v 3 issue 42: Celebrate Summer

Celebrate Summer

This issue contains fun products that will make you want to get out and have some FUN with your little one this summer, in your own backyard.

Cover by Jessica Runyan










1 Get outside and have a picnic this summer with Aiden the Dragonfly from Peanut Gallery Gifts. This washable, water and soil resistant picnic blanket is a big 56" x 56", leaving plenty of room for a sprawled out lunch.

2 Go on a silly adventure with Chipper the Squirrel to learn safety tips and lessons which get kids ready for outdoor fun. For only $29.95 you get a 35 minute video, a sing-a-long CD, and a story & activity book.

3 Not your ordinary croquet set. Let's Play Croquet by Alex, available at Ju Ju Beane Boutique, is much more enticing than the sets of our youth. Bugs, a bird, and a toad come out to join in on the fun with this one...Nick Jr. Magazine's Toy of the Year!

4 Australia’s Blue Lizard is a breakthrough in children's sun protection! It is a chemical-free sunscreen that pampers delicate skin while providing the best known protection against broad-spectrum UV rays. Water-resistant, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. For ages 6 months and up.

5 Speaking of Broad-spectrum sun protection – This sun suit blocks 99% of harmful rays!-in a girly pink package. Faster than a full application of sunscreen, no waterproof worries, and a quick zip-up front helps make a happy & safe day at the beach. Yay! My Princess Closet.

6 A full day beach excursion isn't complete without a Sun Smarties Family Beach Cabana Tent. The new version from One Step Ahead lets more breeze in, but still keeps the sun out with UPF 50+ protection. Pops up in an instant for family privacy or naptime!

7 On sunny summer days, Oobi Baby's singlet and diaper cover keep baby cool as a cucumber. Pick up a matching hat while your at it to keep baby in the shade!

8 Leave the big cooler at home, $10 gets you out of the house quick. The machine washable fabric insulates and protects drinks of all sizes (drink boxes, bottles, sippy cups...). Snap it onto a stroller or a diaper bag and you're ready to go-Lou Lou's Corner.


Organizing Tip:

Purchase baskets/bins for the hall closet and label them for each family member. This way you can put everyone’s hats, mittens, bags etc in their basket for later picking up or just to keep the closet organized.

Cleaning Tip:
Remove ring around the collar with shampoo! Shampoo is designed to remove body oils. A savvy stain remover; keep a cheap bottle by the washer for use on all sorts of stains.

Time Saving Tip:
Purchase Method bath wipes (found at Target) and keep them under your bathroom sink. They are quick, efficient and perfect for when a visitor drops by unannounced.

Financial Tip:
Drive the speed limit. Cars use about 20% more fuel driving at 70 miles per hour than they do at 55 miles per hour.


Backyard Summer Fun:

With the over inflated economy today who wants to leave home. Gas prices are at an all time high. Traveling for most people this year is just out of the question. But never fear, you can still have a great summer with your family. It's time to get inventive and have a fun filled summer right in your own back yard.

Backyard Picnic: Break out the blanket or table cloth, and picnic basket. Pack an actual picnic lunch and spend the afternoon out in your yard in a shady place. For extra enjoyment bring along his/her favorite book.

Planting: Children love to play in the dirt. Making mud pies, sandcastles, and gardening are all good options for your toddler. Start a garden with your toddler. Let him/her choose some flowers or vegetables to plant, and they will enjoy both the process and the result.

Little Walks: Take your child in the backyard, just walk around and let them explore and look at stuff. Develop a ritual of taking a walk near your home with your child and their wagon. Just getting some fresh air can change everyone’s attitude.

For the little ones: Cube on a string
Freeze cotton string inside, colored ice cubes (use fruit juice for flavor) and turn them into cool little boats to play with in the water. They will float and move around as your little ones reach for them.

Make and Blow Bubbles:
Best Bubble Solution: 1 Cup Water, 2 Tablespoons Glycerin, 4 Tablespoons Dishwashing liquid. Don't forget your wands. Try different things; Thread Spools, Shaped pipe cleaners, Strawberry baskets, cotton string and straws.

Go on a Bug Hunt. Grab an empty jar and get out in your yard and see how many different kinds of bugs you can find.

