v4 issue 34: Easter Surprise

Hippity hoppity Easter's on it's way and we have found some egg-cellent gifts and more that will help you celebrate the holiday in style.

Cover by Amanda Elkins











1 A great price for elegance! Beautiful fabrics, with gently placed polka dots, and wide sash waist bows make both of these dresses exceptional choices for fancy dancy Easter entertainment. Find these dresses and more at Puddles Collection. This dress was also featured in our Editor's Blog. Enter code: TOTTW1009 for 10% off your entire order. Exp: 4/30/09

2 Keep little tykes clean and comfortable all day long by layering an outfit with the Easter Egg Tie shirt. The instant solution for when the morning chill wears off, or when the treats mess up their fancy duds. Just take off the sweater...and problem solved. Visit CWDkids.com to view their large selection of Easter attire on sale.

3 A gorgeously designed tank dress from My Saurette will make a fabulous holiday outfit. The deep shade of fuchsia with a seasonally appropriate cabbage floral print promises to make any little girl pretty in pink. Enter code: SAFRSHP for free shipping

4 Easter is on its way! Dress those rugged little boys up in this magnificent Wonderboy shirt..."Ants in your Pants". A spiffy grey button up with lots of navy colored ants scattering up the left shoulder. -Pinkyscout.com Enter code: TTWPS for 15% off your entire purchase

5 Jack & Lily shoes are handcrafted in Canada from Non-toxic, breathable, premium 100% cowhide leather. We adore their new "My Shoes" Collection. Full of style and comfort with cushioned soles and cushioned ankle protection. Perfect for pre and new walkers. Check out their entire Spring Collection now! Hard to buy just one pair!

6 Wobbly wheels give this bunny his hop, skip, and jump action. Made with sustainably harvested local pine and non-toxic color in the green state of Vermont. Available at Wilddill.com

7 Jemima is the main character of the beloved Beatrix Potter story, The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck. Soft, plush, and well made, no one can resist the tender lovin' cuteness of this fabulous goose.

8 A sweet Easter basket treat any bunny would love! This cuddly, and cute, pink hooded bath towel is perfectly wrapped up with a gingham bow, making it a sensible centerpiece for a young child's gift basket. Available at mommycouturedesigns.com Enter code: TTW 10% off your entire purchase.

9 Jump into spring with a bunny swing dress and leggings set at pinktaffydesigns. The adorable pink and white polka dot top, appliqued with a bunny, comes with matching striped leggings for only $24.00!


Easter Party Food
If you’re having a brunch party and inviting lots of friends and family over, the best bet is to go with a family-friendly buffet style brunch. This is relaxing and easy for everyone involved. You can also save yourself some time by asking each family to bring their favorite dish.


Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (melted)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
20 slices white bread (crusts trimmed)
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

In a bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour mixture into the bottom of greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the sugar mixture. Layer the bread slices over the apple pie filling (gently pressing down).
In a separate bowl beat the eggs, milk and vanilla. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over bread. Cover pan with foil and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat oven to 350F. Place covered pan in oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes.
Remove foil and drizzle maple syrup over French toast. Place under hot broil for 2 minutes or until the syrup begins to caramelize. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve while still hot.


Easter Baked Ham

One whole (or half) a ham, precooked.
2 cups of apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup packed, dark brown sugar
1 can pineapple slices, drained

Preheat oven to 350F and place the ham with the fat side down in a non-stick roasting pan. Pour the apple cider or apple juice over the ham and set aside. In a separate bowl place the Dijon mustard and brown sugar together with a little bit of melted butter. Rub all over the ham. Bake the ham for approximately 8 to 10 minutes per pound of ham. During the last 15 minutes of cooking add the pineapple slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar.


Easter Brunch Sandwiches

1 pound cooked ham
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

approximately two loaves of thin sliced bread (white or brown – or you can use both for a little texture and variety)
Easter-shaped cookie cutters

Place ham, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a food processor and whiz until smooth. Cut crusts of bread slices and thinly spread with ham pate. Cut into fun Easter shapes and place on a large platter lined with dark green (washed and dried) lettuce leaves.
Another Easter favorite is an elegant perfectly baked ham. Here’s a really simple recipe which looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.



