Tiana, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. OH MY!

Simply said, Disney on Ice rocks.  Never been? Well I'm sure I'm not the first to tell you that you're missing out. As cliche as it may sound, visiting Walt Disney World is truly magical. But having the beloved characters perform on ice right in front of your eyes is just as magical itself, and a heck of a lot closer.

We've personally seen the Monsters Inc., Toy Story III and a "regular" Disney on Ice productions and I've been so incredibly impressed. But when I heard that Disney on Ice Dare to Dream was coming to town, I knew this would be one of our favorites. With 3 girls, ages 3, 5 and 7, how could it not be?!

The show began with an incredibly upbeat number including all of the Disney favorites, perfect for getting the little ones prepared. And then it was time for Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Complete with all of the characters, Naveen, Louis and Ray, the segment was the perfect warm up. And then came the beloved Cinderella. Though the entire story is not acted out, it's amazing how they tie it all in together. The costumes are perfect and characters believable. I even found myself clapping to the music and singing the well-known tunes (did I really just say that out loud?!) Yes, it's true; one of the best things about these shows is that parents will actually enjoy them as much as their kids!

By and large, our favorite, and the part the kids could not wait to see, was Rapunzel. From the famed movie Tangled, Rapunzel and Flynn took to the ice and captured the show. Cascading hair and characters who dangled from the ceiling were some of the exciting effects that warmed the hearts of the families in the packed the Time Warner Cable Arena. See this short video that we took - such a small sampling of the show that included all of the favorite tunes including She's Got a Dream, Mother Knows Best and At Last I See the Light (yes, I was singing those, too).

An amazing final act included all of the famed princesses - Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Jasmine, Cinderella and Rapunzel ... for girls of all ages, a real dream come true.

Dare to Dream is still in Charlotte for the rest of this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 7 - 9 and tickets are still available! If you've got a Disney or princess lover ... this is surely a MUST DO!

Raising a Reader

School’s back in session and parents around the country are looking to not only get their children’s education up to speed, but to do what they can to surpass it. But studies have shown that it’s not just about working with your little ones during the school year. The true benefits can be found from day one, and even before, as Dan Gilbert of the Primrose Schools illustrates below.

Raising a Child that Loves to Read

by Dan Gilbert

Decades of research have shown that a child develops learning habits when they have exposure to books from very early in life. When a parent reads to the child, the rhythm of the language becomes familiar, which causes verbal skills to develop at an accelerated rate. Love for reading starts from the point the books are introduced – as an infant or even before birth. Many people claim that a child will remember the music and stories they hear while still in the womb. Children do recognize their mother’s voice immediately after birth.

Making the time to read together is essential if you are going to raise a child that loves to read. Robert Needlman, M.D., author of the book Dr. Spock’s Baby Basics and member of the Primrose Schools Education Advisory Board, believes you should begin to spend time reading with a child from infancy, continue through toddler years, preschool and beyond. “There’s no prescription for this, the only prescription is to allow some time each day that you can sit down, connect with your child, and read together.  The main thing is to allow it to occur in a way that’s joyful, that conveys enjoyment to the child – from enjoyment the rest will follow.”

Consistent effort to spend time each day reading together as your child grows is essential for the development of a future reader. Whether the story is read just before bed or as part of the evening meal routine, children must hear the spoken word to develop mastery-level language skills. Long before a child starts school, the time spent with books becomes a habit that will carry through life. No one is quite sure which part is more important; the personal connection with the parent or the sound of the spoken word. The primary goal is to embrace reading in a joyful way that engages the child’s interests.

Pictures add meaning for the child when the parent points to the illustrations and reads the words with an animated voice. Even when the words are changed to make the story more personal, the child develops interest in books. Children love to hear their own name, so inserting their name into the storyline will create interest and encourage them to write their own stories later.

Book selection is important to retain the child’s curiosity about reading. Even though the adult tires of reading the same book repeatedly, the child is learning from each pass through the pages. Great books for children include interesting illustrations that convey the meaning of the text on the page. When the words are read aloud, a distinct rhythm will be memorable when the words are read again. The parent’s interests are important when choosing books since the responsibility of making the activity fun falls on the adult.

To prevent fatigue with the same book, check out multiple books from the library and teach the child how to treat the books in the appropriate manner. Replacing books each time the current set comes due is a great way to move into new material and reduce redundancy. Remind the child that the books can be checked out again.

Apply these ideas to create a fun environment that embraces literature to build a foundation for successful readers:

• Age-appropriate books about a wide variety of subjects should be available for each child. When they are able to choose books that interest them, they are more likely to read alone.

• Time each day should be spent reading to children even when they are just toddlers. They should be encouraged to participate in the story.

• Take favorite books along whenever car travel or local errands are on the agenda. Use time waiting to read and develop good habits.

• Ask the child’s school teacher to provide a list of books that are related to school activities. Reading books that reflect their experiences will teach them to look for books as learning sources later in life.

