kids

Summer’s halfway over. Does anyone else out there feel like they’re getting a whole…

Finding safe sunscreen is no easy task, Smarties. SO many choices out there, and…

Does Santa write back? Yes, and apparently he has really lovely handwriting!

The highlight of my Holiday season is opening our annual letter from Santa. No, not a typo. He does writes back. Once a year a gorgeous piece of mail arrives like magic in our mailbox. Tucked between the bills and junk mail arrives a crisp red envelope with a hand-calligraphied address that looks as if it was painted by angels. The letter is our annual response from the Santa. It arrives with stunning hand calligraphy (Mrs. Claus would have it no other way) and carefully highlights details only Santa himself would know. It is lovely, it is personalized, and it defines the spirit of Christmas. Watching my daughter open her whimsical letter reminds me how beautiful a child is when they “believe”.

The 2012 Smarty Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by Toys & Co in Cotswold and Park Road Shopping Center. Find everything on Santa’s list at Toys & Co! And, they will wrap every gift BEAUTIFULLY and oh-so-expertly. They are the toy experts so they will help you source a gift if you are not sure what to get.

Continuing with our 2012 Smarty Holiday Gift Guide Series, I bring you the ultimate guide for the hardest age group to buy for, tweens & teens.

The number one gift requested by most tweens and teens for years running is definitely C-A-S-H! This is especially true for boys. Yes, it seems a bit boring to give, but trust me, they’ll love you for it! But, if you feel like you need to step up your cool-factor with this age group, we compiled a list of ideas below to suit many different price ranges. Also, if you have a child who may be falling right in between age levels this year (kinda like a tween-tween!), be sure to check our gift ideas for ages 10-12. These ideas roll for your own kids, nieces/nephews and even your babysitters.

Smarties, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our newest Smarty Sponsor, Southpark Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Andy Johnson, “Dr. J”, is the heart and soul of this pediatric practice conveniently located in the heart of SouthPark.

Southpark Pediatric Dentistry specializes in treating children from infancy through their teenage years and children with special health care needs. Their top priority is caring for your child’s oral health through education, prevention, positive motivation and quality treatment.

The times they are a-changing, just like Bob Dylan first sang in 1964. Scratch that. The times have changed, people. Big time.

Back in my day, ribbons/medals/trophies (and even the lowly certificate) were awarded for “placing” in a competition, with the coveted trophy usually being reserved for the upper echelon such as first place.

Even certificates were a big deal; like at the end 10th grade when I was selected from my 10th grade peers as “Biology Student of the Year”. This high honor was only deemed certificate worthy, and now that I think about it, I should call my high school and demand a trophy for this esteemed accomplishment.

I was talking to a mother whose daughter participated in tryouts for a sports team. Her daughter made the team. However, her friend’s daughter did not make the team. Guess what happened next? The mother complained that it was unfair and the school folded like a lawn chair and let her on the team. Sound familiar? It’s a classic case of “it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease”.

Happy Wednesday Smarties! County Fairs, consignment sales, beach music and corn mazes. It is shaping up to be a great Fall in the Queen City! We have several events to put on your calendars and many to chose from this weekend. Support Tyler’s Treehouse, The Nature Museum, The Schiele or Woofstock, all are Smarty, family fun. Get out and enjoy!

Tyler’sTreehouse 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
Old Georgetowne Swim Club
September 8, 8:00am
Tyler’s Treehouse 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk in Charlotte off Sharon Road in the Olde Georgetowne/Sharon Hills neighborhood. 5K at 8am and fun run/walk at 9am. This is a family-friendly event. Post-race party includes pool party from 10am-1pm at Olde Georgetowne pool and food from sponsors. Tyler’s Treehouse was established in 2006 in memory of 5 year old Tyler Scott who died of brainstem glioma. Benefits brainstem glioma research at St Jude Children’s Hospital. To register go to www.sportoften.com.

American Presidential Experience
407 West Third Street Charlotte
August 31 – September 8
The American Presidential Experience is a nonpartisan educational exhibit celebrating American history, democracy and the US Presidency featuring more than 35 exhibits, historic memorabilia and artifacts along with a vendor marketplace. Appearing for the first time in North Carolina, this nonpartisan tribute invites everyone to learn more about how the Presidency operates with exhibits celebrating three centuries of presidential history.

I married into a very Southern family. You’d think that wouldn’t be a big deal given my dad is a native Charlottean, and I’ve always lived here. But, (big BUT) my mom is from Chicago, and although she moved here in high school, she could not possibly know all the “givens” that a multi-generational Southern mama would know – there’s nothing wrong with that, but it means I had a small learning curve when I got married (I mean, who doesn’t?).

My mother-in-law is a true Southern lady. She’s from eastern North Carolina, and is a genuine “Steel Magnolia.” She’s funny, strong, sweet, and loyal. She has a million friends and zero enemies. She managed to raise four boys who actually still call home. She also happens to be turning 70 today and deserves a little recognition!

There is no love like a mother’s love. True statement. I’ve observed something in my daughter that rivals a mother’s love. It’s called “lovey love”.

When I look at her bed, I often ponder: “What is with all of these loveys?” An entourage joins her in slumber every night.

The top six loveys are lammy, blankie, sleeping bunny, Chester the large cat, princess blanket and the unicorn pillow pet. They can be found all jammed up around her as she drifts into la la land.

It is one of the first things we teach our kids “ No fibbing” and “ Tell the Truth”. Well have you actually thought about how often in a day you tell a lie? Let me clarify. I know the world would be a horrible place if we didn’t tell some little white lies, the harmless truth benders. I never want my husband to actually say, “ Yes honey you look like an enormous cow in that outfit” but sometimes I think I want a smidge of honesty mixed in. Think of it like a compliment sandwich. “Your hair looks great, maybe that red dress that I love would look better, and wow, did you lose some lbs?”

The other day I actually tried to keep track of all the lies I told. They mostly came in the form of saying “Yes” instead of “No” No is a very powerful word. I know a ton of people who are scared to say it, they are mainly women. We are supposed to be superwomen who do it all. It is okay to say NO, it’s liberating. Just think of all the stuff you wouldn’t have to do. Here is the deal. People will still like you. They may even like you more for being honest with them and if they aren’t then WHO CARES.