Submitted by Christina 

The Painted Pomegranate will be open from 10am-2pm for children to play while you shop!  Cinderella will also have a Face Painting booth at the Fair, who knew she was so multi-talented?!

Big Brands, Small Treasures

From boutique baubles to must-have fashion, Downtown New Haven offers world class shopping close to home at Apple, J. Crew, Barnes & Noble, Urban Outfitters, Jack Wills, GANT and over 50 shops that offer fabulous brands like North Face, Coach, Longchamp, Waterford, Nike , Seven for All Mankind, Uggs and more!

Fabulous holiday entertainment and free parking on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday round out the experience to make holiday shopping in Downtown New Haven unique, easy and fun.

UNIQUE

Visit the Broadway retail district for late night store hours until 9 pm and world class shopping including Apple, J. Crew, Barnes & Noble, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Jack Wills, and the GANT Campus Store.

Stroll over to the historic streets of Chapel to find one of a kind boutiques including Wave Gallery, idiom, Lisa Jones, Celtica and derek simpson…goldsmith, which offer late night hours every Thursday till 8 pm.

Looking for family fun? Visit the Audubon/Whitney district for family-friendly dining options including Moe’s Southwest Grill, Gourmet Heaven, Clarks and Katalina’s Bakery.

The Audubon, Broadway, and Chapel merchants invite you to value the holidays in Downtown New Haven this holiday season with special events and promotions.

EASY

Free Parking

Ample parking is always available in Downtown New Haven and this holiday season it is free with a receipt from a downtown store. Park in the convenient Chapel York Garage (150 York Street) or the Broadway Center Lot every Thursday and Friday evening from 5 pm to 9 pm and any time on Saturdays and Sundays.

FUN

$1,000 Thursdays

Visit downtown New Haven on Thursday nights in December for your chance to win a $1,000 New Haven shopping spree! No purchase necessary. Pick up your $1,000 shopping card at a participating stores between 5 pm and 8 pm. Travel to 10 shops and boutiques in the Audubon, Broadway and Chapel Districts to receive a special stamp. After completion return your card to Info New Haven at 1000 Chapel Street. One winner will be chosen each week for 4 weeks!

Free Pictures with Santa

Bring the children for FREE pictures with Santa at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Yale located in the Broadway District next to the new Apple store, from 5-8pm on Fridays and 2 -5 pm Saturday and Sundays. Guests will receive both a print and digital photograph as a holiday keepsake.

Gift with Purchase Program

Do your holiday shopping and dining in Downtown New Haven and save your receipts. Bring the receipts to INFONew Haven, 1000 Chapel Street between November 25, 2011 and January 15, 2012 and receive a voucher for a free beverage at participating restaurants or a pass to the Criterion Cinemas or BOTH. The more you spend Downtown, the more rewards you get.  It’s our way of saying thanks for supporting Downtown New Haven business. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.infonewhaven.com/giftwithpurchase or call INFO New Haven at 203-773-9494 for complete rules and a list of participating restaurants.

Taste of New Haven Holiday Food and Shopping Tour – December 17^th

Join Taste of New Haven on a pre Holidays food, drinks, shopping, culture and history tour of Downtown New Haven. While we stroll through shops offering tour members discounts and raffle prizes we will mix it up with tastes of the area’s best culinary delights.

The midday tour takes us along Chapel Street. Our food and drink stops include Sushi on Chapel for a trip to Japan, Oaxaca Kitchen Bar & Restaurant to spice up our Mexican appetite, Pacifico for some Nuevo Latino concoctions and Bangkok Garden Restaurant for Thai food.

The evening tour takes us to Downtown’s Broadway shopping district. Our food and drink stops include Blue State Coffee for a jump start, Box 63 where we’ll fire it up with various flavors at this firehouse-themed restaurant, Thali Too for a taste of India, Yorkside Pizza for a real Yalie snack and finish it all off with some homemade Ashley’s Ice Cream.

Visit www.TasteofNewHaven.com for more information.

Live Entertainment

Enjoy the sounds of live performances from local school musical ensembles every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Chapel and Broadway retail districts.

