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Living in the Moment

Fashionister of the Week: Parker

07/20/12

Fashionister of the Week: Parker

There 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...

Posted at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments

Consumer Alert: Chicco Polly High Chair and Little Jumper Trampolines Recalled

07/19/12

Consumer Alert: Chicco Polly High Chair and Little Jumper Trampolines Recalled

The 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...

Posted at 07:06 AM | Permalink | Comments

Summer Fun: A Crafty Girl's Planner by American Girl

07/18/12

Summer Fun: A Crafty Girl's Planner by American Girl

Mid-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...

Posted at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Eat, Drink, & Be Creative at Pinot's Palette

07/16/12

Eat, Drink, & Be Creative at Pinot's Palette

The 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...

Posted at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

Fashionista of the Week: Sabrina

07/13/12

Fashionista of the Week: Sabrina

Some 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...

Posted at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Fun Summer Camps Looking For Campers

07/11/12

Fun Summer Camps Looking For Campers

A 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 •...

Posted at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

Learn How to Cope With Anger

07/09/12

Learn How to Cope With Anger

Two 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...

Posted at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments

Fashionista of the Week: Selina

07/06/12

Fashionista of the Week: Selina

I 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

Trey Erwin Loses His Battle With Cancer — Though As A Teen, He Is Not Alone

07/06/12

Trey Erwin Loses His Battle With Cancer — Though As A Teen, He Is Not Alone

As 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...

Posted at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments

Date Night Ideas: Inexpensive Movies & Concerts

07/05/12

Date Night Ideas: Inexpensive Movies & Concerts

Sometimes 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...

Posted at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments