Sunday, November 25, 2007

v3 issue 18: Holiday Gifts




The Holiday gift-giving season is upon us...and so is the worry about what to buy. Our gift-giving issue is full of the best gifts to give for all ages and all price ranges.



Cover photo by Connie Hill






Toys Galore

tot trends weekly

1-Editor’s Pick! Custom Made For Kids, The First Adventures of Incredible You is our favorite gift to give this season. An award winning personalized children’s book, it makes the perfect gift for every occasion. The book is personalized with your child’s favorite people and places and follows your child from the day they arrived on Earth through their exciting adventures in life. Take a virtual book tour to see pages from the book. For $32.95 you will create a gift that will be cherished for a lifetime.
2-We love these modern plush blocks by Dwell Baby. Dwell takes their beautiful prints of bold colors and lines to playtime blocks. Set of 6 blocks come in an easy stow bag. Blocks have jingles inside and are woven from 100% combed Egyptian cotton. $35 at Pokkadots.com.
3-How adorable is the new Inchworm by Radio Flyer! Your tot bounces up and down to make the inchworm go all while sitting on the comfortable ergonomic saddle. $40, Toys R Us.
4-Wry Baby’s stacking cubes are designed to bring laughs. Their motto “raising funny people” rings true with their attack of the 50 foot baby cardboard stacking cubes that are made to topple. Illustrated scenes by David Sopp, $28 at Wrybaby.com.
5- Wallcandy Arts’ Chalkboard panels go up in seconds and remove without damaging your walls so your kids can draw and write their thoughts anywhere. Each kit contains 4 wall panels. $58 at Wallcandyarts.com. Also available are the chalkboard border, chalkboard animals, and chalkboard circles.
6-The ClickStart My First Computer by Leapfrog introduces computer and preschool skills by turning any TV into your child’s first computer. For ages 3-6, $60 at Leapfrog.com.
7-Tub toys are a favorite gift for all children and these water flutes are a great gift for children ages 3 and up. The Tub Tunes Water Flutes use water to make beautiful music…and with five flutes the musical possibilities are unending. $12, giggle.com.
8- To add to the tub fun, these tub stickers will provide great entertainment. Made of thick foam, they stick to the tub or tile when you get them wet, making the wall a blank canvas for creativity. Choose from vehicles, under sea pals, or the ABC’s. Just $8 at Giggle.com.
9-Radio Flyer’s Big Flyer is definitely one of the coolest bikes we have seen. This flyer has a grip tread, real chrome handlebars, realistic gauges, a 3-position adjustable seat and racing pennant for safety. The new improved chopper look makes this trike stand out among the crowd. $60, RadioFlyer.com.
10- The Bilibo is a simple piece of molded plastic that provides endless hours of imaginative fun. The Bilibo provides hours of fun at the beach, in the snow…just about anywhere! There are virtually an unlimited number of ways to play with the Bilibo; from rocking, to spinning, sitting and more. $30 at FatBrainToys.com.
11-Their favorite television series are now available in boxed sets. Choose from Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank, and even Barney. All available at FoxHome.com.
12-The Color and Cuddle Washable Pony by Alex allows her to color the pony one day and after you wash it, she can color it all over again. This soft, cuddly pony comes with markers and preprinted patterns (or she can color her own). Made of Tyvek, each comes with 4 washable markers and washing instructions. $15 at Madallie.com.
13- The TykeLight by Mobi will make nighttime fun as they explore their room, tent or backyard. The TykeLight is fully rechargeable and has a soft glow nightlight feature as well as brighter lights as you click the bottom. Illuminates up to 10 hours on a single charge and even glows while charging. The impact resistant plastic means its safe and durable. $25, Baby-wise.com.
14-We love Djeco’s Pull Toys. These classic toys will be passed from generation due to their quality and adorable looks. Choose from a variety of dogs, a cat, elephant, cow and bunny. Prices range from $30 to $50, Moolka.com.
15-This colorful musical table by Boikido is ideal for keeping baby entertained. The xylophone, drum and cymbal are all built in to the wood table. Includes two drumsticks. $50 at Mookla.com.


