Little Luxuries

Hearts Are In The Air!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Be still our beating hearts for Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Who better to be your sweet valentine than your little one and you can dress them up in our cute Bear Beanie by Oobi Baby. With fun pom-pom ears and hand-plaited ties, how can you resist?!? And they come in three sizes: 0 for newborns to 12 months, 1 to fit 12 to 24 months and 2 to fit 2 to 3 years.

Bear Beanie by Oobi Baby - Pink with Red Hearts

Bear Beanie by Oobi Baby - Red with Pink Hearts

Cheers to the Juggling Moms!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

If you ever ask yourself - "I don't know how I do it?!?" - every day with managing baby, kids, father/husband and your own life, then you are definitely not alone. It's no secret that women have been the matriarchs of the family for years (even if the man of the house won't admit it). Hollywood has portrayed working women over the years in various working or housewife roles trying to juggle the family.

One film you should check out stars Sarah Jessica Parker in "I Don't Know How She Does It" which was based on fictional book by Allison Pearson.

It is a humorous and touching film that will allow your mind to stop racing for a good hour and a half. Our lead character, Kate, is the breadwinner of the family and lands a big job that will require her to travel quite often for a few months. At the same time, her husband also lands an amazing client that he's been waiting for and so begins the juggling and list-making race.

So grab a skinny margarita, pop some popcorn and allow your mind to take a mini-break to commiserate with a silly mom comedy.

Cookbook Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:25:00 +0000

With the start of a new healthy year, it's time to dig into your library of cookbooks to see what you can stir up for baby and family. If you're looking for nutritional tips to vegetarian recipes for kids to lunchboxes and snacks for kids, we have you covered. Have a look at a few highly recommended cookbook selections that will inspire you and the little one to create yummy nibbles.

Superfoods for Baby & Children

by: Annabel Karmel

Vegetarian Food For Friends

by: Jane Noraika

Lunch Boxes and Snacks

by: Annabel Karmel

Happy Cooking!

Beat Those Winter Blues!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:26:00 +0000

It's hard to fathom beating the winter blues when you live in Southern California but for everyone else who can't enjoy sunny and 70 degree weather in January, I know that the little ones can go a bit stir-crazy being cooped up all the time indoors. And while playing in the snow, sledding and building snowmen can be fun, it does have a time limit and your kids will inevitably end up playing indoors, maybe sooner than later.

To keep your kids busy, switch it up with a few fun indoor activities which will help wash away the winter blues. I found some great ideas from the Sheknows.com website. Enjoy!

Bring the outdoors in

Who says that outdoor activities need to stay...outdoors? From those favorite yard toys to beloved summer activities, you can bring some of it indoors for lots of winter fun.
Once a year Eileen Wolter and her family celebrate summer in the winter. “We have an indoor beach day on a snow day. We wear shorts and drink fruity drinks and eat corndogs,” says Wolter.

Be artsy

The chilly gloom outside doesn’t mean you can’t bring some cheery activity to your home -- with art. Kids love creating, and the creative outlet can be a fun activity for an otherwise inactive day.
Seattle mom of two Allison Ellis enlisted her kids to create some new living room art. “Both of my kids like paint and we had some really bad hand-me-down art hanging in the living room. I went to an art store, bought some huge canvases and let them go to town! Now I have two beautiful pieces to brighten up the days and cheer up the living room,” says Ellis

Embrace winter sports

Winter sports can be tremendous fun for kids and adults. Whether you are into ice skating, snowboarding or something else, the cool temperatures are the perfect time to take up an active winter sport.
For New York City mom of two Gia Machlin, that means a lot of weekend skiing in Vermont. “We rent a half share in a ski condo for the winter, sign the kids up for the developmental ski programs, get season passes, and drive from NYC to Vermont every other weekend from Dec 15th to Mar 15th. It's a schlep, but it sure beats hanging around the city on frigid days,” says Machlin.