For more information on free parking, holiday events, stores and shopping hours please visit www.NewHavenShops.com.

Join us to consign, volunteer and shop at Green Turtle Planet’s New Haven County KID’S SALE!

Green Turtle Planet is a twice-a-year, upscale, Children’s Eco Boutique showcasing nearly new, boutique and name brand items ranging from clothing (newborn to preteen); shoes, gear, accessories, books, toys, DVD’s, furniture, hand crafted items and more.  At The Green Turtle our goal is to help families make money and save money while doing your part to save the planet.

Get paid up to 75% to clean out your kids’ closets.  It’s easy – just clean, hang, tag and drop.  We advertise, display and sell your items for you.  Register now to consign and volunteer and be the first to shop our special presale on Friday, September 16th before opening to the public.

The Fall/Winter Sale will be held at the First Church of Christ (Woodbridge Town Center) 5 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, CT 06525.

Shop our special Friday night Sale on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th from 7:30pm to 9pm. For admission donate new diapers (or a $5 cash donation) to benefit The Diaper Bank in New Haven.

Then shop all day SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th from 9am to 4pm. Get amazing deals on boutique and name brands and be sure to shop our Green Turtle Dollar Rack!  Free admission and parking. Cash Only Sale. No Strollers please.

The Green Turtle Planet sale gives back to the community by partnering and donating to local charities to help families in need.  This event will benefit, in part, The Diaper Bank of New Haven.  Also ask how you can raise money for your organization with a Green Turtle Planet fundraiser.

Visit our website at  www.greenturtleplanet.com, “LIKE US” on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/greenturtleplanet and spread the word to all your family and friends.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@greenturtleplanet.com

Registration will open beginning on July 1st.  Click the Consignor Registration/Log in tab on our website or email us at info@greenturtleplanet.com for more information.

Every year with the arrival of summer, we welcome long sunny days, beach time fun, and the long awaited return of backyard barbeques and family gatherings. For us parents, we also welcome the never-ending stream of invitations to children’s birthday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduations and christenings. Of course, we love to celebrate children and their milestones. We just can’t seem to find the right answer to that age old question… “What gift should I get them?”

Enter Doolidoo.com, a new website and free service allowing parents and kids to create a wish list that can be shared with family and friends… It’s an easy activity for parents and kids to do together.  Simply add items to your child’s wish list, like toys, clothes, or books and share with your family and friends. It’s really that easy. Since Doolidoo.com is an independent website, you can list ideas from different stores and websites. You can even go beyond traditional gift ideas and request bigger ticket items like a swing set or a computer. Friends and family can then make any-size monetary contribution towards that gift through paypal (think group gift giving without the hassle of coordinating or collecting money). With Doolidoo.com, you can “wish for” memberships to museums, zoos, aquariums, summer camp or even list a request for a charitable donation to a worthy cause.

Just imagine… you create a wish list on Doolidoo.com. Your family and friends are relieved to have great gift ideas at their fingertips (as you can easily share lists through email or Facebook). Your child receives gifts from his or her wish list. There are no duplicates or unwanted toys. You save time running from store-to-store making returns (phew!).  After all, Doolidoo.com was created by a mom who understands the true value of time well-spent.  So for all you moms and dads out there, try Doolidoo.com and take the guess work out of gift giving.

Doolidoo.com was created by mom, Jeannette Farah, with the hope of simplifying gift-giving for parents, kids, and their families and friends. Jeannette, a native of Switzerland and a self-proclaimed true “Swiss Miss”, lives in Hamden Connecticut with her husband and two children. The idea for Doolidoo.com came to her while she was up late one night caring for her newborn son. Two years later, Doolidoo.com is launched, providing a free and easy way to take the guesswork out of gift-giving. Kids wish it. You list it.

Polarn O. Pyret, Sweden’s leading children’s wear brand, made its much-anticipated arrival to America two years ago. This week, PO.P — as the brand is affectionately known — is having its first Sample & Warehouse Sales series in Massachusetts. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this heavily-desired brand, recently featured by Instyle Magazine, at a significantly reduced priced.

From our humble beginnings in 1976, this beloved premium brand is best known for its playwear, outerwear, and iconic navy and red stripes. We help preserve the simple pleasures of childhood by offering clothing that lets kids play freely wherever they are and in all weather conditions. Best of all, the clothing can be worn, washed and passed down for generations to enjoy.

We believe both boys and girls need good fit and function. Our coveted UNIsex concept was one of the first in children’s wear. We design clothing for all children, not just girls or boys. Who wears what — and in what color combination — is up to you.

Friday, April 8

10 am — 6 pm

SWEA Boston

The Scandinavian Living Center

206 Waltham Street

West Newton, MA 02465

Saturday, April 9

10 am — 5 pm

Matrushka Toys & Gifts

309 Main Street

Great Barrington, MA 01230

I’ve recently been invited to a few kid’s birthday parties and several friends have just had babies.  Now with the holidays approaching, I’m gearing up for another onslaught of gift giving. I’m always in a bit of a quandary about what to get, especially when there isn’t a registry involved.  Though I’ve learned to stay away from the mini drum kit and the car that has 5 different siren sounds!

My go to gift has become Just the Right Book.  It combines the excitement of getting gifts in the mail along with brand new books chosen just for your child. Giving them the right book at the right time could make them a life long reader and that’s what I’d call the perfect gift.  (Full disclosure, I recently started working for Just the Right Book!, that’s how much I liked the gift!)

Here’s how it works…You tell us about the child, tween, teen in your life – their interests and activities – and we’ll have the RJ Julia Book Experts choose books based on what you tell us. Now the fun part…we’ll send gift-wrapped books to their door as a Series (throughout the year) or as a Collection (all at once).

What better gift to give this holiday season than the love of reading? (Plus, the excitement you see on their faces when they realize there’s mail for them is priceless!)

Quarterly gifts, where books come 4 times a year, start at just $49. Visit our website at www.justtherightbook.com/sc/kidhaven.

P.S. Here are a few titles we’ve recently recommended for kids:

(Ages 0-2) If they like all things furry, they’ll love The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens or Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen

(Ages 3-5) If they like silly stories, they’ll love Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra or Two Little Boys From Toolittle Toys by Vincent X. Kirsch

(Ages 6-8) If they’re ready for a more engaging story, they’ll love Lulu & The Brontosaurus by Viorst or Paddle to the Sea by Holling

Visit www.justtherightbook.com to see all our gifts for Kids, Teens, and Adults or call us at 877-654-5872.

Natural Pure Essentials is a natural baby online site that is dedicated to providing parents with authentic natural baby care products. Our blog features information and articles on different natural parenting topics to help parents make informed decisions. We are currently expanding to offer workshops on cloth diapering in the fall.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty.  Tell us why cloth diapering is the way to go.

Cloth diapers offer several benefits over disposable diapers! Using cloth diapers saves money because you re-use the diapers instead of throwing them away, plus the diapers can be used for subsequent babies. Or, if you are diapering two babies at once, then you can use one-size diapers to fit both babies. Another benefit of using cloth diapers is babies tend to experience less diaper rash. Most parents are lead to believe disposable diapers prevent diaper rash but that is not true. Cloth diapers are breathable so they do not heat up the diaper area like plastic diapers. Heat trapped in the diaper area causes an increase in the enzymatic activity of the bacteria found in human waste which breaks down the skin and cause diaper rash. Cloth diapered children also tend to be potty trained earlier than kids who wear disposable diapers because they know when they are wet which is an important step towards being potty trained. One of the most overlooked benefits is that when we use cloth diapers we are helping to reduce landfill waste and water pollution. One baby will generate enough disposable diapers to fill a football field within one year and we often forget that plastic takes thousand of years to break down. There is also the issue of bacteria and viruses that might be found in sick babies’ waste that will seep into our water ways. Waste matter from cloth diapers gets properly treated in the sewer system. Lastly, cloth diapers are just way cuter and more stylish than disposable diapers :)

One baby will generate enough disposable diapers to fill a football field within one year

Give us some of those statistics comparing cloth diapers to paper diapers.  For example, I’m always shocked every time I’m reminded at how much paper diapers cost per child in comparison to cloth diapers.  Not to mention, thinking about how long paper diapers sit in a landfill makes me sad.