Get Involved

tot trends weekly During the holiday season we all wish we could do more for less fortunate and would like our children to learn the value of giving back and helping others. Giving and volunteering are two of the most satisfying family activities and is a way to teach your children to be altruistic. Giving of your time and money feels good and helps others. It can also be a great way to spend some quality family time. By starting when your children are young, they will grow up wanting to help others and hopefully inspire others to help as well. Volunteering teaches responsibility and provides your child with the knowledge that one person can make a difference and will inspire them in their futures.
Get your family involved in your community by calling a local charity, church, hospital, soup kitchen or shelter. By dialing 211 on your phone you can get phone numbers of local human service organizations in your area. Use the internet to find your state’s food banks to donate money or your time. Many food banks currently have companies matching funds donated through the holiday season. Since food banks can purchase bulk lots at discounted pricing, in many cases just $50 can feed 500 people when local companies match your funds.
Even small children can get involved by picking up trash at the beach or your neighborhood park. It may be difficult to commit your time weekly, a great idea is to get a few girlfriends to commit to meals on wheels on a particular day of the week but take turns (just four women means you are committed one day a month). Other volunteering opportunities include an animal shelter, visiting the elderly in a nursing home, helping at your child’s school, planting trees in your community, the list is virtually unending.

Showcase: Gator Tots

Got Gator Tots? This holiday season, GatorTots.com is serving up a unique dish: a snappy helping of American-made toys!
Gator Tots…It’s a silly name for a store offering some seriously fun toys, books, and tees for “gators” of all ages. Owned and operated by a 4th grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom, Gator Tots features children’s products with educational value, including marble roller coasters, magnetic building toys, alphabet and number puzzles, baby and kids storybooks, and over 25 different toys that are made in the U.S.A! Keeping with the gator theme, this cute site also has a colorful selection of funny Gator Tots Tees, plush Gund gators, and kids’ gator books. For an extra-special touch, have your items packaged in gator gift wrap or a drawstring gator backpack!
tot trends weeklyBuy American! Parents concerned about the recent toy recalls will be impressed by Gator Tots’ collection of toys made in the U.S.A. Choose from embossed alphabet blocks, wooden animal pull toys, baby ring stacker (all pictured), as well as wooden puzzles, trains, rubber alphabet and number toys, Block-N-Roll marble maze, lacing toys, peg building sets, magnetic playsets, and more to come. A variety of Italian-made Quercetti marble runs are also available.

tot trends weeklyThis award-winning plush dino rocker from Earlyears is sure to please energetic toddlers during indoor play this winter. Jingling bells and crinkling fabrics of all textures make this vibrant ride-on toy extra fun. Safety features include handle bars, foot rests, and sturdy rockers – all hardwood construction.
tot trends weekly Whether wearing Goofy Gator, Later Gator, Tasty Gator, or the Gator Tots Definition Tee, your child will look so snappy in these exclusive Gator Tots Tees! The funny gator shirts come in 19 colors, 11 sizes, and many styles: onesies, rompers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and long sleeve tees. They are only available at GatorTots.com!
What are you waiting for, you snappy little gator? Visit www.GatorTots.com for unique toys, books, and tees!
Tot Trends Weekly Readers: Save 10% with coupon code TTW, through 12-12-07!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

v 3 issue 17: Delicious Delights






Our delicious delights issue is filled with simply yummy clothing, accessories and gifts. We think these charming products are delightfully delicious and will leave you asking for seconds.


Cover by Laura Siebert





Yummy Goods

tot trends weekly

1-Bathe your sweetheart in yummy cookies n’ cream scented shampoo/body wash by SkinM.I.L.K. Made with 5% real milk proteins and essential vitamins A, D and E that softens and cleans without irritation. Best of all, your purchase helps Heifer International send milk-producing animals to families around the world so they can feed their kids.

