July 2012
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08/01/12Meet the Creative Duo Behind Kid PresidentHave you seen the Kid President videos yet? They've struck a chord in this political season. These tongue-in-cheek addresses feature a handsome young boy dressed in a suit who says wise things and dances at the end of each offering. Since the self-appointed president surfaced online several weeks ago, the videos have gained a sizeable online audience. The clever send-ups are the work of Brad Montague of Somerville, Tennessee, and his brother, Robbie. Brad is a comedian and musician who also runs the nonprofit, Love in Stereo. The two have worked on a variety of projects together, including a CD of songs. The genesis of the presidential series was simple, "I got the idea to dress him up in a suit and demand things because that's his natural thing," says Brad. But... |
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07/31/12Summer Fun: Discover Nature in Your NeighborhoodAs a kid, I grew up living with woods and open vistas right behind my house. Discovering nature was easy, all I had to do was take a hike. My son has been brought up in a much more urban setting. Nature it there, too, you just have to be a bit more attentive. That's why I like It's a Jungle Out There by Jennifer Ward. The book's subtitle, "52 Adventures for City Kids," promises exploration just steps beyond your front door, no matter how developed your neighborhood is. "We often rush by nature, too busy to connect with its offerings," the author writes, and I would agree. Families today spend way too much time indoors. Her antidote is a selection of outdoor activities that will help you... |
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07/28/12Calling All Nursing Moms to the Trolley Stop August 4The Facebook group Breastfeeding Moms of Memphis is teaming up with All Better Pediatrics to host a local version of the Big Latch On. As part of a national event, breastfeeding mothers from Memphis will unite with moms across the nation in an effort to set a new Guinness Book of World Records for the most women nursing simultaneously. The event takes place at the Trolley Stop Market on Saturday, August 4th, at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., nursing moms will feed their babies while joining hands in a show of solidarity. The group will then send their numbers to Guinness record keepers. The event coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, August 1st through 7th, created to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies worldwide. Hannah Giles, who is a member of the Facebook... |
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07/27/12Fashionister of the Week: CasonAh, to be two again — when life is rich with make-believe. As I approached the zoo this week, who should I find lurking in the shadows but this handsome young man. Two-and-a-half-year-old Cason, with his blue eyes and mischievous grin, was happily exploring. Cason loves to pretend that he's a super hero. In fact, he does a clever impression of The Hulk, says his mom, Vickilynn. "He makes a scrunchy face and muscles, he's so funny!" Stylishly dressed in a teal plaid button down from Target, with khaki shorts from The Children's Place, he certainly looked ready for super hero action.... |
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07/26/12Let's Go: Discover Davies Plantation in BartlettIf your family enjoys history, learn a bit about Shelby County's early days with a visit to Davies Plantation in Bartlett. This two-story log home, the oldest in Shelby County, is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is also on the Civil War Trails. (These markers are located at sites across Tennessee that have historical significance to the Civil War.) The property actually sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood and is easy to miss if you're not paying attention. But the moment you enter the tree-lined drive, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time. As we approach the plantation house, my children notice a deer standing in the woods leading up to the house. That exciting discovery helps set the tone for our visit. Davies... |
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07/24/12Responding to Kids Questions About TragedyWhen news events like the recent mass murder in Aurora, Colorado, claim the lives of the innocent victims, kids are bound to have questions. Though we are far from where that tragedy took place, news reports can keep it fresh in the mind of a child. This event, in particular, is a scary one, since the shootings took place at a movie theatre featuring a film kids have been anticipating. Here are some helpful tips from the American Humane Society on ways to help your child cope with scary events. • Limit their access to television and radio news reports since young children may have trouble processing the enormity of the experience, and sometimes believe that each news report may be a new attack. • Regardless of age, reassure your child frequently of his safety... |
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07/23/12Summer Fun: FOX13's Weather Camp for KidsHeavy weather can be scary when you're a kid. So helping children understand what's going on in the atmosphere is the aim of FOX13's Mid-South Weather Camp, hosted by chief meteorologist Joey Sulipeck. The camp, for 2nd through 6th graders, takes place at the Agricenter on Saturday, August 4, from 9 a.m. until noon. Attendance is free; to register online, click here. Registration ends August 2. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. I asked Joey, the father of three, how weather camp come about. The idea was really sparked by some letters I received from moms who said their kids were afraid of storms. I talked about that with my wife and thought, what better way to help kids then to give them knowledge by immersing them in weather camp. So I approached... |
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07/20/12Fashionister of the Week: ParkerThere is nothing more luscuious than the peaches and cream complexion of a toddler. And this week's Fashionister, Parker, has that in spades. Just look at those pink little cheeks! Why, he reminds me of the Gerber baby all grown up. Naturally, behind this innocence lies a busy little boy who loves to run and play. And his ensemble is perfectly suited for the playground. Don't you love the crazy quilt shirt? Just right with these pocketed denim jeans from The Children's Place. Parents Mike and Jen tell me Parker is as sweet as he is adorable. Of course, now that he's a 20-month-old, he's starting to exhibit a bit of independence. Jen says he'll climb most anything and recently figured out how to get into his... |
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07/19/12Consumer Alert: Chicco Polly High Chair and Little Jumper Trampolines RecalledThe Chicco Polly Highchair has been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The chair has two pegs on the back legs which can cause lacerations should a child fall against it. The pegs provide tray storage. About 455,000 chairs are under recall. The high chairs were sold at Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Buy Buy Baby, Shopko, and Toys R Us, as well as online outlets including Albeebaby.com, Amazon.com, Babyage.com, Babysupermart.com, Diapers.com and Target.com from 2005 through 2012. If you own this high chair, contact Chicco for free peg covers. The company can be reached at (800) 807-8817. Panline's Little Jumper's Trampoline (Alex model 786X) has also been recalled. This toddler-sized trampoline has a handlebar across the front... |
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07/18/12Summer Fun: A Crafty Girl's Planner by American GirlMid-July — the doldrums of summer — when children can sound as whiny as mosquitos. "I'm bored," they wail. "There's nothing to do." Why, it's enough to ruin a nice afternoon nap. We suggest banishing boredom with mother's little helper: the American Girl's Crafty Girl's Planner ($9.95). This slim day planner is chock-full of doable ideas that will give kids a creative diversion when hiding out from the heat. The planner is divided into weeks, with each day offering a clever idea kids can act on. One week's worth of prompts included decorating a barrette with glitter, writing a letter to a favorite relative, drawing a design for a fancy birthday cake, and making a miniature jewelry box out of match boxes and... |
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07/16/12Eat, Drink, & Be Creative at Pinot's PaletteThe People: Local artist Kristi Bauer's newest masterpiece is Pinot's Palette, an upscale BYOB painting studio in East Memphis that opened in June and blends fine art, friends, and fun in a casual setting. Let Pinot's Palette's talented art instructors help you tap the artist within. The Place: 540 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 111 • 761-0012 The Buzz: Kristi Bauer (right) has always loved art, but could never afford the kind of work she admired in galleries. Instead, the resourceful advertising/marketing professional took up oil painting as a hobby and soon began selling her work at local festivals. When her husband was downsized from his job last year, the couple began looking for a business opportunity they could launch in Memphis. Using... |
