The Best Holiday Gift Guide
Break Out Indie Designers
The Best Eco-Friendly Toys for your Tots!
What your teens are listening to THE BUDGET MOM Tips for moms living on a budget
Our Top 10 Beauty Finds
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Contents/November 2009
The Best Holiday Gift Guide p. 38 Letter From the Founders p. 8 The Budget Mom p. 9 Top 10 Beauty Buys p. 12 What Teens are Wearing p. 14 What Teens are Listening to p. 15 Paper Trail p. 16 Holiday Fashion Finds p. 18 Wovenplay/Style for your Little Ones p. 20 Great Fall Style p. 22 Best Eco-Friendly Toys For Your Tots p. 26 The Best Abs p. 27 Surviving Your Teen Driver p. 30 Breakout Designers p. 32 What Teens are Reading p. 34 Fun & Family Friendly Vacation Spots p. 35 Your Green Baby p. 37 The Best Holiday Gift Guide p. 38
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Founders and Editorial Directors Becky Ocasio and Kimberly Morales Editor-in-Chief Belinda Lopez Creative Director Victoria Ocasio Senior Editor Megan Ocasio Associate Editor Charissa Morales Marketing Director Michael Beers
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Letter from the Founders As Fall arrived this year we both were so happy to see our kids off to school on their first day and begin focusing on our latest business endeavor together, Style Café Moms Magazine. We are first and foremost sisters and best friends, but from nine to five (most days much later) we are business partners. Our Style Café Moms name has grown into a company that creates beautiful celebrity baskets as well as celebrity and media events. We strive to bring our clients new and exciting opportunities as we, former work-at-home moms, would have loved to have had. Being sisters and business partners does blur the line between family life and business life from time to time (almost always). We can never attend a family function without speaking business nor do we ever talk on the phone about our children without the topic of business coming up. At times we would just like to enjoy each other’s company without the company coming into conversation, but such is the life of a business owner and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Between the two us we have seven children, two dogs and two very supporting husbands, who we can always count on and who are always there to cheer us on even when we feel like we are not having the best of days. Our children are the reason why we are bringing you Style Café Moms Magazine. Although we both have very busy schedules between our work and our children, we do strive to keep on top of the latest fashion trends as well as keep up to date on the best products on the market for our kids. We wanted more out of a magazine, more of what moms our age are looking for, such as affordable fashion for moms, tips on how to logically save money during rough economic times, the best baby and toddler gear that doesn’t break the bank and what products on the market are your tween and teen spending their allowance on. Style Café Moms is a lifestyle media brand that reaches moms who are not defined by their children but whose children help to define the stylish, influential, real moms that they are. Style Café Moms Magazine acts as a filter giving readers the best of baby products, beauty products, fashion finds and all of your lifestyle needs coming all together in one incredible monthly print publication. Combining what would normally be offered in 4 to 5 publications, Style Café Moms is delivering one monthly must-read for the savvy mom. Style Café Moms is every moms resource featuring everything for…Mommy. Baby. Fashion.
Becky & Kimberly 8
The Budget Mom Useful tips for moms on a budget _____________________________________________________________________ These days most of us are on some sort of budget. For me it’s become a way of life, and I’m very proud of the skills and strategies I’ve developed to get more out of my dollar. Yes, over the years I’ve become very frugal, but I’m not afraid to admit it! I’m not too embarrassed to use coupons, search the clearance rack for clothes, or buy clothes second hand. Being a single mom, with only one income, has made me very aware of how much I spend. I hope you can use some of these tips to help you with your budget.
Grocery Savings and Tips I used to shop without a list; making decisions about my weekly meals right there in the grocery store. However, this always resulted in buying things I really didn’t need, and forgetting the items that actually were needed. Make a list of the things you need, and meal plan for the week. Check your refrigerator and pantry before going shopping. If you know what you will be cooking each week, you’ll be better prepared to avoid buying unnecessary items. Use coupons! The savings really add up. Buy the Sunday news paper and become a ―coupon clipper.‖ There are lots of manufacturer’s coupons in the newspaper, and you can get some on-line as well. In most cases the coupons are good for several months, so clip the ones you will eventually use, and keep an envelope in your purse or car with ones that have not yet expired. Each time you go to the grocery store, check your envelope to see what items you’re purchasing that you can use a coupon for. I have to work with a weekly budget for my family’s groceries, so I limit the amount I can spend each week on food. If I can only spend $150, and I have $160 worth of food in my cart, I have to determine what can be put back. You may not want to walk through the store with a calculator, so just try adding it up in your head, rounding up to the nearest 50 cents. Don’t be afraid to try some store brand items. It’s one of the easiest ways to save, and I’ve found some that actually taste just as good as the name brands. 9
Don’t throw those leftovers away! Freeze them and give your family a meal prepared a couple weeks ago. They won’t even know they are eating leftovers. Rice, stewed meats, and sauces all freeze well. Of course, not all items do well in the freezer; potatoes, pasta, eggs, salad dressings, cabbage, and milk-based sauces are some things that do not freeze well.
Dining Out Yes, you can dine out on a budget. We all need a break from the kitchen from time to time, and there are restaurants with some great deals right now! Some have two for one deals, (Chili’s has one appetizer, two entrees, and one desert for $20. Applebee’s has one appetizer and two entrees for $20, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, kids eat for 99 cents with an adult purchase). The Olive Garden serves unlimited bread sticks and salad with their entrees, so sharing an entree is a good idea, if you love their salad and bread sticks as much as I do. I’m not sure why, but some people are embarrassed to share a meal. At the Olive Garden, and probably some other places, they divide the meal for you, so other people in the restaurant will not know you are sharing. There are lots of restaurant coupons in the Sunday newspaper. You may also receive restaurant coupons in the mail. Guess where I put these? Yep, in my coupon envelope so I always have them with me. Drinks are overpriced, and water is free in most restaurants, so go with the water. You may want to skip the appetizer, since most restaurants give you a generous portion for their entrée. If you’re still not satisfied after your meal, share a dessert.
Clothing Shopping Does it matter when you shop? Yes! Shopping for your clothes at the end of the season can save you big bucks. Clothes are discounted at the end of the season to make room for the new fashions within the upcoming season’s collection. Buying clothes second hand will save you big money too. Your local Goodwill store may even have some new items, and sometimes they have discount days once a week where you can save up to 50% on all items.
Need new glasses? Ever consider buying glasses on-line? Even if you have vision insurance, most coverage is limited, and your out-of-pocket cost adds up quickly. Your vision insurance provider may only allow a discount for glasses or contacts, but not both. Try www.zennioptical.com for glasses. You can order lenses and frames at a discounted rate. What you won’t get is any customer service before, during, or after the sale. I use my vision insurance for my exam and contact lenses, which I wear most of the time, and use Zenni Optical to order my glasses. In most cases you can order your glasses and have them shipped to you for less than $20! Stretching your dollar can make a big difference in making ends meet. Today, we all need to spend money more wisely and cut costs where we can. If you can use just one of these tips, then I’m glad I could help you out with your budget. Sincerely,
The Budget Mom 10
www.hushabyebabyproducts.com
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Style Café Moms’
10 Beauty TOP
buys this
season
lmost every magazine has their own; a list of some of the best beauty products on the market. So, what makes our list any different from the rest? Well, as you may have noticed, most of the items listed in those other places are not exactly for those who are light on cash. Not very helpful for the mom on a budget, is it? That’s where our top ten come in. Our list of favorites are for those moms who want the most out of their makeup, creams, cleansers, and everything else, but don’t want to pay the ridiculous hefty prices. Also, why would anyone want to drop loads of money on some fancy brand name item that works just the same as another brand costing about half the price? This obsession with high-price, ―immaculate‖ merchandise has gotten a little out of control, with women
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spending over $80 on small jars of nighttime moisturizers and anti-aging creams. Believe it or not, this sacrifice of cash is not necessary in order to get the results you’re looking for in your beauty products. So, don’t fill out that withdrawal slip just yet! Instead, check out our top ten picks for the fall season, and be ready to save some dough, because all of the items are under $20. Our list includes some of your favorite brands, such as L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Olay, so you know you’re looking at some top-quality merchandise here. After just glancing at our list, you’ll be ready to walk past that Chanel counter, and head for the Revlon! Happy saving! 12
OUR TOP TEN PICKS
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1. L’oreal True Match Make Up Has the most color selection and has buildable coverage. Goes on lightweight and also stays suspended over fine lines and wrinkles.