Have an indoor campout

Who says a campout has to happen outdoors? It can be tremendous fun to pop a tent in the living room and pretend.
Cass Comerford of New York did that with her daughter recently. “There was tons of imagination play (I'm going swimming in the lake, aka the couch) and we had hot dogs (well, tofu dogs) on sticks and we made roasted marshmallows in the toaster oven, sang songs and read books and pretended to star gaze which she thought was hilarious ("I see Max & Ruby in the stars Mommy!"),” says Comerford.

Send a Letter - Save the USPS

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Don't you love walking up to the mailbox, peeking inside and shuffling through your mail (when it's not bills) and notice a cute card or note from a friend or family member? It saddens me that the USPS is threatening to close down over 3,400 post offices because of a billion dollar loss. I love receiving mail and I want to urge everyone to send out at least one friendly letter a week to someone you are thinking of to support our USPS.

We can help you out as we have the perfect set-up for you - very cute notecards from shoes to playful pets and a gorgeous little stamp dispenser which looks like it came from Tiffany's.

Wonderful Stamp Dispenser

Dogs Dressing Up Notecards (in gift tin)

Stiletto Notecards

Happy Writing!

New Year Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Happy New Year from our hearts to yours! So, you survived the holidays and now what...? We recommend one way of starting 2012 is create family traditions. Traditions are fun and a way to get your entire family involved in memory making. It can be culturally themed or something that goes back to your ancestors on how they celebrate the new year.

Below are some ideas from various mommies in Wondertime Magazine and how they keep the "tradition" spirit alive even throughout the entire year. And if you need even more suggestions, check out these 11 fun-filled tradition making activities from FamilyFun Magazine.

We go online to watch (and celebrate!) the new year's arrival around the world.

— April Deener, Kentucky

On New Year's Day we write our wishes for the coming year on brightly colored tags and tie them to a tree in our yard. It's beautiful to look out my window and see the paper wishes blowing in the wind.

— Miranda Peacock, Texas

During the week between Christmas and New Year's, we clean out our closets and send some clothes to the foster mom in Guatemala who cared for our daughter until we adopted her.

— Jennifer Crissman Ishler, Pennsylvania

I give each of my eight children their own seed packet, and on them they write what they hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. They plant their seeds on New Year's Day, and when they water them, they look at the packets as a reminder of their goals.

— Cheryl L. Butler, Rhode Island

During the year I throw party invitations, 4-H ribbons, newspaper articles, back to school letters, locks of hair, etc., into a box. On New Year's Eve we spend an hour or so looking through the items from the year, then store them in the attic.

— Mynde Goble, Indiana

On January 1 out come the hammers and the mugs of milk — time for the demolishing (and devouring) of the gingerbread house.

— Becca Riding, North Carolina

Family Holiday Fun in LA This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:26:00 +0000

There's so much to do in LA this weekend so bundle up the kids (yes, it is actually getting cold here in LA!) and check out a few fun things to do in the Los Angeles area.

*Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in LA*

HOLLYWOOD
Don't laugh but The Grove is actually a great place to see fun lights, Los Angeles' largest christmas tree, fake snow at night and a visit with Santa in his gingerbread-themed workshop.

VALLEY
Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. Yes, it actually exists and is centered on the intersection of Oxnard Street and Lubao avenue. Throw on some carols and drive along a few blocks that have the best lights that will surely entertain your little ones.

WESTSIDE
If you're feeling uber fancy, go to Beverly Hills and stroll down Rodeo Avenue on Thursday and Fridays where they have snow and sparkle effects floating from the sky from 5-8pm.

*Sing-a-Long Christmas Carols at the Disney Concert Hall*

Oh, some of us just love to sing Christmas Carols and if your little ones do, then why not get completely in the holiday spirit and join in on the Sing-a-Long this Saturday, December 17th. There are two showtimes - 11:30am and 2:30pm. Tickets range from $33 - $85.

*Train Ride with Santa*

Head on over to Griffith Park for a Holiday Train Ride. Have a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus then jump on board the train for a jaunt through holiday lights and scenery. Tickets are $7 per person and free for those under 18 months.

Happy Holidays!

Another Great Holiday Gift - Bibs!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:41:00 +0000

We love the holidays for many reasons and eating is a big part of it. Who better to get the messiest than your little one. We have an assortment of adorable Alimrose bibs to choose from - and they are also great holiday gifts!

