Our Winter Shopping Guide is here. Full of gifts, great designer clothing, fabulous boutiques and even a little something for Mom. Shop for your holiday gifts in our guide full of exclusive discounts!
1 EM Tanner Designs is the place to shop when looking for personalized goods this holiday season. Create and customize cuteness with their me2atee products for every occasion. Check out their fun holiday tee collection as well as Dear Santa plates but hurry personalization turnaround is 10-14 days. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchases.
2 OnTray2Go is a mom invented product that is perfect for snacks, coupons, crayons and many other small items you may want to have handy while shopping. On Tray snaps easily to any cart handle for a hands free, clean way to keep your little one occupied and happy while you’re on the go. Available in 4 colors.
3 At The Trendy Bebe you will find unprecedented quality and luxury gifts within their catalog. With brands like Three Marthas, Haute Baby and Misha Lulu this shop has everything to make present-giving an unforgettable and precious moment. Enter code: GIFT for 20% off your purchases.
4 Smilebox helps you create amazing seasonal greetings, slideshows & scrapbooks in an instant with hundreds of delightful designs to choose from. Your creations can be emailed, printed, posted to social media groups, and copied to DVD. Add videos, music, and personal messages...How fun!
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.
Family Holiday Party Ideas When you think of holiday parties, visions of fancy work parties might come to mind. While those kinds of parties can be entertaining, I think a family party during the holidays is even more fun. It's a special chance to spend quality time with your kids and other family members or good friends. Here are some ideas to try for your next family party:
Caroling Invite your friends and their kids to meet at your house for some caroling fun around the neighborhood, followed by hot chocolate and cookies back home. Find song lyrics online, make copies, and pass them out at the beginning of the party. Make it informal - kids in front, parents in back - and belt out 2 songs at each house you stop at.
Progressive Dinner Get your neighbors involved with this and cement friendships. Appetizers at one house, salad at another, main meal at a third, and dessert at the last works well. Several families can get together and host each stage, especially the main meal. Get your kids involved in decorating the table, planning the meal, and making what you will be serving.
White Elephant I think all adults know what a white elephant exchange is, but most kids do not. Explain it to them and have them help pick out and wrap the white gift. They'll discover a new side to getting and giving gifts!
Ice Cream Feast Although it might be cold out, ice cream is always a favorite treat. Turn up the heat in your home a bit during the ice cream party and everyone will be digging into the cold treats. You provide the ice cream, in several flavors, and ask everyone to bring a topping or two. It's amazing what kind of concoctions the kids will come up with. Take pictures of each person and their creation.
Soup Cook Off Every family on your guest list brings a pot of soup to share, plus copies of the recipe for others. Provide plenty of disposable cups so all the soups can be tasted and rated. Prizes go to the winners, and warm bellies to everyone.
Sing-a-long Nothing says the holidays more than an old fashioned sing-a-long. This works better if you have someone who can play the piano or a musical instrument and can lead the singers. You can even make it a karaoke night or fun with an old favorite, "Name that tune."
Potluck Breakfast Who says parties have to be at night? Ask everyone to bring a breakfast item to share and a wrapped kids Christmas book to exchange. After eating, allow kids to take turns reading their newly unwrapped book present aloud to the group.
There you have it, an incomplete list of family party ideas. If none of these work for you, do a search online and see what you come up with. Make it informal and have everyone pitch in and you'll have an enjoyable and relaxing time bonding with your kids and close friends.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
v 5 issue 18: Holiday Gifts
We’ve put together the most fun and fabulous gifts worth every penny and they’re all available online, so skip the frenzy and shop by mouse this holiday season.
1 Cutie Pa Tutus has entered the race for world domination...super hero style. A matching cape and mask, both reversible, instantly transform any kiddo into a masked marvel ready to save the holidays! Email order to info[at]cutiepatutus.com to save $8 on capes and 10% off everything else thru 12/15/09.
2 Gummy Lump Toys offers a 100 piece My Unit Block Set for hours of building pleasure. 70 pillars, cubes, columns...are neatly stored in a crate with 30 accessory pieces for added fun.Enter code: TTW5 for an additional $5 off any order over $100 plus Free Ground Shipping thru 12/31/09.
