Tookie’s Toys is launching Links of Hope, a month-long fundraising event for Ella’s Miracle benefiting Ella Newmiller. Ella is a five year old Raleigh, North Carolina girl who is battling an inoperable brain tumor.

During this event, Tookie’s Toys will be constructing a paper chain made of links purchased by donors. Names, messages, thoughts and prayer can be written on the links. The chains from both Tookie’s Toys locations will be combined at the end of the event and presented to Ella as a visible reminder of the community’s support. Links will be sold for $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and will be available throughout October. All funds raised from the project will benefit the Ella Newmiller Fund.

Not in Raleigh? No worries, you can still pick up a chain or three here…

About Ella’s Miracle

Ella’s Miracle is a support network for Ella Newmiller and her family as they battle Ella’s inoperable brain tumor. For additional information about Ella and her family, visit www.ellasmiracle.com.

About Tookie’s Toys

Tookie’s Toys is a Raleigh, NC based family owned and operated specialty to company with stores in Cameron Village and Falls Village. For more information, visit www.tookiestoys.com or contact Katherine Hodges at 919-828-5574.

Six weeks ago on Sunday, the parents of now five year old Ella Newmiller of Raleigh, North Carolina received a major shock. Ella had not been feeling well, was glassy eyed and sleepy so her parents took her to an urgent care center. The following day at UNC hospitals, they faced the unfathomable news that their precious daughter has an inoperable brain tumor.

Ella’s family has a simple request of people who would like to help: please take a few minutes every day to pray for Ella, for the oncologists and physicians directing her care, for her parents, Renae and Mark, and for her brother Jack who is in second grade.

Once Ella’s rounds of chemo are complete, the Newmiller family will take Ella to a facility that combines traditional and holistic medicine for five weeks. The cost of the health care at the center, which is not covered by the Newmillers’ insurance, is more than $70,000.

A fundraiser is being held on Thursday, June 12 at Marbles Kids Museum from 6:30pm-9:00pm to support Ella’s Miracle Fund and Children’s Brain Tumor Research. Tickets are $50 per family. Enjoy a silent auction along with the exhibits and interactive play at Marbles open after-hours exclusively for this fundraiser. Refreshments and light fare are included in the ticket price.

If you are unable to attend the event, please consider making a donatation to Ella’s Miracle Fund at www.ellasmiracle.com

To visit Ella’s CarePages website for the latest news, click here and register.

Are you in the Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill area? Come support a wonderful cause and have fun with the whole family! The WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run celebrates the Girls on the Run organization and its commitment to helping make a difference in the lives of girls everywhere.

The WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run brings together the greater Triangle community to celebrate young girls along their journey to choosing healthy lifestyles
and adopting a strong sense of self.

Join the fun at the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill as we gather for the 6th Annual WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, April 19th at 9:00am. The event consists of 5K run/walk, 1 mile Fun Run and a 200 yard dash. After the race, please join participants and volunteers at our finish line festival. This year’s festivities will include free food, drinks, games, music, a silent auction, and more fun activities for the entire family! Proceeds from the silent auction and race will go towards Girls on the Run of the Triangle. To register for the run in support of Girls on the Run on April 19th- please visit www.gotrtriangle5k.org

Celebrating Girls on the Run
6th Annual WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run
Saturday, April 19, 2008
UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill
www.gotrtriangle5k.org

A Fun Filled Family Event to Help Cure Juvenile Diabetes

Saturday, September 8th – 10AM until 4PM
Join Tookie’s Toys and the other merchants of Falls Village Shopping Center as we host a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this Saturday.
There will be entertainment throughout the village including:

• Kids Entertainment -Lower Level by Tookie’s Toys- See below for details!
• Star Wars Characters at Raleighwood
• Atlantic Tire Race Car at Chick-fil-A
• Diabetes information and screening at Chick-fil-A
• Hair Painting at Hair Cuttery
• Root Beer Floats at Fresh Market
• Chick-fil-A Cows
• Fire Truck

How does this benefit JDRF?

• Participating stores donate a percentage of sales to JDRF
• Buy JDRF Sneakers for $1 at select stores
• Register for Prizes by visiting participating stores – you could win while helping a great cause!