Newborn Bibs in Stripes

Vintage Red Polka Dot Bib

Cinnamon Floral Ruffle

Pirate Bib in Red

Love

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

This morning my 10-month old son wrapped his arms around my neck and gave me the biggest hug. It was done with a smile and then he slobbered on me in what was his version of a kiss.

His love was obvious and it took my breath away.

When I got in my car to drive to work, a song came on the radio, that said " life is not about the breathing in and out, but the moments that take your breath away". It really hit home with me and I picked up the phone to call my husband and remind him that I love him too.

Life really is short - my son is almost 1! So don't wait for Christmas to show your love and generosity. Do it now and really absorb those moments that do take your breath away.

Building Up Your Little One's Immunity

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

With all the colds swirling around this winter season, it's so easy for baby and mommy and daddy to pick-up a winter cold. There are ways to build up your little one's immunity system in natural ways. I found a few tips on Parents.com. Hope these help you cope with the sickies this holiday season!

1. Serve more fruits and vegetables. Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: They all contain such immunity-boosting phytonutrients as vitamin C and carotenoids, says William Sears, M.D., author of The Family Nutrition Book (Little Brown, 1999). Phytonutrients may increase the body's production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that a diet rich in phytonutrients can also protect against such chronic diseases as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. (A serving is about two tablespoons for toddlers, 1¼ cup for older kids.)

2. Boost sleep time. Studies of adults show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. The same holds true for children, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., director of the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research at Children's Hospital, in Boston. Children in day care are particularly at risk for sleep deprivation because all the activity can make it difficult for them to nap. How much sleep do kids need? A newborn may need up to 18 hours of cribtime a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours. "If your child can't or won't take naps during the day, try to put her to bed earlier," says Dr. Kemper.

3. Breast-feed your baby. Breast milk contains turbo-charged immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing guards against ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary-tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Studies show that it may also enhance your baby's brain power and help protect her against insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn's disease, colitis, and certain forms of cancer later in life. Colostrum, the thin yellow "premilk" that flows from the breasts during the first few days after birth, is especially rich in disease-fighting antibodies, says Dr. Shubin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms breast-feed for a year. If this commitment isn't realistic, aim to breast-feed for at least the first two to three months in order to supplement the immunity your baby received in utero.

4. Exercise as a family. Research shows that exercise increases the number of natural killer cells in adults -- and regular activity can benefit kids in the same way, says Ranjit Chandra, M.D., a pediatric immunologist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. To get your children into a lifelong fitness habit, be a good role model. "Exercise with them rather than just urge them to go outside and play," says Renee Stucky, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Missouri Medical School. Fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, in-line skating, basketball, and tennis.

5. Guard against germ spread. Fighting germs doesn't technically boost immunity, but it's a great way to reduce stress on your child's immune system. Make sure your kids wash their hands often -- and with soap. You should pay particular attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from day care. When you're out, carry disposable wipes with you for quick cleanups. To help kids get into the hand-washing habit at home, let them pick out their own brightly colored hand towels and soap in fun shapes, colors, and scents.

Another key germ-busting strategy: "If your child does get sick, throw out her toothbrush right away," says Barbara Rich, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. A child can't catch the same cold or flu virus twice, but the virus can hop from toothbrush to toothbrush, infecting other family members. If it's a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, however, your child can reinfect herself with the same germs that got her sick in the first place. In that case, tossing the toothbrush protects both your child and the rest of your family.

6. Banish secondhand smoke. If you or your spouse smokes, quit. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 toxins, most of which can irritate or kill cells in the body, says Beverly Kingsley, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta. Kids are more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke because they breathe at a faster rate; a child's natural detoxification system is also less developed. Secondhand smoke increases a child's risk of SIDS, bronchitis, ear infections, and asthma. It may also affect intelligence and neurological development. If you absolutely can't quit smoking, you can reduce your child's health risks considerably by smoking only outside the house, Dr. Kingsley says.