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2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sun block Disappears into skin with out a trace. This line has some of the highest SPF’s on the market. 3. L’oreal HIP Eye shadow Duos Has a super smooth texture and blends very easily. Comes in a variety of shades so you can go from a subtle to a more dramatic look all within the same line! 4. L’oreal Voluminous Mascara Gives your lashes all the volume they need without clumping. The brush is easy to maneuver and can cover even the smallest lashes.
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5. CoverGirl Outlast Lip stain Conditioners soften and smooth lips. Gives lips a lightweight flush of color that won't come off. 6. L’oréal La Petite Frost Professional looking highlights without breaking the bank. This kit will take any brunette to that flirty blonde she’s dreamed of being for ages. 7. John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette Shampoo deeply hydrates each strand to achieve a glossy sheen. Formulated with satin finishers to soften and protect resulting in deep, rich brown tones. 8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer An ultra-light moisturizer that also clears and helps prevent blemishes. This oil-free formula provides water-based moisture all day without a greasy after-feel.
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9. Aussie Moist Shampoo Accented with Australian Aloe and Jojoba Oil, Moist Shampoo cleans and quenches thirsty hair, leaving it moisturized and healthy looking. 10. OLAY Daily Facials Express Lifts away dirt and makeup, leaving behind clean, soft skin. Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths, specially formulated with aloe for sensitive skin.
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What Teens Are Wearing.. Fall is the best time of year to show off all the latest fashions. One, because it’s getting a little more cooler so you can wear more articles of clothing. And two, who doesn’t like dressing in fall’s latest cozy wear? Teens this season will be sporting vintage-styled plain tees with the up and coming jean leggings (jeans that are super tight and skinny made from denim. Clever, huh?) and the infamous 80’s bleached and destroyed skinny jeans. Some things just never go out of style. Teens can pair these up with a leather or suede ankle boot. So you can finally throw those old Uggs away - no regrets about that. Another fall must-have is boyfriend jeans. Not only are they stylish, giving off a more masculine vibe, but they are utterly comfortable. Any type of shoe would look great, flats, boots, or casual flip-flops. For a trendy sweater, try a large-striped cardigan and for when it gets a little more colder than that fifty degrees, try a Roxy faux-fur trim jacket. And if you are the type of girl who can’t get enough pink, give your wardrobe a little twist and try out the Dr. Martens in a floral print. They might be a little too hard core for you but the floral design will make you look surprisingly pretty. Also, don’t forget to try the famous bowler hats. They may look grandma-ish but remember—some grandmas have style!
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What Teens Are Listening to.. During your children’s teen years it becomes hard to understand why they listen to music that they do. All of us parents flash back to our own childhoods when our parents asked us to turn down the music or listen to something else, something they liked. Now here are a few of the artists that your teen may be listening to - and guess what? You will probably find yourself listening to these artists even when your kids are not around!
Selena Gomez & The Scene: This talented Disney star is releasing her first ever album! We all know her as Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place, but on this album it’s all Selena.
Paramore: Brand New Eyes Paramore has done it again with their upcoming album, Brand New Eyes. Mixing sounds from their last album, Riot!, and their song Decode from the Twilight Soundtrack, this album will surely blow our minds.
