to size 12.

7 18" dolls with gorgeous life-like characteristics and personality traits offer friendship and a little something extra. Each Friends Forever Girl has a unique story about her family life and friends. Kyleen is special because she shares a story of shyness which her friends are helping her to overcome most triumphantly.

8 The finishing touch to any fall fashion is a great bag. Made of denim to sturdily hold all those heavy duty school supplies, after-school sports equipment, or goodies for a weekend sleepover. A gonto bag has a cushioned strap for shoulder comfort and comes with lots of pockets for organization.

9 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.

10 What a beautiful sentiment to wear around your neck, “Blessed beyond measure.” Treat yourself or buy this for any woman on your holiday list. Add additional charms, Birthstones or initials. Hand crafted from fine silver @ Madison Reece Designs.

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 3 issue 10: Holiday Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:38:00 +0000

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 Allison Cottrill

1 Top notch workmanship and gorgeous fabric make up this Pinwheel Empire dress from Hoot Baby. A dose of vintage charm with colors that pop off the fabric and contrasting him, waistband and sash pull this look together for the perfect outfit for the holidays or any occasion. Available in sizes 12 months to size 6 $48. Enter code: ttwdiscount for 25% off thru 12/15/09.

2 The Black Dress from Chanel, available in sizes 2 through 12, is able to adjust accordingly to the style needs of any age. The taffeta bubble skirt gets just a hint of jingle from a pretty bow and the garden of rosebuds attached to its tulle bodice. Stunning, yet adorable! Purchase at cutieclothes.com. On sale for $38.95

3 Snazzy and just perfect for those little girls who grow up so quickly before our eyes. Igloo Island's party dress offers a scoop neck in a shimmering gold fabric with black spots.

4 Smooth textured fabrics form the headband and crimson bloom of the Red Velvet Holiday Flower Headband. Just one of many elegant holiday headbands and hair bows available from Petite Fleur Designs & Co. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off.

5 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.

6 A casual sweater which dresses up nicely for holiday festivities. Available in 4 color combinations to fit right into the wardrobe of any little man. Satisfies Moms with style and boys with leisurely comfort. Available at bodenusa.com

7 The Monnalisa dress @ Everything But The Princess envelops little girls with comfort and class. The scarlet red fabric slouches with a touch of elegance at the neck and finishes off with a neatly pleated skirt for the perfect compliments of pretty & proper. Enter code: TTW119 for Free shipping.

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 Collection Bundle 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 3 issue 9: Holiday Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:12:00 +0000

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 Amy Hall

1 Pulse Scooters introduces the NEW Slither Drift Scooter. Hold on to the handles and slide the board from side to side for crazy turns and awesome glides. Propels without kicking. This is no ordinary scooter!

2 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.

3 Circles, stars, and flowers in hot colors help accessorize ordinary tees, giving them a custom fit by pulling together extra fabric. Transform the look of tees with a loopteeloo. Enter code: TRENDS for 25% off purchases thru 12/13/09.

4 Bloom Putty is the twistable, poppable, sniffable play stuff for kids of all ages. Free of most allergens, this putty is scented with organic & natural oils. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off through 12/15/09.

5 The unique sidewalls of Bakers Edge Simple Lasagna Pan keep noodles, sauce, and cheese neatly stacked...no matter how many slices get served. Fabulous!

6 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.

7 lil’ ol’ me has the girls on your Christmas list covered with this lollipop lane 6" rainbow bracelet. Adored with Swarovski crystal and beads and held together with a silver heart toggle. 100% of net profits go to a foundation for autism. Each lollipop comes with a wonderful message/poem on the back of card.

8 What a beautiful sentiment to wear around your neck, “Blessed beyond measure.” Treat yourself or buy this for any woman on your holiday list. Add additional charms, Birthstones or initials. Hand crafted from fine silver @ Madison Reece Designs. Enter code: KTW for Free shipping on all purchases.

9 ReSnackIt, reusable sandwich and snack bags, available in many adorable prints for girls and boys. Great stocking stuffers! Buy three or more ReSnackIts and receive 10% off.

10 Get to steppin' with Sidewalk Surfers from Sanuk. The Culprit's canvas upper comes with an EVA soft molded footbed and a rubberized Happy-U sole. These make great house shoes for the winter months.

11 Spice up sport shorts with Bskinz. Wild & psychedelic prints turn these spandex shorts from plain to insanely great. 15% will be deducted from your purchase at checkout thru 12/31/09.

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 3 issue 8: Personal Point of View

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:38:00 +0000

In our pursuit for fabulous personalized gifts for this weeks issue we found many fun products including jewelry that lets you wear your memories with style.

Cover by Carrie Steffe

1 Bling on the leggings! A word or name of your liking is bejeweled onto a pair of leggings to add an unrivaled zing to any outfit. Available in black for a truly brilliant effect. Check out paperlili.com for these and other great personalized items. Enter code: FRIEND for 20% off thru 11/28/09

2 You will love Gina Alexander designer photo handbags. Upload your personal photos and whala you have mementos that travel with you each day, reminding you of the people, places and things you love! Professionally designed, each bag is handmade from scratch in Hollywood, California and will arrive at your door in 4-6 weeks.

3 A hand-sculpted & hand-stamped pendant of sterling silver gets gussied up by a sweetly sized heart pendant and a sterling silver rolo chain. Whether it is stamped with an initial of a loved one or your own letter of recognition, the initial charm bracelet from Patricia Carolyn Designs makes a perfect gift. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases thru 12/5/09.

4 Identify your style with a necklace from the Big Girl Workshop. Choices galore offer girls the ability to make a necklace that's all their own. Necklaces can be enhanced with charms of letters, icons, crystals...just about anything to exhibit a spirit of individuality.

5 Keep the world organized on a weekly basis with a Monday-Friday Magnetic Planner. A polka-dotted planner has spots to jot down activities of Monday through Friday, while saving space for the ever important weekend plans. Easily identify each family member's planner with your choice of five colors and a name written on top @ emtannerdesigns.com Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off purchases thru 11/28/09.

6 Polka Dot Tot allows you to completely personalize this fabulously soft oversized adult throw with over 45 different fabrics. Use their easy to follow website that will walk you through the process easily. Totally reversible and available in 6 sizes. Enter code: PoshTrends20 for 20% off your purchases.

7 Deck the walls with the funky letters of Twelve Timbers. Each letter is 10.5 inches tall, can be glitzed with glitter, and coordinates perfectly with available funky wall shapes. Find them at thefrogandprincess.com in a wide array of colors.

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 choice 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 3 issue 7: Rock Star

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:46:00 +0000

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

Cover by Michelle Huesgen

1 Lilly Plum spins classic vinyl black with punk rock pink to create another original design for teens and tweens. The hand-crafted jewelry comes with a square or circular pendant attached to satin cording of your choice. Add some character to your piece with an optional bead cluster. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off your purchases.

2 A classic tee is pasted with a message of devotion to the clan. Schatzi Inc. delivers unto today's youth the Me and the Boys tee. Sizes available to fit bros of 3-6 months up to 12 years. Just announced, a blow out sale on this tee for $18, WOW!

3 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.

4 Fuel up for fun with a personalized plate from mycleanplate.com. Gleaming hues set the backdrop for a blue electric guitar and a message that rocks. Printed on a 10" melamine plate. Durable & dishwasher safe. Enter code: TTW2009 for 15% off your purchases.

5 This Lucky Kid Rock Revolution tee is full of style and comfort. Adorned with three rockin’ skeletons celebrating the years 1776-1976 with Rock, Roll, and Remembrance. Tons of detail for -$29.

6 It all starts with two layers of pink tulle, but add some zebra print ribbon and the funk and spunk of the Rock N Roll Tutu is born. An elasticized waistband keeps things in place during movin' and groovin' sessions. Find sizes to fit 17" waists up to 21" waists (and more if needed) at Kinderbloom. Enter code: KIDTRENDS1 for 15 % off thru 12/31/09.

7 For those who want to rock, Munchkin Designs salutes you with the “I want to rock” tee. Available for boys & girls in both long and short sleeve sizes. Please note: permission has been given to abuse your freedom of expression by selecting custom colors...Munchkin Designs would be happy to oblige! Enter code: kidstrend for 20% off any rock n roll themed tee thru 11/10/09.

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 3 issue 6: Fall Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

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 Megan Cristello

1 Matilda Jane's trunk full of goodies holds this little gem for the tweenies. As comfy as a shirt, but as spiffy as a dress. The leggings make the outfit. What girl wouldn't love 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 Colette Kids carries a figure fitting hoodie made just for Mom. The Ling Ling Panda Bear, one of their most popular designs, is screen-printed by hand onto this long sleeved gem made in the USA. Enter code: KTW20 for 20% off all purchases.

4 Editors Pick- Igloo Island's denim jumper dress gets its golden glow from gold Lurex thread entwined in the fabric. Wash after wash, this jumper holds its sparkle. Find this and many other fabulous fashions at Mytinycloset.com. Enter code: TTW9A for 20% thru 10/15.

5 The finishing touch to any fall fashion is a great bag. Made of denim to sturdily hold all those heavy duty school supplies, after-school sports equipment, or goodies for a weekend sleepover. A gonto bag has a cushioned strap for shoulder comfort and comes with lots of pockets for organization. Enter code: Save10 in code box for 10% off purchases.

6 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.

7 We adore this chunky sweater at Mini Boden. This pullover is big on warmth and style. Choose from brown and blue, brown and green or red and grey. The cotton cashmere blend gives it just the right amount of softness while allowing laundry ease.

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 3 issue 5: The Great Toy Review

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:34:00 +0000

This issue is full of some of our favorite new toys on the market to keep your children entertained, educational and bring out creativity.

Cover by Allison Cottrill

1 88 color coded Bee cards and a 10" inflatable bee hive are the main ingredients of a game capable of 8 variations. The primary object is to spell words faster than your opponent with the Bee Cards pulled from the hive. A Bee C Buzz is the name, and learning letters and spelling is the game. Available @ learningresources.com. Enter code: CLEAR40 for an additional 40% off of clearance items on the site!

2 Clips from all three Ice Age movies are included in a fun DVD formatted game with tileboard. Players play along with favorite characters to solve on-screen puzzles and collect acorns by winning video challenges. A perfect gamenight challenge for fans of the Ice Age trilogy. Amazon.com

3 18" dolls with gorgeous life-like characteristics and personality traits offer friendship and a little something extra. Each Friends Forever Girl has a unique story about her family life and friends. Kyleen is special because she shares a story of shyness which her friends are helping her to overcome most triumphantly. Enter code: 1065 for Free UPS ground shipping

4 Pool Sharks adds a little bite to the traditional game of pool. A spring-loaded shark stick snaps balls into the fish shaped corner pockets for the twist that makes this game a hit! Fine tune some hand-eye coordination with this game from Gamewright.

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 Visit Wee Little Sprouts for this natural stained wooden board piece that is carved with a tic-tac-toe pattern and indentations for marble playing pieces. Brass keepers hold the red and blue marbles inside the board when not in use, hence the name...Tic Tac Traveler. Toss it in a bag for on the spot fun in a restaurant, waiting room, or wherever you need a little distraction. Enter code: tottrends0909 to receive a FREE BC Mini Eraser with any purchase greater than $15 thru 10/20/09.

7 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!

8 Citiblocs 200 piece set is the perfect size for builders who are just starting out. All blocks are sized and shaped the same, compatible with all Citibloc sets, and all Kapla sets too! Size and compatibility account for the unlimited building possibilities children will experience. Great play for kids from pre-school to elementary school and beyond.

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 3 issue 4: Black & White

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

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 Tonya Dailey

1 Hanna Anderson has a hoodie to keep the boys cozy and warm through the crisp chill of autumn mornings. Black french terry knit forms the outer shell, while lamby microplush fleece lines the torso of this truly all-boy hoodie. Worth every penny @ $48! Pre-Season School Sale Up to 20% Off select school clothing essentials thru 9/15/09.

2 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!

3 The SIGG Butterfly Night water bottle is a compilation of small digital images arranged into the shape of a butterfly. The bold color contrasts create a dazzling backdrop for this 0.6L eco-friendly aluminum bottle. Change the look of your sigg in an instant with their new line, siggskins. Choose from a large selection of pre-printed skins or personalize by uploading your own image.

4 Black & white lampwork beads are accented with sterling silver beads & caps, and glass Czech crystals. The youth bracelet is 6.25 inches in length, but can be adjusted to fit smaller sizes. Visit Allura Marie for this Hot Off the Press bracelet. Enter code: 501104444 for 15% off all purchases.

5 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.

6 Oh so pretty and stylish...these reusable shopping bags @ scribblesnsuch.com are appropriately named Spunky Skunk. Black white and a little charm make up these polypropylene water-resistant, easy to clean bags. Check out their complete spunky skunk line. Enter code: LOTS OF TOTS for a free package of Princess and the Pea Foldover Notecards (an $11 value.) with orders totaling $50 or more thru 9/30/09

7 Everything but the princess is the place to spot this Black & White Leopard Print Pettiskirt. Layers of fluffy black toile add the pouf and a satin bow adds just the right accent to the animal print. Wild & wonderful!

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.

v 3 issue 3: Tooth Fairy

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Calling all Tooth Fairies… We are all hopelessly sentimental about our children’s lost teeth. This issue is packed with products for saving and cherishing their baby teeth.

Cover by Shannon Stewart

1 Visit the Wiggly Tooth Factory for a one-of-a-kind tooth fairy pillow. Great fabrics and a hand-embroidered face make this a tooth shaped pillow any molar would love. Any kind of tooth goes into the back pocket of this sweetie, but what comes out is up to the Tooth Fairy. Mention TTW at checkout for 15% off total purchase.

2 Learn the secret tricks of the Tooth Fairy and catch up on the mayhem of her job in You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? Written by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt and illustrated by David Slonim. A silly, beautifully illustrated storybook filled with all the information a kiddo needs to know.

3 Now your child can make their very own tooth fairy keepsake box. Just mold and paint...complete with a certificate. Let their creative juices flow with this one. - Amazon.com

4 The tooth fairy has quite a job to do organizing all those teeth. Now she can organize all the incoming teeth with this hand-crafted Baby Tooth Album Keepsake. The lid has an attached tooth guide to record dates and notes.

5 Fly on over to bcause i said so for a fabulous tee any toothless child will love. This tee is printed with the simple, yet laugh inducing statement...on the Tooth Fairy's payroll. All tees on special for $12

6 The Tooth Fairy Gift Set from Lollipop Rascals comes stacked with treasures for a little someone anticipating their first visit from the dentist's favorite fairy. The set includes Alan Durant's Dear Tooth Fairy storybook, a Fancy Prancy Tooth Fairy Princess doll holding a tulle bag for safe toothkeeping, and a lovely jewelry box with a dancing fairy spinning to the tune of Beautiful Dreamer. Enter code: tooth fairy for 25% off their entire tooth fairy line thru 8/30.

7 One letterpress Certificate of Record for filing a primary tooth loss and one eco-friendly cloth bag for subsequent filings are combined in the Official Tooth Fairy Kit. Spaces to write down all of the important information of the incident, including name, date, method of extraction, and compensation. - spunkysprout.com. Enter code: twm10 for 10% off any order over $100 plus free shipping on all orders.

This weeks mom tips
Organizing Tips:
Even in small bathrooms there's space for organization — you just have to know where to look. Over the toilet bath furniture is a great place to put extra toilet paper, toiletries and even towels. If you don’t keep the toilet seat down, opt for a unit with cabinets or closed shelving. You can find attractive shelving at major home stores, usually for less than $100.

Time Saving Tips:
As soon as you pull sheets and pillow cases out of the dryer, or off the line, place all matching flat sheets, fitted sheets and additional pillowcases, inside one of the matching pillowcases. The entire set will be together next time you want to use it.

Financial Tip:
To earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) and treasury bills or notes.

Green Tip:
Fill 'er up! Make it a full load. The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads.

How to Take Care of Your Child's Teeth
As a parent, you have a big role to play in keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean. You can help prevent cavities. Prevention starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth.

As soon as you begin to see your child's first tooth erupt into their mouth, that's when you should begin to brush their teeth. You should not use toothpaste of any kind, but a soft bristle tooth brush and warm water would be just fine. Remember it only takes one tooth to develop dental decay. You should begin flossing when two teeth have erupted, and are touching.

Why Floss?
According to the American Dental Association, flossing once a day is key to keeping the mouth healthy. Apart from reducing cavities and bad breath, flossing has an even more important purpose. Without flossing, you’re leaving behind roughly 40 percent of the bacteria present in your mouth. Flossing removes the tiny bacteria that reside between teeth, bacteria that are responsible for producing acid, which eat away at tooth enamel. Bacteria are also notorious for contributing to bad breath. The earlier kids get into the habit of flossing, the sooner they’re on the road to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Children are especially vulnerable while are on the verge of developing a permanent set of teeth. Look for products that make it easier on children to floss, such as items with plastic handles. These are often more hygienic anyway, since the floss is not being directly handled.