7. Don't pressure your pediatrician. Urging your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat is a bad idea. Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, "but the majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses," says Howard Bauchner, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and public health at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Studies show, however, that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics somewhat reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly think it can't hurt. In fact, it can. Strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have flourished as a result, and a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it's caused by stubborn bacteria that don't respond to standard treatment. Whenever your child's pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic, make sure she isn't prescribing it solely because she thinks you want it. "I strongly encourage parents to say, 'Do you think it's really necessary?' " Dr. Bauchner says.

More Christmas Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Oh, the holidays are all about shopping, shopping, shopping. And the best way to shop when you have your hands full or don't want to brave the cold is pop on over to our online store.

We have the perfect gift for your little one and is a great addition to their play area or bedroom. Have a look at our Cocoon Couture Bean Bags. They come in all different designs and colors to perfectly match your child's preference. They are 100% cotton and completely machine washable. Here are a few options to discover.

Captain Shaggy Bean Bag by Cocoon Couture in Red

Also comes in Black and Sand

Cocoon Couture Gorgeous Giraffe Bean Bag in Pink/Floral

Also comes in Sand/Floral

Sweet Dear Bean Bag by Cocoon Couture in Sand

Also comes in Pink and Watermelon

Cocoon Couture Patchy Cheeky Squirrel Bag Cover in Light Blue/Choc

(bean bag filler sold separately)

Fresh organic and local is best!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:15:00 +0000

The best organic food is what is grown closest to you! Every week our family receives a fantastic bag of local organic produce and the best news is - its only $10 a week. Its fresh, delivered by bicycle and most of all is helping farmers in my local inner city community.

Need help finding your local organic source - check out Local Harvest! They have a great site that can help you find your local farmers market wherever you are in America.

For my LA peeps - I love Community Services Unlimited. This is my neighborhood and I love supporting it. Get involved and enjoy the benefits of great organic produce while supporting your local community.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:17:00 +0000

Yes, it's definitely cold these days! Even here in LA it's truly feeling like December. With the cold, it's important to layer up and make sure that little one is bundled up with a long-sleeved shirt or sweater with a cute hood. We have a few striped cuties for you to choose from.

Oobi Baby Appliqué Hoodie Jackets

Light Blue

Ooobi Baby Knitted Bear Hoodie

Raspberry / Pink

Blue / Chocolate

Pink / Chocolate

Advice for Moms - Only Do What You're Good At...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:40:00 +0000

I read some wonderful quotes today in the Australian newspaper - the Sydney Morning Herald. Let me know in the comments what great advice you have received about being a mother or what you would offer to a prospective new mom!

'Only do what you're good at'

Natasha Silva-Jelly

November 29, 2011 - 9:32AM

Funny, don't you think, how once you join the ranks of motherhood, you become desperate for all that motherly advice you shunned growing up. My mother told me once, "if you want to hear god laugh tell him your plan." No truer words were spoken when my much longed for second child was another boy – I never even considered I'd not have a girl. We asked some of Australia's most successful and inspirational women, to share the best advice their mum every imparted to them.

Natalie Bloom, Bloom Cosmetics Founder
"It was not so much a single piece of advice, but rather my mum's example that has given me the ability to embrace the extraordinary balancing act of being both a mother and a businesswoman. She showed me that you can sustain focus and energy at the office, and then know when to flick the 'dimmer switch' and be a mother at home."
Dr Janet Hall, Clinical Psychologist
"My mother told me to never leave a job unless I had a better one to go to. She taught me to never believe promises about possible jobs until I was absolutely certain that I had it. She also advised me to never leave my own home but to make my partner leave if we were having a conflict. This was the framework she followed living through the days of the depression after the Second World War."

Eva Galambas, Owner Parlour X
"The best advice that I hold true was my mum's expression: "Never let anyone know exactly what you have or don't have, this way people will maintain confidence in you, no one can ever become jealous and it allows you to maintain a sense of humility without judgement."

Donna Hay, Celebrity Chef
My mum always said, "At the end of the day you have to do what makes you truly happy."

Miranda Kerr, model and founder KORA Organics
"My mum always said, "don't do anything unless you put your whole heart into it" and that is exactly how we run the KORA Organics business and why mum is the general manager."