Breathe Carolina: Hello Fascination The masterpieces behind this band are Kyle Evan and David Schmitt who are from Denver. Hello Fascination is their third album, and it will probably be as exciting as the last two with their famous electric beats and rare sounds. 16
Paper Trail Today’s moms are leaving a paper trail worth following. From personalized stationary, thank you cards, and mom calling cards, moms have it covered! Here are a few of our favorites!
All About The Bug Birthday Invitation Photo card By Photocard Designs www.photocarddesigns.com Chloe Photo Card Birth Announcement By Photocard Designs www.photocarddesigns.com
Pink Lady Calling Card By Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts www.sweetmadys.com
Lovely Birds Personalized Note Card By Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts www.sweetmadys.com
Baby Blue Bird Shower Invitation By Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts www.sweetmadys.com
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Bird in Branches Pink Girl Adoption Announcement By Peadab Designs www.peadabdesigns.com
Floral Hanukah Photocard By Peadab Designs www.peadabdesigns.com
Vintage Christmas Photocard By Peadab Designs www.peadabdesigns.com Pink Dress Address Label Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts www.sweetmadys.com
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2009: Children’s Holiday Fashion Trends Traditional Classic Colors, Prints and Designs Take Center Stage As budget conscious families look to get more wear from their holiday frocks, they turn to fashions that can be worn by their children much longer than the parties or one time family photo. This year, holiday fashions stay true to traditional looks. The classic dress of First Lady Michelle Obama and her girls and a more conservative approach to holiday shopping put traditional looks center stage, with a few twists.
Ruffle Dress by Right Bank Babies, shown with Metallic Gold Dot Stamped Cape by Right Bank Babies.
Look in any children’s store this holiday season and you’ll see argyles and plaids in traditional reds and greens. From large department stores to chic boutiques these traditional prints make a Plaid Red Tartan and Black huge presence this year - and they’re not just Patent Leather Shoes by One Ruby Lane for shirts and dresses. You’ll see them on shoes, socks, hats and everything in between. With fine touches of rich velvets that add to the luxurious looks we’ve come to love, children can be stylishly dressed for the holidays and well into the New Year.
For the shopper who’s willing to throw caution to the wind the hot color combination this season are rich plums and purples combined with deep raspberry and reds. Mixing plaids and argyles is not off limit either; for boys considering mixing a deep red and plum plaid shirt with a bold argyle vest in the same color tones. Metallic accents in gold and silver remain popular and cultural and ethnic influences, like kimono style wrap skirts, tops and dresses are introduced this season to keep your child stylishly inspired.
2 piece girls Holiday Skirt Set Plums and Reds by Lil’ Squirtz.
For whimsical inspirations look for tutus and tutu-esq inspired fashions for girls and ruffles, ruffles, ruffles! About The Author: Wendy Navarro is the proud mom of three and owner of Saige Nicole’s www.SaigeNicoles.com an online, upscale boutique for baby and toddler girls and boys. 19
www.monkeybarbuddies.com
I see London, I see France, I CAN’T see your underpants!!
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S T Y L E For your little ones
We just love how Wovenplay is aiming to encourage the kids of this generation to play and wear pieces any way they like for free creative expression. Founder Katherine Edmonds is making the world go round with her earth-friendly designs.
Top Ten Favorites
www.wovenplay.com
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Great Fall Style at Any Age 23
Blowfish Switch $40 Available at Piperlime.com
Ruffle-Trim Military Jacket $98 Available at Gap.com
Ruffled Faux Leather Hobo $29.50 Available at OldNavy.com
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Women’s The Weekend Jeans $34.50 Available at OldNavy.com Monrow Snakeskin Print Tissue Tee $95 Available at Piperlime.com
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www.bloomputty.com
30s
Frye Reba O Ring $79.99 Available at Piperlime.com
Large Faux-Leather Crossbody Tote $24.50 Available at OldNavy.com
Wool Blend Cape $68 Available at Gap.com
Sexy Boot Jeans $59.50 Available at Gap.com
Women’s Perfect Crew-Neck Tee $7 Available at OldNavy.com 25
40s
Wool-Blend Duffel Bag $49.50 Available at Gap.com
Bandolino Quwela 3 $99 Available at Piperlime.com
The Flirt Curvy Trouser Jean $34.50 Available at OldNavy.com
Tweed Military Jacket $98 Available at Gap.com
Super Soft Ribbed Henley Tshirt $22.50 Available Gap.com
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The Best Eco Friendly Toys For
Tots 2.