• Older children will read to younger siblings and mimic the voices and other story-telling techniques used by their parents. The child that makes up new stories has taken a significant developmental step to becoming a life-long learner and reader.


Children are born with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. From the earliest days, their future success depends on their ability to master the language. Having books read to them is an essential first step in learning how the language is used in written and oral forms. Each child’s cognitive development requires a supportive and nurturing environment that provides exposure to information in various forms.

Goodbye Summer; Hello School

Supplies. Books. New teachers and backpacks. It's official: summer is over, and school is back.

I know many moms who feel this day could not have come soon enough. For me, the change is bittersweet. Don't get me wrong - I can't think of a day where for at least 10 seconds I haven't wanted to pull my hair out. Entertaining your kids and lacking structure can challenge even the strongest of us. But on the other hand, the lack of structure, the absence of alarm clocks and the simplicity of choosing each day for itself can be a thing of beauty.

When I had just a young baby, I remember hearing from others - you know, since everyone is always willing to give you unsolicited advice re: parenting - that when your kids get into school, the years fly by. They couldn't have been more right. And for me, each passing summer now means they are another year older, another grade higher.

School does amazing things for kids. Education is just the beginning; the other aspects that are taught and learned are, in my mind, irreplaceable. And ironically enough, as I write this, I've had my office door open 3 - scratch that, now 4 - times, my kids, of course. My little one was just requesting a kiss ... and for that matter, they can open my door and prolong summer for as long as they want. But for now, we'll say goodbye to the swimming pool and instead replace it with recess and after school activities, and save the fun for the weekends.

Good luck with sending your kiddos off and here's to a super school year!

Uh-Oh Theater - Serious Fun for Little Ones!

I had no idea what to expect out of Uh-Oh Theater. I mean, how well can a 0-3 year-old actually engage in theater?

I was invited to a show today at ImaginOn, one that is running all week long. And I highly suggest it to any of you with little ones ages 3 and under.

I thought about taking the baby (he's almost 5 months) but opted to just take my newly-turned 3 year-old daughter for some quality time together. We arrived right before the show where there was a little interactive area for the wee ones. Then we entered in to the intimate area set up for us. There were three couches and some pillows along the floor; I'd say there were 30-some of us here for the play, and we all picked our seats which were literally right in front of the stage (set on the floor). With easy entry and exits, an engaging scene in front, my little one was engaged from the get-go.

For 30-40 minutes, the kids were entertained with lights, sound and music as Meredith and Mark (a husband and wife team - don't worry, you'd never know it unless you read their bios) who used fabric, instruments, a fan and more. Honestly, I thought they were like two grown two year-olds playing by the way they interacted. The kids thought they were fantastic. Little squeals were intertwined with giggles or a random "look there!" or "it's a cat!". There was one little girl in particular who chose to walk on the stage during the performance and use some of the props. Not to be disturbed by the little audience member, the duo simply let her be and at one point let her engage in their "play".

For the last 10 minutes, the rest of the kids were able to go onto the stage to try their arm at acting. My little girl took the props and did what she'd seen - for instance, she took the same chinese fan and walked around fanning the audience. I was amazed at all that she retained!

So ... back to my original question. How long can a child 3 and under be engaged in theater?
Actually, when the show is created for them, they'll sit the whole time. And they'll even ask for more.

Check out one of the shows this week, put on by The Children's Theater of Charlotte. Or find out more about PlayPlay! Theater by clicking here.

Immunization Awareness Month

Though quite a controversial subject - August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Guest columnist Amy Wadsworth shares some brief information on immunizing your child and the benefits to doing so.

Immunizations are important to prevent children from diseases that could kill, infect or cripple them. Infants and children should be immunized. Most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of a child’s life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under the age of 5 are susceptible to disease because their immune systems are not built up to fight infection. Vaccinate your child by age 2 and you can protect your child from disease and protect others at child care centers and schools.

Deanna Matthews, child care health consultant with the Gaston County Health Department, works with licensed child care centers and family child care homes to help keep immunizations up-to-date. 

Matthews also offers free trainings including Communicable Diseases and Immunizations. This training educates on the various types of communicable diseases and precautions to protect staff and children from contracting and or spreading potential infectious diseases.

"Childcare providers can stay healthier by washing their hands properly and frequently and also maintaining their current immunizations, especially tetanus," says Matthews.

“Vaccines play an important role in protecting the health of children in child care," she continues. "When up-to-date on their immunizations, children are better protected against vaccine preventable diseases. 

The benefits extend beyond the individual. Vaccine-preventable diseases cause greater illness in children and vulnerable adults than healthy adults. The greater the number of people immunized, the greater the benefit to the community.”

Childcare centers are required to know the immunization status of children in their care. This information protects the children that the center provides care for as well as their staff.

Some of the vaccines your children need include Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Pertussis (or whooping cough), Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Your pediatrician can let you know if your child is up-to-date with his shots; there are also those required for going back to school. Children can also receive immunizations at their local health department and most vaccines for childhood immunizations are provided at no cost.