2-b.delicious features hand-cut Ultra Suede designs on comfy boutique quality tees for infants, toddlers, and women. Each piece is hand created and all products are offered in limited edition.

3-These yummy play cookies by Nana Company are handmade of felt, beads and topped with love. They are so real looking; your little one will love playing with them! Perfect for gifts and play tea parties. Set includes six adorable cookies in their own pastry box, tied with a ribbon.

4-The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon allows for convenient feeding, one bite at a time. Simply fill the bulb with up to 3 ounces of baby food, attach the spoon end and squeeze a bite-sized amount of food onto the spoon. Squirt comes with a protective cover to seal food in and keep the spoon clean between feedings.

5-Fruitabu makes getting your five a day easy! Their smoooshed organic fruit is packaged in easy to go packets and they taste simply yummy. All of their fruit choices are USDA Certified Organic and have no sugar added. Choose from fruit flats and fruit twirls. These are so yummy that you'll want a box for yourself. Available at Whole Foods, Target, and Amazon.com.

6-The Sneaky Chef will make dinner time fun family time again...no more fighting, crying or screaming! With over 75 simple recipes, The Sneaky Chef is chock full of proven strategies for ingeniously disguising "superfoods" in kids' favorite meals by using simple make-ahead purees or clever replacements. Parents can pack more fiber, fruit, vegetables and whole grains in their kids' foods by using the Sneaky Chef's recipes.

7-At Twinkle Kids you can find these adorably yummy tee's made of soft and comfy 100% cotton and adorned in ultrasuede designs. Available in sizes 3 months to 6t, find super cute tees like this ice cream softie tee. We also adore their twin sets that include cookies & milk and bacon & eggs.

8-Give a ‘delicious’ gift at the next shower you attend by showering the mom-to-be with a Bloomers Diaper Cake. Their fresh and modern baby diaper cakes come in a variety of style, colors and sizes all set on top of a silver scalloped cake platter and decorated with silk flowers and a keepsake porcelain baby block. Wrapped in white tulle and tied with a satin bow, Bloomers Baby Diaper Cakes are the perfect gift for new and expectant parents.

9-These adorable knit cupcakes by Yellow Label Kids are the perfect addition to your daughter’s kitchen collection. Each set of four come in assorted flavors and are packaged in a hand-loomed box. Get your set at Two Blue Peas.



Get Out and Go

tot trends weekly As moms, we've heard it all before: exercise is good for you; exercise will make you feel better; it’s the only way you are going to fit back into your favorite jeans! So, if we know these things to be true, why don't we do follow through? Because as moms, we experience first hand how hectic life can be. When we have a break, we don’t want to spend our time working out; we want to spend it "vegging out".

As moms, we are often busy, stressed out and tired. As much as "vegging out" feels good in the short-term, it doesn't help us in the long-term. This is the time you most need your workout. Exercise will lift your mood, decrease stress, and help you feel more energized. Pre-kids, it was easy to fit in a workout – you could pop over to the gym for a class, meet a friend to run, or do a workout video at home. After kids, those strategies are no longer practical for most moms. Your child may be too young to bring to the gym daycare; your baby may scream in the jogger; or you may face constant interruptions from your toddler when you put in that video. However, with a little creativity and flexibility, it is possible to fit beneficial workouts into your schedule.

You probably won't workout the way you used to, but that doesn't mean you should give up altogether. You may face the frustration of exercising in 10-minute segments throughout the day versus a single 30-minute session, or you may be called to the gym daycare 15 minutes into your workout and have to leave, but don't give up. This is where creativity comes into play. The key is to adjust your expectations.

Adjust your workout routine based on where your child is developmentally. When they are very small, you may walk with them in the baby carrier. When they get a little older, you may be able to jog with them in a jogging stroller. If you have a social toddler, she may love the gym daycare. In the event that your little one mutinies at the daycare door, you can set your alarm for an early morning workout. A 10-minute walk, three times a week will reap mental, spiritual, and physical rewards.