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9.
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8. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Organic Broccoli Baby, 5.95; Tree Hollow Toys Indoor Gardening Kit, 19.95; Green Toys Organic Plush Cotton Lola, 14.99; Idbids Rolling Turtle Spinner, 29.99; Imagiplay Recycling Toy Truck, 21.95; Green Toys Organic Plush Cotton Waverly, 14.99; Idbids Organic Crate With Veggies, 25.95;Tree Hollow Toys Kathe Kruse Knitted Frog, 34.99; Tree Hollow Toys Organic Corn Cob Baby, 5.95; Tree Hollow Toys 28
Your Best Abs The workouts and secrets to flattening your tummy If there is one thing that every woman out there wants, it’s a beautiful and flat stomach. In almost every magazine, you will find workouts that are said to give you a slim tummy. However, these sections usually do not mention some of the most important aspects of achieving that 6–pack, and I’m here to fill you in on some of the secrets that those other sources tend to keep from us.
4) Not everyone wants to believe this, but consuming a healthy and well-balanced diet really does affect your success in obtaining a lean and healthy stomach. A slim stomach is made occasionally at the gym , but mostly in the kitchen. You need to make sure you eat the right foods. Foods high in protein are great for a flat tummy, because they aid in digestion and help your body burn fat. These include eggs, beans, and lean cuts of meat. One of the biggest myths out there is that you Other fat-burning foods include whole grains, olive can achieve amazing abs by simply doing 100 oil, low-fat dairy products, and, believe it or not, crunches everyday. There are four major problems oatmeal. Try to eat these foods regularly, but not with this theory. excessively. In this case, there is a possibility of having ―too much of a good thing.‖ Remember, 1) In order to get results with any workout, training only strengthens your abdominals, but a you must practice muscle confusion. This means healthy diet uncovers them. that you need to perform many various types of exercise that focus on the intended muscles. The So, what have we learned here? First and foresame workout everyday just won’t suffice or come most, you will NEVER get a flat stomach by simply close to giving you the results you’re looking for. doing a high number of crunches every day. GetTraining your muscles in different ways will help ting a tight tummy is a process that includes variety them strengthen all over and give you the desired in workouts, Cardiovascular activity, recovery time, results much faster. and a well-balanced diet. All of these aspects must be taken in to consideration in order to obtain that 2) Simple strengthening exercises will build perfect core. Now, just like with any workout, you’re muscle, but won’t help you lose the fat. If you’re going to have to dedicate yourself to these exertrying to trim down your stomach, you’re going to cises in order to see any results. If you become have to engage in some cardiovascular activity. sore, don’t be discouraged! That means you’ve Cardio is one of my favorite aspects of exercise challenged yourself and have actually given your because there are so many different ways to incor- body a good workout. After a few days, the fatigue porate it into your workout. Examples of fat-burning should be gone and you can start the exercises all cardio routines are running, jogging, dancing, and over again. Getting a flat tummy isn’t the easiest even using an elliptical machine. Try to perform thing out there, but if you really work at it, I know cardiovascular activities almost every day, for at you can make it happen. least 30 minutes. 3) People tend to forget that your abdominals are just like any other muscle in your body. After strenuous exercise, your muscles need some time to recover, and this rule also applies to your abs! In fact, overworking your muscles will produce the opposite results than what your looking for. By overtraining, you do not give your muscles a chance to recuperate, and therefore, prevent them from growing and becoming stronger. You should always give your abs, as well as any other muscle, about 1-2 days to recover in between workouts.