For more information about immunizations, visit Immunize North Carolina at www.immunizenc.com. 

Amy Wadsworth is the Public Information Coordinator for the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties. She can be reached at 704.922.0900.

Stickers and STUFF

When I was little, I had a sticker book. It was my most prized possession.
Within the book, which was actually a photo album, were stickers that I'd earned over time.

I distinctly remember some of them: there were the scratch-n-sniff stickers that I'd earned when I didn't cry for a week of kindergarten (I was "that" kid - the one who cried every day). There was the sticker that I got when I toured the power plant where my father worked as a civil engineer. And who can forget that large sticker that I received at Disney World when we had breakfast with Mickey?! That took up almost half of a page of my sticker book. Such memories!

Back then, we worked to earn stickers. It took me a whole week of not crying to earn one sticker. Today, my kids get stickers by the dozen - daily. In fact, just yesterday we went to Trader Joes (automatic 5 stickers per child) and then the library (another one for finishing the scavenger hunt).

It's not just stickers that I'm overwhelmed with, it's STUFF. Literally each day we get more and more STUFF. Candy, little chachki items, stickers, coloring papers; you name it, my kids are getting it. It not only junks up my car and my house, but in my mind, it's devaluing their appreciation for just about anything! They are so programmed to getting something new each and every day - who can blame them? Heck, if I got something new each day, I'd be looking out for it and tiring of it quickly as well.

I don't really have a solution to all of this but more or less just wanted to voice my opinion to see if anyone else is on the same page with me. Am I the only one who is tired of the inordinate amount of items entering their household? Can we (retailers, businesses, friends and family) not slow down on the giving of these items and cut down on our own personal bottom lines while also letting the little ones of today's world gain a true appreciation for earning things?

I'd love to hear your opinion!

Guilt be gone: accepting help from others

One of the things the experts (books and such) always preach is accepting help when you have a new baby. Well as time goes on, most of us assume that we need to figure it out and get it all done alone.

I've been good with this up until recently. I was a pro at having 3 kids - but with 4, and I'm guessing for those who have kids that are more spaced out, it's really just not possible to give each the attention they deserve in the situations you find yourself in.

In prior days, I didn't understand why someone would get sitter for one (or two) of their children just to take a different one somewhere. Why wouldn't they all go together, I wondered? Now I get it. And I'm trying to accept this newfound knowledge.

My husband was away for 3 days and it's just me myself and I to handle the kids, which is fine. But this morning, for instance, we had a pool party to attend. Why on earth would I think I could take them all and realistically have a good time? Thankfully I was smart enough to know this was not possible. Though one side of me was chirping in that I could do it, I knew that we ALL would have a better time leaving the baby at home with a sitter. And boy, was I right. He got his morning nap in, we got our morning swim (and cake, ice cream and chips) in. I got to swim with my girls and he avoided the swim (what 4 month-old really loves a swim, anyhow?)

Bottom line - don't feel guilty about getting help for one of your kids (or even two) so that you can go take the other to a party, to soccer practice, to a baseball game, or wherever. In the long run, you'll all benefit from it. I know that we certainly did!

5 Ways to "Green" Your Vacation

Green – it’s such “the buzz!”.  Green parties, greening your household, even greening your crafts. Penny Dietz, owner of green i am, is on a mission to help create healthier families and homes, sharing one little dirty secret at a time. Our guest blogger shares her ideals in greening one area you may not have thought of - your vacation.

Have you ever thought of greening your vacay?  Whether you’re feeling lime green or kelly green, there’s something for everyone to try.  Perhaps you’ll discover these simple and easy tips are not only good for the planet but also good for your wallet!

1. Location, Location, Location – There’s the easy and green option of a staycation, where you take advantage of staying put and exploring your own city – ideally via public transportation and/or bikes.  And here in Charlotte, there’s no loss of entertainment options from exploring parks, museums, amusement parks, farms, wineries, spraygrounds, bike paths, fishing, greenways, music and more!   

Alternatively, consider a vacation destination where walkability, biking, and/or public transportation will be easily accessible so you won’t have to take cabs or rent a car.  If you’re like me and are “looking for a reason” to go to San Francisco, you'll be happy to know it is one of the greenest cities.  

Yet another option is staying at a campground where you have everything you really need at your fingertips. That said, regardless of your destination, seek out options for green recreation - a park, a hiking trail, a lake, etc. - and enjoy the fresh air.     

2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles – How low carbon can you go?  The best strategy – besides walking or biking – is to fill up a seat that’s already going your way. So, hop on a train, a bus, or if you choose to fly, opt for non-stop flights.  Alternatively, if you’re like most, pack your car.  To increase your fuel efficiency, here are a few “best practice” driving techniques that can help you get more bang for your buck:

·         Inflate your tires to the proper psi according to the manual 

·         Keep your windows rolled up

·         Use cruise control

·         Don’t brake if you don’t have to

·         Drive the speed limit

And when you’re ready for more gas, save some green by visiting gas buddy or cheap gas.

