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August/September 2013
all about
school raising responsible kids fun fall excursions
for local moms ... by local moms速
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THE P REMIER PRESCHOOL in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Matthews & Fort Mill Accredited Kindergarten at select locations Secure online viewing of your child Ages 6 weeks – 12 years Age appropriate curriculum Degreed & certified teachers Enrichment activities 6:30a.m. – 6:30p.m.
Before & After School programs available
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ALL CHARLOTTE LOCATIONS ARE 5 STAR SCHOOLS The Academy at Blakeney Private Kindergarten NAEYC Accredited
6250 Blakeney Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28277 704.543.7227 Rea Rd. at Ardrey Kell Rd. www.krkacademy.com
Fort Mill 3009 Highway 160 W Fort Mill, SC 29708 803.802.8977 Off I-77 on Gold Hill Rd. and Hwy 160 near Tega Cay www.fortmillkidsrkids.com
Matthews 5549 Potter Road Matthews, NC 28104 704.821.2005 1.5 miles S.E. of Siskey YMCA at Chestnut & Potter www.kidsrkidsmatthews.com
University Area 2115 Ben Craig Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 704.503.4001 Located off W.T. Harris Blvd and Mallard Creek Rd. www.kidsrkidscharlotte.com
Lake Norman 9620 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 704.655.8883 I-77 N at Exit 25 www.kidsrkids4nc.com
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contents features
14
departments Book Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Homeschool Activities Outside of the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
By Arden McLaughlin
By Rebecca Vincent Parents can find an abundance of enrichment activities for their children all around the area.
Ask the Therapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Find helpful tips on how you can raise responsible children. By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC
Your Child Can Thrive in a Small Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Little Ones Loves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
By Kristin Cassell One of the most important factors parents consider for their early school options is size.
Carolina Cuties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
A peek at must-have fashion and products. Starring local little ones, as themselves . . .
An Approach to Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 By Lorraine Clark A Montessori education builds a foundation for children to explore their world through learning.
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Back to School Bedrooms . . . . . . . . .20 You’ll be inspired by these colorful bedroom retreats.
Helping Moms Get Their Mojo Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 A Q&A with Tiffany Brown from Fit4Life.
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The Eco-Friendly Lunchbox . . . . . . . .28 Fun ways to brighten your child's midday meal and reduce waste at the same time.
Living With Celiac Disease . . . . . . . .36 By Dr. James Sandberg What this autoimmune disorder means for your child’s nutritional needs.
Shop Until You Drop! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 You won’t want to miss the fall consignment sale season!
Apples Abound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Two North Carolina apple festivals provide plenty of fall fun.
Life on a Locomotive . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The N.C. Transportation Museum offers visitors a glimpse of local history.
Technology Keys in Talks with Tweens and Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 By Kiran Dodeja Smith Dad Paul Adkinson creates social media monitoring system for parents. 4
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cover: Noah Andrew Hunt is 5 years old and is one special little guy. He loves playing baseball and recently earned a new belt in karate. You can find him playing hide and seek with his three sisters, catching frogs and bugs and most other things that all little boys like to do. Photo by Alicia Sutton Photography
(&$
Volume 9: Issue 38 Publisher
Sharon Simpson
renee & kerrie
Creative Director/Co-Publisher
Kerrie Boys Editor
Renee Roberson
When my 7-yearold son gets an idea in his head, all bets are off. In many ways, his persistence is a good thing. He loves coming up with goals and working hard to accomplish them, whether they are academic, physical or financial in nature. Most recently, he decided he was going to set up a lemonade stand in our neighborhood to make some extra money (I have a feeling there is a specific Lego building set he has his eye on). He worked with my husband to make the lemonade and I offered to bake some chocolate chip cookies for him to sell with the drinks. We had a hard time figuring out what day to set up the stand because it kept raining, and finally, one Sunday afternoon, we decided to just go ahead and set up a table at the end of our driveway. You can probably see where this is going. Our kids had exactly two customers, it was extremely hot and humid, and to top it all off, my daughter accidentally spilled half of a pitcher of lemonade all over my son. After that, he was done. While I felt bad that the lemonade stand was a bust, I didn’t reach into my wallet and give them money as compensation, and I’m glad for that now. I listened as Noah vented his frustrations, explained that it’s hard when things don’t work out they way we expected them to, and left it at that. Because of this, I was excited to read our resident therapist’s column on raising responsible kids for this issue, and I definitely learned a few things in the process. I sometimes get frustrated when my kids (mostly my son) ask me for chores they can do to earn allowance, because I feel like it creates more work for me when I have to supervise them. Actually, I should be very thankful that my kids want to earn money to buy their own things, because it means they won’t always be expecting me to always buy toys, books and games for them outright! I hope you find the article as helpful as I did. We’ve got a great issue planned for you, from choosing the right preschool, the benefits of a Montessori education, homeschool enrichment activities, consignment sales for back-to-school shopping and fun fall excursions. So grab a cup of coffee and declare the next hour or so “mommy time” if you dare. Happy reading!
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Sales Executive
Beth Packard
Sales Executive
Fern Howerin
Sales Executive
April Rozzelle-Woolford
Staff Photographer
Photography by Chanda Sales Staff Photos by
Michael C. Hernandez, Capture Happy Social Media
Kiran Dodeja Smith Contributing Writers Kristin Cassell Lorraine Clark Arden McLaughlin Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC Dr. James Sandberg Kiran Dodeja Smith Rebecca Vincent
• • • • • • • • 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.
Accreditation you can trust. Primrose Schools was the first preschool organization to be accredited by AdvancED (SACS CASI), the gold standard in educational accreditation. This is the same body that accredits over 30,000 schools across the U.S. and worldwide, touching more than 15 million students each year.
Primrose School at Eastfield Village . . . 704.947.3266 Primrose School at Afton Village. . . . . . . . 704.788.8860 Primrose School at Park Crossing . . . . . . 704.542.3883 Primrose School at Austin Village . . . . . . 704.821.9300
Music, Spanish, Computer Technology Balanced student assessment Curriculum and programs developed in consultation with experts
Primrose School of Lake Wylie . . . . . . . . . . 704.926.4955 Primrose School of Cornelius . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.895.3300 Primrose School of Lake Norman . . . . . . . 704.658.0460 Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools, The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts, and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. Š2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.
book corner
Discover Your Library
By Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
When we think about sending our little ones back to school, we often don’t think about adding more reading to their homework load. Or, if we still have children at home, reading falls pretty far down the list when we have soccer games, gymnastics, church activities, and preschool to attend. Yet … time spent reading with our children builds a learning foundation unlike any other activity we can do. As you head back to school this year be sure to plan a day each month to visit your local library and check out a handful of books to read together. Maybe as an added treat sign up each child for his or her very own library card! Each library branch location awaits your family with stories of adventure, hope, and play; plan your visit today. While you’re visiting your local library, check out the books in this edition of Book Corner to read together!
8
Reading to your
young child
most important things
is one of the you can do to prepare your little one for a lifetime of learning. Research tells us that when you read to a young child, you naturally touch on important pre-reading “building blocks” that begin to develop at birth and must be mastered before your child can become a reader.
Your library can help.
9LVLW FPOLEUDU\ RUJ WR ¿QG age-appropriate reading recommendations and group storytimes at a library near you.
Arden
704.416.0101
cmlibrary.org
Oh, the joy of being able to drink from our own cup and sleep without bars around us … it’s the simple things in life that make toddlers happy. In Karen Katz’s latest book, Now I’m Big, we get to relive these joys and others with her fresh-faced character illustrations and bright, easy-to-read language. Katz tells us how one little girl gets to potty by herself, zip her own zippers, AND read to her new baby sister. I love the bouncy language and think this book will be a favorite in any household.
opens his crayon box all he sees are words and NO COLORS. Each crayon color decided it’s underappreciated and overworked. Blue’s tired of coloring the sea and beige thinks brown gets all the attention. My favorite argument is between orange and yellow; both claim to be the actual color of the sun. This book is getting buzz as one of the best of 2013 and is held in the same standard of humor as Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith’s work. Put it on hold at your library and read it repeatedly!
I’m going to be honest; I played in the mud a time or two in my childhood. I’ve made (and tried to eat) a mud pie. I’m not sure why but I also ate dog food right out of our dog’s bowl. In other words, my childhood eating habits should not be held as the pillar of nutrition. So when I found Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold, I felt like I could relate a little bit to ol’ Gert. She LOVES the dirt; loves it so much that one day she grows branches, trees, and leaves. The life as a tree girl suited her fine until she became a little too famous and lots of folks poked, prodded, and picked at her. Read this one with your own dirty little one to see where this adventure takes Gert!
I believe each of us was created for a special purpose. However, it’s sometimes hard for little (and big) people to fully appreciate our uniqueness. As often as I can, I look for books to help us celebrate how our individuality actually leads us to be better for the collective. Boy howdy, did I jump a little higher when I came across Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Lictenheld. Quite possibility my favorite of all the punctuations is the exclamation mark but I, like our protagonist, must learn the perfect place for it. Throughout the story see how the exclamation mark tries to bend into something he’s not and only finds happiness when he morphs into who he was created to be. After reading this book, I encourage you to talk with your little ones about a time in your life where you tried to be something you’re not and why it worked out better to be the person you are.
When I came across the description of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers I actually laughed out loud (which is awkward in a library). Duncan wants to color. Yet, when he
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Looking for Homeschool Activities Outside of the Home? " &+* * ) #& # # (% % &''&(*+% * ) By Rebecca Vincent • Photos courtesy of Cindy Cooper
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or parents who homeschool, the Charlotte area is replete with short-term options as well as more long-term, classroomfocused instructional possibilities. Julie Wagner, a homeschooling mom of six, admits, “The real problem is deciding which activities are the best and fit in our current studies and goals.” Wagner considers several factors when selecting an educational enrichment opportunity outside of the classroom, but most importantly she looks for those that align with their curriculum objectives. “I typically look for programs that go along with what we are studying. For example, when my kindergarteners finished a unit on zebras and elephants and my fifth grader finished a unit on Africa, it was a no-brainer to visit a zoo and see these animals that we just read and studied about.” Cost is a consideration, but she says, “I don’t mind investing in more expensive activities if it fits our homeschool vision.” Wagner says their membership to Discovery Place is one of their favorite programs: “They have specific homeschool classes that I have not been able to utilize yet but just their regular schedule of classes for everyone are always great!” Wagner offers up various activities that had intersected their learning initiatives including working on electronics in the Discovery Place lab, watching a shark dissection, and touching different animals in the aquarium area. Cindy Cooper, teacher and founder of Grow Your Mind classes, an educational enrichment organization located in Cornelius, appreciates the opportunity for innovative learning options. Her own passions for teaching and
exploratory learning inspired her to start the business in 2012 to offer a broad range of classes on myriad subjects. Her classes, for ages ranging from toddler to school-age 5-13, are specifically created to stimulate questions that students might not otherwise consider. “I encourage students to ask questions often,” she says. For that reason she keeps her class sizes intentionally small and has found that five to seven students is ideal. “They ask so many great questions I want to be able to give personal attention.” How long is one foot on the Statue of Liberty? Last year, students in the “National Monuments and Landmarks” class at Grow Your Mind whipped out a tape measure to visually appreciate that one foot is 25 feet long and would nearly take up the entire classroom. After measuring the feet of all the students and estimating their average at about 6 inches the class then determined that it would take approximately fifty children lined up to measure one of Lady Liberty’s feet. “The key is to do an activity they will remember…,” Cooper explains. Finding meaningful activities and experiments to answer questions was a part of Cooper’s own childhood and one that she incorporated naturally into her opportunities as a mother. When her son had a question, Cooper found a way to explore the answer through experiments, timelines, and artistic creations. On many occasions her son’s friends would come over to play baseball and end up more interested in the experiment on their kitchen table. She now takes these personal experiences and uses them as inspiration for the classes that she designs and teaches at Grow Your Mind. Students who participated in the “Build Your Own Business” class learned about the investment that occurs on
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Just a few Charlotte area enrichment options: Discovery Place www.discoveryplace.org/education/ homeschool_programs 704.372.6261 x300
Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org/education/classes/ 704.372.6261 x300
Grow Your Mind www.growyourmindclasses.com. 704.231.6554
Huntersville Family Fitness www.hffa.com/childservices.html#homeschool Or contact Derek Gibson at dgibson@huntersville.org
Play Spanish www.playspanish.com/ourservices.html 704.442.5616 or email ricardo@playspanish.com
Charlotte Strings Academy www.charlottestringsacademy.com/why.html 704.315.5944
the front end of business development. They went through the process of drafting a budget, coordinating a mock grand opening, and designing a logo. Students who were part of Grow Your Mind’s “Say No to New and Yes to Trashâ€? class created a bag from an old T-shirt and met with a local artist who incorporates up-cycling into her creations. Though they approach it from different perspectives, the underlying enthusiasm for learning is evident in both Cooper’s and Wagner’s commitments to enhancing the homeschool experience. “There is a popular saying amongst homeschoolers that the world is our classroom‌kids are drawn to hands-on learning,â€? says Wagner. The mantra that motivates Cooper’s work at Grow Your Mind reflects the same attitude: “If they can touch it and feel it and live it, they’ll remember it.â€? Discovery Place and Grow Your Mind are only two examples of programs available to homeschoolers in the Charlotte area. Others include the Charlotte Nature Museum that offers classes to discover animals and plant life that are native to Charlotte; Play Spanish arranges language classes and activities in several languages and settings; and, Huntersville Family Fitness offers occasional fitness classes for youth. Still, these are only a few options; opportunities for hands-on learning abound in various subjects and around the region. Rebecca Vincent is a Charlotte-based freelance writer and mother to one. During her daughter's naptime she blogs about books, writing, faith, and parenting at http://rebeccarvincent.com/blog.
Our O ur 66th Season on is Really Gonna Swing! g! 704-973-282 704-973-2828 ctcharlotte.org ctc har lotte.or Join us for another fantastic season of professional theatre and exciting special events for families. Other season highlights g g include Miracle on 34th Street, Hansel & Gretel, Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood, Billy Jonas, Too Too Many Frogs, The Reluctant Dragon and more. Join our E-Club and on Facebook for news and special of offers ffers all season! on! 12
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your child can thrive in a small preschool By Kristin Cassell
hoosing a preschool for you little one can be a daunting task. Location, tuition, curriculum, and environment are all important components. One of the most essential factors families consider is size.
Small but Mighty Abby Ritter toured multiple schools before deciding on Trinity United Methodist School for her young daughters, Ella and Olivia. “They had an incredible amount of activities and programs,” says Ritter. “I wanted a school where the girls would be exposed to diversification—in curriculum and student body.” Despite the size, many preschools offer the student body a multitude of programs. From foreign languages, art and music to specialized programs for the autistic, local preschools offer multiple opportunities for children to learn and grow. Enriched Curriculum (EC) is a service small schools offer which allows for a bi-monthly lesson on wide ranging topics. Even in the microcosm of the classroom, each child’s education is specific to his or her needs. At Community in Christ (CIC) Lutheran 14
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Preschool in Cornelius, each child in the 4-year-old and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class is given an initial assessment. From that assessment, the teachers are able to customize the educational focus for each child. By sharing these assessment tools with parents, everyone gains an overall understanding of where each child is emotionally, socially and academically. Student to teacher ratio is a significant factor. Small preschools offer a 6:1 or 8:1 student to teacher ratio with a common classroom consisting of 12 students and 2 teachers. Deanna Carne, a 4-year-old teacher at Huntersville Presbyterian Preschool, explains, “With a smaller class size, we have more one on one time. You are able to get to know the children better. Through that, some wonderful connections are made.”
All We Need is Love Heather Culm, a Lake Norman mother of two, visited four different preschools before making her decision. “It was the warmth and love the Community in Christ Director and teachers showed for the students that made the decision for me. I walked down the hallways and saw all the amazing artwork and how much fun the children were having.” Preschool teachers are charged with the love, care and development of children who are often attending school for the first time. Plentiful hugs and warm words are essential components of a happy, healthy classroom environment. Small class sizes allow teachers and students to bond and form critical relationships. Lisa Dixon chose St. Mark’s preschool in Huntersville for her youngest son. “He needed a safe and loving environment to help him. He was such a little one, he needed the extra love.” Ritter concurs, “They were still babies and I want my kids to be loved on. I don’t want to hear yelling down the hallways. I want them to be hugged when they come into the classroom.”
Find Your Way TO OUR WHOLE CHILD APPROACH TO EDUCATION
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It Takes a Village Due to the proximity of parents in a small preschool, a culture of family quickly develops. “Parents are able to have more of a connection with a closer-knit group in a small school,” says Carne. “Moms will take care of each other. If a mom needs help, other moms quickly pitch in and help out.” At CIC Preschool, families often rally around those in need. The school’s small environment stimulates the growth and development of an extended family. Whether it be fundraising, providing support or meals, it is amazing to watch the warmth and generosity spread. While a preschool may be small, it is often rich in community, love, support and curriculum. When making the decision of which school to choose, investigate the small preschools in your area. They may exceed your expectations. Kristin Cassell is a Lake Norman mother of two rambunctious boys, freelance writer and preschool teacher.
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an approach
to life
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www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
$ %.
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m
ontessori education is more of an approach to life rather than a method of education. Knowing the principles of the approach can help form a new attitude about how your child learns. The main principle is for parents to understand that we cannot learn for our children, rather we can help them learn for themselves. Montessori education offers many benefits to children, such as: Learning at his own pace – A child learns at his individual pace rather than one that is determined by the average rate of learning amongst all class members. Children master a skill before moving on. Independence – Children learn that they can do for themselves even at age 3. They are encouraged to prepare their own snacks, change their own shoes, put on their own coats, blow their noses and decide which lessons to work on, when to work on them and for how long. Everything in the environment is sized for the child—from the kitchen sink to the shelves and coat hooks. A sense of order – Montessori classrooms are often referred to as prepared environments, and they are beautiful, non-cluttered and very well organized. Everything has its place. This environment offers young children a sense of security and comfort. Self-respect and respect for others – A Montessori classroom focuses on the whole child. Social and emotional development are weighted the same as academic development. Children are given the same respect and dignity we give to adults. Failures are not criticized; rather they are looked upon as opportunities for learning experiences.
children will become self-directed learners by offering them the freedom to explore
Ability to focus and concentrate – The day is designed to minimize interruptions and children are encouraged to work on a lesson until they are finished. They do not move on to another activity unless the first one is completed. Above all, Montessori education promotes a love of learning that can last a lifetime. The prepared environment encourages children to become self-directed learners by offering them the freedom to explore and choose their own work. Lorraine Clark is the Director of Admissions at Omni Montessori School, which currently serves more than 200 students from age three to grade nine. The seven-acre Main Campus in south Charlotte is home to the Primary and Elementary programs, and Omni’s middle school is located on the thirteenacre Land Lab campus in nearby Waxhaw, North Carolina. Visit www.omnimontessori.org for more information. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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little ones loves
" *& ) &&# +% Backpacks for the elementary student are durable, bright and pack all they need and more. at Tootsies Too Children’s Shoes
A lunch tote that is cool to carry AND organic. at www.grazeorganic.com
Run circles around your classmates in athletics. at Tootsies Too Children’s Shoes
The cool way to make your kiddos’ lunch boxes green! at www.ecolunchboxes.com
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Perfect for special occasions or dress. at Tootsies Too Children’s Shoes
Medical IDs that your little ones will actually WANT to wear! at www.hopepaige.com
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" *& ) &&# bedrooms You'll be inspired by these colorful bedroom retreats
By Renee Roberson | Photos by Jamie Carney erri Robusto’s 8-year-old twins have always shared a bedroom by choice. But they readily agreed to move into separate rooms once they caught a glimpse of the new designs their mom had planned for them. Her kids have always both loved creating “secret” spaces in their home by pulling blankets and
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stuffed animals into the smallest closet in the house. When brainstorming ideas for their new bedrooms, Robusto, owner of Eclectic Interiors by Kerri Robusto, made sure to incorporate special “nooks” into the designs. “The vaulted ceiling in my son’s room lent itself perfectly for the loft, and the secret garden in my daughter’s room is basically a closet with a cased opening.”
Kerri Robusto’s daughter has always loved pink and green, so coming up with a color palette for her new bedroom was easy. Instead of painting all the trim in white, Robusto chose to add green and white trim for an extra pop. “Ceilings are a fifth wall, so don't be afraid to paint them a color,” suggests Robusto.
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“My son loves to be outdoors playing in the woods and building forts. So I brought the outside in for his room,” says Robusto. “I painted the ceiling blue to feel like the sky, added a porch swing, a loft, rustic furniture and a life-sized tree!”
To learn more about Robusto’s design services, contact her at kerri@kerrirobustointeriors.com and visit www.kerrirobustointeriors.com. 22
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Building a love of learning. Starting at age 3. Now accepting applications. Visit our website, or call for more information. 704-541-1326 / www.omni-montessori.org
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Helping moms get their mojo back . . .
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eat fit~move 24
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
with Tiffany Brown of Fit4Life www.tiffanysfit4life.com
hirteen years ago, Tiffany Brown, M.S. and owner of Fit4Life in Charlotte, was working in the IT field when she decided to make a major life change. A family history of health issues inspired her to begin getting in shape and making better nutrition decisions. Brown now works as a certified personal trainer, aerobics instructor and lifestyle and weight management counselor. We asked her for tips on how new moms can begin the process of taking more time out of their hectic schedules and give themselves a well-deserved, whole-body makeover. LOM: On your website you say, “Fitness is a lifestyle, not a fad.” Can you explain more about this philosophy? Tiffany: We have this concept. Live fit. It breaks down to living fit. Eat fit, move fit, live fit. It’s about nutrition, exercise and changing the way you think about things. The whole culture of what we offer is that if you come here we are going to alter everything in your world and the people around you will be affected. It has to be like that for people to succeed. We have a culture of people that support each other.
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active Tiffany: It’s been 13 years since we’ve had the studio. I’ve known people in all phases of their lives. I’ve had clients come in throughout the pregnancy and afterward. I have 40-year-old women coming here and bouncing back after having babies. But the journey hasn’t been just been about bouncing back. It’s about taking care of themselves. It’s “how do I make savvy food choices for my baby while breastfeeding?” The clients have been able to go through that experience and get back to their pre-baby weight after six months. LOM: What would you say is a common reason moms tend to put fitness/nutrition on the back burner? Tiffany: With my new moms especially, it’s an identity shift. Mom means sacrifice self. It’s all about the baby. You don’t sleep and eat right. What I sometimes I get is secondtime moms who want to do things differently the second time. They realize taking care of themselves when their children are infants is important. It’s time management in addition to lack of sleep and just trying to juggle what all their new life experiences mean now. This is where coaching comes in. Can you get Dad on board? Can you get a piece of cardio equipment in your house, etc.? LOM: Regarding fitness, how can moms decide what type of exercise works best for their schedule? Tiffany: Everybody’s different. Sometimes it’s about getting outside, using stairs in the house, workout videos I preapprove. When you’ve just had a baby it takes awhile. A lot of things can be worked out at home. That becomes our responsibility at the studio. Bring me the mess and I’ll help you 26
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choices
LOM: You mentioned you've had some really positive pregnancy experiences with your clients. We’d love to hear more about that!
come up with how to fix it. We plan out everything together. LOM: What are some important things to consider when changing eating habits for the better? Tiffany: A lot of times what needs to be considered is the whole family. Planning and preparing is a biggie for my busy moms. Their schedules are crazy and their kids have a lot of commitments or they’re a first-time mom. Taking time over the weekend to plan out the week is the biggest thing we have to work on. Keeping things simple and healthy. I try to push a whole food nutritional approach, but I also don’t want them to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. You can build out meals that work for everyone that way. A lot of my moms get caught out and they need to have emergency food available for them. They need to have their purses or cars stocked with the right kind of snacks. It’s more about strategy than food selection. LOM: This is some great advice! Do you have any last words of wisdom for moms hoping to change their lifestyles for the better? Tiffany: One thing I find is people can be a little hard on themselves. I like to encourage them to have grace with themselves and realize they’re juggling a lot. Sometimes it’s about delegating and asking other people for help. I find that clients hold themselves to standards that are unrealistic. Women tend to beat up on themselves so much and then the expectation as well as the plan are both unrealistic. I do a lot of coaching around “calm down.” Love yourself on the way to way to where you’re going. We don’t appreciate a lot of it because it doesn’t look like what you see in the entertainment industry. Make sure you are setting realistic goals. I always talk to my clients about maintenance. Train like you plan to play. Don’t do anything now that you can’t maintain later. Otherwise you’ll be right back to where you started.
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Every 1.7 hours, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to equal the weight of a school bus. source: www.re3.org
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the lunchbox Make your child’s lunchbox green and save money in the long run By Renee Roberson
or most parents, the list of necessary back-to-school supplies includes thermoses and lunchboxes. Perhaps you are trying to encourage your child to make healthier lunchtime choices by avoiding cafeteria offerings, or maybe he attends a school that doesn’t have a cafeteria and a packed lunch is a necessity. Regardless, making decisions regarding daily lunches is a great time to teach your children not only about healthy eating, but ways you can reduce waste during the midday meal. Here a few ways you can help make a difference: • Choose a resusable lunchbag instead of having your child “brown bag it.” • Lose the juice and milk boxes and send beverages (including water) in a stainless-steel water bottle. • Forgo plastic sandwich and snack baggies and opt for a reusable solution, such as LunchSkins or SnackTAXI products.
• Buy reusable utensils. Seek out plastic utensils made from either corn or plant material and are free of BPA, PVC and phthalates, or buy an inexpensive set of stainless-steel flatware for each child in your child to use each day and bring back home. • Substitute cloth napkins for paper napkins. If you or your children like to sew, this can be a fun and simple activity to do together after a quick trip to the local fabric or craft store. • Skip prepackaged snacks. Buying individually-wrapped snacks is more convenient, but it increases the amount of waste created. Buy the items in bulk instead and dole out servings in your reusable lunchbox containers. Keep in mind that while some of the products might seem expensive at first, the amount of money you will save by not purchasing juice boxes, plastic sandwich baggies, paper bags and napkins will pay off in the long run, as well as help to reduce copious amounts of waste in our already overflowing landfills.
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Fun Products to Check Out: graze™ Organic Bags These 100 percent-certified organic cotton bags offer a simple solution for snacks and sandwiches. Plus, they are easy to hand-wash and line dry! You can also find adorable lunch totes and cloth napkins in their online store. www.grazeorganic.com
SnackTAXI
ECO Lunchbox Mom Sandra Harris founded her company ECOLunchbox when she grew tired of trying to figure out how to provide easy-to-use containers and utensils for her children’s lunches. She worked to develop a product line using traditional materials such as stainless steel and cotton, and has an entire product line that takes the guesswork out of packing an eco-friendly lunchbox. www.ecolunchboxes.com
Leaders
GROWING
Created in 2003, SnackTAXI specializes in creating reusable snack and sandwich bags, produce sacks, cloth napkins and more. www.snacktaxi.com
Laptop Lunches These popular Bento lunchboxes help make packing lunch fun, and are phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead-free. Customize your own lunch kit (with containers, totes, thermos and drink containers, napkins and utensils) on their website or shop a la carte. www.laptoplunches.com
Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
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These sturdy, stainless-steel water bottles come in a variety of sizes and colors and are free of BPA, phthalates, lead and other toxins. www.kleankanteen.com .
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(&! * Making a Difference, One Lunch at a Time By Renee Roberson Photos courtesy of thelunchproject.org
hat started out as a desire to help provide lunches to children in a remote African village has turned into a way to educate local children about philanthropy. Charlotte mom Rebecca Wofford got the idea for The Lunch Project while on a research trip to Africa several years ago, when she was working as a law professor. The group was studying the differences between laws affecting children in different countries. While Wofford was thrilled to see more than 900 students attending school in Tanzania, many of them come from extreme poverty and the school was unable to provide lunches for the students each day. “For some reason, the fact that they don’t have a lunch program really hit me,” she says. “We’re so accustomed to having that in the U.S.” While on this particular trip, Wofford and her students served lunch to the children one day as an outreach project.
When her kids saw the pictures from that day, they questioned why the school didn’t have a lunch program and asked her what she was going to do about it. From there, the Wofford family decided to start their own nonprofit, The Lunch Project, a grassroots program designed to help the children in Tanzania. “Eighty-five dollars serves lunch for 900 kids for one day,” says Wofford, who initially started out with the goal to raise enough money to serve lunch to the kids one or two days out of the week. Thanks to the generous sponsorships from local families and the help of a grant, The Lunch Project is now able to provide food for the schoolchildren five days a week. Wofford has worked to streamline the food-preparation and serving process in the village. The group sends money to a local driver in Tanzania, and he purchases the corn and milk needed to make enough porridge to serve the children. The Lunch Project then reached out to local moms in the village, and they get paid a small stipend to serve the food at the school. When her son Sam’s teacher heard about
the project, she asked Wofford to come in and explain to the class more about how it worked. Drawing on her teaching background, Wofford developed a special presentation designed to help children problem solve the situation in Tanzania and teach them more about philanthropy. Last year, she took her presentation to eight different area schools. As one of their fundraisers, The Lunch Project is selling LunchSkins featuring their logo to help support administrative costs. “We think it is a great way to teach kids about our environment and philanthropy and makes their lunchboxes more ecofriendly,” says Wofford. “The Lunch Project brings me great joy every day, and I want it to bring joy to other people, too,” she adds. To order a LunchSkin, please e-mail info@thelunchproject.org. Visit their website at www.thelunchproject.org or their Facebook page to learn how you can get involved.
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ask the therapist By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC
raising responsible
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Ways to teach your child responsibility:
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hat do you see as your ultimate goal and responsibility as a parent? You have been entrusted with the life of another human being and given the ultimate duty to provide for, teach and raise a child into an independent adult. This requires nurturing, love, financial resources, time and commitment from you as a parent for your children to become responsible, independent, contributing members of society. Considering what your end goal is as a parent is critical in being intentional in raising your child and will increase the odds that the result is what you desire. Unfortunately, many couples have spent much more time and effort discussing their wedding plans, dream house and careers—but when it comes to their ultimate intention or desire for their children, I often hear the pat answer, “I just want them to be happy.” It is often in that vein that parents then set out on their parenting venture to do everything within their power to make their child “happy.” The truth is, this doesn’t result in raising a responsible child and your effort to give your child everything his heart desires, doing everything in your power so your child doesn’t experience pain, conflict or disappointment, and spending your time and effort to maintain his “happiness” ultimately creates an unhappy child who has no sense of responsibility. In my opinion, parenting is the hardest job anyone will ever take on. You are molding the beliefs, thoughts, and life of another human being. It comes with an incredible amount of responsibility for you, as the parent. Something this important deserves a well thought out plan. When your child celebrates her 18th birthday, what do you want to have accomplished as a parent? What is your ultimate desire for your child in regards to her character, how she sees and feels about herself, her family and her job/career? How will you know that you have succeeded as a parent? Responsibility is a character trait I think most parents would agree as being important and one they would like to instill in their children. A responsible child grows into a responsible adult. Responsible children understand the connection between their behaviors and the choices they make and the resulting consequences. They take pride in their material things, are proud of their work,
Allow your child to try his new skills out as he is able (i.e. dressing himself, tying his shoes, putting his clothes away, and cleaning up his toys AND messes. It’s okay if it’s not done perfectly – allow him to try and acknowledge his efforts. Encourage his efforts and assist him, but don’t do it for him. Begin to assign family contributions (rather then “chores”) that they can do that are developmentally/age appropriate. For example, setting the dinner table, cleaning the bathroom, helping to clean the family car, etc. Allowance is a great way to help children learn the concept of earning/working for things and ultimately teaches a good work ethic. Tie it to specific family contributions or extra things they can do to contribute to the household (i.e. raking leaves, mowing the lawn, doing the dishes, vacuuming). Be sure to make it developmentally/age appropriate. When your child wants a new toy, game or to download a song from iTunes, require her to earn the money and pay for those things from her earned money. Ask questions to help your children resolve conflicts and problems they encounter, i.e. “It sounds like Susie hurt your feelings when she wouldn’t play with you on the play ground today. What do you think you could do tomorrow to try to work things out with her?” Telling our children what to do communicates that we don’t believe they have the know-how or resources to figure things out—and they almost always do!
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and recognize their accountability to a larger community. So, how do we teach this to our children? It may be better to talk first about how we don’t teach this to our kids. Giving your child everything his heart desires does not teach responsibility. Working to keep them from being unhappy, intervening in every conflict they experience, doing everything for them may help you feel like the parent of the year, but it is important to consider what you are communicating to and about your children by doing so. When children get in the habit of asking for someone to do things for them (this can start with getting dressed or putting their socks on in toddlerhood) and you willingly jump right in and take over, you are communicating to them that they are incapable of doing things on their own and creating an unnecessary dependence. Children go through a “me do it” stage in toddlerhood when they begin to realize that they can assert their own will and have the competency to do certain things. This needs to be developed and nurtured. Otherwise, you create a helpless, needy child who doesn’t believe in her own abilities. By providing your children with all of the material things their hearts desire, you teach them to have no sense of pride or value in their things. When your children have to earn things, whether through good behavior, contributing to the family chores or doing certain jobs to earn money—when they spend that money to get the video game they wanted or the skateboard they longed for, they will take pride in those accomplishments as well as their things. This also teaches the value of working (work ethic) and the pay off that comes with hard work. By doing everything for your child so they are “happy” you are teaching your child a false sense of happiness that is not real world. When your child goes off to college or out into the real world to get a job no one is going to be there to clean his dishes, do his laundry, and clean up behind him. If children have never learned these skills, this is a hard time to start learning! You also
create a skewed sense of reality of what is expected of an adult. These messages are important to consider. If you are a parent who over protects and jumps in every time your child faces any type of conflict or disappointment—you are not helping him. While it is appropriate for a parent to get involved with a young child who is experiencing a problem with a friend or teacher, as your child grows, his level of independence should grow with him. Supporting him and discussing ways to handle conflicts tells him that you care and are willing to help him think through things, but that you have faith in his ability to handle the situation appropriately. If they depend on you to fight all of their battles, your children are not learning responsibility. Just as a child doesn’t learn their colors or ABC’s without being taught, the same is true for learning how to become responsible. Every thing you do or don’t do for your children communicates whether or not you see them as competent and responsible. Trying to keep your children from experiencing disappointment and conflict does not do them any favors. No one makes it through life without conflict or disappointment—so they might as well learn how to deal with it. These skills are important tools they need to learn and take with them into adulthood. Some of the most depressed, insecure, lost and unfulfilled adults I have worked with in my practice are those who had parents who did and provided everything for them, with the best of intentions, but ultimately not teaching them how to become responsible adults. The lessons start in toddlerhood. If your goal is to raise a responsible child, start teaching and modeling it for them now. 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.
Understanding through play Through play therapy, children ages 3-10 learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.
The Stone Center for Counseling & Leadership 704-665-0065 • thestonecenternc.com 1106 Harding Place • Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 34
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When your health is in question, you shouldn’t have to guess the answer. Your family’s health isn’t always predictable. Whether it’s a sudden headache, broken arm or upset stomach, you don’t want to guess when it comes to your health. Novant Health’s Care Now service connects you with a nurse over the phone, who helps you figure out what to do next and where to get care. We worry about where to treat you, so you can worry about getting healthy.
We’re here when you need us: 704-384-CARE (2273)
Visit us at NovantHealth.org to learn more
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-*
#
) ) Help your child head back to school with ease in a world filled with gluten
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By Dr. James Sandberg
hen children with celiac disease enter the school classroom and cafeteria for the first time, parents and their new students often feel anxious or overwhelmed. Just one nibble on a french fry, birthday cupcake or hotdog bun could potentially illicit an immediate, harmful and even painful event. The good news is, celiac disease is treatable, flares are avoidable and thriving in school with celiac disease is absolutely achievable. Managing celiac disease becomes easier with knowledge, training and education. So I suggest parents and their students brush up on celiac disease knowledge as back-toschool season flings into full swing. What is celiac disease? Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease, which causes the body’s immune system to attack its small intestines after the consumption of gluten. For people with celiac disease, gluten, a naturally-occurring protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is toxic. As soon as it’s eaten, the body’s immune system begins harming the lining of the small intestine, which is covered with tiny finger-like projections called villi. Healthy villi grab and absorb nutrients from food. But once damaged by celiac disease, the villi’s “fingers” become disabled, limiting nutrient absorption. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and other health problems. Nearly 1 in 130 people has celiac disease, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Prevalence is rising due to increased awareness and education. Children are at higher
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risk for celiac disease if they have Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, or have a relative with celiac disease. Symptoms often include gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, or poor weight gain—and they can show up only occasionally or routinely. As a pediatric gastroenterologist, I frequently diagnose children between 2 and 10 years old; but celiac symptoms can onset at any age. If your child suffers from similar symptoms, it’s time to visit your pediatrician. After a complete medical history and physical exam, pediatricians who suspect celiac disease will often suggest a simple blood draw screening called tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibody. If the test comes back positive, pediatricians then refer patients to a pediatric gastroenterologist, who will obtain a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the disease. Celiac disease means a life-long gluten-free diet. Once diagnosed, the sole treatment for celiac disease is strict gluten avoidance. There are no pills, shots or surgery required—just a diet modification. In fact, eliminating gluten can actually reverse intestinal damage over time and remove all symptoms. Initially, transitioning to a gluten-free diet may feel daunting. American culture adores pizza crust, warm rolls and sweet, baked desserts. These flour-based treats are often central to celebrations and social events. I’ve found that as parents and children focus on what they can eat and how healthy their body feels when evading gluten, it’s easier to stick to the proper diet. Children with celiac disease are often pleased to learn that they can eat popcorn, corn tortillas and chips, brown or wild rice, fruits and vegetables, meats and peanuts, yogurts and even soft drinks and ice cream. And because a growing number of people experience gluten intolerances or sensitivities, grocery stores and restaurants have added a wide range of gluten-free products to shelves and menus. Plus, switching to a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean shunning all grains. There are six grains (barley, rye, wheat, oats, corn and rice), and gluten is mostly found in barley, rye and wheat. Many of my patients stick to a gluten-free diet and
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eat oats, corn and rice without any problem. Educate the educators about celiac disease and your child. When it’s time to go back to school after a celiac disease diagnosis, make sure to inform the child’s teacher, school dietitian or lunch staff about the diagnosis; but avoid drawing attention to the child in front of his/her peers. Today’s school dietitians are familiar with lactose intolerance, diabetes, allergies and health issues. They are happy and willing to accommodate special dietary needs when feasible. However, the only way to know foods are prepared without a trace of gluten is to prepare them at home. To help your child feel part of social events and celebrations, ask the teacher to notify you before treats are brought in so that you can send a special, gluten-free snack to school. It’s also a nice touch to provide teachers with a list of treats your child can enjoy. Be aware of hidden sources of gluten in “non-food” items like lipstick, toothpaste, lotions, prescription medications or vitamins as well as “food items” such as salad dressings, marinades, soups, sauces and hashbrowns. For example, one of my 2-year-old patients experienced bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea every time his grandmother kissed him. Turned out, grandma’s gluten-filled lipstick was the culprit behind his discomfort. Above all: teach and trust your child. During my 20 years of experience, I’ve found that children who are properly educated and trained about their disease and their diets generally make excellent food choices on their own. It is also important to visit your pediatric gastroenterologist yearly for a TTG test to assess how well your child is doing on their gluten-free diet. As questions or difficult times arise, remember that pediatricians, gastroenterologists and dieticians serve as excellent resources. I also recommend qualified online resources like www.gikids.org or www.nasphgan.org. Dr. James Sandberg, a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, cares for patients at Novant Health Pediatric Gastroenterology in Charlotte.
From Birth through College, your child’s health is our focus. As an independent solo practitioner, you and your child will come to know and trust Dr Arnold Snitz with your families health and wellness. Even through those pesky teenage years, Snitz Pediatrics will be there to answer questions. You will also find a certified lactation consultant to guide you through a successful feeding experience and even help you choose the proper breastfeeding equipment.
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Food | Fashion | Celebrity Guests Health | Beauty | Lifestyle
September 19-22 Charlotte Convention Center
Thursday 10am-7pm | Friday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-7pm |Sunday 10am-5pm Adults $10 at the Door | Youth (6-12) $5 Under 6 FREE with Paying Adult
Get inspired, feel refreshed and uncover the secrets to living well, feeling healthy, and having FUN!
Discount Tickets at Harris Teeter $7.50 www.SouthernWomensShow.com
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Location
Date
Contact Info
S. Charlotte Banquet Center (9009 Bryant Farms Road)
Public Sale Aug. 1 (10 a.m – 9 p.m.) & 2 (8 a.m. – noon)
704.299.3097
www.theposhclosetsale.com
Gently-used smocked, boutique, home show and name-brand clothing; sellers keep up to 80% of profits; strollers, kids and bags welcome.
Lake Norman Mothers of Multiples
Brawley Middle School, Mooresville
Aug. 3 from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m; half-price sale at 11:30 a.m.
lknmomsale@gmail.com
www.lknmom.org
$1 early bird admission from 7 – 8 a.m.
Charlotte Mothers of Multiples
The Park Expo & Conference Center Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.; half-price sale from 1 -3 p.m.
877.90.CMOMs
www.cmoms.net
$2 Early Bird Admission from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m; no strollers or carts. No strollers, please.
Posh Closet Consignment Sale
University City UMC
Tar Heel Kids Consignment (Formerly TotTrade)
3835 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
Aug. 10, 8 - 10:30 a.m. regular sale; ucumcconsignmentsale@ half-price sale noon-2 p.m. yahoo.com
www.ucumc.org
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Aug. 15 – 18; 704.644.3972 or see website for complete schedule tarheelkids@hotmail.com
www.tarheelkidsconsignment.com
Green Jeans Eco Chic Women and Teen Fall Consignment Sale
Southpark Area: Queens University Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Road
Aug. 15 – 18; half-price sale on Aug. 17 & 18 (see website for hours)
704.650.8126
www.greenjeanssale.com
New local boutique fashion and recycled brandname/designer clothes for women and teens. Lake Norman Sale scheduled for September. Check website for up-to-date on this specific sale.
Weddington UMC Kids Consignment
Weddington UMC Family Life Center, 13901 Providence Road
Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m; half-price sale at 1 p.m.
704.321.5584
www.weddingtonkidsconsignment.com
Pay $15 and shop early on Aug. 16 from 5 – 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit women’s and children’s charities in Union County.
The Pointe Arena (beside Knight’s Stadium) off I-77, exit 88, in Ft. Mill
Aug. 21 – 24, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; half-price sale Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. –2p.m.
info@foreveryseason.net 803.327.5473
www.foreveryseason.net
Pre-sale for new/expectant parents! Rolling and shopping carts available for use.
15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville Preview Sale, Sept. 4 from 6 – 9 p.m.; info@humcfaithcircle.org Public Sale, Sept. 5 – 7
www.humcfaithcircle.org
Volunteer and receive up to 70% of profits; half-price sale on Sept. 7
katskidsale.vpweb.com
Many name brands at bargain prices. Keep up to 80 % of profits.
For Every Season SEE OUR AD page 42
Harrison UMC
Kat’s Kid Sale
Assurance UMC Kid’s Consignment Sale
13015 Rosedale Hill Ave., Huntersville
Sept. 11 – 14 (see website for hours) katskidsale@yahoo.com
Assurance United Methodist Church, Sept. 13 and 14; consignor pre-sale 9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Sept. 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Huntersville
consignment@ assuranceumc.org
www.assuranceumc.org
5900 Quail Hollow Road
Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon; half-price sale from 1:30 – 4 p.m.
704.716.6843
www.ymcacharlotte.org
No children or strollers permitted but childcare is available. Credit cards and cash only.
Teri’s Kidz Consignment
314 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville
Sept. 15 – 21
terikidzconsign@aol.com
terikidzconsign.com
Keep 70% of profits.
Sardis Weekday School
Sardis Presbyterian Church
Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. – noon; half-price sale from 12:30 – 2 p.m.
swscs1@gmail.com
www.sardis.org
$2 Early Admission Sale at 7 a.m. Proceeds benefit youth ministries.
Harris YMCA
FBCIT Kids Consignment Sale
First Baptist Church Indian Trail 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road
CMG Children’s Consignment Sale
St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road
Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; half-price sale at noon.
cmgconsignment@ yahoo.com
www.stgabrielchurch.org /cmg-events
$2 Early Bird entry at 7:30 a.m.; proceeds benefit local charities.
Upscale Wee Sale SEE OUR AD page 42
Rock Hill Galleria Mall, 2525 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C.
Oct. 17 – 20 (see ad or website for hours); most items half-price on Oct. 20
803.980.7153 or 803.322.2980
www.upscaleweesale.com
Earn 66-75% commission! New/expectant parent pre-sale – register online; more than 600 consignors.
Back on the Rack Women and Children Consignment Sale
Monroe Agricultural Center
Oct. 25 & 26
Sept. 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 - 8 p.m.; consignment@fbcit.org Sept. 28, 8 a.m. – noon (half price sale)
www.fbcit.org
info@botrconsignment.com www.botrconsignment.com
Half-price sale Oct. 26 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Your best consign finds . . . e all know the fall consignment season is a great time to pick up gently-used clothing for the kids, but it's also a great time for mom to shop, too! We asked readers to share their best consignment finds with us, and here’s what they said.
I bought an almost-new Fisher Price Little People Zoo. It may sound silly, but it was marked down to a small fraction of what it retails, and my twins play with it every time they enter our playroom! It seems like every day I say that thing was “worth every penny.” Kia Cook, Davidson
I have found so many . . . a Louis [Vuitton] at Green Jeans, New Orient Expressed Smocked Dress for $10 at the Sardis Weekday Preschool Sale, Disney Princess Movies for $2 each at Harris Y sale...so many good things...! Trang Schwartz, South Charlotte
I once found a whole mixed bag of Build-a-Bear clothes and accessories for $2 and a brand-new in-the-box Slip & Slide for $3 ... I have found amazing deals on Halloween costumes and dress-up clothes, sports equipment and shoes. Seems the clothes usually aren’t as good a deal but that doesn’t stop me from coming home with a few cute outfits anyway! Heather Geiser, Charlotte
The big things (and I’m only calling them big in my mind) is winter coats. I’ve never purchased a heavy winter coat for my kids in a store. I always get them at the fall sale. I’ve paid, at most, $12 or $13 for name-brand coats. I’ve also purchased ski bibs on several occasions for $8-$12. It’s been great when it snows to have them, and we’ve taken the kids sledding the mountains. This is probably a purchase I would never make at a store because of the cost for getting them for three kids and given how little it snows here. Holly Becker, Cornelius
Umbrella strollers ONLY, please
I usually end up finding more things for myself than the kids at consignment sales/stores! My latest great find was a pair of almost brand-new Lucky skinny Jeans at Fifi’s in Cornelius. They were only $40, and they had already been professionally hemmed to fit someone exactly my height, which is a rarity. Score! Renee Roberson, Huntersville
Fall Sale August 21-24
THURS., OCTOBER 17: 5PM-9PM* (*early admission at 4pm with 3 canned goods per person ) FRI., OCTOBER 18: 10AM-7PM SAT., OCTOBER 19: 10AM-4PM SUN., OCTOBER 20: 1PM-6PM
11 years of bringing you a huge selection of high quality items for your family. Wed 9-7; Thurs 9-7; Fri 9-7; Sat 50% off sale 10-2
(Most items 1/2 off!)
Rock Hill Galleria Mall (Previous Goody’s Department Store) 2295 Dave Lyle Blvd. Rock Hill, SC 29730
www.upscaleweesale.com Accepting cash, credit & debit cards. No checks please 42
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The Pointe Arena, Beside Knights Stadium Free Admission and Parking 2266 Deerfield Drive • Fort Mill, SC 29715 I-77, Exit 88
www.foreveryseason.net • 803.327.5473
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lendi Glam, established a few years ago as a mobile party planner, officially opened a storefront in early 2013. This event design boutique specializes in stylish parties for kids. Glendi is the Greek word meaning party, event, celebration . . . so they know what it means to Party! Parties are small and intimate and perfect for the best of friends. Glendi Glam owner, Olympia Nikopolous, has a mission to create closer bonds between parents, children, and friends spending time together. Glendi Glam offers spa glam services and fabulous playdates. They also have a wide variety of fun custom party themes to choose from, such as 80s Rock Stars, Princess, 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 Rd. in Matthews. They can also bring the party to you at an additional charge with GG Mobile Parties! Visit www.glendiglam.com make a reservation request online and start creating your memories to last a lifetime!
Party! Choose one of our packages or customize your own theme party
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Princess Tea Relaxation Spa Dolly & Me Jazz Me Up! 80s Rock Star Hair Finesse Its T-shirt Time and much more
i, Glend ord w k e e r , ... the g g Party in n a e m e h t t e So, L es Fun Tim! Begin
Having the Best Dressed Kids, Never felt So Good! 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
Mention this ad and get $30 off your first event and $15 off your second event
(704) 797-1419
980-224-3394 • www.glendiglam.com
www.whimsical-wardrobe.com & find us on facebook www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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apples abound %
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Visit two popular apple festivals and check out other area growers
local farms: Carrigan Farms (pre-picked apples) 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy. Mooresville, N.C. www.carriganfarms.com Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill 1860 Black Highway York, S.C. www.windyhillorchard.com
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all brings to mind the changing of the leaves on the trees, cooler temperatures, hayrides . . . and apples. Whether you love biting into a crisp, juicy apple straight from the tree, apple pie topped with whip cream, apple butter or a steaming mug of apple cider, you won’t want to miss the annual North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville, N.C. Held over Labor Day weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, this popular festival includes four days of street fairs, arts and crafts, free entertainment, festival food, and best of all, fresh-picked apples from one of 14 local apple growers in Henderson County. During the festival, Hendersonville’s Main Street showcases more than 200 vendors, and the King Apple Parade on Labor Day is one of the event’s most popular events.
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Did you know? •••
•••••••• Live entertainNorth Carolin • • ment begins daily is the 7th larg a es at 10 a.m. at the apple producin t g Historic state in the Courthouse on nation. Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. For kids, parents can purchase tickets on-site for the Wells Fargo Family Fun Zone where the smallest members of the family can pass the time with a variety of rides and inflatables. For more information, visit www.ncapplefestival.org. Locally, the Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in York, S.C. offers applepicking seasonally through the months of September and October, including the 19th Annual Apple Harvest Festival on Oct. 19. Festival highlights include make-it-and-take-it life-sized scarecrows, fresh-picked apples, live music, blacksmith and apple cider demonstrations, hayrides and more. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Ingredients: 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup water 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup melted butter
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Place the sliced apples in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, one tablespoon of flour and ground cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all. 3. Combine the oats, one cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Recipe makes one 9 x 13 pan.
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JrK – Grade 12
Going beyond since 1969. 1969
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)
Join us for Walk-In Wednesdays Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Concord, NC | www.CannonSchool.org www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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By Renee Roberson
The N.C. Transportation Museum offers visitors a glimpse of local history
If you go: North Carolina Transportation Museum 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, N.C. www.nctrans.org Train Ride Fees Include Museum Admission: Adults - $12 Children (3-12) - $8 Seniors/Active Military - $10 *Memberships are also available
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e
ach fall, scores of Charlotte residents make the trip to nearby Spencer for the annual “Day Out with Thomas” engagement at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, but there is plenty for the littlest train and automobile enthusiasts to see and do at the museum throughout the rest of the year. Located on 57 acres, the museum is situated on the former site of the Southern Railway Company’s largest steam locomotive facility. The Town of Spencer is named after Samuel Spencer, the first president of the Southern Railway. There are 18 structures spread out over the museum’s site, including the 120,000 square-foot roundhouse, an authentic train depot and antique
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automobiles and a gift shop. For an additional fee, visitors can take a fiveminute ride on the 100-foot turntable located in front of the roundhouse between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The museum is popular with school groups and hosts more than 10,000 students and teachers each year. In addition, parents seeking a creative place to host their child’s birthday party can reserve a birthday caboose, complete with a 25-minute train ride and use of a retired railroad caboose for up to two hours. This year’s “Day Out with Thomas: Train for the Ride of Their Life” is scheduled for Sept. 20-22 and 27-29. Tickets are $22 on Fridays and $24 on weekends for children and adults and include a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and other museum activities.
out & about +
Round out your summer with museums, festivals and fun with animals!
Cornelius Outdoor Cinema Series
What: Aug. 7 – The Avengers (PG-13) at Kenton Place Aug. 17 – Madagascar 3 (PG) at Aquesta Bank Aug. 21 – The Amazing Spider Man (PG-13) at Kenton Place Movies begin at dusk.
Monkey Mania What: Come monkey ‘round The Schiele! Visitors will meet the Monkey Lady and her capuchin monkey family. Learn about the unique adaptations of capuchin and marmosets that help them survive. Discover how these unique abilities can also help them get dressed and ride a tricycle. Meet Maggie Mae, Pincher and Serina Capuchin monkeys who are busy helping their new family member, Silly Willy, learn how to be a monkey. Primate trainers will be on hand to answer questions and to share their experiences with you. Seating is limited. When: Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org
Sensory Friendly Films – The Smurfs 2 What: In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. When: Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. Where: AMC Concord Mills and AMC Carolina Pavilion www.amctheatres.com
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Free Tuesday Sponsored by Duke Energy What: Enjoy a late afternoon at The Schiele free of charge! All the museum’s exhibits and Nature Trail will be available for your exploration. At 5 p.m., have fun exploring a variety of fluorescent rocks and minerals. Don’t miss a special showing of The Planets at 7 p.m. in the James H. Lynn Planetarium. When: Aug. 13 from 4 – 8 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org
Hummingbird Festival What: This all-day event celebrates the ruby-throated hummingbird with music, nature hikes, face painting, bird banding demonstrations, vendors and children’s crafts. When: Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve www.parkandrec.com
Wild in the Water What: Come explore aquatic habitats, learn how to catch a fish, or watch Snappy, the alligator, glide through the water. Meet and greet turtles, frogs, tadpoles, sunfish, salamanders and more. When: Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
Homeschool Day at Discovery Place What: Homeschool families, come enjoy discounted admission and a chance to check out the newest special limited engagement exhibition and IMAX film. Adapted from the best-selling Grossology children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branzei, Animal Grossology is oozing with disgusting science and entertaining hands-on learning activities. During your visit, experience a film in The Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre. Admission is $10 per person and includes museum admission and one IMAX Discovery film. When: Aug. 23, all day Where: Discovery Place www.discoveryplace.org 48
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Little Kids, Big World What: The big kids are back in school so it’s the perfect time for the little ones to get outside. You and your little one will go on a sensory nature exploration, meet live animals, and have a snack. Registration required. When: Aug. 27 from 11 – 11:45 a.m. Where: McDowell Nature Center www.parkandrec.com
Matthew Alive! Festival What: This single largest fundraising event in Matthews helps support nonprofit programs in the area. The festival includes plenty of free entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food, a midway full of games, amusement park rides and more. When: Aug. 30 – Sept. 2 Where: At the corner of John and Trade Streets in Historic Downtown Matthews www.matthewsalive.org
Sensory-Friendly Films – Planes What: In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, caseinfree snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. When: Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. Where: AMC Concord Mills and AMC Carolina Pavilion www.amctheatres.com
Paper Making What: Come and learn how to make your own paper. Recycle old paper into brand new paper that can be used for note cards and letters. You can even bring paper from your recycling bin to use. When: Aug. 31 from 2 – 3 p.m. Where: Reedy Creek Nature Center www.parkandrec.com www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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Whether destined for the stage or the boardroom, Drama Kids builds confidence, speaking skills, and acting skills in young people and teenagers, ages 5–17. Our programs are fast paced and fun!
