99 Problems but the B Word ain’t one!

Hova

First off congratulations to Jay-Z and Beyonce on the birth of their daughter Blue Ivy.  Jay-Z marked the birth by releasing a new song entitled “Glory“,  which is a tribute to his daughter.  Jay-Z has been known to use some harsh lyrics in the past, and making many upset with his lyrics especially feminist groups.  Why, because he uses the word B*tch {99 Problems but a B– ain’t one}. However, with the birth of his daughter his tune has changed:

Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich,
I didn’t think hard about using the word B—-.
I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it
now with my daughter in this world
I curse those that give it.
I never realized while on the fast track
that I’d give riddance to the word b—, to leave her innocence in tact.
No man will degrade her, or call her out her name
the women won’t despise her and call her the same.
-Jay-z
What do you think of Jay-Z’s change?  Did you listen to Glory… I have to say I like to hear a softer side of Hova.

Spring 2012 Cover Contest!

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That’s right mama’s and papa’s! We had so much fun with our first cover contest we are doing another! This time we are looking for our littlest fans. If you have a baby, aged 4 months to 24 months, and a creative eye, we want to see what you got! Get those camera’s out…channel the inner photographer in you and lets see what you can do! Be creative with your photos, and remember that backgrounds are great, but our primary focus is your little bundle. We want all eyes on your baby! To enter, this is what you will need to do:

THERE IS NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchasing will not increase your chances of winning.

Contest open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C., except employees (and their families) of Tots To Teens Magazine. Void where prohibited by law. Contest begins 9:00 A.M. EDT December 22, 2011, and ends 11:59 P.M. EDT February 15, 2012.

Submit an original (hi-resolution) color photo of your child with the following information via email to coverbaby@totstoteensmagazine.com
Child’s First Name:
Parent or Guardian’s First & Last Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Child’s Date of Birth:
Child’s Gender:

Your email submission means you are consenting to the following rules and regulations:

Child in photo must be between 4 months and 24 months old on January 15, 2012. Photo must have been taken within one month of entry. Photo can not be the product of a professional photographer and no slides or B&W photos accepted. Every entrant must be the parent or legal guardian of the Child featured in the submitted photo and must be 19 years of age or older. Entrant represents and warrants that the submitted photograph is an original, non-published work that does not infringe any privacy, intellectual property or other rights of any third parties. By entering, entrant represents that he or she owns or has the rights to convey any and all right and title in the submitted photo; and by entering, entrant conveys and assigns to Tots To Teens Magazine all rights of ownership, title, interest and all other intellectual property rights, including without limitation, copyright in and to the photo, should it be the winning photo. All other entrants (i.e. those whose entries are not the winning photograph), by entering the contest, grant Sponsors a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free copyright license to publish their submitted photos, if Sponsors choose, and to republish them at any time in the future in any and all media.

In the event of a dispute over the identity of an online entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry. Authorized Account Holder means the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Entry materials/data that have been tampered with or altered, or mass entries or entries generated by a script, macro or use of automated devices are void. The Sponsors are not responsible for: (i) lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible or postage due mail/entries; or (ii) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, or inaccurate transmission of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsors on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site or any combination thereof; or (iii) any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the contest. By participating in the contest, you (i) agree to be bound by these official rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsors, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the contest. Failure to comply with these official rules may result in disqualification from the contest. Sponsors reserve the right to: (i) permanently disqualify from the contest any person it believes has intentionally violated these official rules; and (ii) withdraw the online method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted, (including if a computer virus or system malfunction unalterably impairs its ability to conduct the contest), and select winner from among all eligible entries received prior to withdrawal.

Prizes
A panel of three judges will select the top four entries and will award the top entry with the grand cover prize with a full page feature. There will be three runner up features included in the digital Spring issue. (1 grand prize, 3 runner ups)

If Finalists are unreachable, or in the event of non-compliance with any of these requirements, the prize will be deemed forfeited, and an alternate winner may be selected.

All entries become property of The Parenting Group Inc. and will not be acknowledged or returned.

In consideration of judges’ review of entries, parents/guardians who enter the contest grant permission (except where prohibited by law) to Sponsors to use and license photos/images of the Child in the submitted photo(s) (along with their names, likeness, biographical information) and any other information provided by Entrant) for possible editorial or promotional/advertising uses in any and all media without further compensation.

Tots To Teens Magazine and its affiliates are not responsible for technical failures in entry transmission, or lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, illegible, or postage-due mail, or any damage to participants’ computers relating to information about or participation in the promotion. Tots To Teens Magazine reserves the right to cancel electronic method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted.

By entering the contest, entrant holds harmless Tots To Teens Magazine, and affiliate companies or operating divisions, from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, liability, actions or damages of any kind or in connection with: (1) entering contest (2) acceptance of any prize or (3) anything related to the contest and the awarding of prizes. Any claims relating to this contest shall be governed by Illinois law without regard to its conflict of law rules, and any such claim must be heard in Illinois.

If any provision of these Rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or appointed arbitrator, such determination shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.