3. Accommodations – Choosing a low-impact place to stay is not only greener, it’s often less expensive. If the weather is nice, look for camping options. Otherwise, check out options for vacation rentals (such as VRBO) and/or environmentally friendly hotels.  Regardless of where you stay, here are 3 easy and impactful actions to implement:

·         Bring your own toiletries.  Think of all the plastics that are used to create tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner, the added packaging, shipping, etc.  Let’s be honest - how many times do you use a full bar of soap at a hotel?  Do yourself and the earth a favor and bring your own favorite personal care products.

·         Hang a “Do Not Disturb sign” and say no thank-you to housekeeping.  Or call housekeeping and tell them you won’t need their services during your stay.  This simple act prevents the hotel from wasting water by changing your sheets and towels, wasting electricity by vacuuming, and spraying harsh chemicals all over your toothbrush.  Seem too extreme?  Then compromise by at least hanging your towel and opting to reuse it.

·         Recycle and Reuse.  Whether it’s your morning newspaper or otherwise, remember to recycle.  Don’t forget your stainless steel water bottle for refilling your daily water supply.  And leave the freebies (pens, notepads, etc) behind for the next person. 

4. When in Rome – Experience the local culture by eating at local restaurants or visiting a local farmer’s market or grocery.  You’ll quickly discover the true “local flavor” of your vacation destination.

5. Unplug – Reduce your energy consumption at home while you’re away be unplugging appliances and fixtures that won’t be in use.  While traveling, unplug the DVD players, DS, blackberries, iPhones, etc. and opt for family-friendly games like “I Spy”, “Travel Bingo”, “Car Colors”, etc.  A favorite for my family is the “The ABC game”, where we find each letter of the alphabet in order by scouring road signs, passing cars, billboards, etc.  And while on vacation, “plug in” to each other by being fully engaged in making memories that will last a lifetime.

This mom can make art!

My kids love art, especially my middle daughter. We're constantly creating stuff at our house, but it's pretty much the same old basic stuff: stringing pasta, cutting up construction paper and coloring. 

Doing art with my kids is actually one of my favored activities ... but the reality is that I am generally just assisting them in their endeavors. So recently I saw a posting about the adult workshops at Small Hands Big Art and was intrigued. A Thursday evening with no kids - a time to go be creative. Me, creative. Why not?! I had no idea what fun I was actually in for.

The workshop I signed up for was a decoupage class. The description said we'd decoupage a whimsical collage on wood with patterned paper, fabric, ribbon and mod podge.  I was most interested in the mention of a growth chart; how fun, I thought! None of my kids have a growth chart and they are always measuring themselves. If you're thinking this sounds tough, think again.

There were 8 of us in the class Thursday night. Studio owner Jennifer Bryant was accompanied by Hannah Naish. Together, they gave in-depth instructions on putting together our masterpiece. We'd first come up with a concept. Lucky for some of us (me) they had lots of samples of what we could create (read: copy). Some had come with an idea in mind; I simply wanted a fun growth chart to put in my youngest daughter's room. I was going to use a shabby chic design with her room colors in mind. I used one of the examples and built upon it to make it my own.

We selected fun pieces of paper, ribbon, buttons and more and laid out our individual designs. Our instructors helped us modify,  create or whatever else we needed in the process. During this time, we met others, noshed on snacks and some drank wine. Lets see - wine, chocolate and creating with no one hanging on our legs ... what a recipe for success!

photo by: Alison Bella Photography

photo by: Alison Bella Photography

The beauty in this was that everyone had a different vision in mind and each came out with a different piece in the end. The end results? Gorgeous. Really, you can't get personalized pieces like these that have meaning behind them. The cost of the evening was $40. And for that price I took home a priceless creation, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction and inspiration to make more with my kids. 

My finished creation

Not all of the adult workshops have the same theme. Once a month Small Hands Big Art holds these events; last month was "colorful watercolor on stretched canvas"; next month is "hand-carved rubber stamps". Oh, and you get a discount when you sign up for multiple workshops. What a win-win! 

If you're looking for a little "me" time, a girls night out or just a chance to let your creativity flow - I'd highly suggest checking one out. You will love it!

Cook with your Kids: Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (semi-healthy!)

My kids love to cook, and frankly, so do I. It's a great activity to do together and I always try to sneak in some sort of lesson (healthy eating/math - in regards to the measurements/etc.)

Yesterday I was at our local grocery store with my eldest and asked her what we should make this week. At that moment, I glanced over and saw some chocolate chip muffins - you know, the humongous kind that probably have 800 calories and 30 grams of fat in one - and suggested we make our own. It didn't take too much arm twisting to get her to agree!

I researched some recipes and came up with my own, which is pretty healthy. We just finished baking and trying them and the votes are unanimous ... this recipe's a keeper! 