At the end of a day of play, kids can collect backyard toys, toss them into a big red wagon, and pull it into the garage for out-of-sight storage.

v 3 issue 41: Rock Baby

Rock Baby
What a fun issue for the Rock n' Roll baby and parents too.
Cover by Lisa Trakis











1 Now we know what to do with all those old cassette tapes...adorn them with flowers and cool designs. A giggle arises when trying to think of how the inspiration for this design came about. nevertheless, we think it is great! Fits 3-24 months, comes in olive green, and has matching flare pants. Clothing for kids that were born to rock at Slicksugar.com.

2 When little bangers are ready to move on to the next level of rockin' out, try this Musical Band by Plan Toys. Sturdy construction and a simple design makes this drum set perfect for 3 years plus. Just right for that in between stage...when the pots and pans aren't doin' it anymore, but the big boy drums just aren't happenin'!

3 Infants love Robeez because they are the closest thing to wearing no shoes, Moms love them because they stay on, and Dads love them because they have soft soles. Pastel blue leather, flames, and a rockin' guitar, all on top of suede soles, make this the pair Elvis would love. As usual, we think Robeez are fabulous!

4 When it comes to big messes in little seats, Babble Chic has got you covered. We especially love this groovy guitar print for infants and tots with soul. Lots of great prints to pick from, all with the touch of quilted comfort. Best of all, these covers keep the messes neatly folded until you can dispose of the evidence of the day's mishaps.

5 A super soft cotton tee with a bad attitude! Let your little dude (or dudette) "Rock the Playground" in this black tee with a foil screened guitar and "rock the playground" written all over it. Another great find at Rock'n n Sprouts.

6 Up and Comer Apparel is the place to find some silly little shirts made just for infants and toddlers. Add a little humor to baby's wardrobe with this Rockin' Out onesie. Comes in pink, black or white to fit sizes 0-6 or 6-12 months.

7 Peltor Hearing Protectors keep out the harmful noises while letting kiddos hear the sounds they want. What's great is these ear muffs fit children as young as 1 year. Apple Martin uses them for Dad's shows, but most of us will be using them for a quiet ride on a lawn mower. Check out Dandelion Kids for great fair-trade toys and organic clothing also.

8 Fabulous songs from past decades have been revamped with acoustic vocals and great visuals, making That Baby DVD a hit. Sing-a-long because you can't help yourself and leave the old videos behind. Available in a CD to take on the road or get them both in a bundle package.

This week's Mom Tips

Green Tip:
Choose to go to places you can get to without a car — by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation. If you have to drive, car-pool with a friend.
Financial Tip:
Don't speed...speeding uses extra gas. Rapid acceleration and hard breaking are inefficient and lower your gas mileage.
Cleaning Tip:
Stock up on wipes of all kinds! Windex now makes wipes as well as dusting cloth wipes and cleaning wipes...when in a hurry just wipe it down.
Time Saving Tip:
Keep a few new garbage bags at the bottom on the garbage basket...easily slide the new one into place.


Music and Your Child

It has been shown over the years that music for a baby is a good developmental tool, even as early as a fetus in the womb. There are many different things music can do for our children.
By making music part of your child’s daily routine you can teach them what to expect and can make them feel more secure. Do you sing your child a lullaby or play a CD at bedtime or nap time? This behavior teaches children, with repetition, that it is time for bed. In addition to this, you can use music to alter your child's mood — and your own. Soft, gentle music seems to soothe and calm while louder, bouncier music can give you a boost.
Music also contributes to a rich sensory environment for children. Music exposes your child to an environment filled with a variety of tastes, smells, textures, colors and sounds. Experiencing this rich sensory environment can offer neural stimulation that can help a child in almost every area of school. Listening to music may help make these changes, but the biggest impact comes when your child actively participates in these musical activities. Another reason that you would want to expose your child to music would be just because it is enjoyable for both of you. Any parent who has danced or sang a song with their child will truly understand what I mean here. Dancing crazy and spinning a circle with your child is not only good exercise for you both but will leave you and your child in a fit of laughter.
Children also like to dance and make their own music. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 respond best to music when they actively experience it. Look for active ways to get your child involved with music. Such as marching, rocking, tapping, spinning, clapping and just moving to the beat of the music. Another way to get them to actively experience music is by introducing instruments. Children in this age range like instruments that can be banged, struck or shaken. No instruments in your house? Just give your child a pot and a wooden spoon and watch them keep their own tempo. You can encourage this behavior by grabbing your own pot and spoon and mimic the sounds that your child makes.
Music has also been known to teach our children over the years. Combining music and playing can also be helpful in teaching your child important facts and skills. For example; the children’s “ABC song” teaches the alphabet, “This Old Man” teaches numbers and “There was an old woman who swallowed a fly” teaches rhythm and memory. Eventually you will notice that your child will have a select few that they like to hear and will request them frequently. Although this may get rather dull for you, remember that this is another learning tool. This behavior promotes repetition, which is what helps children learn.
There are many different types of music you can share with your child, Kids music CD’s, Folk music, and Rock and Roll. Don’t forget to share your favorite music with your child too. Because, sharing your favorite music can make playtime and learning time more enjoyable for both of you.

