v 3 issue 29: When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up

Does your little one dream of being a doctor, in the navy or be just like dad? This issue features products that allow them to play and explore their dreams.



Cover by Erin Green




When I Grow Up



1- We love this adorable navy blue letterman from Up and Away. Exceptional quality and a commitment to authenticity make this the perfect jacket for your future star athlete.
2-Little ones will be ready for a tough day of work in a striped tie onesie from clusterofparrots.com. To add to the character of this shirt, place it under a cardigan or V-neck sweater for a realistic, grown-up style comparable to Daddio's.
3-Get your preschooler ready to handle funds independently with the Money Management Toolkit from Tessy & Tab. The kit equips parents with the tools and guides to teach children early financial skills through a 7 step program. Charts, books and a bank help reinforce lessons on saving, spending and sharing. With the help of parents, preschoolers will get a great head start on the ever important skills of money management.
4-The I'm Still Me Mailbox Kit delivers real-life fun in a kid-friendly package. The 27 piece set includes a felt mailbox, stamps, postcards... Perfect for imaginary postal play and preparing little ones for a lifetime of reading, writing or delivering.
5-Little dudes will be as cool as Dad in these big boy underpants made to cover up the truth (the diaper underneath!). Suit them up with a color coordinating tee or use it as an added touch to a career inspired outfit.
6-Future small business owners of America will love this realistic wooden cash register available at Silly Wagon. Comes with play cash, a tally pad and wooden grocery tiles. Open the box, add a little imagination & your store is OPEN!
7-Aspiring MDs need only look inside this Doctor's Suitcase to find all the tools they need for a fun filled day of make believe. Use it to ease the fear of a future doctor's visit or for practicing techniques with teddy bears. Just what the doctor ordered!
8-One thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on is the cute factor of this tee. Beautiful Futures offers an assortment of bright & colorful t-shirts on a mission to remind kids and parents alike that "everything is possible".
9- Ambitious tots will look super sweet and ready to take care of business wearing one of these ties. The canvas tie comes in a variety of mod styles all with a unique raw edge. Elastic hides neatly under collars and easily slips over kiddos noggins for convenience. Other ties need not apply...this one is too cute for words!


Recession-Proof Parties

The "R" word. It's been on the lips of talk show hosts, financial analysts, news reporters and anchors since November. And while America is not technically in a recession, consumers are worried their dollar won't go as far as they'd like and are holding onto their purse strings tightly.
But, that doesn't change the fact that birthday parties are still a big business. Kids don't care that the economy is taking a downturn, so how is mom and dad supposed to throw a bash on a shoestring budget? Party-planning expert Lisa Kothari, author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties" has gathered her tricks and tips for a three-part series on recession-proof children's parties.

PART ONE: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

"Parents can easily throw a fun and impressive kid's party on a budget if they just get a little creative with the theme," says Kothari. "Think about what your kids really like to do, what activities really make them happy. Then, build-out a few other themed ideas and before you know it, you'll have yourself a successful party."


A Messy Party!
What's a perfectly easy, fun, budget-friendly toddler to four-year-old party theme? Throw a Messy Party. Kids love to make a mess, so why not give in and make a whole party out of the theme! If it appeals, let's get down to the nitty gritty ideas that will bring the mess alive:
Send off invitations that are hand-stamped with little hand prints inviting kids to get ready to "Make a Mess!" Add all of the details.
Definitely buy balloons and streamers, but make a mess out of them; hang them all over the place in no set pattern.
For the activities, this would be a very good party to hold outdoors where clean-up will not be a problem. Set up 3-4 mini-tables where the kids can enjoy making a mess.
Have the kids paint pictures with chocolate. Yummy!
Place bowls of frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations on another table with pre-made sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them on their own.
On another table set out paint, roller brushes, and butcher paper for the kids to make fantastic creations.
Play Dough and modeling clay placed on another table could be another opportunity to make messy creations to take home.
Have a bunch of stamps and water-soluble ink out and have the kids stamp their arms and legs all over and stamp one another!
Place a pile of dirt in one area of the yard and have the kids make dirt creations using twigs, rocks, and other natural elements.
Make a traditional round cake, ice with vanilla frosting and then drizzle different colors of icing into your own messy masterpiece. Add candy toppings as an added bonus.
Send them home stamped-up with their messy creations, their chocolate picture, Play Dough creations, and a cellophane bag of frosted cookies (ones that you made before the party that look pretty and yummy).