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 mashed ripe bananas

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, applesauce, yogurt and vanilla.

3. Make a well in the dry ingredients and mix the wet into the dry.

4. Fold in the bananas and chocolate chips.

5. Fill 12 greased muffin tins about 2/3 full (we used cupcake liners) or until all batter is used.

Bake at 350 degrees for 23'ish minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean); cool for 5 minutes before removing and enjoying!

** If you prefer, substitute 1/2 cup oil for the applesauce. I personally always use applesauce instead of oil, but that's a personal thing.  Oh, and I also use unsweetened applesauce.

***If you want to help your chocolate chips not fall to the bottom, coat them with flour.

Have fun and enjoy them!!

Kids in the Car

We've all been there before; you've got to run in the post office/drug store or any quick stop where you just know you'll be in and out. What would the harm be in leaving your little one(s) in the vehicle while you run in and get it done? You can do it 10x's quicker if it's just you ....
Or perhaps you're like me and forgetful (brainless, in my case). Believe it or not, many parents actually forget that their child is in the car.

Guest columnist Amy Wadsworth, Public Information Coordinator for the Partnership for Children of Lincoln and Gaston Counties, reports on why you should never leave a child alone in the car - and what to do to prevent you from forgetting them.

“Beat the Heat, Check the Backseat.”

This is an important saying for caregivers/parents who have children in the back seat of a vehicle.

Did you know in 2010 there were 49 children nationwide that died in cars as a result of hyperthermia? In 2011 there have been 3 already!

Angela Ross, Trauma Program Coordinator with CaroMont Health Trauma Services in Gastonia knows first-hand the effects of leaving children unattended in vehicles.

“It’s a tragic fact that 8 out of 10 deaths are because parents forgot their child was in the vehicle,” Ross said. “I don’t want to see anyone live with that kind of guilt.”

On an 80 degree day, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes, which can be fatal. “Cracking” a window has little to no effect on soaring temperatures.

Children’s temperature regulation systems are less efficient, which means their body temperatures warm 3 to 5 times faster than adults.

Ross said vehicles in the heat are like a convection oven. The windows amplify the heat and trap it inside, she said.

Never leave your child alone in the vehicle!

Here are some safety tips to remember (According to Safe Kids USA):

·      Leave your purse, wallet, or briefcase on the floor board of the back seat to remind yourself that your child is in the car. Most deaths are unintentional resulting from forgetting there is a child in the car.

·      Put a sticker with a baby picture on the rearview mirror.

·      Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When placing the child in the car seat, put the stuffed animal up front with the driver.

·      Set your cell phone reminder to be sure you dropped your child off at their childcare center.

·      Dial 911 immediately if you see a child unattended in a car.

·      Lock all vehicle doors and the trunk after everyone is out of the car. Keep keys out of children’s reach.

Check the car and trunks first if a child goes missing. 

PFCLG is funded through Smart Start, North Carolina’s award winning early childhood initiative designed to ensure that children enter school healthy.The mission of PFCLG is to serve as a leading advocate and collaborative resource to provide access to high quality services for young children.

Good cookies; great cause

Oh, wow. I had the honor of being one of the judges for the Cookies for Kids Cancer cookie contest today, and let me just tell you how difficult the decision was! But first let me tell you about the contest:

Stomp, Chomp & Roll, who owns Mama Fu's (Cotswold), Moe's at Northlake Mall, Flying Biscuit (Stonecrest & Cotswold), The Pizza Peel and Monkey Joe's (Park Rd.) teamed up with our local Cookies for Kids Cancer team by soliciting cookie recipes. Out of all of the entrants, seven sweet treats were chosen to bring the goods down to The Flying Biscuit in Cotswold where I was joined by 7-year-old Grier Christenbury (Cookies for Kids Cancer Representative), Kathleen Purvis (Food Editor for The Charlotte Observer) and Lisa Frame (Mommyality). Our job? Tasting and commenting on the oh-so-delicious final products.

We judged on appearance, creativity and (natch) taste while also providing comments.

Let me first say I am a true chocoholic, but I wanted to give each option a fair chance.
Lucky for me, most of the cookies included some type of chocolate. Most also required a few tastes, just to be sure (of course!)

The second place winner was a close runner-up in my book; the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie had chunky peanut butter and lots of chips ... it was the perfect texture!  But the Millionaire Shortbread won by a landslide. Soft shortbread, topped with a layer of caramel and finally a layer of thick, creamy chocolate was to die for.

The Millionaire Shortbread will be sold at all Stomp, Chomp & Roll restaurants through September 30 so you can go try one yourself! And the best news?  ALL proceeds will go to Cookies for Kids Cancer.
So go try one (or a few) out for yourself; I promise you won't be disappointed!

Grier Christenbury, one of the other judges

A day's trip: Baxter Village!

