Kid’s Corner

I worry, in the winter months, that my kids don’t get enough exercise.  We go sledding every weekend and play in the snow when we can, but during the week they’re far more likely to choose to play with their toys than go outside.

Experts have long said that kids need a full hour of moderate physical activity a day.  While toddling may count as moderate physical activity for a one-year-old, older kids really need to get out and move to get their heart rate up.  Unfortunately, a lot of our kids just aren’t getting that much movement every day.

A study out of Britain measured the daily activity of 1,892 schoolchildren and found that up to 39 percent of girls and 18 percent of boys aren’t getting a full hour of exercise every day.  Interestingly, however, 80 percent of parents reported that their kids were plenty active.

While you can count physical education as exercise, you can’t depend on those 30 minutes (often just once a week) to keep your kids fit.  Recess counts, too, as long as kids are outside playing.  But most children are going to need active play after school to reach that one hour mark.  Here are some ideas:

Get outside:  Kids spend long days inside studying.  Let them take advantage of that natural outdoor light, soak up a little vitamin D, and get some necessary exercise by scheduling a regular outdoor playtime after school every day.   With the right gear, even kids in the most northern states will enjoy their time out in the snow.

Have a plan B:  Snow, rain, frigid temperatures — sometimes outdoor play isn’t an option.   Inside, you can get kids moving with active games like Hyperdash, indoor tag (if you’ve got the room), or, for younger kids, CDs that encourage movement.  We love Greg and Steve at our house.

Be a good role model:  Kids need time to play and explore on their own, but active family time not only gives you time to bond, it teaches kids that fitness is a life long habit.  Try family walks after dinner, bike rides on the weekends, or an afternoon spent sledding together on a Saturday.

Do you think your kids get enough exercise?  What are your tips for keeping them moving?

There are two ways to approach Halloween.  The first is with a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach.  Tell yourself it only comes once a year, let the kids splurge for one night, then dole out the candy after that.

But some parents aren’t even comfortable with that much sugar.  And while you might get “tricked” if you start handing out pennies or toothbrushes instead, it is possible to make a delicious treat that’s got a little nutrition in it, too.

If this sounds like your Halloween style, here are some great recipe and treat idea for trick-or-treating or your Halloween party:

iVillage: Healthy Halloween Treats Your Kids Will Love

Family Fun:  Creepy Cuisine – 15 Healthy Halloween Recipes

WebMD: Goulishly Healthy Halloween Treats

Reader’s Digest: Best and Worst Halloween Snacks for Kids

What’s your favorite Halloween treat?

It’s hard to tell who’s more excited about the upcoming film version of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are — kids, or their parents, who also grew with Max and his Wild Things.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is hoping to use that enthusiasm to help kids and their parents fight and prevent childhood obesity.   This campaign is way cooler than a few posters tacked on the cafeteria room wall.    In one video — which shows scenes from the movie — Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs sings “All is Love” while Max and the Wild Things run, jump, explore, and play.  The video, meant to encourage kids to get outside at least an hour a day, ask kids, “Did you play today?”

I don’t know about kids, but now I want to go out and play.

Childhood obesity rates in America continue to soar — over a third of kids are overweight and 16 percent are obese.

Back-t0-school is just around the corner — or in some states, already here.  Getting organized for those early mornings is top on everyone’s list, and one way to make the morning go a little faster is with a smoothie.

Smoothies with simple ingredients are quick and easy enough to make that older kids can even handle them on their own.  A few quick gulps and they’ve had a breakfast that’s chockful of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as a little protein and fat to carry them over until lunch time.

Here are some kid-friendly smoothie recipes:

Breakfast smoothie (though I like at least 2% fat yogurt for kids, rather than fat-free)

Peanut Butter Banana

Oatmeal-to-Go

Hidden Spinach Smoothie

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?

Photo: sxc.hu

Shh — don’t tell the kids, but back-to-school is little more than a month away, even earlier for some.  Department stores are ready, stocking their shelves with glue sticks and notebooks for their big back-to-school sales.  But before you buy your kiddo a new backpack, consider what it will carry.

According to the New York Times Well blog, Consumer Reports recently spoke up on the issue of school backpacks.  Here’s what they had to say:

Children can suffer low-back pain, too, says Dr. Orly Avitzur, a board-certified neurologist and medical adviser to Consumer Reports. “A heavy backpack is a strong contributor to low-back pain in children,” Avitzur says, adding that carrying a heavy pack for long periods of time, carrying it on one shoulder instead of two, and climbing stairs while lugging a heavy load can exacerbate the problem. Girls and shorter children are more likely to have back pain from backpacks, due to their smaller stature, so it’s important to find one that fits well.

The AAP recommends that kids carry no more than 20 percent of their weight in books, while Consumer Reports kept their limit closer to 10 percent.  Though parents don’t always have control over a child’s homework, they can keep an eye on the daily load and speak up if they feel that too many books are coming home each night.

For more tips on how to help your child or teen use a backpack without back pain, check out these tips at Spine Health.

Photo credit:  sxc.hu

Spring is on our heels and so is that time of year when we begin the search for the “picture perfect” dress or ensemble for our little darlings. It may be a first birthday, a baptism, or an important wedding and your sweet girl has been carefully chosen as the tiniest of bridesmaids or flower girl!

In most cases we are all looking for the same thing however, not literally! We all wish for uniqueness, knee weakening frocks with dazzle and charmed to perfection. Why wouldn’t we? I mean our little princesses are exactly that… petite royal highnesses and must look the part for every photo opportunity.

When I think of posh and precious I think of a few special designers; today I will highlight one that has been one of my favorites since the early 2000′s. The designer is named Heidi Schwarck and the name of her company is Luna Luna of Copenhagen.