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Ab Flatteners For those of you who didn’t know, standard crunches only work your upper abs. Now, those are great, but if you’re lacking in lower abs, that lower belly pooch is going to be even more noticeable. Here are some of our favorite strengthening exercises to work out your entire core, including those hard-to-reach lower abs.
1. CRUNCHES ON THE SWISS BALL Lie on a Swiss Ball with the ball positioned beneath your lower back. While contracting your abs inward, crunch up, bringing your shoulders off the ground and trying to bring them to your pelvis. If you want a more advanced workout, try holding a 10lb weight behind your head. This will give you more resistance and result in more muscle activity. Try doing 3 sets of 25. 2. LEG LIFTS These can be performed in a variety of ways. For beginners, lie on the floor with your arms straight out to your sides in a T. While keeping your legs straight, use your lower abdominal muscles to lift your feet up so that they’re pointing to the ceiling. Bring your legs back down so that they’re parallel to the floor, but DO NOT let your feet touch the ground. To add some difficulty, use a Power Tower. This can be found at many gyms and gives you arm supports so that you can be suspended vertically while lifting your legs perpendicular to the floor. By using a Power Tower, you also strengthen your shoulder and upper back muscles. Do 3 sets of 15-20. 3. KNEE TUCKS Lie on your back and place your hands under the sides of your rear for support. Pointing your toes and contracting your abs, roll and tuck your knees up to your chest. Extend your legs straight out without touching the floor. Do 3 sets of 25. 30
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Surviving Your Teen Driver The first thing my daughter, Amanda, said when she woke up on her 15 th birthday was, ―Can I get my driver’s permit?‖ My middle name is ―over protective,‖ and I was hoping she would enjoy being chauffeured around by me for a little bit longer. My son was fine not getting his permit at 15, but she had to be different. Maybe I was more comfortable with him driving, because he was a little older. Parents have every reason to be nervous when their child starts driving. In the United States alone, we lose 5,000 teens each year to fatal vehicle accidents. Let your teenager tell you when they are ready to drive. Not every teen is ready to begin driving at 15, or 16. Don’t force them to start driving too early, or before they are ready. You do want to be sure to allow plenty of time for practice before they get a driver’s license. Many states now require at least 30 hours behind the wheel before issuing a license, but you may want to spend even more time letting your teen practice. The more comfortable you are in the car while they are driving, the more comfortable you’ll be when they start driving alone. Your child watches how you drive, so set a good example. A parent is the biggest influence on how their children drive. It’s important to do what you preach, because they are always watching, even if you think they aren’t. If you are too busy, or just too nervous, you can share the responsibility with a trusted friend, family member, or instructor. This may help you keep your sanity. If you hire an instructor, you may be eligible for a discount on your child’s drivers insurance. Once your teen has their permit, start out slow. Talk to them about driving safely, the importance of wearing a seat belt at all times, and turning off their cell phone or pulling over if they must take a call. Take them to a big empty parking lot; let them get used to the car there. They can practice accelerating, braking, and turning, without the pressure of surrounding traffic. Start off in day light and while the weather is good; you don’t want to make their first driving experience more challenging than it needs to be. Take time to show your teen how to start and stop the engine, turn the lights on and off, how to use the wipers, what the displays are on the dashboard, and what to do in case of an accident. 32
After your teen has become comfortable on busy roads you can start letting them drive at night, in rainy conditions, snow, etc. Be sure to spend plenty of time with them on the road at night and in slippery conditions. Talk to them about how the weather will affect their driving. Driving with passengers in the vehicle increases the risk of crashing. When your teen is ready to start driving solo you’ll want to discuss a timeframe in which they will drive without friends in the car. Two months will most likely suffice. After that timeframe has passed, you may consider limiting the number of passengers you allow in the vehicle, especially during the first year of driving. Your involvement in giving your teen experience behind the wheel is crucial to them learning the dos and don’ts on the road. Be there to help them make wise driving decisions today, so they can become a safe driver for the rest of their lives. You’ll worry less, and feel more confident handing over the keys and trusting they will do the right thing while on the road. Once your child is comfortable maneuvering the car in the parking lot, move on to a quiet rural road with minimal traffic. Spend some time with them getting used to driving around other moving vehicles before you move on to a busier road with more traffic. When your teen is ready, let them drive on a busy road with multiple lanes in each direction. Then move on to the expressway. This is when you and your teen will get really nervous! Choose your words carefully if you need to make your teen aware of something. Ask rather than criticizing, or pointing out mistakes, (ex. ―Do you know the speed limit here?‖) This will help to raise their awareness of the rules while driving. Always give them plenty of notice when you are providing instruction. Let them know they will want to be prepared to turn left after 2 more blocks, and let them know when they did some33 thing correctly.