In the May issue of Little Ones, we offered up lots of ideas for fun (and mostly) inexpensive outings for you and your kiddos. I've done this one before, but decided to take my crew of 4 out with me to Baxter, which is adorable and oh-so-close to Charlotte.  Below is what we had in the magazine:

The Fun Begins in Baxter

A short jaunt from most locations, don't be fooled by the fact that you're going to Ft. Mill. In just 15-20 minutes, you'll be to this new destination, located right off of I-77.

Enter Baxter Village - but do not be swayed by all the super cute shops on your sides! Proceed straight until you see Allison Park  a quaint little park with old-school play sets, plenty of room to roam, and ample shading as well. Take a stroll on the easy-to-navigate trails and wander over bridges your little one will love. Worked up an appetite? Head back onto Main Street and pop into Cupcrazed, a new Cupcake shop that actually offers café-style seating. Try the Chocolate Buttercream or Reese's cupcakes (our personal faves) or any of the many others offered. Grab a cup of joe before heading back out. A short stroll down the street will have you at an "updated" playground (who can play too much?!) where your kids can let their sugar high get the best of them. If they're tired enough, perhaps you can persuade them to stop into one of the boutiques - Page 6 for couture clothes, Mermaids, Monkeys, etc.! for gifty-things, or The Bump Maternity Boutique - a must stop for mommies -to-be or brand new mamas. A drive-through Starbucks is on your way out, the perfect treat for the ride home.


I can't even express to you how adorable Cupcrazed is.  A super-fun environment, this storefront has several flavored cupcakes, bulk candy, cake pops, coffee, drinks and more in a whimsical environment. After playing at Allison Park and exploring the trail, we headed over to enjoy $2 Tuesday (all cupcakes for 2 bucks!)  Check out some of these photos!

If you're up a low-cost, yummy day, head out to Baxter Village ... we barely touched on the playgrounds available since we had the baby with us, but there's lots to do and see.  Oh, and there's also the Peach Stand just about a mile away which has lots of fresh, local foods and fruit. We picked up some yummy corn and peaches to have with dinner.


Have fun!

Go the F&^$ to Sleep - a review!

As seen on www.momscharlotte.com ...

Go the F%$* to Sleep

This is a bit of a different product for me to review, but after hearing time and again about this book, I just had to read it.

Go the F&^$ to Sleep by Adam Mansbach debuted on June 14 and is making waves across the globe. For anyone who's battled bedtime, this book is a must read. 

A parody on all of the "normal" happy-go-lucky, peaches and cream bedtime books we read our little ones, this one is for the parent who has often muttered 4-letter words under their breath (or even aloud) as they argue their way past water, one last hug, or any of the other universal excuses. I have yet to meet a parent who has not been in this predicament; and yes, I personally know this scenario more than I wish to admit. It's a rare night when I don't have this sort of battle and don't end up cursing aloud.

Masbach ever-so-eloquently handles the one last book, the water request, the bathroom break and the questions children will ask with such satire and humor, you find yourself feeling his anger building as if it's your very own. Surely for some of us (ahem) it's a case of relating all too well.

If you're turned off by dark humor, don't read this; if swearing bothers you, you mustn't get it. But for anyone who's ever wanted to scream the title of this book at the top of your lungs, I highly suggest you get look into it. If nothing else, you'll get some great laughs and realize that you're definitely not alone.

Guest Blogger: 10 Ways to Save Money Today!

I have yet to meet any woman who doesn't get excited about saving money. Even if she's not a coupon clipper, what female doesn't love a good sale?

I (e-)met Richelle Luchkowec a few weeks ago; she had so many great suggestions on how to save money. She's so good at it, in fact, that she's turned it into one of her jobs. Read on for some of Richelle's suggestions on how you, too, can keep those dollars in your pocketbooks:

10 Easy Ways to Save Money Today by The Carolina Clipper

1.  Go to the ATM.  Yes, that's right.  To save money you need to get cash out of the ATM. When the cash is gone, this is your sign to stop spending!  Three years ago we decided to get cash out for things like groceries and eating out.  This ensures that your budget has boundaries and creates a clear stop sign.

2.  Stay Put.  With a little planning and creativity a staycation can feel like a real summer vacation.  You'll save a lot of money and actually get some rest, too!  Everyone takes off work and joins in the fun.  Use our Charlotte staycation ideas list to find free activities.  

3.  Be a Picky Eater.  If you're going out to eat, pick a restaurant where kids eat free.  Also, be on the lookout for Groupons, a daily deals site with local deals such as paying $10 for $20 worth of food.  You can also purchase a $25 gift certificate for only $10 from Restaurant.com.  We plan our date nights around these special offers and it's a real money saver.

4.  Click Around.  Free music and books are just a click away!  Use Pandora internet radio to create a personal music station.  I use this on my computer (while I work), on my TV (while I cook), and on my iPhone (while I workout).  You can rent e-books from your library and can always find free e-book downloads from sites like Amazon or iTunes by searching "free ebooks".  