Luna Luna is comprised of not only stunning show-stopping dresses but gorgeous layette and accessories for newborn and infant girls. Each season Heidi designs a memory making dress for her clientele. Each year Luna Luna’s party dress is a retail success. It is historically the best selling dress in its category and by far the most unique. This combination is no easy feat, but for Heidi it was a consistent accomplishment. Heidi was a New York women’s designer for design houses such as Jones of New York, Bill Blass and Tahari. She then started a family and left the fashion industry until she had her third baby, a baby girl named Luna.

Luna was born and like most sweet baby girls, she had no hair. Heidi designed a whimsical baby hat with beauty and detail. It was important to her the hat projected femininity, as Luna was often mistaken for a boy. She received several comments and inquiries and the rest is as they say history. Heidi began Luna Luna in the early 2000′s and today her clothing line is represented in several specialty stores across the country. The best way to describe Heidi’s style is a Californian lifestyle meets elegant European flair. Luna Luna consists of two-piece sets, gorgeous take-me-home layette sets, diaper covers, hats and booties and the ever popular party dresses. This dress is worth more than each dollar you spend! The compliments and the smiles on your baby girl’s face will be worth more than the retail total of your purchase.

So, as you begin to ponder through all those catalogs you receive in the mail or wander through the same websites, take a moment and stroll through Luna Luna of Copenhagen.  You will be very happy you did!

Last week was the first in a series on bullying. Both subtle and overt forms of bullying occur every day in our schools that can have a devastating effect on our children. The first step in stopping this behavior is the school taking a stand, a “No Bullying” policy. This policy must then manifest itself into a belief that all members in the school, administrators, teachers, counselors, yard supervisors, student and parents, stand up and follow. At school, we frequently talk about bullying at our assemblies and in our classrooms so that children know what to do to protect themselves. If you have not heard your child talking about anti-bullying practices at school, it may be a good idea to speak with your child’s teacher and/or principal. Once you have discovered school policies, here are some strategies to teach your child when being bullied:

1. Stand up for yourself. Verbally express that you do not like what is happening. Using “I” statements are great, such as, “I feel ___ when you talk to me like that. Please don’t do it again.” Many young bullies will leave a child alone once he/she is stood up to by the child. Also, we as a society need to stand up to this poor behavior if it is to change. Far too many bullies have been allowed to hide, making the behavior seem acceptable. Encourage your child to come home from school and talk to you about it.

2. If it happens again, immediately have your child tell the teacher or a yard supervisor. Give an adult at school the opportunity to learn about the situation and make appropriate consequences. Again, encourage your child to tell you about it.

3. If the bullying behavior continues, set up an appointment to met with your child’s teacher. It is important that your child feel supported and safe throughout the process.

In the past five years the newborn industry has experienced an overwhelming explosion of luxury baby blanket resources for our choosing. I heard it asked on several occasions by sales people in stores “What makes blanket A more superior than blanket B?” My reply was always: “There is never just one choice to be made.” My reasons for this reply were vast. Most importantly, we have learned that babies require a myriad of blankets morning, noon and night. Each of them serves a unique purpose. Receiving, stroller, crib, daycare, christening, tag-a-longs, lovies and so much more.

My personal favorite classification was the “Luxury Baby Blanket” category. This is where we find our lavishly, soft and cozy wraps for baby in delicious pastels lined with sumptuous silks, cashmeres and cottons. While I could name dozens of blanket manufacturers I will take this opportunity to highlight just one. Luxe Baby, which is made in the U.S. This small in size, however grand in elegance is a Southern California based company. Owner, Designer Paty Murillo has cornered the market in vintage femininity. The magic of Luxe baby is the romantic nuance each of these blankets bring to a baby carriage, crib or any room where baby sleeps. The average price point of these exquisitely made blankets is $72.00. Why do I love Luxe baby so much? Well, the first time I picked up one of these supple cuddle wraps I said “how much would I love to wrap myself around one these treasures?” I would love it!

Luxe baby designed beautiful, adult-sized throws for mama to indulge along with baby. These are not inexpensive, however make a timeless gift for any mother-to-be, new mom or your best friend! The price point range is $100.00 to 180.00. Again, with baby blankets being such an emerging and profitable facet of the baby accessory business the adult category is slowly making a home for itself in specialty stores. The next time you find yourself in the mood to treat yourself, imagine tucking yourself in just as you would your precious little darling.

While bullying isn’t new, in recent years it has come into the forefront in schools across our county. The news depicts plenty of escalating bullying behaviors that have tragically ended in school shootings or suicide. Between 15-25% of U.S. students report that they experience bullying with some frequency, and surprisingly 15-20% of students report that they engage in bullying others (see stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov). As a principal, I take bullying very seriously and a few years back adopted a school wide Bully Free Zone policy. Bullying hurts both the person who is allowed to bully and his/her victims. It is as insidious as gossip and is often difficult to control if allowed to go unchallenged for an extended period of time. If bullying is to stop at schools, it has to start with a serious commitment on the part of school officials, teachers and students. First, students need a clear understanding of exactly what bullying is: repeated physical acts that hurt, spreading rumors, being exclusive (cliques), mean, or “gang-type” activities. While some bullying is overt and easily detected, it seems the subtler bullying can almost be more hurtful as it is easy to miss, and its constant pecking away at a young person’s soul can take a serious toil.