Preventing Cavities
Diet plays a large role in preventing cavities. When your child eats or drinks sugars, the germs (bacteria) in your child's mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the hard outer layer of teeth (also called enamel). It can make holes (or cavities) in the teeth. Avoiding sweets, sticky foods. That means anything down the gummy snack isle. These snacks lodge in the deep crevices and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Give your kids 100% juices with no sugar added instead of the so called juice made with only 10% real juice. We water down juice in our house 50/50.

If you start early, and teach your kids healthy habits, you can ensure that they will have healthy teeth for life.

v 3 issue 2: Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:02:00 +0000

This issue is full of products for the kiddos headed back-to-school soon. From fashion to adorable bags and more.

Cover by Julie Cruz

1 A messenger bag which doubles as a backpack! Comes with water bottle compartments, a pencil organizer, zippered mesh pocket, and a matching insulated lunch bag. Functional & fabulous. - stylishkidsrooms.com. Enter code: TTWMAG for 10% off total purchase over $99.

2 The perfect back to school shoe.... Treat you little girl as well as yourself to these fantastic shoes from Cape Clogs. The soles are made of alder wood for longevity and wearability. Uppers made of high quality leathers in a multitude of patters and styles. Beware you will struggle to choose your favorites when purchasing these fantastic Swedish made clogs.

3 Dittany Baby tights have the ability to jazz up any outfit. Floral prints, wild colors, & animals take part in the 23 design choices. So fun, it's hard to pick just one. Enter code: TTWBTS09 for 15% off your purchases thru 8/20.

4 EM Tanner Designs is stacked with back to school accessories. The Me2aTEE backpacks and vertical funk water bottles are only two of the spunky designs to choose from. Both the backpack & the aluminum water bottle can be personalized with a name, so kiddos can easily keep track of their stuff! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

5 Colored artist pencils are sure to stimulate the imagination of any child when they have creative names like banana yellow, mushroom green, & galaxy blue. Encased in a decorative tin for safe keeping, each set contains 24 rainbow colored pencils. - grasshopperstore.com.

6 The Busy Body Book is a necessity for organizing the activities of a new school year. Those in charge of the family business get a week-by-week view of schedules for the entire family. Vertical lines represent individual schedules and horizontal lines give a glance of the whole family's daily plan. Enter code: BBBtot for 10% off your purchases thru 8/16.

7 Smooth lines and cool colors lend a modern feel to this lunch tote from milkdot. Moms & kids can proudly store snacks and lunches in one of the snazziest lunch bags with an easy to carry handle and personal i.d. tag. Great deal at $25.

8 The lines of these Pylarn O. Pyret items may be straight & narrow, but the clothes are all fun. Shirts, ants, and even toys can be found dressed in stripes. 100% organic. Enter code: Autumn for FREE shipping for orders of $50 or more.

Bathroom DIY Projects for Mom:
If you're a mom without much help around the house, you might feel intimidated by the prospect of doing your own home repair. There's no reason you can't do minor bathroom projects on your own. Here are a few small jobs you can do in the bathroom to improve things immensely.

Stripping and Replacing Caulk
This one isn't a lot of fun for most people, but it's not hard at all. To strip and replace caulk, you'll need a scraping tool of some kind, such as a razor blade (wear gloves to protect your hands), water or caulk remover (start with water) and new caulk, plus a caulk gun. Silicone caulks are the most popular and versatile, but you can also choose acrylics and other options.

There are even attractively colored caulks available - just make sure you get one that's mildew proof. Scraping the old caulk out mostly involves physical work, plus soaking the area with wet rags for a few days or using rubbing alcohol or commercial caulk remover to get rid of the residue. Once that's done, let the area dry, then apply your new caulk in an even bead with the caulk gun. Work with a steady, smooth motion and don't be afraid to wipe it up and try again.

Replacing Faucets
Changing out nonfunctional faucets on the sink or tub, or simply installing a new washer to stop a drip in its tracks, are relatively easy. Sure, you'll have to turn the water off under the sink or at the source (depending on the design of the sink), but it's hard to mess this job up. Just make sure you understand which type of faucet you have if you'll be disassembling it, and the package instructions if you'll be installing a new one, and don't do the job in a rush.

Changing Light Fixtures
This is a relatively simple procedure as well. Be sure that the current to the fixture is off, then follow the instructions on the package. Always be careful when dealing with electricity, and make sure any ladders you use are stable. However, putting in a new light fixture is really quite easy.

New Paint or Wallpaper
If you've painted or wallpapered before, this will be a relatively easy job (though painting and wallpapering behind radiators and toilets can be tricky). If you haven't taken on a task of this type before, be sure to talk to someone who has, and take it a little at a time. Read up extensively on the job. If you're working behind fixtures, old wallpaper can be removed with a long scraper, and new paper can be carefully worked in using both hands, then smoothed with a roller.

Installing a Spa Shower Head
This is a super simple job, especially if you have an easily removed shower head. Some can simply be screwed right onto the protruding pipe, with no adhesives required. Older heads may require you to use solvents and a wrench to remove the old head, and glues to attach the new one. Remember to use pipe tape to prevent any leaking!

Back to School Preparation
To avoid the chaos that comes with the start of a new school year start now by introducing your children to their new routines.

-Adjust bed time for back to school, transition slowly a few weeks before school starts. This way you won't have a grumpy child when it’s time to wake them up for their first day.

- Get their brains in gear. Purchase some work books and games that are geared to your child’s grade. Use them to refresh ideas that they learned last year so they are fresh in their minds when it comes time to reapply them in school.

- Arrange for before/after school care if needed. Let your child know where they will be going before/after school so that they know what to expect and who they are going to stay with.

- Have you gone through your child's wardrobe? Take them back to school shopping. Do this a little at a time. Shopping marathons are too stressful!

- Make a calendar. Get some poster board and make a giant calendar. Not only is it a great art project but your kids can get a visual idea of what their days and weeks will be like.

Whether your kids are heading to preschool or setting foot into their first years of grade school, the back to school season can be a trigger for tantrums and anxiety.

Initiate good behavior by offering them a reward for getting through the morning stress-free and sticking with their routine. Rewards can be a simple way for them to get into some positive back to school habits.

Prepare for school the night before. Avoid the anxiety of running late and not having their bag packed by preparing the night before. Make this your evening routine so they can count on having a nutritious lunch ready to go, or having the supplies and accessories they need. Even organizing their clothes for the next day can free up your time in the morning and ensure they won't go through a 'wardrobe episode' at the final hour.

When it comes to going back to school it doesn't hurt to be as prepared as possible.

v 3 issue 1: Birthday Boom

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:22:00 +0000

Kids Trends Weekly turns 2 years old!

Celebrate their special day with these fun items. Plus: Summer reading recommendations.

Cover by Suymey Benson

1 Gorgeous! Birthday girls from 3-6 months all the way up to 6 years can make this outfit all their own. Comfortable, cool cotton is hand-made into the sweet cocoa skirt and matching tank set. Available @ Dolce Baci Boutique. Enter code: code TotTrends20 for 20% off purchases thru 7/31/09.

2 Slice up the fun of a birthday party any day of the week. Children will have tons of fun reusing this 22 piece wooden birthday cake set from Pink Taffy Designs. Assembled like a puzzle, each set includes four slices of cake with candles, a serving tray, and a slicing knife.

3 Let the countdowns begin! Big Day Chains provides the necessary glue dots and perforated links for your assembling pleasure. Printed with soy-based inks on 100% recycled paper. This is a chain you will want to flaunt when it comes to counting down the days to a long awaited birthday. Enter code: ktw15 for 15% off purchases thru 8/2/09.

4 Make it simple and neat. Send kiddos home with an oversized cookie as a favor! Sweet Papier lets you personalize a set of 12 cookie bags with font, design, message... Just stuff it with a scrumptious cookie and voila, the favors are done. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for free ground shipping on orders $50+ thru 8/2/09.

5 The possibilities seem limitless @ bug & goose when it comes to options for a personalized tee. However, once you get focused, a few quick clicks will get you a birthday boy's (or girl's) t-shirt personalized with an appliqued number in your choice of heather gray, baby blue, or navy. Enter code: Trends15 for 15% off purchases thru 8/03/09.

6 In a world of personalized gifts, My Very Own Name at iseeme.com is a storybook which safely strays off the beaten path to give a little bit more bang for your buck. The personalized storybook teaches children to spell their first & last name one letter at a time through rhymes. Includes a few other goodies too. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off any purchase thru 8/2/09.

7 Nothing is more unique than having your child design their own artwork for party invitations. With Ruva Cards, you scan the artwork & they will turn it into a one-of-a-kind invitation, thank you card, or stationary. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off total purchase thru 8/30/09.

Simple Suggestions to Care for your Skin
Skincare sounds like a big job but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need fancy products to make your skin healthy. Some of the best ways to care for your skin are also the simplest and can be done with very little hassle.

Healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body. When something is wrong internally, it will show in your skin. Pimples and blackheads signify that something is off balance internally. Lack of proper vitamins can lead to dry skin. Maybe you have noticed that your skin shows what you try to hide.

There is hope for you and your skin. Skincare begins at the basic level. Before you apply makeup or other products, care needs to be taken to get your skin in the best shape possible. Here are a few suggestions to help you do that.

1. Drink plenty of water each day. Water gives your body an internal shower. The body is around 90 percent water anyway. It takes a lot to replenish what the body uses and what you lose everyday through perspiration and urination. Nutritionists recommend eight to ten glasses but you can drink as much water as you can handle. Water moisturizes the skin from the inside.

2. Exercise. This may be easier said than done for moms with small children. Give baby a day out with a jaunt in a jog stroller. Even if you are walking, these strollers are designed to absorb shock so baby stays comfortable. Exercise improves circulation, oxygen utilization in the body and flexibility in the muscles. It also helps you to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Sleep. Lack of sleep doesn’t just scramble your brain. Skin begins to show signs of stress. During sleep, the body’s cells go to work repairing damage done during the day. Without restorative sleep, you don’t get an internal body makeover. For your skin, this means wrinkles, dry patches and a dull sheen. Exercise also helps you sleep deeper and more restful. If your kids wake up early in the morning, prepare to go to bed when they do to get at least seven to eight hours a night.

4. Eat more raw foods. Processed foods contain chemicals and preservatives that the body was never meant to digest. Maybe that is why we suffer such stomach upset from certain foods. Foods in their natural state like fruits and vegetables are power-packed with nutrients to meet your daily needs. Instead of a glass of apple juice, reach for the apple itself. You’ll ingest a good amount of fiber to keep you regular and less hungry as you run after your kids.

5. Use sunscreen when you head outdoors. Even thirty minutes in the park can damage your skin without sun protection. It can lead to wrinkling and age spots. Carry sunscreen in your purse for the kids and apply it to your skin as well. For kids, an SPF or 45 or higher is great.

Want to keep your skin looking great? Try these suggestions and reveal the natural glow in your skin.

Summer reading with Tundra Books
Research shows that children and adolescents that read over the summer months have a leg-up at the start of the school year. A good book can also take your child to far-off places, soar their imagination, and make summer vacation a blast.

We have chose to review some our favorite Tundra Books. Tundra Books is Canada’s oldest English language children’s publisher. Over the years Tundra has been dedicated to helping people tell their own stories, to introducing gallery artists to young children, and to keeping in print the books children love, so they can share them years later with their own children.

Thing-Thing
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon

Thing-Thing, not any sort of animal at all, had the hope that one day it would find a child to love it, talk to it, play with it and take it to bed. A child it could love back. As he journeyed through the air after being discarded by a little boy he landed right where he belonged. Age 4-7

A Wizard in Love
Written by Mireille Levert
Illustrated by Marie Lafrance

Hector, a retired wizard, lives happily with his cat, Poison, in a dilapidated house at the edge of the forest. They are content to pass the time in front of the TV, eating cookies. Their days are peaceful and quiet until Isobel moves in next door and her voice puts him in a trance. Cute love story! Age: 4 UP

The Lime Green Secret
Written by Georgia Graham

Fran is so excited about being chosen as flower girl for her sister’s wedding. As she stares in awe at the flower-girl attire the temptation is too great and she gives in and puts on the entire wedding outfit piece by piece as her imagination and adventures take her on an unstoppable journey days before the wedding. This book brings little girl’s fantasies to life with unpredictable results. Age: 4-7

Here a Face, There a Face
Written by Arlene Alda

Search for faces in unusual places. Faces are found on buildings, in trees, mailboxes, and fountains. Funny, grumpy, comical, or sad, they are almost anywhere a child’s imagination wants to go. The easy-to-read text makes this book perfect for the young readers. Age: 3-8

v 2 issue 25: It's Fun Being Green

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Make the world more beautiful with the gift of green living. This issue is packed with all things Eco.

Cover by Allison Cottrill

1 Great. Great. Great. "Reduce your forkprint" with reusable bamboo utensils & chopsticks. Each set of RePEaT utensils comes in a storage case made of recycled PET plastic bottles. But, that's not it! To-Go Ware also has the most fabulous stainless steel food carrier. Works with both hot and cold foods. The 2 tier system is fashioned after a lunch box system used in India. Use just the top, stack them up, &/or store dressing/sauces in the sidekick tiffin. Stupendous!

2 Neela certainly has a nifty way of toting all your reusable bags into the grocery store. Each market pack stores 5 fold-up market totes in a carrying case which can double as a lunch pack. Great washable designs have gusseted bottoms, 1" wide shoulder straps, and are made of durably soft polypropylene. Enter code: NEELAFF for 20% your total purchase thru 7/19.

3 Made of 100% combed organic Cotton this tiger organic Tee by Kipendo is perfect for delicate skin. The pattern is bold and the fabric is super organic soft. Available @ rocknsprouts in sizes 2T-12. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your total purchase.

4 Go Popsi! Popsi is the daughter of Mother Nature. By being made into a doll, she saves 20 minutes of electricity and five P.E.T. bottles from going into the landfill. Read her story and check out all the fun @ gopopsi.com. By purchasing the book, doll, & bag combination, you'll definitely contribute to "Giving the Earth a Helping Hand".

5 Eco-ditty has 100% organic reusable snack & sandwich bags which go by the names of snack-ditty & wich-ditty. Now, even lunch can enjoy the benefits of being green by losing the plastic and dipping into organic cotton. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 Nothing says green like a good 'ole frog...unless of course he is peacefully positioned on a 100% organic woman's tee with a scoop neck and 3/4 length sleeves. Live with Love offers people & planet friendly apparel for Mom, kids, & babies. Enter code: KTW10 for 10% off your purchases thru 8/1/09.

This week’s mom GREEN Tips:
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!

Shopping for Organic Food on a Budget Tips:
Focus on high-pesticide count foods first. The most common conventional fruits and veggies that contain harmful chemicals and pesticides include apples, potatoes, nectarines, and spinach. Plan on spending a little more than usual on these items, and cut back on others to balance your budget.

Which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organics are not available? Check out this guide to fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides @ foodnews.org

Become a bulk buyer. This is especially useful when you're buying whole grains and lentils that can be stored easily for a few months. Bulk buying programs are also available at many coops and natural food stores, so don't be afraid to ask about discounts. This is a great way to incorporate healthy whole grains in your diet if you're not already eating them.

Choose natural or generic over premium brands. This is easier to do at supermarkets such as Trader Joe's and even Whole Foods in some cases. Look for the store's brand over the premium for savings, and take advantage of manufacturer coupons whenever possible.

Teaching Kids to Respect the Environment
One of the best ways to get your kids to respect the environment is to show them the impact of their actions on the world around them. Our children have key role to play in protecting the future of our planet. As we teach our children about the world we need to teach them about their role as stewards of the earth. Kids appreciate that kind of information especially when they feature prominently in the information being presented.

One example of how we can start teaching children to respect the environment in simple and tangible ways is to examine the way we dispose of our garbage. Garbage disposal is a chore many kids are given because it is simple to do – carry the garbage out to the curb. Why not introduce your kids to the whole concept of what we do with garbage so that they might think twice about how they discard items, especially recyclable ones.

Kids should be informed that our garbage can hurt us. Certain chemicals if disposed of incorrectly can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibility the food we eat. Examples are thermostats that contain mercury, oil paints and pesticides. Examine with your child the household items around your house that may be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If unsure about some products, talk to the retailer or read product labels carefully to find out if safe disposal methods are recommended.

Encourage your kids to recycle paper and all other recyclable items around the house (look for the recycling symbol that is on many items, like plastic containers).

Discuss the fact that the country is running out of landfills and scientists are still trying to find safer and more affordable ways to burn garbage. Our best strategy is to reduce what we throw away and reuse or recycle as much as possible.

Teach your kids about the products that pollute our environment like our cars and get into the habit of walking or riding a bike to destinations, whenever possible. The next time you decide to buy a car think about the eco-friendly hybrid car (powered by gas and electricity) and involve your kids in the research process for your next eco-friendly vehicle.

When you are outside with your children take the time to highlight the distinct beauty of nature. Point out to your children the picture perfect blueness of the sky on a clear, bright day. In early spring find where lilacs or other pungent and lovely spring flowers are growing, and encourage the kids to sniff the unique scents of these spring treats. Cultivate a love for nature by awakening in your children an appreciation for the natural world.