3 Wear your memories with style with Tiny Tag Designs. Choose from mommy jewelry or their sweet collection of little girl jewelry. We love that you can also add a special charm to these little necklaces to make it extra personal. Great price at $36. Enter code: tot for 20% off all purchases.
4 Toot. Toot. Celebrate the holidays on a cool island with Thomas & Friends. The Sodor Friends Holiday Collection is filled with whimsical wintertime tales to warm the heart.
5 Cloud is the unpredictable Kimochi who flips faces between a beautifully happy smile and a thunderous frown. One of four stuffed toys with feelings on the inside to teach and appreciate the world of emotions.Enter code: KimochiTOT for 20% off purchases thru 12/18/09.
6 Innovative and educational, this toy offers layers and layers of puzzles stacked together to form the Ark of Noah...with puzzle pieces which double as animal figurines for pretend play. Available at tiertoys.com
7 The Agile Doll Carrier from myWallaby is handcrafted in the USA of 50 individual pieces. In seconds, the doll carrier transforms between a purse or a carrier for holding dolls of 12 to 18 inches. Enter code: TOTSTREND for Free shipping thru 12/6/09.
8 The Giant Timeline Playmat illustrates 600 million years of evolution. Children young and old will enjoy walking along the 18 foot path of 67 ancient creatures...includes activity guide. Available at charliesplayhouse.comEnter code: 19tottrends10% for 10% off purchases thru 12/31/09. Excl. apparel.
9 Your little ones and big ones will love these Kreechers by Manhattan Toys. Each Kreecher pillow is made of over 5 different fabrics and multicolors. They are fun, cozy and make wonderful companionship. Pick up your favorite monster pillow at psychobabyonline.comEnter code: TRENDS15 for 15% off all purchases thru 12/15/09.
10 A Travel Art Portfolio from Zookies is perfect for on-the-go creativity. Zip up the case and kiddies can carry a chalk board, pad, and art supplies wherever they go. Enter NOTE: TOT for FREE shipping and $5.00 back on order.
11 Slice, decorate, and serve up a plate full of imagination with a wooden play set from Melissa and Doug. Each Slice and Bake Set comes complete with baking sheet, oven mitt, tools, cookies, and toppings for decorating. All Melissa & Doug marked down 20% as well as all play food sets are Buy 3 Get 1 FREE! Enter code: TTW5 for an additional $5 off any order over $100 plus Free Ground Shipping thru 12/31/09.
12 Introduce children to the linguistic joys of the Alphabotz. Superphonic Decoder Cards open the eyes of young children to the sounds and rules of the English language through 50 robotic themed cards. Enter code: HGGPROMO for 20% off all purchases thru 12/12/09
Tis The Season For Giving Sometimes we need an excuse, a reason to stop what we're doing in our busy, rushed lives and think about others. There is no better time to do this than during the Christmas season. Even though we're busier than ever, stressing out while we try to earn more money to buy our kids gifts, we know that many people have it worse than we do.
There are many ways to give and not all of them involve spending money. Some only require the gift of your time. I'll split them up here and give you some examples of each. Hopefully you can put one or two of these to work immediately, or they'll spark your imagination and help you create just the right gift for someone else.
Involve the whole family and watch your kids jump into it eagerly. They're learning that not only does giving help someone else, but it feels good too. Let them come up with ideas; they'll surprise you when they hatch a marvelous plan.
Added bonus - you're doing something together as a family and launching new traditions.
Time
Shovel snow for your neighbor. This is even more fun if you can do it secretively.
If you live in sunnier climates, rake a neighbor's leaves, sweep the sidewalk, prune bushes, or plant flowers in beds or pots.
Position yourself inside or outside an entrance to the mall and cheerfully open the door for people. Moms with strollers and Dads with lots of packages will appreciate this.
Make some bread, muffins, or cookies and leave them on the doorsteps of those people you know can't make their own and would like to be reminded of the season.
Offer a parent's night out babysitting service at your home for a handful of friends so they can go gift shopping or have some time to relax.