We start our school year by openly and honestly discussing/defining bullying. Just opening up and actually saying the word “bullying” in front of students has allowed many important discussions to begin. Once we have determined our definition, we then talk about what we are going to do about it: what behaviors we will accept as a student body, and what behaviors we will not. It is mind-boggling how quickly even the youngest children are able to clarify right from wrong. They know what behaviors/words scare them and they are just waiting for the adults to step up and help set the rules: AND stick with them. Schools need to play hardball against bullying. I then ask every teacher and student to take a pledge against bullies: if you want to be a bully, you will have to go to school somewhere else. No bullies allowed. Period. You can hear a clear collective sigh of relief in our school auditorium. Our school is different. Everyone is safe. It is amazing what children can do when they feel safe.

Next steps? Concrete ideas? Hang on until next week, as this post is the start of a series. Next week I will explore what you can do as a parent. If you have a question, I would love to answer!

Bath time for baby is not only a special bonding experience between parent and child, it is also an opportunity to provide imaginative playtime for squeaky clean infants and toddlers. In years past, we were forced to entertain our little ones with a simple rubber ducky and if you were lucky a few animal shaped sponges. Today, innovative bath toys are made available to us with just the right amount of personal expression and whimsicality which makes bath time a splash!

Bathing baby is an event which begins very early and continues well into the toddler years. Buying bath time products is always a win if you are searching for a gift for a baby shower, a first birthday or any holiday. You do not need to know the gender of the child so it makes it easy to select the perfect gift! Bath toys and accessories are always welcomed by any mother of a newborn or infant. Several children’s specialty boutiques and websites have now created ample sized bath shops, as this category has emerged successfully and will continue to grow.

Here are a few of my “fun in the tub” favorites: Sassy Baby’s Ali Sorter helps develop motor skills, encourages hand eye coordination and looks adorable in the tub. When baby bathers have had their fill, just hang the alligator by it’s tail from bath or shower head.

ALEX bath toys are a popular favorite and now have offer 650 items in their “rub-a-dub” collection. The company is dedicated to brightening a child’s mind and spirit. Alex tub toys are a myriad of chunky bold designs in shape sorters, bath books and floating cars. Another award winner is the “shaving in the tub” kit. Baby can lather up with all the plastic shaving accessories just like dad. The shaving kit won the parenting media award as well as parents magazine best toys of the year award.

Elegant Baby and Swankie Blankie offer sweet and snazzy. Swankie’s hooded towels are designed with flair, handmade and are machine washable. Vibrant rubber duck and washcloth gift sets by Elegant baby will keep little ones clean, dry and busy at bath time. Be sure to check out the menagerie of ducks available in stripes, dots, and brights galore!

Happiness is never having to take a bath without a dozen bright and fashionable squeaky clean rubber duckies.

Yippee! It is finally here! Am I the only one who adores Valentine’s Day? Cheesy? I think not. The day is only lame if you allow yourself to get sucked into the overpriced flowers and mandatory dinner out at an overpriced restaurant. I guess I am focused on this day as a small beacon of hope in this world gone mad. In a time when not a lot makes sense, the true essence of Valentine’s Day does. Let your family know that they rock your world. Here are a few easy ideas to make the day memorable for you, your spouse and your children.
- Surprise your children and deliver breakfast to them IN BED. That’s right! My ten year-old daughter is in for a big surprise. Instead of the usual, “Good morning, it is time to get up and get ready for school” spiel and morning kiss, this year she will be having breakfast in her room! What could be better? (My three year old is probably a little too young to understand this concept, so he will be up helping me serve.)
- My husband will find a giant red heart with lip prints in the middle, all done in lipstick, on his bathroom mirror. I will also tuck a love note in his pant’s pocket for him to discover at work. Just a small flirtatious way to make him smile during the day.
- Trader Joe’s sells great fixing’s to make your own pizza- no real effort involved. Each year we shape the dough into a heart and dine on this simple meal so we have some extra family time together in the evening.
I like these ideas because they show a sweet sentiment to your family. Valentine’s Day truly is a day to tell those you love how you feel. Hope you take a few minutes to count your blessings…

Valentine’s Day is a week away and we still have time to consider a gift for our Little Sweethearts. I have always had a passion for hearts, and this is the time of year when we are able to discover an abundance of unique keepsakes not only for ourselves but also for baby. The beauty of buying heart shaped treasures is that they are fashionable year round! The heart is indeed a universal symbol of “Love” and is often used to adorn many elements of clothing and accessories for newborns and infants. If you too hold a passion for hearts, here are a few of my favorites to share!

Yummy, washable cashmere hoodies and blankets by Amber Hagen. These are luxurious to the touch, not to mention how charming your cherub will be wrapped in the cardigan or blanket. The Cardigan is sized 3 month to 24 months and retails for $160.00, well worth the extravagance! The famous tattoo hoodie is the Tinsel Town favorite; celebs such as Julia Roberts, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Garner and Angelina Jolie are all fans! Stylish gift boxes are available for an additional $5.00 if you are sending as a gift.

While shopping, ease your travels with the ultimate stroller accessory by Dante Beatrix. This tote bag is not only beautifully tailored and timeless it is extremely functional. It was designed to compliment any women’s personal style and store diapers, sippy cups and my favorite All of my Heart soap by Noodle & Boo. The bag has clips to fasten to stroller and extends long enough to to wear across the body like a hip handbag. Dante Beatrix is the bag of choice for famous moms like Marcia Cross and former Bachelorette turned mom Trista Renn. The stroller tote retails for $110.00.

Save the permanent tattoos for others and enjoy a bit of fun with the novelty of a temporary tattoo for your little one. Ooh La la Mama offers the hippest onsies that look adorable with jeans or my personal favorite way to sport, bottomless and chubby legs exposed! You have your choice of zen Buddha, animal print punk star or the Heart Tattoo and several more. These onsies retail for $38.00. So whether you are inclined to purchase one of these contemporary items for your little sweetie for Valentine’s Day or just because, your choice will be heartfelt.

