v 4 issue 6: Fall Shopping Guide

Our Fall Shopping Guide is here, full of discounts on fabulous designer clothing and gifts. Select from great online stores with excellent customer service and find your new favorite online store from our selection.

Cover by Carrie Steffe









1 Em Tanner Designs is popping up everywhere. With stylish lunchboxes and Tee's that are personalized in an artistic way that is unique and fun. We adore the candyland theme that was used for Max Sutter's first birthday. Matching lunchbox, tee and plate in an adorable package. Em Tanner has a way to make any occasion fun and personal.

Enter code:TTW to receive 20% off your total order

2 Rock'n Sprouts specializes in hip, edgy designer childrens clothing, cool accessories and rockin’ baby gifts for your kids. They carry stylish designer clothing with a decided urban punk twist, for boys and girls, infant to angst ridden. You'll find baby gifts and accessories as well as this alternative store for kids.

Enter code:TTW10 to receive 10% off your total order

3 At The Silly Wagon, it's a state of mind. Find clothing, toys, dolls, crib and toddler bed bedding, beautiful childrens wall art. Your little girl with not want to go back to school without her Paperlili and TheSillyWagon has these cool embellished Tee's that will speak their language.

Enter code:BOOKWORM08 to receive 15% off your total order

At Tiny Prints you will find unique photo birth announcements, baby shower invitations, birthday Invitations and other fine stationery. Find festive and thoughtful ways to convey special occasions to family, friends and loved ones with their large selection. Tiny Prints finds great joy in helping our customers discover the perfect card that will leave a lasting impression.

Enter code:TT2008 to receive 10% off your total order


Click here to shop our Fall Shopping Guide



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

Products above (clockwise):
TuTuCouture Collection, Rocking Pig by Goose Creek, Isabella Bunk Bed over Double Bed, Celese Yoga T-Shirt.

v 4 issue 5: Back to School

Summer vacation has come to an end, and it’s time for the kids to go back to school. Whether your child is beginning preschool, kindergarten or elementary school, preparation will help make school go smoothly. We've packed this issue full of products your little one will adore for back-to-school!

Cover by Shannon Lott








1 Knick-knack, patty-whack get your bag a PakNak. PakNaks are the coolest little soft & rubbery charms used to decorate backpacks, lunch bags, or anything else you can think of. Start a collection today! Every adorable charm is super adhesive and easily interchangeable...no rings that little kiddos can't handle on their own. Each one has their own little story and we love them all.
PakNaks would like to extend a 15% discount to TTW readers. Enter code: TTW15 at checkout.

2 Snikiddy Snacks have a fantastic solution to your child’s craving for junk food. They are made with 100% organic ingredients so you will feel good about sending them off to school with a snack that you know will be eaten. These delicious delights come in everything from Grilled Cheese Puffs to Chocolate Chippers to satisfy the sweet tooth. Available in individual packets for perfect portion control.

3 No Norby Norway backpack is complete without a tag-a-long lunch bag of the same exceeding quality. A sweet embroidered design, detachable shoulder strap, and matching attachable change purse are a few of the delightful features. Each purchase includes a reusable thermos and sandwich container for simple lunch packing.

4 EM Tanner Designs is a great place to pick up personalized items with lots of style. This funky fireball lunchbox really lights our fire. No problems finding your lunchbox when it has your name written all over it and eye catching flames flying off the first initial like a hotrod.

5 This absolutely adorable plush backpack comes with a 12" stuffed monkey pet which tucks into a carrier when not in use. Kids can wear it on their back or use the telescopic handle to roll it along.Back to Basic Toys carries this simply sweet pack for only $29.99.

6 Send them off to school with a great attitude. Munchkin Designs offers this school rocks t-shirt. Preschoolers to 1st graders can let the teachers know school is the place they want to be. Choose from colors of green, pink, pool blue, and purple....or make it special by choosing your own colors for a few extra bucks.

