We've been scouring the internet for some fun craft ideas. We were thinking "sky and sand", so we borrowed the following two paper craft ideas from Disney's Family Fun Site*!

Dreaming of beach treasures? How about creating your very own paper sand dollars?

What's a sand dollar?

• The sand dollar is a living creature of the sea that has a circular shape and is related to the star fish and sea urchin. They live in shallow waters off of the coast and measure 2-4 inches in diameter (that means all the way around!)
• Live ones look a bit like fuzzy cookies – when they are in the ocean, sand dollars are covered in a velvety covering of tubular spines and tiny muscle-like projections that help them move around and burrow in the sand.
• The sand dollars that are found on the beach are no longer alive, and are just shells that look like grayish white discs with a five-pronged imprint in the center that looks like a star.
• Many legends are attached to Sand Dollars – one fun tale is that Sand Dollars were once used as money by mermaids!

Paper Sand Dollars –
Time Needed – About an hour

Materials

• White or cream-colored card stock
• Round cotton pad or circle of packing foam
• Glue
• Kid-Safe Scissors
• Clothespins
• Dry barley

Instructions

Step 1 – To make your own paper sand dollars, first cut a pair of circles, about 3 inches in diameter, from white or cream-colored card stock.

Step 2 – Sandwich the 2 circles together with a round cotton pad or circle of packing foam between them.

Step 3 – Glue the circles together, using clothespins to hold them in place until the glue has dried.

Step 4 – Finally, glue on a star-shaped design of dry barley, as shown.

***

Want to touch the sky? Try these fun fold-and-snip stars!

Stars are actually giant balls of plasma that exists in outer space. They're held together by gravity, and are actually huge spheres of energy and light. Stars look like tiny points of light up in the sky because they are so far away – they are actually millions of miles away from Earth! Don't worry, though – you can create your very own stars right here on Earth.

Fold-and-Snip Stars
Time Needed – About an hour

Materials

• Paper
• Kid-Safe Scissors

Instructions

Step 1 – Fold the paper in half from top to bottom, creasing it firmly. 

Step 2 – Fold the paper in half again, creasing it lightly.

Step 3 – Undo the second fold.

Step 4 – Make a third fold, bringing the tip of the upper right corner to the crease mark at the paper's left edge.

Step 5 – Fold down the upper left corner along the top edge of the section you folded in step 4.

Step 6 – Fold the paper vertically so that the left and right edges match up. Cut the paper at a sharp angle, as shown, creating a small triangle. Open the triangle, and there's your star.

HAVE FUN!

SOURCES:

*Disney Family Fun – http://familyfun.go.com

Paper Sand Dollars

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/paper-sand-dollars-668483/ 

Paper Fold-and-Snip Stars

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-material/paper-crafts/paper-crafts-850665/#Fold-and-snip%20Stars;10 

Grandparents are very special to any child. Children with involved grandparents carry those memories with them for life. Below are snippets from memories gathered from some of our friends near the Cleveland, OH area. What makes the best memories? It looks like just spending time. Whether it’s cooking or eating a meal with one another, or taking a walk in a special place, “being there” means the world.

In a recent poll on our Personal Baby Products Fan Page through Facebook, we asked:

What’s your favorite hot beverage on a cold day? Here's what we got back:
Coffee 50%
Tea 12.5%
Hot Chocolate 25%
Cider 12.5%
Something Else 0%
I Don’t Drink Hot Beverages 0%

According to Wikipedia.org, "in North America, 90% of adults consume caffeine daily." Our votes came from adults, but is coffee ever appropriate for children? There are many facts and schools of thought on the matter.

What's so bad about coffee? It contains the natural stimulant caffeine. Kids are naturally full of liveliness, and caffeine is known to add excessive energy to normally active kids. This jolt can produce jitteriness, restlessness, irritability, headache, increased heart rate, heartburn, addiction and elevated blood pressure. None of of this is good for anyone, but coffee isn’t all bad.

Here are what some of our sources said about coffee and your health.

Pros:
- Reports from around the internet say many different things. Regular coffee has been touted as helping prevent or lower risk of things like Parkinson’s disease, liver cirrhosis, colon cancer, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver ailments, and gallstones.