Happiness is finding the sweetest heart for you and baby too!

Everyday I get the privilege of seeing how tirelessly teachers work for students. I am often taken aback by the genuine love, dedication and commitment that teachers make on a daily basis. They do things that are so subtle, yet so powerful…things that mold the soul. Teachers of today are caregivers that truly keep the moral compass of our society on track. On a daily basis when I hear my daughter tell stories of how funny and helpful her teacher is, coupled with her knack for bringing learning to life, and I see my daughter eagerly completing assignments and “taking it up a notch” because she wants Mrs. Nixon to be proud of her, well, my hat is off to Mrs. Nixon.

Inevitably, in these days of extreme cutbacks at schools, every teacher spends money from his/her own pocket to go above and beyond for children. I am humbled by the extraordinary nature of teachers. In this mixed up world where we honor someone who can sing more than we do a teacher, maybe this Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time to share the love with your child’s teacher. Speaking from “the inside,” most teachers have more mugs than they know what to do with, and they can’t eat 20 boxes of chocolates. So what about doing something unexpected? A handwritten thank you card from you and your child would be so appreciated, as this personal touch would let her know how much you both care. I still have thank you cards tucked away from my days as a teacher, and occasionally I get them out. They make me cry, and smile, thinking back on a particular child. They also remind me why I got into this business in the first place.

In addition, I plan on tucking in a bottle of Lovely Body Lotion because I love the product, the packaging, and the way it says, “Indulge in something special for yourself! You deserve it!” I can’t imagine a teacher who wouldn’t be tickled pink!

If you are a mother of boys then you will certainly be able to relate to the subject of the ongoing search for the latest and greatest toys and gadgets for busy little boys. The popular “mega girly” Club Libby Lu, the Hannah Montana craze and Princesses galore make it more than feasible to purchase the optimal gift for a friend’s daughter or your own. Let’s face it … we shop for a little girl and we spend more money than we intend. Why? The choices are endless, not to mention the emotion and creativity the manufacturers pour into the design and production of dolls, beauty centers and fashion accessories for our lovely little divas. We have quickly adapted to “more is more” for our little girls and the marketplace happily obliges, but what about our sweet little boys?

This being said I consistently made a diligent effort to offer more of a balance between boys and girls in selection. The market and industry often dictated what was “hot” for girls; however when it came to our little boys I had my work cut out for me! Sure there was always the token blockbuster film dominating the toy industry but who wants to buy the same product that every other little guy has in the neighborhood? Just like girls, our boys like to be voted “most popular” on the playground.

Here are a few toy ideas and websites to share from my years of shopping for specialty toys for little boys. Play value was always the key coupled with safety, education, and hand and eye coordination. Durability and quality were also key factors in my decision process.

Siku is one of my favorites for high tech, high level standards in toy trucks and cars. “Siku” is a German manufacturer and offers so much more than a dump truck. Who doesn’t need a Liebherr Hydraulic Excavator? In addition, back hoe loaders and street sweepers are popular. You can find these and more at 300Toys.com.

Quercetti manufactures a spectacular exclusive vortex loaded with multiple marble launches, paddle wheels and double length bridges. It contains 220 pieces, ages 6 and up. Made in Italy. You can find Quercetti on Educational Toys Planet along with several other unique and fantastic toy items for boys.

Be sure to check out Ravenburger on line and view the 2007 award winning “Pirates of the High Seas.” Your little one can hoist the sails in a supersize 3-D pirate game. Ages 6 and up.

Discovery Toys has a very popular toy for the toddler boy; I have bought this several times and has been a smash! It is called “Farm animals bowling set” — not only is it visually pleasing, it is safe, interactive and offers open ended play! I have multiple favorites, however I had to narrow it to a few so my final recommendations would be LearningResources and their “Wacky Wigglers.”  They are motorized buildingsets. Learning Resources also offers several other styles in this category. Melissa and Doug and the classic Radio Flyer are also worth a browse.

You can shop in quantity for your little guys as you do for your little gals, you just need to know where to look. The year has begun and birthday parties, milestones, and soon the holidays will once again be upon us. Begin now, take pride and have fun in toy and gadget shopping for our equally sweet little boys and their toys.

Happiness is having the brightest, biggest back hoe loader in the sandbox!

Looking for a new children’s book to get your young ones for Valentine’s Day? Our school librarian ALWAYS has her eye out for engaging stories that have a moral or a point to them, and this one passed my test with flying colors. The bright illustrations and vibrant story kept me, and my children, engaged. I plan on reading it to my entire school next month! Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler, written by Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, is the refreshing story of a kindergarten teacher who embarks on teaching her students the golden rule in a very creative way. Her students eagerly set out to complete 100 acts of kindness, and in doing so, they discover that, “One person, no matter how small, CAN make a difference in the world.” The positive energy in this book is delightful and the message is pure. A little sugary, yes, but much needed in today’s world. The illustrations alone are enough to make young and old smile. I also LOVED that the back of the book lists the children’s 100 acts of kindness that can be used to generate ideas for your own children and family. Here is to inspiring HOPE!!!

Personalized baby gifts are not only a tokens of love, they become lifelong keepsakes. One of the most common requests I received as an Infant and Toddler Buyer for years was to offer more of a selection in “Personalized” gifts items for children. Once I was able to honor this request I discovered various treasures of unique, personalized baby essentials. The magic of which occurs when a personalized gift is given is that it becomes a “one-of-a-kind” heirloom. Personally, I cannot think of a more expressive gesture of gift giving.