7 Room Seven is a well-known children's clothing company based out of Europe. Girls will love this ever so girly backpack to get them off to school with classy style. Several correlating prints are combined to fashionably adorn a backpack with all the space needed for school supplies and the little extras a girl might need...(think extra sets of clothes for the preschoolers/they take up tons of space). Available at Littlejetset.com


Preparation will help make school go smoothly

The Elements of Kindergarten Readiness from Tessandtab.com

Social Kills:
Many parents believe that skills like counting and writing are the key factors in kindergarten readiness. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that teachers say children with advanced social skills are more likely to have a successful kindergarten experience.

Academic Skills:
Starting early to prepare your child does not mean attempting to teach them kindergarten skills in preschool or at home. It just means ensuring that they have mastered these preschool skills.

Fine Motor Skills:
Over the next year, these skills will become second nature to your child. For now, you just need to make sure your child is familiar with the hand/eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills that are most useful.

What Teachers Expect:
• Share, take turns and listen
• Sit quietly in a circle for 10 - 15 minutes
• Use words to communicate
• Use the toilet by yourself
• Dress yourself (zip, button, fasten clothes and shoes)
• Follow simple directions
• Recite and recognize alphabet letters
• Know basic colors, shapes and numbers
• Use positional words (over, under, up, down)
• Print your first name
• Recite your address and phone number
• Properly hold a pencil
• Hold and use a pair of scissors
• Know how to use crayons and glue
• Assemble a 10-12 piece puzzle

What Parents Can Do:
Introduce your child to new social experiences by joining a play group, attending story hour at the local library and encouraging interaction with new friends. Keep a list of social activities that excite and frustrate your child and share this important information with the kindergarten teacher.

* Tessy & Tab offers two fabulous kits to get little ones ready for school. Preschoolers can start to get down with the basics through the Reading Club Starter Kit, and the Kindergarten Confidence Kit is made for those venturing on to bigger things. The Confidence Kit gives an in depth preview of what children and parents can expect from the upcoming year through a Parent's Guide, writing practice sheets, a poster, and a DVD featuring a real day at Kindergarten. Perfect to ease fear &/or prepare for a new school experience.


Showcase: Meringue Boutique
Meringue Boutique has made a name for themselves by carrying all of the women’s clothing lines worn by moms everywhere: designer denim from Seven for all Mankind and True Religion; tops and tees from Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, etc.; and undergarments from favorites like Spanx, Yummie Tummie, and Hanky Panky.




However, Meringue is just as focused on the trends for children as they are for women. Meringue Boutique is equipped to meet all of your children’s clothing needs- from super-cute shower gifts to exceptional clothing for your own little one.




With fashionable brands like Petit Joie, Kingsley, Luna Luna, Hubcap, Splendid Littles, C&C California and all of the designer denim labels- your trendy tot will be set for back to school- with style! Meringue also carries a wide variety of diaper bags from in-demand lines like Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville, besides maternity denim and tops.



Visit www.meringueboutique.com today!

Tot Trends Weekly readers can save an additional 10% on off all baby sale items. Use code: TOTS10 at checkout

v 4 issue 4: Potty Parade

Potty training can be a trying time for the child and the parents. But the rewards of saying goodbye to diapers and seeing the look of accomplishment on your toddler's face make it well worth the effort.


Cover by Heather Star








1 Turn any toilet into an instant potty with the BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer. Perfect for kiddos who are out and about frequently and are particular about the seat they use (i.e.-afraid of the big toilets). This seat can be kept in the home for easy transition between a potty and toilet, or pack it in the car for visits and public restroom use.

2 Baby Bjorn has The perfect chair for taking care of business! High back support, armrests, and lots of legroom keep tots-in-training comfy while they sit...and sit...and then sit some more. Take it from experienced trainers, this seat is GREAT-no complaints, no leaks, no splatters and super easy clean up. Find it at Crocodilebaby.com

3 Public toilets are full of ick, but this seat cover is just the trick...the trick for germ-free rest stops that is! Over-sized, disposable seat covers with a special barrier to keep bottoms dry and germ free are utterly fabulous for keeping clear of public toilet yuckiness. The potty toppers stay in place with adhesive tabs and come in a resealable pack for easy storing.

4 Children can wiggle, giggle, and eventually tinkle their way around the world on a potty adventure in The Potty Dance . The great folks from flattenme help children step into the pages of a storybook and become its main character through life-like digital photographic imagery. Just pick a favorite photo, add a little personal information, and for a small price you've got a quality, award-winning personalized storybook!

