LilSugar

Would You Spend $10,000 On Your Tot's Birthday Party?

babysugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:25 -0700

Call me old fashioned or what you will, but I rather enjoy the birthday parties with pin the tail on the donkey, sheet cakes, balloons, and cellophane wrapped party favors.

To see what some mothers are spending on their tot's celebrations, read more.

While birthday festivities should focus on the child being celebrated, the trend of outlandish bashes seems to do just the opposite.

Instead of highlighting the five–year–old, crazed mothers spend oodles of money to enter the "look at me" competition amongst the mommy clan.

Over the Top Productions is a company that encourages this behavior by planning extravagant fetes for lil ones. Some parties cost parents up to $10,000. I'd rather put that into a savings account for my wee one.

When I heard that Moses Martin had a fiesta at a Mexican restaurant in NYC, I was proud of Gwyneth and Chris for providing their son with some sort of normalcy in a not–so–normal life.

But then I heard that Suri Cruise had a $5,000 birthday cake for her second birthday (pictured above). Now really, can you honestly tell me that Suri prefers fondant to butter cream frosting? I think not. But amongst her pals, Katie Holmes might get "Mommy of the Year" for her billable efforts.

Would you ever spend a lavish amount on a birthday party for your child?

Pacific Coast News Online

The Gifted Child: Gifts For a Newborn Baby

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:12 -0800

The best holiday present of all is a newborn baby! While you can't go out and buy a baby, you can buy things to doll them up in and entertainment tools to light up their wee eyes. Spoil babies rotten with some of these wooden treats, musical toys, and sassy threads. Baby may not get what's going on, but he'll love the attention being paid to him.

If you like it then you should put a name on it. Make it known that he is one unique child by giving him a present with his moniker scrawled across it. A baseball bat, a train, or a fuzzy topper will make for precious gifts with extra meaning. Snugglers will appreciate a cuddly blanket for a posh snooze in the crib while snowbound babes will enjoy a sled made just for them.

The Gifted Child: Hip Holiday Gift List For Grandparents

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:00:52 -0800

Ask most grandparents what they want this holiday season and they'll tell you time spent with the next generation. Ask any kid what they want from grandma and grandpa and expect the world. Each family's relationship with grandparents takes on its own form, but mas and pas are known to spoil their little darlings at birthdays, during the holidays and any given day of the week. Take control of the gift giving this holiday season by setting some ground rules and giving them a short list of items your wee ones would love and need. Classic toys like the Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon ($19) allow grandparents to celebrate vintage toys of the past - just don't say "vintage"! - and will be loved for years to come. Here are some other hip holiday suggestions to share.

For a full widget of adorable gifts any child would be lucky to receive from grandma and grandpa, as well as a guide to making a wish list you can share with family and friends, read more.

Want to make a holiday wish list for your tots and share it with the family? Log in to ShopStyle, hover over items and click "wish list." You will create a wish list just like mine that you can share with family and friends.

Serena and Lily Bring the Swank to Everyone

babysugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:17 -0700

Mamas who want to spoil their wee ones rotten should be introduced to the fabulous interiors of Serena and Lily. The ladies who started out designing crib bumpers and bed skirts have added onto their nursery collection, and like their original audience, are creeping into the master bedroom. For a pretty penny, the Sausalito based bedding company has made living in the lap of luxury attainable for mamas, papas, and youngsters. Check out the gorgeous guestrooms and vibrant, youthful bedrooms in the gallery below and tell us which one suits your fancy best.

To see the rest of the bedrooms, read more.

View 10 Photos ›

When a Shower Isn't Appropriate, How About a Sprinkle?

LilSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:25 -0700

While every baby deserves to be celebrated, some mamas-to-be are uncomfortable with big bashes hosted for their subsequent children. I am one of them. Four fetes were thrown in my honor when I was expecting my daughter. Awaiting the birth of my son, a close circle of friends treated me to an unexpected, festive brunch. Now, nine months pregnant with my third child, I've again been spoiled rotten. First, my fabulous co-workers treated me a sendoff complete with one of BabySugar's incredible diaper cakes, and yesterday, a few friends threw me a surprise sprinkle!