With these tips, your children will learn to not only embrace nature but will grow into adults that will respect the environment because they know, understand and appreciate what is at stake. Your kids will develop an appreciation of their responsibility not just as conscious inhabitants of earth but as caring stewards who respect the grandeur and balance of Nature.

v 2 issue 24: Girl Power

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:19:00 +0000

This issue is just for girls (and mom's!). Our picks for girls and mom's this summer. While this issue is geared towards girls, many products have styles for boys as well.

Cover by Michelle Huesgen

1 Shazam! EM Tanner has done it again. No girl can soar without these fabulous Me 2 a TEE products. Customize your girlness down to the color, length, and style of your hair. Then, make it even better by picking out colors for the eyes, the background and add embellishments. Holy choices! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

2 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. Enter code: TOTTREND10 for 10% off your purchase.

3 Swavorski crystals line up to swaddle the neck of you or your favorite sidekick. Brag about your kids or sport your favorite phrase, the sky's the limit at Hip Fusion Designs. The bars are manually stamped and the beads are hand strung for top notch quality that comes with a lifetime guarantee. We adore the great front toggle clasp and gorgeous personality. TTW for 10% off a total purchase through July 21st.

4 Express your individualism with a super cool Yourcouturekid footstool like this bed of roses footstool decorated with many layers of tulle and adorned with ballet slippers on each leg. Each stool is custom made and full of personality and style! Enter code: TotsTrend20 for 20% your a footstool thru 8/1/09.

5 Soft feel and Chic look - this is what you can expect with this stylish cap sleeve destroyed tee with fun flirty wording AMA LA VIDA VIVA LA VIDA in shimmering pink imprint. Talk about girl power to the fullest! kclosangeles.com. Enter code: SUMMER for 20% your total purchase.

6 Any girl would feel special in this tutti frutti punch tata skirt from Miss Sugar Pops. It is made with fabulously fluffy chiffon and vintage denim that is frayed at the top for a unique flair. Each skirt is an individual creation that is hand sewn or stitched by this busy shop owner and Mom. Custom Orders accepted! Enter code: trendy for 15% off your total purchase.

7 For any little girl, the Camille skirt is a perfect addition for her summer wardrobe. It is made of light-weight cotton with a fun flare and gathered waist. Visit sweetfunkyvintage and check out their hip, stylish, boutique clothing for babies and girls up to size 12. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% your total purchase.

8 All right girls, having great skin is all about taking care of it the right way and having a beauty program that is simple and easy to follow. The skin care products at Good For You Girls are made especially for young skin without toxic chemicals. Pick up the the complete skin care kit for $24.99.

Finding the perfect sitter for your children
Do you know enough about your babysitter to entrust them with your children?

We all want to be sure our children are in good hands. We need to know more than just the hourly rate when hiring a sitter.

A babysitter can be a big help, as long as you hire someone who is mature, experienced, capable, and who cares about the welfare of your children. Deciding on a childcare solution that's suitable for your child shouldn't be left solely to price or the opinions of co-workers, friends, and relatives - despite how easy that remedy may be. Rather, with quality research, you can confidently make a decision to hire the babysitter best suited to your family's needs.

Finding the perfect sitter for your children:
1. Find out if the sitter has any first aid, CPR, and babysitting training.
2. Ask how he or she would handle an emergency situation, and get examples.
3. Question the sitter about how he or she would deal with behavior issues.
4. Write down a list of requirements that are important for you and your family.
5. Have every potential babysitter provide references from your local area and call each reference with a list of questions from your list.
6. When interviewing the sitter, meet with the sitter in person at your house. Watch how the sitter interacts with your child.
7. If you decide to hire the sitter, call home frequently while you are out and continue this practice until you have established a solid relationship with the sitter.
8. Consider choosing a secondary service to perform a background check on any sitter you intend to hire.

Allow adequate lead-time in order to be selective when finding a sitter. The worst thing is to search for a last minute sitter. It makes it easy to overlook some important details about the person you’ve entrusted your child to. Start the search early enough to allow time for a personal interview.

Showcase: Mia Carina

Mia Carina is a custom designed fashion line created especially with little girls in mind. Each and every piece of clothing that is manufactured by Mia Carina is carefully designed, hand-sewn, and inspected to assure the highest of quality for your little girl.

Our passion is designing outfits that excite a little girl; there is nothing better than seeing a little girl twirl around in her gorgeous new outfit from MiaCarina.com; and knowing that we put that smile on her face. We spend hours designing new and exciting outfits each season to ensure you will always be able to find exactly what you are looking for when you visit MiaCarina.com.

Our boutique offers the highest quality girl's clothing available; our pieces are timeless and made to wear for multiple seasons. We understand that your little girl is the most precious gift; and we want you to love our clothes each and every time she puts on her MiaCarina Set.

MiaCarina.com designs have been made to fit a little girl's lifestyle; whether it be a formal occasion or everyday wear; we have something just for your little girl at MiaCarina.com.

With a love of fashion and an excellent taste for design; Mia Carina was founded. Over the years our philosophy has never changed; we love creating "high fashion for little girls" and hope you will continue to visit us over the years.

Receive FREE Shipping on all orders over $100.

v 2 issue 23: Celebrate the Great Outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:19:00 +0000

This issue contains super summer products and ideas for enjoying the great outdoors this summer with your family.

Cover by Ruthi David

1 Junior Banz offer 100% UVA/UVB protection and comfort with 5 great patterns to choose from. Available in kids sizes 4-8, these high quality shades get the job done. Enter Code: TTW09 for FREE shipping through 6/30/09.

2 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.

3 The tight weave of the fabric used in UVSkinz sunblock clothing provides 50+spf protection by blocking 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love it because it's chemical-free sun protection which doesn't need continuous reapplying. Plus chlorine resistant. Easy & effective! Enter code: TTW20 20%. Offer valid through 6/15/09.

4 Binoculare are a great way to get your children involved in the great outdoors. Make sure they can magnify objects at least seven times and have a 50mm objective lens.

5 Get the kiddies into the spirit of saving trees. Reusable cloth napkins designed to appeal to the hearts and souls of the little ones. Fabu! fabkins.com Enter code:TTW10 for 10% off your total purchase through 6/30/09

6 Bubbles are a staple in every kids summer. With Bubble Thing your child can make super long bubbles, every kid in the neighborhood will be over to try it out. Bubble Thing comes with easy to follow instructions, bubble recipes, safety instructions and trick illustrations.

7 Now your kids can sculpt castles jut like the big boys with this create-a-castle kit. It comes with tower and brick molds, a shovel, and more- all packed in it's own storage tote.

This weeks mom tips:
Time Saving Tip:
Menu Planning: Dinner is a hectic meal for busy moms who are just getting off of work or who have been busy with other activities all day. Here is some menu planning tips to help make dinner meals easy and even fun.

Schedule your meals a week in advance. This is one of the most important planning tips for meals. Knowing what you are going to eat throughout the week means less chance that you will stop off at the closest fast food joint for a convenient, but unhealthy meal. Create your shopping list from the list of ingredients to avoid buying what you don't need at the grocery store.

Cook your meals in advance. After deciding on a menu plan for the week, go ahead and fix as many meals as you can. Choose a day when the entire family can help like Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Each person can take one meal and fix it for the following week. Once everything has cooled, store it in sealed containers or casserole dishes to be frozen until the night it is needed.

Do prep work in advance. All of the meals can't be cooked at once. Some foods just taste better freshly prepared. For them, do as much prep work in advance as you can. The night of the meal, all that is needed is to add the wet ingredients and bake.

Have a leftover night. After preparing meals for five or six days, there is bound to be some food left over. Designate one night to be leftover night and let everyone mix and match for dinner. It saves mom from having to throw away any food.

Green tips:
Older showerheads can use three gallons per minute or more. New, efficient models can use two GPM or less. Also look for showerheads that deliver water in multiple small streams, rather than a fine mist; they keep water warmer and make rinsing easier. Avoid designs with multiple heads that compound water waste.

An aerator (that cylindrical device that threads onto the end of a faucet) reduces the amount of water needed to do jobs such as hand washing and dish rinsing. Look for one at the hardware store; it will be marked with the flow it permits, measured in GPM. A 2.0 GPM aerator is ideal for kitchen faucets, while a 1.0 GPM version works great for the bathroom sink.

Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.

Fun and Frugal Family Outings
Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

Go boating. If you're fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are inexpensive, and when you're done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.