5 Groggy, late night clean-ups can be stress-free and easier with a mattress cover. A DriNights Waterproof Mattress Protector is the easiest and quickest clean-up around. Fits up to a full size bed. Place it over the mattress and tuck in the ends-it's that easy. If an accident occurs, no need to worry about the mattress because this cover is super absorbent. One is great, two is ideal for cleaning and prevention!

6 Alright, you've been in those big kid underpants for a while now, and it's time to celebrate. You got this great t-shirt for only $19.95, and there is extra cash burning a hole in your pocket. Now, it's time to let the world know you did it, so potty like a rockstar. Get it in blue, get it in pink...just get it at My Rockstar Baby!

7 Picture this: you just packed everyone in the car and it took forever, one of the kids says, "I have to go potty!", and there are no restrooms around anywhere. No need to fear because you just picked up the all-inclusive potty bench from babyuniverse.com This potty has everything you need for easy cleaning, storage, and portability. Use it in the home or on the road and have easy access to everything needed for on the spot training.

8 Bringin' on the giggles since its first publishing (in Hebrew) back in 1975, Once Upon a Potty is the classic tale of Joshua and his journey from diapers to tighty whiteys. He figured out the necessary toileting techniques and so did Prudence, his female counterpart. Both their stories are available in the original book format or on DVD. The best part is...you can get an anatomically correct Joshua or Prudence doll, along with a pint-sized potty, to help with the teaching.


This weeks mom tips:
10 tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use-

1. Get that "Check Engine" Light Checked Out:
Possible Savings: Off the charts
A faulty oxygen sensor -- a fairly common cause of those unexplained "check engine" lights -- can actually cost you up to 40 percent of your engine's performance. If the light's on, make the appointment now. It could pay for itself very quickly.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure:
Possible Savings 133.9 gallons/year ($542/yr)
According to some government estimates, the average driver could boost their fuel efficiency by 25 percent just by keeping their tires inflated. That's often a free, or cheap, repair. On my way to work, I pass two gas stations with air compressors I can use for free, and three -- apparently owned by cheapskates -- that take quarters.

3. Change Your Air Filter:
Possible Savings 60.9 gallons/yr ($247/yr)
Gas is half of the combustion equation. Air is the other half. A clogged air filter can rob 10 percent of your engine's efficiency. A new air filter can get that 10 percent back -- usually for under $15.

4. Drive 60 on the Highway, Not 75:
Possible Savings: 57.8 gallons/year ($234/yr)
On the highway, stay close to the speed limit, and keep your speed as constant as traffic allows. Most cars reach optimal gas mileage at about 60 miles per hour. Speeding up increases wind resistance against the car, making the engine work harder and burn more gas. According to the EPA, each 5 mph over 60 that you drive decreases fuel efficiency by up to seven percent.

5. Turn Off the A/C:
Possible Savings 31.9 gallons/yr ($129/yr)
Some air conditioners rob an engine up to five percent of its fuel economy. There is some controversy about this one -- many newer cars are able to compensate for the energy used by an air conditioner and don't suffer the same penalty for keeping cool.

6. Get Your Engine Tuned:
Possible Savings 25.8 gallons/year ($104/yr)
Most of us can boost our mpg by four percent with a simple tune-up.

7. Drive Calmly in the City
Possible Savings: 17.9 gallons/yr ($73/yr)
There's a red light up ahead. You're going to stop when you get to it. Do you keep your foot on the gas until it's time to brake for the light? Most of us do, but that doesn't necessarily make sense. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that accelerating rapidly and braking hard can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by as much as five percent. And that may be a low estimate. Look at it this way -- are you willing to spend money to stop at that light sooner?

8. Lose Weight:
Possible Savings 13.1 gallons/yr for each 100 pounds you remove ($104/yr)
Government estimates say that an extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce fuel efficiency by up to two percent. And that's an average -- the smaller the car, the more extra weight makes the engine work harder.