Make-Your-Own Outrageous Cookie Concoctions!

"Outrageous" is the key word here! A fabulous budget-friendly party idea that is super simple to put together with little time is to invite your kid's party guests to be "Silly Cookie Bakers" for an afternoon. Before the party begins, make up a simple batch of cookie dough -- these days, you can even buy the ready-made dough if you prefer to save even more time. Provide each kid with their own bowl of cookie dough, and this is where it gets interesting! Simply open your refrigerator door and cupboards and start pulling out the condiments.

Here's a good starter list:
1. Ketchup
2. Mustard
3. Chocolate Syrup
4. Ranch Dressing
5. Steak Sauce
6. Cherries
7. Yogurt
8. Cheese
9. Peanut Butter
10. Balsamic Vinegar
11. Jam
12. Pesto Sauce
13. Tomato Sauce
14. Relish

Whatever condiments you have sitting around your kitchen, pull them out and have them on the table with the kids and their bowls of cookie dough. Now the kids can go to town making up their very own cookie concoctions. They will have a blast choosing what they want to add and how much. They can be as yummy or gross as they want to be! (This is great for a party with both boys and girls -- the boys will get a kick out of making the cookies as gross as they can be!)When they are done, place on trays and bake 'em up... Yummm?
When they come out and have cooled, the kids can frost and place candy sprinkles on them. Wrap each of the kid's cookies up in colored cellophane for their take home goody.

One note: you may want to warn the kids' parents that these cookies are strictly for their kids' enjoyment!!

For more of Lisa Kothari's party etiquette advice, check out her recently-released Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties, available at Amazon.com for $9.95. Also be sure to visit Lisa's website at www.PeppersPollywogs.com before you plan your next celebration!



Showcase: Adriana Primadonna
Adriana Primadonna features distinctive gifts, accessories, clothing, custom bedding, furnishings, and décor. We can assist you to pick out the most unique gifts, whether it be for a birthday, baby shower, or baby gift. Choose from cuddly Little Giraffe, My Blankee, and Baby Star Blankets, posh burps and bibs, beautiful batiste layettes, high chair covers, car seat covers, hair bow holders, hooded towels, bling tutu’s and shirts, and many toys. You can also create a gift registry to make it easy for friends and family to buy what you exactly want. With our registry, selection, and beautiful gift wrapping services, choosing a gift is so easy.

Create the nursery of your dreams with our hand painted armoires and changers, wrought iron or hand painted cribs, upholstered adult gliders and child chairs, whimsical lighting, and fabulous art. Designer diaper bags, nursing covers, and baby slings also available. Some Designers include: Corsican wrought iron furnishings, Beautiful Baby and Enchanted Baby Custom Bedding, Angel Song upholstered chairs and gliders, Sherri Blum and Drooz Studio Artwork, Just Too Cute Lighting, Angel Toes, Catimini, Kate Mack, Biscotti, CottonWhite Layette, Elephantito and Renattoni Knits, Jack and Lily Soft shoes, JP Lizzy and Bumble Bags diaper bags, Tee Pee for Me, and Gund toys. We offer phone and email consults to assist you with decorating a room or nursery. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information 215-380-2795 or customerservice@adrianaprimadonna.com

Enter "STYLE10" for 10% off your order!

v 3 issue 28: On the Road Again

Make travel time easy and fun with these products. Be sure to read our article on free and fun travel games.


Cover byMichelle Huesgen




On the Road Again


1 On the go diapers changes have never been so fabulous. The Ah Goo Plush Pad provides the ultimate in comfort by incorporating a plush memory foam into its design. The pads roll up into a fraction of the full size and can be used anywhere for a clean, cushy surface in a snap.

2 Three in one and tons of fun! Zoobie Pets are soft and cuddly toys which easily transform into a pillow or blanket, making them the perfect traveling companions for your little critter. Grab a Zoobie for your next excursion before your favorite becomes extinct.

3 The Plane Spotter is a compact, sure fire way to keep your little traveler entertained until take-off. Filled with flying facts and pictures for identifying all types of planes on the tarmac, this game is a winner! Be sure to check out lots of other helpful travel related goodies at madallie.com.