Fun camping tips:
* When camping outdoors in unfamiliar areas, everyone gets a whistle. Young and old.
* Choose a campsite that fits your needs: Tent or cabin, what's right for you? Some campgrounds you can tent, but have access to plumbing in central locations to get the best of roughing it with the modern convenience of a flushable toilet and a running shower.
* Camp fire goodies, don't forget the smores! but marshmallows are not the only things you'll be cooking, popcorn, hot dogs, toast, and depending on your level of roughing it you'll be cooking on the fire a lot, have water nearby for safety and use a fire ring to contain the flames.
* Let the kids help, packing things like trail mix, raisins and peanuts, rolling sleeping bags, and so many other things the kids can help with when it comes to camping.
* Pick up some books on wildlife, bird or plant identifiers for the kids to find things while on their trip. You'll be pleasantly surprised when they start looking for the things they just read about.
* Bring a disposable camera for each family member to take pictures of their favorite things on the camping trip (kids too!) then when you get home develop the film and make a camping trip scrapbook or photo album.

Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.

v 2 issue 22: Summer Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Summer style is all about being comfortable and our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits that are practical as well as fashion-savvy.

Cover by Rachel Cohara

1 Corky and company has a whole new clothing line, kids swimwear and you will go wild over this huge selection of boutique brand girls swimwear. This halter style ties behind the neck as well as behind the back for a secure fit. Available in sizes 4-14.

2 The black tie and rocker buttons on this tee are all a bluff. Call it the safe way for kids to get their rock on. Go to shrnk to find this and other "stylin' hip rags for newborns & kids".

3 The cargo shorts at pippers are super comfortable. Great American style and roomy pockets for seashells, rocks, cars, etc. Most of all, we love the ten preppy patterns to choose from. Enter code: TOTS for 25% off the entire line -Final sale.

4 Neige 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! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchase. This can be combined with their fantastic Spring sale going on now! Exp. 5/31/09.

5 Boys ahead of the fashion curve love Knuckleheads. The cool teal color and red stitch detail as well as the pleated chest pockets make this shirt a great choice to gussy up for a special event or just appear dapper at the family barbecue.- Little Boy Chic. Enter code: tottrends for 10% off your total purchase. Exp. 7/1/09.

6 Dishwasher safe shoes, yes that's right! These OKAb Microplast® molded slip-on sandals cushions feet while remaining antimicrobial, waterproof and washable. Now for the fun part. They come equipped with an easy "change-out" ribbon. A total of 3 sets of ribbons are included with each pair of sandals. Available for both girls and Mom at littlebowpeeptails.com. Tip: Order up one size, they run a little small. Enter code: TOTTRENDS10 for 10% off your total purchase.

7 Angela Frost, available in boutiques and fine stores across the U.S., brings us a fabulous little black dress. With or without the Black Licorice Zippity Doo Da leggings, the dress is a sweet sensation. Available in sizes 2t thru 7/8.

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip:
Reusables- Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.

Financial Tip:
Get your financial life in order. If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) at work and your company offers a matching contribution, you must participate in the program and contribute enough to get the maximum match from your employer. There's no bigger priority than to get what is essentially free money from your employer.

Time Saving Tip:
Stock your produce drawer or a lower shelf in your refrigerator with snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices that your kids can grab without your help. Set up a similar area in your pantry with baggies full of dried fruit or graham crackers.

Organizing Tip:
Mail/School Papers. Put a basket by the door or counter for mail. Put a magnetic clip on the fridge labeled with each child's name for homework assignments and notes from school.

Creating a Children’s Garden
Childhood is a time of wonder and joy. Our children appreciate the new ideas we share with them through books and conversation and the mysteries of life that we attempt to teach them in our home and natural environments.

A garden is one of those mysteries of life that can be a great joy to children and parents alike.

Gardening provides so many good experiences for our kids. In addition to being able to witness and to have a hand in bringing forth new life, kids benefit from being involved in an outdoor activity that enhances our health and an appreciation for natural environments.

Here are some suggestions for key components of a child’s garden:
• There should be somewhere to play in and around the garden. Set up a sprinkler that will not only water the plants but provide fun for your child to run through.
• Kids love to hide things so a great child’s garden should have a garden ceramic or plants that encourage the hiding of objects or little giggling people.
• To assist kids in observing and caring for plants, create tiny walkways in between sections of the garden.
• Digging in the soil will always be among the top things children love about their garden. Purchase size and age appropriate tools for your kids and allow them to plant seeds in soil.

Set up a watering routine on large chart paper and use markers and dates to indicate when and how often the plants should be watered and fed plant food.

When the first sprouts poke through the ground, have your kids mark that on the chart paper. If you have a camera take a picture. Better yet if you have a digital camera you can take pictures and upload them to your computer. You can then insert the pictures into your child’s gardening document and then do all updates using the computer. Once done you’ll have a chart complete with pictures showing the plants’ actual progress. You may, however, prefer the hand drawn chart because it will contain the hand written markings of your children, which will likely be of greater sentimental value to you and your kids in the years to come.

Don’t forget to plant vegetables in addition to flowers and herbs. It might be best to use fast growing plants like nasturtium and vegetables like peas. Kids love to see the results of their hard effort fast!

When choosing which plants to include in your garden, remember that some plants are poisonous and not a good choice for a children's garden:
•Foxglove, Daphne, and laburnum

Another safety tip: Keep adult tools and garden pesticides away from your children and let them know that those items are not to be touched because they are not safe and require adult supervision.

Have fun with your children’s garden. It will be a source of great outdoor activity and memories for you and your kids for years to come. It will also provide an opportunity for educational learning and for adding some wonderful flowers and vegetables to the family garden.

v4 issue 39: Around the World

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:46:00 +0000

This issue is packed with multicultural materials to teach your children about global community in a way that is both fun and educational.

Cover by Jen Jacobs

1 Anu comes from the land of India. Dressed in fashionable attire from her native land, she is just one of the dolls from the Culture Club Kids collection at Lollipop Rascals. Made of soft tricot with hair of yarn, Anu is appropriate for play with children of 3 and older. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

2 Exotic lands, treasured customs, and amazing landscapes in full length DVD adventures. The Little Travelers allow children to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Bali, Japan, or the British Isles through the eyes of a child. Enter code: lovesaving for 25% your purchase. WOW!

3 Dreamland is the fifth recording in the World Playground series of music from Putumayo. The beautiful lullabies and soothing songs of this collection come from the lands of Africa, North & South America, Asia, and Europe. A vast collection of culturally sweet sounds. - Mother Earth and Baby Enter code TTW for 10% off your purchases

4 Tag along with a little boy and his teddy bear as they travel to Italy in CIAO BAMBINO!, or to France in BONJOUR L'ENFANT! Both books introduce children to the places and languages of our world through the pages of a scrapbook. To receive an autographed copy of these books after you purchase email dannaleahy@yahoo.com.

5 Booda Brand's Garden Dream Tee is inspired by the children of India. The purchase of this long sleeve tee with Indian textile prints, comes with a Booda promise: the gift of a book to the Room to Read program. Cocotier Kids Enter code:TOTS for 15% off your purchases

6 Global Funds for Children and Little Citizens team up to create this fantastic cotton shirt. The image on the shirt comes from one of their contest winners. All sale proceeds go directly to this wonderful organization. $28 at teacollection.com.

7 Show off your national spirit with this belt that displays flags from countries around the world. Myself belts makes dressing and undressing easy for your child. Great for promoting independence and self-confident plus they look great! Enter code: TOT for 10% off your total purchase.

8 Galloping Minds leads the way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn the words of Spanish. Through images and music, accompanied by phrases written in both English and Spanish, all the basics are covered: colors, numbers, body parts, food, and much more. $5.00 of each DVD and Free Shipping: HERE

Exposing your child to all of the cultures in our world

A Few Ideas and Suggestions for Parents

When children are young they usually don't pay any attention to the color of a mother's child skin, or other features that may look different from them. As they get older however they will probably begin to notice that other children are very different from them. They will also begin to notice that many other kids do things differently than they do. So how do you teach your child about different races and different cultures?

When your child is young, about the age of four and five, you can sit down with them and begin showering them and explaining to them about the many different races and cultures around the world. You can purchase some books and videos that will help them to see people from various countries. (wonderful choices in our review section)

The goal is to broaden your child's mind and help them to learn that there are lots of people who are different from them, and that it is very important to respect everyone. Some children are isolated for most of their childhood and unfortunately are never exposed to people of various races and cultures. So when they are older and they begin to travel and meet others they may react in a negative way. Not because they are a bad person, but just because they don't understand. Some parents even choose to help their children learn another language. As your child gets older they may choose to take another language in school. They will usually begin introducing new languages in elementary school. However when your child reaches middle school they will be able to pick and choose for themselves which language they would like to focus on.

You should also take the time to introduce your child to new foods from various places around the world. Some people live in very small towns and just are not exposed to these types of things. However thanks to the internet, you can now find tons of recipes from all around the world. If you cannot find the ingredients for some of these recipes then you can always order them online.