Start a neighborhood canned food drive. Have the kids make flyers, leave them with each neighbor and come back to collect on the appointed day of collection. Box the cans up and take them to your local food pantry.
Offer to read Christmas books or tell Christmas stories at a shelter. Your kids aren't the only ones who treasure a good story.
Volunteer at a hospital. You might end up doing something quite mundane, but rest assured that you are helping people out.
Go through all the old toys and books at home and give them to charity.
Become a pen pal with an elderly person who has no family or friends around. Bring them home for your holiday dinner.
Knit or sew blankets, baby hats, or stuffed animals for a children's hospital.
Each of you can decide on doing something nice for another member of your family, such as making another's bed for them, doing their dishes, allowing them to have control of the TV clicker for the night, etc.
Money
Sponsor a family in need this Christmas. This means supplying them with food for the holiday dinner, needed clothing, and toys for the children. Add some toiletries and first aid supplies like bandaids.
Send care packages to military personnel stationed away from home. Find out what they require and send only those things.
Gather family and friends together to purchase necessary items for a homeless shelter or women's crisis clinic.
Sponsor a needy child in another country. This will be the start of long-term giving and the kids can be involved too, by sending letters and pictures.
Check out other monetary giving situations you can find in your community. Many malls have a tree with names and gift ideas for those in need. So do many churches. You can also check with the fire department.
Showcase: Lollipop Rascals Lollipop Rascals Sweet Playtime Adventures – Make reading an adventure!
Lollipop Rascals’ playtime adventures center around inspirational storybooks to encourage the development of children’s individuality, creativity, interactive play skills, and most of all—reading skills! Lollipop Rascals hand-picks each themed product to enhance storybooks into an adventure, making reading an opportunity for your rascal to read, learn, and play.
Whether your rascal is a fairy princess who loves pink, a boy who dreams of flying to the moon or sailing the seven seas, the journey is easy!
Our unique collections feature storybook gift sets, designer toys, educational games, activity sets, fun baking kits, dress up clothing, pajamas, graphic tees, and more!
Join our rascals, Madison, JoJo, Sophie, and Tiki, as they travel on many adventures throughout the website. Madison and JoJo also happen to be my grandchildren and official toy testers!
Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping! Each order comes beautifully packaged in a clear peek-a-boo bag filled with vibrant raffia, tied up with colorful ribbon.
Shop Lollipop Rascals’ Holiday Adventure including affordable stocking stuffers!
Be sure to spread the news about our Rascals Adventure Club email and our Facebook fan page with your friends and family! Our Club members and Facebook fans will be the first to receive our EXCLUSIVE offers and giveaways. Story time has never been more fun than with our Lollipop Rascals’ playtime adventures, where storybooks come to life through imaginative play.
Happy Holiday Celebrations to Tot Trend Weekly readers from Lollipop Rascals!
Enter code: Holiday25 for an additional 25% Savings off all Regular and SALE items this week Nov. 23 through Nov 30.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
v 5 issue 17: Smart Products
From mood lifters to solutions for a gassy tummy, this issue is packed with smart products for your child that will make your life a little easier.
1 A fabulous idea to help infants, and even toddlers, fit securely into "one size fits all" activity centers, jumpers, and park bucket swings. Hugga-Bebe provides extra torso support through generous padding of the sides and front of its patent-pending system. Velcro side closures hug the padding to the child for an upright boost that fills in the gaps, allowing little ones to safely enjoy otherwise unattainable fun. Enter code: thankyou09 for 20% off.
2 Mama's Moodlifters add a little inspiration and creative playtime to the day through a deck of 32 beautifully illustrated cards. Each card comes with a reflective quote so Mom can take a deep breath and get herself back on track for the imaginative and fun activity listed below. Shifts moods or entertains 2-5 year olds during a sibling's feeding. Enter code: TTW15 at checkout for 15% discount back to account.
3 Non-toxic laminated fabric, bordered and backed by a sturdy oilcloth, is fashioned into a 36" x 44" multi-purpose Splat Mat. Thrown under a high chair or craft area, the mat makes clean-ups a cinch while protecting floors from stains and spills. Available at bambinibliss.com. Enter code: TTW for free ground shipping thru 12/08/09.