Break Out Designers!
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Elroy & Verameat
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1. Akala Coat by Elroy; $298, 2. Killer Dive Necklace by Verameat; $160 3. Paint The Town Red Necklace by Verameat; $100, 4. Ceiba Jacket by Elroy; $245. 5. Idra Top by Elroy; $88, 6. Hyssop Jacket by Elroy; $245, 7. Everybody’s Talking Ring by Verameat; $100 34
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What Teens Are Reading Fourteen-year-old Brooklyn native Viola Chesterton is not happy attending Prefect Academy (PA), an all-girls boarding school in South Bend, Ind., while her filmmaking parents are in Afghanistan for a year making a documentary. At first reluctant to embrace campus life, Viola eventually bonds with her three roommates and becomes the most popular girl on campus after-OMG-securing a hot boyfriend. She also single-handedly saves the Founders Day play with her superior knowledge of filmmaking and wins second place for her amateur film. Throughout the year, the budding filmmaker records her experiences at PA in her private video diary, The Viola Reels. By Adriana Trigiani
So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Zoey Redbird is back in this new enthralling book that will keep you on the edge of your seats and begging for more. By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast Alice and Jewel have been best friends since grade school. Together, they don’t need anyone else, and together they blend into the background of high school. Invisible. To Alice, Jewel is the opposite of invisible. Jewel is her best friend who goes to indie concerts and art shows with her. Jewel scoffs at school dances with her. Alice is so comfortable around Jewel that she can talk to him about almost anything. But she can’t tell him that she likes the cool, popular Simon. Simon asks her to the school dance the same day that Jewel kisses her for the first time. Still, she can’t say no to Simon. He seems like the easy choice, the one she’s attracted to, the one she’s ready for. But will it mean losing Jewel?
By Liz Gallagher 36
Fun &
VACATION SPOTS y l d n ie
r f y l fami
for the Holidays
Believe me when I say I know how hard it is to travel with a big family, especially a family with little ones. Although family vacations are a ton of fun, it can be stressful when mom and dad want a day to relax, but there just isn't enough time in the day from going from place to place, and keeping the kids busy. It can be tough finding family vacation spots where there are things to do for both parents and the kids. Take a look at these great family vacation spots we’ve found just for you!
New York When someone hears New York, the first thing they think about is the busy city streets. So what’s a family vacation to New York without a trip to the Big Apple? With plenty of places to catch a show and more museums than I can count, you’re sure to be kept busy. Cant get the kids to go to an art museum? Then take them to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum! Take a stroll through Central Park, watch an event at Madison Square Garden, or visit the Bronx Zoo. If your looking for more excitement don't hesitate to head over to the Astroland Amusement Park. No matter what you choose to do, a family vacation to New York is definitely worth it! 37
North Carolina North Carolina is an excellent choice when choosing a destination for your family vacation. Beautiful and bright, this state is full of fun and familyfriendly activities. Enjoy whitewater rafting at Adventurous Fast River Rafts and enjoy family entertainment with an inflatable play park, arcade, miniature golf, batting cages, and a grill menu and the All Stars Family Fun Center. Visit the Fantasy Lake water park and the Chimney Rock National Park. Don’t forget to view the scenic Great Smokey Mountains from a chairlift at Ghost Town and much, much more!