4 No more scrambling to find those needed essentials in the bottom of a crowded diaper bag. The Goober Baby Tote Bag is here to keep baby necessities clean and easy to find. So great at keeping you organized, you'll feel like Martha Stewart.

5 Move over Louis Vitton, Trunki (luggage for little people!) is here. Ride on it, carry it, or pull it, just don't leave home without it! Your next trip should be to Trunki.

6 Sticker Set Play Scenes keep kiddos entertained while traveling by plane, train or automobile. Reusable stickers can be arranged and re-arranged on themed background boards for hours of quiet fun.

7 Designed to lighten the load of parents on the go, gogo Kidz Travelmate makes it a breeze to get your children from the car to the plane. Simply attach your infant or toddler car seat to the Travelmate and roll away. Soon you'll be up, up and away!

8 Whether going on an overnight or packing for a long weekend, Sammie's by Samsonite will have your kids begging to pack for themselves. The luggage may be cute and playful, but the durability is all Samsonite rough and tough.

9 Keep kids fastened in an upright position with Noodlehead's kid-friendly version of the neck pillow. Great news! The Travel Buddy now comes with an attached Baby Buddy to tame the irresistible urge to play with the pillow, instead of sleeping with the pillow.

10 Heavenly Bundle started out with a desire to spread the word of baby wearing and it has succeeded. Everybody's doing it, and doing it with style, because Heavenly Bundle offers fabrics from simply colorful to simply unique.


This Week's Mom Tips

Cleaning Tip:
Need to get out an ink stain? Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth and dab the stain carefully (don’t spread the ink!). Now use a cloth and blot in order to remove a bit of the stain. Repeat this until the stain is removed. Rinse well. Works for carpets and cloth furniture.
Organizing Tip:
Reduce clutter in the playroom or your child’s bedroom by going through their toys periodically and picking out the toys they don’t play with anymore. Pack them up and donate them to a local play area, church, clinic or goodwill.
Time Saving Tip:
Save time by having your grocery list sent directly to your cell phone with Cozi, a free family organizer. Cozi helps busy families manage schedules, appointments, shopping and communications from wherever you are — the kitchen, car, office or even the grocery store. Learn more at www.cozi.com
Financial Tip:
Live within your means! Truly a problem in America today, but beyond what problems it creates for us, our children grow up not learning about restraint and personal finance.

Travel Trivia


Make your time in the car a little more pleasant with one of these fun games.

Guess the movie
How to play:
For guess the movie, we describe either the character(s), the plot of the movie, clothing they are wearing, etc. Describe according to the age of your audience. Modify to play guess the person in Disney World by describing Disney character’s (or any other favorite family trip)…the color dress, the color of their hair, etc. With older kids, the person who guesses gets to go next. Ages 3 and up.

Color Hunt
How to play:
Start with the color red and watch out the windows (or in the car) for objects that color. Move through the colors of the rainbow. See who can find the most objects of a particular color. Younger kids can point to colors. Ages 2 and up.

Buggie
How to play:
Count Volkswagen bugs that pass by. Just like ‘Punch Buggy’, instead of punching, yell (color) buggie. Keep track of the number you have spotted and the one with the most wins. Ages 4 and up.

v 3 issue 27: New Mom Necessities

New Mom Necessities

Are you a new mom or mom-to-be? Or are you headed to a baby shower? Then this issue is just for you. We have found the best new gifts and products for those first months.


Cover by Julie Butler.