Healthy Replacements for Easter Candy


Every year parents try to decide what to give their kids for Easter. No doubt the kids would prefer candy and chocolate, but there are healthy replacements for Easter candy baskets you can utilize.

Here are some ideas.

Instead of chocolate or marshmallow candy, fill the basket with:

* Buy or bake natural cookies at home. Package them in cute Easter bags you can purchase at craft or party store.
* Mini boxes of raisins and low fat candies.
* Brightly colored plastic eggs; with small gifts tucked inside each egg.
* Stuff some of these eggs with jelly beans which are low in calories.
* Coloring books, crayons, street chalk.
* Books make wonderful Easter basket gifts
* A small plant that they can nurture with your help
These are just a few ideas on how healthy replacements for Easter candy can be utilized.

It may also be interesting to note that there are a variety of online website devoted to Easter gifts for both children and adults that do not necessarily involve candy or sweets.

Moreover, giving an actual gift for Easter is becoming a likely trend. For example, here are some ideas for kids:

* DVD Movie.
* Drawing pencils and 3x5 mini canvasses.
* Packages of trading cards.
* Clay kit with mold and paints.
* Scrapbooking kit and throw-away camera.
* Music CD.
* Books on Easter.
* Easter bunny cut-out books.
* Whatever your child is collecting at the moment.

Whatever you choose, healthy replacements for Easter candy can come in any form which will not only entertain your kids, but can become the start of a new Easter tradition in your home. Don’t forget to have the egg hunt on Easter morning. This is especially fun for kids of all ages!

v4 issue 33: Media Mania

This week we have selected some DVD programs and movies that are fun and educational.
PLUS: An interview with the founder and president of Little Airplane Productions.


Cover by Kelly Smith








1 With a "worry less and play more" attitude, Braincandy feeds the minds of little ones with the information needed to explore the world around them. By enticing minds into exploration and interaction, Braincandy media educates children socially, developmentally, & physically.

2 The Jim Henson Company & HIT Entertainment join forces to bring Russell Hoban's "Frances" books to DVD. A copy of the original 1960's storybook Bedtime for Frances, three complete episodes, & oodles of bonus features are included in each "Bedtime for Frances" DVD & Book Collection.

3 Introduce children to the land, language, and culture of China. Walker and his friend Ping Ping lead you through the landscapes of China to explore a Chinese market and the Great Wall. Educational and fun!

4 The Wonder Pets "Join the Circus" and faithfully save the day! Music, silliness, & education are joyfully combined to create three ring fun for the whole family. Be sure to check out the interview with the creator of The Wonder Pets in this month's issue.

5 Come along with Billy Blue Hair and his trusty dog Doogie as they fetch some fascinating facts on animals in "Why Do Giraffes Have Long Necks?" The excursion leads children on a global quest where they gather interesting facts on animals of all sorts. Grrreat!

6 Join Barney & Friends, along with their new friend Jingles, on a quest to find the best fairy tale in the land. In this sweet new DVD, called Once Upon a Dino Tale, children listen to renditions of classic fairy tales while traveling to enchanted lands.

7 See what all the buzz is about. Princess Katie & Racer Steve are a husband & wife duo, backed by a full band. The live DVD, Revved Up and Ready to Rock, transitions between live footage and cartoon images of the band playing their highly acclaimed musical hits.

8 Bob the Builder is on site with his crew. They're building skyscrapers and they want your little one to join in on the fun. The On Site : Skyscrapers DVD is where you'll find them...and you can pick it up for only $11.98 @ amazon.com


This weeks mom tips
Green Tip: Wash clothes in cold water…Using cold water saves a significant amount of energy. Clothes last longer and colors stay brighter. Line drying clothes saves even more energy.

Cleaning Tip: Found magic marker on the couch? Try Hair spray to remove magic marker from surfaces.

