Are you using your car seat correctly?

Getting your little one in a car seat is easy at times, but often difficult when they get fussy. All moms want to quickly get their toddlers situated and get on the run! However, have you ever stopped to think about your child's safety and how important that seat is? It is estimated that about 80% of car seats are misused, either because a child is in the wrong seat, the seat is installed wrong, or the child is not placed in the seat correctly. I recently met a child passenger safety technician, and she was full of helpful insight!

For all the 818 mommies, here is the contact info for a Child Passenger Safety Technician. You can call or email for appointments and it's all FREE. Group presentations are also available. Don't hesitate to give em a ring and ask a few questions. You will be shocked at certain things you did not know about installing a car seat.

Anne Hamilton
Child Passenger Safety Technician
(818) 276-5323
roguejaina@yahoo.com

Huggies

Finally, babies have a pair of diapers to wear on casual Fridays.

Huggies announced that it's releasing a new line of "denim" disposable diapers.


"Jeans have always been a Mommy fashion must-have, but now it's time for their little ones to steal the style," Stuart Schneider, senior brand director of Huggies, said in a press release. "The design helps babies stay trendy while keeping dry with the same revolutionary design and proven leakage protection that moms have come to know and trust from the Huggies brand."

The diapers will be available June through July 2010.

Recall of Kids' Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, Benadryl

May 2, 2010 -- Manufacturing defects have led to the recall of 43 child and infant liquid formulations of Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl by McNeil, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

McNeil has developed a website to provide you with information on McNeil Consumer Healthcare product recalls.

You can find a complete list of the products and refund information on the following link.


http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com

Walnut Melbourne Shoes

It’s spring time...off with the socks! We all know kids love walking sock-free everywhere and anywhere they can. What better way to embrace this toddler behavior than getting out the sandals! And for our boys who hate tying shoe laces- there’s something for them too. One of the hottest trends for spring in the children’s shoe department is Melbourne Shoes. The dashing princess, Suri Holmes, who epitomizes fashion for young ones is dressed wearing different styles of Melbourne’s thanks to Mama Holmes.

Melbournes offers a variety of shoes and sandals for kids, especially this spring. The color and varieties are absolutely adorable. It looks like Melbourne has taken what’s cute for adults and minimized them into children’s shoes. The sandals for girls start at $14.95, which is definitely affordable. They also carry slip-on shoes for boys and girls in different colors for every outfit. The classic ballet shoes that girls love to wear come in different canvas patterns of stripes and solid color blocks, also in suede. The lace-free tennis shoes for boys give a sophisticated look that will top off your son’s outfit. There are also the classic Mary Janes that come in canvas, suede, and patent leather. Mary Janes are a perfect match with spring dresses for your chic daughter.

Now that shorts and skirts are in season, shoes are more fun to shop for! The colors, styles, and patterns are definitely a must-have and make your kid fashionable all the way down to the toes, not to mention comfortable!

Babies

Here is a new must-see film for Moms that has been getting a lot of buzz on the Internet and all over the world. Babies is about four babies from four different parts of the world- Namibia, Japan, Mongolia, and California. The film follows four lives from four very different cultures in their first moments of life. It hits theaters Mothers Day Weekend. We suggest grabbing your fellow 818moms, and planning a lunch followed by this engaging flick! Here is a little preview:

http://www.filminfocus.com/video/babies_the_trailer

Wrapped Up In Details

A new website has just launched that has the most unique and cutest invitations and favors made custom just for you! Wrapped Up In Details prepares and creates one-of-a-kind custom invitations and favors for any occasion, big or small. They design and create your vision and bring it to life. All of their invitations are custom designed and assembled by hand with lots of love and creativity. Since they do everything from A-Z, you have nothing to worry about once you receive your products. Their favors, depending on the type you order, can be ready within just a few days and they are able to deliver them to your venu and set them up giving you one less thing to stress about. They are committed to providing you the utmost detailed and imaginative creations you can envision. You can see their portfolio of past projects by visiting their website www.wrappedupindetails.com. You can also become a fan on Facebook to hear about upcoming promotions. Please don't hesitate to contact them at info@wrappedupindetails.com.

Chiccrystals.com

Glitz, Glam, Action!

The new trends of the season have finally arrived for babies and kids too!
I recently had design chiccrystals.com my baby girl's Christining outfit. From head to toe, Ava's precious dress, shoes, and hairpiece are all blinged out! The Swarovski crystals add a unique accent to each outfit for anyone's little daughter. It's so beautiful and elegant to have a girlie
outfit glammed up with rhinestones for any occasion. Madlen, the creative and fabulous owner/designer, knows exactly how to jazz things up for any type of clothing, hairpiece, etc. She will even gladly take any special order upon request and do an incredible job.
The hair accessories consist of flower crochet headbands, flower hair clips, bows, and baby snap clips, all of which are super comfortable to wear. The finishing touch to any outfit is always the most special part. chiccrystals.com definitely knows how to complete this last step by adding shiny crystals. HaveChiccrystals.com doll up your kid's outfit for the next occasion. You totally will thank them for the astonished gazes and adoring looks from friends and family! Chiccrystals.com is the ultimate icing on the cake.

www.chiccrystals.com/hairboutique/
www.chiccrystals.com

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics has been offered at Ararat Chapter since the programs’ inception in September 2002. At the start of the rhythmic program, the athletic committee and Head Coach, Ovsanna Mkhchian had a goal for young girls to be involved in a positive environment where they are able to build their confidence, allowing them to remain healthy and fit, while incorporating the strength and agility of gymnastics and the grace of dance. Since then, due to Ovsanna’s drive and dedication, alongside Ararat’s support, the team, Ararat Rhythmics, has achieved great success.