4 Cut down on laundry and frequent clothing changes with myBibzy. A 100% cotton onesie comes with an attached terry bib and waterproof underlay. Teething dribbles and messy spit-ups stay off baby's delicate skin & wipe up easily. A plethora of colors available to keep baby hip and dry.
5 The Benji Warming Belly Blanket is a natural solution to ease the uncomfortable feelings of gas and bloating sometimes present in infancy. Stuffed with grain and a hint of lavender, the blanket is warmed quickly and safely in the microwave to provide a warming sensation to baby's tummy. Use on the floor or on a lap as an alternative to electric heating pads.
6 The contoured interior and spoon-shaped lower corner of this triangular bowl helps Mom in more ways than one. Early on, Mom can single-handedly feed baby with one hand free for multi-tasking. As baby grows, the Baby Dipper Bowl's non-slip base and non-traditional design promotes cleaner, self-feeding in toddlers.
7 Prissy Designs makes a simply sweet diaper clutch to stylishly hold baby's bare bottom essentials. Each clutch folds out into a gorgeous attached blanket of fleece with cotton on the reverse. When folded back into a pouch, it easily stores a wipe holder and diaper. The available i.d. holder and key ring make this a perfect grab & go clutch. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 15% off purchase thru 11/29.
8 The Kids Konserve Waste-Free Lunch Kit comes with all the reusable products needed for containing a healthy lunch. A cotton lunch bag holds the included 16 oz. stainless steel beverage bottle, a food kozy, and 2 stainless steel food containers with covers. And, lets not forget, an organic cloth napkin for clean-up and a recycled aluminum name tag for proper i.d.! Enter Code: TOTTRENDS10 in cart for 10% off.
9 Bring it on dryer...Blind Mice Socks are not only quality socks that won’t fall off but they are mismatched to coordinate with one another so there is no need for sorting socks, they all just go together. Sold in packs of three or five. Say yes to mismatched socks.
Stress Free Thanksgiving Tips to Keep the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Dinner
Why do people always get stressed at the holidays? Is it the rush to get everything done? Is it wanting everything to be "perfect"? Is it having to deal with family members that know how to push our buttons? Most likely it is a little of each. So how do we have a stress free Thanksgiving dinner? Here are a few simple tips to have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Plan ahead - While planning the Thanksgiving meal, do you plan who is going to help? Instead of doing it all yourself, recruit your family to help. Not only will the work go faster, it's more fun working together. Make a list of what needs done before everyone arrives. Give everyone something to do and assign things that are age appropriate to the children. Before you know it, the leftovers will be wrapped in foil and everyone will have had a great time.
2. Covered dish meal - If you are having a large group get together for Thanksgiving, divide the menu amongst all those attending. The host family can provide the main dish (turkey or ham) and the drinks. Each family brings a favorite side dish and dessert. If you want to make sure there is a variety, provide a menu and mark things off as people chose what they want to fix.
3. Simplify - Instead of having a huge feast, prepare a smaller meal. We all tend to overeat at Thanksgiving, so make an effort to make fewer dishes. Not only will the preparation be smaller, so will our waistlines. Another option is to prepare as much ahead of time as you can. Slow cookers can be used to make all kinds of foods, even desserts. Many things can also be made as "freezer meals" and stored for weeks before re-heating them. The less actual cooking you need to do on Thanksgiving, the lower your stress levels will be.
4. Family harmony - While you can't make everyone happy, there are ways to promote a peaceful, relaxing dinner. Use place cards to put the people who tend to bicker further away from each other during dinner. This will help alleviate some of the tensions.
5. Be thankful - Simply taking the time to be thankful for all your blessings can reduce your stress level. Before everyone arrives, take the time to list all that you're thankful for over the last year. Have everyone share their blessings before dinner. Having a better attitude will help everyone enjoy the day more.
Stress doesn't have to ruin the holidays. If you stop to smell the turkey, and plan ahead, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Planning and organization, while not great fun, can help you enjoy things later once all the guests arrive.
