LilSugar

Sexing Up Kids to Prevent Statutory Rape?

LilSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:18 -0800

Who wouldn't raise an eyebrow over these digitally altered ads of prepubescent girls in buxom bodies?

Created by SERVE ad agency to help raise awareness about statutory rape in Wisconsin, do you think these images help or hinder the cause?

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McDonald's Advertising Tricks Children's Tastebuds

partysugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:28:34 -0700

In a recent study performed by Stanford University, young children were given identical snacks in two distinct packages. Some of it was in an unmarked wrapper and the rest was wrapped in a McDonald's label. In each and every test, the youngsters concluded that the food in McDonald's wrappers tasted better than the blank labels.

Study author Dr. Tom Robinson said the kids' perception of taste was "physically altered by the branding."

The study included McDonald's chicken nuggets, hamburgers, and fries, as well as grocery store carrots, milk, and juice. Children were asked whether one tasted better or if they tasted the same. Knowing that the ones in McDonald's wrappers were the clear favorites, I have to wonder if establishing controls on products marketed to children is a good idea after all. What do you guys think?

Source: CNN and Chow Grinder
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No More Sweetened Saturday Morning Commercials

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:01:38 -0700

This morning I woke up to news of the changing face of children's television programming - or at least children's television commercial programming. A group of 11 food companies - including McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg's - have announced voluntary limits in marketing towards children. This move is seen as a pre-emptive measure so that the Federal Trade Commission - who is holding a hearing on the subject - will not place regulatory rules that may ban all junk food advertising to children. Sort of a "see, we're good guys don't make us stop!" type of thing.

So what does this mean for children's television? Well, the companies have agreed to stop advertising to children under 12 products that do not conform to a set of nutritional standards. However, it's only for children's programming, not family-friendly programming.

For example, while General Mills will no longer be advertising Trix to the 12-and-under crowd, it will continue to peddle Cocoa Puffs, which have one less gram of sugar per serving. And it will be able to continue advertising Trix on television shows and other media that are considered to cater to “families” rather than just children.

To learn more about the self-regulated ban, read more

Several companies are also talking about reformulating their recipes in order to meet those standards. And some have even pledged to stop using characters in ads.

But under the new self-imposed industry rules, the captain's Website would be shuttered. Other companies, like Pepsico, have pledged to stop using characters in ads unless they're touting a healthy product. McDonald's plans to only promote Happy Meals that weigh in under 600 calories.

The whole thing is really interesting to me. I'm not sure if it will really make a difference, but I'm still having a hard time trying to picture Saturday morning cartoons without Fruity Pebbles commercials.

Source: MSNBC, NY Times and Marketplace
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House of Dereon Ads: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:41 -0700

The Internet is abuzz over this House of Dereon ad.

Owned by triple-threat Beyonce Knowles and her mother, Tina, the fashion house has taken a provocative approach in advertising their tot line to say the least.

But in this case, with lil ladies glammed up in high heels, leopard hats and overly appliquéd denim, it appears that mama didn't know best.

The outfits look more fit for street-walking than the playground.

Do you think these fashions are age appropriate?

Add Your Lil Cutie to Your Community Account!

LilSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:30:44 -0800

Nothing makes a mother's day like seeing her mini me's mug. Share pictures of your kiddos by adding them to your profile! And let us know what makes your tot unique from their favorite foods to their first words and what they like to do for fun. Follow these simple steps to add your child or children to your profile. The bonus of adding your children to your account is an automatic membership to the Kids group in the LilSugar Community where you can meet other mamas and their youngsters!

H1N1: When Should You Take Your Tot to the ER?

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:09 -0800

Parents have a tough enough time deciphering symptoms between the flu and a cold, and now there is the added confusion of learning the warning signs of the H1N1 virus. Present day parents have a lot to stress about, but knowing the facts puts most of us at ease. Before you fret over the next time your tot spikes a fever, check out this guide for emergency warning signs of H1N1 in children.

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Helpful Hints That Could Boost Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

LilSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:30:08 -0800

It seems that some women can get pregnant by merely looking at their partner, while for others it takes much more time and effort and it's not always clear as to why. The one thing for sure is that when a woman decides she wants to become pregnant, it's on her mind 24/7. They may not work for everyone, but here are a few things a hopeful mama-to-be can do to increase her chances of adding a baby into her future sooner.

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The Gifted Child: Daddy's Shopping List For Wee Ones

babysugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:00:57 -0800

Father knows best! Let daddy play Santa and send him out with a list of baby's must haves for the holiday season. Whether he's creative, sporty, brainy, or all the above, papa will get excited for the excellent gift lineup we've prepared for dear old dad. Tots can get physical with pop when they play their new acoustic six-string guitar. If getting in on the act is too much to handle, try sitting back and listening to the tunes crooned by the Juice Box Heroes. Their debut CD ($17), aptly titled "No Sugar Added," is sure to be a hit and will have the whole house jukin' around to "We Are Going to Bake It!" And yes, it's a takeoff of the hit 80s song, "We're Not Gonna Take It." It's just that good. So go 'head dads - shop away!
For a full widget with links to fabulous gifts any child would be lucky to receive from dear old dad, as well as a guide to making a wish list you can share with family and friends, just 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.

Goblins, Ghosts and Spider Cupcakes, Oh My!

babysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:00:25 -0700

It's time to get spooky in the kitchen! Most everybody loves a cupcake and boy have we got some haunted frosted tops that will make wee ones squeal! Though the creepy cakes may look tough to tackle, these deliciously lil devils are a cinch to make and the youngsters can easily give a helping hand.

To see how to make the ghost caps, spider crawlers, and goblin adorned treats, just read more.

First, pick out your candy and decor. I was lucky enough to find all of my inspiration at Walgreens. Here is my quick list of goodies:

Ghost Peeps
Candy corn
Black and orange sprinkles
Goblin and witch jelly pops
A bag full of plastic purple and black spider rings

First you'll want to bake up a batch of cupcakes to your liking. Choose fun Halloween frosting colors like black, white and green and frost the cakes. Add sprinkles if you wish.
Peeps:
If using the Peeps, take a straw or a toothpick and push it halfway into the marshmallow. Then poke the remaining portion into the cupcake. Add candy corn for color and added sugar bonus.
Witches:
The jelly pops are easy enough as you can simply unwrap them and stick them into the cupcake as is.
Spiderweb:
The most complicated of the bunch, these are still quite easy. Frost the cupcakes with white icing and use a knife to spread it smoothly. Then take the black icing and make three circles starting with the smallest one first. Then make four lines across the entire cupcake to form the web. Take a clean knife and insert it just a bit to make room for the ring portion of the spider. Push the spider in and mama's got a perfect web!

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Trendtotting: Animal Print Blankets

LilSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:59 -0700

Talk about plush pizzazz! These snazzy throws are made for babes with animal instincts.

My Blankee's Animal Print Baby Blankets ($66) are 30 inches by 35 inches long and available in zebra, giraffe, cheetah, tiger, leopard and cow prints that each feature a two-inch border of cream satin.

Max Daniel Baby also has added a few wild prints to its line favored by celebabies like Violet Affleck, who hardly ever leaves the house without one! The ultra-luxurious charmeuse 36 inch by 32 inch blankets ($64) feature satin ruffling. Baby giraffe, cheetah, pony and baby zebra designs are offered along with matching security blankets and burp cloths.