v 2 issue 22: Summer Fashion

Summer style is all about being comfortable and our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits that are practical as well as fashion-savvy.

Cover by Rachel Cohara












1 Corky and company has a whole new clothing line, kids swimwear and you will go wild over this huge selection of boutique brand girls swimwear. This halter style ties behind the neck as well as behind the back for a secure fit. Available in sizes 4-14.

2 The black tie and rocker buttons on this tee are all a bluff. Call it the safe way for kids to get their rock on. Go to shrnk to find this and other "stylin' hip rags for newborns & kids".

3 The cargo shorts at pippers are super comfortable. Great American style and roomy pockets for seashells, rocks, cars, etc. Most of all, we love the ten preppy patterns to choose from. Enter code: TOTS for 25% off the entire line -Final sale.

4 Neige delivers again. Gorgeous Liberty cotton fabric is layered over a soft voile petticoat with matching voile straps. Pulled all together with a drawstring neckline and a full back bow, your little girl is bound to be...oh, so pretty! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchase. This can be combined with their fantastic Spring sale going on now! Exp. 5/31/09.

5 Boys ahead of the fashion curve love Knuckleheads. The cool teal color and red stitch detail as well as the pleated chest pockets make this shirt a great choice to gussy up for a special event or just appear dapper at the family barbecue.- Little Boy Chic. Enter code: tottrends for 10% off your total purchase. Exp. 7/1/09.

6 Dishwasher safe shoes, yes that's right! These OKAb Microplast® molded slip-on sandals cushions feet while remaining antimicrobial, waterproof and washable. Now for the fun part. They come equipped with an easy "change-out" ribbon. A total of 3 sets of ribbons are included with each pair of sandals. Available for both girls and Mom at littlebowpeeptails.com. Tip: Order up one size, they run a little small. Enter code: TOTTRENDS10 for 10% off your total purchase.

7 Angela Frost, available in boutiques and fine stores across the U.S., brings us a fabulous little black dress. With or without the Black Licorice Zippity Doo Da leggings, the dress is a sweet sensation. Available in sizes 2t thru 7/8.


This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip:
Reusables- Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.

Financial Tip:
Get your financial life in order. If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) at work and your company offers a matching contribution, you must participate in the program and contribute enough to get the maximum match from your employer. There's no bigger priority than to get what is essentially free money from your employer.

Time Saving Tip:
Stock your produce drawer or a lower shelf in your refrigerator with snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices that your kids can grab without your help. Set up a similar area in your pantry with baggies full of dried fruit or graham crackers.

Organizing Tip:
Mail/School Papers. Put a basket by the door or counter for mail. Put a magnetic clip on the fridge labeled with each child's name for homework assignments and notes from school.


Creating a Children’s Garden
Childhood is a time of wonder and joy. Our children appreciate the new ideas we share with them through books and conversation and the mysteries of life that we attempt to teach them in our home and natural environments.

A garden is one of those mysteries of life that can be a great joy to children and parents alike.

Gardening provides so many good experiences for our kids. In addition to being able to witness and to have a hand in bringing forth new life, kids benefit from being involved in an outdoor activity that enhances our health and an appreciation for natural environments.

Here are some suggestions for key components of a child’s garden:
• There should be somewhere to play in and around the garden. Set up a sprinkler that will not only water the plants but provide fun for your child to run through.
• Kids love to hide things so a great child’s garden should have a garden ceramic or plants that encourage the hiding of objects or little giggling people.
• To assist kids in observing and caring for plants, create tiny walkways in between sections of the garden.
• Digging in the soil will always be among the top things children love about their garden. Purchase size and age appropriate tools for your kids and allow them to plant seeds in soil.

Set up a watering routine on large chart paper and use markers and dates to indicate when and how often the plants should be watered and fed plant food.

When the first sprouts poke through the ground, have your kids mark that on the chart paper. If you have a camera take a picture. Better yet if you have a digital camera you can take pictures and upload them to your computer. You can then insert the pictures into your child’s gardening document and then do all updates using the computer. Once done you’ll have a chart complete with pictures showing the plants’ actual progress. You may, however, prefer the hand drawn chart because it will contain the hand written markings of your children, which will likely be of greater sentimental value to you and your kids in the years to come.

Don’t forget to plant vegetables in addition to flowers and herbs. It might be best to use fast growing plants like nasturtium and vegetables like peas. Kids love to see the results of their hard effort fast!

When choosing which plants to include in your garden, remember that some plants are poisonous and not a good choice for a children's garden:
•Foxglove, Daphne, and laburnum

Another safety tip: Keep adult tools and garden pesticides away from your children and let them know that those items are not to be touched because they are not safe and require adult supervision.

Have fun with your children’s garden. It will be a source of great outdoor activity and memories for you and your kids for years to come. It will also provide an opportunity for educational learning and for adding some wonderful flowers and vegetables to the family garden.