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Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.
contents 26
features
departments
Marshmallows and Memories . . . . . .9 PJ Dominic shares his camp experience. Plus, tips on keeping in touch with your camper while he’s away!
Book Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 By Theresa Martus
Exploration and Celebration . . . . . .11
Ask the Therapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
By Sarah Newman Unique summer camp encourages girls who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and math.
By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC
Fun fête! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
A peek at must-have fashion and products.
Get ready to plan the birthday party of your child’s dreams.
Fit Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
The secret to handling your child's sleepover anxiety.
Little Ones Loves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Empower your kids with these family-friendly races.
A Mom’s Guide to Party Planning . .16 By Stacy Cacciatore
Carolina Cuties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Check out these recommendations for what to leave to the party pros and what to do yourself.
Starring local little ones, as themselves . . .
The Sweetest Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
16
By Renee Roberson Mandie Miller provides birthday cakes to critically ill children in Charlotte.
Down on Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 By Renee Roberson Read about Concord’s charming historic district and entertainment options.
Sibling Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 By Sara Kendall Are your children constantly at odds with one another? Learn how to peacefully resolve even the toughest conflicts.
New Allergy Drops Offer an Alternative to Traditional Allergy Treatments . . .32 CornerStone Ear Nose & Throat describes how patients can be closer to being free of shots in this advertiser spotlight.
Ready to Give Babywearing a Try? 34 By Bonnie Stafford How babywearing works and which carrier is best for your needs.
Consignment in Bloom . . . . . . . . . . .38 Mark your calendar for these consignment sales all over the city!
4
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30
cover: Aaden is a 4 1/2-year-old little boy with a great sense of humor. He’s a second child of Sonny and Thuy Nguyen. Aaden enjoys swimming, doing his Tae Kwon Do, singing and dancing. He loves playing and riding his bike outside with his big sister Allyson.
Photo by Julie Staley, Old South Studios
TREATING PEOPLE WELL IS WHERE WE EXCEL FOR OVER 50 YEARS... SERVING LKN AREA SINCE 1961 139-151 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC 28115
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Enjoy E njoy a summer summe er science science adventure adventure e xploring color, colorr, chemis cchemistry try and cool cool sstuff tu uff exploring that will be sur e tto o gget et kids fir ed up about out that sure fired scienc e, nature natu ure and d technology. technolo h l gy. science,
SPECIAL MEMBER DISCOUNTS disc o ver yplac e . org discoveryplace.org 3301 01 N T Tryon ryon S Stt l C Charlotte harlotte NC 28 28202 202 l 704.372.6261 704.372.62 6261 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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renee & kerrie
Volume 9: Issue 41 Publisher
Sharon Simpson
Sales Executive
Beth Packard With February now upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about things I love— both serious and silly things, but things that bring a smile to my face nonetheless. I love and cherish my friends and family. I love my home. I love that I have a career that allows me to write every single day. I love my dog and all his quirks. I love that at ages 8 and 10, my kids aren’t afraid to work hard and explore their passions. On a lighter note, I love coffee with a capital “L.” I love celebrity gossip magazines. I love food, especially comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken and dumplings and sea salt dark chocolate caramels from Trader Joe’s. I love listening to music, especially when I’m in the car by myself. I love browsing through thrift stores and finding old copies of books I read as a teenager. Sometimes I think we forget that showing love doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as small as telling your child you love her right before she drifts off to sleep at night or giving your spouse a long hug at the end of the day. Sometimes the smallest gestures are the most meaningful ones. Because of this, I was so excited when one of our writers proposed an idea to write about sibling love in honor of Valentine’s Day. I grew up as an only child and can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my own kids how lucky they are to have one another. I still have days where I’m overwhelmed with stress and wish I had a brother or sister to pick up the phone and chat with. If you’re struggling with squabbling children in your house and are looking for a more harmonious resolution, be sure to check out our article “Sibling Love” on page 26, where you’ll also find adorable photos of siblings all over Charlotte. Speaking of adorable, you might have noticed our cover looks a little different this month. On New Year’s Eve, we met and photographed scores of gorgeous children as part of our cover contest. You’ll find the winner, Aaden, on the cover, and more finalists in this issue on page 22. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated! This contest reinforces our goal of keeping this publication strictly dedicated to featuring the stories and families of Charlotte and Charlotte alone. We’ve got some exciting new sections in the magazine this year that we hope you’ll enjoy, such as “Flavorful Finds” and “Small Town, Big City.” If you have any other topics you’d like see articles on, please feel free to drop me a line at renee@littleonesmagazine.com. I’d love to hear your ideas!
&
Editor
Renee Roberson Creative Director & Co-Founder
Kerrie Boys 6
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Sales Executive
Trisha Robinson
Sales Executive
April Rozzelle-Woolford
Social Media Director
Michele Chastain mac21268@yahoo.com
Contributing Photographers
Photography by Chanda Old South Studios Sales Staff Photos by
Michael C. Hernandez, Capture Happy Contributing Writers Stacy Cacciatore Sara Kendall Theresa Martus Sarah Newman Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC Kiran Dodeja Smith Bonnie Stafford
• • • • • • • • Contact Us:
p: 704.677.9159 | f: 1.888.887.1431 P.O. Box 1676 Cornelius, NC 28031 www.littleonesmagazine.com info@littleonesmagazine.com Copyright 2013 by MediaAdventure, LLC Little Ones Magazine is published six times per year. Little Ones Magazine cannot assume responsibility of statements made by advertisers. In addition, though editorial pieces are heavily researched, Little Ones Magazine cannot guarantee their accuracy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission from the publisher.
An active celebration is fun and teaches great life habits. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sweat the event, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make it a piece of cake! Choose from: s 3WIMMING s "IRTHDAY "OOTCAMP s :UMBA s "ASKETBALL s 3CUBA $IVING s (IP (OP $ANCE 0ARTY s (IGH $IVING !DVENTURE s 3YNCHRONIZED 3WIMMING s $ODGEBALL +ICKBALL s 9OU CAN ASK ABOUT A CUSTOM DESIGNED lTNESS PARTY TOO Visit & Like Us On Facebook 9HUKRHII 'U Â&#x2021; +XQWHUVYLOOH Â&#x2021; Our Offical Healthcare Sponsor
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book corner
Time to Love Your Library By Theresa “Tree” Martus, Children’s Manager, South County Regional
a
visit to the library is a chance for you to create a lifetime of possibilities with your child. It’s a place where you can not only spend quality time with your little ones, but also nurture their natural sense of wonder. Visiting the library with a child is one way to spark a lifetime love of reading, and show him that incredible possibilities exist through learning and imagination. In February we celebrate Love Your Library Month and I encourage you to explore all the library has to offer. With story times for the youngest children, special activities for all ages, and a summer reading program for ages birth to adult—it is easy to see why so many love the library. There are 20 library locations in Mecklenburg County, so there is likely a library near you. And in an age of smart phones and tablets, your library is also just a click away. Download our handy mobile app to quickly find and reserve books, discover programs, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Are you looking for the next great story to share with your child or grandchild? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers two amazing tools for parents of young children on our web site—BookHive and Storyplace.
Read to my child
Reading to Reading to your your young young child child is one of the most most important things ings y ou can do to to prepare prepare your your o little one ffor or a lif etime of learning. ning. you lifetime Visit cmlibrary.org Visit cmlibrary.org to to find d children's children's reading reading rrecommendations ecommendations t and gr group oup sstorytimes torytimes a att a library library near you. you.
