LilSugar

Trendtotting: Graffeeti

LilSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:39 -0700

Allow your tweens to express themselves with a pair of kicks they can tag. Graffeeti sneakers are "re-markable" shoes that let kids create their own style any day of the week.

The canvas shoes resemble Converse only they have writable side and front panels. To find out about these cool kicks, read more.

Using the six non-toxic, Graffeeti markers that come in the box. The pens are similar to dry-erase ones so children can design and redesign their footwear.

And if your darling prefers to draw as they go, there's a marker loop on the shoes. Available in Hi Notes ($41) and Low Notes ($39) styles in lots of colors you can buy the shoes online or at retailers like Fred Segal.

What Age Is Appropriate to Take Telephone Calls?

LilSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:04:32 -0800

Last night on Jon and Kate Plus 8, Cara and Madelyn got a call from a classmate. Kate who already has a lot on her plate, said the last thing she needs is the phone ringing when she's trying to get the girls to do their homework, fed, and in bed. And, she disagrees with first graders engaging in what she considers a teenage activity.

Do you allow your child to dial other kids' digits?

Wall Murals for Kids

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:01:14 -0700

Artist Devon Holzwarth created Mural Studio in 2003 with the intention of applying her fine art training and imagination towards creating murals that can transform a space. I especially love Devon's kids' murals, and would've been thrilled to have one of her underwater murals decorating my bedroom as a kid.

To find out about how to buy one of Devon's murals, and to see images of her fabulous children's murals, just read more

Devon studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, and after graduation moved to San Jose, CA. After painting a huge mural for the preschool room at her church, she decided to create a mural and fine art business. In addition to Mural Studio, Devon also launched Devon Industry, an online shop and gallery where you can buy Devon's paintings and an assortment of hand-made products including felted scarves, flowers, and painted floorcloths.

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Yum Market Finds: Young at Heart

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:55:11 -0700

I'm not sure why, but it seems like my friends and I are constantly hunting for things that make us recall our youth and feel like kids again. I'd say that it was unique to us, but when I was going through the Yum Market it was pretty obvious that we're not the only ones. Do you remember the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine? TeamSugar member amh678 bookmarked this cultural icon and it, along with all the other things below, are whisking me back to my youth.

Contemporary Green Cheese Grater	Cakesicles!!
Sleepy Panda Salt n Pepper Set	Snoopy Sno-Cone Maker : Urban Outfitters
UrbanOutfitters.com Wonder Bread Container	fredflare.com \| smiley face cup
Twinkie Bake Set : Urban Outfitters	Sugar Rush Mugs : Urban Outfitters	Kidrobot Gloomy Bear Heat Sensitive Mug

Cool Idea: Trampoline Tent

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:09:07 -0700

My brother and sister and I did a fair amount of backyard camping when we were kids, but if we'd had one of these trampoline tents, it would've been impossible for our parents to get us in the house.

This tent fixture ($250, plus delivery from the UK) clips onto the edge of a circular trampoline, converting it into a tent or backyard playhouse for kids. It features four windows and two zip-up doors, and comes with a waterproof fly sheet. Do you know any kids who'd dig this?

Source

Yummy Link: Trick Kids To Eat More Veggies

partysugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:46:46 -0700

If you've got kids who are picky eaters, why not trick them into eating their vegetables by slipping beet puree into chocolate cake? That's what wife to comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Jessica, does. Now with her cookbook and blog, Deceptively Delicious, you can get your kids eating good food too. - Deceptively Delicious

Cute Pre-Halloween Dessert: Edible Snails

partysugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:10:33 -0700

I'm not into making children's food particularly kid friendly. I don't like sandwiches that are cut into cute shapes with cookie cutters, or eggs that are decorated with veggies to resemble a smiley face. However when I saw these adorable edible snails - made from marshmallow and jello - I thought they would make a fabulous pre-Halloween dessert! Kids will especially enjoy these because finally, playing with food is acceptable. They are a fun dessert to bring to a potluck, party, or dinner, so get the recipe now, just read more