Go to the JDRF Information Booth near Fresh Market on Saturday for a detailed schedule of events and for prize registration form.
Kid’s Entertainment Schedule at JDRF Benefit
10 AM – Trish Miller, Children’s Music – www.trishmillermusic.com
11 AM – Stacy Clearman’s LittleLand, Children’s Music – www.stacyclearman.org
12 Noon – Storybook Safari, Creative Storytelling – www.storybooksafari.com
12:30 PM – Dinosaurs Rock, Dinosaur Presentation – www.dinosaursrocknc.com
10AM – 2PM – Oogles n’ Googles, Crafts & Activities – www.ooglesngoogles.com
10AM – 3PM – Dinosaurs Rock, Dinosaur Exhibit
10AM – 3PM – Storybook Safari, Children’s Activities
11:30AM – 3PM – Captain Pete the Party Pirate – www.captainpetethepartypirate.com

Calling all hot mamas: It’s still scorching hot outside, but what a better way to dream of cooler days than by picking up a few essential items for your own wardrobe for fall?

Maybe you’ve had your eye on a cropped jacket, a flattering wrap top or dress, a pair of skinny pants or a fun and flirty skirt and haven’t had time to do any shopping for yourself. It’s time.

A couple of years ago a girlfriend of mine turned me on to Etcetera – a women’s clothing line that offers a good mix of casually elegant mix and match pieces that you can dress up or down – that really does make it easy to look great.

I generally pick up a few pieces each season by shopping a home show by appointment. The clothing doesn’t come cheap, so I usually go for items that I think stand out — a fun print skirt, a beautiful jacket, an elegant suit — and pick up the basics elsewhere. The only bummer? The Etcetera website is pretty limited and I never get a true sense of the line until I see the clothes first hand.

My faves this season include a beautiful winter white cropped coat, a fun green and black zig-zag striped skirt and a casual dark grey / brown jacket with fabulous buttons that’s perfect for throwing on with a pair of jeans for an instant style update.

If you’re in Raleigh, NC the show is going on now through Tuesday (September 4). Contact Etcetera rep Lee-Ashley Bonfield at lash (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com to set up an appointment. Not in Raleigh, but you’d like to check it out? Visit www.etceteranyc.com and click Contact Etcetera to view the current collection with a consultant near you.

No time to shop this week, but you’d like to learn more? Get on the mailing list and you’ll be the first in line for the next show – the holiday line is available for order in a few short weeks.

If you are in or near Raleigh, NC, don’t miss the annual Patsy Aiken Outlet tent sale from Thursday, July 26th through Saturday, August 4th. Thousands of past season Spring and Fall items marked $5-$15. Also, the newest Spring ’07 line will be on sale at 35% off and Fall ’06 will be on sale at 50% off.

Hours are 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday. 4812 Hargrove Road, Raleigh, NC 27616

Directions: From I-440, take Capital Blvd. Exit, go north about 4 miles. Turn Left on Spring Forest Rd. Left on Hargrove Rd. Patsy Aiken Designs is the 2nd driveway on the left.

Learn more on the Patsy Aiken website.

Looking for a place to watch fireworks this 4th of July in the Triangle area? Here’s a list of events happening July 3rd and 4th.

Tuesday July 3rd
FUQUAY-VARINA: 6 p.m., South Park. Fireworks, live music, food and carnival rides.

GARNER: 5 p.m., Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road. N.C. Symphony performs at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Information: 662-5703.

WAKE FOREST: 5:30 p.m., Wake Forest-Rolesville High School’s Trentini Stadium. Fireworks, games and live entertainment. Admission: $5 for ages 7 and up. Information: 554-6196.

Wednesday July 4th
BENSON: McLamb-Tart Road off of U.S. 401 South/Wall Street. Fireworks after dark.

CARY: Regency Park. Fireworks at 9 p.m. (*Large Event*)

CHAPEL HILL: Kenan Stadium, UNC campus. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (*Large Event*)

CLEVELAND: Cleveland Fire Department. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

DURHAM: Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Fireworks begin after 9 p.m.

GARNER: Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

LOUISBURG: Louisburg High School. Fireworks begin after dark.

RALEIGH: N.C. State Fairgrounds. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. (*Large Event*)

PINE LEVEL: Sam Godwin Park. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

SELMA: Raiford and Railroad Streets. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

SMITHFIELD: Town Commons Park. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

ZEBULON: Five County Stadium. Fireworks begin after the Carolina Mudcats’ 7:15 p.m. game against the Jacksonville Suns.

Join Tookie’s Toys, PolkaDots/Be-Tween and Baskin Robbins for a fun filled family concert featuring Sandbox Kids and Family Fun Band on Sunday, May 5th from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at Cameron Village. Bring your chairs or blankets. Concert will be held in front of the sponsoring stores. Enjoy $1 Kids Scoops at Baskin Robbins. For more info call 828-5574 or visit tookiestoys.com.

About Sandbox Kids and Family Fun Band: Sandbox is a four-piece Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill band specializing in twangy, upbeat traditional children’s music. We are well known for our exceptionally fun, interactive performances and a strong vocal presence. We target 1-8 year olds, but our music appeals to folks of all ages. Learn more about Sandbox Kids and Family Fun Band at www.sandbox-band.com

Earth Day is April 22nd, and no matter where you live in North Carolina, there is plenty going on! Are you looking for events and activities for you and your family? You need look no further than the Environmental Education Calendar hosted by the Office of Environmental Education. Simply type in your zip code and how far you are able to travel. It’s that easy! Even better…it’s not just for Earth Day! You can use the new calendar any day of the year to find fun, educational outdoor events and activities happening across North Carolina!

Come celebrate the color children add to our lives at the first annual Black & White Bash, a benefit for Playspace Children’s Museum in downtown Raleigh. Hosted on Thursday, May 17th, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Exploris Museum, the Black & White Bash features a live and silent auction with fabulous items up for bid, live jazz by Laura Ridgeway & Friends, catering by Lady Fingers, black and white attire and desserts by Hereghty heavenly delicious. Tickets are $45 per person for members, $50 for non-members, and can be purchased by calling Playspace at 919-832-2617, online at www.playspacemuseum.com/bash/ in person at Tookie’s Toys or Playspace Children’s Museum. Proceeds will support Playspace’s mission of advancing young children’s creative, social and emotional development through hands-on, interactive play – paving the way for success in school and later in life.

When our kids are young, they need us every second. As they grow older and more independent, they need us less and less. So how do you continually maintain a strong family unit? We found a way that worked for our family:

My son was five when ‘it’ started. He went from a needy infant and toddler that needed my undying attention every minute to a sports fanatic who suddenly was only interested in talking to his dad and uncles in a foreign language of statistics and rosters. Determined not to lose him (and equally determined not to become immersed in a subject I despised) I decided we needed to find a common interest that both of us could enjoy. What we discovered was so much more. Read how finding a shared passion has brought my son and I closer together and we urge all families to find a passion of their own.

My son was involved in tae kwon do so I decided I would try it, too. Little did I know then that I would become so thoroughly absorbed in the sport. Tae kwon do has become our shared passion, our common interest, our mother-son language together. Here is what my son, Jarod, now age 8, and I say about taking tae kwon do together:

· “Everyone Gets Exercise” – Not only does the physical training benefit both of us now, but it teaches him an early lesson that exercise should be a lifelong habit. Because we are so committed to our training and enjoy our time together, there is little time left for plopping on the couch and gaining pounds.

· “You can Talk About What You Learn” – I am continually impressed with the retention capabilities of my eight-year-old son. While I struggle to recall facts about Korean history for our black belt test this May, he spouts them off without any hesitation. Tae kwon do also promotes life skills that are in sync with our family values: respect, integrity, dedication. I enjoy explaining to him what these values mean to me and giving him examples from my own life. I am amused at his surprise that I had an entire life before he was even born!

· “You Can Give Hints To Each Other” – Training for a black belt is serious work and there is a lot to remember. By taking classes together, we help each other over the tough spots. As we are both learning and training, this puts us on equal level as opposed to other aspects of our lives where I am typically the teacher. The confidence and pride radiates in him when he is able to explain to me something I am doing wrong or help me with a difficult move that he is expert at.

· “You Can Cheer For Each Other” – This is the best part. My heart nearly melts after I perform a poomsay and I catch Jarod out of the corner of my eye give me a thumbs up. There is nothing better than hearing “Good job, Mommy”. We high five each other during class and support each other during tournaments. He sees me trying my best and I know this inspires him to try his best, too. I am amazed at the confidence he has gained during our training, often competing in front of hundreds of people without any nervousness at all (while Mommy is trying hard not to keel over!)