Recently, Ararat Rhythmics, with their team of young athletes competed on a USA Gymnastics level. Among an overall successful competitive year, two of these girls, were successful enough to compete on a Junior Olympic level. Since then, the team has been working hard and preparing for the upcoming competitive season.

Beginners classes are now being offered for girls ages 4 and up. Classes are held twice a week, and girls are grouped with respect to their level of strength, according to the coaches’ discretion. In the Rhythmic Gymnastics classes, girls have the opportunity to train in this very unique sport which combines the athleticism of gymnastics with the beauty and art of dance. Girls use 5 apparatuses - the ball, hoop, rope, ribbon, and clubs - to perform routines while moving to the tune of music. This sport is guaranteed to attract any little girls’ interest and commitment.

Please contact the head coach Ovsanna Mkhchian (818) 621-5554.

www.ararat.org

Ararat takes pride in its rhythmic program, as it is the only Homenetmen chapter that offers Gymnastics.

Upcoming events:

Open House: March 29^th – 30^th, and April 1st 5:30 -6:30pm, April 3rd 10am-11am – Come join our team for free trial sessions.

Elle's Blossom Boutique

I recently purchased a few items from Elle's Blossom Boutique. They make handcrafted headbands and hair clips for children of all ages. I love the super soft elastic headbands that can stretch and fit with my daughter as she gets older. They have variety of colors and styles and are definitely affordable.

A blossom on your baby girl is the perfect hair accessory to top off every cute outfit! I've received so many compliments on all the flower pieces I've used on my daughter's hair.

You can find their products at www.ellesblossomboutique.etsy.com

Bay Bee Cakes

Yesterday was one of my friend's baby shower and I ordered a delicious treat to take along. Cupcakes have been seen almost everywhere recently, and I've seen more incredible looking ones each time. I found out about these cupcakes from Bay Bee Cakes and thought it was a total must-have at the next occasion. Not only are the cupcakes adorable looking, but everything is out of chocolate and fondant. From the frosting to the decorations that sit on top, each bite is delish! The theme of these cupcakes to the left were centered around a bath-tub theme. The top of the cupcakes were beautifully decorated with bubbles, rolled up towels, and soaps. They did an amazing job with the details in the decorations by touching it up with glitter and sparkles. What makes these cupcakes so wonderful aside from the taste, is all the stares and reactions from the beauty and presentation when placed on a table.

I definitely recommend this work of art for your next party or occasion. Bay Bee cakes also has cakes, chocolates, and party favors that are just as gorgeous and yummy. I guarantee you these cupcakes will receive mouth-watering gazes from everyone.

Bay Bee Cakes
http://www.bay-beecakes.com/
(626) 628-6133


Contact:
ani@bay-beecakes.com
or
epie@bay-beecakes.com

The Yellow Balloon!

We all know our kids can sometimes make it difficult to get haircuts. This cute and fun children's hair styling salon makes getting a haircut an adventure! In an environment that offers free balloons, popcorn machine, a large play area with a mini-arcade and toy boxes at each salon chair, your child will be entertained while getting his or her haircut!


The Yellow Balloon has had over 25 years experience of making kids look adorable!
Baby's First Haircut includes a picture w/frame, certificate and lock of hair.

*Mention 818moms.com and receive a 10% discount.

Call to book you next appointment (818) 760-7141

http://www.theyellowballoon.com/



The Yellow Balloon
12448 Ventura Blvd,
Studio City, CA 91604

cakes-on-a-stick

I recently was at a birthday party and I came across one of the most unique ideas for a party favors. Aside from the typical cakes seen at birthday parties, this new style was definitely eye-catching and refreshing. These are delicious cakes-on-a-stick molded by hand. The center is a yummy strawberry cake filling, with a crunchy, white chocolate outer shell decorated to perfection. These make great party favors or treats for your next celebration! Enjoy them individually wrapped or set on a decorated platform.

Keep these refrigerated until you are ready to take bite of this blissful treat.

To place your order contact Mania at

(818) 913-1822

Bonjour Bebe

Bonjour Bebe is a posh and trendy boutique for kids of all ages. I was able to meet the store owner Downey, who was more than happy to assist me and find what I was looking for. The way the boutique is set up gives you a feel of an actual little store you would find in Europe. What I liked most about this boutique was the European designers. The products they carry include Ben Sherman, Kingsley, Coco Bonbons, and even organic brands. The prices were my favorite part of this boutique in particular! They were very affordable for the look and style of the clothing offered. Also, I found adorable must-have hair accessories for girls, which is my favorite touch to dressing up my baby girl. Overall, Bonjour Bebe is a lovely little place where you are bound to find perfect clothing or shoes for your little ones! Here is a precious Coco Bonbons dress I bought for my princess for only 35 dollars.

Super-Sweet cupcake print dress features a criss cross back and two almost edible cupcake appliqués on the front.

Bonjour Bebe

919 S Glendale Ave,

Glendale , CA 91205

(818) 241-1818 (818) 241-1818

www.bonjourbebe818.com

Lil Jewel's Boutique Children's Apparel

Today, I finally had a chance to stop by Lil Jewel's Boutique in Burbank. Wow, what a cute store! They have all the latest fashion for kids, not what you would find at a typical department store. If you're looking to buy a gift or shop for your own kids, this is the place to go. Yana, the store owner, is absolutely awesome and very helpful. I definitely recommend all the moms out there to stop by and check out all the latest stuff for kids.

1515A San Fernando Rd.

Burbank, CA 91202

818-556-KIDS

Looking for a stroller? Check out our Trendy Tots section for our top 5 favorite strollers.