9. Lose the Roof Rack
Possible Savings 13.1 gallons/year ($53/yr)
Wind resistance is the enemy of fuel efficiency. Do you have a roof rack? Every time you drive, it's making your car fight wind resistance, and burn fuel. Most of the time, that's money you're spending to carry an empty roof rack. Get a two percent boost by taking the thing off.

10. Change Your Oil on Time
Possible Savings 6.6 gallons/year ($27/yr)
After 3,000 miles, changing your oil (using the recommended grade) gives you back one percent of your car's mpg rating.

If you follow the tips above, that's $1,514 less you could spend on gas in the next year. Though it's a rough estimate, it shows you what small changes in your habits -- most of which you can make for free -- could do for your wallet.
Copyrighted, U.S.News & World Report, L.P. All rights reserved.

Potty Training and your Toddler


Know When Your Child Is Ready
One of the most important things to consider in potty training is whether or not your toddler is ready for it. He may be ready earlier or later than his siblings, cousins, or your friends' kids.



Some signs that your little one is ready for potty training include:
* Going two hours or more without wetting a diaper
* Awareness of urination and bowel movements, before or while they happen
* Being bothered by a dirty or wet diaper or telling you that he has one
* Expressing interest in using the potty

Two years is a common age for potty training readiness. But some kids are ready earlier and some later. Most experts agree that there is no need for concern unless your child is 4 years old and still expresses no interest in using the potty.

Preparing for Potty Training
When your child is approaching two years old or sooner if he shows interest in using the potty, there are some ways you can encourage his curiosity. There are many books about potty training designed for toddlers that use pictures and fun rhymes to discuss learning to use the potty. Reading these to your child can educate him about bathroom etiquette and encourage him to ask questions. It's also good to let your child in when the parent of the same gender is using the bathroom. This lets the child see in person what is expected of him.

Once your child is ready, you can start encouraging him to use the potty. You will probably want a potty chair, but there are also some other products on the market that can help you with this. Diapers that have disappearing symbols or let your toddler feel wetness can help him learn when he needs to go to the potty. There are also sticker charts that you can use to keep track of your child's progress. A small reward each time he gets a set number of stickers can provide an added incentive and encouragement.

Potty training is one of the most important phases of a child's development. It is also a frequent source of stress for parents. Following the child's lead and giving rewards and encouragement can make the transition much smoother for both toddler and parents.

v 4 issue 3: Boys Only

Calling all boys and tomboys too. We have selected some of our favorite items that your little boys will be proud to own. We also have a book list of our favorite books for boys about boys.


Cover by Kelly Smith









1 What little boy doesn't love trucks? He will be the envy of the school yard with this Appaman Digger Tee from Cute Little Clothes. This manly shirt is available in vintage black sizes 2T-7.

2 Watch out McDreamy...looks like you might have some serious competition! These super cute scrubs, made to fit infants, tots, and kids, can turn any cutie into a stud. Available in green and blue for the boys (also pink for the girls) with the genuine drawstring pants docs love. Extremely comfortable and cozy.

3 The eyes don't lie...this is one super cool t-shirt. A simple black design of a monster truck stands out when detailed with flaming tires. Known to stop foot traffic (when others ask where you found it!), so be prepared to say you bought it from hipsterhugs.com!

4 An ArtFolio to inspire and organize! With dragons and knights adorning the cover, this case is sure to spark the imagination with medieval daydreams. The carry tote is filled with 12 crayons and a drawing pad. Find it at bebecakesboutique.com for only $20.00.

5 Bold, flashy, and sure to spice up the wardrobe of any tot. We love the artistic graphics of this long sleeve tee. Tons of fabulous styles for the ladies too, but the Dream Big long sleeve tee is our favorite pick for this issue since it's all about the boys!

6 Great quality tees for outfitting the rugged little men of the world have been spotted at bunny and bee. The Little Thieves Collection is strictly for the boys and it is fabulous. A flash of color is splashed onto hip designs-like astro bear, weiner roast, & the LT express-creating mad styles kids can't get enough of.

7 Buzz on over to miatom.com to find one-of-a-kind tees with a hint of manly spirit. All shirts are tagless with digitally printed images such as this motorbike Tee. You will also find golf tees, boxing gloves and more... Ranging in price from
$20. to $27.95, we know your little mate will love these Aussie tees!

