Sunday, May 31, 2009

v 4 issue 42: Summer Shopping Guide

tot trends weekly

Summer Shopping Guide

Our Summer Shopping guide is here and it is loaded with exclusive discount codes for our readers. Who says you can't have it all? It's Time to Shop 'Til You Drop.


Cover by Diana Hall






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Em Tanner Designs has a way of spelling out fun. With so many personalized items to choose from you will never be at a loss for fabulous personalized gifts. Check out their NEW Me2aTEE items. You design an adorable face that best matches your child to a tee. What a great idea for summer camp, no name tags required. Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive 20% off your total order. You just can't get any better than that!

Whether you need a unique baby shower gift, designer diaper bag or you're in the market for a complete nursery ensemble, at Pampered Tot you're sure to find something special. Shop by product category for clothing, toys, bath, bedding, furniture, you name it, they have it. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off your total order. FREE shipping and no sales tax!

SwaddleDesigns swaddle blankets are designed by a registered nurse and mother of two young children. With so many swaddling blankets and gifts to choose from, organic to cashmere, this company takes swaddling to the next level -fashionable and functional. Enter code: Tots for 10% off your total order.

Looking for a fantastic selection of designer greeting cards? Look no further, Inababycarriage carries a large range of cards for every occasion with hundreds of unique and original designs to choose from. Their advanced website is set up with a Secure File Exchange for uploading your images in a snap. Enter code: TTW09 for 10% off your total order.


Click here to shop our Summer 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.

tot trends weekly Gifts Section










Boutiques Section Mom Section










Products above (clockwise): Kidbodies Flutter Top, My Retro Baby- Cow jumped over the moon gift,Casablanca Armoire White by Bratt Deco, Pia Jewelry Stardust Necklace

Sunday, May 24, 2009

v 4 issue 41: Summer Fashion

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Summer style is all about being comfortable and our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits that are practical as well as fashion-savvy.

Cover by Misty Jones










tot trends weekly

1 Neige delivers again. Gorgeous Liberty cotton fabric is layered over a soft voile petticoat with matching voile straps. Pulled all together with a drawstring neckline and a full back bow, your little girl is bound to be...oh, so pretty! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchase. This can be combined with their fantastic Spring sale going on now! Exp. 5/31/09.

2 The shorts at pippers are bestsellers for a reason. Great American style and roomy pockets for seashells, rocks, cars, etc. Most of all, we love the eight preppy patterns to choose from. Enter code: TOTS for 25% off the entire line -Final sale.

3 Numbers of all shapes, colors, and sizes float about this poplin button down. Add it to the navy tee with red stitching for the perfect equation. Available in toddler sizes.- Zutano.

4. The black tie and rocker buttons on this tee are all a bluff. Call it the safe way for tots to get their rock on. Go to shrnk to find this and other "stylin' hip rags for newborns & kids".

5 At a quick glance, this bikini looks and covers like a one piece. But under the pink lycra and leopard top hides a little secret...a bikini bottom. Corky & Co. just made Mom's day at the beach a little bit easier. Thanks!

6 Is it possible for the power of peace to emanate from the outfit of an infant? Absolutely. The earth tones and bohemian prints of these infant ribbon crop pants, when paired up with a peace tank, ooze hippie love from the seams.- Kidbodies. Enter code: TOTS for 15% off your purchases.

7 Renowned tattoo artist Mark Mahoney (whose got quite a celeb list) stings this yellow dress with the beauty of butterflies. Empire waisted with 3/4 length bell sleeves, you can scoop one up at Baby Eggi for $36.

8 Keep your baby looking cute, cozy and cool in summer with Pedipeds originals. Featuring velcro fasteners for easy off and on and a soft-soled bottom for comfort and protection. Designed to complement your tot's developmental needs and, of course, their unique style.


This weeks mom tips:
tot trends weeklyGreen Tip:
Reusables- Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.

Financial Tip:
Get your financial life in order. If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) at work and your company offers a matching contribution, you must participate in the program and contribute enough to get the maximum match from your employer. There's no bigger priority than to get what is essentially free money from your employer.


Time Saving Tip:
Stock your produce drawer or a lower shelf in your refrigerator with snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices that your kids can grab without your help. Set up a similar area in your pantry with baggies full of dried fruit or graham crackers.

Organizing Tip:
Mail/School Papers. Put a basket by the door or counter for mail. Put a magnetic clip on the fridge labeled with each child's name for homework assignments and notes from school.