· “You can have fun together and families can work together” – No doubt training at tae kwon do with my son is terrific fun. It’s hard work, but that’s part of the fun. We see entire families training together at our school, White Tiger in Cary, and observe them cohesively discussing and practicing together. We are not the only ones who have discovered that families that play together, stay together.

In a time-compressed hectic world, there should always be time carved out for special family interaction. We found ours at White Tiger in Cary, North Carolina; you can find yours, too. Simply uncover an activity that all of you enjoy and do it together!

Have you ever taken a close look at the other women around you while you were eating out? Chances are that many of them are “hunched” over and often complain of various body pain and discomforts. Hopefully, those most affected by musculosketal injuries, and/or predisposed discomforts due to heredity, are seeking the advice of a competent physician or licensed chiropractor. However, what I have observed from my experience as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor (as well as, being a “forty-something”, mother of two!), is that so much of our aches and pains may be relieved by simply becoming aware of the many changes that our bodies go through during pregnancy and postpartum.

In the 1970’s and early 80’s pregnant exercisers were not the norm. In fact, pregnant women were considered “delicate”. Unfortunately this “myth of the delicate condition” is still alive and well today. It is amazing to me that even in 2007, my perinatal fitness students tell me stories about total strangers coming up to them while they are exercising , saying such things as, “Are you sure that is safe for you and your baby?” If these observers introduced themselves as certified in perinatal fitness, I might listen to them. Otherwise, their comments would lead me to believe that they are unaware of the vast amount of research available today that supports the benefits of exercise before, during and after pregnancy.

Sheila Watkins, founder of Healthy Moms® Pre and Postnatal Fitness Programs, has made it her life’s mission to provide safe and effective perinatal fitness programming to this special population, as well as educate those health and fitness professionals who wish to work specifically in the field of perinatal fitness and wellness. Using peer reviewed and medically based research, she developed a national certification for childbirth educators, nurses, physical therapists, and fitness professionals, etc. (anyone passionate about working with this special population). In 2001, Healthy Moms® continued to address the needs of women during the childbearing years by expanding their class offerings to include a variety of options. Healthy Moms® classes allow moms to learn safe, effective and fun exercises that they can do before, during and after pregnancy.

You’re probably wondering what all of this has to do with aches and pains specific to moms. When a woman becomes pregnant her body undergoes vast changes:

• Hormones are released to prepare the body for delivery.
• Ribs expand
• Increased weight of baby, organs and breasts, puts strain on upper, lower back and shoulders. Mom’s hip, leg and gluteal (your rear end) muscles have to work harder than usual to support growing baby.
• Blood volume increases

So – is there any wonder why we don’t look or feel the same? Our bodies have just undergone a tremendous transformation! Does that mean it has to remain that way? Not necessarily! The best advice a woman’s caregiver can give is encourage her to exercise while pregnant, as well as after baby comes. Realizing that all women are at varying fitness levels, a certified trainer or group fitness instructor is trained to show modifications as well as variations to cater to each individual participant. Hopefully, the instructor has been trained and certified specifically in perinatal fitness. Having this knowledge, the instructor is sure to focus attention on muscles most affected by pregnancy. In other words, strengthening and stretching the postural muscles, allows mom to deal with lifting baby (as he/she grows), and carrying all of the “gear” (i.e. carseat, diaper bag, etc.) that comes with him/her. Moms will feel (and see) a big difference in how they carry themselves and baby!

There is another muscle group that deserves attention no matter what stage of life a woman is going through. This group of muscles is called your perineum and pelvic floor muscles. Perhaps I’m in denial, but are the women on TV wearing “adult” diapers looking a lot younger than usual? I can remember when this invention was first marketed, thinking to myself, “I’ll have to wear those when I’m REALLY old!” Now it seems like the women in the commercials are my age! I can happily say I have never worn a pair, and look forward to never having to buy them! Yes, your perineum and pelvic floor muscles are often neglected in your muscle strengthening routine. It’s o.k., I am sure the reason for this is that no one (including your caregiver) has showed you the correct way to strengthen and release them! By the way, if you believe a good strengthening exercise is stopping and starting the flow of urine, you are mistaken. This type of “practice” can set you up for a not so nice urinary tract infection! It is, however, o.k. to “act as if” you are holding your urine. There are also many resources out there to teach you easy and effective exercises so you don’t have to pee on yourself the next time you laugh (or cough) while on your next date to the comedy club, or jumping on the trampoline with your kids.

