LilSugar

Lil Tip: Sing Your Children to Sleep

LilSugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to my singing, I've got a couple of fans. My son and daughter don't mind that my vocals are off tune, in fact, my tunes help them sleep. If your tot has trouble transitioning from bathtub to bedtime, try breaking out in song. Turn this into a fun activity by having them help you with the lyrics. Once you perfect the tune specific to the child, sing or hum it to soothe them.
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Lil Treasures: Ice Cream for Dinner

LilSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:00:22 -0700

Growing up, my siblings and I used to love when my mom would make breakfast for dinner. While throwing together pancakes and eggs was easier for her, it was a treat for us. Each summer, Jon and Kate Gosselin take their brood out to indulge in ice cream for dinner. Children delight in the unconventional.

On the occasion when I used to work late, my husband would pick me up and we'd take our kids for a picnic in the car. While it was a time saving measure, our children loved grabbing take out at our favorite taqueria and then eating it with the sunroof open and windows rolled down at the beach or in clear view of the city lights at a lookout point.

Does your family do something special?
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Does Your Baby Have a Song?

babysugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:00:29 -0700

One of my must–haves for my hospital suitcase was music. I packed portable speakers and my iPod loaded with 100 plus special "baby–to–be" songs.

To see what happened when my daughter was born, read more.

When my newborn made her debut, K.T. Tunstall's "Suddenly I See" rang out. The song starts, "Her face is a map of the world, is a map of the world. You can see she's a beautiful girl, she's a beautiful girl."

Not knowing my babe's gender ahead of time, there couldn't have been a more poignant or perfect song. Every time I hear the tune, my heart melts a little.

Do you have a special song for your wee one?

Pimp Your Crib: Artwork on a Pillow

babysugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:00:17 -0800

Beautiful pillows can be the perfect accent to any room, but if your kids' creations adorn them, that will brighten your surroundings and their smiles. We told you how you could wear your children's designs around your neck, but now you can rest your pretty lil head on them, too.

Submit your child's masterpiece to Deseta where they will translate the image onto a charming pillow. Make sure it's your favorite piece because it's not cheap. It costs about $180 for one of the posh cushions. But, it will be a treasured keepsake for years to come.

Lil Treasures: Letter From Santa

LilSugar — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 06:00:23 -0800

Children barely get a chance to be kids. So I'm a proponent of nearly anything that keeps that childhood sense of awe intact. And, since this is the season when youngsters mail their wish-lists off to the North Pole, what better way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive than with a reply sent straight from Santa?

Since 1952, The Miller Family of the North Pole have been sending Santa letters to boys and girls around the world. For $7.50, parents can order them from Santa Claus House. Each letter is personalized with the recipient's name and has the option for customized text. Postmarked from the North Pole, it has "Santa's Official Mail" seal, a jumbo "Santa's Good List" sticker and a photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus enclosed. Best of all, the letters are available in several formats so siblings can receive different versions and of course, the correspondence arrives just in time for Christmas.

Lil Tip: Go Fly a Kite

LilSugar — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 04:00:36 -0800

Forget football and skip shopping. Take today to spend some quality time with your kids and go fly a kite. If the climate in your area isn't fit for kite flying, choose another outdoor activity.

The fresh air and exercise will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed, especially after feasting last night. And, if you've got relatives turning into couch potatoes, persuade them to join you and make it a family affair!

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Lil Treasures: Lunch Box Surprises

LilSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:00:02 -0800

Don't let school lunches become as routine as a line-up of classes, surprise your kids by putting a few fun edible treats in their lunch bags. And, always make sure they are age appropriate.

Shaped Sandwiches - Turn your child's favorite sandwich, be it peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese into an extraordinary one using stainless steel cookie cutters to make them into hearts, stars and animals.
Cereal Chain - String naturally colored fruit loops or Cheerios on a piece of unflavored dental floss to create a necklace or bracelet.
Mini Quiche - There's nothing like a lil brunch for lunch, make the quiche bite-sized using mini muffin pans or the pre-made appetizer pastry cups available at most grocers.
Scoops of Fruit - Rather than having the kids fuss with peels, pits and rinds, use a melon baller to make their favorite fruit medley.

And, for that added touch, tuck a note in wishing them luck on a test or just to say that you're hoping they are having a good day.
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Lil Treasures: Bathtub Fishing

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:30:41 -0800

You don't need a permit to fish in the tub! After a long day, a fun soak in the bath is just what your kids need before heading off to bed. But, washing the grime away doesn't have to be a chore - take the opportunity to turn the task into a memory. Fill the tub with bubble bath and drop a few toy fish in. Then, hand out the poles and see if they can catch more than the shampoo bottle.

Ready Set Learn! Paz's Fishing Set ($25)	Parents Magazine Tubby Tug Fishing Boat ($30)
Lillian Vernon: Magnetic Tub Fishing Set	Rub a Dub Fishing in the Tub Bath ($10)

Lil Treasures: S'mores by Candlelight

LilSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:00:33 -0800

Winter weather is approaching and when you find yourself rained or snowed in with the kids, make the most of it. A friend of mine came up with an ingenious way to enjoy s'mores and all their deliciousness without a campfire, barbecue or even a fire place.

All you need is a pack of graham crackers, a bag of marshmallows, some chocolate squares, a few water soaked skewers, and a tea light. The soft flame of the small votive candle is a controlled heat that makes warming the marshmallows much safer when small hands are involved. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to make the gooey treats so you have more time to enjoy them with your lil ones.

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Lil Treasure: Artwork For Around Your Neck

babysugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 -0800

The Van Gogh in every child sometimes gets the best of our refrigerators, empty walls, and the kid's rooms. When your lil one brings home that masterpiece that you know sets itself above the rest, turn it into a treasure.

You can scan or mail your tot's magnum opus to Analiese and for $8, she will turn the artwork into a beautiful glossy pendant that you can put on a necklace or whatever your heart desires. The original, which isn't limited to child's play, needs to be 8 1/2 x 11 or smaller. And, for an extra $5, you can add a silver chain to your order.