v 4 issue 46: Red White & Ka-blue

Celebrate independence and take to the high seas with these fun red, white, and blue products.
PLUS: Tips for Toddler Tantrums.


Cover by Brenda Acuncius










1 Rock a Bibs are backed by the smooth ripples of creamy chenille while Headliner blankets steal the show with a soft minky side. What makes the whole gig worth the price of the ticket? The rocket red glare of the fabric. - rockabibbaby.com. Enter code ROCKON for a 20% off your total purchase thru 7/31/09.

2 Cookout season is here! Eat big and stay clean with Baby Bazzle. The Big & Bitsy Bibs look spectacular and work like a charm. Enter code: LOVEBB for 20% off your purchases.

3 We the people agree...if your kiddos pants are falling down, you need to get a Loop 2 Loop. Slide it through the belt loops of any pants and snap it to the 2 front loops for a snug fit without the use of a buckle. Great for tots in basic training. Note: Free Shipping thru 7/20/09.

4 Celebrate the 4th with the help of La Plates. This red and blue star spangled plate is great for picnics, cookouts, or a personal collection. Tons of other monogrammed and special occasion plates available. Enter code: TT10 for 10% off your purchases thru 7/12/09.

5 Hoist the anchor and set sail for a day of fun in the sun with this swim set from Cabana Life. Red and sand colored stripes are the backdrop for the large anchor print of these board shorts which come with a 50 spf rashguard shirt to complete the set.

6 Uncle Sam wants you to get the whole outfit! The "Free to Be" tank onesie is great, but how can you not get those leggings and hat to match. Adorable and irresistible. - zootiepatootie.com.

7 The Laugh My Diaper Off onesie from text message baby is made of SKAL-certified organic cotton and printed with natural inks made of soybeans and orange oils. The message is hilarious, but made for baby. 25% off all onesies thru 7/12/09.

8 March on over to Pixie Bows to pick up a spiffy little red, white, & blue hair accessory for the holiday. Various sized ribbons are securely fastened to an alligator clip with velcro for a no slip grip. Enter code: TOT15 for 15% off your total purchase thru 7/12/09.


Outdoor Grill Safety Tips:
NFPA offers the following grilling safety tips:

Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.
Place the grill well away from house siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and over hanging branches.
Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area: have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from the heat and flames.
Periodically remove grease of fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

For gas grills:
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test turn it off and get the grill serviced by a professional.
Never store propane gas tanks in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the tank and leave it outside.
If you have a grill fire that is out of control, immediately move a safe distance from the fire and call 911.

For charcoal grills:
Use only charcoal starter fluid to start a fire.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to get the fire going.
Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children, and away from heat source.

For flare-ups:
Be prepared to keep the fire under control. If it is possible, raise the grid that the food is on, spread out the coals evenly, or adjust the controls to lower temperature.
Normal flare-ups can be handled with a cup of water.


Toddler Tantrums
Few parents have made it through any child's toddler stage without having to deal with a few tantrums. They are one of the most difficult things mothers and fathers have to deal with when their children are young. You can save yourself a lot of frustration by taking steps to avoid them as much as possible. And when they do occur, remaining calm can help you put them to an end much more quickly.

What Causes Tantrums?
The toddler stage is one that is full of transitions. There is a huge amount of physical and mental development going on. He has the desire to be independent, but he still needs help with some things. He also has a long way to go with his communication skills, and sometimes he will know what he wants but have trouble relaying that information. All of these things can lead to frustration, and that is the root cause of many a tantrum.

Some toddlers also use tantrums as a way to manipulate. If parents give in to these tantrums, they will almost certainly be followed by more of the same. So when dealing with tantrums that are designed to ensure that the child gets what he wants, it is important to stand your ground.

Avoiding Tantrums
The best and most effective way to deal with tantrums is to avoid them in the first place. That may sound impossible, but it's not. It will, however, require you to determine what factors make a tantrum most likely to happen.

When your child has tantrums, is he usually tired or hungry? Or does he react poorly to situations that leave him bored? These and other factors can put your child in a bad mood and trigger tantrums. Remedying these situations before taking your child anywhere can result in him being more agreeable, and in turn lessen the chances of a tantrum.


