Would You Like To Own Harlow Madden's Hand-Me-Downs?

Nicole Richie is selling her 14 month daughter's clothing for charity at www.handmedowns.com. Some items you can bid on include a Maclaren Lacoste stroller signed by Nicole, a Ralph Lauren romper, a rainbow striped cashmere sweater, and infant moccasins. This auction runs through Friday April 17 and all the proceeds will go to the Richie-Madden Foundation, which helps disadvantaged kids. This is a great opportunity to support a great cause and own some star-struck clothing!

Source:http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20270578,00.html

Creative and Cost-Effective Tips

When your children outgrow their sand box, convert it to a garden. Grow vegetables, plants, and flowers. It’s a creative and healthy way to teach children healthy eating habits and raising a garden.

Looking for cost effective ideas? Here are 3 ways to save on much needed alone time with the hubby, especially if family isn’t around to help out!

Go on a date during the day:

Going out for lunch or a matinee is cheaper than fancy dinner and an evening movie. Plus a responsible teenager is probably more than willing to baby-sit at a discounted rate mid-day.

Group date:

Team up with other friends who have children and split the cost of a sitter. Offer to pay the sitter a little more, you will still pay less than if she were working for you alone.

Trade with friends:

Ask a friend to watch your children and than offer to watch theirs. It’s a win win!

How To Eliminate Breast-Feeding Completely

Normally children begin to show an interest in weaning between 6-12 months of age. If your child hasn’t weaned by 12-18 months than usually the parent needs to initiate it, but the child is still receptive. After 18 months of age, experts say that children usually resist weaning because they become too attached to the breast. I noticed that my daughter was showing a disinterest in the breast around 11 months of age. She would nurse for short periods, want to play, and become easily distracted. It wasn’t until she was 12 months that I started the weaning process.

To prevent engorgement and shock to the child, it is important to gradually eliminate breast-feedings. I took it slowly, fully weaning my daughter within 2 months. It may also be best to postpone weaning during any major development period or any major changes. Keep in mind it that it is possible to eliminate breast-feeding more quickly. This was the speed I chose that was conducive for both my child and myself.

When weaning, eliminate the feeding that is least important to your child, which is usually the mid-day one. Replace the feeding with one complete cup feeding. If the child is older than 12 months, you can use whole milk. Otherwise use formula or expressed breast milk. About once a week or when you or baby is comfortable, drop a breast feeding. The morning and the bedtime nursing are usually the last to go and there is no reason why you can’t continue it if that’s what you and your children want.

Since this is an adjustment to your baby’s schedule, utilizing distraction during weaning may be helpful. Playing with toys, reading a book, or cuddling will assist your child during this transition. Keep in mind, DO NOT sit in the same place you nurse your child, nor use the same words/language. It is amazing how smart babies are. They can associate both the scenery and word usage with nursing. If weaning has not been successful or you have any questions/concerns, call your pediatrician.

Banana Muffins

Do you have a picky eater? Here is a quick, easy, and healthy banana muffin recipe, your toddler is sure to love! This recipe yields 12 muffins, but I double the ingredients to make 2 batches. These muffins also freeze very well. Older children can help with the measuring and mixing...great for a rainy day activity. My daughter loves these muffins...let me know how your family likes them!

Ingredients:

2 bananas

1 egg

3/4 cup sugar (or 3/4 teaspoon Stevia)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking power

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Process the bananas in a blender to make a puree. Combine the banana puree, egg, sugar, and olive oil; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture until moistened. Spoon the batter into muffin cups (I spray Pam into the cups to prevent the muffins from sticking). Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Some Creative And Useful Tips

What to do with those old winter gloves…Make animal puppets by cutting off the fingers!

If your kids get sick of their toys, divide them into big plastic containers, and each week, bring out a different one. It’s like they are getting new toys!

Summer will be here before we know it. When you are at the beach, make sure to bring baby powder. It’s the best way to get rid of sand!

What to do with those old baby clothes hangers. Here are 4 ways to recycle them!

Make wings for dress-up:
Align two hangers hooks to form an oval and tape them together. Cut some ribbon and tie around the tiny hooks inside each hanger (this is so your child can put them around their shoulder). Than cut paper or fabric and attach to hanger.

Ribbon Organizer:
Snip off a piece of hanger right above one corner. Than just slip the ribbon spools onto the hanger, tape back together and it hang wherever you want to.

Bubble Wand:
Pour bubble solution into a nice big baking dish and have a blast!

Barrette Holder:
Tie some ribbon onto the bottom of the hanger and snap the barrettes on the ribbon.

Important Mylicon Gas Drops Recall

1 ounce bottles of Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free Drops, sold from October 2008-November 2008 were recalled because some bottles have metal fragments, which occurred from the manufacturing process. You can call 800-222-9435 for product replacement or a refund.

Source: http://www.mylicon.com/page.jhtml?id=mylicon/press_release.inc

For more info on product recalls visit http://http://www.parents.com/product-recalls/

Alyson Hannigan & Alexis Denisof Welcome Baby Girl!

It's a girl! Actress Alyson Hannigan and her husband, actor Alexis Denisof, welcomed their baby girl Satyana Denisof on March 24, 2009 in Los Angeles. This is their first child who were married in 2003. They successfully kept the baby's sex a secret during their pregnancy and are looking forward to parenthood!

Source:http://http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20268972,00.html