(704) 416-0101 6-0101 | cmlibrary.org
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BookHive is dedicated to children ages birth to twelve. It provides reader’s advisory and book recommendations for an array of reading levels and interests. Each month, new reviews written by library staff are added, highlighting the latest finds and classic favorites. With over 3,000 reviews organized in searchable categories, your child’s next favorite book is just a click away. Visit this award-winning website at cmlibrary.org/bookhive. Storyplace provides outstanding interactive content for children. Named one of the American Library Association’s Best Websites for Children, Storyplace is a bilingual, online library for preschool and elementary children that brings the world of books and stories alive. At Storyplace, you can find reading lists for preschoolers, online stories featuring fun animated characters, and printable activities. Find it at cmlibrary.org/storyplace. During Love Your Library Month, visit Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with your child and explore all that it offers. The shelves are filled with exciting reads for children including the titles below. Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? by George Shannon (2013) It is easy to reach a hand in the cookie jar and pull out a delicious treat, but have you ever wondered where the cookies come from? In this sweet picture book full of bright colors lies a beautiful message that connects each person in every country through the creation of a simple cookie. Many hands working together from near and far put a cookie in a jar so that “one can take it out.” I Will Keep You Safe and Sound by Lori Haskins Houran (2013) We love our little ones and want nothing more than to keep them safe and sound. This charming picture book filled with soft, pastel illustrations of animal mothers and babies shares in gentle, rhyming text the constant reassurance, that no matter what may happen, “I will keep you safe and sound.” Snack Time for Confetti by Kali Stileman (2013) Confetti, the polka-dotted bird sits on his branch feeling really really hungry! But what will he eat? Maybe Confetti should try the leaves that the giraffe loves...”Yuck!” Maybe Confetti should try the fruits that elephant likes? “Yuck!” Confetti really doesn’t want to know what crocodile likes. What do you think Confetti might like to eat… I bet it will make you say “Yuck!”
photo by Olivia Boys
marshmallows and memories PJ Dominic shares his summer camp experience
What camp did you attend? Camp Thunderbird When did you attend summer camp? August 2013 How long were you at camp? Five nights and six days; Sunday through Friday. How did you hear about your camp? From neighbors and friends who had been to it and had fun. What were some of your favorite activities at camp? Outdoor living skills, archery, and water sports. We did two activities a day. Water activities in the morning and land activities in the afternoon. We chose our activities from a list. What advice would you give to children going away to camp for the first time? Do not be afraid. Camp is fun and you will make a lot of new friends! What city do you live in? Charlotte How old are you? I was 9 1/2 when I was at camp. I am now 10. > > >
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Fun
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AT CAMP PREP
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Tips for keeping in touch with your camper CHARLOTTE PREPARATORY SCHOOL JOIN US FOR SUMMER FUN! Adventures available in robotics, music, reading and writing, sports, cooking, art, and more! Morning and afternoon sessions are available.
Whether your child is attending a sleepaway camp just outside the city of Charlotte or heading to a different part of the state, keeping in touch with campers is a very important part of the camp experience. Pemi Dominic, mother of PJ, says she was able to send her son daily emails, which were printed out and given to PJ each day at breakfast. She was also able to keep track of PJ’s daily activities through photos posted at Camp Thunderbird’s website. The American Camp Association (ACA) emphasizes letter writing as a great means of communication because, in today’s current world of electronic and instant communication, it helps preserve the unique memory of time spent at camp and helps keep handwriting skills strong. Here a few other tips from the ACA:
WWW.CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG/CAMPPREP
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YOUR CHILD WILL BE Healthier • Safer • Smarter
ENROLL TODAY 704.341.9673 • info@charlotteaquatics.com
www.charlotteaquatics.com 10
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• Give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards so that he or she can keep you informed of camp activities. • Send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives. This lets young campers know that the family is thinking about them, assures campers that parents know they are having a good time, and expresses enthusiasm for the camp’s activities. • Many camps offer families the opportunity to check in using technology to post photos and video of daily activities to camp Web sites. In some instances, parents may be able to send an email to the camper that is printed out and delivered with the regular mail. It’s important for families to always check with the camp director prior to camp to get the scoop on policies — from what electronics are allowed at camp to correspondences with home.
exploration & celebration
By Sarah Newman
Girls tap into their passion for science at unique summer camp ccording to the U.S. Department of Commerce, although women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold less than 25 percent of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs. A few of the contributing factors to this discrepancy include: a lack of female role models, gender stereotyping and less familyfriendly flexibility in the STEM fields. Former NASCAR Foundation Executive Director and Dilworth mom Sandy Marshall founded Project Scientist to fulfill an unmet need in the community for a strong STEM educational camp for girls and a national need for more women in STEM fields. “The idea to create Project Scientist stemmed from my desire to provide better opportunities for my two young daughters and other girls in the Charlotte
community,” says Marshall. “We carefully designed our curriculum based on proven national research. By looking at the factors that affect a girl’s perception of ‘who is a scientist’ and ‘what does a scientist do,’ we developed a pipeline for girls that nurtures their growth over the course of their educational experience. Our goal is not only to create a national model to foster today’s women scientists who will lead the world in solving tomorrow’s greatest problems, but also to provide valuable research about girls’ education to the greater STEM community.” Project Scientist Academy brings together like-minded girls who enjoy exploring through the sciences and celebrating their accomplishments. Class sizes are kept at approximately 15 girls and run by a highly selective Project
Scientist Fellow and female STEM students. Through hands on exploration, education and career counseling, mentoring and internships, Project Scientist helps girls discover the endless opportunities available to them and acquire the leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s STEM environments. In order to help girls visualize what it would be like to work in an actual science setting, camp is held in a real-life labs at Queens University of Charlotte. This year’s camp for girls ages 4-12 will run five weeks from July 7 to Aug. 8. For more information or to register today, visit ProjectScientist.org and follow facebook.com/ProjectScientist and twitter.com/ProjScientist. To speak with a Project Scientist representative, contact 704.363.6411 or email projectscientistorg@gmail.com.
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Charlotte is full of great options when planning your party, big or small!
hildren grow up fast, and as they grow, their interests evolve, too. Because of this, planning a party for your child is bound to look different from year to year. While she might have been have been all about princesses just a few years ago, this year she might tap dance her way into the role of dancing queen! Or perhaps you have a racing enthusiast who just wants to spend a few hours going full throttle with gokarts and a few of his buddies, followed by some quality time in an adjoining arcade or batting cage? With so many websites and television shows focused on crafting and entertainment, there are plenty of birthday party ideas to go around, and we have tips to help you decide how to make the most out of party treats, photos, invitations and entertainment. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also compiled a great list of fun places perfectly tailored to help your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next birthday party be the best one yet (at least until next year)!
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Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss Bead Haven Bead Shop offers fun and affordable Birthday and Private Parties for adults and children during our regular hours of 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday thru Saturday. After-hours private parties are available upon request Monday thru Saturday evenings. Saturday parties are generally booked three or more weeks in advance while after hours parties a month in advance. Parties are planned according to age, skill levelexperience, and budget. Please call for reservations, 704-746-9278. For information on party projects see our Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party page at: www.aintmissbeadhaven.com/birthday-privateparties/parties-for-children/
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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where birthday parties are wild by nature! Customize your experience or choose from one of the packages set to engage your 3 to 7-year-old. Included in all packages: Museum admission, the birthday cake, refreshments, favors, an expert host and all the cleanup! New themes and live animal add-on options now available. Visit www.charlottenaturemuseum.org/visit/birthday_parties or call 704.372.6261 x300 to find out more.
"+ '. *0 $ Discovery Place Birthday Parties are loaded with fun for a variety of ages. Kids can go nose-to-fin with cool critters,
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Celebrate your birthday with a jewelry making party at Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss Bead Haven Bead Shop!
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13
create cosmetics, learn magic or even how to glow in the dark and much more. And, with no setup or cleanup for the grown-ups, everyone can focus on having fun. New themes and live animal add-on options now available. Explosive. Educational. Extraordinary. Visit www.discoveryplace.org/visit/birthday_parties.