Creating a Children’s Garden
tot trends weeklyChildhood is a time of wonder and joy. Our children appreciate the new ideas we share with them through books and conversation and the mysteries of life that we attempt to teach them in our home and natural environments.

A garden is one of those mysteries of life that can be a great joy to children and parents alike.

Gardening provides so many good experiences for our kids. In addition to being able to witness and to have a hand in bringing forth new life, kids benefit from being involved in an outdoor activity that enhances our health and an appreciation for natural environments.

Here are some suggestions for key components of a child’s garden:
• There should be somewhere to play in and around the garden. Set up a sprinkler that will not only water the plants but provide fun for your child to run through.
• Kids love to hide things so a great child’s garden should have a garden ceramic or plants that encourage the hiding of objects or little giggling people.
• To assist kids in observing and caring for plants, create tiny walkways in between sections of the garden.
• Digging in the soil will always be among the top things children love about their garden. Purchase size and age appropriate tools for your kids and allow them to plant seeds in soil.

Set up a watering routine on large chart paper and use markers and dates to indicate when and how often the plants should be watered and fed plant food.

When the first sprouts poke through the ground, have your kids mark that on the chart paper. If you have a camera take a picture. Better yet if you have a digital camera you can take pictures and upload them to your computer. You can then insert the pictures into your child’s gardening document and then do all updates using the computer. Once done you’ll have a chart complete with pictures showing the plants’ actual progress. You may, however, prefer the hand drawn chart because it will contain the hand written markings of your children, which will likely be of greater sentimental value to you and your kids in the years to come.

Don’t forget to plant vegetables in addition to flowers and herbs. It might be best to use fast growing plants like nasturtium and vegetables like peas. Kids love to see the results of their hard effort fast!

When choosing which plants to include in your garden, remember that some plants are poisonous and not a good choice for a children's garden:
•Foxglove, Daphne, and laburnum

Another safety tip: Keep adult tools and garden pesticides away from your children and let them know that those items are not to be touched because they are not safe and require adult supervision.

Have fun with your children’s garden. It will be a source of great outdoor activity and memories for you and your kids for years to come. It will also provide an opportunity for educational learning and for adding some wonderful flowers and vegetables to the family garden.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

v 4 issue 40: Under the Sea

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Marine life comes alive with this fun novelty fashion that will show off their love for sea life. PLUS: Water Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Summer.


Cover by Vanessa M. Lam







tot trends weekly

1 The leather keeps them strong and spotless, magnets make them adjustable and easy to find (on the fridge!), & the designs make them irresistible. Cast a line to mallybibs.com to catch this fish in action. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for free standard shipping to the USA and Canada. Exp. 5/25/09.

2 Is it the bold colors or the big kissable lips that make this hooded fish towel to die for? What ever it is, we find this bathroom accessory a necessity! cupcakesandcaterpillars.com.

3 A fun little crab makes this outfit fun in or out of the water. Scoop up one of these Beach Buddies swim sets at Bambini Bliss before it gets away. Enter code: TTW for 20% off your purchases over $100

4 A bucket full of ocean goodies! One colorful ocean explorer baby bucket is decked out with Baby Einstein toys, bath books, CDs, DVDs, and more. Check out the details @ babyandmegifts.com.

5 Right up there with dipping your toes in the ocean is the comfort of these lobster crib shoes from Bibi & Mimi. Soft leather and suede cover little feet in a snap and hold on tight.

6 Tentacles, but without the slime... is the tee from barley & birch that brings the octopus out of the ocean to give us a glimpse of him on a shirt. Organic and sweat shop free, this tee is everything but slippery. 15% off your purchase. Redeem by email at hey@barleyandbirch.com.

7 Maisey Mae saved Larry the Lobster! He's out of the pot and gracing the burp cloth with his presence. Next to some clambake inspired ribbons, Larry's lookin' pretty tasty. Enter code: LARRY for 15% off. Exp. 5/31/09 - Redeem by email at maisey@maine.rr.com.

8 Ariel, the princess of the ocean, comes dressed in the details and sparkle of the ocean for sea-tacular fun. Never alone, she is accompanied by her loyal friends Sebastian and Flounder...and a sparkly brush! disneyshopping.com


This weeks mom tips:
tot trends weekly Financial Tip:
Make saving money a priority! A great way to save more is to simply make it automatic. Set up a direct deposit from your checking account into a savings account. Once you take the plunge to automatic savings, you'll be able to adjust to having less in your checking account. PLUS: Watching your saving grow becomes an addiction.

