Splendid Littles at Target: oh baby!

Just when you thought baby clothes couldn't get any more adorable--or affordable--a new collection is born. Check out the Splendid Littles line for Target, featuring clothes, bibs and blankets for newborns-5T. The line includes looks for little girls such as striped bodysuits, a lavender ruffled halter-neck dress with a matching striped cardigan, a blue-and-pink striped tunic with coordinating leggings, and a striped pink-and-navy hoodie and T-shirt dress. Boy looks include striped bodysuits, hoodies and collared shirts with solid-colored long sleeves sewn on underneath. The folks at Splendid Littles even use their creative skills to make a basic sleep set look oh so cute. Prices range from $6.99 for a set of striped bibs to $29.99 for newborn sleep set, which includes a blanket, a striped body suit and a pocket-sized striped cap. Recently launched in December and only available till March, you need to get it while you can. Go to www.target.com for more info or to place your order.

back to nature

For those of us who live in Manhattan, it's easy to get wrapped up on what classes to take or which playdate to schedule for your preschooler...instead of how to enjoy the great outdoors. Deborah McNelis, creator/owner of Braininsights and a brain development specialist, changes that with the launch of newest activity packet, Naturally Developing Young Brains, designed to support brain development for 3-5 year olds through natural environments.

Nearly 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life. To help maximize a child's learning during this influential time, this set of nature-themed exploration activities instills a sense of wonder, an appreciation for the environment and building blocks toward understanding the natural world.

Age appropriate and fun outdoor activities enhance early brain development and learning. Each nature-based activity in the packet also includes a brain insight on the back of the card, giving adults an understanding of the benefits gained through the experience.

These packets make it easy to provide the outdoor play children's brains need.

A portion of the proceeds go toward promoting nature pre-school experiences for all children. These can also be used as fundraisers for your program or organization.

Go to www.braininsightsonline.com for more info.

happy new year! from Carter's

New Year's Eve isn't just a holiday for adults...sure there's champagne, fireworks and late-night parties but your little ones will want to celebrate the festivities too--even if it's just till 8PM! Don't let them show up to the party in their favorite Dora tights and mini Uggs. This is a red-carpet occasion. Thankfully, the Carter's Holiday collection covers all bases, with adorable party dresses in pink and black velveteen, polka dotted satin and floral prints. They're so perfect for the holiday season that I'm offering the one shown here (size 9 months) for a holiday giveaway. Bright pink, black and grey bubbles decorate this silky satin dress and a black band highlights the empire waist. Normally priced at only $18, now it can be yours for free. Just publish the link to this post on your Facebook or Twitter page, then let me know in the comments below, and you'll be automatically entered to win. Your princess will be the belle of the ball. Good luck--and happy 2011!

mom, what's for dinner?

As a mom, you can probably relate to that 3:00 PM panic: OMG, what am I going to make for dinner tonight? Darlene Sabella, published author and writer for HubPages.com, says: "Mixing and matching ingredients is always fun and gives you lots of ways to hide healthy foods." Here, she shares some great ideas for quick and easy foods your kids will love.

1 Pasta, please! Now you can throw anything in pasta and with a little red sauce and they can never tell. A great wholesome addition is organic extra firm Tofu. It tastes a little like chicken. Add cabbage which really makes it taste great, with of course, whole wheat pasta, and any other veggie you can hide in the meal. Serve with some great garlic bread and the kids and hubby will never know.

2 Time for Tacos Home made tacos are also a winner. If the family is vegan, you have to make adjustments but you can use ground turkey, and make your own taco sauce. The package sauce is full of toxic ingredients. You can use a healthy lettuce, fresh tomatos, and buy or make your own wheat tacos.

3 Meat Loaf Mania I make a great surprise meat loaf. If you're not vegan, use turkey meat, organic eggs, all organic ingredients, lots of chopped celery to give it a great taste.

4 Lentil Lovers Kids don't know beans are a veggie so you can make lentils in your crock-pot. I add everything in my veggie draw in the refrigerator: just remember to add things at different times as the softer items need to go in last. I use my grater for the carrots so they have a way of disappearing in the meal and lots of olive oil adds the last great touch. Use sea salt for flavor.

5 Breakfast Anytime Breakfast is always a rush time of the day, but their is nothing better than great nutrition from organic fresh eggs. I even use this for dinner sometimes. It's fun to mix up your meals. I add in olive oil, chopped organic asparagus, scallions, and leaks (which are sweeter then scallions once cooked). Also, add mushrooms, then mix your eggs with organic soy milk and pour into the pan. When it's done, top with chopped fresh cold tomatoes with some wheat toast and whatever you might enjoy.