Dealing with Tantrums
A tantrum will almost certainly occur every now and then. If it does, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Getting upset or angry will only add fuel to the fire.
Addressing the child's frustrations may put an end to the meltdown, or at least lessen its severity. If you don't know what it is that your toddler wants, ask him to tell or show you. If you know what he wants but he can't have it, explain that you are aware of his desires but can't fulfill them. Don't forget to tell him why.

Holding your child can sometimes help calm him down. Unless he is flailing his arms and legs wildly to the point that he is hurting you, holding him and comforting him with soothing words might improve the situation. But if this makes him more upset, it is defeating the purpose. In that case, letting him go and staying close by to make sure he doesn't hurt himself might be a better course of action.

If you are in public when the tantrum starts, don't panic. If you try to calm your toddler to no avail, take him somewhere quiet and as private as possible to cool off. When the tantrum is over, explain how you expect your child to behave before going back to your previous activity.

Tantrums are no fun for toddlers or their parents, but sometimes they happen. By remaining calm, you can avoid making the situation worse. Then you can use compassion to address your child's frustrations and put them to rest.

v 4 issue 45: Girls Rule

Calling all girls... We have stuffed this issue with items for your little princess. While this issue is geared towards girls, many products have styles for boys as well.


Cover by Katie Rutledge








1 An Alejandra Kearl retro dress with a distinct vintage flair is empowered with natural colored 100% cotton, a full lining, and a button closure. The hand-embroidered flowers make each dress one-of-a-kind! Enter code: TOTS for 20% off your total purchase.

2 Shazam! EM Tanner has done it again. No girl can soar without a Me 2 a TEE shirt. Customize your girlness down to the color, length, and style of your hair. Then, make it even better by picking out colors for the eyes, the shirt, and the background. Holy choices! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

3 Super dolls in more ways than one. Customize eye color, hair color, and clothes. Each Bamboletta Doll is uniquely spectacular and made of all natural fibers...including assorted yarns, cotton fibers, and exquisite fabric choices. Love and pride is crafted into all companion dolls, baby dolls, and little buddies making each the cream of the crop. Enter code: TOTTREND10 for 10% off your purchase.

4 Five delicate cultured pearls strung along an 18K gold gourmette chain; a pretty and durable bracelet. Extra! Extra! The exclusively designed safety fastener holds strong and prevents snags.- Little Jewel Enter code: TTW09 for 10% off your total purchase thru 7/31/09.

5 Tame an unruly tuft of hair with a fabulously cute baby snappy from bows2cute. Gorgeous ribbons with an added touch are the perfect accoutrement to any outfit. And, the price is irresistible! Enter code: GIRLSRULE for 20% off thru 7/5/09.

6 Wear it as a cover all bib, a smock or an apron to protect your favorite outfits from spills and splatters while looking oh-so-cute. The vintage quilted fabric makes this bibbie extra absorbent so your little princess will always look her best. - Dillydally.com. Enter code: TOTTRENDS20 for 20% off your total purchase.

7 Wonder powers activate a hat into a masterpiece. A leopard print hat screams meow when accented with a boa fluff. Bring out Cat Woman confidence with this Jamie Rae Hats. Enter code: TTW for FREE shipping.

8 It's a pastry? It's a gift? Nope. This is one deliciously sweet pair of pajamas. A long sleeve top is coupled with bottoms of light and dark stripes in the shades of creamy pink frosting. Mmmm...PJ Cupcakes by Baby Bunch at My Princess Closet.


Finding the perfect sitter for your children
Do you know enough about your babysitter to entrust them with your children?

We all want to be sure our children are in good hands. We need to know more than just the hourly rate when hiring a sitter.

A babysitter can be a big help, as long as you hire someone who is mature, experienced, capable, and who cares about the welfare of your children. Deciding on a childcare solution that's suitable for your child shouldn't be left solely to price or the opinions of co-workers, friends, and relatives - despite how easy that remedy may be. Rather, with quality research, you can confidently make a decision to hire the babysitter best suited to your family's needs.