Gail Elliott, Fashion Designer Little Joe Woman
"The best advice my mother ever gave me was to always be well mannered and to treat people the way I like to be treated."

Megan Morton, Interiors Stylist
"What about all the advice my mother didn't tell me? Like how much fun work can be truly be, which is something I will pass onto my little ladies. What mum did say however was, "only do the things you are good at, other people are good at the rest and can prop you up". My mum is an excellent delegator and this is why I don't cook anything other than breakfast."

Kate Waterhouse, Fashion Expert
"My mother [famous horse trainer Gai Waterhouse] told me the golden rule in life is to always treat others with respect as you never know where you might meet them further down the track in your life."

Renya Xydis, Celebrity Hair Stylist
"When my first child was born my mother said to me: "What's the point of two women raising one child? You go back to work and I'll take care of the baby."

Colette Dinnigan, Fashion Designer
My mother was extremely wise. She would always things like say: "It is important to note that money doesn't make a man however manners and respect do and it is also important in life to have balance, so laugh as life is about living. But most importantly she would always say to me, "one day you will be a mother and you will understand." Then I had my beautiful daughter Estella and that always reminds me of my mother's wise words. "

Traveling with Your Little One

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:54:00 +0000

It's the most wonderful time of the year...if you can survive it! Traveling on the plane or on a long car trip with your little one can be stressful but thanks to the clever tips from the blog, DeliciousBaby, we have the top ten tips for traveling to help ease your anxiety.

Go on a scavenger hunt through the airplane magazine. On each page, pick one item that your child has to locate. For older children, hand them the magazine and say "can you find a picture of an airplane?"
Put some fun pictures onto your digital camera (you're carrying it anyway). Good candidates are pictures of the people and places you are going to visit or pictures of a recent adventure (like the zoo). During the flight, you can relive the fun and tell stories about where/who you're visiting.
When the flight attendant delivers drinks, ask for a cup, a couple ice cubes, and a straw. There are endless games with this combination. Ice is fascinating to toddlers in and of itself, and you can teach them to swirl it on the bottom of the cup, or catch it on the straw (airplane ice usually has a hole in the middle). Watch that the ice doesn't end up in their mouth though (choking hazard).
Teach yourself some new finger rhymes (e.g. "where is thumbkin") before you go.
Get your children playing with the neighbors in front of and behind you before the plane takes off. (Peek-a-boo and kiss-blowing are hard for even the most stoic travelers to resist). Your seat-mates will be a lot more understanding if your children have a difficult time later once they've seen them at their cutest, and you never know what fun entertainment they'll come up with.
Extend snack time by challenging your child. "What is the is the smallest bite you can take" or "see if you can eat just one at a time (tricky for little fingers). Pack your snacks in Tupperware & the packaging becomes a toy when the snack is done.
For young toddlers, screwing and unscrewing the top on a plastic water bottle is great fun (watch carefully as small tops are a choke hazard). Ask the flight attendant to bring you an empty bottle if you're not carrying one.
Learning how to fasten and unfasten an "old fashioned" seatbelt, jacket zipper, and snaps or buttons on their clothing (or a carryon bag) can keep them occupied for a long time
Have your toddler help you make up fanciful stories about what you will do on your trip. For young toddlers, they might choose between two options, while older kids will be able to fill in parts of the stories.
Three words: Barf bag puppets

And here are a couple of travel toys for babies that we suggest from Cute-ture...

Elephant Teething Ring

Sweet Miki Eskimo Handsqueaker

Chenille Floppy Puppy inPink

Holiday Lovies for your Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:15:00 +0000

The holidays are a busy time of the year and can often be stressful for your baby. To help ease the madness of the hustle and bustle, it is important for your baby to have lovies so they have a sense of comfort and security. Often times, blankets or stuffed animals are used and carried many miles to grandmother's house they go.

We recommend the all-time favorite, Flat-Out Bear, imported directly from Australia and made of 100% pure sheepskin. With two sizes, a small (7" x 6") and large bear (12" x 10"), baby can find comfort in this little soft lovie which can be treasured through toddler-hood (and quite honestly, adults love them, too!).