Look Great, Feel Good for the Holidays in GothamGear Fitness and Yoga Apparel

We know you're busy--always running from one appointment or event to another, trying to fit 20,000 things into the day before the kids get home from school. Which means you probably find yourself shlepping workout clothes around town until you eventually hit the gym...and taking time to change back to your civilian attire once you finish your workout. Lucky for you, there's Mortal by GothamGear, designed to meet the needs of, well, mere mortals.

This urban-chic, eco-friendly fitness and yoga line for women was designed by Jenny Goodman, a Manhattanite with an active lifestyle and little closet space. Jenny found it difficult to find flattering fitness apparel that moved easily from the gym or yoga studio to the sidewalk cafe or book store. With input from apparel experts, friends, fitness trainers and other athletes, she decided to create her own line, Mortal by GothamGear.

So is GothamGear really so special that it will make you put your Lululemons on a back shelf? Above all, GothamGear is performance wear - every piece is made from technical fabric with moisture wicking, breathability, durability, four-way stretch and comfort features including flat seams, non-elastic shelf bras and waistbands and double-layer gussets (what is a gusset? - check out the website). Jenny believes that it's okay to look great when you are working out - each piece is crafted with urban-chic styling with colors that are meant to mix and match and blend into the urban landscape (no need to look like you are training for the Olympics). The fabric is made from recycled nylon with Lycra so the entire line is eco-friendly. And if that isn't enough, it's all made in the US (look out for new styles coming this spring made right here, in Manhattan). But enough about the nitty gritty.

Do they look and feel great? The Fold-over Waist Yoga Pant does. You can fold the waistband to the height which is most flattering for your body type. This boot-cut pant features a hidden back hip pocket for your keys, cell phone or ID. The Trouser Pant (shown here in Indigo) features functional front zip welt pockets, faux back welt pockets and a slightly flared leg. On top: the Twist-Front Cami, Jenny's best-selling top, (shown here in Washed Blue)--boasts a sweetheart neckline and gathered bust. The shelf bra and adjustable bra-friendly straps make it a perfect fit for any workout routine.

The Squareneck Flutter Sleeve has a feminine flair, thanks to an empire seam and a loose, flirty fit on the bodice. It's so comfy and feminine you'll forget it's workout wear and slip it on for lunch with the girls. Jenny's best-selling pant, the Five Pocket Pant, looks and fits like your favorite boot-cut jean with faux front pockets and faux fly and functional back patch pockets. But my absolute favorite is the uber-comfy Cap Sleeve Scoopneck with shirred sleeves. Sure, it's moisture wicking and has four-way stretch but, have I mentioned how comfortable it is?! I put it on and couldn't wait to get to the gym... If that's not miracle workout wear, I don't know what is!

Just in time for the holidays...go to www.shopgothamgear.com to make your purchase and enter coupon code KIDANDCABOODLE (all caps) at checkout to receive 20% off your order of $100 or more (valid today through 12/25/10).

expert advice: should I get a nose job as an adult? from plastic surgeon Sam Rizk

I have often thought about getting a nose job. I mean, who wouldn't want a prettier profile? But then I think to myself, "Wouldn't it be weird to all of a sudden show up at my kids' school with a new nose?" So I asked Dr. Sam Rizk his opinion on the procedure and how to handle getting a nose job later in life. Here, his expert response...

Kidandcaboodle: "Is it weird to get a nose job as an adult?"

Sam Rizk: "Rhinoplasty used to be considered a rite of passage for teens, but teenagers are just one group of rhinoplasty patients today. More and more adult women and men are seeking surgery to improve their profiles or correct a hump that has bothered them since childhood, or in many cases, restore a previous rhinoplasty that was sub optimal. About a third of my practice is teens, a third is adults, and the remaining third are secondary procedures to revise earlier surgeries. The biggest difference between a teenage patient and an adult is that adults typically want more subtle changes to be made because they do not want to look different. They want refinements, rather than obvious size reduction or sweeping changes. Most adults would prefer not to tell everyone they know that they have undergone a rhinoplasty, and with modern techniques, that is entirely possible. Your close friends and family may note something different about your appearance, but casual acquaintances will just think you look good but may not know exactly why. I strive to give you the same or similar nose you have, only refined and more beautiful to suit your other facial features. Balance is an integral component to a well orchestrated rhinoplasty operation."