Consider the needs of your family, and then strike a balance that benefits everyone. Make time for yourself. Never forget that your health and well-being are important. If you don't take care of yourself, it becomes difficult to take care of others. Workouts should be "me time"- fun, motivating, inspirational- not another thing on your "to do" list.

For specific ideas on how to incorporate exercise and stress relieving strategies into your daily life, visit MomandBabySport.com.


Be well, be happy, and be healthy.

Cathy Connors, Psy.D.
Owner, momandbabysport.com

Be inspired to run your first 5K (look for our 5K training kits this holiday season).


Showcase: Bugaboo Announcements

You've waited nine months to joyfully announce your new arrival. After much anticipation, it's time to share your new bundle of joy with a unique photo birth announcement that reflects your personality and style. Let designer Michelle Kilmon of Bugaboo Announcements help you make an unforgettable first impression with her beautiful custom designed birth announcements. Bugaboo’s high quality printing will ensure that your friends and family will cherish your announcements for a lifetime.

tot trends weekly In addition to birth announcements, Bugaboo Announcements also has a fabulous selection of custom printed invitations, holiday cards, thank you cards and note cards. You can choose from existing samples at www.BugabooAnnouncements.com or you can work with Michelle to create an original design!

tot trends weeklyLooking for unique holiday cards? Bugaboo Announcements can help you send warm holiday wishes to your family and friends by creating a custom holiday photo card designed especially for you. You may view samples online at www.BugabooAnnouncements.com or request a custom design. Your friends and family will simply adore your personalized cards! Love what you see? Please enjoy 10% off all holiday cards until December 3, 2007. Enter code TTW10 at check out.

tot trends weeklyBugaboo Announcements has customer service like no other. Feel free to select a design online or create a design that suits your style for no additional cost. You are able to make as many changes to the design as needed until it is just right. You may choose from a wide variety of colors and fonts, color or black and white photographs or even mix the two. Would you like your image to be hand-tinted? The possibilities are endless!

From trendy to traditional, Bugaboo Announcements can help you find a beautiful design that suits you. Bugaboo’s designs are not only beautiful; they are professionally printed by a photography lab to ensure the highest quality. All orders come with envelopes and you can save valuable time by adding address printing to your order. Interested in seeing a sample card with your pictures? Email your photos to Bugaboo Announcements to receive your free proof!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

v 3 issue 16: Holiday Fashion




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 photo by Leah Profancik





Our Picks for Holiday Fashion

tot trends weekly
1-This luxurious velvet dress with flannel trim is simply adorable. Perfect for photos or the big celebration. Available in size 3 months to 4 years and just $48 at Hanna Andersson.
2-This gorgeous dress is part of the Le Pink line by Little Mass and we think it is simply luscious. The tulle skirt is two toned and the bodice is 100% silk brocade with gold adornments. The perfect holiday dress! Available in sizes 2t through 6; $98.
3-Your little man will look so handsome in this outfit by Gap. These adjustable waist chalk-striped pants are a high quality woven cotton, $29.50; sizes 3 months through 5 years. V-neck plaid sweatervest, $24.50; sizes 12 months to 5 years.
4-This outfit by Janie and Jack combines their Argyle Sweater Vest ($25) with their Corduroy pants ($25). Both available in sizes 0-8 years.
5-We LOVE the French Holiday Layette set by Tralala. The beautiful red and white toile print is simply beautiful on baby and as are all Tralala clothing…soft and comfy. $44, available in 0-9 months.
6-This sweater is a Garnet Hill exclusive made by Hable Construction (a favorite of ours). Rollneck sweater is adorned with felt appliqués. Choose from snowman (shown), red-nosed reindeer, or skiing penguin. $64-68, sizes 12 months to 12 years.
7-Another Layette favorite of ours is this French Rose sack and beanie by Baby Nay. Baby Nay clothing is one of our favorite brands for baby and this collection is no exception. $35, 0-3 months. Be sure to check out the rest of the French Rose collection which includes shirt/pant sets and dresses for up to size 4t.
8-This bargain priced Jumper from Children’s Place certainly doesn’t scrimp on style. The twill dress is fully lined in satin for comfort and is adorned with a velvet bow and taping. Includes matching twill panty. Just $12.50 at the Children’s Place, sized 6 months to 4t.
9-Looking for an elegant shoe for the festivities? Lucy Sykes has created elegant shoes for Stride Rite at amazing prices. The Natalie shoe is a patent leather upper shoe with an adorable bow and small heel. Available in black and ruby red, $50.
10-We love these classic Mary Janes in red. See Kai Run has spiced up the old look with suede accents. We love See Kai Run for their amazing quality, comfort and style. The Geneva shoe is just $36 and is available in sizes 3 through 8.