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Pick from a “Super Duper” or with a “Cherry on Top!” party package for ages 2-7. Parties include Museum admission and a Party Pal to host the fun. Lots of add-on options available including cupcakes and party favor backpacks. Little ones will love the location; parents will love being able to be a part of all of it. Get the full scoop at www.discoveryplacekids.or/visit/birthday_parties.
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Choose from a multitude of birthday themes. Kids of all ages can enjoy pool, basketball, fitness boot camp or a Zumba Dance Party! Or create your own theme with our birthday party coordinator to fit the active desires of your birthday girl or boy. HFFA insures your birthday celebration will be a stress-free experience by assigning you a birthday party coordinator during your stay who can assist you with anything you need. Let Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics worry about the invitations, decorations, drinks. We’ll even take care of the pizza if you’d like. Pick your party activity and give us a call at 704.766.2222 or visit www.hffa.com for more information.
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No worries on the weather – the temperature is always perfect in the water at Charlotte Aquatics. And what child doesn’t love a good pool party? The chlorine-free pool can be yours for the afternoon for your child to host his friends where they can swim to their hearts’ content. Your private party will include full reign of the pool along with lifeguards to ensure safety; customize your day by bringing your own food and drinks, sweets and treats. Call 704.341.9673 or visit www.charlotteaquatics.com.
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charlottenaturemuseum.org charlo ttenatu uremuseum.org 1658 16 58 S Sterling terling Rd Rd l Charlotte Charlotte NC 28209 28209 l 704.372.6261 704.372.6261
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It's glamour at your service! This event design boutique specializes in stylish parties for kids with a wide variety of fun custom party themes to choose from. Guests will be transformed with themes such as: 80s Rock Stars, Real Life Princess Magic, My Dolly and Me, It’s T-Shirt Time, Spa Glam, Funky Feather and Shimmer Tinsel and much more! Have Your own party theme in mind? Let them know and they will create your Glendi Glam memories to last a lifetime! Services are hosted at 11100 Suite O Monroe Road in Matthews. Choose from beauty, food and photography add-on services to make the party complete. Visit www.glendiglam.com or call 980.224.3394 for more information.
Photos by Chrissy Winchester Photography
a smashing
good time mash cakes are all the rage when it comes to first birthday parties, and who doesn’t love a photo of baby diving into a cute and colorful miniature cake? To make the most of smash cake photos, consider these tips, provided by Chrissy Winchester of Chrissy Winchester Photography: The most important item needed for a cake smash session is the cake itself. Here are some guidelines when thinking about your cake: • Lighter cakes (off-whites, yellows) photograph much, much better than darker ones and look more appropriate smeared on a baby’s face. • Sprinkles, stripes, and colored accents look fabulous on camera—try selecting a cake with interesting decorations. • Cupcakes are less intimidating than full cakes and can produce results that are equally as cute. Some smash sessions only last a few minutes while others may take more time. Ideally, baby will dig right into the cake and go all out, but more often than not, he may need a little nudge from mom or dad. Sometimes baby won’t interact with the cake at all, and having a parent there to engage and encourage can make a world of difference. It is likely that your photographer will have plenty of cleanup supplies on-hand, but be sure to bring an extra set of clothing for your little one and some extra wipes. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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What to DIY and What to Leave to the Pros
ith sites like Pinterest brimming with do-it-yourself ideas to online party planning tools, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to host a party with little outside help. However, there are some things that are better left to the experts. I spoke with a few local moms who shared their tips for what they do themselves and what they outsource to help you plan a party that guests love without stressing you out.
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The Invite: Gone is the day of expensive paper invitations sent by snail mail. There’s no need to pay for expensive paper invites when you can create cute, personalized invitations in minutes for free. Though Evite set the stage for online invitations, don’t rule out the competition, such as Smilebox, Punchbowl and Paperless Post. Smilebox allows you to customize cards with photos and videos. All of these tools also allow for sharing on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Entertainment: For a children’s party, bringing in a professional entertainer can make the difference between happy children and cries of “I’m bored” after a round of pinthe-tail on the donkey and a harrowing battle with the piñata. My son’s favorite birthday party was when Spiderman came and taught him how to shoot webs. Leave the entertainment to the professionals and avoid your spouse making balloon animals that look like your lower intestine.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Venue: “If I could only afford to outsource one thing, it would be the venue,” says Deborah Sexton of Charlotte. “I hosted my daughter’s wedding reception and made all of the food and even decorated myself, but I rented a facility for the event because it was less stress.” Hosting a party in one’s home can be an intimate experience, but it can also be stressful. When renting a facility make sure you ask about any extra fees, parking, cleanup and space so you can ensure that the venue meets your needs.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Décor: Pinterest can provide a plethora of ideas for party décor. You can find ideas for every possible occasion. Some of the projects are simple, such as a folding a vintage music sheet into a place setting for guests. Other projects require…a bit more skill, hence the comic site
www.epicpinterestfail.com. Sometimes seemingly simple ideas can turn terribly wrong. For those of us who are less crafty, myself included, considering using Etsy for beautifully handcrafted party supplies.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Aftermath: At the end of a beautiful evening when the last guest has gone home, you close the door and look at your kitchen in disgust. Lipstick-rimmed wine glasses perch on the bar, half empty plates of hors d’oeuvres sit on the table and crumbs litter the floor. You enjoyed the company, but don’t enjoy the mess it leaves behind. Instead of spending the rest of the evening scrubbing down your house, hire outside help. Angie’s List is a great resource for finding reliable professional household help.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Whether you decide to do everything yourself, outsource it all or use a combination of both, make sure to enjoy your time at the party. After all, a memorable party is based on the people and connections you make rather than the flowers in your vase. Stacy Cacciatore lives in Fort Mill with her husband and two children. She is the author of Lunch, by me, Guilt-free Cupcakes, Candy Around the World and Culinary Duct Tape. You can find her at www.stacycacciatore.com. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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Mandie Miller gives back by donating birthday cakes to critically ill children By Renee Roberson Photos by Old South Studios
Want to help? Would you like to join the 151 volunteer "sugar angels" in North Carolina? You don't have to be a baker to help. While Icing Smiles utilizes volunteers to make cakes, cupcakes, cookies and group treats, they also need people to work in administrative positions, do photography and deliver cakes to the kids. They are also interested in finding more qualified kids' faces to put an Icing Smile on. For more information, visit www.icingsmiles.org.
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Mandie Miller with five of her Icing Smiles recipients
few years ago, Tracy Quisenberry, a licensed CPA and mother of two who lives in the Baltimore, MD area, got the idea for a national nonprofit organization that could provide custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child. In 2010, Icing Smiles delivered its first cake to a 6-year-child battling brain cancer. According to their website, the goal of Icing Smiles is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;create a custom cake for the ill child, or their siblings, that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time.â&#x20AC;?