Attending classes like those offered by Healthy Moms®, will empower you with the knowledge of a well rounded exercise program that is safe and effective for your body and your baby. You may be saying to yourself, “Now that baby is here, I don’t want to leave him/her in a nursery, or I can’t afford a sitter and I feel guilty taking time away from my child.” We, at Healthy Moms®, realize this dilemma; and for that reason have developed numerous classes for mom to exercise WITH baby like our, Powerstroll®, AquaMom &Baby, Mom& Baby Yoga, Abdominal Recovery/Introduction to Pilates, as well as many more classes.

As your baby grows, there will be more demands on your body. Taking the time to exercise and focusing on the muscles most affected by pregnancy, will allow you to enjoy active time with your children as they grow, feel great and maybe save you some trips to the chiropractor. Oh, and while eating out, your great posture will be the topic of conversation at the other tables around you!

Written by Marybeth Winstead, Owner and Certified Perinatal Fitness Instructor, Healthy Moms® of the Triangle, LLC
Partner and President of National Business Opportunities/Licensing,
Healthy Moms® , LLC
Certified Group Fitness, Pilates, and Personal Trainer
For ”Clever Parents”

See the Clever Parents vidcast featuring Marybeth and HealthyMoms.

The Building Together Ministries is a Christian, charitable organization that provides services to residents in Raleigh’s inner-city. Building Together caters to parents, children, students and adults with programs that include racial reconciliation, adult learning, a pre-school and summer camp, community volunteer programs, and a mentorship program for students. Plus there’s The NeighborStore, which provides pre-owned clothing and household goods to lower-income residents and Pride for Parents Christmas Store which offers new toys at discounted prices to parents of limited means during the month of December.

Handling the Family Services division of Building Together Ministries and the Pride for Parents Christmas Store is Extreme Makeover Home Edition winner, and very Clever Parent, Linda Riggins. Linda and her husband William are the very deserving recipients of a brand new home from ABC and the Extreme Makeover crew. Catch the show Sunday, January 21st on ABC at 8pm ET/7CT. Read the Clever Parents write up on The Riggins Family: Very Clever Parents.

Clever Parents tips the hat to two Raleigh based Clever Parents, William and Linda Riggins. The Riggins are the very deserving recipients of a new home courtesy of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Linda Riggins grew up in poverty in a dangerous neighborhood and was told she probably wouldn’t graduate from high-school. Fortunately she didn’t pay attention the doubters and went on to graduate from college with honors. Linda, who earned a degree in social work, manages the Family Services program for Building Together Ministries (see our featured charity write-up.) William is a tailor by trade, but had to quit because he lost his eyesight due to Retina Peratonitis diesase. Amazingly he’s still very handy and spends his days working at Lion’s Club Industries.

The Riggins and their 3 children are very active in the community working with Building Together Ministries. The Building Together website notes, “Linda has helped disadvantaged parents encourage their children to excel in school by providing them with resources, assist with after-school programs and helped the community with many outlets such as summer camps, mentoring programs, and church services.”

Thank You and Congratulations Riggins family, enjoy your new home!

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show featuring the Riggins Family airs Sunday, January 21, 8/7c.

Harsh winds and cold spells can wreak havoc on the most resilient skin. Winter’s low humidity can sap moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy and cracked. In humid conditions, the skin can replenish lost moisture by soaking up moisture from the air. When the humidity drops in the winter, however, your skin loses the opportunity to moisturize itself. Couple that with the low humidity resulting from indoor heating, and your skin can become tight and dry. What’s a busy clever parent to do?

Not to worry! Now is the perfect time of year to adjust your skincare routine. A few simple steps can help you combat the effects of winter skin and make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance!

Wash with lukewarm, not hot, water and use a moisturizing cleanser.
Your skin contains thousands of oil glands that prevent the skin from losing moisture and help keep it supple and soft. When you wash your skin, however, you strip away oil, letting moisture evaporate and drying the skin. Hot water and harsh cleansers further strip the skin, so be sure to turn down the water temperature and avoid alcohol-based cleansers.

Don’t forget your sunblock.
Just because the sun isn’t shining as often doesn’t mean you should abandon sun protection. The sun’s UVA rays are present year round, are not diminished by cloud cover, and can be extra harsh when reflecting off snow. Apply a heavy layer of moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 25 or higher to the face, hands, and any other exposed skin. This will act as a barrier to help protect against the harsh elements and prevent photoaging.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Daily moisturizing with a face cream and body oil goes a long way to keeping skin feeling and looking healthy. Apply body oil to skin immediately after a bath or shower while your skin is still wet. This will help trap the water in the upper layers of the skin and decreases dryness and itching.