v 3 issue 40: All about Etsy

All About Etsy

We are so thrilled to share our favorite finds at Etsy. You will find the most unique items for your little ones and you too.
Cover by Brenda Acuncius





1 Here's the scoop on loopdiloop's! A passion for design, six years of creating formal gowns, and one inspiring daughter helped to bring this gorgeous little baby ballgown to life. Tired of the same old same, this talented Mom decided to design her own couture. The fact that this dress grows with your child makes it even better. Double sided satin ribbon and a corset style back help to cover a growing torso and the dress changes from a long buttercream dream to a short taffeta beauty...depending on the length of those legs.
2 Bellasofia truly is blessed with a gift for creating beautiful heirloom quality couture and accessories. Her creations of toile, satin and cotton...are reminiscent of a secret garden party. A favorite for us would be the adorable bunnies which come with aprons to match the lovely dress fabrics. These huggable stuffed bunnies come in small and large sizes and make a perfect guest of honor for a little girl's tea party. P.S.-We like her well behaved manner too!
3 A pretty bow and fabulous fabric choices make these booties just scrumptious. What in tarnations!...some of these booties even have matching appliqued onesies. Dog Gone Knitting is the company that makes these cutie pie shoes for only $15.- Made to fit the toes of 3-6 months, but a request can get you a pair in bigger sizes.
4 Sarah + Abraham creates note cards perfect for saying hello, congratulations or thank you. But it's not just note cards you will find here. Artwork of simple and timeless design comes in the form of prints for hanging, invitations and announcements for celebrating, or tags and stickers for adding a sweet touch. Needless to say, all designs subtly remind us of the beauty in the simplicity of life!
5 In 2006, Robyn's love of edgy fashion and Rob's passion for rock music came together to create lowleepop. For those of you who were lucky enough to have lived through the 80's the first time around, this baby gift set may give you a sudden urge to pull out the 8' x 8' of linoleum and do a backspin because the baby's bringin' the beats. Maybe not! But anyway, these kid clothes are really great, definitely fun, and unique. Keep up the good work...we love it!
6 With four kids, this stay-at-home Mom manages to find time to make some of the coolest and unique necklaces we've seen. Custom tile necklaces from My Little Chickadees can be personalized or chosen from tons of great pre-designed tiles. All necklaces come with a ribbon which easily adjusts to any size neckline and you get to pick the color. Great prices and beautiful packaging-free of charge!-are the icing on the cake for this hand-crafted goodness.
7 Keeping busy making beautiful art, stationary products and "all the things that make celebrating so much fun" really pays off...for us! BellaBlu designs has lots of fun stuff to pick from. Who wouldn't adore this tagless onesie appliqued with a lab dog? Great fabrics are stitched onto durable Carter's onesies with a zig zag stitch to prevent unnecessary fraying. Available in sizes 3-24 months or in tees for the bigger kiddos.
8 Add a dash of this to a dabble of that and you come up with the absolutely fabulous finds of Pish Posh Girls. Like us here at Tot Trends, they love "a little bit of this and a little bit of that" and they have a fantastic way of pulling it all together to make adorable dresses and accessories for the girls we love. Add Kate Clips to your order and choose the fabric you want for only $5.- for two or $7.50 for three. What a deal!
This week's Mom Tips