Organizing Tip: This sounds very simple, but not many moms hang up their keys…lost time by searching for keys (not to mention the frustration!) could be spent playing with your kids or organizing the junk drawer. Find a stylish hook to hang near the door and save the last minute frantic run around.

Time Saving Tip: Plan your meals in advance! By planning your meals for the week you will save time and money at the grocery store. Not to mention the stress of coming up with a meal on the spot. Also save time by avoiding the grocery store during peak shopping times (11a-1p and 5-7p). You may want to even consider grocery delivery, it’s not as expensive as you think when you consider gas expense.


Interview with founder and president of Little Airplane Productions


We recently interviewed Josh Selig the founder and president of Little Airplane Productions. Josh is a writer, producer, and filmmaker. We were thrilled to talk to Josh about one of our favorite shows that he writes and produces, “The Wonder Pets!” and the release of the newest adventure, “Wonder Pets Join the Circus !”. The Wonder Pets follows the adventures of three classroom pets that travel around the globe rescuing animals in need of help.



TTW: How did you come up with the idea of “The Wonder Pets!”?

JS: I always wanted to make a show about superheroes who had no actual superpowers. The only power that Linny, Tuck and Ming-Ming have is teamwork, but when they use it they can do extraordinary things!

TTW: Where does the inspiration for the adventures come from?

JS: We are always thinking about new animals that the Wonder Pets can save. I was just reading in National Geographic about a type of goat in Africa that can climb trees to get to a particular kind of tasty fruit. Now I want the Wonder Pets to save one of those goats!

TTW: Has “The Wonder Pets!” gone through any major changes from the very first episode in 1999?

JS: Actually, my company, Little Airplane Productions, began in 1999, but “The Wonder Pets!” has only been around since 2003. Our biggest change is that at first we made some short episodes that only starred Linny the Guinea Pig. About a year later we added Tuck and Ming-Ming. And then a few years later, we added Ollie as one of their friends!

TTW: My all time favorite adventure is “The Wonder Pets! Save the Puppy!” Do you have a favorite adventure?

JS: For me, the greatest adventure is the actual making of the different episodes. We learn so much on each show and we always meet new actors, new composers and new artists. Making the show is easily as exciting as the show itself!

TTW: What is the process for “The Wonder Pets!” animation?

JS: It’s an original process that we call “Photo-Puppetry Animation.” It was created at Little Airplane by our brilliant Creative Director, Jennifer Oxley. It involves taking real photographs and turning them into paper doll-like digital puppets that can be manipulated in the computer.

TTW: What is the typical amount of time you/your team put into creating a new episode?

JS: It takes about 9 months to make one episode of “The Wonder Pets!” We start out with writing and we finish with animation and there are lots of steps in between. Each step is very important and my team at Little Airplane Productions works very hard to make sure we get each part just right. By the time an episode is finished we have probably seen it about 30 times in various stages of its development.

TTW: How did you come across this fresh yet original concept for “The Wonder Pets! Join the Circus!”

JS: I used to be a juggler, unicyclist and fire-eater so I’ve always been fascinated by the circus. I also wanted to write an episode in which the Wonder Pets split up for awhile. At the circus, they each get to perform their very own circus acts. They have a great time but, in the end, they miss each other and they also miss teamwork!

For more information about his company and their projects, visit www.littleairplane.com

v4 issue 32: Get set for Spring

As we ring in spring this week we share some of our favorite spring treats from fashion to fun. PLUS: As we think about spring shoes, lets think about safety!


Cover by Mika Beth Edwards









1 If the warm weather is coming your way, or you have a vacation in your forecast, this just may be the cutest suit around. Brilliant solid colors or floral print, accented with a ruffle and perfected with ties at the shoulders and hips for a super fit.- tottie BEAN. Enter code: "style" For $10 off your purchase

2 The Little Chipipi Red Robin Wall Stickers at raspberrykids.com are a set of 42 self adhesive stickers children can rearrange again and again. Each set includes birds, hearts, dots, flowers, and dragonflies. Won't damage walls!Enter code: tottrends15 for 15% off your purchase plus the exchange from US to CAD currency

3 Nothing perks up an outfit like a RuffleButt. Cover up a diaper or panties with ruffles of grape. Hides perfectly under any dress, but is even better when it's shown off with one of the many color coordinating tops and sundresses found at rufflebutts.com.