South Carolina You and your family won’t run out of fun things to do in South Carolina. Visit the House of Blues and Medieval Theater in the famed Myrtle Beach and the Hard Rock Café Pyramid. Get up close and personal with penguins, sharks, river otters, and more and the South Carolina Aquarium and journey to the Carowinds Amusement and Water Park just minuets from Charlotte, where you and your family can enjoy over 60 great and amazing rides. See famous works at the Columbia Museum of Art, and go back in time in the city of Charleston, which is full of historical monuments.
Virginia Not only is Virginia a great family vacation spot, but it is full of some of America’s most fantastic history too! Virginia was where our nation began in 1607 when Jamestown was settled. Visit any of the history attractions in almost every city. See the ―World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park,‖ Busch Gardens Williamsburg, with more than 50 ride and things to do, as well as King’s Dominion, a 400-acre amusement park with historymaking attractions. Enjoy beautiful secret garden and courtyards at the 12 Historic Squares of High-Street Gardens. There is something for everyone in the historic and beautiful state of Virginia! 38
Your Everyone knows that green is in. With all of the new hype and organic products and merchandise, how can they not? Not only is it good for you and the environment, but green is good for your baby too. Organic is definitely the way to go, and we have everything from diapers, to clothing, to baby food, and more. Take a look at these cool, healthy, and green!
green WeeGo glass baby bottles with silicone sleeves lifefactory.com
100% organic Egyptian cotton long sleeve baby bodies underthenile.com
Earth’s Best 1st beginner foods earthsbest.com
Bum Genius bamboo fitted diaper bumgenius.com
Bibbity Rinse & Roll Bib by Kiddopotamus
Bumkin organic cotton hooded towel set bumkins.com
ABC organic cotton interlock crib sheet ababycompany.com
Innovativekids green start recycled book board innovativekids.com
Baberoo organic leggings baberoo.com ERGO baby organic carrier ergobabycarrier.com
Boppy organic slipcover boppy.com California Baby calming blend shampoo & body wash californiababy.com
baby
Angel Baby Bottom Balm earthmamaangelbaby.com Naturepedic Organic Changing Table Pad naturepedic.com
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The best Holiday GIFT guide
For
Give her something pretty! www.fossil.com
Any mom would adore this soft sweater that you can wear 6 ways. www.victoriassecret.com
Bigger is better with this classic oversized watch from fossil. www.fossil.com
Pop some color in her wardrobe! www.oldnavy.com
Mom Keep her feet cozy with slipper booties! www.gap.com
The perfect bag that goes with practically anything. www.fossil.com
A soft hypnotizing fragrance. www.nordstrom.com
“Names Around My Heart� necklace. www.thevintagepearl.com
Make her feel pretty in these Peony Lounge Pants. www.anthropologie.com
Illume Glacial Jars www.anthropologie.com
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The best Holiday GIFT
For Bab
y
Keep her feet cozy with slipper booties! www.gap.com
Jingle Bells for Baby www.babyemijewelry.com
A great scent, for tot to teen.
Mooooo! www.bibiandmimi.com
Keep babies hands busy with a colorful clutch ball. www.craftybaby.com
Give great products for Babies skin, without all the junk. www.harleyjamescosmetics.com 41
The best Holiday GIFT guide
For Tot Felt flower purse. www.twinklebabycouture.com
Keep any tot busy with this incredible putty窶馬ever dries out! www.bloomputty.com
Give the well traveled tot in your life a trunki. www.trendykid.com
Finger puppets www.blablakids.com
Flash cards a child can relate to. www.goosiecards.com
A customized book any tot would love. www.custommadeforkids.com
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The best Holiday GIFT guide Let your teen rock out! www.target.com
n e e T r o F Give them the what they love—Denim!! www.pincpremium.com
You can’t possibly go wrong with a iTunes gift card. www.apple.com
Digital camera www.bestbuy.com
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Braided leather dad braclet. www.redenvelope.com
The best Holiday GIFT guide
For Dad
His skin should look great too. www.thespoiledmama.com
Inspire him. www.lisaleonard.com
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