Homes & Gardens, Life & Style, and even on “The Today Show” with Katie Couric. Visit her website at www.gotwhatitcakes.com. In January, she opened up her own storefront in downtown Pineville, where she consults with brides hiring her to create their wedding cakes and also offers cakes by the slice in a variety of flavors. We recently chatted with Mandie about how she successfully turned her hobby into a full-fledged business and how she got involved with Icing Smiles. How long have you been baking cakes? Can you give us an idea of how you got started? I’ve been doing it since my oldest turned 1, and she turns 8 this year! But officially, I’ve been running Got What It Cakes for almost five years. I wanted a cool cake for Bella’s first
Photo by Photography by Chanda
These days, Icing Smiles (www.icingsmiles.org) calls on 4,900 plus volunteer “sugar angels” all over the United States to provide those cakes (the organization can receive up to 52 new cake requests per week). One of those “sugar angels” is Mandie Miller, a Charlotte-area caker and mother of two daughters who taught herself how to bake and decorate cakes when her youngest child turned a year old. She soon found herself baking cakes for friends and family as gifts and eventually launched her business, Got What it Cakes, out of her home. She’s been featured in numerous local and national media outlets, including Redbook, The New York Times, Better
birthday, but knew I couldn’t afford it, so I learned how to make it. Thank you, YouTube, and online tutorials! One thing led to another, and I found myself making them for friends and family as gifts. When demand got to be so great that I was spending too much money for it to be a hobby, I launched GWIC. I had a 2 1/2-year-old, and an 8-week-old, but I just thought, there's no time like the present! How did you get involved with Icing Smiles? I saw a post about it on Facebook from my friends, Kara and Jaime, who were both cakers in different parts of the U.S. If they were behind this idea, then I knew it was a good thing. So I instantly wrote the founder and asked what I could do. I signed up as a volunteer and was placed with my first cake very quickly. I had always done a ton of charity work, but this was the first cake specific one! I loved the idea that we not only donated cakes to the critically ill child, but also to their siblings. Often times the sibling can get lost in the shuffle because so much time gets dedicated to the sick child. This way no one feels left out. What was the first cake you donated to the organization? It was for the sibling of a little boy with liver cancer. Yazmeen was an amazing big sister to her two brothers, one named Michael, who was fighting for his life. She saw things a 16-yearold never should have to, but she had such grace and incredible faith though it all. I did her Sweet 16 cake, which had a music theme! She was truly surprised, and extremely grateful...and we’re still friends to this day. I am close with her whole family too, and I’m thrilled to say Michael is in remission! What is your favorite part of working with Icing Smiles? I love getting to give back through cake. I never felt like I had a tangible talent growing up. But through cakes, I have a tangible way to touch lots of people’s lives. And when it comes to a critical child, and the fact that this may be their last birthday cake, it puts things in perspective for me. That simply I’m grateful. I’m grateful I have a talent to give. I’m grateful to have
healthy children. I’m grateful that all five of my Icing Smiles kids are here and thriving! Can you give us an idea of how you get the inspiration for so many of your cake designs? I LOVE patterns, so I always ask to see the invitations, the fabrics used, the bride’s dress, party decor, and more when I am coming up with design. I want the cake to be cohesive with the overall design of the event, so I ask for color swatches, Pinterest boards, and more when working with a client. I have a background in interior design, and there are so many similarities between the fields...design, construction, color, pattern, composition, etc. It just works! You’ve been commissioned to create birthday cakes for the children of several local celebrities. Can you tell us a little about those cakes? I made Fantasia’s daughter’s cake for a party that was filmed for her show on VH1...it was a 3D rhino, and was delivered to Lazy 5 ranch. I’ve made a cake for Bravo’s Andy Cohen, when he was in Charlotte for a charity gig. I teamed up with my friend, Heather, who owns Cupcrazed on that one. I’ve made a cake for Emily Maynard’s daughter, when she was filming “The Bachelorette”.
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cover contest! hile Radio Disney Charlotte was having their Noon Year’s Eve Celebration just down the escalator, Little Ones Magazine and Julie Staley with Old South Studios held a Cover Contest in Dillard’s Northlake’s children’s department. We had so much fun, and the decision was a hard one. We all chose our finalists from the shoot, and Aaden had the most “votes” from our staff. He is a sweet boy who was ready to cruise away in the red truck provided by Mooresville Ford. Thanks to all of you who came out to participate! We love ALL of your little ones. Make sure you find us on Facebook so you can find out about other fun events in the future!
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Trinity
McKensie
Aubrie
Weston
Isabella Liam
Thank you for making our event a success!
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small town, big city
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Concord boasts a thriving historic district in addition to shopping and entertainment By Renee Roberson Photos by Brandy with Photography by Chanda
n a metro area as large and expansive as Charlotte, chances are there are many surrounding towns you and your family has yet to visit. The city of Concord, located just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, could even be one of them. While the city might be more well known for its shopping and entertainment attractions such as Concord Mills, Great Wolf Lodge, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, Historic Downtown Concord has also become a popular spot for both visitors and local residents. A Quiet Charm Away from the hustle and bustle of Speedway Boulevard, Historic Concord spans two city blocks and brings its own unique brand of charm, which has garnered attention on both a national and regional level. For many years in the 1970s and 1980s, however, this part of 24
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Concord struggled after Belk Department Store moved from downtown to Carolina Mall. In the late 1980s the Downtown Concord Revitalization Committee pursued participation in the North Carolina Main Street Program, a downtown revitalization program administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. After many years of efforts, the area is now thriving with its unique and vital business district and retail economy. This past summer, The North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association presented Concord with the “2013 North Carolina Great Main Street Award.” If you live in the Charlotte area but haven’t visited this quaint part of Concord yet, you’re in for a real treat. In the downtown area, you’ll find two live theaters, two art galleries, a library, a pottery studio, a gourmet chocolate shop and many cafes and
Photo by Lori K. Tate
Ample Entertainment Just a few miles away from the downtown area, there’s plenty for both adults and kids to do at the popular destination spot of Concord Mills, designed to mimic the oval racetrack of the nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway. Concord Mills is home to more than 200 stores, including a large carousel in the food court and The SpeedPark at Concord Mills. The SeaLife Aquarium, a 36,000 square-foot aquarium featuring more than 5,000 sea creatures, is also scheduled to open at Concord Mills in late February. The Great Wolf Lodge is perched on a hill just down the road from Concord Mills and is a favorite of visitors both near and far. There’s plenty of room to splash and play in the 80,000 square-foot indoor waterpark, where the temperature is always set at 84 degrees. And of course, one of Concord’s biggest claims to fames lies in the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which has provided the ultimate in motorsports entertainment for the past fifty years.
Photo by Lori K. Tate
restaurants, all in a pedestrian-friendly environment. You can also take in the local history at The Concord Museum, located inside the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse.
Little ones love having a treat The Cabarrus Creamery!
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{Matty, Charlotte & Nicholas}
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This February, help your children find peace and harmony with one another By Sara Kendall Photos by Photography by Chanda
ibling squabbles are a fact of life for families. Many siblings can be the closest of friends, but some brothers and sisters act as if there is no one they dislike more. Charlotte-based child and family therapist, Mikal Sklaroff, LPC, says, “It is natural for siblings to come into conflict, jostling for family resources—most notable parental attention and validation.” Sklaroff has provided us with some helpful ways to minimize sibling fighting, when a parent should step in when a fight starts, and when to wait it out. “One cannot stop all fighting, clearly The Brady Bunch even had their moments, but there are several steps to be taken to establish a healthy family environment,” says Sklaroff.
{Preston, Pierce & Paxton}
{Charlotte Elyse & Kaiden Brandon}
{Zachary & Tyson} Be Proactive Hold family meetings to set up ground rules when disagreements arise. Explain how important it is to take turns voicing one’s opinions during an argument. Give your children a few quick options to settle matters quickly, like flipping a coin or a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” When a sibling is not accepting the outcome, encourage her to seek out an adult who can arbitrate the argument. Set Clear and Measurable Rules “Telling children to be nice and share is wonderful, but not specific as saying, ‘This toy is both of yours. We will set a timer and after five minutes you will hand it to your sister’,” advises Sklaroff. Be specific and concrete in your instructions, which will serve as a valuable learning opportunity for children. Use Visual Aids “Children turn towards in-fighting when there is no clear order of who does what when,” says Sklaroff. She suggests creating and utilizing charts to help keep track of
expectations. Concrete steps are necessary for children to begin to accept these as norms. Here is an example that you can tailor to fit your family’s lifestyle. • On odd days of the week (1,3,5,7, etc.) Child A gets to use the Xbox first. • In the meantime, Child B can use the computer or tablet. • As the given time allotment is approaching, Child A is given verbal reminders their time is coming to an end. • Time’s up, Child B is allowed to use Xbox and Child A can use computer or tablet. When to Step In If you think a fight is escalating to the point someone will get hurt, intervene immediately. There are times a parent must step in and not allow the children to end the conflict on their terms especially when there’s potential for physical injury. When to Wait It Out Giving children time to work out an argument builds their problem-solving skills. If you hear the volume of their voices www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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increase, monitor indirectly from outside the room to hear how they are speaking to one another to determine whether or not there are attempts to fairly resolve issues. “Intervening for purposes of catching them doing it right is far more important than catching them red-handed,” says Sklaroff. “If you hear them resolve things, be sure to enter the room and tell them how proud you are of how they handled the situation.” If you sense a solution is not forthcoming, intervene and suggest taking a break from each other to allow them to cool off. It will give your children time to calm down and collect their thoughts. Bring your children back together to work through their problem and monitor if necessary. Model Good Problem-Solving Skills A local dad, Glenn Mauney, believes children quite often don’t seem to hear what you tell them, but they rarely miss seeing how you behave. “Your first measure to minimize feuding siblings is to set the example,” says Mauney. “Finding yourself at odds with your spouse when your kids are around is a great opportunity to display restraint and reason. Show your kids that disagreements need not be personal and can be resolved peacefully.”
{Soraya, Manny & Cliff the dog} {Ayla & Reese}
Start implementing these strategies to promote peace and harmony between your children. Good problem-solving skills will help your children now and throughout their lifetime. Sara Kendall is a freelance writer and mom of two daughters. She has given her daughters one of Sklaroff’s suggestions of solving disputes by playing a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Kendall has found it has worked and she has spent less time being a referee.
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sleepover anxiety By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC
Knowing how to respond to your child’s anxiety can significantly impact whether you feed it or help calm it
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leepovers are one of those exciting and fun events for children and most of us have fond memories of the thrill of staying overnight at a friend’s house, staying up late, watching movies and eating popcorn. However, for some children, the thought of a sleepover evokes great anxiety and fear. Anxiety is not always debilitating or bad, in fact, it is good to feel certain levels of anxiety as it can help motivate you at times. Additionally, all children go through a developmental stage of separation anxiety when they are toddlers and often times again around the ages of 10-11 years. This is a normal and expected part of child development. However, when it prevents your child from enjoying typical activities it can begin to affect her daily living/functioning, school and/or social relationships. Either way, it’s “significant” to your child and shouldn’t be disregarded. Knowing the appropriate way to respond to your child’s anxiety can significantly impact whether you feed it or help calm it. Webster’s Dictionary defines anxiety as: “painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill, fearful concern or interest, an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.” Within that definition, the ways to address anxiety are provided. First, it is crucial not to minimize or discount your child’s anxiety OR to overreact. Either response will likely make matters worse. The more important piece is what a child is worried about and what he does with those worried thoughts and feelings. Anxiety often causes a physical response (increased heart rate, sweaty palms, stomachache). Trying to convince a child that his fear “is not real” will only feed the
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anxiety monster. It is very real to them and for some children can feel like it completely overtakes them at times—regardless of how illogical it may seem to you. Second, it is important that you connect with your child and validate her experience. Let her know you understand she feels a lot of strong feelings and likely has worried thoughts and physical sensations (stomachache, sweaty palms) too that must be confusing for her. Third, ask your child what thoughts he is having when he thinks about the event/thing that evokes the anxiety (i.e. sleepover). He may have a particular fear of something bad happening (i.e. “I might wet the bed”) or it might be more of an association—maybe last time he stayed over somewhere something scary/upsetting happened. A great way to uncover the underlying fear is to ask your child what the anxious part is afraid would happen if it wasn’t doing its job (making them anxious). Once your child identifies the underlying fears you can ask the anxious part if it is interested in finding new ways to deal with the greatest worry and come up with strategies or a different job/way to try to protect him (the anxiety is a protective part trying to keep whatever “bad” thing your child fears from happening from occurring). Ask your child to ask their anxiety what it would like to do instead (of making them anxious) to protect him. I’ll give you a personal example. My teenage daughter shared with me one evening that the previous night she had been feeling very anxious and wasn’t sure why. She started having thoughts that something bad was going to happen to me and/or my husband and she started feeling very “shaky” and said she had all kinds of thoughts and fears running through her head. By following the steps listed above, we were able to identify that this anxious part had held onto the fear it experienced back in 2006
when I was in a car accident (she was 8 at the time). She saw my husband get a phone call as he was walking in the door with groceries in his hands and suddenly drop the groceries and run out of the house (leaving her with our sitter). No one told her what was going on – all she knew was that I had been in a car accident. I was able to help her soothe the 8-year-old who went through that terrifying experience and guide her into caring for that 8-year-old part. I also apologized to the 8-year-old and let her know that I understood how terrifying that must have been for her. As a result, my daughter’s anxiety has gone away and her “8-year-old” self was able to come up with a plan if/when she needed reassurance. Your child’s anxiety/fears may be more simplistic or more complex then this example. Either way, by 1) allowing the anxious part to “speak” for itself and 2) identify what its fear(s) are you can then 3) help the anxiety find ways to respond or address the fears if they should come true and/or find other ways to help your child rather then debilitating them with fear (i.e. “I can call you if I start feeling scared while at my friend’s sleepover”). Anxiety is expressed in various ways and while it may seem illogical, there is usually a good explanation. Anxiety is often a symptom and getting to the “underlying” cause will allow you to help your child overcome any beliefs and emotions that may be troubling and preventing her from enjoying life whether sleepovers or other fun events! This article is based on Internal Family Systems by Dr. Richard Schwartz (see www.selfleadership.org to learn more). Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC is the Director of The Stone Center for Counseling & Leadership which serves children, couples and families. You can get more information on her and her practice at www.thestonecenternc.com.
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New Allergy Drops Offer An Alternative To Traditional Treatments CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat Helps Patients Drop Allergies Without Shots
f your child suffers from pollen, mold, dust mite, and animal dander allergies, you’ve probably been to an allergist to find relief. There you were likely told that you basically had two options: treat the symptoms with medicine or have your child begin a series of allergy shots that could provide long-term relief and suppress the allergy. Now there is another choice for parents who are either too busy to get their child to a doctor’s office for weekly shots or who don’t want to subject their kids to injections. CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat offers allergy drops, known as sublingual immunotherapy. Allergy drops work on the same principal as allergy shots, except that patients can take the drops at home. “Allergy drops may be an ideal option for working parents to get their children the allergy treatment they need,” says Nick Lukacs, DO, of CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat. The practice has offices in Charlotte and Monroe and is the first in the Charlotte area to offer allergy drops as a treatment option. “I have young twins of my own, so I’m well aware of the challenges parents face in balancing time management and caring for their kids.” 32
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Facts About Allergy Drops • Drops under the tongue replace weekly shots in the office • Effective for children and adults • A safety profile that allows the treatment to be administered at home • A great option for children and busy working adults • A safe and effective method for treating respiratory allergies caused by airborne allergens including pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander • Patients will typically be seen in the office every 6 to 12 months to monitor their progress as opposed to weekly for shots • Antigen extracts for allergy drops are the same as those used for allergy shots How Do Allergy Drops Work? Allergy drops work in the same way as traditional allergy shots. Gradually increasing doses of the causative allergen are administered to the allergic patient. The gradual introduction of the allergen creates a natural immunity or tolerance to the allergen. This reduces the patient’s allergic symptoms and lessens and potentially eliminates the need for
Photos courtesy of CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat
advertiser spotlight
medications over time. Until recently, the only way to successfully administer allergen immunotherapy in the United States
“Allergy drops may be an ideal option for working parents to get their children the allergy treatment they need.”
was by allergy shots at a doctor’s office. Allergy drops, which have been used in Europe for years, are now being introduced in the United States and allow patients to treat their allergies conveniently in their own home. The First Step Is Testing Before allergy drops are prescribed, a patient undergoes standard allergy skin testing. Based on those results, the physician will discuss treatment. “CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat offers traditional allergy shots, as well
as allergy drops,” says Dr. Lukacs. “We will explain both options and help parents decide which option is best. For parents who choose allergy drops, we administer the first dose in the office and then provide instructions and drops for future treatments at home. We then see patients in the office every six to 12 months to monitor their progress.” Expanding Allergy Treatment To More Patients Dr. Lukacs explains that those who would benefit most from allergy drops are children who are afraid to get shots, and busy adults who do not have the time to come to a doctor’s office for weekly shots. “Allergy drops open a new door for allergy treatment,” says Dr. Lukacs. “We hope to make life easier for parents and their children who now live with allergies every day.” To learn more about allergy drops or CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat, call 704.752.7575 or go to www.CornerStoneAllergyDrops.com.
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healthful hints
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keep baby
close Studies have shown that being held is beneficial to both babies and caregivers
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ave you ever wished you had a third or fourth hand? When you strip it all down, that’s what babywearing is all about: eliminating a caregiver’s need to choose between holding his or her baby and doing the things we all know have to get done. Babywearing has seen a recent resurgence thanks to the growing popularity of Dr. Sears and the Attachment Parenting philosophy. However, it’s far from a new concept. The practice is as old as time and seen in many indigenous cultures to this day. >>>
Studies have shown that being held is beneficial to both babies and caregivers. Skin-to-skin, or kangaroo care, is now a routine practice in most neonatal intensive care units, and studies have shown that in general, held babies cry less. But as much as we would like to just sit around and hold our babies, in the real world that’s not possible, and that’s where babywearing comes in. Basically, babywearing is “wearing” an infant or young child against the caregiver’s body using some sort of soft fabric in one form or another. There are four basic categories of carriers. Choosing a Carrier Wraps can be stretchy or nonstretchy (also referred to as woven wraps). They are extremely versatile and can be used from infancy to toddlerhood. However, they can also be overwhelming. The learning curve can be decreased, though, if you have access to an experience wearer, either through a babywearing group or a store with trained staff. Slings come in two styles as well. A pouch sling is simply a piece of fabric sewn into a loop. It’s quick and easy and has a very small learning curve. It is, however, extremely important to find one that fits properly, which can be challenging. A ring sling on the other
“Skin-to-skin, or kangaroo care, is now a routine practice in most neonatal intensive care units, and studies have shown that in general, held babies cry less.” hand, is simply a length of fabric with two rings sewn on the end, eliminating the need for a very specific fit. Slings can be used from infancy through toddlerhood, and their only drawback is that they put the weight on only one shoulder, which some folks find less comfortable than two-shoulder carriers. A mei tai (pronounced may-tie) is a square of fabric with four sashes. They can be thought of as a hybrid between a wrap and the more familiar buckle carriers, combining the flexibility of a wrap with some of the ease of a carrier. 36
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styles
They can be used from infancy through toddlerhood, but some folks find the long sashes to get in the way. The final category is buckle carriers and they are by far the most popular carrier style in the United States. They are quick, easy and comfy. Although they can be used from infancy, they
“Remember the phrase, visible and kissable ...”
buckle
wrap
sling
really shine from about 3 to 6 months and beyond. Their padded shoulder straps make them the perfect carrier for older, heavier kids. There are many different brands including ErgoBaby, Boba and Beco and the differences are often subtle. The best way to decide which one is right for you is to find a babywearing group or store that will allow you to try on the different brands. We have found that usually, either the baby or the caregiver will show a definite preference for one over the others. Safety First Safety is an important concern with babywearing. When done correctly it can be extremely safe, but you want to keep a couple things in mind. The easiest way is to remember the phrase “visible and kissable.” Keeping baby close enough to kiss and in clear view will allow you to ensure that their airway is clear and they are breathing well. Babywearing doesn’t need to be at odds with other baby gear items such as strollers, bouncers or swings. Most families use a combination of them all, but it can be a powerful tool in a caregiver’s tool belt—my own family wouldn’t have survived colic without it. Happy babywearing! Bonnie Stafford is a co-leader of the Charlotte Chapter of Babywearing International and the Social Media Marketing Director (and resident babywearing expert) for The Baby Grocery Store. She lives in Charlotte and wouldn’t trade the world for her husband, her 2.5-year-old daughter or her Boba buckle carrier.
Two Weekends to Shop!!! Umbrella strollers ONLY, please
Spring & Summer Consignment Sale 12 years of bringing you a huge selection of high quality items for your family!
March 23-29 THURSDAY., MARCH 6: 5:00PM - 9:00PM* (*early admission at 4pm with 3 canned goods per person ) FRIDAY, MARCH 7: 10:00AM - 6:00PM SATURDAY, MARCH 8: 10:00AM - 4:00PM SUNDAY, MARCH 9: 1:00PM - 5:30PM
Rock Hill Galleria Mall
AWARD-WIN NING
SALE
Sun., Mar. 23 Mon., Mar. 24 Mar. 25 & 26 Thurs., Mar. 27 Closed for Re-Stock 2 pm - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm Fri., March 28 Sat., March 29 9 am - 2 pm 50% Off Sale 10 am - 2 pm
All of our Presales will be Saturday, March 22 9 am - 5 pm. (Register online as helper, consignor, new or expectant parent to get an invite to the presale)
The Pointe Arena
(Previous Goody’s Department Store) 2295 Dave Lyle Blvd. Rock Hill, SC 29730
Only 3 miles south of Charlotte I-77, Exit 88 Gold Hill Rd.
www.upscaleweesale.com
2266 Deerfield Drive • Fort Mill, SC 29715 • I-77, Exit 88
Accepting cash, credit & debit cards. No checks please
Free Admission and Parking
www.foreveryseason.net • 803.327.5473
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consignment
in bloom sales from all over the city!
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Charlotte Mothers of Multiples Location: Freedom Hall at The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road Date: Feb. 8, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $2 early-bird entry from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Half-price sale from 12:45 – 3 p.m. Parking is free. Visa and MasterCard accepted. No strollers, please. Contact Info: info@charlottemultiples.com www.charlottemultiples.com
For Every Season
see our ad page 37!
Pre-sale for new/expectant parents. New this year—two weekends to shop! Location: The Pointe, next to Knight’s Stadium in Ft. Mill Date: Helper, Consignor and Expectant Parent Pre-sale, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public sales, March 23, 2 – 7 p.m.; March 24, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; March 27, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; March 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; March 29, half-price sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Info: 803.327.5473 www.foreveryseason.net
Tar Heel Kids Consignment (Formerly TotTrade) Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Date: Feb. 26-27, consignor and volunteer pre-sales; Feb. 28, public sale from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; March 1-2, 50 and 60% off sale beginning at 9 a.m. Contact Info: 704.644.3972 or tarheelkids@hotmail.com www.tarheelkidsconsignment.com
Harrison UMC Location:15009 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville Date: Feb. 27 – March 1 Contact Info: 704.737.7146 or info@humcfaithcircle.org www.humcfaithcircle.org
UpScale Wee Sale
see our ad page 37!