One of the newer and more innovative companies I have most recently discovered is preciously named Little Worm and Company. The artist offers a playful selection of handpainted ceramic plates. These plates may be purchased with Birth Announcement information or the milestone Baby’s First Birthday in addition to various other storytelling options. The designer consistently updates her collection which supports the attraction of repeat consumer spending. Little Worm is a personal favorite of “Law and Order” actress, Mariska Hargitay. These plates range from $38.00 to $44.00. Someday Inc. is another one of my heaven sent personalized gift choices. This beautiful and uniquely adorned, hand painted collection is sure to be a splash at any baby shower, birthday party or special occasion. Designer Chrissy Consiglio offers whimsical watercolor creations in the form of wall canvases, clocks, frames as well as piggy banks.

In addition to novelty items and room decor it is also a great idea to indulge in personalized layette items such as receiving blankets, burp cloths and onsies. Two Tinas offers an array of cotton, “chicmink ” blankets embellished with personalized ,stylish monograms. These blankets sell for $48.00. Be sure to check out the cotton interlock ringer onsies. a very fashionable way to put baby to sleep!

You may also experience sweet discoveries on websites such as The Corner Stork, Mama Bear’s Baby Boutique, and Nordstrom. Have fun exploring a myriad of choices in room decor, jewelry, silver, furniture, toys, layette and so much more! Need the perfect baby or birthday gift? I say “Make it Personal!”

Valentine’s Day, believe it or not, is just around the corner so it might be good to start planning ahead. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite celebrations, so I have always tried to make it special for my children. Three fun ideas to try at home:

1. Have your children make Valentine cards this year instead of buying boxed cards. Paper lace hearts always work well as the base of the card, and they look beautiful once garnished with stickers. Make sure you have a card for EVERY child in the class, and don’t forget the teacher. Schools are starting to steer away from candy, so consider omitting it this year.

2. Plan a small Valentine’s Day Cookie Making Party. This has been a tradition in our home since our daughter was two. We invite 9 friends who are all asked to wear red, pink, purple or white. Each guest is also asked to donate one jar of his/her favorite sprinkles. About a week before the party my children and I bake about 100 different sized heart sugar cookies and stick them in the freezer On the day of the party our home is decorated with a zillion paper hearts, balloons, and streamers. When guests arrive they sit and decorate cookies until their hearts are content. Keep the day simple: no favors, no games, no gifts, no lunch, just a simple meal of cookies and milk- does it get any better than that? We also limit the time of the party to an hour, which is plenty of time to decorate, admire our creations, and eat. We write each child’s name on a paper plate so he/she can carry the extra cookies made home.

3. Make a handmade card for loved ones this year. I always stick a Valentine under their pillows so they find them on Valentine’s morning.

If you have any other creative ways to make Valentine’s Day fun, I would love to hear!

Happiness is brightly colored sugar sprinkles all over my kitchen table!

Are you or your guests on the search for the perfect baby shower gift? A great way to enhance your event for your guests, as well as for the guest of honor, is for the ceremonial gift opening experience to be unique and unforgettable! Last week, I shared an innovative theme for a baby shower. The theme of the shower has been created using the bedding and or room color palette pre-selected by the mom-to-be. Keeping in line with your theme, it would behoove you and your guests to offer gift selections in hopes to unite the dream baby trousseau of which any new mother could wish!

1. Fully-stocked diaper bag. A Fleurville Mothership or Caden Lane Messenger bag make the perfect packaging; these are prominent and prestigious diaper bag companies and each represents the utmost quality. Fill the bag with Noodle and Boo hair and skin care products, such as Extra Gentle Shampoo, Conditioning Hair Polish, Super Soft Lotion and Ultimate Cleansing Cloths. You can fill the outer pocket of the diaper bag with fashionable travel bags with pink disco dot by Diapees & Wipees.

2. The Peanut Shell. A celebrity favorite, this pouch can be worn 5 different ways and has just the right amount of stretch for comfort! Brooke Shields, Marcia Cross and Jenna Elfman are all fans of the Peanut Shell. Retro Dots in Pink Chocolate or Blue Chocolate are best sellers!

3. Hip, keepsake designer blankets by InphantElefant, wrapped just like a gift ready to give! Be sure to add a matching onsie. Inphantelefant was also featured in Oprah’s World’s Biggest Baby Shower!

4. Ribbit-Ribbit hand painted, wooden ornate baby frames designed by Amy Dillard, Many colors and motifs to pick from you will find more than one to match any baby’s room.

5. Blossom Roll crib bedding or Bassinet Bag by Petunia Picklebottom. Baby will sleep in comfort and style in this luxurious linen. Available in chocolate brown and champagne pink floral brocade (pictured here). A beautiful diaper bag is also available to match!

We are living in a time where most students, as young as kindergarten, have homework every night, so what is a parent to do? I often have parents ask me about homework tips. Here are some simple guidelines:

1. Reading should be the MOST important “homework” a child does every evening. Depending on age, children should read a minimum of 20 minutes per evening up to 30 minutes (or more). If your child is a struggling reader, this time can include mom or dad reading a page aloud and the child reading a page. The goal is to instill a love for learning, so seek out books that are interesting and not overwhelming.

2. Keep homework stress free by establishing consistency. Have your child complete his/her homework in the same designated spot each day. Having a good work space stocked with necessary supplies helps children stay focused while working.

3. Establish a consistent time for homework. After a short snack/play break, homework should be the first thing completed at home. If homework is left until after dinner or right before bedtime, it can be a struggle due to fatigue and lack of interest. Many children have sports or other activities right after school, which can make the evening a little more difficult, so plan ahead to get larger assignments out of the way, and start homework right when you get home.

4. If your child is struggling with a particular assignment that seems to be taking too long, or is causing tears/stress, write a note to the teacher at the top of the page and have your child arrive to class a few minutes early to explain the problem and ask for help. Teachers don’t want children working on assignments until all hours of the night, and want to know if a particular problem/assignment was too difficult.