Green Tip:
Garages often contain combustion byproducts (including carbon monoxide) from car engines, as well as pesticides, paints and other hazardous household products. Make sure the door from the house to the garage has a high-quality seal around the entire perimeter, including the threshold.

Organizing Tip:
Laundry. Label 4 totes or baskets~~White, Colored, Dark, Towels & Sheets. When the basket or tote is full throw in the load of laundry. (Great job for kids.)

Time Saving Tip:
Forget about addressing your party invitations by hand. Go to the United States Postal Service website to create party invitations that can be shipped to addresses you upload to the site. Or, have your own photo printed onto a postcard invitation at Snapfish and they'll stamp the cards and mail them for you.


Water Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Summer
tot trends weekly

With summer coming up, your children will want to get into the water. Water play can be a very fun summer activity. However, it can also be very dangerous. Make sure that you follow all precautions when letting your children play in the water.




Water Safety Tips:
1. An adult should always supervise children who are playing in the water.
2. Instruct your child never to play in someone's pool unless adults are present-poolside.
3. Instruct your child never to sneak into someone else's pool.
4. Forbid your kids to run around the pool perimeter. Controlled walking is mandatory. Slip-and-falls can result in a fractured face or broken arm.
5. Never give the responsibly of younger children to siblings. Make sure that babysitter can swim if they plan to take your children to the water.
6. Never leave toys visible in an empty pool. Toys can draw children to the water. Children reaching for toys can fall in the water. Toys should be put away after each swim.
7. Never leave complete responsibility of your child's supervision to public lifeguards. Lifeguards are not babysitters.
8. If a caregiver or summer camp instructor will be taking your child swimming, make sure that they are aware of your child’s swimming capabilities.
9. Children that do not know how to swim should have certified flotation devices at all times.
10. Sign your kids up for swimming lessons. Lessons develop respect for the water, not to mention increased fitness and self-confidence.

When is the best time to start swimming lessons? As young as 5 days old. Babies are used to being surrounded by water and will take to swimming easier than a child who is older. The older kids get the more they develop fears and inhibitions. Sometimes these fears can already have taken hold by ten to fifteen months of age. Swimming lessons promotes confidence. The look on a child's face when they learn a swimming skill is priceless.

Be sure to find instructors who are "Red Cross Certified." You can ask around in your community for referrals.

Have fun, be safe, and remember sunscreen!

v 4 issue 39: Around the World

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This issue is packed with multicultural materials to teach your children about global community in a way that is both fun and educational.


Cover by Jen Jacobs







tot trends weekly

1 Anu comes from the land of India. Dressed in fashionable attire from her native land, she is just one of the dolls from the Culture Club Kids collection at Lollipop Rascals. Made of soft tricot with hair of yarn, Anu is appropriate for play with children of 3 and older. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

2 Exotic lands, treasured customs, and amazing landscapes in full length DVD adventures. The Little Travelers allow children to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Bali, Japan, or the British Isles through the eyes of a child. Enter code: lovesaving for 25% your purchase. WOW!

3 Dreamland is the fifth recording in the World Playground series of music from Putumayo. The beautiful lullabies and soothing songs of this collection come from the lands of Africa, North & South America, Asia, and Europe. A vast collection of culturally sweet sounds. - Mother Earth and Baby Enter code TTW for 10% off your purchases

4 Tag along with a little boy and his teddy bear as they travel to Italy in CIAO BAMBINO!, or to France in BONJOUR L'ENFANT! Both books introduce children to the places and languages of our world through the pages of a scrapbook. To receive an autographed copy of these books after you purchase email dannaleahy@yahoo.com.

5 Booda Brand's Garden Dream Tee is inspired by the children of India. The purchase of this long sleeve tee with Indian textile prints, comes with a Booda promise: the gift of a book to the Room to Read program. Cocotier Kids Enter code:TOTS for 15% off your purchases

6 Global Funds for Children and Little Citizens team up to create this fantastic cotton shirt. The image on the shirt comes from one of their contest winners. All sale proceeds go directly to this wonderful organization. $28 at teacollection.com.

7 Show off your national spirit with this belt that displays flags from countries around the world. Myself belts makes dressing and undressing easy for your child. Great for promoting independence and self-confident plus they look great! Enter code: TOT for 10% off your total purchase.

8 Galloping Minds leads the way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn the words of Spanish. Through images and music, accompanied by phrases written in both English and Spanish, all the basics are covered: colors, numbers, body parts, food, and much more. $5.00 of each DVD and Free Shipping: HERE

Exposing your child to all of the cultures in our world
tot trends weekly A Few Ideas and Suggestions for Parents

When children are young they usually don't pay any attention to the color of a another child skin, or other features that may look different from them. As they get older however they will probably begin to notice that other children are very different from them. They will also begin to notice that many other kids do things differently than they do. So how do you teach your child about different races and different cultures?