Moisturize from the inside out.
Cold weather muffles your body’s thirst signals in winter, so it’s easy to become dehydrated. Drinking lots of water will help keep your skin moist from the inside out. And what you eat can also help your skin look and feel better. Walnuts, wild salmon, canola oil and ground flaxseed are all rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a lubricating effect on skin over time.

Drag out that humidifier.
Counteract the drying effects of central heating with a humidifier, which puts water back into the air and helps your skin stay moisturized. Most clever parents own at least one of these handy devices to soothe little ones’ colds and runny noses. Placing two or three humidifiers around your home will help to humidify the dry air and can keep skin from drying. Just be sure to keep humidifiers out of reach of little hands!

Treat your skin, treat yourself!
Why not beat the winter doldrums with a relaxing, therapeutic facial? A hydrating facial can help your skin regain lost moisture. The steam from the facial will increase the skin’s water level, which is then locked in with a deeply replenishing cream. And best of all, this special treat will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face Jack Frost head on!

Looking for a fun activity for the family? Bundle up and light up Fayetteville Street with Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker. The first-ever holiday lighting of what has been newly dubbed “Raleigh’s Main Street” kicks of this afternoon, December 8, at 5pm. Take a carriage ride and enjoy the holiday carolers while watching thousands of white lights in the trees lining the street.

“We hope this is something that can become an annual event,” said Tracey Lovejoy, vice-president of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. “Since Fayetteville Street was reopened to traffic, it really has become Raleigh’s ‘Main Street’. We had tremendous success with the Christmas parade this year and we’re looking forward to making the street beautiful for the holiday season.”

Q: At what age should a child go to the dentist for the first time and what sort of dental care should parents provide prior to that time? (i.e. when do you start brushing a baby’s teeth? when should you start flossing? etc.)

A: The recommended age for a child’s first dental visit is when the first tooth comes in, usually anywhere from 6 to 12 months, or by their first birthday. Seems a bit early, but this appointment is about learning about the dentist and dental care. Children are given the opportunity to see a dental office and equipment in effort to help them feel more comfortable about future visits. Parents will learn about preventative measures that will ensure their children’s health and smile, including education about early childhood caries from baby bottles, oral hygiene instructions, harmful oral habits and much more.

When the first tooth comes in, you can start brushing their teeth with water and a soft-head infant brush to remove plaque. This should be done at least once daily at bedtime.

Beginning at ages 2-3 (when children can spit), the child can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, but may need parental guidance in using the toothbrush and in not swallowing the toothpaste (it’s ok if that does happen).

Flossing is beneficial once the adjacent teeth have come in.

Even if your child already has a set of teeth already and hasn’t seen the dentist yet, it’s never too late to start. The sooner, the better as it helps set up excellent oral hygiene habits and being comfortable with the dentist for a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles!

Season Moore has had an interest in photography for about as long as she can remember. That interest was piqued with her role as high school yearbook editor and again when a studio hired her as a photographer soon after graduation. “I worked closely with their experienced photographers and was just in awe of them. I traveled to schools all over the state of Georgia and would spend all day shooting cheesy, posed yearbook pictures. When I got lucky, I would get to go to a sporting event or dance and shoot candids. At that point I already knew where my real interest lay; not in posed or forced pictures, but in capturing real expression and moments as they happen.”

Season went on to work as a technical editor and web designer, but her two children renewed her interest in photography. “I would take my kids to chain studios only to have an stressful experience that usually resulted in crying kids (and sometimes parents!) and I realized that there had to be a better way.” And with that Season Moore Photography was born.

Season’s style – natural light, natural settings, casual and fun environment – helps make the photography session enjoyable for everyone. “A “natural setting” doesn’t limit you to outdoors, it can be in your home where you spend the majority of your time as a family. While outdoor sessions are always beautiful, there is something about a family shot on the parents bed that I just love,” says Season. “The memory of chilly Saturday mornings, when the kids pile in your bed and and you watch cartoons together; those are the moments that are real and honest, memories you never want to forget. That is what I love about what I do, taking moments from this fleeting time in your child’s life, little things like the way that they crinkle their nose when they smile or the look they get when Mommy gives them a snuggle. Natural, everyday moments captured forever.”