A recent visit to BabiesRUs quickly reminded me of why I choose to cloth diaper. A 120 count box of disposable diapers retails for about $45. Newborn babies will generally use 10 -12 diapers a day, which means 70 diapers a week and 280 diapers a month. At the minimum, it will cost you $85 a month to diaper a newborn in disposable diapers. You will spend on average $1,020 a year on disposable diapers and about $ 3,060 by the time your child reaches 3 years old.

Even if I chose the most expensive type of cloth diaper for my baby, I would spend about $580 for my entire stash of diapers. Many diapers are now being designed to grow with your baby from birth to potty training. Cloth diapering might be more expensive up front, but it definitely saves you money in the long run.

I remember when I was learning about cloth diapers before the birth of our first child, I was shocked at the variety of cloth diapers available!  It was intimidating, actually, just trying to figure out what type of diaper would work for us.  Can you give us a brief tutorial on the types of cloth diapers that are out there?

Cloth diapers today are not your mama’s diapers! There are myriads of diapers available to suit different lifestyles and budgets. The most basic and economical cloth diaper is the prefold diaper which is very absorbent and long lasting. The prefold diaper requires some shaping, pinning and a waterproof diaper cover.

Next in line are the fitted and contour diapers which are already shaped, have either velcro or snap fasteners and require a waterproof diaper cover.

Pocket diapers have a waterproof backing and fastener built into the diaper but requires a soaker to be inserted into the back of the diaper.

Finally, the most expensive are the cloth version of disposable diapers – you put them on and your all done!  These are known as all-in-ones or hybrids and are the easiest to use which makes them great for traveling, spouses, grandparents or day cares.

I have to ask – what is your favorite cloth diaper and why?

That is one of the most difficult questions for a cloth diapering mama. There are so many cute diapers. BumGenius and GroVia are my favorite so far.  I love them because they are one-size and well made diapers. Cloth diapers are subjected to repeated use, washing, drying and if not properly made the diapers will fall apart. Most parents are also looking to re-use the diapers for subsequent babies and to resell them when diapering days are over.

I’m frugal and didn’t experiment much with cloth diaper covers.  I had what I had and made it work the first time around.  With the recent arrival of our second child, I’m “treating” ourselves to some new covers.  What would you recommend?

First, I would recommend one-size diaper covers because you can use the cover on both children since they are designed to fit from birth to potty training. A good option is the Bumkins diaper cover because you just wipe them clean instead of washing them after every use.

What other essentials do parents need to cloth diaper their baby?

You will need a diaper pail liner, a wet bag for traveling and some Snappis.

What is the biggest misconception about cloth diapering that you’d like to dispel?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that using cloth diapers causes diaper rash. Disposable diapers actually contain chemicals that can cause skin burns and rashes. Pampers new ‘dry max’ diapers have come under fire recently for causing diaper burns.

Alright, I feel obligated to ask – what’s the downside to cloth diapering?

There’s not many, but one I have experienced is that cloth diapering requires a bit of extra planning.  You will need to decide how and where you will store and wash the soiled diapers. A few cloth diapering companies have introduced hybrid diapers where you can interchange cloth inserts with biodegradable or flushable disposable inserts.

Another downside some parents face is that daycares do not generally accept cloth diapers.  However, there is now an online directory which list daycares that accepts cloth diapers: daycare.realdiaperindustry.org/

I noticed on your blog a few recipes for making your own cloth wipes solution.  Before I beg you for your trusted recipe, tell us about making your own cloth wipes.  Is it easy?  What do you use for the actual wipes?  Please, will you share your favorite wipe solution recipe?  Please!