Cleaning Tip:
Clean those dirty and dander filled stuffed animals by placing them in a pillowcase, tie the top and wash them in the washing machine.
Financial Tip:
Save hundreds of dollars by cooking meals at home and packing lunches. Not only is this the most affordable way to feed your family but also the healthiest way to satisfy your hunger.
Green Tip:

Purchase reusable bags for grocery shopping. It takes 20 to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down in the environment and paper is bulkier than plastic, taking up more landfill space. Like plastic, it does not breakdown rapidly. Grocery Stores like Hannaford offers attractive reusable bags for only $2 and also credits you for each recyclable bag you use. They also recycle your used plastic bags. Check with your grocer to see what programs they offer. Check out Get hip get green for stylish reusable bags. http://www.gethipgetgreen.com/bag02.htm
Time Saving Tip:
Pay Your Bills Electronically. Save time (and stamp money) by not writing out and mailing checks.



Painting with pudding
Great for children 2 and under - Non Toxic

Supplies:
Construction Paper (any color)
Pudding (chocolate, vanilla or both)
Spoon
Shaped sponges (optional)
Place your baby in their highchair or booster seat at your table. Be sure to have them in play clothes because this can get rather messy.

Place the construction paper on the tray or table in front of them.

Place a half teaspoon of pudding – chocolate or vanilla - onto the construction paper and let your baby smear away. Once they have started smearing, you can add another half teaspoon of pudding.

If you choose to use the sponges, place a half teaspoon onto a paper plate and dip the sponges into the pudding. Place them on the construction paper and help them dab to make the shape of the sponge.

The pudding will dry just like regular store bought fingerpaints

v3 issue 39: Vintage Style

Vintage Style


Love the look of yesterday? This issue is for all those vintage lovers with an updated twist.



Cover by Michelle Huesgen








1 Our favorite apron is the Beansoup Cobbler’s Apron! A spin on the 1940’s cobbler’s aprons, these aprons are great for a budding artist or aspiring chef. $34, Beansoup.com.
2 Coral Camelia offers vintage-styled duds that are unique and simply stunning. Their online store has everything from dresses to jackets and complete outfits all handmade by this designer mom. We adore this Sophia bloomers and dress set. Hurry and shop while several pieces are on sale.
3 Shop Matilda & Company when you are in need for unique vintage duds. This Shantung silk bodice dress is just one of the many varieties of vintage styled dresses for your little girl. Choose from vintage styled bubbles for him or her as well as dresses, embroidered bibs and more.
4 We absolutely love Sweet Pea Ink’s line of birthday invites that all have a vintage touch. Mom be sure to check out their notecards, labels and invites…they are sure to delight.
5 This beautiful looking quilt from Orange Peel Baby is made with high quality, 100% cotton fabrics. Each is custom made and their vintage style makes them a timeless treasure for generations.
6 FarmBaby baby wash, lotion and nursery spray are perfect for delicate baby skin. The FarmBaby line is all natural and safe for little ones. Available at Sweetgrassonline.com.
7 Finding a vintage styled diaper bag is tough these days but Kathleen Baby Bags offers a vintage choice with their nutty monkey bag. The outside is a far cry from looking like a baby bag with its leather details but its 8 interior pockets keep your baby needs organized and tidy.

This week's Mom Tips

Organizing Tip:
Wash the dishes and wipe the counters after each meal. It only takes five minutes!
Time Saving Tip:
Get stamps delivered to your mailbox from the United States Postal Service's Postal Store. The same site allows users to calculate postage for packages and print shipping labels right at home.
Financial Tip:
Get rid of 'Universal Default' Credit Cards. A Universal Default credit card issuer reviews your accounts and increases your interest rate anytime you faulter (paying even one day late on your car payment will increase your cc interest rate).
Green Tip:
Assemble a team of co-workers to conduct an energy audit at your workplace. Look for lights and equipment needlessly left on, drafty windows and doors you could insulate, inefficient thermostat settings, and other energy-wasters.


PART THREE: CHEAP, GOOD FUN!

These tips are classic and priceless when it comes to the theme of a kids' party. "Kids will enjoy these parties regardless of the amount of time or the money parents spend," says Kothari. "It's really about going back to the basics and creating a spectacular event out of a remarkably inexpensive activity!"
Hide and Seek Toddler Fun!