4 Celebrate the coming of spring with the delightful pals of HIT entertainment. Join Thomas, Bob the Builder & Fireman Sam, along with their friends, on adventures to awake kids from their winter slumbers and get them ready for the season (and more playing outside...yahoo!).-Amazon.com

5 No bones about it, this is one fantastic polo from Faubourg Saint Denis. Made of comfortable 100% cotton Pique with check poplin hidden under front opening and inside backyoke. Back of shirt sports a super cool Dominos print. Available in size 2-8.

6 For unique patterns you don't find in any 'ole department store, hop on over to Tess & Tallulah. The Tilly Dress blends bold fabrics with a fabulous simple dress pattern to create a dress daring enough to be just a little different! Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases. Exp. 3/31/09

7 Sky blue cotton blooms with the spirit of spring in this fabulous Annie Dress found @ Sassy Baby Boutique. A floral peony print is paired with coordinating polka dots in a sweet style girls will love. Enter code: FREESHIP for free shipping on all orders

8 April showers are on their way. No need to stay indoors and pout...get outside and play in the puddles with a little help from puddlegear. The Gecko Rain Set is just one of the rugged rain gear styles to keep your kids dry from head to toe. Enter code: TrendyTot20 for 20% off your purchases


This weeks mom tips:

Another Spring Cleaning Tip: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

You’ve been putting it off for quite a long time; but today you’ve decided to clean out your medicine cabinet. Once you follow these simple tips, you won’t have to do this again for a year.

Take everything out of the cabinet and put them into a box. Clean the inside with white vinegar. Sit at your kitchen table and go through each item one by one. Check your medicines first. Throw out any outdated prescriptions. Remember to remove the label on all of them. The general rule of thumb is to throw out anything that is old, since their effectiveness is diminished. Perhaps you have accumulated two or more of one product. Check the expiration labels and keep the newest one and throw out the old. After you have finished going through the box, it’s time to put back whatever is left. The good news is now is the perfect time to organize your medicine cabinet.

Depending upon the size of your medicine cabinet, you may want to prioritize those items you use on a daily basis, such as: deodorants can be kept on the first shelf. Store your razors out of reach of young children. You may want to use plastic cups to keep your Q-tips in; or disposable razors as well. Arrange all ointments and creams on another shelf, such as Neosporin and the like. Medicinal products can be put on the top shelf. It depends on your preference. Glass bottles, however, should be kept on the first shelf. Replace whatever creams or ointments you threw out, and any other necessary items you need to have on hand. For example; over the counter antacids; vapor rub; cough syrup; toothpaste; toothbrushes, and the like.

Any medications, poisonous products or sharp items should be stored in a cabinet that has Safety Latches and Locks for to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. The age when this is no longer needed is very debatable. In my household medicines and sharp items are still under lock and key for a 6 year old.

Having to clean out your medicine cabinet can be done on a yearly basis as long as you replace or throw out those items which are outdated or no longer usable during the year. It isn’t so bad, right? Ensure you have enough band aids; ointments; and other necessary items you may need.


Taking an Extra Step
Are your infants shoes safe?

Why be ordinary, when you can have high quality, yet affordable, fashion-forward footwear for any parent seeking unique alternatives to mainstream fashion. And now you can add safety to this list. According to Jessica Jacobs, President and Founder; “Little Soles Inc. has accepted the responsibility of informing consumers of the importance of Toxicity Testing in Infant Footwear. A major goal of Little Soles Inc. is to raise awareness, by manufacturing with the consumers comfort and safety in mind.”