Season shoots in digital format and doesn’t limit herself to color or black and white. “Every family is unique and your photos will reflect that. As a custom photographer I get to know my clients and cater my sessions to suit their personalities. I usually end up with a mix of color and black and white, but it depends on the child and the feel of the session. No two sessions will ever look the same, even if they take place at the same location.” And if you’re having a group photo session, the clothing you select will set the tone of your pictures. Season recommends thinking about what best represents your family. “You can’t go wrong with classics like khakis, denim or white. But maybe khaki just doesn’t really describe you – so go for the color! The main thing to watch for is that the colors are in the same tone, and coordinate. You also don’t want competing patterns, or logos on clothing. Keep in mind classic lines, you’re going to be looking at these portraits for years to come and we all remember our 1980’s family photos – yikes. And Mom’s, while the lines of v-necks do look nice, keep in mind that you may be leaning or bending to play with your child in some of the photos. Do a quick mirror check before leaving to make sure no more is showing than you intend!”

“Shooting natural light is challenging, and that is part of the reason I enjoy it. There is never a constant, you are constantly watching and working with the light you have at any given moment. And of course ready to try something different when it changes the next minute. It also means shooting at the prime times of day, morning and evening, and of course being limited by the weather. Indoors you do need some available light to have a successful session, even if it is only one room with large windows. The beauty of natural light makes it worth any inconvenience.”

Her first memory of taking pictures? “I remember my first 110 format camera when I was a little girl. It was pink, I believe, and it took the absolute worst pictures you can imagine, but I loved it. I would package my completed rolls of film up in the mailer bags and send (them) off, and excitedly check the mail every day in anticipation of my pictures. It was mostly pictures of our cat or plants from around the yard, occasionally a neighbor or two. I still have most of those pictures boxed up somewhere!”

Photographing children can be challenging and if parents are stressed about getting the perfect shot, your children are going to pick up on that stress and react to it. Season’s solution? “My number one request of parents at a session is to be relaxed! I am a mom so I know this can be tough when it doesn’t seem like your child is cooperating, and most people have had stressful experiences in the past when having their child photographed. But kids are going to pick up on your stress and it effects their behavior and mood. The better spirits you’re in, the happier your child will be. Usually just stepping back and letting me get to know and play with your child opens them up quickly. I try to avoid telling them where to go or what to do at a session but instead let them explore and play. After all, my goal is to capture them just being them!”

And Season is all about having a fun photo shoot and it sounds like there’s never a dull moment. One little boy found a three legged frog and scooped it up another time the sprinklers turned on in the middle of a session. “Having a sense of humor is key. I love what I am doing and I love being with children. I am having fun, and it shows!”

Visit Season’s website at www.seasonmoorephotography.com or visit her blog here.

Looking for a fun weekend activity? Check out the 12th annual self-guided walking tour of historic homes and buildings in the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood next Saturday, December 2 from 3pm-8pm. Walk through ten historic homes and buildings and learn about the structures’ history while enjoying the beautiful oak trees and wide sidewalks that make up the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood. The neighborhood represents the merging of two 1905 suburbs (yes, these two Raleigh “suburbs” were inside the beltline and near what you know today as Glenwood South). More than 75% of the homes in the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood retain their historic character, securing the neighborhood’s spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here for $8 or for $10 on the day of the event at Jenkins Memorial United Methodist Church, which is also the starting point for the tour. The church is located at 725 North Boylan Avenue on the corner of Devereux Street. Tickets include a tour guide booklet and map to the featured homes, along with descriptions of the features and history of each home.

Visit the Historic Glenwood / Brooklyn Neighborhood Association website.

In Raleigh? Stock up on Chez Ami & Chez Belle goodies from Patsy Aiken during their outlet sale now through November 9th. Save 35-75% off childrenswear, including hundreds of new styles. Girls can choose from an assortment of bright, colorful leggings, shirts and dresses. Colors of fuchsia, aqua, pink and lime in solids and prints, fill the racks. For the boys, choose from bright coordinates for the chilly fall days that are approaching and overalls and turtlenecks, corduroys and polos.

Outlet styles are designed just for our outlet customers and aren’t sold through Patsy Aiken home parties. Learn more on the Patsy Aiken site.