my favorite place

I can't tell you how many times I've set out to walk my daughter around the block to try to get her to nap and ended up at The Children’s Place. I mean, there seems to always be something I need there! I guess there's a reason why store is the number one specialty retailer dedicated exclusively to children’s clothing, shoes and accessories for ages newborn to 14 years old. Catering to the unique needs of growing families, The Children’s Place offers quality clothing at an unmatched value, providing a go-to destination for everyday staples and on-trend essentials season after season. Not to mention, the best deals on PJ's!

This month, six new Children's Place stores were opened in Texas. Modeled in The Children’s Place “Techno Color” design, they offer a spacious, bright and airy shopping environment that provides a friendly and convenient atmosphere for both children and adults. Think bursts of color, color-coded “rooms” designed to make shopping fun, and an open layout for better maneuverability with strollers and carriages.

To celebrate all grand openings, The Children’s Place has partnered with the Books For Kids Foundation, to help promote literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. Customers that donate to the Books For Kids Foundation, at the register, will receive 15% off their next purchase at all new-store locations. In addition, the first 200 people at each new location will receive a FREE children’s book.

THE CHILDREN’S PLACE NEW LOCATIONS:
Shoppes at Abilene (3769 Catclaw Road, Abilene)
Alliance Town Center (9409 Sage Meadow Trail, Fort Worth)
The Plaza at Rockwall (1019 East 1-30, Rockwall)
Gateway Station II (1185 N. Burleson, Burleson)
Market Heights (201 East Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights)
Harlingen Corners (2819 W. Expressway, Harlingen)

If you're not near any of these new locations--or don't even live in Texas--you can still take advantage of great shopping opps and savings at your local Children's Place stores (there are 900 across the U.S, Canada and Puerto Rico!) or check out the selection on www.childrensplace.com.

Or take advantage of this special kidandcaboodle offer. The first two readers who sign up to be kidandcaboodle followers will receive a complimentary $25 gift certificate. Just click on FOLLOW under Followers on the homepage and sign up. Then email kidandcaboodle@gmail.com with your name and address so I can contact the winner and send you the gift certificate. Good luck!

gifts from memory lane

If thoughts of your childhood bring back memories of Shrinky Dinks, LightBrights and Cabbage Patch Kids, you'll love Sonny Boutique--a new online shop with special, handpicked gifts for babies, children and moms alike.

Founded by fashion veteran Rene Sbrocco, the boutique offers a collection of toys to appease the most nostalgic among us. From Maplewood teethers, to delicate artisan mobiles, to multifunctional baby wraps made from organic fabrics, each item is handpicked for its old world charm and modern practicality. Pick up a bag of crayon rocks ($8--Crayons not made by Crayola? C'mon!), a heavy metal onesie ($20--you won't find this at Baby Gap!), a Peanuts Thermos ($25--you'll have to explain to your kids who the characters are before you use it!) or some vintage books ($8 each--definitely collectors' items).

Sbrocco grew up collecting old photographs from her family’s past as a way to piece together the stories she followed as a child. “I’ve always adored the way people were so put together during the 1940’s and I’ve always been drawn to old-fashioned clothing and styles,” says Sbrocco. She decided that her love of vintage fabrics and cuts would best be put to use in a career in fashion. Sbrocco soon found herself working as a wardrobe stylist for some of the biggest names in the industry including Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger. After 10 years in the fashion industry, Sbrocco began designing baby bibs as gifts for her friends and family, put together a collection of fashionable onesies, vintage toys, and other eclectic products and Sonny Boutique was born.

In addition to making a great gift, each item on the site is socially responsible, whether it is made from sustainable materials or benefits a charitable cause. Go to www.sonnyboutique.com and shop now.

expert advice: tips for a safe summer from dr. max lebow

Summer safety is a priority with a handful of kids running around. To avoid unecessary mishaps, follow these tips from Dr. Max Lebow, Medical Director of Reliant Immediate Care Medical Group, Inc., a 24-hour urgent care medical facility in the heart of Los Angeles, adjacent to LAX. 1. Bee stings and bug bites usually cause little more than discomfort and can be treated with an alcohol swab. If there is excessive swelling, abnormal breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, loss of consciousness or nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance. 2. Food poisoning is a potentially very serious problem. Remember to wash your hands before preparing food. Mayonnaise, dairy, meat and fish either cooked or uncooked should be kept out of the sun, covered against dust or bugs and kept cool. 3. Most of us are not used to being in the hot sun all day, so wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Board certified in Emergency and preventative medicine. Dr. Lebow is committed to Reliant's patients receiving prompt and affordable quality care in a family orientated environment. For more expert advice, go to www.reliantimmediatecare.com.