Guide to Online Shopping for Kids

It's holiday season and I would like to share with you my top five picks for unique and trendy items for your kids.  Here are my top five websites:

#5 -Bargainchildrensclothing.com


Bargain Children's Clothing is a perfect place for the mom on the budget.  You can find cute clothes for your little ones without breaking the bank.  They offer clothes and accessories in all sizes for both boys and girls.  The clothing options are definitely unique and you can even find items for under $10.  If you are looking for a new cost effective and adorable option for your child, then head over to Bargain Children's Clothing!


#4 - Zulily.com

 Zulily offers a variety of products from a variety of well known brands.  They have daily sales events so you always have to check to see what they have.  The savings are great and you can save up to 90% off of retail prices.  The clothes, accessories, toys, and decor are super stylish and cute. It is a great place to check for deals on holiday items. Head over to Zulily to check out what they have today!

#3 -Skechers

Skechers is the go to place for unique and adorable shoes. They offer shoes for kids and adults and they come in a variety of styles. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd while remaining stylish, head over to Skechers.

#2 -  Wittlebee

Wittlebee is a unique kids clothing club. They offer adorable clothes for a fraction of what you would pay at your local mall. So how does it work? First, you sign up on Wittlebee.com. Give a few details about your child and how you dress them and then place your order. You will then receive a box of clothes for your child with a retail value of over $100, every month. You don't have to do anything else! It's that simple! Just place your order and wait for your box! Wittle Bee carries sizes 0-6 for both boys and girls. Make your life easier and put your kids clothes on autopilot! Order today at Wittlebee.com and receive $10 off of your first order! It's like having a personal stylist!

#1 - Tea Collection

Tea Collection clothes are unique and authentically inspired with artistic inspiration of global destination. The newest holiday collection is inspired by Nordic design. On this site you can find adorable and durable clothes for your precious little ones. They offer clothes from newborn to 12 years. (Mommy's, you can even pick up a little something for yourself while you are their!) These clothes are stylish, trendy and easy to mix and match. If you are looking for clothes that are fun and modern, then Tea Collection is your place. Now through 12/31/2012 you can Buy 1 Newborn Layette Collection Outfit (Boys or Girls) and get the 2nd free (Offer only valid with the Newborn Layette Collection). Click here for that offer Tea Collection and use code: BABYBOGO
Tea's Facebook page -->
For some of my special picks from these sites, follow me on pinterest! Happy Shopping!

*CM Deal Alert* - Toys R Us - Backpacks

Toys R Us is having a sale on backpacks. When you purchase a backpack for 12.99 and up, you get a lunch container (value, 9.99 and under) FREE. Also, if you bring in a used backpack, you will get 20% off your purchase! Head over to your local Toys R Us today. Sale good from 7/1/12 - 7/7/12.

Quick Healthy Snacks for Kids

With childhood obesity being so prominent in our society, many parents are wondering what kinds of foods to serve their children. Here are a few quick and healthy snacks that your children will enjoy. They can even assist in the preparation!


1. Ants on a Log
This is a fun and easy snack to make with the kids. All you need is celery, peanut butter, and raisins. First wash and cut the celery stalks into bite size logs. The spread the peanut butter. The final step is placing the ants on the log. Place the raisins on top of the peanut butter. You now have a fun and healthy snack that your kids will love!

2. Fresh Fruit
You may not think that your kids will eat it, but fruit is sweet. Kids love sweet! It also comes in many colors and textures. Find the fruit that is right for your child and serve it to them as a healthy snack!

3. Peanut Butter Crackers
This is also a quick snack for the kids to help make. Just two crackers with peanut butter in the middle. Serve with a glass of cold milk (or Silk) and let your kids enjoy!

4. Quesadilla
This is one that my kids love! All you need is a tortilla and some cheese. To jazz it up you can add some salsa. This can be made in a skillet or on your trusty George Foreman Grill. Takes less than five minutes to prepare. Just be sure to let it cool before the kiddies take a bite!

5. Smoothie
This is fun and quick. All you need is yogurt, juice, and your child's favorite fruit. If the fruit is not frozen you may want to add a few ice cubes for a more slushy texture. Just pop these items in the blender and you have yourself a smoothie. Serve with a twisty straw and the kids will love it!

Hope you enjoy these quick and healthy snacks! Leave some of your favorite snacks in the comments section!

Balancing Act: How to Balance Your Life!