A low-key alternative to a baby shower, a sprinkle is a casual get together. Three friends hosted the lil soiree for me, and the guest list rounded out at six as my daughter and a friend's baby also attended. We enjoyed mocktails and munchies - fruit salad, spinach dip, and miniature cupcakes - while chatting about the impending babe. I was gifted lovely presents from practical velvet space-saving hangers to postpartum hospital pajamas. If you want to make a mother-to-be feel special without all the hoopla of a formal affair, a sprinkle expresses the perfect amount of sentiment.

Source: Flickr User BL1961

Hooray by Cynthia Rowley Hits Babies R Us!

LilSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:50:07 -0700

Get ready to spoil a lil one rotten with some affordable designer duds! Cynthia Rowley, the fashion darling known for her bright prints and bold colors, launched her first-ever baby products collection today at 155 Babies R Us locations across the country.

Hooray by Cynthia Rowley features lots of pink and blue apparel for children up to 4 years old, as well as bibs, blankets, diaper bags, and storage bins in classic and colorful combinations. The Fall selections include corduroy and chunky sweaters with plaids, stripes, and prints, and her signature polka-dot patterns. Like Rowley's home collections for Target, her baby items are priced for today's wallet-conscious mom, with clothing ranging from $8 to $30. The designer plans to expand into baby bedding, bath, and room decor next year. Check out the first pieces from the collection below.

Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Oh, Baby Swing Top and Legging Set - Blue & Pink (6-9 Months) - $12.99	Cynthia Rowley Baby Boy Lap Shoulder Bodysuit - White (12 Months) - $8.99
Babies R Us "Cynthia Rowley Long Sleeve Oh, Baby Patterned Coverall - Pink (Newborn)" - $10.99	Cynthia Rowley Elbow Patch Bodysuit - Navy (0-3 Months) - $8.99
Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Baby-Soft Girls Corduroy Polka Dot Dress Set - Pink (0-3 Months) - $12.99	Cynthia Rowley Number One Coverall - Navy (6-9 Months) - $11.99
Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Cozy Knit Cardigan Sweater - Pink (0-3 Months) - $12.99	Cynthia Rowley Bundle-Up Toggle Sweater - Navy (12 Months) - $15.99
Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Pretty in Plaid Dress Set with Panty - Pink Plaid (12 Months) - $12.99	Cynthia Rowley His Favorite Hoodie Sweater Coverall - Blue Stripes (3-6 Months) - $16.99
Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Baby-Soft Girls Corduroy Overall - Pink Dot (0-3 Months) - $14.99	Cynthia Rowley Baby-Soft Corduroy Overall - Grey (Newborn) - $14.99
Babies R Us Cynthia Rowley Pretty in Plaid Coveralll - Pink (12 Months) - $12.99	Cynthia Rowley Rough-and-Tumble Plaid Coverall - Blue (0-3 Months) - $12.99
Babies R Us "Cynthia Rowley Girls Oh, Baby Lap Shoulder Bodysuit - Cream (0-3 Months)" - $8.99	Cynthia Rowley Hip Hip Hoodie Coverall - Light Blue (3-6 Months) - $12.99

Name Brand Threads or Makes No Difference?

babysugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:13 -0800

Growing up, I remember begging my parents for a pair of Guess jeans when they were all the rage.

These days, you see babies decked out in True Religion, Joe's Jeans, Juicy Couture and other designer duds that all cost a pretty penny.

Of course, the babes look darling in their "couture" threads, but wouldn't they look just as cute in less expensive outfits?

How much do you care about labels?

R Is For Ravishing Rainbows

babysugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:00:31 -0700

Dreams really do come true somewhere over a rainbow filled nursery. Newborns are drawn to bright colors so give them a boost with a cherry red dresser, a lime green pendant light, a turquoise sham, and a violet print. Spoil the baby with a plush sapphire blankie and a mini tangerine ultrasuede couch. Add a modern touch to the room with a white Eames rocker that is sure to send mama into a cloudy state of bliss when rocking her babe to sleep. Pull all of the hues together in an arched print or a vibrant tree rack displaying the rainbow.

