DailyCandy Kids Los Angeles

Knee Deep

2010-02-09T09:30:00Z

KneeBouncers Online Games

Before your Baby Einstein said “mama” or “dada,” he busted out “laptop.”

Not surprising, considering the hours you logged googling “lose ten pounds fast” since his arrival.

Give him his first real byte of technology with KneeBouncers.com. Created by two dads, the site features eighteen toddler-friendly games (we’re using that term very loosely) he can play while snuggling on your lap.

The colorful animations advance every time he presses a key — any key — and cover everything from ABC’s and 123’s to shapes and music.

You’ll want to add a game of your own. It’s called let’s see how gently you can tap the keyboard, baby.

Available online at kneebouncers.com.

25% off Eebee DVDs and Dolls
He’s too young for candy hearts, so show your little valentine love with these educational (hello, texture exploration) toys for babes as young as 6 months. Enter code DAILY25; thru Feb. 11, while supplies last.

Photos: Courtesy of KneeBouncers; Courtesy of Every Baby Company

Wiggle It

2010-02-08T09:45:00Z

Earthworm Ensemble's Debut Album

We’ve got the dirt on the coolest new munchkin minstrels in town.

Give it up for Earthworm Ensemble. Started by Sherri and Shawn Nourse (with their 3-year-old son, Nolan), the experimental project joins the city’s top country, rock, and folk musicians in what feels like one big Topanga Canyon family reunion.

You’ll dig the self-titled debut album’s nature-inspired lyrics about woodland walks and buffalo migrations. Just try not to sing along with “Bear and Dog,” a kooky rock anthem about two furry animals coming to save our planet. The entire smorgasbord of musical styles ranges from Americana to rap.

Making this one can of worms you won’t mind opening.

Available online at earthwormensemble.com.

HEAR
StoryTimeFunLand
What: All aboard for storytelling and singing that make learning fun.
Why: We’re not making it up.
When: Every Wed., 4:30 p.m.
Where: Stories Books & Cafe, 1716 Sunset Blvd., b/t Logan & Lemoyne Sts., Echo Park (213-413-3733).

LOVE
Valentine’s Day Party
What: Little sweeties smile for a photo op at Poppy Store, continue to Sugar Paper to make a valentine, then hit Botany for a flower project.
Why: Wash down shortbread hearts with hot cocoa in the courtyard.
When: Wed., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., at San Vicente Blvd., Santa Monica (310-458-6682).

RIBBIT
Frogs: a Chorus of Colors
What: Discover a world beyond Kermit at the new exhibit featuring more than 100 live frogs.
Why: It’s toadally awesome.
When: Sat.-Sept. 5.
Where: Muzeo, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., at W. Broadway, Anaheim (714-956-8936).

Photo: Courtesy of Earthworm Ensemble

Jot Stuff

2010-02-04T09:30:00Z

Star RM's "This Is Your Book"

You’ll always cherish baby’s first steps, words, and kisses. But other things you’d rather forget (here’s looking at you, colic, bum rash, and random acts of biting).

Put everything on the record with Star RM’s This Is Your Book. The arty baby journal was designed by Chicago creative Ryan Maconochie, who wanted a quirky way to preserve memories after the birth of his daughter.

No too-precious teddy bear illustrations here; instead, you’ll find hand-drawn faces of U.S. presidents (circle the one from bambino’s birth year) and world maps (pencil in the countries at war). You can also jot down current stats, such as the price of a six-pack and the dollar-to-euro exchange rate.

Of course there are slots for basics (height, weight, hair color), plus space to draw family trees and paste pictures. With 122 pages, you won’t lack room to reminisce.

That doesn’t bite.

Available online at lulu.com. For more information, go to starrm.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Star RM; Courtesy of Every Baby Company

Easy Breezy

2010-02-02T09:30:00Z

Andrea Air Purifiers

Housekeeping Memo
To: Andrea
From: The Stuffy Family
Re: Breathing Easy

Glad to have you on the job. There’s a lot of sneezing and nose blowing in our home this winter, so get to work clearing the air. (We tried but ended up with jammed windows and a bad case of Swiffer arm.)

But you appear invincible, being a purifier that uses houseplants to sanitize indoor air. The Harvard prof who coinvented you found a genius way to speed up a plant’s natural filtration process. We simply drop in flora (aloe, peace lilies, and spider plants work best) and you draw in pollutants, including toxic gases. A whisper-soft fan pushes out fresh wafts.

You’re an eco dream, with no replaceable filters and low energy consumption. A looker, too: Designed in Paris, you resemble a modern terrarium rather than a machine.

