LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Looking For Inexpensive Party Favors?

LilSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:40 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

My daughter's fifth birthday is coming up and I'm throwing her the typical cake, ice cream and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-party with ten of her classmates. It's low key and because I was recently laid off, low budget. In order to further cut costs, I'm thinking of skipping the party favors unless you have any ideas for inexpensive options?

- Birthday on a Budget

To read the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Birthday on a Budget,

Instead of fretting over loot bags, try this inventive alternative that the girls will adore. Mix up some homemade face paint - it is made of just a few pennies worth of ingredients already found in your cupboard. Fifteen minutes before the party ends, set up a throne (chair covered in pillows or a fancy blanket) near the front door and invite each guest to sit down and be transformed into a princess. Paint a ring on her finger, bracelet on her wrist or crown across her forehead. The lil darlings will delight in their artistic adornments as they exit and won't notice the absence of loot bags.

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

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Lil Tip: Face Paint

LilSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:05 -0700

It's much more fun to paint faces instead of paper. While your family may not be the Klum-Samuel clan, you certainly can share in their passion for face paint. Transform your tots into their favorite characters using a homemade medium that costs just pennies. Since practice makes perfect, there's no need for a makeup artist. A pair of pudgy lil hands, a mug, and an imagination are all it requires.

Take one tablespoon of shortening and two tablespoons of cornstarch and mix together until smooth, then add a dash of food coloring to your liking. Then use makeup brushes, a sponge, or the pads of your fingers to apply it to your child's face.
Pacific Coast News

These Twins Are Living in the Twilight Zone

babysugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:30:36 -0700

It's hard to tell who's scarier between these twin-riffic vampires! While mom and dad deserve mad props for dressing their tots to the nines, they also score major points for busting out the capes and face paint on themselves. The fangy family affair submitted by Go2Girl looked like a bloody good time.

My twin niece and nephew might not have caught on to the Twilight frenzy or haven't started watching the True Blood series yet, but these lil ones are serious blood sucking vampires! The whole family decided to get involved which makes the Halloween festivities more fun!

We know they're nocturnal but don't keep those baby vampires in hiding! Show off those Halloween costumes in the Sugarbabies group in the LilSugar Community and upload a pic of your babe in their costume (or just being silly)! Your precious babe could be featured on the site.

For additional scary photos, read more.

View 7 Photos ›

Have You Bought Your Halloween Costumes Yet?

babysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:41 -0700

All mama procrastinators, it's time to crack that whip! Halloween is less than 10 days away and I want to know if you're ready. Have the costumes been purchased and the face paint been practiced? Are the pumpkin pails lined up and the bowls brimming with candy? Perhaps mommy is like me and waiting for that last minute dash to the grocery for the sale bin stash and homemade costumes. Shoot, I haven't even bought, much less carved, a pumpkin yet! Where are you in the spooky festivity preparations?

It's a Girl For Heidi and Seal!

babysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:35:17 -0700

Wonder mama Heidi Klum (soon to be Samuel) and her hubby Seal welcomed their daughter Lou Samuel on Friday, Oct. 9. As the fourth babe of the brood, the wee lass will certainly have lots to learn from her older siblings. Henry, 4, and Johan, 2, will offer up tips on dealing with big sister Leni, 5. Meanwhile Leni will be able to teach her baby sister a thing or two about princess life as she seems to be quite the master of the subject. We can't wait to see how the costume loving family will dress the newbie up for the impending spooky holiday though the face paint may be off limits for the tiny tot.

Congratulations to the Samuel family!

Timeless Sibling Themes For Halloween: Clowns

LilSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:00:14 -0700

Encourage your children to clown around this Halloween! If you've got tots that love being under the big top or showing off their juggling skills, pull out the face paint and make up their lil mugs. While a costume can be thrown together with mismatched attire borrowed from mom and pop's closets, there are also some showstoppers available online.

What's cuter than one child in a costume? His or her sibling in a complementary one! After shuffling through some old albums, I came across photos of timeless attire for fellow parents to use as inspiration - no trip to the fabric store or thimble required! Check out themes for tots here!

Mommy Dearest: Grandma Encourages Child to Use Cosmetics

LilSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My daughter is four years old and is as "girly" as can be. She watches me get dressed for work in the morning and even "helps" me put on my makeup. My mom started buying her toy makeup kits two years ago and often gives her the free cosmetic samples she gets at department stores. Both my husband and I have told my mother that we don't want our child playing with makeup, but she laughs it off, saying that we are being too strict. How young is too young for a child to be playing with makeup?

– Don't Want Daughter Made Up

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Don't Want Daughter Made Up,

Lots of little girls and boys like experimenting with makeup, but it's up to parents to decide what age wearing cosmetics is appropriate. The powders, brushes, tubes of bright lipstick, and sparkly eye shadow entice kiddos because they resemble art supplies. Children have flawless skin and features so it's understandable why you don't your daughter painting her face with products that are for adults or may contain chemicals. But you may be sending mixed messages by having her help with your makeup and letting her play with the goodies grandma has given her. You should sit down with your mother and discuss the rules from this point on, and ask that she respect them. Since it seems the two bond over playing makeup, maybe you would consider allowing her to paint your daughter's nails or dab on a dot of clear gloss as a special treat when they are in each other's company.

