v 4 issue 41: Summer Fashion

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












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:
Green 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
Childhood 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.