5.  Money Really Does Grow on Trees.  When you clip coupons it's like clipping money out of the newspaper (which is made from trees--get it?).  Match a sale with a coupon and you've got a 50% (or more) savings!  I saved $3,769.22 the first year I used coupons and reduced my weekly grocery/toiletry budget to just $75 per week.  Not sure where to start?  Check out my 5 Easy Steps to Slash Your Grocery Budget in Half.  Better yet, come to a workshop because learning in person is so much easier!  

6.  Get in the Kitchen.  Even if you don't clip one single coupon you can still save money by simply planning your meals.  This removes the 5 p.m. dinner stress and prevents you from eating out-again.  Even better, plan your meals around what's on sale.  Example: if Chicken is Buy 1 Get 2 Free then you should look at your favorite recipes and plan a few chicken meals.  

7.  Be Careful Passing Gas.  One of my most embarrassing moments happened because I passed gas - a gas station that is.  I knew I was heading to the SC border (where gasoline is much cheaper) later that day.  I thought I had enough gas to get me through my errands but alas, my van died at a busy intersection.  A friend quickly came to rescue the kids while I waited with police for my husband to leave work and bring that silly red gasoline container.  I kept saying to the officers, "I'm so sorry, I know this is not what you were trained to do".  The moral:  You should look for ways to save money on gas BEFORE your low fuel light turns on.  How?  Use the Gas Buddy or Cheap Gas app to find the cheapest gas in your area, keep your car maintained, and use BiLo's Fuel Perks program. 

8.  Toss it Out.  Look for things you may not be using anymore and get rid of things that no longer fit your life.  Do you really need all of those cable channels, that many cell minutes, or that gym membership that you don't use?  Getting rid of financial clutter helped us save $2520 this year!   

9.  Check your credit.  You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months.  These days, credit reports are being used for everything from setting insurance rates to evaluating job candidates.  Making sure your report is accurate can save you money!

10.  Shop for Christmas in January.  Shop AFTER a holiday (Valentines, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc) for cards, decorations, and gift wrap and keep them for the next year.  

Richelle lives in Charlotte, NC and blogs about practical tools to make saving money easy and fun.  She teaches coupon workshops, volunteers at her church food bank, and enjoys finding family-friendly activities in the Carolinas.  

A tribute to Father's Day

We all have memories of our childhood, and nothing is more special than those shared with our moms and dads. In honor of Father's Day, I wanted to touch on one that I remember about mine.

I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I'm thinking it was around 13 or 14 - a tough age for any female, and that much tougher for the parents of. My dad was always very in tune with me and knew my personality well ... and truthfully, I've always been a bit (ok, a lot) Type A. Anyhow, it was for my birthday, again, my 13th or 14th, and my dad had this poem framed for me. Actually, he typed it out and signed it and had it matted and framed. At the time, I didn't understand it much; it was a strange gift in my mind, but somehow it resonated with me. I knew that it came with so much meaning, and yet I didn't quite understand why.

That piece went to college with me; it went to grad school with me. And when I moved to Charlotte, it came with me again. I'm sorry to say that I can't put my finger on it now; after 3 moves, it somehow got lost in transition. But the name of the poem is still with me: Just For Today. The gist of it was relaxing, being yourself and being true to you (a teenage girl with Type A, remember?) When times were stressing me, I'd remember to read it and think of my dad.

I did a lot of searching online and came up with a popular poem entitled "Just For Today".  I'm not sure that it's 100% verbatim, but it sure is close. In honor of Father's Day, I post this for you ... I hope you all have such wonderful fathers whose actions have stayed with you as well.

Happy Father's Day to your dad, your spouse, your loved one or significant other. Enjoy.

1. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes what Abraham Lincoln said is true: 'Most folks are about as happy as they make their mind up to be.' Happiness comes from within; it is not a matter of externals.
   
2. Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is; not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.
   
3. Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse or neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.
   
4. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.
   
5. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do someone a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two chores I don't want to do, as William James suggests, just for exercise.
   
6. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, speak diplomatically, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor find fault with anything, and not try to regulate or improve anyone.
   
7. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.
   
8. Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests: hurrying and indecision.
   
9. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour by myself and relax. In this half hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life.
   
10. Just for today I will be unafraid. Particularly, I will be unafraid to be happy; to enjoy what is beautiful; to love; and to believe that those I love, love me.

CAVES to open at The Schiele Museum

After viewing a successful exhibit called Pirates! last year, I was super excited to get a sneak peak at CAVES which is opening tomorrow (6/18) at The Schiele Museum in Gastonia. I visited yesterday as they were putting the finishing touches on CAVES and can't wait to take my own little ones back.

My kids have enjoyed visits to the permanent exhibits at the museum in the past, but these temporary ones always keep it exciting with new and different things to learn about. As I entered in, with Amy Ballard as my tour guide, I pictured my kiddos going through and navigating the deep, dark cavernous environment.