Finding the perfect sitter for your children:
1. Find out if the sitter has any first aid, CPR, and babysitting training.
2. Ask how he or she would handle an emergency situation, and get examples.
3. Question the sitter about how he or she would deal with behavior issues.
4. Write down a list of requirements that are important for you and your family.
5. Have every potential babysitter provide references from your local area and call each reference with a list of questions from your list.
6. When interviewing the sitter, meet with the sitter in person at your house. Watch how the sitter interacts with your child.
7. If you decide to hire the sitter, call home frequently while you are out and continue this practice until you have established a solid relationship with the sitter.
8. Consider choosing a secondary service to perform a background check on any sitter you intend to hire.

Allow adequate lead-time in order to be selective when finding a sitter. The worst thing is to search for a last minute sitter. It makes it easy to overlook some important details about the person you’ve entrusted your child to. Start the search early enough to allow time for a personal interview.


Showcase: Mia Carina


Mia Carina is a custom designed fashion line created especially with little girls in mind. Each and every piece of clothing that is manufactured by Mia Carina is carefully designed, hand-sewn, and inspected to assure the highest of quality for your little girl.


Our passion is designing outfits that excite a little girl; there is nothing better than seeing a little girl twirl around in her gorgeous new outfit from MiaCarina.com; and knowing that we put that smile on her face. We spend hours designing new and exciting outfits each season to ensure you will always be able to find exactly what you are looking for when you visit MiaCarina.com.




Our boutique offers the highest quality girl's clothing available; our pieces are timeless and made to wear for multiple seasons. We understand that your little girl is the most precious gift; and we want you to love our clothes each and every time she puts on her MiaCarina Set.





MiaCarina.com designs have been made to fit a little girl's lifestyle; whether it be a formal occasion or everyday wear; we have something just for your little girl at MiaCarina.com.



With a love of fashion and an excellent taste for design; Mia Carina was founded. Over the years our philosophy has never changed; we love creating "high fashion for little girls" and hope you will continue to visit us over the years.

Receive FREE Shipping on all orders over $100.

v 4 issue 44: Creepy Crawlers

The weather is warm and the bugs have come out to play. This issue contains fun products that celebrate your child's fascination with creepy crawlers.

Cover by Kristin Rachelle










1 Flutterly soft, 100% organic cotton is printed with 3 dragonfly silhouettes breezing by shaded geometric shapes. Just one of 4 birds and bugs in flight @ the Earthy Beginnings Nature Collection. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off your total purchase.

2 Buzzy the Bug is one of the 9 newly introduced Joobles you can find @ fairindigo.com. Made in the rural areas of Peru as part of a family run business, this 11" critter is stacked with organic cotton, eco-friendliness and fair trade...but no stingers!

3 Dirty helmet got you down? Lady Luck, the thoughtful helmet cover from Tail Wags, will instantaneously turn a helmet from dirty to dandy. Tot, tyke, or old enough to ride a bike...they've got your cover. Enter code: tottrends for 10% your purchase thru 6/30/09.

4 Bring the butterflies to camp and stick them on friends, belongings, & counselors. Stuck On You has oodles of specialty and personalized stickers so you can label, label, label! Aaah...organization. Enter code: VIPBLOGGER for 10% off your total purchase.

5 Get your bug on. Or rather, get on your bug! With caster wheels, Wheely Bugs have the ability to move smoothly in all directions. Babies can push, tots can glide, and big kids can ride...and spin...and glide for hours of action-packed fun. fatbraintoys.com.

6 Flick a little ladybug luck onto the bouncy belly of your tot! Collette Kids offers cute & kooky unisex designs both girls and boys will love. Organic cotton & hand-printed. Enter code: TTW10 for a 10% total purchase. Exp. 7/15/09.

7 Robeez Tredz, the sturdy version of our footish favorites, provide water-resistant soles while maintaining comfort & style. The fuchsia & green of a Gerber daisy perfectly accents the white background of these T-strap dragonfly shoes. Healthy feet will love them!

8 Calyx the Caterpillar is not your ordinary wormlike larva. Coming from a place like zoobies.com makes you soft, cuddly, and useful. Calyx will go on to change into a pillow or blanket...and can turn back into a furry friend.