Have a safe and happy Black Friday shopping day!

Large FLATOUTbabybear - Licorice

Large FLATOUTbabybear -Rosie

Small FLATOUTbabybear - Mink

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:11:00 +0000

From our hearts to you and your family, we hope you have a very wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love from us at Cute-ture!

Family Fun in NY This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:21:00 +0000

I don't intentionally mean to forget my east coasters so I wanted to share a few fun things that are going on this weekend - from free events to fun shows. Wish I could be there - fall in New York is one of my favorite times of the year (minus the cold, of course!)

SATURDAY
11am: If you're up on the Upper East on Saturday, then you want to check out the free Bari Koral Family Rock Concert at Barnes & Noble on 86th and Lexington. Bari is slated as the "IT girl in kids/family music". (Watch out, Laurie Berkner!)

All day: Check out the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Now, why does this sound exciting? The NYBG has constructed 140 landmarks made entirely out of plant-based materials such as twigs, acorns, and berries where trains zip by recognizable attractions such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Status of Liberty. Ticket prices vary and must be purchased in advance.

SUNDAY
1pm: It's an all-encompassing holiday show! Go see the "Three Bears Holiday Bash", which is a marionette show at the Central Park Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. There's singing and dancing (of the puppets!) and they cover Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas in their version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". Tickets: $8 - adults; $5 - children under 12.

All day: It's finally okay to play with your food at this gallery, as it's the "Canstruction 19th Annual NYC Competition" at the World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery. This annual competition is hosted by the Society for Design Administration and you will be able to check out artistic structures created by leading architecture and engineering pros - and it's all made up of canned food! Even you can contribute by bringing in your own can of food. After a winner is decided, all cans will be donated to City Harvest. A great competition for a great cause. Admission: FREE

It's All In The Christmas Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:26:00 +0000

It's often challenging to find ways to be eco-friendly and resourceful around the holidays. Recycle, re-use are words that are sometimes put away because we receive and give so many gifts during the season but we have the answer to your problems. This year, why not try our amazingly cute Holiday Sacks. These bags, made by Cocoon Couture, come in a variety of options with hand embroidered critters - from a dove to a reindeer. Each decorative bag is made with 100% cotton yarn dyed stripe or polished cotton.

So, give away and re-give away that perfect gift this holiday season! Check out our latest fashions of holiday sacks.

Dream Dove Red

Swinging Santa Blue

Little Reindeer Mint

What to Prepare for Baby's First Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is the best time of the year to bring family and friends together. It can be a little difficult figuring out what to feed your baby, when you want them to try everything. I discovered these great recipes from the blog, Wholesome Baby Food, where you can create traditional dishes that are baby friendly. I have even included a tofu recipe for those vegetarians out there. I do want to stress how important it is to buy local and organic - we need to support our small, local farms who help provide us with the best produce, pesticide-free!

Enjoy and have an amazing Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Baby Food
*For babies 4 to 6 months old and for babies 6 to 8 months old

Mix ingredients only once your baby has had them separately and you have checked for allergies.

Squishy Squashy Sweet Potatoes
Take a small scoop of that baked acorn or butternut squash and mash in some sweet potatoes.

Orange and White Potatoes
Take a small scoop of (pre-seasoned) white mashed potatoes and blend in some sweet potatoes.

Baby's Apple Pie
If you will be offering your baby cereal at Thanksgiving, make him a Baby Apple Pie - mix some applesauce together with oatmeal or rice cereal.

Baby's Sweet Potato Apple Pie
Mix in some sweet potatoes and applesauce with oatmeal or rice cereal.

Pumpkin Pie
Baby Pumpkin Pie is easy, simply blend pumpkin puree together with oatmeal or rice *

*For babies 8 to 10 months

Spicy Squash
Dish up some of the Thanksgiving squash and add some cinnamon and/or nutmeg to baby's squash.

Green & White Potatoes
Green beans and mashed potatoes are a staple of many Thanksgiving meals, for your baby, make a blend of white potatoes and green beans.