Spice up your Recipes with the Sneaky Chef

With Thanksgiving around the corner, the big feast may be on your mind as well as the food fight you know is going to come with it. If you’re a mom who has brought Mac and Cheese to Thanksgiving dinner for your children, this year make it healthy Mac and Cheese!
Missy Chase Lapine, Mrs. Sneaky Chef herself and the author of a groundbreaking new book, The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals (Running Press, March 2007), has provided us with a tasty recipe that uses your child’s staple food and applied her magical twist that not only adds vegetables but it tastes the same leaving your kids and you happy!

tot trends weekly
"SNEAKY TIP: Yellow macaroni and cheese usually contains yellow food dye, whereas the white version does not. If your child insists on yellow, you can add a slice of yellow American or cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika to the white cheese sauce, which will help safely change the color to yellow without affecting the taste.

Each of the nutritional boosters listed here have been kid tested and have proven to be undetectable in taste, texture and color. Start by adding the least amount recommended of just one of the nutritional boosters listed below. Add a little more each time you serve this dish (which is served in our house every day!).

* 2 to 4 tablespoons White Puree (see Make-Ahead Recipe #4)
Prepare macaroni and cheese according to directions on package. Add White Puree into the cheese sauce, mixing until well blended. If sauce becomes too dry, simply add an extra tablespoon of milk and extra cheese (See below).

* 2 to 4 tablespoons Orange Puree (See Make-Ahead Recipe #2)
Prepare macaroni and cheese according to directions on package. Add Orange Puree into the cheese sauce, mixing until well blended. This one works best with an extra slice of American cheese or 1/4 cup of grated cheddar melted into the sauce to help mask the carrots, which have a bit more distinguishable taste, in the puree. "

Click the links above to get Missy’s Puree recipes as well as additional sample recipes. The Sneaky Chef is available at bookstores or you can purchase directly through her site.


Courtesy of The Sneaky Chef, www.thesneakychef.com, all rights reserved.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

v 3 issue 15: Warm Up





Warm Up

Cooler days are here with more on the way and we have found products that make it easy to keep your little one warm. We have carriers, sweaters, blankets and more.


Cover by Amy Hall



Warm Up Your Tots
tot trends weekly

1. The Bundleme Urban by JJ Cole Collections is a must-have for newborns during the winter months. With a quilted outer nylon that protects against wind and rain, while the inner microsuede adds style and warmth, you can be certain your baby will be comfortable and warm. You can use the Bundleme with car seats, strollers and joggers and it allows the safety straps to rest directly on your baby for a perfect fit. Available in lighter fabrics for warmer climates as well.

2. The perfect gift or just a beautiful piece for your child's wardrobe, Sweeters will be loved by all. Each Sweeter is knit when the order is placed (no mass production here), are 100% cotton, and each unique...no two are ever the same! Sweeters sweaters are also entirely customizable- you can choose the color, yarn weight, and can have the sweater monogrammed however you like.

3. Warm your little one up in Baby Star's new star blanket...the super soft waffle weave blanket is a perfect swaddler blanket and it’s light weight material is perfect for all seasons. The decorative star in the corner adds the perfect touch.