8 A fabulous addition to a landlubber's room! The Pirate Island clock is 13" round with a moving pirate flag pendulum, detailed artwork and precision quality which makes this device well worth the booty! View the whole Timeworks collection for sale now at Layla Grace.


This weeks mom tips:
Health Tip:
How to treat a bee sting:
Immediately scrap off the stinger with the edge of a credit card or a very dull knife. Wash the area with soapy water, and then hold an ice cube on the infected area for a few minutes. If you pull out a stinger instead of scraping it off more venom is apt to enter your child’s body.
*Watch your child for an allergic reaction. If your child begins having difficulty breathing or is swelling in his mouth or neck area or develops a rash around the sting area you should seek medical attention.

Cleaning Tip:
Add sparkle to your dishes in your automatic dishwasher by doing the following: Run the dishwasher on the regular cycle without soap. When the machine has filled with water, open the door and add a cup of white vinegar. Finish the cycle. This helps to remove deposits in the pipes.

Organizing Tip:
Wash the dishes and wipe the counters after each meal. No matter how large or small the meal or how tired and in a hurry you are, do the dishes. Make leaving your kitchen clean as important a priority as getting dressed for work. You never know when you will have unexpected guests.


Books about boys for boys
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
Max's room grows into a mysterious, wild forest out of his imagination, and Max journeys to the land of the Wild Things. They are fearsome-looking monsters, but Max conquers them with a scary look and he is made the King of all Wild Things. This is a great book for big imaginations.




Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss.
When you are very young, there are some things that you just know. Despite everyone's dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants. What a great story to teach your child that nothing is impossible.




A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook.
No one likes Josh the Tattler because he tattles way too much. He tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog! Until one night he wakes up to find his tongue is very long, yellow, and covered in bright purple spots. Will a bad case of Tattle Tongue teach him a lesson?

Shhhhh! Everybody's Sleeping by Julie Markes
A young child is encouraged to go to sleep by the thought of everyone else sleeping, from teacher to baker to postman -- happy dreams and slumber await all when evening falls. You will find your little boy holding his finger to his lips and saying, “Shhhhh” as you turn each page.

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long.
Jeremy Jacob sets off on a pirate adventure, he loves doing everything the pirates do but then he finds out what they don't do. Equipped with pail and shovel, young Jeremy Jacob is happily constructing a sandcastle and moat when his day at the beach takes an unexpected turn.





Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion.
Harry was a white dog with black spots who liked everything, except getting a bath. He takes matters into his own paws, he buries his family's scrubbing brush in the backyard and runs away from home before they can wrangle him into the tub.

Barns and Noble Sale- 15% off online sale. Enter coupon code V9P4D7A at checkout to receive off the highest ticketed price book . Expires 8/17/08

v 4 issue 2: Seeing Double

Celebrate the blessed arrival of twins with quality twin baby gift selections. Our article this week comes from a Tot Trends Weekly reader- What to Expect when Having Twins.

Cover by Shannon Holden











1 Milk and cookies, served in a delightful gift wrapping, can be found in an unfamiliar package at Polkadot Platypus. "You can't serve one...without the other", so these snackful onesies make a perfect gift for a set of twins. Come in pink & blue combinations to fit twins of 3-24 months!

2 Send out one of these adorable twin announcements from tiny*prints and add a little squeal-appeal to your great news. The twin girl and boy screaming birth announcements, designed by Petite Alma, can be tweaked to your liking during the ordering process. Change a color, a font, or keep it just like it is! Any which way, we love the look and quality of these prints.

3 Dimples & Dandelions carries this sweet hand-finished 6" x 8" tile which is heat-sealed to ensure a high-quality finish. A beautiful keepsake for the "two peas in a pod" of your life. Made to withstand the test time and to keep the memories alive!

4 Trendy Twin Shop is the place to visit for coordinating couture for twins and their siblings. This adorable Preemie Kimono is available in Blue Lagoon and Tickled Pink. There is nothing like the ease of a gown for quick and easy changes. Available in 5-9 lbs of pure sweetness.