- Asthmatics have reported that drinking coffee can help ease frequent asthma attacks. "When I would have an attack in the middle of the night, my dad would make me drink a cup of hot, black coffee, because that is what his family did for him. It is a bronchodilator, and it would make my asthma symptoms go away." (Robin Richards, art teacher for the Memphis City Schools system^[1])

- Black coffee is a low-calorie choice whose components (excluding caffeine) can have a calming effect. "There's too much (negative) attention on coffee, rather than energy and soft drinks."
(Dr. Peter R. Martin, professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital^[1])

- ADHD sufferers may find that coffee can actually help them focus. While not verified in medical studies, some parents of hyperactive kids have noticed coffee’s benefits to their ADHD children.^[2]

- Brazilian studies have shown a strange trend – children who drink coffee with milk are less likely to have depression than other kids.^[3]

Cons:
- “Researchers found that 75% of children surveyed consumed caffeine on a daily basis, and the more caffeine the children consumed, the less they slept.”^[4]

- According to kidshealth.org, “consuming one 12-ounce sweetened soft drink per day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60 percent. Kids who fill up on soft drinks don't get the vitamins and minerals they need from healthy sources, putting them at risk for nutritional deficiencies." That's the thought process for soda – the same can be said of super sweet coffee drinks (mochas, flavored lattes, etc.) which are full of calories as well as caffeine.”^[5]

- Dr. Burton Hayes, a pediatrician with UT Medical Group, warns that the effects of caffeine may last longer in children than in adults. However, Hayes also notes that one or two cups a day is probably OK for healthy teenagers and older. "Coffee has been in and out of favor for years," says Hayes. "Right now we're on a 'good for you' swing."^[1]

All said and done, a child’s health and nutrition is up to the parent. Do you have questions and concerns? Always check with your family doctor regarding what’s right for your child in regards to the food and drink in your daily life.

Do you let your child drink coffee? Tell us why or why not in the comments section below, and/or chime in on our Facebook Page by clicking HERE.

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Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Coffeee_img451.jpg

Sources:
1 Coffee & kids: A sip is OK, but too much caffeine and calories a problem – http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/mar/17/coffee-kids/
2 Coffee and ADHD – http://attention-deficit-disorder.blogspot.com/2006/03/coffee-and-adhd.html
3 Kids & Coffee – http://www.kidzworld.com/article/17060-kids-and-coffee#ixzz1ivTDtP00
4 “Caffeine Consumption in Young Children” by William J Warzak, PhD, Shelby Evans, PhD, Margaret T Floress, PhD, Amy C Gross, PhD, and Sharon Stoolman, MD, appears in The Journal of Pediatrics, DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.11.022, published by Elsevier.
5 Caffeine and Your Child – http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/child_caffeine.html

Even though temperatures are very chilly in much of North America, kids will be kids – they always want to play outside!!!! It’s important to keep little ones safe in the elements, while letting them get their fill of the chilly fresh air that only a winter day can give. Here are some things to keep in mind when letting little ones frolic in the snow.

1) Dress appropriately!!!!! See our blog on winter clothing by clicking HERE.

2) Be Safe – Don’t dress kids in clothes that are too long or not secure: loose articles or rogue drawstrings can get stepped on, tangled or snag somewhere that can cause a child to trip, choke, become exposed, etc. Also – choose very bright colors so that you can keep track of the little ones in the white snow.

3) Take breaks Let the kiddos run amuck for set periods of time. 30 to 60 minute batches of outdoor playtime are usually alright. After your set times, though, make sure children come in and warm up! Use the break time to enjoy hot drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate, and to check for signs of frostnip and frostbite.

4) What are Frostnip and Frostbite? According to scholatstic.com – “Frostnip is like a warning sign for frostbite, and occurs when cold temperatures damage the skin and blood vessels. Frostnip usually affects the face, feet or fingertips and causes numbness and may turn skin white or blue-white.” Frostbite is “literally the freezing of the body — from the skin in! Frostbite can make skin feel waxy, frozen, and numb, and can cause blisters. In extreme cases, blood may stop flowing to the area and permanent damage can be done to the nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and even bones. Plus, once an area is frostbitten, it is more susceptible to frostbite in the future.” What are the warning signs for either? Feeling pain or numbness in the fingers, toes, nose, ears, or any other body part are red flags that the kids need to come in out of the cold.