Showcase: Bloom putty
Bloom putty is a silicone based, nontoxic, gluten, casein and latex free putty that will never dry out or crumble. It is available in 14 scented varieties, which only organic and natural oils are used to scent, not chemicals, as well as 6 unscented varieties. There’s a Bloom Putty for everyone!
Created to relieve stress, fight boredom, work as a mood enhancer, inspire creativity and imaginations, and help calm and relax, Bloom putty meets many needs.
You can create with Bloom Putty! Squeeze, twist, stretch, break, bubble and pop, bounce, mold, braid, and even pick up comics with Bloom Putty! Bloom putty can even be melted or frozen and will return back to normal every time!
Out of the five human senses, smell has the most influence on mood, behavior, and memory. We react to a scent according to our opinion of it, be it good or bad. Choosing a pleasant scent for your putty means that, as you play with it, the aroma has an immediate, positive impact on your emotions, mood, and behavior. Bloom Putty is a great mood enhancer and sensory stimulator for kids and adults.
Not only is Bloom Putty a great solution for a bored child or tedious day at the office, but it can also assist with memory and concentration. Having some in your hands while studying or working can help you focus and recall, especially when you smell that same scent again. How often do you smell something that reminds you of another time?
Bloom Putty makes a perfect goody bag favor for any event, gift, office desk fidget toy, kids birthday party theme or activity, and fundraising item. Bloom Putty was tested and is proudly made in USA.
Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off through December 15, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
v 5 issue 16: Make it Personal
This week we review products that are personalized for your little ones. Products include clothing, blankets, room decor and more. Great gifts!
1 Sentimental Silver creates petite sized pendants engraved with initials or a name. Recycled silver composes this hefty pendant with equally impressive delicacy provided by the accenting gem. A cherished addition to any neckline. Enter code: SALE for 20% off your purchase.
2 Invitations, announcements, and even recipe cards can be personalized with a "look-alike pose" at PosePrints. Design and preview cards instantly by following a simple step-by-step process. You'll find a wonderful assortment of backgrounds and accessories to make cards, notepads, or magnets feel just like you. Enter code: ttw2009 for 15% off any order thru 11/30/09.
3 Quality craftsmanship is sewn into each stitch of the Carnival Bloom Bib from Julianne Originals. A thick chenille is backed with a vibrant floral fabric and enhanced with an initial of the same funky print. Infant and toddler sizes available, as well as personalized burp cloths and tees. Enter code: TTW15 for a 15% your purchases.
4 As the cold days and early nights settle in, thoughts of tasty treats tickle our hearts and tummies. Moms can prepare children for the somewhat instinctual joy of cooking by gifting a child with an adorable monogrammed apron from the Get Dolled Up Boutique. Enter code: TOTS15 for 15% off your purchases.
5 Honor an expecting Mom with a pendant necklace from gobellygo.com. Each polished zinc pendant is strung from an 18" sterling silver chain, and comes packaged in a keepsake tin. Pendants are stamped with "DUE IN" and the estimated month of arrival. Make it super special with an engraved message on the back!
6 EM Tanner Designs now has a Me 2 an Indian tee available for Thanksgiving. Like all Me 2 a Tee designs, numerous choices are available to make accurate characterizations of your little Indian! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off purchases thru 11/28/09.
7 The Zoo Blue Initial Blanket offers opposing sides of chic mink plush and designer printed cotton mediated by a monogrammed circle of blue. A favorite item from the personalized baby essentials found at Two Tinas. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases thru 11/28/09.
8 Spell out your child’s name or one of your favorite phrases with this museum quality heavy canvas wall art by Cathy Heck. Using their interactive website you can choose the sizes, colors, characters, and letters of your liking. Making room decorating personal has never been so much fun. Really cute!
Making chores and daily tasks fun Instill a positive attitude about helping around the house from an early age.
Kids as young as 2 can help with household chores. Remember to keep it fun, keep it age appropriate, and set a routine. You need to organize and plan age-appropriate chores for them so that they grow into skillful, happy and responsible adults.
Chores are an opportunity to teach your children important skills and instills a sense of responsibility in the child.