5 Jam-packed full of goodies! My Retro Baby has put together a spectacular collection of onesies & accessories to blast twins off to the moon in style. Everything is packed up in a vintage mini suitcase with astro travel stickers to match. Super news! If you happen to need a gift for triplets....you can add to the pack as needed.

6 For the computer geek dwelling inside most of us nowadays, these copy & paste tees are utterly fabulous. They come in all shapes and sizes for infants & tots alike. Pick from short sleeve, long sleeve, or a onesie! You are sure to be pleased with the comfort and quality at babyslanguage.com.

7 Double dip at The Best Dressed Child for great matching outfits. This cute doggy print can be purchased as a dress, pant set, coverall, or overalls with a shirt. Dress those adorable fraternal twins up in a special combination outfit for a sweet and simple look that works for boys and girls.


This weeks mom tips:
Financial Tip:
As mom always said, turn out the light when you leave a room. This small gesture cuts down on your annual electricity bill.


Cleaning Tip:
Rub glass shower doors with a white vinegar-dampened sponge to remove soap residue.

Organizing Tip:
Get rid of trash. You’ll be amazed at the amount of trash or stuff you never use you have throughout your home. Save time and space by tossing trash and donating usable goods.

Time Saving Tip:
Shop online! Services like Netflix for movies and Shutterflyfor photos can help you minimize running around by accomplishing tasks from home. Set up online payment for your bills to save money on stamps and a trip to the post office.

What to Expect when Having Twins -Things I Wish that I Had Known Before

The attention that I received for expecting twins was simply amazing. My family and friends were shocked and curious about the pregnancy and how the babies would change our lives. I bought all the books that you could think of and read as many articles as I could about expecting multiples. At four months, I found out that I was having daughters. "Life will be even more beautiful when the girls arrive," I said time and time again.

My husband and I took Hypnobirthing classes to prepare me mentally for birthing in hopes to ease any pain.

I delivered my daughters in the winter of 2003. The delivery was hard. I attempted to do my Hypnobirthing, but the pain was unbearable. At 37 weeks, I was induced and given a C-section. I was not even conscious after the delivery because I hemorrhaged. The next days following the birth were blurred and filled with pain. Life was not as I expected it to be.

One week later, we brought home the girls. Why did so many people tell me that their babies slept through the night within the first few days? This did not hold true for us. The first night home, the girls screamed, they cried, we did not sleep. For months we did not sleep. I did not expect this.

There were strategies that helped us cope. Because we bottle fed, we slept the girls in their car-seats. My husband and I alternated feedings during the night so that we could get as much sleep as we could. Having the girls in their car-seats allowed one of us at a time to feed the girls using both hands. The left hand would be used to feed one child, and the right hand to feed the other. I was also put on sleeping medication to help me fall asleep after I fed the girls. The sleep deprivation and hormone changes put me into a Postpartum Depression.

Once or twice a week we were fortunate enough to have family members stay overnight and allow us to get a full night's sleep. I truly feel that if we did not have this support, I would have fallen into a worse state of depression. My mother was also there day in and day out to help care for the twins while my husband was working. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward her. My mother is unselfish, gracious, and our light of hope.

I did try to nap when the girls were napping, but thoughts were racing through my mind constantly and I felt that I had to do housework. I do wish I knew now what I didn't know then. The girls are three years old now and it is rare that my house is spotless. I don't worry about it now, and I wish I didn't worry then. It is true; the mess will get cleaned up eventually. It does not matter if you have clutter when you are the verge of self destruction.

The first three years of my daughter's lives are a blur to me now. I can't remember when they turned over for the first time, or when they said their first word. All I know is that I am glad that I didn't give up. They are the most beautiful children I could have been blessed with. As I sit here typing this article, they are walking down the hall hand in hand saying, "We are best friends. Let's pretend that you are the Mommy and I am the baby." They are smart and kind and compassionate. I am proud of my daughters and I am proud of our families. They have helped us day in and day out to mold the girls into what they will become.

Story submitted by Tot Trends Weekly reader Jennifer Rose Hewes. Jennifer is one of our cover photographers as well. View her online portfolio at jenniferrosephotography.org