Stay calm while you help your child complete homework and allow your child to do the work. Don’t allow homework to create tension at home, and if it does, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Desk available at Pottery Barn Kids.

Planning a baby shower? In a quandary as to how host this special event? Start with a theme. The mother-to-be has most likely pre-selected the color palette and motif for her newborn bedding ensemble. The most popular color preference today is the decadent combination of pastels (pink, blue, sage green) and chocolate brown.

Host a “Pink (or Blue or Green) Chocolate” baby shower for the arrival of a sweet new treasure. Begin by obtaining a copy of your guest of honor’s bedding print and color scheme. Design your invitation using a companion print to the bedding or components of the same print. The invitation can include gift ideas and baby registry information.

Next, design a menu which is reflective of your theme. Dessert will be easy! Instead of a cake, offer delicious chocolate cupcakes with a fresh pink or blue fondant icing. Serve treats on old fashioned dishes that will romanticize your table settings; shop second-hand or antique stores for these. An old fashioned brown teddy bear grasping a plentiful cluster of pink balloons makes a charming centerpiece. Guest favors could be personalized pink and chocolate M&M’s and over-sized chocolate cookies with pink icing wrapped fashionably with designer ribbon. Stationary stores such as Papyrus offer more contemporary paper goods for showers and parties; you will find a bevy of pink and chocolate!

Once you have established your vision you will discover a wealth of fantastic gift ideas to offer as well as modern baby shower games for your guests to enjoy. Next week: room décor and accessory gift ideas for your chocolate shower, including my favorite Noodle & Boo products!

Cupcake photo courtesy of Belissimo Favors.

Kids love going to the movies, and so do I, but sometimes it is tough to find one that suits all of our interests. Here’s the deal- some kids movies can be painful to sit through as an adult, but I have come to realize that the joy my children gain from the “movie experience” trumps my own. There is nothing cuter than watching a three-year old balance a bag of popcorn while sitting perched upon the plastic kid’s chair at the movies. The little squeal I always hear when the lights go down warms my soul. I have also found that watching them watch the movie makes it all the more enjoyable for me. Here are a few current fun flicks for families:

National Treasure- both my three year old and ten year old loved this one. Great adventure (although very far fetched) that will keep little ones, and older ones, entertained.

Alvin and the Chipmunks- cute heartwarming story that kept my three year old on the
edge of his seat. A little long, but a fun flick.

The Golden Compass- too mature for young ones (as it is rated PG-13) but my ten year old LOVED IT!!! This is the first PG-13 movie I have allowed her to see, but she says it is now one of her favorites, and it prompted some interesting family discussions. Worthwhile for the older crew.

We would love to hear some of your family movie favorites from the holidays.

Are you ready for the best take-out ever? I am speaking of the hippest little baby ensemble to purchase this year! Best of Chums is cutie couture at it’s finest. This whimsical and essential collection is created by designer Laura Millman of Los Angeles. The indelible impression left upon you when you discover this unique baby treasure is indeed it’s packaging! Best of Chums is packaged and ready to go, ready to give and most importantly … ready-to-wear!

Best of Chums is a melody of vibrant colors and sweet appliques. The layette is 100% machine washable cotton, and is perfectly presented in a novelty plastic and aluminum take-out container. The outfit is a four piece set appealingly placed in the box so the gift-giver as well as gift recipient may easily view all the components of the combination. The presentation alone is enough for everyone to immediately cast their vote for Best of Chums as the popular baby shower favorite!

The list of themes is a long one, however current favorites are Yoga Baby, Sweet Pea, Animal Crackers, and Sushi boy and Sushi girl, as well as the popular Monkey Around, which is a great pick for little boys. This looks fantastic in fanta orange and chocolate brown with the hat accented in banana yellow. Monkey Around was a personal favorite of celebrity actress Jenna Elfman and was recently featured on the cover of OK Magazine. Other celebrity fans are Madonna and Russell Crowe.

Best of Chums has also added an adorable onesie which sells for $22.oo and is available in several colors and appliques and is tightly packaged in the same fashion as the set; this could be considered a yummy side dish! My recommendation for take out in 2008 is Best of Chums, everyone will soon discover the menu will make it difficult for you to choose just one dish! Make this your baby shower gift of the year, you will definitely be remembered!

By now I think almost everyone has heard of The Complaint Free World (if you haven’t, check out the website and you can request a free bracelet.) I absolutely love the concept and loved how a small group of people were able to make such a huge impact across the United States.

Last August we started our school year by passing out and donning the purple Complaint Free bracelets, and soon realized that not complaining was a little harder than we thought. It is so easy to head down the complaint path without even realizing it. At some level, complaining feels like a release of pent up frustration, but what if we allowed positive emotions to do the same?

I just read a great article this morning suggesting just that in the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. Kathy Seligman’s article, “Cultivating Happiness” asserts that positive psychology, some genetics and gratitude intervention can teach our kids to be happy. I love the concept of “cultivating happiness” with our children as it moves us away from complaints to focusing on the positive.

As today is New Year’s Day, my resolution will surely focus on being a mom who cultivates happiness in her home, with her husband and with her children. I spent the morning digging out our purple bracelets, and last night at midnight we put them back on as a reminder to look at life with our glasses half full.

Happy New Year!

In my twenty years of professionally shopping the infant and toddler industry I have been introduced to more hair accessory product lines than I can possibly count. While the craftmanship of art-to-wear clips, bands and bows all possessed their own unique charm, I felt like I could flip a coin and always win, as one hair bow collection was just as cute as the next. In all those years and hundreds of designs, only a few truly left a lasting impression due to the unique menagerie of embellishments of the designers. These were the chosen collections I would eventually purchase for the stores.