This is being accomplished by choosing to produce using premium quality materials that are sourced specifically to be safety approved. Beyond current CPSC (US) regulations all Little Soles™ and Baby Soles™ are sourced specifically to be Toxin Free. Extensive testing is done to ensure all products are toxin free. All shoes are tested for the core 7 toxic elements (Lead, Arsenic, Antimony, Barium, Mercury, Cadmium, and Selenium), Formaldehyde, as well as European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO colorants or dyes.

Little Soles™ and Baby Soles™ are designed in Canada while production occurs overseas. They are deeply involved in the production process and schedule to visit their production team a minimum of two times per year. In addition to these visits, regular audits are held and standards are set surpassing the standards for footwear toxicity set by Health Canada or the CPSC. Little Soles Inc is socially responsible and environmentally aware of the impact of their company and its products on the earth.



By dedicating themselves to this standard, Little Soles™ footwear is continuing to deliver an extraordinary product which is now safer than ever to our children and less harmful to the earth.

Little Soles™ offers amazing choices through a variety of styles, colors and designs sure to fit the little ones unique spirit. Uninhibited by tradition, each of the five Little Soles™ collections will definitely get noticed. Check out our Baby Soles™, Urban Infants, Classic Infants, Squeaky Shoe or Children’s Collection. Little Soles™ footwear is available in 0 – 2 newborn sizes, infant sizes 3 – 8 and young children’s styles in sizes 9 – 12 ½.

Visit www.littlesoles.ca to read more about their best practices and check out their adorable and funky line-up. You’ll wish you could order a pair for yourself!

This week we took on the mission to find cosmic style and fun for your space enthusiast. Plus: Our favorite new music for kids.



Cover by Suymey Benson







1 The Space Boy Gift Set includes a copy of the wonderful picture book "Space Boy" by Leo Landry and a solar puzzle. The puzzle is a whopping 2' x 3' with 24 pieces in all, and the book is a sweet story about Nicholas and his quest for some peace and quiet...which leads him to the moon!- lollipoprascals.com Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your entire purchase

2 Skip*Hop offers a number of outer space toys for intergalactic exploration. The outer space activity mat keeps them entertained on their tummies and their backs with bright graphics and swinging space toys.

3 Spice up a room with the intergalactic duvet/bedding set from Pinky Scout. Each set comes with your choice of a twin or full/queen duvet cover and a single coordinating sham. Cosmic style any child would love! Free shipping on orders over $100 plus Enter TTWPS for $15% off your order!

4 Your little space enthusiast will adore this rocket ship tee at Hiho Batik. Each piece is individually waxed and dyed to create an original piece of art. Need something extra special for an upcoming event? Hiho Batik will produce something that is truly unique just for you.

5 Nothing tickles our fancy more than a great pair of our favorite washable, flexible, non-slip suede shoes... Robeez. The fabulous ocean blue soft leather of this pair is screen printed with stars, planets, and an alien who has his very own stitched up spaceship.

6 Blast off into pure imaginary play with a magnetic rocket ship. Colorful with sturdy construction, this rocket ship comes with 5 pieces which can be dismantled and put back together for creative, developmental play. Great fun for children ages 3 and up.

7 Yoozzoo plush toys are made in New Zealand and filled with virgin wool. Great quality and cuteness comes with each of the four characters, just take a peek @ Booh all snazzed up in her plush crimson suit with one gloriously huge third eye!-Raspberrykids.com Enter code: tottrends15 for 15% off your purchase plus the exchange from US to CAD currency WOW! Great deal.

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


This weeks mom tip:

Quick tips for Spring cleaning-

Spring is in the air and it's time to clean all those hidden and neglected spots that are coming alive with the sunshine.

Divide and conquer- As with any daunting task, housecleaning is easier if you break it into smaller parts.

Start with an entrance and that closet. Take all the boots out and wash them and then put them in a storage area. Have your winter coats cleaned and sore away with all the accessories like hats, scarves and mittens. Now that the closet is empty wash it thoroughly, add a spring freshener and then your spring apparel.

Next, clean the entry way by washing the walls, floors, mats and windows and window dressings. All the places that don't get included with normal cleaning.