4. The lillébaby EuroTote should be on every winter baby's registry. The stylish carrier/bunting bag is five products in one as in allows you to use it as a carrier/bunting bag, car seat bunting, stroller blanket, play mat and sleeping bag. With two interchangeable covers for winter and summer, size adjustment for your growing baby and removable carrier board to protect baby’s fragile neck and back while being carried, this is the perfect accessory for traveling with your baby during all seasons while being safe as well (allows safety straps from car seat/stroller to secure directly over your child). Find a retailer near you at lillebabyusa.com.

5. We love these adorable hand knit booties by Chick Pea & Ana Soup. They fit perfectly on baby's foot and they will be cherished for generations. Booties are made of Merino/Silk and available in mint, steel blue, blue, peach and purple.

6. Po Po's Ponchos are made with non-pilling fleece and adorable cotton trim. Easy to put on, ponchos are quickly making a comeback for wiggly toddlers. Named after Ice Cream Flavors, you can find a wide variety of color variations available in their online store and sizes available for ages 1-5. These are much cuter is person!


How working moms do it

tot trends weeklyGetting the children up for school, feeding them breakfast, making their lunch and managing to grab your cup of coffee with a banana as you walk out the door to commute to your full-time job, sound familiar? Working 40-50 hours a week and taking care of your family is a daunting task but thousands of women do it everyday. Women have a special talent in knowing how to juggle both work and family. What is the secret to making it work? In networking with many working moms we found out common pieces of advice that help working moms get through their weekly ritual.


Top 10 Tips for the Working Mom:

1. Create a strong support and networking system - You can't do it alone, ask for help. Talk to other working moms and share tips.
2. Your spouse is your best partner and team mate - Ask him for help and partner up.
3. Don't sweat the small stuff - Family first, laundry last (it's ok to let the laundry and dishes pile up)
4. Use technology to your advantage so you can maximize your time at home - When you can schedule meetings from home via phone, use email or webcasts do it.
5. Choose the best child care - make sure it's close to office or home so you can get there in time, make sure they are dependable and your kids like them.
6. Take time out for your self - create some down time to re-energize. A rested mom is a better mom and wife!
7. Talk to your boss about a flexible work schedule - Ask for what you need. Be clear about your schedule.
8. Nursing - If you're just returning to work after baby is born choose a high quality breast pump to help you pump quickly and efficiently while at work.
9. Stay organized, keep lists and make sure your priorities are in check.
10. Remember to have FUN - Life is too short, make time for fun whether it be a date night or family night. The fun memories you create are what you'll remember forever!

By Melissa Moog, Founder of Itsabelly LLC, www.itsa-belly.com, Baby

Concierge & Planning Services for New and Expectant Parents




Showcase: The Fine Art of Family

Family is always in fashion at The Fine Art of Family, a beautiful website dedicated to the distinctive locket and photo jewelry designs of professional photographer and designer, Monica Rich Kosann.

tot trends weekly Monica is a gallery-exhibited, fine art photographer specializing in black and white portraiture of children and families. Realizing that there is no better gift than a beautiful photograph beautifully presented, she began showcasing small photos for her clients in restored lockets, compacts and other precious heirlooms found on her visits to flea markets and antique shops. When demand grew, Monica began having the pieces made, many by the original old-world craftsmen who created the vintage pieces.

tot trends weeklyTheFineArtofFamily.com features these vintage-inspired Sterling Silver and 18K Gold lockets, image case jewelry and gifts so mothers can treasure their favorite memories in a modern day heirloom. From traditional two-picture lockets detailed with Monica’s signature floral pattern to more contemporary styles that can hold three, or even four, photos, there is a style for every woman who wants to carry her memories with her in style.

tot trends weekly This season, The FineArtofFamily.com has introduced the Long Chain Collection of image case and charm pendants that hang from stylish long chains and are easily layered with other chains and necklaces, in addition to the White Gold Collection for women who prefer that particular style statement. The site also showcases beautifully detailed image cases, frames and gifts which make thoughtful gifts for parents, husbands and friends.

Visit this lovely site, full of beautiful photography, lockets and image case jewelry and gifts, and receive free ground shipping through December 31 with code TTW1107.