Always praise, appreciate and reward your child's contribution, this will reinforce positive feelings. Just think of the smile it will put on their little faces if they feel that you are pleased with their work.
Give kids choices when assigning chores. A chore chart can be very helpful as a starting place to keep track of chores. Change up the list often so that they are always trying new tasks.
Try these products that promote confidence while having fun.
Easy daysies is a teacher invented product that teaches responsibility through visual display. The Chores & Rewards package Includes 9 durable picture magnets for use on fridge or white board. Use the included dry erase marker to check the white boxes below the task your child completes. Once all six boxes are checked they receive a reward of your choosing. Made with 70% recycled material! For ages 3-12. Enter: TOTTRENDS at checkout to receive FREE BLANKS KIT (2 blank magnets plus a blank clock - $6.00 value!)
Deck of Chores is an oversized deck of playing cards (5.5 X 3.75 inches) that come in a sturdy box with lid. These cards have colored pictures on the front side with chores that are easy to read for early readers and can actually be played as a card game for older children. We love that it includes 4 blank cards for writing in your own chores. Well worth the $14.95 to encourage fun while teaching responsibilities.
Showcase: Couture Invito Couture Invito specializes in custom and personalized stationery and gifts.
With Couture Invito’s Holiday photo cards, you can share your family’s smiles with unique and custom-designed cards. Express your style — Choose your design color, font and greeting. Plus, FREE digital proof and ships within 3-5 business days after your approval. With over 35 designs, the design possibilities are endless... every card is professionally designed, so if the card needs to be modified to fit your picture, or if you would like to add a verse... we can do that!
Looking for the perfect gift for under $20? The best-selling Holiday gift item is the Custom Photo Notepad... Use your favorite picture to create the perfect 100-page notepad, where your photo is featured on every page for as low as $14.25. A wonderful Holiday gift for yourself and others! Free personalization and quick turnaround time.
Stationery is a wonderful gift for yourself, gifts for mom, friends and teachers, and Holiday gifts! Create personalized stationery with your child's artwork featured on the back. Couture Invito also offers over 60 stationery designs. Have fun while choosing your font, your color and your envelope to create stationery that is truly unique!
Do you like being "green"? Couture Invito does ~ Couture Invito prints all Holiday Photo Cards, stationery, birth announcements and stationery on recycled 100 lb. cardstock that is manufactured using wind power.
1 Soft, cozy, and smart! Hello World Clothing developed the first ever baby sleeper to unzip from both ends. Parents are raving about the obvious benefits to sleepytime diaper changes. Elementary, yet brilliant indeed! SmartZip sleepers are available in Blue Me Away for the boys & Made Me Blush for the ladies. Email info[at]helloworldclothing.com to receive 20% off purchases thru 12/31/09.
2 Sized to fit standard preschool cots or kindermats, but able to adjust accordingly to any sleep environment. The Nap Mat from Crafty Baby is a 48" long fleece blanket with an attached pillow. Easily rolls up and stays secure with velcro straps. Can be carried self-sufficiently by cutie pies ages 3 and up. Free standard shipping on all purchases over $50.
3 Sweet Pete Shoes makes the most adorable moccasins in hues of bubble gum pink or chocolate brown. Quality and style inhabit the leather of these mocs right down to the nubbies on the sole. Online shoppers can purchase and monogram either pair to their liking @ twofunnygirls.com.
4 Each Bear Night Sack at jolibebeboutique.com is screenprinted with a silhouette inspired by Mother Nature herself and completed with a cubby cute nightcap. Comes in a pale echinacea color with a twig and flower neatly perched in a corner, or a bright blueberry shade with dandelion puffs blowing in the breeze. Enter code: tot trends for 10% off Jolibebe at azbabyboutique.com
5 Cradle baby in the softness of a blanket from The Modern Baby Company. Plush microfiber lines the inside of trendy cotton fabrics to provide unbeatable comfort during cool days and nights. Comes in two sizes: a mini version with an attached toy/pacifier strap 15" x 20" or the regular size of 30" x 40".
6 A custom designed baby lounger, exclusive to Tiny Dimples, starts out as a nap nest for baby, but transcends the test of time by turning into a big comfy pillow for the older kids. Long lasting durability is also the result of a removable & machine washable cover. Three delightful patterns to choose from. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off purchases over $50.
7 My Pet Lamp from Offi is made of molded non-toxic, odorless plastic. Its soft glow is produced by a halogen bulb which is easily replaced by a quick visit to the hardware store, and all lamps come with a washable marker for decorating. Many colors and pets to choose from.
8 One of Oprah's Favorites for the month of October! Hatley's infant footed coverall with pink bears is trimmed at the neck with brown ribbing and offers a classic snap top-closure with a full zip. Adorably affordable @ $28.99.
Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy MomsMoms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her? If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.
Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure. Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes doing nothing. Even reading a book for 30 minutes can also seem like heaven to many moms.
Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time: Get up early if you have to. When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.
Turn ordinary experiences into major events. When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.
Ask your significant other for help. Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.
Moms, take care of you. Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them. You owe it to yourself and you deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.
Night Terrors Imagine This: You wake up to your toddler screaming. You go to her room to find her sitting straight up in bed with her eyes wide open. She's crying and has a startled look on her face. There's nothing in the room that should have caused such a reaction, so you assume that she has had a nightmare. But that might not be the case.
It's possible that your toddler may have had a night terror. These typically occur in children from 2 to 6 years old, and differ somewhat from nightmares. When having a night terror, the toddler is never fully awake and probably doesn't even know you're there. She becomes confused and inconsolable, and after you see such a scene you may feel similarly.
The good news is that night terrors can often be treated without medication. Treatment usually consists of simple changes in routine or interruption of sleep patterns. Even if your child does not completely stop having night terrors with treatment, she will most likely outgrow them.
How Should I Handle a Night Terror? When they discover their child having a night terror, the first instinct of many parents is to wake her up. But that will probably make the child even more upset and confused. That's the last thing you want.
Some experts advise parents to gently console their child, but others say it is futile due to the fact that she doesn't know you're there. The most important thing you can do is make sure that the child is safe and doesn't get hurt. Many children flail their arms and legs about when having a night terror, and some even bolt out of bed. So safety is a big concern for them.
Prevention of Night Terrors One of the primary causes of night terrors is going to bed too tired. Making sure that your toddler is getting enough sleep may reduce or eliminate the occurrence of night terrors. You could put her to bed earlier, wake her up later, extend her nap or put her down for an additional one during the day.
If the additional sleep doesn't get rid of the night terrors, you may need to try interrupting your child's sleep cycle. This is accomplished by waking her up after about 1 to 2 hours of sleep, or about 15 minutes before the time the night terrors usually occur. This change in her sleep pattern could ward of the night terrors.
If these methods do not work, talk to your child's doctor. He may determine that she needs medication to get rid of her night terrors.
Night terrors are scarier for parents than they are for children. The child does not know what is going on when she has one, and will not remember it the next morning. But effectively treating them will result in a better night's sleep for both you and your child.
When you think of holiday parties, visions of fancy work parties might come to mind. While those kinds of parties can be entertaining, I think a family party during the holidays is even more fun. It's a special chance to spend quality time with your kids and other family members or good friends. Here are some ideas to try for your next family party:
. The Sodor Friends Holiday Collection is filled with whimsical wintertime tales to warm the heart.
Sometimes we need an excuse, a reason to stop what we're doing in our busy, rushed lives and think about others. There is no better time to do this than during the Christmas season. Even though we're busier than ever, stressing out while we try to earn more money to buy our kids gifts, we know that many people have it worse than we do.
Tips to Keep the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Dinner
Not only is Bloom Putty a great solution for a bored child or tedious day at the office, but it can also assist with memory and concentration. Having some in your hands while studying or working can help you focus and recall, especially when you smell that same scent again. How often do you smell something that reminds you of another time? 
Instill a positive attitude about helping around the house from an early age.
Moms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her? If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.
Imagine This: You wake up to your toddler screaming. You go to her room to find her sitting straight up in bed with her eyes wide open. She's crying and has a startled look on her face. There's nothing in the room that should have caused such a reaction, so you assume that she has had a nightmare. But that might not be the case.