Outdoor Safety Tip:
Helmet Safety- Kids should take advantage of the summer months to be active. Riding tricycles and bikes is as much a part of summer as ice cream and running through the sprinkler. It’s our responsibility as parents to protect our children from unnecessary injury.

Biking is lots of fun but it can be risky without a safety helmet, particularly for children under three years of age. Babies are born with soft skulls to facilitate the birth process and allow their brains to grow, but this means their heads are especially susceptible to harm. The “soft spot” usually disappears around 2 years of age but children can still sustain a head injury even from a relatively minor fall if they are not wearing a proper safety helmet. In most states and in Canada, children are required by law to wear safety helmets while riding tricycles and bicycles. Helmet use is also mandatory for children riding in a bike carrier on the back of an adult bike, as well as riding in a “Chariot” pulled by a bike.

Make sure your child's bike and safety helmet are the right size. A child must be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground. The fit of the safety helmet is equally important. When choosing a helmet, your child should try on several helmets carefully. Level the helmet over your child's forehead and adjust the chinstrap to fit snugly and comfortably. It should protect the forehead without slipping forward or backward and it should not move unless the scalp moves. A trained salesperson will help you ensure the fit is right.

Today, there are several manufacturers producing helmets that are adjustable in size, enabling it to grow with your child and still provide a comfortable and proper fit.

Insist your child always wears a helmet when riding – and that he or she buckles it up. It goes without saying that parents must set an example by always wearing their helmets when cycling. Remember, a helmet only works when you wear it!

Written by Karyn Climans


Clean Water Action’s Safe Cosmetics Campaign Update:
Since the release of the “No More Toxic Tub” report in March, Clean Water Action and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have been very busy making progress toward better protecting our health.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was so outraged after reading the report, she introduced a bill to have the FDA regulate bath and body products made for children. While this is a great first step, we are still working hard for a much broader bill to do a complete overhaul of the way the FDA regulates the cosmetics industry. People of all ages need safe, toxic-free bath and beauty products. You can sign our petition in support for strong FDA oversight here.

Most recently, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Clean Water Action and other partner organizations sent a letter to Johnson & Johnson, asking that they remove 1,4 dioxane and any preservatives that release formaldehyde. This letter represented the voices over more than 1.7 million people across the country. While no change has been made yet by the company, Johnson & Johnson continues to feel pressure and hear from a growing public demand to remove these dangerous chemicals from their products.

Another harmful chemical that has been getting a lot of attention recently is Bisphenol A, or BPA. This plasticizer is found in baby bottles, sippy cups, re-usable water bottles, the lining of food cans, and other food containers. Bisphenol A harms reproductive and developmental health, even at low level exposure. Children and fetuses are at greatest risk because exposure can occur during critical times in development, resulting in life long adverse health impacts.

Just in the last month, Clean Water Action helped win legislation in Minnesota and Connecticut, which became the first states to ban the chemical. Other cities and states are working on similar bills. There is also a federal bill, sponsored by Edward Markey (D-MA), to ban BPA from all food and beverage containers currently being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Want to make your voice heard on protecting our families from toxics? Check out Clean Water Action's “Take Action Center” for more information about all our campaigns for healthy, safer families and communities.

Sarah Holzgraf
Clean Water Action
(603) 622-8151
sholzgraf@cleanwater.org

v 4 issue 43: Celebrate the Great Outdoors

This issue contains super summer products and ideas for enjoying the great outdoors this summer with your family.

Cover by Julie Cruz












1 Surf's up...campin' style! Go over to good 'ole Barn Dandy's to get yer self one of the fine indoor tents for great outdoor fun...even on a rainy day.

2 Pack up the kiddies and go on a picnic with this responsibly chic Throw & Go blanket from 'lina bean. The fleece is made of recycled bottles, the green leaf trim is an organic cotton/bamboo blend, and the quality is great! Enter code: TTW for 20% off your entire purchase

3 The tight weave of the fabric used in UVSkinz sunblock clothing provides 50+spf protection by blocking 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love it because it's chemical-free sun protection which doesn't need continuous reapplying. Plus chlorine resistant. Easy & effective! Enter code:TTW20 20%. Offer valid through 6/15/09.

