v 1 issue 5: Personal Point of View

Get Personalized

This issue, we encourage you to get personalized. From monograms to wall art, and everything in between, we've found the goods that have personalized perfected...and we can't wait to share!

Cover by Amanda Elkins

Personalized Products


1. Personalization gets preppy with the fantastic designs of Boatman Geller. Buy more to save more...these cards will never go out of style!

2. Cozy up to the KooKoo Bear Kozy Kids Bath Robe. Its sure to warm you up to personalized kids clothing!

3. For personalized perfection served on a plate, shop Timree. Plate prices vary by design, with personalized options ranging from $36-62...a small price to pay for a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime!

4. This personalized gift is high-profile! Simply send a picture of your child's profile to Land Of Nod, and they will create this gorgeous hand-cut and framed Silhouette Art.

5. We're sweet on 'My M&M's'! Choose your colors, choose your saying, and create a gift that says a lot!

6. Unlock the secret to gorgeous personalization at Paper Locket. Simply put, the wall canvases are stunning.



Mom Tips

Cleaning Tip: Forgive us for combining a cleaning tip with a greening tip, but if you are looking for a less toxic laundry boost, counter cleaner, bathroom cleaner, or rug cleaner, then try Baking Soda. Simply use a little water to make a paste out of the Baking Soda, and you have a great all-purpose household cleaner!

Green Tip: Concerned about PBA (Polycarbonates et al) in the plastics we use everyday? You are not alone, especially now that we know plastic used in water bottles (yes, Nalgene bottles, Eddie Bauer bottles, and your disposable type), children's toys and the lining of cans (especially baby formula cans!) gives off bisphenol-A, which is linked to birth defects, miscarriage, and even cancer. Some even argue it may be responsible for the increased rate of alzheimers and autism. If this is enough to turn you off of plastics, then perhaps your first step should be drinking from something safe. Try SIGG's water bottles, and SIGG water bottles for kids for a safe alternative...the quality is fantastic!

Financial Tip: If you are looking into 529 plans for you child's college savings, then you should know that you can often take advantage of 529 plans in other states, even though you are not a resident. This means you should shop around, look for the best performers, and the best state school systems! We learned that a perennial favorite is Utah's 529 plan, but of course things change from year to year, so do your research first!

Parenting Tip: This tip is simple: children remember the postive and encouraging things you say to them, and replay them when faced with self-doubt. So, say something positive to your child whenever the opportunity presents itself, it will do wonders for their self-esteem. Especially helpful is identifying specific character traits that you admire in your child; unlike praising them for a specific action, praising them for a specific character trait gives them self-confidence in a variety of situations.



Fun Food, Food Fun

Mom might have said “don’t play with your food, eat it,” but we don’t agree. These simple recipes are playful and fun, and we think your kids will eat them up! Enjoy!

American Flag Toast:
Simply toast your child’s favorite bed and spread with softened or whipped cream cheese. Use strawberries to create the stars, and strawberry or raspberry jelly to create the stripes. Of course sliced strawberries or even raspberries would work great for the stripes as well.

Ants on a Log:
Wash and trim celery stalks, and spread peanut butter inside the stalk. Place raisins on the peanut butter for the 'ants.'

Fried Egg Fruit:
Spread cottage cheese on a plate in the shape of a circle. Take a canned or fresh peach halve (carefully pealed and pitted if fresh) and place on top of the cottage cheese to make your 'fried egg.'

Butterfly Bites:
Take a celery stalk, and after washing, cut into 2 inch pieces. Fill the stalk with peanut butter or cream cheese, depending on your child's preference. This will be the body of the butterfly. Take two pretzels and stick into the peanut butter to create the wings. Finally, place raisins into the peanut butter to create the eyes.

Pizza Faces:
Most kids love making their own pizza, but they’ll especially love creating pizza faces. Allow them to prepare the base of the pizza (crust, sauce, cheese) as normal. Then provide them with meats and vegetables that work well for creating a face: green or red pepper rings are great for eyes or glasses, pepperoni slices work well for cheeks, corn works well for teeth, mushroom slices make great ears etc.