Report directly to the nursery.

Hopefully, your first days will really suck.

Available online at amazon.com. For more information, go to andreaair.com.

25% off Babysusu
Let’s hear it for the boys. The New York designer’s modern threads for misters (Liberty-print shirts, cashmere hoodies, chino jackets) are marked down site-wide. Thru Feb. 11; enter code dailycandy.

Photos: Veronique Huygne / Courtesy of Andrea Air; Courtesy of Babysusu

Oh, Soy!

2010-02-01T14:30:00Z

The Veggie Grill's Chocolate Tofu Pudding Recipe

Give your little herbivore a high five. Then have him lend a hand with this easy, healthy dessert recipe from chef Ray White of The Veggie Grill.

Chocolate Tofu Pudding
Makes eight servings

Ingredients
1½ c. dark chocolate chips
2 packages firm tofu (12 oz. per container)
1 1/3 c. evaporated cane juice
¼ tbsp. vanilla extract
1 1/3 c. chocolate soy milk
¼ c. cocoa powder

1. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler.

2. In a medium bowl, blend tofu until completely smooth.

3. Mix in cane juice, vanilla extract, chocolate soy milk, and cocoa powder. Add the melted chocolate and mix until smooth.

4. Transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours.

It’s a treat to repeat.

No dessert before dinner? Check out the kids’ menu at The Veggie Grill, 8000 Sunset Boulevard, at Crescent Heights Boulevard, West Hollywood (323-822-7575). For more locations, go to veggiegrill.com.

MAKE
Kids in the Courtyard: Sweet’Art
What: Inspired by artist Nick Cave’s Soundsuits, tykes transform traditional holiday candy into objets d’art.
Why: Sugar highbrow.
When: Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Fowler Museum, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., at Westwood Plaza, UCLA North Campus, Westwood (310-825-4361).

SEE
Princess Bean’s Messy World
What: A spunky heroine jumps into a book next door to create her own fairy tale in this pop-rock musical. Audience members are welcome to go in costume.
Why: Pretty in hot pink.
When: Sat., 12:30 p.m. (Also Feb. 14.)
Where: The Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., b/t California & Milwood Aves., Venice (310-306-1854).

CHEER
Yo-Yo Competition
What: Kiddos gawk over pro tricks like Milk the Cow and Cold Fusion. Masters-in-training compete in a beginners’ contest.
Why: They’ll be hanging by a string.
When: Sat., registration at 10 a.m. Competition at 11 a.m.
Where: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana (714-542-2823).

Photo: Courtesy of The Veggie Grill

Magic Moment

2010-01-28T09:30:00Z

Tada Shop Launches

Your mini Houdini has lots of tricks up his sleeve, including levitating food (then flinging it) and disappearing in public (a mall cop’s work is never done).

Before he makes your sanity vanish, show him a stunt of your own at Tada Shop. The just-launched site for apparel (girls, boys, babies) and toys is more than a virtual shopping cart; it compares and contrasts looks and prices from hundreds of brands, saving you the chore of website hopping.

Need a red dress for less than $50? Select the right filters and — presto! — choices appear. Toddler boys’ polos? Ka-zam — you’re in business. Sellers range from big-name (J.Crew, Mini Boden) to indie (Neige, Mini Rodini); when it’s time to buy, you’re directed to their sites.

Rounding things out are the Create a Look feature that lets you piece together and see entire outfits, expert style tips, and sales.

It all deserves a sleight of hand.

Available online at tadashop.com.

Photos: Rachel McGinn / Courtesy of Tada Shop; Courtesy of Babysusu

Spoke Fun

2010-01-26T09:30:00Z

Velorbis Mobii Trike

On your mark, get set … go! It’s a race to the playground, and the slickest wheels win.

Off to a raging start is Dirt Bike Brian. Let’s hope he doesn’t hit the skids. No wonder Wagon Wendy’s on his tail — people are really pulling for her.

Hold onto your Huffy: Smoothly appearing at the lead is Velorbis Mobii trike. The Euro innovation just hit our streets and holds up to two tots in a cushioned, harness-equipped carrier box positioned up front. Whee! Everyone’s going wild for the sturdy steel frame hand-built in Denmark and optional weatherproof cover.

Watch as it detours to the grocery store — a smart move, folks; it holds up to 200 pounds of cargo (excluding the driver). At upward of $3,500, this luxury doesn’t come cheap.

But it leaves the competition in the dust.

Available online at copenhagencyclery.com.