• How to make your own wipes:

Cloth wipes are fairly easy to make. You can sew them by hand, but the best way is to use a sewing machine because by hand is time consuming. You first need to decide what size you want the cloth wipes to be.  Some common sizes are 8×8, 4×8 or 6×8. Next, decide on the type of fabric you are going to use for example terry cotton, velour, flannel, etc. You can really use almost any type of fabric with the exception of fleece because it does not clean up well. I recommend making a double layer wipe if using flannel cotton or any other thin material.  Simply stitch two pieces of thin fabric together with the wrong side facing out.  Single layer wipes can be made using a thick material such as terry cotton.  Thick single layer wipes only require a straight or zig-zag stitch along the edges.  Here is a video tutorial on how to make your own cloth wipes:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmvKgklWK68&feature=player_embedded

• How to store your wipes:

Once your wipes are ready to use, fold them in half and store them in an old disposable wipe container, ziplock bag or whatever you find works for you. As with disposable wipes, you can moisten your own cloth wipe with a pre-mix solution. My favorite wipe solution uses 2 cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons baby soap or shampoo, 2 tablespoons calendula oil or olive oil, and 2 drops of lavender essential oil (optional). Add all the ingredients in a jar and shake. Add to wipes if you prefer to pre-moisten your wipes or store in an old shampoo bottle for easy dispensing as needed.

I read that your daughter has super sensitive skin, which is really what prompted you to start your own business.  Based on your knowledge of baby products, what would you recommend parents do as a first-step toward eliminating toxic chemical exposure to their baby?  BTW, I give you permission to name names (like common products you think are really bad for babies but readily available that parents should avoid).

It is important that we understand that the skin is the largest organ and whatever substance you put on it gets absorbed directly into the blood stream including the chemicals found in baby care products. The first thing that I would recommend parents do is to learn what ingredients they should avoid in their baby’ skin care product. Parents should also develop the habit of reading the ingredients on all the baby products and not just the labels. Labels are a marketing tool so be careful of choosing a product just based on the label! A product labeled as “natural” may only contain one or two natural ingredients and the rest of the ingredients are synthetic chemicals. Be wary of companies who do not disclose the ingredients in their products. Here is an example of what you should look for:

• natural emollients such as avocado oil, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, coco butter instead of emulsifying wax, coconut fatty acids, alcohol compound such as cetyl, benzyl, butyl, alcohol, PEG compounds such as PEG -40 hydrogenated castor oil, petrolatum.

• Choose products that are preserved using natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender, myrrh or vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopherol) instead of chemicals such as parabens, sorbates, benzoates and formaldehyde
• Avoid surfactant -suding agents- such as sodium laureth sulfate-SLS which is known to dry out the skin, sodium laurate, and all the other sodium laureth compounds.

The environmental working group (EWG) also has a data base that ranks baby products on their level of toxicity. Many of the conventional products available in the store such as Johnson and Johnson have a rating of 8-10, with 10 being the most toxic.

If parents have other questions about cloth diapering, natural baby products, etc. how can they reach you?

I can be reached by e-mail -navine@naturalpureessentials.com or by phone at #203-228-2615.  Don’t forget to check our my online store at www.naturalpureessentials.com.

The first hour of your baby’s life is the most important.  It is during this hour that a baby first bonds with the mother.  This is done through skin-to-skin contact, smell, eye contact and breastfeeding.  This initial bonding sets up the framework for a child’s ability to form intimate relationships, possess a sense of security and develop positive self-esteem.

Babies are born completely dependent on others.  They have needs that can only be met by a caregiver.  Touch is one of the most important ways to supply the affection, security and stimulation that babies need.

In the days and months after birth bonding can occur in several forms.  The easiest and most effective way to bond with your baby is to keep him or her close to you throughout the day.  This can be achieved by “wearing” your baby, and both mother and father can and should take part.

Babywearing is less common in the US than other countries.  Unfortunately in the US strollers and car seats often take the place of a mother and father’s comforting arms.  Thought to be more convenient car seats and strollers can be more of a hassle than carrying your baby and they also do not provide the attachment that growing babies need.  Wearing your baby in a sling, mei tai carrier or other type of carrier allows the caregiver to do household work, shopping, networking, exercise, etc. while nurturing your baby at the same time.

Babies who spend more time in close physical contact with caregivers cry less, develop better, both physically and cognitively and are more independent later in life.  The stimulation of contact ensures more stimulation and development of the vestibular system, which helps babies become more organized more quickly.  Babywearing also makes breastfeeding in public easier and more convenient.