After that, work on the next adjacent room. It might be the same day or it might be the next day, but as you go along you can look back and see all that you have accomplished. The bathroom and kitchen should be done last because they get dirtier than any other part of the house.

You will feel great! Each place you've been is totally cleaned and showered with the welcoming incense of spring.

Set your big goal to clean it all, but break it down into smaller goals so that you accomplish it one step at a time. Once you see you are achieving this task by completing one area at a time one small goal at a time - you want to keep going and do it all.

If you can't clean, straighten up. If you're short on time, getting rid of clutter can make a room feel a lot cleaner. Make it a habit to tidy things up every day or two and there will be less to do when you do haul out the vacuum cleaner and dust cloth.


Out of this world- Spectacular Music

Some of our favorite new music for kids that parents will enjoy as well.


My Precious Little One' by Rick Springfield. With tracks like "Say Goodnight", "Sweet Dreams", and "My Precious Little One" this beautiful lullaby music is sure to sooth and relax all that listen. Rick created these precious lullabies for his very own babies! Available March 10th for download at Amazon.com






Come On, Get Happy (The Best of Daddy A Go Go, Volume 1) by John Boydston. This album is packed with many favorites from all six previous Daddy A Go Go CDs. From the makeover of the Partridge Family theme song to Scooby Doo, Where Are You? John Boydston has a way of bringing out the rock and roll in your child and you too! So strap on some comfy shoes and get ready to 'cut a rug' with your youngster.




Grammy nominated, Family recording artist Brady Rymer has a new CD out, "Here Comes Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could". Your kids will adore the fun lyrics and pop rock beat of this band. This is a great CD for a road trip or a backyard barbecue, well just plain anywhere.






In Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Fever, Gustafer has come to Earth in his Sunpod and landed in Minnesota where he is living out his dream of a cooler existence, making new and interesting friends along the way. This is the 3rd in a series by award-winning song writer Morgan Taylor. Morgan's songs are fabulous fun for kids of all ages. We love the feel good melody. Feel yourself drift away in the "Butter Pond Lake".




Bobs & Lolo is music with a message! Seen on the national TV network - Treehouse TV. Choose from their newest CD "Action Packed" using kid friendly analogies like trains, superheroes and more, "Sea Notes", "Musical Adventures", or "On Your Feet" DVD which has fun songs about bugs, exercise and more. Check out these girls adorable matching outfits!




Take a sneak peek at the sassy songs of MusiGo and you are sure to wiggle and giggle with your little one. These songs get you moving while encouraging the development of your toddler's self-confidence and life skills. Snappy tunes with great lyrics!

MusiGo is sponsoring a fantastic giveaway. 5 of our readers will receive MusiGo Kids' "Going Places", sign up to enter here!

v4 issue 30: Spring Shopping Guide

It's here! Our new Spring Shopping Guide of 2009 is up and it is loaded with exclusive discount codes for our readers.


Cover by Paula Hickson










1 EM Tanner Designs is a great place to pick up personalized items with lots of style. We adore her new insulated lunch totes. Whether you need a unique birthday gift, or a custom tee at EM Tanner Designs you're sure to find something whimsical and fun. Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive 20% off your total order

2 Jewelry and art combine at lisa leonard designs. Lisa has been designing jewelry since high school and it shows. Each peace of jewelry is unique and special. Our favorite is one of her newest pieces - Little feet necklace. It’s sweet, it’s simple and it’s perfect for any mommy. customize this cutie with a name or phrase.

3 Pinky Scout offers a wide variety of high quality, hip and stylish clothing, bedding and accessories for babies, toddlers, children and must-haves for moms. Talk about 1 stop shopping! Enter code: TTWPS for 15% off your total order. Also enjoy FREE shipping on overs $100 or more.

4 Beautiful keepsakes available 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.


Click here to shop our Spring Shopping Guide


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): Pink & Aqua Belle Ame Pettiskirt , Rascal Girls- Princess Jewel, Rachel Zoe's Pick- Chinese Laundry Bounty. Olive Grove Diaperbag by Nevaeh Design.