K&C: "Can you explain your 3D procedure?"

SR: "The nose is the most prominent feature on your face; even a small change to your nose will affect your whole appearance in a big way. The modern concept in rhinoplasty is to preserve the general characteristics of the original nose, and make small alterations to straighten or refine the shape and projection, which is what my patients ask for. A natural looking profile and tip are far more desirable today than the pinched look that was prevalent in past decades. The nose is considered to be one of the most complex anatomical structures on the face. The internal structure of the nose is supported by a delicate framework of small bones and resilient cartilage. Even a tiny miscalculation on the part of the surgeon can lead to unsatisfactory results. However, with well orchestrated surgery it is certainly possible to create a beautiful and natural looking nose that will stand the test of time. With my high definition 3D approach, I am able to visualize all the delicate structures of the nose during the operation to fine tune the results I can achieve. The greatest advantage is precision; this technique enables me to make minute changes to cartilage and bone that have a big impact on the final shape of the nose. There are no cons so to speak about using this tool; only advantages in my view. It is most beneficial with more complex cases that require extensive grafts from cartilage and bone. For a primary rhinoplasty, a nose that just has a hump or tip deformity, 3D is less of a necessity, however, even in these instances, there are benefits to utilizing this unique technology."

K&C: "How long is the recovery time?"

SR: "In my practice, we are very focussed on making the recovery phase of surgery as seamless as possible. My patients are busy; whether they are CEOs or soccer moms, they have full schedules and need to get back in the game quickly - within a week or ten days. My Rapid Recovery rhinoplasty procedure allows for speedy recuperation, less bruising and swelling. Most of my patients look good in 10 days and great in 2-3 weeks as more of the swelling resolves. I have moved away from using packing in the nose which was uncomfortable for patients. There is usually a splint required for about 5 days which is removed in my office. Patients report that they have minimal discomfort; they feel stuffy and sore for the first few days but most of them only take Tylenol or nothing at all after that. Minor procedures will have even less of a recovery and it is not unusual for patients to get back to work in a week."

K&C: "Who are the best candidates for rhinoplasty?"

SR: "The best candidates for a High Definition Rhinoplasty are all ages, female and male, who desire a change to their profile, nasal tip and/or base of the nose in a simplified, precise manner with reduced recovery time. I use this technique now on all my rhinoplasty patients and it has become key to my approach in the operating room."

For more info on this and other plastic surgery procedures, go to www.drsamrizk.com.

Fanciful Floats: What’s New for the Thanksgiving Parade

By Elise Rosen

A giant animated wooden train, dancing elves and the arrival of the Snow Queen are just a few of the wonders to look forward to as seven new floats make their debut in tomorrow's Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

In all, 27 magical moving stages make up the fleet -- along with 15 giant character helium balloons, 800 clowns, 12 marching bands, and 1,600 performers -- for the 84th annual holiday extravaganza in New York.

The delightful "On the Roll Again" features a worldly family of ducks with luggage in tow venturing out on a trip. Lewis the Duck, the mascot for Homewood Suites by Hilton, heads up the three-car train that makes up one of the longest floats in the procession. On parade day, Kylie Minogue will be on board performing "Locomotion" and one of her latest hits.

"The carpenters had an absolute blast making this one,” says John Piper, vice president of Macy's parade studio in Hoboken, NJ, where the floats were on display in a preview Nov. 16. “It was like making a pull toy for your kids, but really huge.”

Piper's team of about 30 designers, artists, animators, carpenters, technicians and electricians work painstakingly throughout the year to bring these whimsical creations from imagination to reality.

On "Elves Raise the Roof," the party starts and keeps on going with frolicking, fun-loving elves dancing atop the towering new float by OfficeMax.

Joan Rivers is to arrive in spectacular form, amidst shimmering snowflakes and icicles, as "Snow Queen" aboard this new addition to the parade. Her daughter Melissa Rivers will play Snow Princess and son Cooper will take the role of Jack Frost.

The other new floats for 2010 are: “Top Hat!” commemorating the Apollo Theatre’s 75th anniversary, featuring Gladys Knight performing; “Home Baked Goodness” of Morton Salt as the backdrop for Jessica Simpson; “Mount Rushmore’s American Pride” showing off South Dakota tourism; and “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” from Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer.

[Caption credit: Lewis the Duck,mascot for Homewood Suites by Hilton, at the Macy's parade studio in Hoboken, NJ. Photo by Elise Rosen]