LilSugar

Forget the Honeymoon, Familymoons Bond Blended Families

LilSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:12:42 -0700

Honeymoons might be made for two, but these days weddings aren't just made up of a couple exchanging vows. Blended families are becoming more and more common with divorce rates on the rise. So what's the best way to celebrate the new clan? A familymoon!

Nuptial ceremonies and proposals often include the bride and groom's kiddos so why leave wee ones out of the honeymoon - especially when childcare factors in? While newlyweds normally seek out exotic locales for their time away, parents look at different factors for these jaunts. Check out a few of our favorite family destinations.

Hawaii: Long considered to be the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination, Hawaii also offers parents and kiddos enough activities to keep everyone happy. Families may consider renting a vacation home or condo rather than staying in a hotel to provide everyone with privacy and communal space. It offers beach and pool play, water sports, volcano hiking and picturesque sunsets.
Amelia Island: The Ritz Carlton may conjure up images of posh surroundings and luxury living, but the hotel chain’s Ritz Kids program offers supervised “day camps” for tots that include swimming, sand play, sports and more. At the Amelia Island, Florida, resort, newlyweds can relax on the beach or play a round of golf knowing that their kids are having an equally indulgent time.
Alaskan Cruise: Families with older children may consider an Alaskan cruise. In addition to the kids programs on the ships - including the pools, rock-climbing walls, arcades and playrooms – the excursion offers families the opportunity to bond while exploring a new destination as a unit. Whale-watching, gold panning and glacier-hiking, provide options for getting active.

To see a video from the original familymooners, The Brady Bunch, read more.

Photo courtesy of Source

10 Wedding Themed Toys to Gift the Flower Girl

LilSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:16 -0700

Lil girls spend hours practicing for their role in a wedding, but when the big day arrives, nerves often get the best of them. Whether you are the bride or the flower girl's anxious mother, prepare the wee member of the bridal party with some toys that will help her replicate the wedding day. Here are 10 of my favorite wedding-related toys that will also occupy the lil darling during the reception as well. Source

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Toddler Attendant Outfits

babysugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:07 -0700

Brides beware, the boys are back in town! We showed you flower girl dresses, but now it's time to outfit the dapper darlings that will attend the wedding. And, the mini men don't need to suffer stiff lil tuxedos as there are a number of options for boys that are bound to steal the show! Check out these finds. For more wedding planning fun, go to IDoSugar.

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The Gifted Child: Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

babysugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

At the wedding I attended last weekend, the flower girls were rewarded for their hard work and petal spreading duties.

While adults sat around and sipped champagne, the lil girls delighted in the new found goodies that the bride had placed at their table.

To see what the wedded couple gifted them, read more.

Perfect for wee members of the wedding party, the bride and groom gifted monogrammed totes of goodies. The parents entertained the kids most of the night, but the coloring books, crayons, paddle balls, flip flops and disposable cameras put smiles on their lil faces during the dinner hours. Even the youngest gal ran around snapping pictures of the festivities.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Crayola Markers ($3)	Paddle Ball Game ($3)
Scribbles by Taro Gomi ($14)	L.L.Bean Maine Flip Flop ($17)

Mommy Dearest: Bringing Baby to Wedding

LilSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:52 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

A friend is getting married and I'm not sure if my kids are invited to the wedding.

My husband and I already responded that we will be attending, but are having a hard time finding a sitter. Is it okay to ask the bride if we can bring them?

- Wondering About Weddings

To read the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Wondering About Weddings,

There is one way to tell if your children are welcome. If the invitation was addressed to "The Smith Family," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family" or "John, Mary, Michael and Ann Smith" then your kids are on the guest list. If the envelope was addressed to just "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "John and Mary Smith" they are not.

Additionally, some varieties of response cards have a space to indicate "number invited" and then you fill in "number attending." Obviously, the number of the latter should never exceed the initial one.

In an extreme circumstance, you might feel comfortable asking the bride or groom if you can bring your wee one to their wedding, but more often than not it's better to just decline the invitation and include an honest explanation.

Aside from the fact that weddings are expensive, it's the couple's special day and they don't need to be put on the spot.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

For more wedding planning fun, check out IDoSugar.

Source

Flower Girl Tutus

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:00:58 -0700

Add a bit of whimsy to your wedding procession by dressing the flower girl in an age appropriate outfit. A tutu paired with a delicate tank or simple leotard and some ballet flats is a way to keep lil ladies comfortable and looking darling for the big day and beyond. The tulle tutu is also a wonderful wedding party gift. Click through these fabulous child friendly frocks. For more wedding planning fun, check out IDoSugar.

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Flower Girl Dresses

babysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Wedding bells are about to ring so make sure the lil ladies are covered. Check out these adorable flower girl dresses and see which one you like best! For more wedding planning fun, check out IDoSugar.

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Bringing Sexy Back: Romancing the Home

babysugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Don't want to spend $100 on dinner and then fork over another $60 for the babysitter just to have a few hours to yourselves? Then plan a date night at home. When the kiddies are tucked in bed and mom and dad are all alone, turn up the heat with some of these easy ideas.

Set the table with the finest dinnerware. Pulling out some old china may remind couples of their wedding and all the hoopla that accompanied it.
Light some candles around the house instead of using regular lights.
Set up a picnic blanket and have dinner and wine on the floor.
Make popcorn and cuddle up to classic old movies.
Pour some champagne and fire up a big bath tub full of bubbles.

To see some more home date night ideas, read more.

Buy some massage oil and get to rubbing.
Cook dinner together.
Face off in a board game challenge.
Make sundaes for dessert. Don't forget the whipped cream!

Source

Tell Mommy: Your Terrible Mother Moment

LilSugar — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 05:00:14 -0700

As moms we deal. We quickly figure out that things don't always go as planned and that bodily fluids aren't a big deal and that no matter how much we wish for our children, life's a gamble. But, there comes a moment or incident in every mama's life, maybe even several, when we wonder how in the heck we got ourselves into the situation. Mine came in the Arizona airport last summer when my then one-year-old son pitched the fit of all fits and I feared we'd be put on the "do not fly list." Though almost a year has passed, I still shudder from flashbacks. What was your lousy or overwhelming mommy moment?

Source

Michigan Dad Needs to Pay Bill Or Marry Baby Mama

LilSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:00:46 -0800

One Michigan daddy has to pony up the cost of his daughter's medical expenses for her birth ($3,800) or marry her mama. Gary Johnson plans to wed JaeLyn's mother, Rebecca Witt, but the couple wants to do it on their own accord and are struggling financially. One report said:

The Michigan Legislature amended the state's paternity act five years ago to waive birthing costs for a father, if he married the child's mother. A year later, Witt gave birth to JaeLyn. The state paid for the hospital costs because Witt was on Medicaid at the time and is now trying to recover the money."

Unless the father presents a marriage certificate he has to pay. What is your opinion of the paternity act that is seen as a marriage incentive for moms and dads?

Source