How about sharing an International recipe with your family once a month?
Learn how to make "Roti Indian Flat Bread" by video as well as many other International recipes at this great website: Kids Cooking Activities.

Take a journey around the world to discover the similarities we share with our global community in this new release: Seven Hands, Seven Lands. "Where in the world are all the great teachers”? They are EVERYWHERE. Nominate your teacher to win a great gift set including this wonderful book.

Instead of waiting until your child begins asking about people of different races and cultures why not take the time and teach them while they are young. This will help to make sure that your child is a well rounded individual.

Showcase: Stylish Kids Rooms

Stylish Kids Rooms is a unique children’s boutique owned and managed by Laurel Beck Design, an interior decorating firm specializing in creating spaces for infants, children, and teens. Combining Laurel's expertise in art and design with Amy's experience in creating early childhood environments, Stylish Kids Rooms offers heirloom-quality furniture, luxury bedding, designer nursery and bedroom collections, and whimsical decor.

Fit for a princess, our Cinderella Carriage Crib is the centerpiece of a royal nursery. The hand-forged iron can be customized in color and finish to match your nursery. We also offer this gorgeous piece as a twin or full bed!

Wish you could buy a whole room? That’s our specialty. Our designers have created themed bedrooms and nurseries with matching bedding, decor, and furnishings. If we don’t already have a theme to fit your style, we’ll put together a room just for you…at no extra charge!

At Stylish Kids Rooms, we know parents are shopping for more than just furniture. That’s why we work with over 40 artists and designers from around the country to offer you a unique selection of artwork, rugs, toys, diaper bags, and baby gifts.

Finally, we donate 10% of all our profits to Remnant Restoration, a ministry of design for widows and orphans. Together with corporate sponsors and volunteers, our ministry provides free bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor play spaces for recently-adopted children as well as new bedrooms, yards, and garage organization systems for widows. When you buy from Stylish Kids Rooms...you're helping us restore hope to others, one design at a time. You can get more information about our cause at www.remnantrestoration.org.

Visit us at www.StylishKidsRooms.com and receive 15% off your order when you spend $100 or more. Use Voucher Code TOTSWEEK at checkout.

v 2 issue 21: Around the World

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:40:00 +0000

This issue is packed with multicultural materials to teach your children about global community in a way that is both fun and educational.

Cover by Timothi Jane Graham

1 Tag along with the Roberts family as they explore London. You will enjoying learning all about the history and culture of this storied city in Travel With Kids London. Enjoy their complete award winning family travel guide series packed with history, culture and excellent tips for traveling...move over Griswalds.

2 Show off your national spirit with this belt that displays flags from countries around the world. Myself belts makes dressing and undressing easy for your child. Great for promoting independence and self-confident plus they look great! Enter code: TOT for 10% off your total purchase.

3 Get down on the floor and have fun exploring the world through vibrant colored images of animals, agriculture, and many other features in this Award winning world floor puzzle at Lollipop Rascals. Twenty four jumbo pieces that make up 8" x 11" x 3 1/2" of educational fun! Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

4 Explore the concept of community in this wonderful book featuring "Words of Wisdom from Fred Rogers,”. Be My Neighbor explores the concept of neighborhood though stories and images of 37 countries.

5 Exotic lands, treasured customs, and amazing landscapes in full length DVD adventures. The Little Travelers allow children to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Bali, Japan, or the British Isles through the eyes of a child. Enter code: lovesaving for 25% your purchase. WOW!

6 Anu comes from the land of India. Dressed in fashionable attire from her native land, she is just one of the dolls from the Culture Club Kids collection at Lollipop Rascals. Made of soft tricot with hair of yarn, Anu is appropriate for play with children of 3 and older. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

7 Tag along with a little boy and his teddy bear as they travel to Italy in CIAO BAMBINO!, or to France in BONJOUR L'ENFANT! Both books introduce children to the places and languages of our world through the pages of a scrapbook. To receive an autographed copy of these books after you purchase email dannaleahy@yahoo.com.

8 Follow the lives of a family with two children through the daily life activities of Puerto Rico. The fun starts at breakfast and doesn't stop until bedtime. With The Families of the World series children get to learn all about the community, schools, homes... of a selected region of the world.

Exposing your child to all of the cultures in our world

A Few Ideas and Suggestions for Parents

When children are young they usually don't pay any attention to the color of a mother's child skin, or other features that may look different from them. As they get older however they will probably begin to notice that other children are very different from them. They will also begin to notice that many other kids do things differently than they do. So how do you teach your child about different races and different cultures?

When your child is young, about the age of four and five, you can sit down with them and begin showering them and explaining to them about the many different races and cultures around the world. You can purchase some books and videos that will help them to see people from various countries. (wonderful choices in our review section)

The goal is to broaden your child's mind and help them to learn that there are lots of people who are different from them, and that it is very important to respect everyone. Some children are isolated for most of their childhood and unfortunately are never exposed to people of various races and cultures. So when they are older and they begin to travel and meet others they may react in a negative way. Not because they are a bad person, but just because they don't understand. Some parents even choose to help their children learn another language. As your child gets older they may choose to take another language in school. They will usually begin introducing new languages in elementary school. However when your child reaches middle school they will be able to pick and choose for themselves which language they would like to focus on.

You should also take the time to introduce your child to new foods from various places around the world. Some people live in very small towns and just are not exposed to these types of things. However thanks to the internet, you can now find tons of recipes from all around the world. If you cannot find the ingredients for some of these recipes then you can always order them online.

How about sharing an International recipe with your family once a month?
Learn how to make "Roti Indian Flat Bread" by video as well as many other International recipes at this great website: Kids Cooking Activities.

Take a journey around the world to discover the similarities we share with our global community in this new release: Seven Hands, Seven Lands. "Where in the world are all the great teachers”? They are EVERYWHERE. Nominate your teacher to win a great gift set including this wonderful book.

Instead of waiting until your child begins asking about people of different races and cultures why not take the time and teach them while they are young. This will help to make sure that your child is a well rounded individual.

Showcase: Stylish Kids Rooms

Stylish Kids Rooms is a unique children’s boutique owned and managed by Laurel Beck Design, an interior decorating firm specializing in creating spaces for infants, children, and teens. Combining Laurel's expertise in art and design with Amy's experience in creating early childhood environments, Stylish Kids Rooms offers heirloom-quality furniture, luxury bedding, designer nursery and bedroom collections, and whimsical decor.

Fit for a princess, our Cinderella Carriage Crib is the centerpiece of a royal nursery. The hand-forged iron can be customized in color and finish to match your nursery. We also offer this gorgeous piece as a twin or full bed!

Wish you could buy a whole room? That’s our specialty. Our designers have created themed bedrooms and nurseries with matching bedding, decor, and furnishings. If we don’t already have a theme to fit your style, we’ll put together a room just for you…at no extra charge!

At Stylish Kids Rooms, we know parents are shopping for more than just furniture. That’s why we work with over 40 artists and designers from around the country to offer you a unique selection of artwork, rugs, toys, diaper bags, and baby gifts.

Finally, we donate 10% of all our profits to Remnant Restoration, a ministry of design for widows and orphans. Together with corporate sponsors and volunteers, our ministry provides free bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor play spaces for recently-adopted children as well as new bedrooms, yards, and garage organization systems for widows. When you buy from Stylish Kids Rooms...you're helping us restore hope to others, one design at a time. You can get more information about our cause at www.remnantrestoration.org.

Visit us at www.StylishKidsRooms.com and receive 15% off your order when you spend $100 or more. Use Voucher Code TOTSWEEK at checkout.

v 2 issue 20: Mother's Day Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:45:00 +0000

In this issue we share some great gift ideas for Moms. Treat yourself and that special Mom in your life.

Cover by Amy Hall

1 Move over plastic... This bag is full of style, design and completely functional. Green Girl’s fully reversible totes are so pretty you will want to carry them with you everywhere. Check out their tiny totes for your little shopper. Saving the Earth has never looked so good.

2 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. Enter code: TotsTrends for 20% off your total purchase.

3 A charming little feet necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs is just over 1/2" in diameter and can be personalized with a name or message of choice. Each custom made pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. A truly fabulous gift. Enter code: tellafriend for 10% off your purchase.

4 Quality meets luxury with this fabulously soft oversized throw for Mom. Totally reversible and generously sized at 65"x65". Natalie Nicole's will customize to your liking for FREE. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchase, WOW!

5 Mother's name bracelet features all genuine black freshwater pearls, Clear Swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.This beautiful name bracelet will be a treasured gift for any mother, grandmother or special person in your life. Totally customize this beauty at Belle Pearl Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 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 lilli. Enter code: Friend for 20% off your total purchase.