Brand names at bargain prices. Location: Rock Hill Galleria Mall, 2301 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C. Date: Public sale dates: March 6, 5 – 9 p.m.; March 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 9, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Contact Info: theweesale@comporium.net or 803.980.7153 www.upscaleweesale.com
Posh Closet Consignment Sale Gently used name-brand, boutique, home show or smocked clothing in excellent condition; sellers keep 70-80% of profits; kids and bags welcome. No strollers
Weddington Kids Consignment
allowed until 1 p.m. on March 7 to allow for a better shopping experience. Location: South Charlotte Banquet Center, 9009 Bryant Farms Road Date: Pre-sale March 6, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. $10 Early-Bird Sale from 7:30 -9:30 a.m. on March 7. Public sale runs from10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Select items will also be discounted 30% from 8 – 5 p.m. on March 8. Contact Info: 704.299.3097 www.theposhclosetsale.com
Location: Weddington UMC Family Life Center, 13901 Providence Road Date: March 14, consignor and volunteer pre-sale from 5 – 8 p.m.; March 15, public sale from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Halfprice sale begins at 1 p.m. Contact Info: WeddingtonKidsConsignment@ hotmail.com www.weddingtonkidsconsignment.com
Kids Konsignment Sale
Matthews UMC
New this year—teen sale! Location: Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road Date: March 7, consignor and volunteer pre-sale from 5 – 9:30 p.m.; March 8, public sale from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Half-price sale begins at 1:30 p.m. Contact Info: 704.716.6843 www.ymcacharlotte.org
Location: 801 S. Trade St., Matthews Date: March 15 www.matthewsumc.org
Kat’s Kid Sale New location! Location: 9615 Sherrill Estates Rd. Unit A, Huntersville Date: March 12 – 15 Contact Info: katskidsale@yahoo.com katskidsale.vpweb.com
Assurance UMC Kid’s Consignment Sale
Sardis Weekday School Location: Sardis Presbyterian Church Date: March 22 www.sardis.org
Covenant Presbyterian Preschool Children’s Consignment Sale Location: 1000 E. Morehead (at Dilworth Road) Date: March 28 – 29 Contact Info: cppconsignmentsale@gmail.com www.covenantpresby.org
Back on the Rack Consignment
Location: Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mt. Holly/Huntersville Road Date: March 13 – 15 Contact Info: consignment@assuranceumc.org www.assuranceumc.org/#/ children/consignment-sale
Green Jeans Consignment Women’s & Teens Clothes/Accessories. Location/Dates: Lake Norman - March 26 – 29 SouthPark – May 2-4 Contact Info: info@greenjeanssale.com or 704.650.8126 www.greenjeanssale.com
Back on the Rack Consignment Sale Fundraiser for Providence Road Church of Christ Location: Providence Road Church of Christ, 4900 Providence Road Dates: March 13 from 5 – 8 p.m., March 15 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., half-price sale begins at 12:30 p.m. Contact Info: info@botrconsignment.com www.botrconsignment.com
Infant through women’s clothing, shoes, toys. Expecting moms and grandparents can shop the pre-sale Friday at noon. Location: Monroe Agricultural Center, 3230-D Presson Road Date: April 18 from 1 – 7 p.m.; April 19 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; half-price sale begins at 12:30 p.m. Contact Info: info@botrconsignment.com www.botrconsignment.com
TTB Kidz
see our ad page 37!
Children's Consignment, Plus Women's Clothing and Furniture! 52,000 square-feet of shopping. Location: Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville Road Date: March 7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; March 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $2 Early bird entry beginning at 8 a.m. on March 7 and 9. Half-price sale on March 9. Contact Info: www.ttbkidz.com
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fit fun
empower kids with family-friendly races Frigid 5K Run & Plunge Run then plunge into a man-made whitewater river during the Frigid 5K Run & Plunge, taking place on Sat.,
February 15. This 5K course will cover the length of the Whitewater Center Parkway, followed by an optional (but highly recommended) cold water plunge into the frigid man-made river. Location: U.S. National Whitewater 40
Center, Charlotte When: Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. usnwc.org/frigid-5k-run-plunge-2/
Run Too Overcome 5K, 10K, Kid Fun Run The mission of the Run Too Overcome is to provide awareness and support for the children, families, and teachers whom meet the daily challenges, and celebrate the joys, of supporting the special needs community. The Run Too Overcome unites the community each year to raise funds to provide special needs teachers with the equipment and supplies needed to provide differentiated instruction to enrich and engage students of all ability
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levels. The North Charlotte/Lake Norman Learning Community thanks these teachers for their compassion, support, and dedication to our children. Location: Davidson When: March 1 Start Time - 10k 9 a.m., 5K - 9:10 a.m., Kids Fun Run - 9:45 a.m. run2overcome.com
BB&T CORPORATE CUP 5K & Half Marathon After 34 years, Corporate Cup continues to celebrate healthy competition while giving back to the community. The BB&T Corporate Cup 5K & HalfMarathon benefits the YMCA
Community Support Campaign that enables the Y to offer programs and services that nurture the potential of kids and teens, promote healthy living, foster a sense of social responsibility and strengthen the foundations of community. Location: Downtown Charlotte When: Sat., March 8 at 8 a.m. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/childressklein
Color Me Green 5k Color Run Dodge the green dye during Color Me Green, a challenging 5K trail race with a St. Patrick’s Day twist. This untimed race challenges runners to avoid being bombarded with green dye as they run through the USNWC trail system. Runners should wear white T-shirts, as awards will be given to the cleanest and greenest shirts. Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte When: Sat., March 15 at 10 a.m. usnwc.org/color-me-green-2
Run the Creek 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
3-5 mile Obstacle Race (Adult) Kids Fit Foundation Obstacle Race: Ages 4-13 Half mile and Mile Location: TBD • When: March 22 & 23 spartanrace.com
Sticks and Bones Trail Race 5k, 10k, Dog Jog/Walk There are three options to choose from. The 10K and 5K are just for two-legged competitors and will start at 8 a.m. Stick around after the race and bring your four-legged friends to the One-Mile Dog Jog that will start at 9:30 a.m. Location: Renaissance Park, Charlotte When: Sat. March 29 at 8 a.m. sticksandbonesrace.racesonline.com
Confident Independent Thinking
Speaking Spanish
◀
◀
Carolina Spartan Sprint
Davidson Day School ◀
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) which is an international support and research networking organization for families of children and young adults with an inherited neurological degenerative disease known as Batten disease. For more information about this disease and the families of children affected by it, please go to the website: www.bdsra.org. Location: Highland Creek Neighborhood, Charlotte When: Sat. March 22 at 9 a.m. jonesracingcompany.com/run-the-creek-5k
Compassionate Heart
Ada is becoming a respectful ethical citizen who can address global challenges April 15, 2014 April 16, 2014
Age 2 to 6th Grade 7th to12th Grade
9 a.m. 9 a.m.
Open House Join Us! R.S.V.P. Today! 704-237-5229
www.davidsonday.org
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out & about Groundhog Day What: What will resident groundhog, Queen Charlotte, predict for spring’s arrival? Join in for the annual celebration with the Queen and her court! Creature Features are supported by The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum and include games, puppet shows, story time and crafts. When: Feb. 2 from noon to 3 p.m. Shadow check at 1:30 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
101 Inventions That Changed the World What: Driven by necessity or accident, inventions act as historical punctuation points in our story. This revolutionary exhibition explores not only the inventions themselves, but
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Critters, Parades, Festivals and Plays!
also suggests the reasoning behind their development and their consequent effect humankind. Using 40 high-definition projectors, multichannel motion graphics and cinema quality surround sound, take an extraordinary journey through turning points in humankind’s history in one of the most exciting multiscreen environments in the world. When: Opening Feb. 2 Where: Discovery Place www.discoveryplace.org
Fairy House Festival What: Come spend an afternoon discovering the joy and magic of fairy houses! Storytelling, face painting, crafts, activities and food will be available. Prizes for children dressed in fairy or gnome costumes will be awarded while supplies last. Learn how to build your own fairy house on one of the nature trails.
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When: Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation Nature Preserve www.parkandrec.com
Bat-ittude What: Become a “bat-ologist” and learn about their unique adaptations, how they benefit humans, and what challenges they face. Test your echolocation skills! Listen to a story told by the “bat lady” and make your own bat craft friend to take home with you. When: Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org
Great Backyard Bird Count What: Join expert birders from the Charlotte Audubon Society Chapter and learn all about the birds in the Charlotte Nature Museum’s big backyard and yours. Count birds and
begin at 10:30 a.m on Feb. 20; doors open to the public at noon. Where: SeaLife Aquarium Concord-Charlotte www.visitsealife.com/ charlotte-concord
SeaLife Aquarium Grand Opening
What: Take a toe-tapping trip to the bayou in this family-friendly, Zydecodriven musical soaked in N’awlins hot sauce! Based on the classic fairy tale and adapted from the book by Mike Artell and Jim Harris, a red-hooded duckling named Petite Rouge and her sidekick cat lead the Big Bad Gator on a wild “duck” chase through New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Will they make it to Grandmere’s house with a basket full of Cajun goodies? Appropriate for ages 5 and older. When: Feb. 21 – March 9 Where: McColl Family Theatre www.ctcharlotte.org
What: UK-based Merlin Entertainment celebrates the grand opening of its newest attraction, SeaLife Aquarium, a 36,000-square-foot aquarium designed to bring visitors face-toface with the underwater world. When: Grand opening festivities
“Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood”
the ancient stories that these items tell. Mine for gemstones like garnets, emeralds and amethyst. Children can see a full-sized T. Rex, make a fossil fish print, search for tiny fossils from the Carolina Coast, and much more. When: Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org
Underground Railroad Adventure What: Learn about the characters, dangers, and triumphs of an escaped slave on the underground railroad as you go on a scavenger hunt around the plantation to find the supplies, skills, and knowledge you would need to successfully escape to freedom. When: Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org
Fossil Fair What: This event spotlights all sorts of natural treasures from the earth including fossils, rocks, minerals and
www.lattaplantation.org
contribute findings to Cornell University's important national study, which allows scientists to investigate trends in bird populations, migrations, habitat and more. When: Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
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and keep up with area happenings, great giveaways and more! (search “little ones magazine”) ••••••••••••••••••••
Also, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, which provides a listing of up-and-coming events for the month. You’ll never have to worry about what to do! Sign up on our Web site (www.littleonesmagazine.com)
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*
PAWS to Read
learn some fun new facts about rabbits and hares. Creature Features are supported by The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum and include games, puppet shows, story time and crafts. When: March 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
What: Boost your child’s reading skills by letting him read out loud to a volunteer therapy dog. When: March 1 at 10:30 a.m. Where: Mint Hill Library and Matthews Library www.cmlibrary.org
Family Fort Building 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival
Bouncing Bunnies and Hares What: Hop on over to Charlotte Nature Museum to meet Smudge the Rabbit and her visiting bunny friends and
www.charlottestpatsday.com
“Too Many Frogs” What: Rabbit lives alone but decides to share his nightly ritual of a bedtime story with his visitor, Froggie. When Froggie brings home dozens and dozens of his frog cousins, Rabbit has to choose between his old life and his new-found audience. Classic fairy tales such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Elves and the Shoemaker” and “The Ugly Duckling” all magically come to life in this one-act play about a little rabbit and his froggie friends. When: March 1 – 9 Where: ImaginOn www.ctcharlotte.org
food, Irish/Celtic vendors and the Celtic Kids Zone. When: March 15 at 11 a.m. The Charlotte Goes Green Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: S. Tryon Street between 3rd Street and Stonewall ww.charlottestpatsday.com
What: Bring your family and friends to build a fort in the woods. It will be fun for all ages; even the adults! When: March 22 at 1 p.m. Where: McDowell Nature Center www.parkandrec.com
“James & the Giant Peach”
What: Follow the parade as it marches through the heart of Charlotte with a combination of flags, floats and uplifting pipe band music. Stay for the Charlotte Goes Green Festival, which offers Irish music and performances,
What: A magical peach! Gigantic insect friends! An incredible journey! What more could an imprisoned boy ask for? The classic story of James’ fantastical journey of escape from his loathsome aunts comes hilariously to life in this ‘larger than life’ production and provides the audience with an exciting, peachy adventure! When: March 29 – April 6 Where: Armour Street Theatre, Davidson www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org
Why pay the difference when you can’t tell the difference!
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Lake Norman’s upscale consignment boutique featuring new and gently used clothing, shoes, outerwear, accessories, toys, books, baby equipment, furniture, décor, gifts and more ... Join us monthly for “Mommy’s Night Out” See our facebook page for other upcoming events!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Stop by, Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
The Whimsical Wardrobe Upscale Children’s & Maternity Boutique I 77, Exit 28, 20830 Torrence Chapel Road (Shops on the Green) Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 797-1419 www.whimsical-wardrobe.com & find us on facebook 44
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www.ssanc.com 704-799-1500 203 Singleton Road, Mooresville, NC 28117
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By Kiran Dodeja Smith
Bag the processed potato chips and send the traditional goldfish swimming. Sure, parties are meant for fun foods and tasty treats, but why not include some healthy fare as well? I’ve got a yummy treat (below) that will be a hit amongst the kids and adults alike. They are bite-sized, don’t require utensils and don’t include lots of sweeteners (read: kids won't be bouncing off of the walls — at least no more than normal). You may want to whip up a second batch, because I promise that you won’t have leftovers.
Power Balls* Ingredients: 1 cup dry oatmeal 2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened coconut flakes 1/2 cup nut butter or peanut butter (substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version) 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (you can grind it in a coffee grinder) 1/3 cup honey 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions: 1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until mixed. Place in refrigerator and chill for an hour. 2. Once chilled, roll into balls of desired size. I like to make mine smaller than a ping-pong ball, but it’s up to you. 3. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
*Recipe courtesy of www.SmashedPeasandCarrots.blogspot.com)
The South’s Largest Home and Garden Event WHERE SPRING HAPPENS TWICE THIS YEAR Tour the “Ultimate Schoolyard Garden”
FEBRUARY 21-23 and FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2 The Park Expo and Conference Center 2500 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Now Two Weekends Recycle the Runway: Eco-Fashion Show Each Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10 at the Door Under 15 free with paying adult See website for discount tickets, and a chance to WIN one of TWO $1,000 Shopping Sprees! 1-800-849-0248 A Southern Shows Inc. Production
Brooke Thomas - 360° Your Life
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carolina
Logan Harris
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Photo by Alicia Sutton Photography Xayden
Photo by Life Light Photography
Aiden
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Do you have a cutie you’d like to submit? Send your digital photo to cuties@littleonesmagazine.com with the child’s name, guardian’s name, and photographer credit. Photo MUST be HIGH RESOLUTION or it will not be considered.
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Find us on facebook! “Patients’ Choice” Award 2012 “Compassionate Physicians” Award 2012
Keep up with area happenings and special promotions.
Noah Cole Woolford 7 lb 11 oz and 21 inches Here at Little Ones, our very own April and her husband Dustin welcomed Noah to their family on August 1st 2013. Congratulations!
Be on the look out for our April/May Issue! Purposeful Preparation Private School Issue Emotional Journeys The Reality of Infertility
Imagination Station Enjoying the Creative Life
The 411 Safety Tips 48
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