Gifts for the New Mom


1- From simply chic to just plain eloquent, photocards from paperlocket.com are a fabulous way to share the joy of your new loved one with family and friends. Paper Locket offers a multitude of dazzling designs with the opportunity to change colors and fonts as you like. Work with a delightful predesigned background or add a little flavor of your own to create a unique birth announcement or thank you card. You are sure to be satisfied!
2- Attention all new Moms: Sara Bingham, founder of Wee Hands, has compiled 300 symbols of American Sign Language in one clear and concise handbook. Memory aids, along with songs and games, make the learning fun and easy for all. The Baby Signing Book is sure to be the ultimate tool for opening the lines of communication between you and your pre-verbal counterpart.
3- Tender moments await at reneeandjeremymusic.com. Guaranteed to soothe the soul, this dynamic duo has spun a web of melodies capable of inducing immediate tranquility. The truthfully inspiring lyrics of "it's a big world" send a peaceful message which reminds parents to enjoy the moment (because it does go by so fast!).
4- After the baby is asleep, slip on this little number from the Jolie Maman Collection. Made of organic cotton and soy bean fiber, you'll be eco-friendly and ready for nursing... Nice job Joli Bebe Boutique! You've brought sexy back to nursing apparel.
5- Do you trust your mother's intuition? We do! After the success of Tummy Honey, the launch of Bella B Natural Bodycare brings us seven new all-natural products made of quality ingredients. Still with no mineral oil, petroleum, lanolin (which is made of sheep wool) or parabens, Bella B proves they are great at keeping moms in soft and smooth skin with their effective body treats. We especially love the Nipple Nurture Cleansing Pads for a quick oh-so-fresh feeling and Nipple Nurture Butter to prevent or heal discouraging sore nipples.
6- Hee-hee-hahs aren't just about breathing techniques in these videos. Just ask celebs like Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera and Selma Hayek. We all love Sheri Bayles RN, the award winning Certified Lamaze Instructor and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Sheri has put together three Laugh and Learn DVDs to teach you all you need to know about newborn care, breastfeeding and childbirth. She brought the humor, along with 20 years of nursing experience, at no extra expense. No more worrying about how your going to fit those classes into your hectic schedule before the due date. These DVDs teach you all you need to know in the privacy of your own home!
7- No more hiding in the car to feed the baby! Joia products has tweaked the nursing cover to prevent peek-a-boos with a patent-pending design. What's the secret of The Mommy Cover? A clever retractable reel system keeps the sides of your cover in place securely, adjustments can be made easily and viewings are a cinch with the semi-rigid necklines of this breastfeeding cover. Available in tons of designer fabrics,which are machine washable and reversible, these covers are a hit. Visit Joiaproducts.com to read more about this must-have product and watch the clip to see just how it works.
8- Wrap yourself in a little blessing from the Baby Institute. The nursing sleeve is about comfort and versatility. Ultra-soft fabric wraps around your arm for needed softness when feeding or cuddling. When the timing is right, voila, release the velcro closure and place it on your shoulder for an instant burp cloth. Easily attaches to the strap of a diaper bag for easy access and it looks great too.
9- Bathe him upright with the Spa Baby bath tub**. This European-styled baby bathtub allows your baby to sit with the warm water up to their shoulders. Spa Baby has created a tub that is much like the environment where they spent their first nine months. $39.95 at Petiteposh.com.

**Denotes product is made in China. The company has assured us that the product is made with safe products and processes and they have observed the manufacturing plant where the product is made and believe they follow safe practices.

Top Tips Parents-To-Be Must Know

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

Concierge & Planning Services for New and Expectant Parents

1. Work as a cohesive team & have a support network. Your spouse is your best partner and accept help from others.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Family first, laundry last (it's ok if the laundry piles up).
3. Getting your baby on a schedule is key. It will help get both of you into a regular eating and sleeping routine.
4. The first 3 months will be the hardest because you're feeding and changing diapers every two hours while exhausted.
5. You can't spoil your baby in the first 6 months because a baby cries out of need during this early stage so it's ok to be attentive.
6. You can save money by not buying baby products like special laundry detergent, bottle warmer, diaper stacker or fancy baby quilt.
7. Best baby gear to have handy - carrier, sling, bouncer, porta-crib(for hands free situations).
8. Allow parenting breaks, a re-energized parent is a better parent!
9. Remember every baby develops differently. Don't get caught up in comparing your baby to others.
10. There are few perfect births, all that matters is mama & baby come out of labor healthy.


This Week's Mom Tips
Cleaning Tip:
Need to get out an ink stain? Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth and dab the stain carefully (don’t spread the ink!). Now use a cloth and blot in order to remove a bit of the stain. Repeat this until the stain is removed. Rinse well. Works for carpets and cloth furniture.

Organizing Tip:
Reduce clutter in the playroom or your child’s bedroom by going through their toys periodically and picking out the toys they don’t play with anymore. Pack them up and donate them to a local play area, church, clinic or goodwill.

Time Saving Tip:
Save time by having your grocery list sent directly to your cell phone with Cozi, a free family organizer. Cozi helps busy families manage schedules, appointments, shopping and communications from wherever you are — the kitchen, car, office or even the grocery store. Learn more at www.cozi.com

Financial Tip:
Live within your means! Truly a problem in America today, but beyond what problems it creates for us, our children grow up not learning about restraint and personal finance.