25% off Chloe in Style
Booties, and hoodies, and sippies — oh my! Get discounts on goods for babies, girls, and boys by Noodle & Boo, La Folie, JJ Cole, and more. Thru Jan. 28. Enter code DCK25.

Photos: Courtesy of Velorbis; Courtesy of Chloe in Style

Living Large

2010-01-25T14:30:00Z

9Seed Maternity Apparel

Hey, what’s the big idea?

Roomy cotton tees for mommies-in-waiting by 9Seed. Designed by the Citizens of Humanity maternity collection team, the new local line has you looking swell while you, er, swell.

Asymmetrical hemlines on the Dew scoop-neck conceal a growing rear end. The extra-long Pixie tank guards against a peek-a-boo midriff. Breezy bell sleeves that hit above the elbow make Wood Nymph a go-to for hiding blubber arms. As a whole, the super-soft line comes in easy-to-wear colors (gray, black, blue, green, white, charcoal) and everything is refreshingly spandex free.

Go ahead and let loose.

Available starting Friday at Xpecting, 369 17th Street, between Raymond and Tustin Avenues, suite 20, Costa Mesa (949-574-2184 or xpectingmaternity.com); online at duematernity.com. To see styles, go to nineseed.com.

SEE
A Year with Frog and Toad
What: Tony-nominated production follows the woodland adventures of Arnold Lobel’s beloved amphibious characters as they learn the value of friendship.
Why: Ribbiting entertainment.
When: Thurs., at noon.
Where: Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., at Zuniga Ridge Pl., Thousand Oaks (805-449-2787). Tickets online at fieldtrips4kids.com.

LEARN
It’s Tortilla Time
What: Discover the history behind everyone’s favorite taco holder and how to make them from scratch.
Why: It’s a wrap party.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon. Register by 5 p.m. today.
Where: The Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., at Arboretum Way, Arcadia. To register, call 626-821-4623 or 626-821-5897.

HEAR
Second Annual Grammy Children’s Music Celebration
What: All six nominees for best kiddie album of ’09, including Milkshake and Ziggy Marley, put on a rocking show.
Why: It’s a Gram slam.
When: Sat., noon.
Where: The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., at Figueroa St., ste. a245, Downtown (213-765-6800).

Photo: Courtesy of 9Seed

Mom's the Word

2010-01-21T09:30:00Z

Cmomgo.com Online Community

Motherhood: a Timeline

B.C.: Cave mama wields cattle-bone club and grunts.

Late 1800s: Ma Ingalls gets busy with her washboard.

1973: Carol Brady rocks a mullet.

2010: You visit Cmomgo.com, a website for networking and family scheduling.

The future looks bright with the new launch from three tech-savvy dads. Register as a member (it’s free) to get access to a slew of organizational and social applications. It’s as if Meetup had a lovechild with Facebook.

The concept revolves around “circles.” After you’ve created or joined (by invitation) a circle, you can post comments about issues, plan activities, and create photo galleries on private pages. Whether you need a group forum for your PTA, soccer team, or neighborhood association (hell, if you just want a place to rant about The Bachelor), the site keeps information flowing.

And your busy life goes down in history.

Available online at cmomgo.com.

25% off Chloe in Style
Booties, and hoodies, and sippies — oh my! Head off to see discounts on goods for babies, girls, and boys. You’ll find Noodle & Boo, La Folie, JJ Cole, and more right here. Thru Jan. 28. Enter code DCK25.

Photos: ae-j / Flickr; Courtesy of Chloe in Style

Dip Service

2010-01-19T09:30:00Z

Stella Cove Swimwear

On your last beach vacation, the beauty of windblown palms and rippling waves was overshadowed by Little Miss Itsy-Bitsy’s repeated wardrobe malfunctions (that thong — so wrong).

Next time, have her take the plunge in new swimwear by Stella Cove. With more than twenty styles for girls ages 6 months to 13 years, the label tastefully covers bathing beauties in retro and modern patterns. Our favorites: Bjork, with a billowing feather motif over sky blue; and Hepburn, a showy red number inspired by Holly Golightly.

The two globe-trotting designers (and longtime girlfriends) also cater to mom with women’s bikinis complementing pint-size styles. Cotton cover-ups embroidered by hand in India will arrive soon.

It’s a shore thing.

Available online at stellacove.com.

25% off Petunia Pickle Bottom
Diaper bag got you in the dumps? Shop modern styles (bedding, baby carriers, layette, and accessories) for a fresh start to the new year. The discount is site-wide. Thru Jan. 21; enter BABYCHIC.