Please take the time to browse the websites below for more information on bonding, babywearing and attachment.

http://www.thebabywearer.com

http://www.attachmentparenting.org/

http://www.continuum-concept.org/

http://mothering.com/

http://parenting.amuchbetterway.com/tag/babywearing/

Kristen Miller received her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Mexico.  She is a certified exercise physiologist and personal trainer with over twelve years of experience.  Kristen’s focus is on preparing women for childbirth and beyond by strengthening the muscles used during labor and teaching women how to use them correctly.  Kristen is currently offering a pre-natal class at Blend for Kids in Branford, CT.  She also does private and small-group in home pre and post-natal conditioning and meditation.  Please check the website for more information:www.ppnatalconditioning.com

Be Green is an eco-friendly online boutique committed to offering you carefully selected, high quality, environmentally friendly products.

We offer products for the household, baby & kids, adults, and pets.  We have searched the world to find effective green alternatives to the highly toxic chemicals found in the home and environment.

Be Green is a women owned business based in Stamford, CT.  Our business was developed when one of the partners was suffering from skin irritations because of traditional laundry soaps and bath soaps. She was searching for alternatives to highly chemical products found in the marketplace and found the solution to her problem in soap nuts!  Being an advocate and user of soap nuts she began to ponder an online green business.  She soon partnered with her long time friend and together they started Be Green. Since then the company has grown its product line while partnering with manufactures to expand their green goods to online consumers.

Be Green focuses on offering products that follow the Three R’s guidelines: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  The company also focuses on educating consumers on the importance of using green products to save our Earth and to have the products easily available for them.

Please visit our online boutique today and Be Green!

www.begreenllc.net ~ 203-981-0412

DO YOUR CHILDREN NEED THE CHILDREN’S WELLNESS PROGRAM?

Our children are the most precious thing in the world.  Their health is extremely important to us, yet we know they don’t always eat the way they should.  25% of the most children’s diet is junk food; french fries are their most frequently consumed vegetable; and 55% of our children have low blood levels of vitamin D. No wonder so many kids suffer from colds, asthma, ADD & ADHD. A good nutrition program can be as important as love to their health and well being.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do your children eat a good, nutritious breakfast every day before they leave for school?  (Remember, there is often a difference between what you serve and what they eat.)

YES     NO

Can you get your children to eat a variety of foods, including vegetables and whole grains?

YES     NO

Do you know how much of your child’s daily calorie intake is in the form of  “empty calories” from candy, cakes, or soft drinks?

YES     NO

Do you know what your children eat when they are away from home?

YES     NO

Do your children get and eat a nutritious lunch at school each day?

YES     NO

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, there is a good chance your child will benefit from the CHILDREN’S WELLNESS PROGRAM.

The Healthy Kid, Healthy Mom Wellness Program

Incredivites - Because most children are picky eaters and do not get all the nutrients they need from diet alone, a well balanced  multivitamin/multimineral supplement is nutrition insurance for what they don’t get from their diet – AND – Incredivites is the only children’s chewable supplement with lactoferrin, a protein found in breast milk that supports intestinal health and strengthens the immune system. For infants use Shaklee’s Multivitamin & Multimineral Powder – The most complete infant supplement on the market – PLUS – it contains oligofructose-enriched inulin, a naturally occurring complex carbohydrate that promotes intestinal health & strengthens the immune system. Pleasant tasting powder; mixes easily in juice & water.

Mighty Smart - DHA is important for brain development, mental acuity and eye development – AND – most children are only getting 20-40% of the DHA they should from their diet. PLUS, the EPA has warned that some of the very fish that are good sources of DHA are likely to be contaminated with mercury or PCBs. Mighty Smart provides 100 mg of ultra-pure, certified organic DHA in a chewable tablet with a delicious natural orange flavor.

Meal Shakes - Because growing children need lots of protein for building healthy cells and a strong immune system – BUT – they don’t need a lot of fat and cholesterol, Meal Shakes provide the protein they need in a milk-based form that can be used to make delicious and nutritious “milk shakes”.

Cinch Snack Bars – Growing children want tasty snacks. Cinch Snack Bars provide them with the protein and nutrients they need instead of just empty calories.