In my recent research for baby baubles I stumbled upon the most brilliant and innovative hair accessory collection I have seen in years, not to mention the epitome of girlie goodness and fuzzy charm. I am speaking of a Bay Area based company called GiddyGiddy. This hand-stitched, heart felt collaboration of tangle free snap clips is the work of former investment analyst Teri Dimalanta. GiddyGiddy prompts faces to light up like Christmas trees when they see wee little heads adorned with felt cupcakes, flowers and a seasonal favorite, the gingerbread man. Teri’s clips are so unique, I would challenge one to find another more functional and equally creative.

Teri’s inspiration was to tame her daughters hair which we can all relate, as our mane sometimes has a mind and spirit of its own and it all begins at a very young age! GiddyGiddy is designed to hold wisps and sprouts at bay on the crowns of babies and toddlers alike. My favorite way to sport GiddyGiddy is in multiples. It is simply impossible to select just one style; the more you buy, the more she will wear and the cuter she will look! The choices are endless, my personal favorites are the cupcakes, cherries and especially for this time of year, the snowman.

Celebrity babies are playing peek-a-boo with their tresses dressed in clips by GiddyGiddy as well. Moms such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox and Angelina Jolie are all satisfied customers. You can find GiddyGiddy in specialty boutiques all over the US as well as Internationally. Online you can find GiddyGiddy at PeanutButter & Lilly. Popular California boutiques such as Kitson in Los Angeles and Fiddlestix in San Francisco are just a few who giddy for GiddyGiddy. For a complete list of retailers, click here.

A Happy Baby is a fully accessorized baby with style!

Some of my best ideas come from children. Take today for example. While gathered around with family, my ten year-old daughter and my eight year-old nephew sequestered themselves in the dining room. When I inquired as to what they were doing, they informed me they were creating an art show. About an hour later they emerged announcing that admission to the show would be $0.25 per person. They had painstakingly labeled each piece of art with a ticket ranging from 5 cents to a dollar. When we entered the exhibit, we each wandered around selecting the pieces we would like to buy. When all was said and done, each adult had one painting from each artist. The children then decided they would donate a portion of their earnings to charity. Wow. The television was off, and time was spent painting, learning a little about economics, and having fun.

As adults, we often try to plan events and activities for our children. Today, I was again reminded that children have so many creative ideas on their own – we don’t always need to give directions. Children need to have ‘down time’ to create and problem-solve on their own, and in our busy world, most children have their schedules planned out for them. So during this two-week vacation, enjoy the wonder of your children and let them explore. I know you will be surprised with what they come up with…I would love to hear what your children teach you!

If the name alone does not dial you right in, the luxe look of these pure angora booties indeed will capture your attention as well as all your neighbors. YoMyBooties are by far the most “over-the-top” baby bootie collection in footwear for the tender toes of babes. These booties are fuzzy friendly and are made of pure Chilean angora.

YoMyBooties are the creation of a chic mama who discovered her passion for knitting by the age of five. Her name is Kris Pettit and her first notion was to do what every new mama does, knit booties to welcome her baby into the world. Kris’s booties had a much different flair than those of most handknit booties. You have to see them to believe it! Many new mamas-to-be were enamored by the unique quality and style of these posh booties, and they requested Kris knit them each a pair. She had several requests from women in her yoga classes as well as mommy and me. She was barely able to keep up with the demand and soon realized she had embarked upon something so spectacular she pursued her passion and soon YoMyBooties was created. This small however, mighty company has product represented in specialty boutiques from Beverly Hills, California all the way to London, England.

YoMyBooties are available in a brilliant array of fashionable hues such as pumpkin,sage, turquoise and the popular fushcia. If you know a baby who needs spoiling and who doesn’t? Look no more, YoMyBooties are for you! These sassy toe and heel accessories must be handled with care to retain their precious appeal. They are to be handwashed and warm air dried, we all know specialness requires some special treatment and these are well worth the time.

Hip Mamas of tinseltown are no strangers to YoMyBooties, the list is endless. Popular parents such as Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Debra Messing and Marcia Gay Harden are just to name a few who have either purchased or received these furry delights as gifts. They sell for $60.00 and are the must have for the new babe in your life. YoMyBooties at age 3 months will prepare her for her first pair of Monolo Blahniks and age 21!

New additions have been added to the collection, go to YoMyBooties to experience the pure joy of sassy soft footwear for your newest additions.

Holiday parties, shopping until the wee hours, frantic dashes to my home office to wrap gifts in between homework and other family fun…everything is going along as planned, until BAM!- misbehavior from my little one. As adults, we can more easily go with the flow during this hectic time of year (and sometimes even the best of us struggle with this one!), but through the eyes of a three year old, the whole season can be a little daunting. So, what is a mommy to do?

Three quick fixes for our little ones:

• Attempt to keep the family routine as normal as possible. Try to stagger events and evenings out, and most importantly, keep bedtimes and bedtime rituals the same. Consistency calms children and makes them feel safe.
• Announce activities or events in advance. Just like you, children want to know what the evening will be like before leaving the house in the morning. Have a children’s calendar posted in a clearly visible spot where you explain the events of the day, and preferably the events of the week, far enough in advance so that there is plenty of time for plans to sink in. Surprises are meant for birthdays, not for who is picking up from preschool.
• Create a few family traditions at a time. Too many activities can have an adverse effect, thus creating some negative behaviors. Also keep in mind that the anticipation of an event is often just as exciting as the actual event, so give your children plenty of time to look forward to special family happenings. You may want to limit participation according to your children’s ages. For example, the older kids go to the Nutcracker Ballet while the younger ones stay home with a trusted babysitter.