-Mommy Dearest

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

Tips to Raising Independent Children

babysugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:00:57 -0700

I liken newborns to birds because they often mimic their behavior at birth. As the mama bird, I feel it is my duty to give my lil chippers their wings to fly so they can become positive members of our society. A sense of independence gives a child confidence to conquer the world with a smile on his or her face. Instilling that virtue in a youngster is one of the best gifts a parent can give their offspring. No matter the parenting style, there are some simple daily steps that can be taken to foster a tot's independence.

When the child starts eating solid foods, allow them to feed themselves even if the floor becomes a Jackson Pollack masterpiece. What are mops and dust busters for?
Speaking of art, hand over the finger paints. Kids love to create something from nothing. If paints are too messy, try the bathtub version.
Let them be their own stylist. People may stare at your wee one's wardrobe choice and question mama's visual awareness, but babies get a kick out of dressing themselves. A trip to the grocery store as a Kung Fu fighter may give the tyke that needed boost.

To see the rest of my pointers, just read more.

Hire them as a sous chef. If an ingredient needs stirring, give him the bowl and a spoon. The sense of accomplishment he will feel knowing he helped create the meal will be exciting. And maybe, just maybe, he'll start cooking for you!
Let her take a book to bed. After reading together, many parents turn off the light and seal the deal with a goodnight kiss. Leave a night-light on and let the wee one "read" on her own. She will feel empowered and her love for reading will continue to grow.
Stock up on puzzles. Fantastic for problem solving skills, when the youngster starts to match the pieces on her own, her pride will shine through and have her begging for more.
Get them their own library card. Kiddos will relish the responsibility and many libraries don't charge late fees on a child's account.
Give them responsibilities like cleaning the bedroom, putting toys away, washing dishes or taking out trash. Some families keep track of such duties on a board and reward their rascals at the end of each week.

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Cast a Line and Teach a Tot to Fish

LilSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:00:06 -0700

The image of a father standing behind his child and teaching him to cast a line is as iconic as a Norman Rockwell painting. But any parent that has tried to introduce their kiddo to the sport of fishing knows reality isn't as picturesque. From hooks caught on clothing to tangled lines, it's all worth the memories so get out there and catch dinner with your darlings! Here are some tips:

Length of trip: The length and location of the fishing trip should be determined by the age of the participants. Wee ones aren't likely to last more than an hour, but engaged kindergartners may sit for quite a while. Local creeks, docks and lakes may be a better fit for these age groups than an afternoon boat trip.
Choice of rod: When selecting a fishing rod, consider the actual goal of the outing. While there are many fun, character-enhanced rods, a good, ultra-light rod and reel will actually allow kids to bring in a fish, rather than breaking.
Bait: If worms and squid make your small fry squeamish, consider using cut-up hot dogs, chunks of cheese, dough or cooked corn kernels.
Casting the line: Position yourselves far away from other anglers, as youngsters tend to be a bit wild when casting their lines. Don't worry if the line doesn't go far, the kids will be just as excited.
Reel it in: Allow tots to attempt to reel in the fish themselves. It's all about the action, not the result.
Catch and release: Practice catch and release techniques with your kiddo unless you plan to eat the finned creature. To make the catch more exciting, consider holding the fish in a spacious bucket or container filled with water where children can watch it swim. Then, set it free.

To see more fishing tips, including several safety ones, read more.

Remember that even though you may only be fishing in a foot-deep creek, each member of your pint-sized party should wear a personal flotation device.
Carry a first aid kit with medical supplies that can care for all types of cuts, scrapes, bumps, bruises and insect bites.
Bring plenty of cold drinks (water, juice, etc.) to accompany your snacks. Being on the water in heat will require hydration.
Wear proper shoes. If you will be fishing on or near rocks, be sure kids wear shoes with good traction and covered toes. This will prevent unnecessary slipping and scraped up feet.
Be safe in the sun. Aside from reapplying sunscreen on a regular basis, remember to pack UV sunglasses for the kids. The reflection of the sun off of the water can be dangerous for lil eyes. Wide-brimmed hats will also help protect their faces, ears and necks from the sun’s damaging rays.
Pay careful attention to the ingredients of your insect repellent. While the lotion or spray may prevent bites and stings, some contain DEET, which should not be spread on tot’s skin.

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Lil Tip: Eggcellent Use of Egg Cartons

babysugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:00:11 -0700

Egg cartons are good for more than just safely carting raw eggs home. As you prepare your Halloween costumes, consider including them in your design as ears, noses, and other crafty costume parts.

Use one pod and paint it pink with two black slits and attach pink ribbon to tie it around the face for a pig's nose.
Paint two of them black and hot glue them on a headband for a pair of cat ears.
Paint them yellow and wrap yourself up in green for a cute "corn on the cob" get up.
Cut out two side-by-side pods and attach pipe cleaners for a pair of goggles or glasses - punch out the bottom so your wee one can see of course!

The possibilities are endless so think before you toss that handy tray into your recycle bin!
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