5) Fighting the Frostbite/Nip – What do you do if you suspect that your child may be experiencing symptoms?
a) Immediately remove wet or tight clothing from the area
b) Have the child wiggle their fingers, toes and flex their hands and feet
c) For frostnip, place the area “in very warm water (just over 100 degrees) until the area flushes and turns pink. For other areas, apply warm towels or cover him up with blankets and let him cozy up with lots of warm drinks.” (scholastic.com)
d) For frostbite, “don't warm him up by the fire or with really hot water bottles or heating pads, as frostbitten skin is easily burned. Don't pop any blisters, and if there are a lot of blisters or a blister bigger than a nickel, call your pediatrician right away. Usually, the same techniques used to warm up frostnip will adequately treat frostbite as well, but call your doctor if your child's skin blisters or swells upon warming up, or if it doesn't warm up at all.” (scholastic.com)

6) The most important? NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNSUPERVISED! Whether they’re playing hide and seek, building igloos, sledding, ice skating, etc., a responsible adult is always the best just of when enough is enough, and on how to make a most excellent snow experience a safe one.

Do you have winter games and activities you’d like to share? Please tell us in the comments section! And be sure to keep up with us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/PersonalBabyProducts!

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- Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Sledding.jpg

Sources: http://parenting.kaboose.com/age-and-stage/dressing-your-preschooler-for-winter.html

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=10204

Regardless of what part of the U.S. you may be in, you’ve probably noticed that it’s gotten a bit cooler – something called “winter” is nipping at us! With temps bottoming out (some much lower in some places than others!), it’s a good time to share some reminders about kids and outdoor cold weather.

Here’s what we’re saying about DRESSING FOR THE OUTDOORS this winter!

1) Bundle Up in Loose Layers - Many thinner layers are better than one thick layer. Loose layers help trap and retain warm air, while tight layers just constrict and mess with circulation. Loose layers hold warm air better.

2) Must have’s: hat, scarf and/or hood, boots, warm coat

3) Styles that are best: high necklines or turtlenecks, long sleeves and pants, thermal panes (“Long Underwear”), close-toed footwear

4) Good fabrics/materials for clothing:
   a. Outer-most layers – waterproof, “thick and fuzzy”, fiber-filled, wool, puffy fabrics like quilted fiberfill
   b. Inner layers – “Synthetic fibers are hydrophobic and don’t hold water the way that cotton will. When used and layered correctly, synthetic fibers hold a warm layer of insulated air close to the skin and will greatly exceed the performance of cotton.” (-TrailMix.net)
   c. Base layers- "Select a very thin layer to use as a base layer. The base layer has the dual purpose of providing the first layer of insulation and wicking moisture away from the skin. Do you have the type of pajamas with the “booties” attached to the feet? That’s even better because now you don’t have to worry about synthetic socks." (-TrailMix.net)

5) Consider Boot Gaiters – What the heck is a boot gaiter? According to BootGaiters.com, “Boot gaiters are protective sleeves that go over your boots to protect your legs from things like moisture, snow, weeds, etc, and sometimes even snakes!” Regardless, it’ll help the snow and moisture from getting into boots and making socks wet.

6) Wear items that cover ALL skin!

FINALLY – Stay Dry! When you’re wet, your body looses heat faster than normal. Whether it’s through weather or sweat, these two sources of moisture can help make you cold really quickly!
   a) Get some waterproof boots.
   b) Pick outdoor clothing like cotton or polyester poplin, or nylon fabrics because they “shed water well.”
   c) Opt for mittens with a warm lining and have outer fabric that is water repellent, like nylon or vinyl. We hope you can use some of these tips, and that you’ll share your own with us here – give us your tips and tricks in the comments section, and HAVE FUN OUT THERE!

And don't forget the warm blanket for when you come back in – our customized blankets are perfect for babies!

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Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laughing_Kid.jpg

Sources: –
- http://parenting.kaboose.com/age-and-stage/dressing-your-preschooler-for-winter.html

- http://blog.trailmix.net/index.php/2010/10/18/cold-weather-kids-three-tips-for-keeping-children-warm-in-fall-and-winter/

- http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=10204

Happy New Year! 2012 signals the celebration of the year past, as well as a time to wipe the slate clean for a new year.

With the holiday season in full swing, we’d like to acknowledge some traditions that seem to come along with the season. Below we take a look at some aspects of the Christian Christmas Tree, the Jewish Menorah, and the colors of Kwanzaa.

Please also take this as an opportunity to post your own traditions and family customs in our comments section of the blog. ALSO feel free to visit our Facebook Fan Page by clicking HERE and sharing your stories there, as well!