Photos: Courtesy of Stella Cove; Courtesy of Petunia Pickle Bottom

Booger Woogie

2010-01-18T14:30:00Z

Snottykins Organic Handkerchiefs

You are the ultimate Green Samaritan until the sniffles strike home. Then you blow it by reaching for a box of tissues.

Spare trees and rid boogies the old-fashioned way with Snottykins handkerchiefs. Created by a Santa Barbara mom, the cloths are made in the USA of sustainable organic cotton. Choose singles or multipacks of kid-size squares emblazoned with cheeky designs (trains, monkeys, and more, in your choice of color). Grown-up snot rags come with more refined motifs like sailboats and doves.

The hankies get softer with each wash, making the torturous task of toddler-nose blowing more bearable.

That’s nothing to sneeze at.

Available online at limegreenmonkey.com.

HEAR
Opera Cat, by Tess Weaver
What: Peter Kors — accompanied by a real opera singer and a pianist — tells the story of a feline opera fan that saves the day when a diva loses her voice.
Why: Do-re-meow.
When: Sat., 2 & 3 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Public Library Central, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., b/t S. Flower St. & S. Grand Ave., Downtown (213-228-7480).

MAKE
New Year’s Time Capsule
What: Under the guidance of writer Jon Bernstein, students pen letters to themselves not to be opened until one year later.
Why: Future perfect.
When: Sun., noon.
Where: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., at Westwood Blvd., Westwood. Reservations (encouraged) by e-mailing workshops@826la.com.

DONATE
Project Linus
What: Crafty moms (or blanketeers) gather to stitch, knit, or embroider security blankets for sick and traumatized children.
Why: All you need is lovey.
When: Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Patchwork Penguin, 6245 Foothill Blvd., b/t Lowell & Saluda Aves., Tujunga (818-248-7390). Check calendar for more dates and locations.

Photo: Courtesy of Lime Green Monkey

Eat Your Words

2010-01-14T09:30:00Z

Best New Picture Books

Books are brain food for ripening minds. Tell your kiddo to save room for these new releases; he’ll be as sated as Aunt Fran after her birthday at Old Country Buffet.

Dessert first: Charise Mericle Harper’s Cupcake (out January 18) proves that being vanilla isn’t all bad — especially when a colorful birthday candle enters the picture. Your second course: tons of smooches delivered via Barney Saltzberg’s latest picture book, Kisses. Packed with stimulating textures and pull tabs, it introduces letters, body parts, and more.

Bust a gut as yard ornaments come alive and chase after the family that left them behind in Dan Yaccarino’s Lawn to Lawn (bonus points for introducing your tot to the concept of garden gnomes). Silliness continues with escapades of a banana-juggling, Hula-hooping marsupial in The Purple Kangaroo, written by comic Michael Ian Black with illustrations by Peter Brown.

Sunday in Kyoto, by Canadian musician Gilles Vigneault, comes with a CD (consider it added nutrients) of songs that play off the story’s Far East adventures. Finally, supersize fun with Samantha Berger and Amy Cartwright’s Pirate Potty and Princess Potty, which encourage potty training through reward stickers and punch-out pirate hats and tiaras.

Now let the reader digest.

25% off Petunia Pickle Bottom
Diaper bag got you in the dumps? Shop the designer’s modern styles (bedding, baby carriers, layette, and accessories) for a fresh start to the new year. The discount is site-wide. Thru Jan. 21; enter BABYCHIC.

Photos: Courtesy of Disney-Hyperion; Courtesy of Random House Children’s Books; Courtesy of Scholastic; Courtesy of Petunia Pickle Bottom

Bear Necessities

2010-01-12T09:30:00Z

ZoLi's New Baby Products

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Goldilocks. She went for a walk, banged on a stranger’s door, and waltzed right in. “Yippee! Goodies for babies!” she cried.

On the kitchen table sat three sippy cups. The first leaked. The second was cracked. The third, ZoLi’s handy Bot cup, sucked liquid through its straw even when inverted. “Just right,” said Goldilocks.

Place mats lay nearby. The first was faded. The second was unraveled. The third was one of ZoLi’s colorful Matties made of slip-resistant silicone. “Genius,” she quipped.

Finally, she saw baby nail trimmers. The first were rusted. The second pricked. The third, ZoLi’s battery-powered Buzz B, came with interchangeable and textured cushioned pads. “I’ll come knocking anytime for this clever new loot,” she decided.

And lived happily ever after.

Available online at zolibaby.com.