4 Snap on a Shady Baby stroller parasol for instantaneous, versatile, & stylish weather protection. Two flexible coils and push button pivoting provide the flexibility and the 50+ spf water repellent umbrella keeps the rays & rain out. Enter code: TOTSHADY for a 15% discount through 7/1/09

5 Get the kiddies into the spirit of saving trees. Reusable cloth napkins designed to appeal to the hearts and souls of the little ones. Fabu! fabkins.com Enter code:TTW10 for 10% off your total purchase through 6/30/09

6 Now, let's change our focus to protecting the eyes. Large hip lenses, four fab colors, and a matching Neoprene strap (...to hold 'em in place) all help Retro Banz stand out in a crowd. Available in baby and kids sizes, these high quality shades get the job done. Enter Code: TTW09 for FREE shipping through 6/30/09.

7 Giggle and relax with the new DVD from HIT Entertainment: Playtime Pals. You get fun in the sun with Barney, the beach with Fifi and friends, and a spectacular set of fireworks with Thomas. Bob, Fireman Sam, and Kipper drop by for some fun too!
Amazon.com

8 The Creative Toy Shop carries the perfect activity to keep creative kiddos outside and busy all day long. Build, design, and play in this sturdy, recyclable cardboard castle for a super price of $79.99. Enter code: TTW for $10 off for your purchase through 6/30/09


This weeks mom tips:
Time Saving Tip:
Menu Planning: Dinner is a hectic meal for busy moms who are just getting off of work or who have been busy with other activities all day. Here is some menu planning tips to help make dinner meals easy and even fun.

Schedule your meals a week in advance. This is one of the most important planning tips for meals. Knowing what you are going to eat throughout the week means less chance that you will stop off at the closest fast food joint for a convenient, but unhealthy meal. Create your shopping list from the list of ingredients to avoid buying what you don’t need at the grocery store.

Cook your meals in advance. After deciding on a menu plan for the week, go ahead and fix as many meals as you can. Choose a day when the entire family can help like Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Each person can take one meal and fix it for the following week. Once everything has cooled, store it in sealed containers or casserole dishes to be frozen until the night it is needed.

Do prep work in advance. All of the meals can’t be cooked at once. Some foods just taste better freshly prepared. For them, do as much prep work in advance as you can. The night of the meal, all that is needed is to add the wet ingredients and bake.

Have a leftover night. After preparing meals for five or six days, there is bound to be some food left over. Designate one night to be leftover night and let everyone mix and match for dinner. It saves mom from having to throw away any food.

Green tips:
Older showerheads can use three gallons per minute or more. New, efficient models can use two GPM or less. Also look for showerheads that deliver water in multiple small streams, rather than a fine mist; they keep water warmer and make rinsing easier. Avoid designs with multiple heads that compound water waste.

An aerator (that cylindrical device that threads onto the end of a faucet) reduces the amount of water needed to do jobs such as hand washing and dish rinsing. Look for one at the hardware store; it will be marked with the flow it permits, measured in GPM. A 2.0 GPM aerator is ideal for kitchen faucets, while a 1.0 GPM version works great for the bathroom sink.

Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.


Fun and Frugal Family Outings

Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

Go boating. If you're fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are inexpensive, and when you're done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.


Fun camping tips:
* When camping outdoors in unfamiliar areas, everyone gets a whistle. Young and old.
* Choose a campsite that fits your needs: Tent or cabin, what’s right for you? Some campgrounds you can tent, but have access to plumbing in central locations to get the best of roughing it with the modern convenience of a flushable toilet and a running shower.
* Camp fire goodies, don’t forget the smores! but marshmallows aren’t the only things you’ll be cooking, popcorn, hot dogs, toast, and depending on your level of roughing it you’ll be cooking on the fire a lot, have water nearby for safety and use a fire ring to contain the flames.
* Let the kids help, packing things like trail mix, raisins and peanuts, rolling sleeping bags, and so many other things the kids can help with when it comes to camping.
* Pick up some books on wildlife, bird or plant identifiers for the kids to find things while on their trip. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when they start looking for the things they just read about.
* Bring a disposable camera for each family member to take pictures of their favorite things on the camping trip (kids too!) then when you get home develop the film and make a camping trip scrapbook or photo album.

Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.