The Christmas Tree
Christmas is a Christian feast celebrated all over the planet. Observed every year on December 25th, the holiday is the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Secularly, it’s time for Santa Claus to bring toys to children all over the world while families reflect, eat, drink, sing and spend time together.

One of the most prolific symbols of the Christmas season is that of the ornamented Christmas tree. Given that Jesus was supposedly born in the desert of Israel, how did the icon of a decorated evergreen become related to this holiday?

According to Wikipedia.com, “The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be historically traced to 15th century Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) and 16th century Northern Germany… In the German Middle Ages, mystery plays at Christmas time within churches often featured an evergreen "Paradise tree" from which an apple was plucked. The first evidence of Christmas trees outside of a church is of the 16th century, with trees in guild halls decorated with sweets to be enjoyed by the apprentices and children.”

Families, businesses and organizations all over the world acquire and decorate Christmas trees to celebrate the season. Trees can be live or artificial, and are traditionally bedecked with tinsel, lights, ornaments and topped off with a star or other tree topper. Some trees feature nativity scenes at the base, while others have toy trains, presents or other items of the holiday beneath them. These days, two of the most famous Christmas tree displays include the trees at the White House and at the Rockefeller Center in New York City.

The Menorah
Also according to Wikipedia.com, the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah “celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after the successful Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy.” The menorah is important because during the revolt, there was only enough oil for one night of light, but the candles miraculously burned for eight. The 8-day celebration in December is one of prayer, family customs, Hanukkah gelt, games of dreidel, songs and gift giving.

Menorahs have eight branches, centered by a ninth candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other candles. More from Wikipedia.com tells us that “in addition to the shamash, on the first night one candle is placed in the holder on the far right, and is lit using either the shamash or a different candle or match. Each night afterwards for the next seven nights, one additional candle is kindled. The night's blessings are started over the newest candle. So the candles are placed in the Hanukkah menorah from right to left and kindled from left to right. The manner of lighting one additional candle each night follows the opinion of the House of Hillel, which was accepted as Jewish law. The House of Shammai disagreed; it held that eight candles should be kindled the first night, seven the second night, and so on down to one candle on the last night.”

Where is the world's largest menorah? You’ll need to travel all the way to Manado in Indonesia to find this 62-foot tall wonder. Another big menorah is in New York City – standing at 32 feet tall, it’s located at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in Manhattan near Central Park.

Kwanzaa Colors
Again from Wikipedia.com, “Kwanzaa is a week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African-American heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles and culminates in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–1967.” Kwanzaa is a time of family, reflection, and celebration of the African spirit.

What is unique about the Kwanzaa candle colors? It is what the colors represent. Displayed in a holder called a Kinara (which looks a bit like the Jewish Menorah), the colors of red, black and green celebrate each of the Seven Principles, known as the Nguzo Saba.

- The one central black candle is lit first. It symbolizes unity, or Umoja. Black represents the people.
- The three red candles placed to the left represent self-determination, cooperative economics, and creativity, or Kujichagulia, Ujamaa and Kuumba. Red represents the struggle.
- The three green candles placed to the right represent collective work and responsibility, purpose, and faith, or Ujima, Nia and Imani. Green represents the future and hope.

What are YOUR traditions? Tell us in the comments section below, and share on our Facebook Fan Page (click here).

Sources:
Photo courtesy of WikimediaCommons.org
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Candleburning.jpg/640px-Candleburning.jpg
Articles-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menorah_(Hanukkah)
http://voices.yahoo.com/discovering-meaning-kwanzaa-colors-2212466.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

Preserve those precious moments with this keepsake decorative plate

These plates are reproduced from your photograph in full color.
A great way to celebrate that special child’s birth or any special celebration.
 

• Full color image in center of plate
• Break resistant
• 100% melamine
• Great for room decor
• Special day is circled on calendar
• Monthly calendar created accurately to any special year
   

Includes FREE shipping. Adorable and affordable!

Only $22.00 Click to enlarge.

To Order: 2 Easy Steps

Step 1: Choose to mail us a print or Email us a digital file.

Mail print of photo to Randesign • P.O. Box 22441
Beachwood, OH 44122-9681

or Email us here and attach a digital file.

Step 2: Add to Cart below and go through our secure and easy checkout process.

Onomastics or onomatology is the study of proper names of all kinds and the origins of names. – Wikipedia.com.