LilSugar

Lil Loves of Our Lives: Peter Hartlaub of The Poop

LilSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0800

As part of our Valentine's Day coverage, we've asked fellow mom (and dad) bloggers and writers to share their thoughts on parenthood and the lil loves of their lives - their children - with us.

You may remember the witty Peter Hartlaub, founder of The Poop and San Francisco Chronicle Pop Culture Critic from last year. This year he returns to offer up more thoughts fatherhood. He's the proud papa of Theo, 3 ½, and ten-month-old Milo.

lilsugar: Why didn’t anybody tell me (fill in the blank) about fatherrhood?
Peter Hartlaub: I'd have to remember the name of every “Bob the Builder” character? And just when I think I’ve seen every talking cement mixer, bulldozer and backhoe, some creepy scarecrow thing shows up. (At least my sons aren’t into Thomas the Tank Engine. That habit can cost a parent a few grand per year.)

lilsugar: You know you’re a father when (fill in the blank)?
Peter Hartlaub: You’re making up completely random games just to keep your kids from driving their mom crazy. Our favorite one right now is called “mechanical bull.” I lie on my back, my older son crawls on my knees, and he tries to hold on longer than John Travolta did in “Urban Cowboy.” This is good for about eight minutes of distraction, and untold future chiropractor bills.

To see the rest of Peter's answers, read more.

lilsugar: The best trick my parents taught me was (fill in the blank)?
Peter Hartlaub: To be good with my money. I think I’ve been paying into Social Security since I was 15, and had one or two jobs throughout high school and college. I had to pay my own way from a young age (I was a San Francisco Chronicle paperboy!) and was always able to stretch my money pretty far. I’m hoping these skills serve me well in the next few years, when the entire nation has to start living like the Evans family in “Good Times.”

lilsugar: Helicopter dad or free range kids?
Peter Hartlaub: I’m that guy at the park who is one step behind my kid, following him wherever he goes. I keep telling myself that it’s just because I like to play with him …

9 Valentine's Day Treats For Kids

LilSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Nothing says I love you like homemade treats, but most mothers don't have time to make decadent desserts. Save yourself an expensive trip to the bakery or hours spent in front of the oven by dressing up simple kid favorites - brownie bites and pudding. These simple no-bake (unless you want to) and no fuss Valentine's Day desserts are perfect for school parties, playdates or a family Valentine's Day fete and offer an inexpensive, semi-homemade alternative to candies or store-bought goodies.

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Happy Valentine's Day From lilsugar!

LilSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:00:39 -0800

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy the holiday of hearts with your friends and family!

12 Last Minute Valentine's Day Suggestions For Your Family

LilSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:00:40 -0800

Valentine's Day is hours away and if you're anything like me, you're still scrambling to put together a simple, but sweet declaration of adoration to the lil loves of your life - your children. I've put together a collection of suggestions and ideas to help inspire a celebration of love that will keep the whole family smiling.

1. Sweet and Healthy Homemade Treats	2. Get Your Valentine's Game On!	3. Set Your Table With Love
4. Pack Heart-Shaped Sandwiches	5. Make Lovely No-Bake Desserts	6. Funny Cards for Your Funny Valentine

For Valentine's Day outfit, reading and gift suggestions, read more.

7. Valentine's Day Outfits for Boys	8. Valentine's Day Outfits for Girls	9. Get Free Printable Cards
10. Valentine's Day Reading Suggestions	11. Give Mama Love and an Initial Necklace	12. Bringing Sexy Back: Valentine's Day For $20

Lil Loves of Our Lives: Rebecca Woolf from Momversation

LilSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:01 -0800

As part of our Valentine's Day coverage, we've asked fellow mom (and dad) bloggers and writers to share their thoughts on parenthood and the lil loves of their lives - their children - with us.

Today's mama is Rebecca Woolf of Momversation, Girls Gone Child, and Straight From the Bottle. She's also mom to Archer Sage, 3, and Fable Luella, 4 months.

lilsugar: Why didn’t anybody tell me (fill in the blank) about motherhood?
Rebecca Woolf: Why didn't anybody tell me that motherhood gives every man, woman and child the right to give unsolicited parenting advice. (Ahhhh!!!)

lilsugar: You know you’re a mother when (fill in the blank)?
Rebecca Woolf: You know you're a mother when the high heels in your closet start collecting dust bunnies.

lilsugar: The best trick my mama taught me was (fill in the blank)?
Rebecca Woolf: The best trick my mama taught me was to support my child's endeavors no matter how ridiculous or seemingly unattainable.

lilsugar: Helicopter mom or free range kids?
Rebecca Woolf: Whatever gets you through the day.

Trendtotting: Valentine's Day Look For Infants

LilSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:02 -0800

There's nothing sweeter than an infant all wrapped up in a warm onesie, except maybe a baby wearing his heart on his chest. If you're looking for a festive (and photo-worthy) Valentine's Day ensemble for your infant consider a tee, bib or inexpensive minor item that will spread the love without breaking the bank. This Little Heartbreaker bodysuit ($7.50) is a precious unisex option that is appropriate for wear beyond Feb. 14.

Lil Tip: Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0800

Kids don't expect a dozen roses and an enormous box of chocolates for Valentine's Day, but they do appreciate even the smallest of festive gestures. So put a little extra heart into the upcoming holiday with one of these simple goodies.

Keep their homework tidy and together with a homemade heart paper clip.
Pour pancakes on the griddle or scrambled eggs into a skillet using a heart cookie cutter.
Tuck a handmade Valentine in your child's lunch box for a mid-day surprise.
For a fancy ice cream sandwich, press strawberry ice cream between two store bought Valentine cookies or make a homemade version.
Make spaghetti and meatballs memorable, by scooping and serving the long noodles in a nested heart shape.
Toss some festive bubble confetti in their bath water.

Source

Bite of Love: Macaroon'ed by Love Brownie Cupcakes

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:55 -0800

Looking to dress up your simple kid-friendly Valentine's Day dessert? Much to my children's pleasure I've been testing out a variety of tiny brownie bite "cupcakes" and pudding treats for a preschool party and our family celebration of love.

While most of the treats air on the simple side, I decided to dress up the beautiful, but plain Pretty-in-Pink cupcakes with tiny macaroons from the French bakery around the corner from our house. Not only does the dessert look more polished, but the mini macaroon on the top adds an extra nibble of sweetness for your little sweets.

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Need more ideas for creating tiny delicious treats for your tots this Valentine's Day? Check out our Bite of Love series for inspiration.

Lil Loves of Our Lives: Zoe Singer of Fit Pregnancy

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:00:10 -0800

As part of our Valentine's Day coverage, we've asked fellow mom bloggers and writers to share their thoughts on motherhood and the lil loves of their lives - their children - with us.

Today's mama is Fit Pregnancy's Mom Appetit blogger, Zoe Singer who has 9-month-old son, Leo.

lilsugar: Why didn’t anybody tell me (fill in the blank) about motherhood?
Zoe Singer: That breastfeeding is really, really, really hard for a long time. And really, really, really worth it for a way longer time.

lilsugar: You know you’re a mother when (fill in the blank)?
Zoe Singer: Let's see, there's the first time you clean off your child's face with your own spit. There's those days when you dress up the baby in his fanciest coordinating outfit complete with useless little shoes and a bib that says something witty, then you throw an old maternity sweater over the jeans you've been wearing for 2 weeks and go to meet a friend without brushing your hair. Or there's the morning when you go to move the car holding a set of plastic rainbow keys.

lilsugar: The best trick my mama taught me was (fill in the blank)?
Zoe Singer: Pretend you couldn't care less about TV and your kids won't either (well, at least I never did, and I'm hoping Leo won't). We never even glance at the TV now...until Leo is fast asleep.

lilsugar: Helicopter mom or free range kids?
Zoe Singer: Well, I'm striving for balance, so sometimes I hover needlessly, and sometimes I blink and all hell breaks loose.

Sweet and Healthy Homemade Valentine's Day Treats For Tots

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:00:18 -0800

Stop the press and pick up the Conversation Hearts! According to parenting expert and Montessori school director, Lonna Corder, Valentine's Day is the new Halloween. Your children will be celebrating the day of love at school this week, but the actual holiday falls on Saturday so be prepared. In the spirit of keeping things simple and inexpensive, I am making my children homemade Valentine's Day packages with just a few sweet treats to remind them I love them. Here are a few ideas for ways you can shower your youngsters.

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I Love Daddy Bodysuit - $7.50	Valentine Knot Cap - $3.50
Love at First Slobber Valentine's Snapsuit - $19.00	Carter's® "Be Mine" Bib - $9.00
I Heart Mommy Bodysuit - $14.75	I Heart Daddy Bodysuit - $14.75
I Love Mommy Bodysuit - $7.50	Valentine Bodysuit - $7.50
2-in-1 Valentine Bodysuits for Baby - $9.50	Carters Carter's Elephant 2 Piece Set - Blue & Red (9 Months) - $10.99
babybotte - Majik Bus (Toddler) (Red) - $72.00	Pampili - 27.167.089 (Infant/Toddler) (Red) - $66.00
Bananas For You Two-Piece Set - $34.00	City Threads Red Shorts Set - $36.95
Carters Carter's Striped Daddy's Team Footsie- Red (6 Months) - $9.99	Grandma Raglan Tee - $16.75
Mom Raglan Tee - $16.75	Valentine's Day One-Pieces for Baby - $12.50
At Home Love Tattoo Long John Pajamas - $37.95	My Heart Belongs to Daddy Tee - $19.75