Official contest Sponsors: Tots To Teens Magazine, PO Box 1233, Plainfield, IL 60544.

Quick child’s room update.

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A few years ago, 2 to be exact, we were waiting patiently for our youngest son to be born. In the meantime, we had to prepare our oldest son for his new big boy room. He had a beautiful under the sea nursery which I loved so much! But, sadly, he was growing up and changing rooms. We needed the room closest to ours for the new baby. He would be moving into, what was at that time, the play room. Bare white walls and toys. That was all that was in the room.

I saw in a magazine this nursery bedroom set that was in a room that had fab walls!!! I knew it was probably just manufactured to look that way for the magazine, but I just had to recreate this wall!! So, being 7 months pregnant and on bed rest, I enlisted my husband to do all the work. Which wasn’t much. To recreate this new bedroom look, we spent under $100.00, but transformed the room completely.

Before: Our bare white walls were begging for something!

After: We added a wood treatment and paint to make his wall spectacular!

 

Materials:

2×4 wood planks. (Qty depends on size of room, length up the wall, and how many walls you will do). We did the entire room a little more then half way up.

Nails, hammer, chaulk, level, saw, tape measure.

Paint.

 

To re create:

Optional -  we began with a large piece for new floor molding around perimeter of room before we began the wall treatments.

1. Measure out the area to be decorated with tape measure. Be sure to measure perimeter of room and from mid wall to floor.

2. Measure the 2×4 that will be placed horizontal on wall (chair molding height).

3. Using a level, secure wood into place.

4. Continue measuring, cutting, and securing into place around the entire room or area you are doing.

5. Measure and cut wood that will go vertical (Between floor molding and chair molding).

6. Level and secure in place.

7. Using chalk, fill in gaps and seams between wood pieces.

8. Once chaulk has dried, paint the top, untouched wall, one color and the bottom, another color.

9. Viola!!!! Quick update to spruce up a boring room!!!!

Optional – We drilled some holes into the horizontal wood and added some wood pegs for hanging items. The Dino back pack and train conductor hat.

(Majority of the decor items came from his nursery and repainted. Others had been collected over the two years or made my me to match his room.)

Holiday Gift Feature: Rockabye Baby lullaby renditions of Van Halen

Rockabye_Baby_ Lullaby_Renditions_Of_Van_Halen

What tot doesn’t love music, but do we {parents} always want to listen to “their” music?  I love a good lullaby but what I enjoy better… is a Rockabye!  I found Rockabye Baby one day on accident.  How? I was surfing YouTube looking for covers and I found a cover in the form of a lullaby.  I had to hear more so I found more lullaby covers and fell in love.

When Rockabye Baby sent us the newest arrival Rockabye Baby lullaby renditions of Van Halen, {Yup, you read that right.. Van Halen  80′s rock band} I was happy to listen to how they did it again, switching rock music to soothing baby music.  They did it and they did it right– again!  I was able to enjoy the 80′s again, while not worrying about any lyrics that may not be suitable for little listeners.  Okay my favorite of course is Jump, being a kid from the 80′s era Jump was huge– and I started singing the song right away.

 

Rockabye Baby has tons of different lullaby renditions; some of my personal favorites:

And again the beauty of Rockabye Baby’s renditions NO LYRICS= NO WORRIES.

  • Perfect gift for parents of infants- toddler
  • Soothing music
  • Great Stocking Stuffer
  • Perfect for Music Lovers
  • Con… you’ll end wanting more Rockabye Baby CDs

You can purchase your Rockabye Baby Lullaby Music here.

Essentials of a Good Baby Monitor

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Baby monitor is a baby alarm, which has a transmitter with a microphone attached to it usually kept in the baby’s room. The sounds and signals are transmitted on the receiver which is with the parent. It gives the parent the much required mobility to work or sleep and still be close to the baby.

Availability Of Different Baby Monitors.

A lot of research has been made and different types of baby monitors are available in the market. Parents choose these monitors depending on their preferences. Mainly there are three types of them readily available.

Audio Monitors.

As the name suggests they display the sounds of the baby on the receiver which is with parent or the nanny. There are one way or two way baby monitors which allows the parent to calm the baby and put it off to sleep. This is beneficial if the baby sleeps in a separate room.

Video Baby Monitors.

Video baby monitors are fitted with a camera along with the transmitter and is in the baby’s room. The parent can view the pictures and hear the sound on the TV or LCD. It also has a facility of night vision whereby sharp pictures of the baby can seen at night. This monitor uses the infra red light technique. It is also possible to connect these monitors to the computers with an internet connection.

Sensor Baby Monitors.

It has a sensor pad which is placed under the baby mattresses or pillow. It gives an alarm if it fails to register the movement of the baby or its breathing for more than twenty seconds.

How to choose a right baby Monitor ?

With variety of monitors available in the market it becomes difficult to select the best one for your baby. This can be simplified by keeping in mind some of these points.