Cinch Protein Shakes – Blood sugar swings can lead to mood swings, irritability and hyperactivity. Cinch Protein Shakes not only provide the protein kids need, but they also stabilize blood sugar levels.

…plus, we can’t forget about Mom with Shaklee’s Vitalizer Pack With Iron - 80 bio-optimized nutrients clinically proven to create a foundation for a longer, healthier life

Call today to schedule your private consultation.

Ask about specials for kidHaven readers including Incredivites and Mighty Smart Package.

Call Merav Canaan at 203-589-1973 & visit us online at http://canaanhealth.myshaklee.com

Have you ever looked back at pictures of when you were a child and totally gasped at what you saw? Have you ever wondered “where did I get that awful hair style and why did they even let me go out looking like that? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me! My mom took it upon herself to give me straight line bangs. How bad could that be? Well, she also cut my side burns. It was awful! For that very reason, I am very picky about who cuts my hair and now my child’s.

Given my childhood experience, we-hubby and I-have decided that our little guy will never endure such pain, LOL!! I have made every effort to find a great hair salon for kids but came to find out that there are not many around.  That was until someone mentioned Roller Coaster Cuts! Roller Coaster Cuts is owned by Six Flags and currently has two locations, one in Blue Back Square in West Hartford and another one in King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia.  My first thought was that anything associated with Six Flags has to be fun. Though that is true, I do have to admit that I was still a bit skeptical on what the experience would be like. How could Six Flags have a hair salon? Could this hair salon really be as great as the experience you get from riding on the Batman ride? Well, the hour drive from Fairfield was totally worth it! My two year old had a blast! From the moment we walked in, they made him feel like royalty. The staff was very friendly and smiley. Overall, superb! My son was a little intimated by the mascots but that’s only because he is two years old. They were so sweet and really tried to make him comfortable but he was not having any of it. That’s alright he loved all the other wonderful things the hair salon had to offer.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with an incredible welcome and led to the counter where we gave our name.  In a flash, we were at the hair dresser’s station, where my son was greeted by his hairstylist in a very kid friendly manner. She then swept him off his feet and sat him in the booster chair that was thoughtfully added because of his age. He just stared at her wondering who she was and what she would do. She talked to him for a little while to make him comfortable and then she turned on the flat screen TV, which was directly in front of his station, to an episode of Thomas the Train. He was in heaven! He sat there so quietly while she worked her magic. Not one peep was heard. When she was done, including buzzing the back of his neck, she walked us over to the shampoo station. I thought he might lose it at this point but instead he lay back on the comfortable table bed and enjoyed his shampoo massage while watching a roller coaster ride on the TV above him. Before I forget, they use either a Paul Mitchell for kid’s line or a Fairy Tale organic line upon request. When he was done she finished his style session back at her station. Voila, a handsome groomed little boy emerged. He was really on cloud nine.

We didn’t leave immediately because there were many other wonderful things we still had to look at. They have a Thomas the Train table with all the trains for kids to play with,  soccer and footballs to run around with, make your own bubble bath sand station, lots of unique toys, a princess station, apparel, candy. They even had Max and Ruby stuffed animals! I have been looking for those for ages! My son is obsessed with Max and Ruby though he watches them very infrequently.

That’s not all; they host kid’s parties as well which includes pulling out the red carpet and paparazzi. You can’t ask for anything more, parent company Six Flags totally got it right! Roller Coaster Cuts is the place to go next time your child needs a cut and tell them that you heard about them through Savvy Mom on Call.

I have an amazing giveaway to offer one of our readers.  Please post a comment about your personal hair cut experience as a child. The best story will receive a complimentary haircut for your child at Roller Coaster Cuts! The winner will be announced on Monday, March 29^th.

Until next time Savvy Parents!

Happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Savvy Mom on Call

Ingrid lives in Connecticut with her husband and 21 month old son.  Ingrid recently launched Savvy Mom On Call, the first baby planning service in Connecticut.  With a knack for helping ease the overwhelmed feeling that often accompanies the news of having a baby, Ingrid is the go-to gal for everything baby.