7 The natural beauty of geodes is captured and crafted into fine jewelry by Kimberly MacDonald. Sold exclusively at plainmary.com, the Baby Geode Collection is made in New York and is quickly becoming a must have with style icons. Enter code tots15 for 15% off your total purchase.

8 Now you can work your abs from the inside and the outside with bootcamp for tummies by Mama Mio skincare. This kit comes complete with Julie Tupler's ab-overhaul exercise techniques as well as a 2 step skincare program to tighten and shape your tummies. Register for a $10 gift certificate.

9 EM Tanner Designs carries this yummy personalized messenger bag in deep chocolate. Big enough to store all your necessary doo-dads with a little extra room to spare. The adjustable strap guarantees a perfect fit. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

10 Stuff all of your market goodies into one fabulous bag! The vino zinnia market tote has extra stitching and a rigid insert to give it a little extra oomph for weighty toting.- printpatternpaper.com Enter code TOTS09 for 15% off your total purchase.

11 The longer body length of this sheer, long sleeved tee keeps Mom looking lean-despite the size of her team. Let the world know Mom's still lookin' good in this V-neck tee from demi bella.

12 Don't hide your love behind a locket door. Penelope Poet carries a gorgeous picture frame locket made of sterling silver. The heart shaped frame is a spectacular border for a black and white pint-sized print...so show your love! Enter code: TTWPP10 for 10% off this heart locket plus free standard shipping. Exp. 5/9/09

Happy Mother's Day

Sharing Mom sentiments of love sent in from some of our talented photographers. Click on images to view their online portfolio.

Natural Beauty Ingredients That Work Wonders

We have been programmed from birth it seems by TV commercials and magazine advertisements to think that beauty comes in a bottle. We become convinced that beauty products can only come from laboratories and people with doctor’s initials behind their name. The truth though is that nature has provided us with many beauty ingredients that are safe and effective. Many of them can be found in our pantry because we already buy them on a regular basis, for other things. You don’t need any special training to make your own skincare and beauty products at home using pure and natural ingredients.

Here are a few of the ingredients you may need:

Honey – Not only is it a tasty and healthy sweetener, it is good for your skin. Honey is great for skin rashes and dry spots. It is especially yummy to use in lip balms for dry and chapped lips. Honey can even be use on wounds because of its natural anti-bacterial qualities so it can aid in healing your skin as well. It makes a great healing, facial mask that you can apply as is or add to a homemade cream.

Baking Soda – This versatile ingredient can be used to make ant-bacterial facial scrubs. It is safe and mildly abrasive making it a good clean cleanser for all skin types including acne prone skin. Baking soda is also great for brushing your teeth.

Ginger – This flavorful staple of Chinese cuisine has analgesic and anti-bacterial properties. It promotes good circulation and is a good ingredient in creams and shampoos. It also smells heavenly.

Lavender - This herb is wonderfully soothing to inflamed and acne prone skin because it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly diluted in rose water or witch hazel to make an astringent for the face. It also repels bug and soothes insect bites and even helps you get to sleep.

Milk – This ingredient is commonly used in baths to soothe and exfoliate. The lactic acid in milk helps to slough off dead skin cells so that new ones can emerge. Milk can also be used to make facial masks as well.

Carrots - Carrots are very high in vitamin A and are a source of vitamin C, folacin (folic acid) and potassium. Just cook them lightly and blend with a bit of honey to make a great facial mask.

Oats- They are more than just breakfast food. Oats can be very soothing and anti-inflammatory and make great additions to a baths perhaps after a bad sunburn.

Beets – Beetroots contain powerful anti-oxidants and they have a red pigment that makes them a great ingredient for making liquid blushes and lip color. You can’t get make-up more natural than that!

Green Tea – This powerful tea has long been held in high esteem for its healing properties. It has a soothing and calming affect on skin and is a wonderful ingredient for sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. It is especially helpful for rosacea and acne.

As you can see, nature has already provided a wondrous array of natural beauty products.

v 2 issue 19: Best of Etsy - Spring

noreply@blogger.com (tot trends weekly) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:18:00 +0000

This week we bring you some of our favorite Etsy shops. Etsy is community of independent artists and designers featuring original handmade items. PLUS: Contaminants in Bath Products, take a stand!

Cover by Shalla Melton

1 Two to four layers of frilly, pretty fun. Pettiskirts from Rachel on the Flower are a staple to any fashionistas wardrobe. With so many colors to choose from, who wouldn't want a whole collection?

2 We love these adorable calling cards for play dates. 48 of these brilliant business-like cards come packed inside the sweetest decorative tin. What a wonderful idea to keep things organized and quick in the chaotic world of motherhood.- Candice Katie's Art.

3 Get ready for summer. Vibrant colors, bold patterns, and a touch of feminine will make these dresses at Zozo Bug Baby a summer favorite. Available for girls of 6 months to 10 years. Enter code: TotTrends at checkout for FREE SHIPPING.

4 Looking for a hip fashionable bag? Visit Bags by April. Each bag is handmade by April, a 20 year veteran seamstress. This kaleidoscope carnival Daisy bag measures 11" wide x 11" tall. Roomy enough to carry everything all your need.Enter code: KTW20 at checkout for 20% total purchase

5 Whimsy Couture is the place to find fun vintage inspired clothing for your little girl. You will adore this sweet and we do mean sweet cupcake twirl skirt. Pair it with this brown peasant top and hair accessories for just the right outfit for a special occasion. Size 6m-8yrs.Enter code: TTW at checkout for 10% off, exc. shipping

6 A 27" x 39" piece of art which is both functional and graphically funtabulous! Definitely tons of bang for your buck with this masterpiece. Teach the alphabet, learn to spell a name, point out colors... Look, learn, & play the artful way.-Penny People Designs.

7 Maylee's Garden Handmade Vegan Soaps: pure, non-toxic, and made with essential oils. A variety of products are available ranging from laundry soaps to body butters. The quality is naturally luscious with fragrances that soothe the senses. Enter code: tot trends at checkout for FREE SHIPPING

8 Suit your little dudes up with these neckties at Dainty Couture. The neck has a stretchy adjustable strap with a snap closure to accommodate any neck size. Made of beautiful polyester fabric featuring gold, turquoise and chocolate stripes.Enter code: TOT409 at checkout for 10% off. Exp 4/30/09.

Contaminants in Bath Products

Children’s Bath Products Tainted with Cancer-Causing Chemicals.

Lack of Regulatory Oversight Allows Toxic Products in Marketplace

In March 2009, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a national report called Toxic Tub, which revealed that despite claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products contain unregulated cancer-causing chemicals. The report found formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, both carcinogens, in several popular baby products including Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, and Huggies Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea baby wash.

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals, and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children.

Most Americans believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates cosmetics, but unfortunately, the FDA has almost no authority over the 50 billion dollar industry. In the U.S., these companies operate through “self-regulation,” and can use nearly any ingredient in personal care products sold here, with no required safety assessment.

Other nations, however, have stricter standards. Formaldehyde is banned from personal care products in Japan and Sweden. The European Union bans 1,4-dioxane from these products and has recalled any found to contain the chemical.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition founded by Clean Water Action and other organizations, has been working to move the cosmetics industry away from toxic chemicals in products like lotion, deodorant, bubble bath, fragrance and lipstick, as well as working to pass legislation that would empower the FDA to regulate these everyday products. While they have made major strides, there is no shortage of work ahead.

What You Can Do To Limit Your Exposure and Make Change

• Avoid using products that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, including ingredients sodium myreth sulfate, PEG compounds and chemicals with "xynol," "ceteareth" and "oleth" in name. Similarly, avoid products that contain formaldehye-releasing preservatives, including quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
• Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.
• Choose safely: Search Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives.
• Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe products.

Visit Clean Water Action’s Campaign for Healthy, Safer Families and Communities for more information.

Sarah Holzgraf
Clean Water Action
(603) 622-8151
sholzgraf@cleanwater.org

Showcase- Em Tanner Designs

It began with a simple present-a "big bro" t-shirt....then burst at the seams with ideas! creativity continually rolls off the press at EMTanner Designs.

Em, a crazy mommy of 4, has managed to turn her passion into a company w/staff and a warehouse and she honestly hasn't a clue how it all happened! It is all pretty much a blur up to this point.

We offer surprisingly unique gifts that will please even the most selective shopper! How much fun are matching sibling tees on vacation? Pick up one of the original funky aluminum lunchboxes for your savvy school kiddos!

Clever dry erase family planners any mom is sure to love...or the quirky melamine plate collection to color code everyone at dinner time!

It's now going on four years and we just recently got a "facelift"! Swing by and check out our great new site and we are adding new products daily! The possibilities are endless with us!

Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive 20% off your entire purchase.