Created completely in house with Tony Passour at the helm of the project, CAVES showcases 40+ animals including fruit bats, a baby owl, baby bobcats and more in a climate-controlled, sensory-loaded atmosphere. Yes, one of the caves is a mere 56 degrees and you'll hear water dripping and see it as well, making you feel completely immersed in the subject. Kids can enjoy interactive games, dress up opportunities, daily spelunker tours and even mini caves to crawl on and through.

"Some museums take advantage of traveling exhibits," says Passour; "we found that we can produce an exhibit of a lot higher quality for a lot less cost. We've recycled components of Pirates! and it's allowed us to be selective of the content. We were able to tailor it completely to our guests."

"Being in something really helps people learn," he concludes. I couldn't agree more. Both boys and girls will really enjoy this interactive exhibit, which opens tomorrow (June 18).  It's an outing that is definitely worth taking!

Super Summer Craft

I just picked my kids up from camp at the Weddington Activity Center where they take gymnastics. They're in a tumble and art class and they brought home the cutest craft! I'm stealing their idea to share with you, since I'm sure you have all of the materials already in your house.

You will need:
* empty water bottles (1 per fish)
*square pieces of tissue paper (great way to use this up after a birthday party/gifts that you get!)
*googly eyes
*construction paper

1. Take an empty water bottle and let your little one glue the tissue paper all over the fish. Some may make a pattern/design, and some may just glue randomly.
2. Once the tissue paper is dry, twist the bottom half of the bottle (this will resemble the tail).
3. Cut out fins for fish from construction paper and glue on.
4. Glue on googly eyes.
5. They taped on fishing line so that you can hang it up; I"m sure you can use any type of string/etc. you like.

Have fun!

Summer!

It's officially here ... and I personally couldn't be happier. Unfortunately I didn't completely forego my alarm clock as I had hoped; I'm still up by 6 a.m. but somehow not having to rush anyone out the door makes it easier on all of us.

When my husband got home last night at 8 p.m., I had 3 of the 4 kids in bed and was BEAT. But there's something so settling about having all of my kids home; I can't explain it, but I just feel balanced, like no one is missing. Did they make me a little nutty here and there? Of course. Did I want to hide in my closet for a few minutes? Maybe once or twice (I didn't do it). But enjoying the books, swimming with 3 of them late afternoon while the baby napped in the stroller, and watching a few minutes of Kate Plus 8 were all so enjoyable.

Summer break is what, 10 weeks? It's a "glass half full/half empty" type of thing. To me, 10 weeks is a really short time; I want to enjoy every minute of it. If it means getting up at 6 a.m. and pulling late nights to get my work done, they are all sacrifices I'm willing to make. Let's just hope this positive attitude continues!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Guest Blogger on the Summer Reading Programs!

Summer is here, and no doubt it's a hot one already. Some of your kids have probably said those two dreaded words: I'm Bored.

Here at Little Ones, we are huge advocates of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and support all of their wonderful programs and events. This summer, they've got a wonderful reading program lined up for kids. It's FREE, it earns them PRIZES, it keeps them COOL and it helps them LEARN. Read more from our guest blogger, Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library:

Summer Reading Fun Begins!

All year I encourage each of you to find great books for your little ones through my Book Corner article. As an avid reader, I can’t think of a time of the year that curling up with a good book doesn’t sound like a great idea. But summer is by far my favorite time to read. I think it takes me back to the days when I could go to my local library, check out any book I wanted and read it all day long without the threat of bed time or homework!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wants your little ones to experience the same joy this summer through its summer reading clubs for all age groups (even you, parents!).

Summer Reading runs from June 15 to August 10, 2011, offering clubs for babies/pre-schoolers, children, teens, and adults. Each club challenges participants to read all summer long for fun, enjoyment and rewards provided by community sponsors. But the real reward of the program is reading itself. Research shows that students who read at least 20 minutes a day during the summer are more likely to read on or above grade level when returning to school in the fall. And it is important for parents to read to babies and toddlers, too. Research tells us that when you read to your young child, you naturally touch on important pre-reading “building blocks” that begin to develop at birth and must be mastered in order for your little “story lover” to graduate to “reader” status.

Sign up (beginning June 15) at your nearest library (all locations except Main Library) to keep reading, learning and having fun all summer long. Teens must sign up online, but can use the free public computers at the library to do so. For more information on Summer Reading, visit www.cmlibrary.org/summerread beginning June 15.

There is a limited supply of prizes for all who participate in summer reading clubs and complete their reading logs. This year’s sponsors are Wendy’s, Jason’s Deli, Weyerhaeuser, and Robek’s Juice on 5349 Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

As much as our little ones enjoy rewards, I encourage you to talk with them about the real rewards being the privilege of getting to choose their own books, read at their leisure, and open their horizons to new and exciting worlds. Reading is such a gift! Relish that gift this summer.

--Arden McLaughlin, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Happy Reading!! :)

Kiran