When your child is young, about the age of four and five, you can sit down with them and begin explaining to them about the many different races and cultures around the world. You can purchase some books and videos that will help them to see people from various countries. (wonderful choices in our review section)

The goal is to broaden your child's mind and help them to learn that there are lots of people who are different from them, and that it is very important to respect everyone. Some children are isolated for most of their childhood and unfortunately are never exposed to people of various races and cultures. So when they are older and they begin to travel and meet others they may react in a negative way. Not because they are a bad person, but just because they don't understand. Some parents even choose to help their children learn another language. As your child gets older they may choose to take another language in school. They will usually begin introducing new languages in elementary school. However when your child reaches middle school they will be able to pick and choose for themselves which language they would like to focus on.

You should also take the time to introduce your child to new foods from various places around the world. Some people live in very small towns and just are not exposed to these types of things. However thanks to the internet, you can now find tons of recipes from all around the world. If you cannot find the ingredients for some of these recipes then you can always order them online.

How about sharing an International recipe with your family once a month? Learn how to make "Roti Indian Flat Bread" by video as well as many other International recipes at this great website: Kids Cooking Activities.

tot trends weeklyTake a journey around the world to discover the similarities we share with our global community in this new release: Seven Hands, Seven Lands. "Where in the world are all the great teachers”? They are EVERYWHERE. Nominate your teacher to win a great gift set including this wonderful book.

Instead of waiting until your child begins asking about people of different races and cultures why not take the time and teach them while they are young. This will help to make sure that your child is a well rounded individual.


Showcase: Stylish Kids Rooms



Stylish Kids Rooms is a unique children’s boutique owned and managed by Laurel Beck Design, an interior decorating firm specializing in creating spaces for infants, children, and teens. Combining Laurel's expertise in art and design with Amy's experience in creating early childhood environments, Stylish Kids Rooms offers heirloom-quality furniture, luxury bedding, designer nursery and bedroom collections, and whimsical decor.




Fit for a princess, our Cinderella Carriage Crib is the centerpiece of a royal nursery. The hand-forged iron can be customized in color and finish to match your nursery. We also offer this gorgeous piece as a twin or full bed!







Wish you could buy a whole room? That’s our specialty. Our designers have created themed bedrooms and nurseries with matching bedding, decor, and furnishings. If we don’t already have a theme to fit your style, we’ll put together a room just for you…at no extra charge!



At Stylish Kids Rooms, we know parents are shopping for more than just furniture. That’s why we work with over 40 artists and designers from around the country to offer you a unique selection of artwork, rugs, toys, diaper bags, and baby gifts.




Finally, we donate 10% of all our profits to Remnant Restoration, a ministry of design for widows and orphans. Together with corporate sponsors and volunteers, our ministry provides free bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor play spaces for recently-adopted children as well as new bedrooms, yards, and garage organization systems for widows. When you buy from Stylish Kids Rooms...you're helping us restore hope to others, one design at a time. You can get more information about our cause at www.remnantrestoration.org.


Visit us at www.StylishKidsRooms.com and receive 15% off your order when you spend $100 or more. Use Voucher Code TOTSWEEK at checkout.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

v4 issue 38: Mother's Day Gift Guide

tot trends weekly


In this issue we share some great gift ideas for Moms. Treat yourself and that special Mom in your life.


Cover by Raye Law









tot trends weekly

1 Noodle & Boo's glowology repair kit comes with Perfecting Creme and Afterglow Gel. Together, these two products get Mom's sensitive skin in shape for the upcoming swimsuit season, all through tender loving (& organic) skin care technology. Now available at "A Pea In The Pod" nationwide.

2 Organic style has come a long way in this simply sheik Cindia Dress found at Mama Om. Both super comfortable and fabulously hip, the dress comes in shades of kiwi, tan, and mora. Treat your little girls to a matching Cindilina dress. Enter code: TotsTrends for 20% off your total purchase.

3 A charming little feet necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs is just over 1/2" in diameter and can be personalized with a name or message of choice. Each custom made pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. A truly fabulous gift. Enter code: tellafriend for 10% off your purchase.

4 Show your love! An oh-so-comfy burnout tee is decked out in messages that rock. The glitter and glam of this my kids rock tee is a specialty of paper lilli. Enter code: Friend for 20% off your total purchase.

5 Stuff all of your market goodies into one fabulous bag! The vino zinnia market tote has extra stitching and a rigid insert to give it a little extra oomph for weighty toting.- printpatternpaper.com Enter code TOTS09 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 The natural beauty of geodes is captured and crafted into fine jewelry by Kimberly MacDonald. Sold exclusively at plainmary.com, the Baby Geode Collection is made in New York and is quickly becoming a must have with style icons. Enter code tots15 for 15% off your total purchase.

7 Help the rock 'n rollers embrace the ch-ch-ch-ch-changes of motherhood. The wonderful stretchiness and length of this BUMP shirt will keep Mom cool-in more ways than one-during this growing time.- motherearthandbaby.com Enter code: TOT15 for 15% off your total purchase.

8 Now you can work your abs from the inside and the outside with bootcamp for tummies by Mama Mio skincare. This kit comes complete with Julie Tupler's ab-overhaul exercise techniques as well as a 2 step skincare program to tighten and shape your tummies. Register for a $10 gift certificate.

9 EM Tanner Designs carries this yummy personalized messenger bag in deep chocolate. Big enough to store all your necessary doo-dads with a little extra room to spare. The adjustable strap guarantees a perfect fit. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

10 Mother's name bracelet features all genuine black freshwater pearls, Clear Swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.This beautiful name bracelet will be a treasured gift for any mother, grandmother or special person in your life. Totally customize this beauty at Belle Pearl Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

11 The longer body length of this sheer, long sleeved tee keeps Mom looking lean-despite the size of her team. Let the world know Mom's still lookin' good in this V-neck tee from demi bella.

12 Don't hide your love behind a locket door. Penelope Poet carries a gorgeous picture frame locket made of sterling silver. The heart shaped frame is a spectacular border for a black and white pint-sized print...so show your love! Enter code: TTWPP10 for 10% off this heart locket plus free standard shipping. Exp. 5/9/09


Happy Mother's Day

Sharing Mom sentiments of love sent in from some of our talented photographers. Click on images to view their online portfolio.

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kids trends weekly






Natural Beauty Ingredients That Work Wonders

tot trends weeklyWe have been programmed from birth it seems by TV commercials and magazine advertisements to think that beauty comes in a bottle. We become convinced that beauty products can only come from laboratories and people with doctor’s initials behind their name. The truth though is that nature has provided us with many beauty ingredients that are safe and effective. Many of them can be found in our pantry because we already buy them on a regular basis, for other things. You don’t need any special training to make your own skincare and beauty products at home using pure and natural ingredients.

Here are a few of the ingredients you may need:

Honey – Not only is it a tasty and healthy sweetener, it is good for your skin. Honey is great for skin rashes and dry spots. It is especially yummy to use in lip balms for dry and chapped lips. Honey can even be use on wounds because of its natural anti-bacterial qualities so it can aid in healing your skin as well. It makes a great healing, facial mask that you can apply as is or add to a homemade cream.

Baking Soda – This versatile ingredient can be used to make ant-bacterial facial scrubs. It is safe and mildly abrasive making it a good clean cleanser for all skin types including acne prone skin. Baking soda is also great for brushing your teeth.

Ginger – This flavorful staple of Chinese cuisine has analgesic and anti-bacterial properties. It promotes good circulation and is a good ingredient in creams and shampoos. It also smells heavenly.

Lavender - This herb is wonderfully soothing to inflamed and acne prone skin because it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly diluted in rose water or witch hazel to make an astringent for the face. It also repels bug and soothes insect bites and even helps you get to sleep.

Milk – This ingredient is commonly used in baths to soothe and exfoliate. The lactic acid in milk helps to slough off dead skin cells so that new ones can emerge. Milk can also be used to make facial masks as well.

Carrots - Carrots are very high in vitamin A and are a source of vitamin C, folacin (folic acid) and potassium. Just cook them lightly and blend with a bit of honey to make a great facial mask.

Oats- They are more than just breakfast food. Oats can be very soothing and anti-inflammatory and make great additions to a baths perhaps after a bad sunburn.

Beets – Beetroots contain powerful anti-oxidants and they have a red pigment that makes them a great ingredient for making liquid blushes and lip color. You can’t get make-up more natural than that!

Green Tea – This powerful tea has long been held in high esteem for its healing properties. It has a soothing and calming affect on skin and is a wonderful ingredient for sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. It is especially helpful for rosacea and acne.

As you can see, nature has already provided a wondrous array of natural beauty products.