Baby's Turkey Dinner
Serve your baby a yummy Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner mélange.

1 slice of Turkey
applesauce
sweet potato
squash

Blend all of the above Thanksgiving food together for a yummy meal.

If your baby is eating finger foods, simply cut the turkey into small pieces and arrange in baby's dish with the squash, sweet potato and applesauce.

Tofu Dinner
If you will be offering your baby tofu at the Thanksgiving Dinner table, you can make your baby's tofu meal fitting and festive too. Blend or dice the tofu into manageable bites and blend with squash or sweet potato for a yummy meal; add some applesauce to extra yum.

You can also arrange the tofu bites in baby's dish with squash, white potato and another veggie like carrots or green beans.

Sweet Potato Pie
Mix sweet potato, yogurt, cereal and a dash of cinnamon then top with powdered Cheerios or Oatie O's and mix well.

For additional fun and enjoyment, let your baby do the blending of her own Sweet Potato Pie.

Apple Pie
Combine cereal, yogurt and applesauce together adding a dash of cinnamon, top with powdered Cheerios or Oatie O's and mix well. For additional fun and enjoyment, let your baby do the blending of her own Apple Pie.

Pumpkin Pie
Combine pumpkin puree together with cereal and yogurt and then add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Top this yummy mix with powdered Cheerios or Oatie O's and mix well.

For additional fun and enjoyment, let your baby do the blending of her own Pumpkin Pie.

Top Gifts for Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:43:00 +0000

The best fur for the season is faux fur and nothing is cuter than your little bundle wrapped up in fluff!! Check out our Minimink faux fur hats!

Add a scarf to keep baby deliciously warm!

Also comes in milk and honey!!

Hugh Jackman - please adopt me

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:11:00 +0000

I read about Hugh Jackman's new company this morning and realised....he is PERFECT! Deborah Lee Furness you are one lucky woman (and I am guessing given your own work on advocating for adoption - an incredible woman as well!).

Hugh Jackman Gives Back With New Coffee Company

By Jenny Depper
Hugh Jackman may be best known for his big muscles, but the biggest one is definitely his heart. In between grabbing box office gold with "Real Steel" and his starring role on the Great White Way with "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway," the Aussie entertainer managed to find time to launch Laughing Man Coffee & Tea, a beverage company with a charitable mission.

"At Laughing Man, we have a very simple policy -- we want to make money then we want to give it away," Jackman noted at the company's launch at ABC Kitchen in NYC.

So how did an actor end up brewing coffee? The World Vision Ambassador was inspired after he planted coffee trees alongside an Ethiopian coffee farmer named Dukale. According to Jackman, Dukale has five children and is working hard to climb out of the cycle of poverty and give back to the rest of the community. Their meeting prompted the "Wolverine" star to make a big gesture. "I made a promise to him [Dukale] right there [that] I would do everything I could to use my voice to actually get his message out about how people can help growers like that."

A little over a year later, he made good on his promise and created Laughing Man Coffee & Tea. "It excites me to be part of a company that is providing firstly a great product, supporting the growers and their families, providing employment here in the states, and giving back," he said. "I feel blessed to be a part of it. But mostly … and selfishly, I love the coffee."

The 43-year-old says giving back runs in the family. "My dad taught all of us … giving back is really another word for 'community.' We all need help at some point, and it is important to step up and do whatever we can."

And as dad to Oscar, 11, and Ava, 6, Jackman is teaching his kids the same values. "Both of them at this age have a natural desire to help out."

Despite his hectic schedule (he met the Queen of England the day after his company's launch!), Hugh still makes plenty of time for his family. "Sunday is the most joyous. We all cook pancakes together," he shared. "But right now with me doing theater for the next 10 weeks, let's just say it is more like brunch!"

Check out Laughing Man's website for more info, or as Hugh joked, "Coffee makes a great gift! Let me remind you, it is only [one month] till Christmas. [Log on to] Livelaughingman.com and all your problems are solved!"