1. Select a baby monitor with two or more receivers and place it at different locations.

2. Baby monitors also come with the option where in the transmitter is plugged in and uses electric power, whereas the receiver uses the batteries and gives flexibility to the user.

3. Always look for a monitor that has a clear reception and a small amount of interference, if at all. This allows you to hear or see all the activities of your child clearly.

4. A low battery indicator on the parents unit is a huge plus point because it monitors the battery life without having to actually check it. This is an important requirement while selecting one because something could go wrong if the battery life has expired.

5. Make sure you select the correct range for the home keeping in mind the specifications of your house.

Parents select the best baby monitors keeping these advantages in mind. However a one way monitor is useful when the baby is to be monitored from one particular location. However if there is a risk of the baby falling from its crib or cot, parents may opt for the advanced version of the baby monitor.

Jane Thompson
www.ChildProofingTips.com- Child Safety & Child Proofing Advice for the Busy Mom



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Three Easy Steps to Childproofing your Home

childproof

Everyone wants to childproof their home and make sure that they are ready for the baby when he comes. But then the speed at which the nine months pass are amazing and before you know it you are worried about the fact that the child shall be coming soon and that you have not childproofed your house properly. Childproofing does not take time. All that it requires is a certain amount of common sense, some planning and a trip to the childproofing store where you can get everything that you want.

Planning the Childproofing Task
The first thing that you need to do is to ensure that you plan the whole task. This means that you may have to look at the world from a different perspective altogether – your child’s. Get down on your knees literally and check out the kind of things that can attract your baby. These may be hanging cords, bright colored table cloths, electrical plugs and sockets and other such things. It is important that you be able to put yourself in the shoes of your baby because what may attract him may be something you consider completely mundane and boring. Once you have started looking at the house from this perspective, make a list of all the things that you need to buy from the market.

Shopping for Childproofing

While there are a whole host of childproofing products that are available, you may not need all of them for your house. So day two of the childproofing task should basically be left for shopping for all the childproofing items that you have listed out. Make sure that you do not leave out anything because you will then need to come all the way just to get that one thing and spoil your schedule too.

Implementing Childproofing
Getting started with your childproofing does not take much. How much time you want to spend on each room depends on your comfort level. Otherwise it is easily possible to childproof all the rooms in one day after you have brought the childproofing supplies. Just getting them installed or doing so on your own may not take time at all.

Not all Childproofing Requires Gadgets
While there are these gadgets like child locks, electrical covers, stairway gates and the like that you buy, there are other aspects of childproofing that do not need any devices. These include ensuring that all the expensive show pieces are wrapped and kept in the basement, removing all small objects from where the baby can access them and other such aspects.

It is also important to understand that teaching safety tips to your child are also essential even though your home may be childproofed. As your baby grows older he will be visiting homes that may not be childproofed and therefore he will need to know how to handle such areas. This needs to be part of the natural learning process of a child as he grows.

Jane Thompson
www.ChildProofingTips.com- Child Safety & Child Proofing Advice for the Busy Mom

Fashion Find: Sweet Harper

sweet harper clips

If you haven’t heard this sweet Etsy shop well, you are really missing out. Sweet Harper (http://sweetharper.com/) is the perfect place for your little ones sweet locks. They aren’t your average hair clips! They stay in and are just super-cute.

Check out our collection below!

Not only is the Etsy shop just perfection – the designer Tracy is just as great! She has a fabulous blog which you should check out. Make sure you follow Sweet Harper on Twitter and Facebook too!

Disclaimer: Buying hair clips from Sweet Harper and browsing the shop may cause you to form an addiction. You will find yourself constantly checking and waiting for new clips to come out. You are going to want to collect them all and you will become highly obsessed with this sweet Etsy shop. Please enter at your own risk.

Fashion Find by Contributing Fashion Editor, Casi Densmore-Koon of cupcakeMAG

Dipe n’ Go for busy moms on the go!

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How many times are you running errands and faced with changing your baby in public restrooms? This New Jersey mom-entrepreneur has developed an award winning baby product called the Dipe n’ Go. Dipe n’ Go is a baby changing station ideal for your SUV, minivan or hatchback vehicle, It attaches easily to the inside of your hatch and remains stocked with supplies so that it’s ready when you need it. Open with one hand while holding baby safely with the other. It allows you to avoid unsanitary public restroom changing tables and the best part is, it’s machine washable!

* The Dipe N’ Go includes: Compact size when closed: 15.5″ x 12.5″
* Ample space to change a baby when open: 15.5″ x 35″
* Light weight and easy to carry: Under 1lb when empty
* Plenty of Storage space: 2 Large pockets and one small pocket to hold diaper changing supplies

The Dipe n’ Go is now available for $19.99 at babiesrus.com, babyuniverse.com, thebabysgallerie.com and for more information you can also visit dipe-n-go.com.

Parents Favorite Reads for Baby

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This classic baby book, “Goodnight Moon” remains in the lead when it comes to what parents read to their baby.

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.” And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room–to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one–he says goodnight.

In this classic of modern children’s literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

Retails: $8.99