Classes held weekly In: South Charlotte and Union County
Yiasou Greek Festival
What: Since 1978, the award-winning Yiasou Greek Festival features Hellenic exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, entertainment, art, shopping and a Children’s Play Land especially for the littlest festival goers. When: Sept. 5 – 8 Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral www.yiasoufestival.org
Cabarrus County Fair What: Bring the whole family to experience this year’s theme of “Fair-a-Tales Come True,” complete with animals, carnival rides, racing pigs and plenty of fair food such as funnel cakes, caramel apples, barbeque and more. When: Sept. 6 – 14 Where: The Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord www.cabarruscounty.us/fair
Contact us today! 704-612-1441 • dramakidsnc2@gmail.com www.dramakids.com/nc2
Nature Detectives What: Discovering nature helps spark inner curiosity and creativity. During this series, participants will become nature detectives as they learn all about the animals that live in the woods and how everything works together in nature. When: Sept. 9 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation Nature Center www.parkandrec.com
Scales and Tales What: Jumping frogs, tumbling turtles, leaping lizards, and slithering snakes. Many a reptile and amphibian will be here for you to see and touch. When: Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org 50
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Teaching kids to swim since 1996 Offering morning classes – Perfect for preschoolers!
Southern Women’s Show What: This annual show features everything from shopping and runway shows to cooking and health demonstrations. When: Sept. 19 – 22 Where: Charlotte Convention Center www.SouthernWomensShow.com
YOUR CHILD WILL BE Healthier • Safer • Smarter
Festival in the Park What: The 49th Annual Festival in the Park, designed to stimulate and promote an interest in the arts, features a variety of works from talented artists, free performances at the main band shell and a special Family Fun Zone complete with a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, trackless train and inflatables. When: Sept. 20 – 22 Where: Freedom Park www.festivalinthepark.org
ENROLL TODAY 704.341.9673 • info@charlotteaquatics.com
www.charlotteaquatics.com
An amazing ride with Thomas the Tank Engine TM ! Plus ttons of other activities.
The N.C. Transportation Museum Address, City, State, Zip
Your Railroad Name Name Your Railroad Address, City, State, Zip
Fall Homeschool Day What: Experience a special living history day set aside for homeschoolers and their families. In addition to touring the house, grounds, and outbuildings, meet the farm animals, make crafts, and more. When: Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org
411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC
SEPT.
3-4 & 10-11, 2013
20 -22, 27-29
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Now Trending:
{
“It’s our job to help them through what can be some very tough times—both pre-teen and teenage years.”
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Technology Keys In Talks With Teens & Tweens
Dad Develops Digital Media Solution for Parents By Kiran Dodeja Smith arenting in a digital world is scary, to say the least. Many moms may assume that simply signing up for Facebook and occasionally checking in with their child’s account can keep them wise on their kids. But enter in Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and more and suddenly you may be navigating an unknown road alongside your child. Increasing technology at all of our fingertips, while positive in so many ways, can also lead to a number of negatives. Distractions and inappropriate interactions are only the beginning. More and more colleges and companies are heading to social media before accepting or rejecting candidates. What kids and young adults say and do can and may be used against them in the future. But regardless of this, every parent wants his or her kids to be safe. It’s our job to help them through what can be some very tough times—both pre-teen and teenage years. Paul Adkison, a native Charlottean, is a local father of three who found
himself in a similar situation. Concerned about his kids and keeping their best interests in mind, he created ZABRA, a technology-based system that monitors children’s social media and sends alerts to parents on potentially harmful situations. The system is not meant to be a spying solution, but instead was created to increase the communication between parent and child. Instead of looking over their shoulders, sneaking a peek at their texts or confiscating their phone in the event of an unacceptable scenario, it’s a means to monitor and interact. Offered on a monthly basis, once an account is established, parents can log in to ZABRA and view alerts and get details about offending conversation in addition to when it occurred and what social network it occurred on. But instead of just stopping there, ZABRA provides “point of care” easy-to-use videos and articles that provide tips on the topic, along with counsel and advice from experts. For example, your child may be communicating with another on the topic that relates to bullying. As the parent, you’d first receive an alert. But in the case that you don’t know best how to talk to your child about it, you can view videos and get advice on how to approach the topic. Videos from well known individuals include Josh Shipp, noted author and speaker as seen on GMA, CNN, Oprah.com and more, as well as child psychologists, counselors, authors and other subject matter experts. ZABRA provides resources to help parents become knowledgeable on subjects they may not be familiar with, including alcohol, self-image, pornography, depression, sexual abuse and more, while learning how to manage and maintain effective communication when it matters most. “The ZABRA solution is simple to use and allows us to be alerted quickly along with the ability to watch and read information and help from experts,” says Adkison. “When we receive an alert via text or email, we have valuable information at our fingertips that gives us the tools needed to course-correct as well as maintain good communication and dialog with our kids about appropriate behavior in their online lives, just like we do in their real-world lives.” ZABRA currently monitors Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and plans to add other networks as needed. The cost for the service is $9.95/month, which covers an entire family—a small price to pay for keeping your child’s best interest at heart. During their Beta/Pilot Testing Phase, you can sign up for six (6) months free by visitingwww.MyZABRA.com. Simply enter your information and you’ll receive an email with a coupon code. Email Mark Adkison at mark@zabra.com with any additional questions. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
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carolina
Madison Dixon
Photo by Charlene Henderson
Gavin Macoy Foster
Photo by Imajen Photography
Danica Arrington
Photo by Carolyn Hildebrand
Addison Sendler
Photo by Marissa Nixon
Jabril Rashad Adams
Photo by Jana Thurmond Nixon
Photo by Blair Phillips Photography
Julyana Leon
Photography by Fanny Sasso Samuel "Alex" Senter Kyle Alexander Miller
Photography by Portrait Innovations 54
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Photo by Grace Hill Photography
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.
McKenna Victoria Parker
Photo by Megan Wingate
Ayden Gregory
Photo by Summer Britt
Palmer Hoppenfeld
Photo by Mallory Fitzsimmons Photography
Amina
Photo by Rita Boric
Madison & Jackson Briggs
Photo by Jason Briggs
Malachi R.
Photo by Neely Bruce Photography
Nicholas Torres
Keeghan Fisher
Andrew Kelso
Photo by Quiet Expressions
Photo by Photography by Chanda
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October/November 2013 Tricks and Treats • Fun with Halloween All I Want • Gifts for everyone on your list Unconditional Love • Children with special needs
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704.906.8739 ... www.photographybychanda.com
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