My Favorite Holiday - if only it was a holiday!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:40:00 +0000

I truly love Halloween. Costumes, candy, community! We had a wonderful night with our son Denham who got to experience Halloween for the first time. At first my costume had him a little upset (wondering where mommy went and who this funny looking geisha was) but after we got through that he loved all the children arriving for trick and treating.

With Halloween gone for another year, we are putting our fantastic Jack O Lantern on sale for November! Get in now to have a fantastic hopper ready for 2012 Halloween!

Enough with the Baby Talk - an article I love from Huffington Post

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Steve Calechman
Comedian, Journalist

Enough With the Baby Talk

After our wedding last October, my wife moved into my place and it took less than a month to learn a few things: The life-size Elvis cutout actually does look better in my office than the living room. Fully functioning window shades go up and down. The acceptable number of logo glasses to have is zero.

Those early lessons seem quaint, because five months into our union, Jenny and I found out that a baby is coming in November. I really don't know much about being a husband. I know even less about being a parent, but, even in my cluelessness, I'm confident in my knowledge of one thing:

Smart people say dumb stuff when faced with someone else's pregnancy.

When I broke the news, I was prepared for the variations of, "That's a scary thought," "Sorry for the kid," and the always hysterical, "You sure it's yours?" The digs are understandable. I know me, and I still find it unbelievable that I'm going to be someone's voice of reason, but I'm adjusting and enjoying the final days of reading a newspaper uninterrupted.

It's the other comments that are stunning. Some people offer good wishes, but then they don't stop making words come out and what follows is rarely helpful -- tales of endless nausea, the risk of gestational diabetes, the sister who was the same age as Jenny and lost the baby at the point that we're at. One person cited a Harvard study showing that happiness forever decreases with the birth of a child.

We're Jewish -- and even if we weren't -- a simple "mazel tov" also works.

My wife and I are not naive and we're not kids. I'm 43. She's 39. One appointment with a genetic counselor let us know that bad things can and do happen. But aside from avoiding cigarette smoke, roller coasters and deli meats, there's only so much that we can do to control this centuries-old tradition. And while we put on a good public face, we're still overwhelmed by the prospect of having to regularly feed and clothe another person, let alone having a writer/comedian and a therapist/yoga instructor help that child one day with math problems.

I understand the supportive intent, but what would really be helpful is the name a good pediatrician and the offer of no-longer-used, in-full-compliance baby stuff. Do that and you can tell me anything that you want. Call it pay to play.

We're not shunning all responsibility. Some of the feedback we invited in. When the self-imposed first trimester gag rule was lifted, and we were still giddy and stunned, we shared possible name ideas, believing it was a harmless exercise. Yeah, I know. Rookie mistake. But it wasn't without merit, since I learned that I don't really care about what reminds anyone of an old girlfriend or pet. Again, it's our fault for sharing, but please, just nod unconditional approval and express support, even if you don't mean it.

While veteran parents are trouble -- they're cocky and revel in what we're about to face and they no longer have to -- the biggest problems have come from first-time expectant parents who are just a little more pregnant than we are. All of us know nothing, but they know three weeks more stuff, and in their effort to have control of something in their unraveling lives, they haze us with questions, testing how much we've read and how prepared we are.

I used to answer honestly, but that brought little joy and did little to give me any sense of control. What kind of car seat are you buying? "Not using one. We're trunking. It helps develop balance and night vision. I can't believe that you haven't heard." We're co-sleeping of course. "We're going with a thin mat by the refrigerator. It's the Earth Method, well-documented in Scandinavia for advanced development, but I'm sure that a conservative approach should be adequate for a state school." Another thing that I've learned is that any hint of northern European origins sends the newborn crowd into a tizzy.

I suppose that I should say that the above is a joke. We're not using trunks or mats with our baby. We still could use some gear, though, and a math tutor in about 14 years. Those were not jokes.

Breastfeeding to Age 3 - Handling the Criticism

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:06:00 +0000

I loved this article on reading it this morning. My son is almost 7 months and I already get asked regularly about how long I will breastfeed him. This reassured me that I am doing the right thing as a mother and gave me the strength to continue doing so. Thanks Dr. Sears!

http://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-extended-breastfeeding----handling-the-criticism