Ever feel like you are juggling too many things? Finding it hard to balance
everything? Here are a few tips that may help you organize your life.

Tip #1: Prioritize
Many times you have a list of things to do that is a mile long. You can't do it all at once therefore you much prioritize. Organize your items in order of importance. This may be by date, urgency, need etc. Whatever the criteria, your list must be prioritized.

Tip #2: Don't Stress
This is easier said than done. Stressing is one of the first ways many people cope with having too much on their plate. Just think, is stressing going to solve your problem? The answer is, no! Dealing with the task at hand will solve your problem!

Tip #3: Get Organized
Getting organized is very important. Chaos breeds more chaos. Get your home and yourself organized. Try creating a home binder that will help you keep track of everything that goes on in the home. You may put your grocery list, coupons, schedules, medical records, pet information, car maintenance etc. in this binder.

Tip #4: Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your life. Don't try to do everything at once. Give all of your tasks a specific amount of time. Make sure to figure in some rest time because you won't be able to tackle your load without it!

Tip #5: Let's Sweat!
Stay healthy. A rigorous schedule requires a healthy body. That means the proper balance of diet, fitness, and rest. I know you are saying, "My schedule is already loaded, how am I going to put exercise in there too?" Going back to tip #1, Prioritize. YOU should be at the top of your priority list. That includes allowing some time to workout. Mother's tend to put themselves last on the list of priorities (I know, I am guilty of it as well). We have to start valuing ourselves. Cause when you think about it, if we don't take care of ourselves and get sick, who is gonna take care of that massive list of things?

Tip #6: Master Procrastinator!
Don't procrastinate! Putting things off until the last minute will only make matters worse. By putting it off, you are constantly thinking about it, therefore stressing, while letting something else arise that needs to be added to your list of things. If it's in front of you to do, get it done! You will thank yourself later!

Hopefully these tips can help you to regain control over your life and give you time for what is really important!

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Bedtime Wars: Getting the Kids to Bed!

Does getting your child to bed seem like a daunting task? It doesn't have to be. Try some of the tips below to assist you in your bed time war!

Tip #1: Create a Routine and Follow it!
Children are creatures of habit. They love watching the same movie over and over. They love the same bedtime story night after night. They even request the same snacks day in and day out. Bedtime is no different. Create your routine and stick to it every night! You will notice that your child will no longer protest (or at least not as much).

Tip #2: Feed and Conquer!
Children always try to find any excuse not to go to bed. Make sure they eat a nice dinner about 2 hours before bedtime. You will notice that they are satisfied and won't complain. And remember, sugar is your enemy! No sugar after 5pm is my motto! That way it has time to get through their system.

Tip #3: Where's my Rubber Ducky?

Warm baths are very soothing. Make sure your child takes a nice warm bath before bed. Let them play a little! This process gets any last need to play out (hopefully). It also relaxes them and gets their bodies ready for slumber.

Tip #4: Comfy PJ's
Make sure that their pajamas are comfortable. Whether its warm and soft or cool and free, just make sure that your little person finds them comfortable. Don't put them in feeted pajamas if they don't like it. They will just protest.

Tip #5: Who Turned Out the Light?
Darkness promotes sleep. If your child is afraid of the dark, let them pick out a cool night light that they love. Make it fun! This way they will beg you to cut the light off just to see their new cool night light glow in the dark.

Tip #6: No Play Zone!
All activities leading up to bed time should be calming. No wild jumping on the bed or wrestling or any other physically or mentally stimulating activities. Think zen.

Tip # 7: The Princess (or Prince) and the Pea.
Make sure their bed is nice and cozy. Whatever that means to your child. Whether its with lots of pillows and a thick blanket or no cover at all. Whatever it is, let your child's sleeping place be specially tailored to their wants and desires. After all they will be spending many hours there getting their beauty rest!

Hope these tips help you to get your little angel off to slumber land! Also, here are some products that you might find useful!

Winter Crafts

During this time of year, it is fun to do arts and crafts with the kids. One fun idea is a gingerbread house. The kids will love getting messy and creative while constructing their master piece. There are kits available at various stores. I bought one for my kids at Walmart for $9. I will upload pictures to let you all know how it turned out. Any of you building gingerbread houses this year?

WELCOME

Welcome to The Cosmopolitan Mommy.  My goal is to create a place where moms can come to "hang out" on the web.  I will offer you information about all things concerning us mommy's.  Feel free to comment on things that you would like to see on this blog! I look forward to chatting with all of you!