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. Read the rest »

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. Read the rest »

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.” Read the rest »

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.

Are you planning on attending A Shopping SPREE! at the RBC Center in Raleigh this week (October 18-22)? If so, be sure to stop by Queen Bee Designs and check out Allison’s beautiful jewelry. Mention Clever Parents for a 10% discount off of your purchase.

See more of Allison’s beautiful designs at www.queenbeedesigns.com.

Read the Clever Parents parentrepreneur feature on Queen Bee here.

Read more about A Shopping SPREE! including hours, directions and tickets.