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07/13/12Fashionista of the Week: SabrinaSome of us are lucky enough to be born with the girly-girl gene. The one that draws us to pretty flowered dresses that sway when we play. Such is the case for Sabrina, a delicate little girl I happened to meet while visiting the Oak Court Mall recently. After all, where else would a fashionista rather be during the heat of summer than out shopping with her mother? I love how statuesque Sabrina looks in this sundress by Bonnie Jean. With its Kelly green bodice and flounce of apricot flowers, the colors remind me of the Delta in springtime. Adding to its elegance is the empire waistline, trimmed in gold braid and red heart sequins. Is it any wonder this caught her eye? Sabrina loves poring over fashion magazines and making outfits for her paper dolls. "I've... |
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07/11/12Fun Summer Camps Looking For CampersA month into summer, kids are eager for something new. Not to worry. We recently learned of several day camps being held later this month that are the perfect boredom busters. July 16-20 • Cobblestone Art Camp CampInterest: Know those projects you always want to do but can never find time for? Let your kids can do them with us. The best of Pinterest in a summer camp for grades K-10. One studio art project per day plus smaller projects all week. We will use acrylic, chalk, art pastels, and mediums that may stain clothes. Children should bring a snack and clothes they can paint in. For grades K-10. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 857-2272 for details. The camp takes place at Cobblestone Art, 2411 Forest Hill Irene, Germantown • Fee: $135 July 18-19 •... |
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07/09/12Learn How to Cope With AngerTwo children in the Mid-South have died at the hands of angry fathers and boyfriends recently. These victims were young children — little ones under the age of 3. Such violent outbursts leave families devastated. The life of an innocent child is lost, and the life of an adult is irrevocably altered. Because parents didn't know how to control their anger. Anger can be an all-consuming emotion. It sometimes sneaks up on us, flaring fast and furious. And children can become the target. To check anger, you've got to recognize its triggers. Here are five steps you can take to help diffuse anger before you hurt someone else. 1. RECOGNIZE YOUR RED FLAGS Pay attention the next three times you get mad. Consider how you feel 15, 10, and 5 minutes before an angry... |
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07/06/12Fashionista of the Week: SelinaI had the pleasure of meeting a fashionista recently who lit up the sky. I was paying a visit to the playground at Johnson Park in Collierville, when 8-year-old Selina stepped out from behind the swings. Dressed in a sherbet-colored skirt and tie-dye top from Justice (her favorite store), she reminds me of a Florida sunset, warm and inviting. Her mother, Elena, tells me Selina not only enjoys dressing herself, but putting together outfits for the entire family. "Everything she picks, I love," says her mom. What I love is Selina's attention to detail. Her headband, a cluster of bright fabric roses, looks charming against her jet black hair. Gently trimmed in tiny beads, the buds almost seem to shimmer with dew. Another nice touch is this adorable charm... Posted at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments: 4 |
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07/06/12Trey Erwin Loses His Battle With Cancer — Though As A Teen, He Is Not AloneAs a parent, I am mourning the loss of Trey Erwin this week. Although I didn't know this family personally, their story — and faith — seemed to capture the hearts of many families across the Mid-South. I happened to mention his passing to my own 17-year-old son, and he immediately knew about the Pray for Trey effort on Facebook. Sadly, the 15-year-old athlete, who played football for Collierville High School, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 5th. A memorial takes place Saturday, July 7th, at Germantown Baptist Church. Family will receive guests from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the service begins at 2. A video of of Trey and his family, his thick hair stylishly brushed to one side, brings alive the ache that comes with the thought of losing... |
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07/05/12Date Night Ideas: Inexpensive Movies & ConcertsSometimes you need to hire a sitter and step out — just the two of you. Here are a few inexpensive possibilities. Now get busy! • • • • • • • • • • • • • ORPHEUM SUMMER MOVIE SERIES • $7 Friday, July 13, 2 p.m. - Casper (family matinee) Friday, July 13, 7:15 & 9:30 p.m.: Psycho and The Shining (double feature) Friday, July 20, 7:15 p.m.: The Princess Bride Friday, July 27, 7:15 p.m.: Blazing Saddles Thursday, August 2, 7:15 p.m.: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Friday, August 3: The Wizard of Oz Thursday, August 9, 7:30 p.m.: Almost Famous Friday, August 10, 7:15 p.m.: Gone With The... |