Edible Snails
From Kraft Foods

1 pkg. (4-serving size) gelatin, any flavor
1/2 cup warm water
1-3/4 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
24 pieces red string licorice (1 in.)
1/4 cup ready-to-spread vanilla frosting
chocolate pudding, for serving

Mix gelatin and water in medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 1-1/2 min.; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
Set aside 12 of the marshmallows.
Add remaining marshmallows to gelatin; stir until well blended. Microwave on high 1 min. or until marshmallows are partially melted. Stir with wire whisk until marshmallows are completely melted. Pour into 9-in. square pan sprayed with cooking spray.
Refrigerate 45 min. or until set.
Run sharp knife around edges of pan to loosen gelatin layer from pan. Starting at one short end, roll up gelatin layer tightly. Cut into 12 (3/4-inch-thick) strips. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to decorate.
Unroll each about 1 inch. Stand 1 of the reserved marshmallows on unrolled portion of each spiral for the "snail's body," securing with frosting. Insert 2 pieces of licorice into each marshmallow for "antennae," securing with additional frosting, if desired.
Serve on top of a bowl of chocolate pudding and enjoy!

Makes 12 snails.

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Adorable Little Animals

CasaSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:30:57 -0700

I think I'm going to have to step up my knitting skill set beyond the basic knit one purl two, because Farmer Fox is making me crazy covetous. Parents with a knack for knitting would be well-served to grab one of these patterns, which I found first at Craft:, and are available from Ariadne Knits and the fabulous brain of Montreal designer Jennie Eveleigh Lamond for $4.50 as a PDF download. So. Cute.

The Muswell Cat pattern, also from Jennie Eveleigh Lamond, is also available for PDF download for the same price.

Any knitters out there want to make one?

Suck It Up! Get Instant Chocolate Milk From a Straw

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:28:50 -0700

A few months ago, I told you guys about straws that help flavor milk. We finally got our hands on some and wanted to let you know what we thought. The straws come in packs of six and are available in three flavors: banana, strawberry and chocolate. However, because today is National Chocolate Milk Day, we're going to focus on the chocolate.

I started off by taking a pint of milk and dividing into three cups. Then I put one straw into each cup. The straws are rather unique, they're a bit larger than normal straws and have three small openings on each end. The openings are big enough to allow milk to pass through, but small enough that the chocolate "beads" don't escape.

To be honest, I was expecting it to taste overly sweet and weird, but it was surprisingly good and rather interesting. There was no clumping powder or syrupy mess, instead all the chocolate remained in the straw. In fact, you might even say it was like a chocolate filter. As the milk passed through, it slowly dissolved the beads and created a flavor infusion. After several minutes of the straw in my glass, my milk had a very light brown hue, and eventually the beads dissolved completely.

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If you've got kids, or are one at heart, this will make a great afternoon surprise. The product, which is produced by Felfodi, was just announced at the Candy Expo and will hit the shelves soon.

Make Your Own Fruit Roll Ups

partysugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:13:33 -0700

What child doesn't love fruit roll ups? There is something so satisfying about peeling the strip of chewy, sweetened fruit off a piece of sheer plastic. When I was younger, I never would have guessed that fruit roll ups could be homemade! But sure enough, like most store-bought processed snack foods, fruit roll ups can be made in your very own kitchen. I double dare you to make some for your kids (or yourself) today! It takes a little bit of time, but the result is a rewarding and tasty snack. For a peek at the recipe, read more

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups
From Martha Stewart Kids
Source

2 cups dried apricots
3 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 160 degrees with rack in center.
Place apricots in a large bowl, and cover with the water; let soak until they are completely soft, 30 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve; drain, and reserve liquid.
Place apricots in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; add honey and sugar. Process until mixture is very smooth and easily spreadable. If it is too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon soaking liquid.
Cover two 10-by-15-inch baking sheets with plastic wrap. Divide puree between the sheets; spread in a thin, even layer with an offset spatula.
Let dry in oven until mixture is firm but slightly tacky, about 8 hours or overnight. Remove from oven; let cool.
Peel fruit leather from plastic wrap, and cut into 1-inch-wide strips using a pizza cutter. Roll tightly into cylinders, and serve.

Makes 30 roll ups.

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