Mama's troubles will melt like lemon drops as soon as she steps foot into her baby's chromatic wonderland! Now that we've found our rainbow connection, it's time to move onto S, the next letter in our alphabet nursery.

avalisa - Whales Stretched Print - $59.00	Star Egg Nightlight - $140.00
Reversible chenille blanket - $26.50	Blissliving Home Posey Pillow - $75.00
Mammut Shelf Unit - $99.00	Little Giraffe Chenille Blanket Brights - $69.00
Fatboy® The Original Bean Bag - Purple - $229.99	KidKraft Nantucket Table and Chair Set - Honey/Primary - $119.99
Melissa & Doug Plush Rainbow Stacker - $19.99	Red Bird Trio - $154.00
Wallpaper Floral Curtain Panels - $25.00	Let's Polka (dots)! - $29.00
Unison - Lush Square Pillow - $132.00	Bon Bon Bird Canvas Reproduction - $45.00
Muuto - Mhy - Pendant Lamp By Norway Says For Muuto - $274.00	Vitra Eames Elephant - $290.00
Ava Kids Microsuede Sofa - $599.00	Transportation Signs - $19.95
Oversized Equator Pendant Lamp - $199.00	Top Box Storage Collection - $7.95
Lane Pillow by Designers Eye - $98.00	Boikido Wooden Rainbow Cubes - $48.99
Cappellini - cappellini rainbow chair by patrick norguet - $15,688.00	Pooky / Rainbow - $54.00
Sol Pendant Lamp - $99.95	Rainbow - $65.00
Glove Chair Rainbow - $132.00	Reclaimed Rainbow Rug - $49.00
What Makes a Rainbow? (Pop-Up Book) - $8.95	Kid O Counting Discs - $24.99

Toddlers & Tiaras: Mom Pits Sterling Twins Against Each Other

LilSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:42:39 -0700

It's one thing to spray tan and coif a disinterested child onto the stage, but it's another to pit twin sisters against each other. After most lilsugar readers said they found the premise of kid beauty pageants creepy, I decided to watch the second season opener of Toddlers & Tiaras last night. While I expected the stage moms, showgirl costumes, hairpieces and veneers that were all too common in past episodes, this show spot lit a relationship that was hard to watch. Mother of five contestants, Jamie Sterling, has her six-year-old fraternal daughters - BreAnne and AshLynn - and clearly favors the former. After saying that BreAnne is the prettiest child and takes after her mama, Jamie spent most of her time focusing on the lil talent. Meanwhile, AshLynn was told her sister was getting a new dress and that she'd have to wear a ripped one.

It was heartbreaking to see the sweet child try her hardest despite her mother's disinterest while BreAnne was given special treatment. Though when BreAnne's behavior turned toward that of a spoiled brat, her father (who is uncomfortable with the whole situation) stepped in much to his wife's chagrin and pulled her from the pageant. In her sister's absence and a fitting end, AshLynn won both third runner-up and the director's choice titles. A clip of BreAnne bragging that she was the real winner aired after the program. When AshLynn objected, BreAnne explained that was what their mom said. Did you tune in? Source: TLC

Junior Jetset: Lil Girls Getaway With Eloise at the Plaza

LilSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:35 -0700

Generations of little ladies have loved the magical tales of six-year-old Eloise. After seven books and two movies about the precocious character's adventures under the watchful eye of Nanny, Eloise fans can now experience the little troublemaker's luxurious life in New York City's famed Plaza Hotel.

The "Live Like Eloise Slumber Party" includes overnight accommodations for up to six party-goers in a suite at the Plaza Hotel. For a whopping $3,600, the children also receive a copy of Eloise's Guide to Life: or, How to Eat, Dress, Travel. Behave and Stay Six Forever, ice cream sundaes via room service, post cards, DVDs and movie snacks. If you had an Eloise fan and some extra cash on your hands, would you spoil her rotten with this luxury weekend?

Wooden Animal Puzzles - $39.00	PlanToys Modern Doll Family - $20.00
Blue and Brown Dinosaur Pull Toy - $25.00	Prince Lionheart® Cow Wheely Bug® - Large - $85.00
Dieter the Monkey Wheelie Bag - $98.00	Percival the Dino Wheelie Bag - $98.00
Prince Lionheart® Ladybug Wheely Bug® - Small - $75.00	Walk Roll Pull Toy - $49.00
Sterling Silver Bunny Pacifier Clip - $36.00	Augusta Dollhouse - $79.00
Radio Flyer Classic Wood Rocking Horse - $119.99