If parents are looking for a fun, inexpensive party to organize for their two to three-year-old child, take the simple game of "Hide & Seek" and build a complete set of party activities around the idea of hiding and seeking: loads of fun and low-key. Parties can be so simple for kids at this age. Take a look at the Hide & Seek Fun to be had:

Play Hide & Go Seek, the classic game, of course!

1. If adults will be attending the party, reverse it and have the kids look for their parents.
2. Provide toddler-sized boxes that are either pre-decorated by the parent or that the toddlers can decorate themselves. What a great craft activity! Have them use markers, crayons, etc. to make their own "Jack In the Box." (This can also be the take home goody from the party!)
3. Play Jack In The Box: Have the kids climb into the box and duck down so as not to be seen. Play music, and let the kids pop up just as a Jack In The Box would do.
4. Hide a Pinata that the kids must find in order to enjoy the fun.
5. Have a treasure hunt for chocolate gold coins.
6. Make a mock tent using a large cardboard box and a sheet. Let each kid hide in the tent and pop out surprising the others. Ask them to pop out using their imagination and become a lion, a dog, a cat, etc.
7. Give children boxes of Cracker Jacks to enjoy finding their prizes.
8. Hide candy treats in a batch of cupcakes. The kids will discover the surprise as they enjoy their cake.
9. Play "I Spy."
10. Read some books that have flaps to reveal hidden pictures.
11. Have the kids make creations using Play Dough. Hide some small prizes in each little Play Dough jar for the kids to discover.

There will be plenty of surprises and prizes for the kids to find and take home at this party. This is very low-cost, high fun party for the toddlers. Amazing how a classic game can give a party full of kids a great afternoon.


Fantastic Food Fight for the Tweens on a Shoestring Budget

What a great budget birthday party idea that will be fabulous fun for the kids: a FOOD FIGHT! If the idea interests the parents, here are some ways to put this together:


1. When the kids arrive at the party, for both safety and easy clean up, provide kids with shower caps, plastic goggles, and a rain poncho to wear. These will keep the kids safe and relatively clean throughout the food fight.

2. After they have their outfits on, give the kids a bag of marshmallows and sling shots, and they can start the fun of slinging marshmallows at one another as they wait for everyone to arrive. Make sure the kids are supervised in the designated party area.

3. On a table, put out lots of foods that are perfect for a food fight, spaghetti, whipped cream, mashed potatoes, chocolate pudding, Jell-O, cereal, hard boiled eggs, popcorn, oatmeal, bananas, ice cream, etc. Whatever you like, and you can make it even more interesting by putting food dye into the different foods, for example, green mashed potatoes.

4. Parents may want to announce a few "rules" to the kids before the food fight breaks out. Some suggestions include: they must keep their goggles on, they must stop throwing if they hear the sound of a whistle or something else you find appropriate, and that the food fight must stay within the space you have designated.

5. If there are kids who do not feel comfortable participating, let them have fun watching on the sidelines!

6. Make sure to have a video cam out to capture this fun!

7. Kids can also play some organized "food games," including eating donuts that have been strung on a string and with the kids blindfolded. First kid finished eating his donut, wins! Have the kids partner up and feed each other pudding standing 5 ft. away from one another using a plastic spoon.

8. The party menu can be very simple as they will be playing with the food at this party, more than eating any of it! Serve ice cream and cake to top the party off.

9. Send the kids home with a splattered brown paper bag filled with good food: a piece of fruit, a veggie, pudding pack, etc. as a reminder of their foodie fun!

Other Budget Friendly Birthday Party Alternatives:

1. If it's a rainy day, put on galoshes and splash around in the puddles. Don't worry about the mess, just enjoy the moment.
2. Have a family camp-out where all of you sleep in tents together, watching the stars, eating homemade treats, playing flashlight tag together. If it is cold outside, have a family slumber party! Lots of fun for the birthday kid.
3. Go to a favorite park with a picnic lunch and spend the day chasing it away enjoying the outdoor sun.
4. Undivided Attention for A Day. Give your kid all of you on his special day, now there's a great gift!
5. Use the day for a family field trip to the zoo or local children's museum, etc.

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 www.Amazon.com for $9.95. Also be sure to visit Lisa's website at www.PeppersPollywogs.com before you plan your next celebration!