Remember, if mom and dad take a minute to breathe, the whole family will relax and enjoy the magical moments of the season. Its not how much you do, but how much fun you have doing it.

Jennie Lynn Johanson is the founder and designer of an haute diaper bag collection adorably named Bumble Bags. Her prominent background as a handbag designer helped her pave her way into embarking upon her creative niche in the diaper bag industry. Jennie’s handbags had so much fashion appeal she received a request from a customer to design a diaper bag. She was on the mad search for a stylish and functional bag for contemporary mothers. Jennie honored her request, and today these posh bags have been spotted buzzing around in outdoor shopping centers, walks in the parks, special occasions as well as the “Queen Bee” of baby shower gifts all over the the US.

Bumble Bags are a collection of sophisticated, lightweight diaper bags created with exclusive one-of-a-kind, hand-designed prints. The moment you are introduced to a Bumble Bag you are immediately charmed by its command to touch and feel, toss over your shoulder and watch yourself coo over its beauty. Bumble Bags are not just another pretty face, they are heavily equipped with function. Each bag is stroller friendly, machine washable, special stain resistant with a soil proof lining and have a widened shoulder control strap for comfort.

Who says mama has to forfeit sass and style to indulge in functional diapering gear? Certainly not the popular moms of Hollywood… recently in People Magazine’s Style Watch, a new favorite “Buttercup Bliss” was featured! A few famous mamas adorned by Bumble Bags are Sheryl Crow, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner, Naomi Watts and most recently Christina Aguilera purchased one of Bumble’s newest additions, an “On the Go” changing kit. This is one of Jennie’s newest additions to the Bumble Collection and is available in seven prints. Matching accessories such as car seat covers and small and large snack bags are also available for purchase as these prints are all so delicious you do not have to limit yourself to just one!

Kimberly Tote in Cappucino Dot, available at Bumble Bags.

Happiness is a hip mama with a hot bag . . . .

Okay, I am back in the “mommy during the holidays” mode, which means, that although I would like to sip hot chocolate on the couch while reading a book with my children, for today, I need to get some Christmas shopping done!!! The mad dash is clearly in full force. So, if you don’t have leisure time to peruse the children’s section looking for good books, here are three favorites.

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman. Great rhyming story that keeps children entertained. I like to have my three year old guess the words at the end of each rhyme. This one is sure to please.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. This book appeals to me as a principal, teacher and mom. The illustrations are adorable, and the story is fantastic- I read this one to all my students at school. This simple story shows how to get rid of enemies for good. First graders through sixth graders will enjoy.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. This is the hottest book around. My 10 year-old daughter devoured this book in a matter of hours. Funny and engaging, it is also a quick read. I think even the most reluctant reader will enjoy this one.

What are YOUR favorite children’s books?

Happiness is encouraging your child to “experience the joy” of reading . . .

Hot chocolate, a warm blanket, fluffy socks, pj’s and some steaming cups of hot cocoa… perfect!!! The only thing that would make it better is adding your children and some good books. Slowing down with our children during the holidays is one way to make the season memorable. Although children are on a break from school, keeping up with reading everyday is SO important. Need some ideas on how to engage your child in reading during the holidays? Here are a few:

• Make a basket of holiday related books. Each year you can bring out the basket just like you do your ornaments and other decorations. As your collection grows each year, it is fun for children and parents alike to revisit old favorites. Opening the basket of books can be a much anticipated event that easily becomes a family tradition.
• It is extra special if you add a new book to the basket each year, allowing each child to sign and date the book as a future keepsake for mom and dad.
• Visit the library and have your child apply for a library card. Be on the lookout for special family read aloud nights. While there, your child can select some books to “visit” your holiday book basket.
• Everyone in the family gets a new book to read during the holidays. Take turns sharing out key concepts like main characters, plot and setting.
• Be a good role model for your child. Let him/her see YOU read for pleasure. Children rarely see their parents read, and yet we tell them it is the most important thing they can learn to do!! Try to plan some family reading time, just like you would plan a trip to the movies. Spread a big blanket out on the floor, pop some popcorn and have each family member bring a few good books. Set a time limit before you start (15 minutes is PLENTY at first!) You want the time to be meaningful, not overwhelming. For younger children, use this time as read aloud time.

You will be surprised how easy it is to establish family traditions that involve reading.

Happiness is reading with your child . . .

Chilly days are now upon us, “fear not” I say as tots are suddenly appearing donned with irresistible, however, fashionable chapeaus with style and whimsicality! These “mopped topped” tykes are spotted in playgrounds, pre-schools, birthday parties, family outings and even in their own backyards.

I am speaking of an innovative, new children’s hip and luxurious accessory company called Zooni. This San Francisco-based sibling duo have made quite a stir in the children’s wear market. They launched their fashion-meets-fun collection of hats in a fall ’07 kids show last year. Word spread like wildfire as these adorable designs found homes in retailers such as Fred Segal, Giggle, and m. fredric, as well as 70+ more specialty boutiques across the nation.

These fuzzy and unique hats are the successful results of an inspiration had by sisters Michelle and Melissa Jeong. These creative and genius sisters were passionate about creating a line that would celebrate childhood and offer a uniqueness and individuality to each child who wears a Zooni hat. The sassy presence and the flare of couture has embellished the heads of children of popular celebs such as Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Heidi Klum, Courtney Cox, Katie Holmes and Angelina Jolie, just to name a few!

These hats are not only full of expression, they are warm and functional. The trademark for Zooni is a swirl which is called a “Koru” which means “Circle of Life” so appropriate for moms, dads and children worldwide as giving life to a new generation offering peace and harmony is enough to inspire anyone!

Leo the Lion hat, $36.00 at the Zooni website.