25% off Vincent Shoes
There’s nothing like the pitter-patter of little feet, especially when they’re clad in Swedish kicks. Save site-wide on everything from baby-size Mary Janes to toddler snow shoes. Enter DC-25-OFF; thru Jan. 17.

Photos: Courtesy of ZoLi; Courtesy of Vincent Shoes

More than Words

2010-01-11T14:30:00Z

Vintage Children's Book Picks from Equator Books

Kindle schmindle. Our motto when it comes to picture books is out with the new, in with the old. Co-owner of Equator Books Michael Deyermond shares a few of his favorite vintage children’s reads.

History Can Be Fun, by Munro Leaf
“The illustrator of Ferdinand the Bull and Manners Can Be Fun wrote this in 1950. It’s amusing how the worldview has since changed.”

Clown, by Quentin Blake
“Blake illustrated nearly all of Roald Dahl’s books, but this is his first authorship. It’s about a clown who was born in a garbage can and ends up in a happy family.”

Rhyme Stew, by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
“From the gents who brought you Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr. Fox, these are nursery rhymes the way only these two tricksters could spin ’em.” (Intended for older kiddos.)

Now everyone’s on the same page.

For these neat books and more classic kid lit, check out Equator Books, 1103 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, at Westminster Avenue, Venice (310-399-5544 or equatorbooks.com).

SAVE
Kalon Studios
What: Take 15 percent off all furniture, including handcrafted cribs and changing trunks from the local design studio.
Why: Baby, you’re worth it.
When: Sun.-Feb. 1.
Where: Online at kalonstudios.com. (Enter code happynewyear at checkout.)

SEE
Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party
What: Alice returns to the Wonderland of her youth in this zany update on the Lewis Carroll classic. Stay for a tea party after the show (arrange in advance).
Why: You’d be mad as a hatter not to.
When: Thru Mar. 7. Sat. & Sun., 12:30 & 3 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., b/t Wilshire Blvd. & Arizona Ave., Santa Monica (310-394-9779 ext. 2).

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

Crib Sheet

2010-01-07T09:30:00Z

Little Apple Design Online Decorating Service

You dove right into redoing the nursery. But a temper tantrum, spilled gallon of paint, and six trips to Home Depot later, you realized you were in too deep.

Let Little Apple Design interior decorating service help you make a splash. Run by two moms, the online biz eliminates legwork by coming up with color schemes, themes, and custom shopping lists.

Just fill out a questionnaire and e-mail a few pictures of your space. Note special requests like your plan to incorporate Granny’s heirloom rocking chair or your desire to go eco. Within ten days, you’ll receive a personalized virtual design board with suggestions (from furniture to bedding to toys), with web links for purchasing.

If you live in San Francisco or Los Angeles, they’ll do in-person consults.

It’ll go swimmingly.

Available online at littleappledesign.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Little Apple Design; Courtesy of Vincent Shoes

Hand Jive

2010-01-05T09:30:00Z

Animal and Monster Hand Tattoos

When your whippersnappers demand 24-hour entertainment, tell them to talk to the hand.

Preferably one disguised by a clever animal or monster hand tattoo.

Conceived by Spanish designer Héctor Serrano, the wide-eyed cartoon stickers instantly transform kid (or grown-up) mitts into conversation pieces. Each box comes with eight colorful animals or monsters — but the dialogue possibilities are endless. Let a crocodile chat up a bumblebee or have two monsters shoot the breeze.

Like temporary tattoos, they go on and come off easily with water. What’s more, they’re a lot less difficult to conjure than shadow puppets.

Hands down.

Available online at spoonsisters.com.

25% off Oeuf
The American/French husband-and-wife design team hatches a Deal on everything in their Clothier and Goodies departments. For your cutie pie: Bolivian-knit sweaters, crochet slippers, wool building blocks, and more. Thru Jan. 19; enter code candy25.

Photos: Courtesy of The Spoon Sisters / Courtesy of Oeuf

The Good Seed

2010-01-04T14:30:00Z

Little Saplings Children's Gardening Service

Teaching kids to reap what they sow is a dirty job. But Ruth Steinberg and the team behind Little Saplings, a Venice-based children’s garden design company, does it with flourish.

Steinberg visits homes or schools to get to know kiddos and their spaces. (You don’t need a big yard; a simple pot or two will do.) Then through education, fantasy play, songs, and stories, she illustrates the basic elements of landscape structure and design to help them imagine — and grow — a personalized organic garden.

Plots can be built around different shapes, food themes (think pizza or salsa), or sensory experiences (like aromatic herbs). Secret gardens are also a big hit.

The verdict? Green thumbs up.

Little Saplings (310-383-4304 or littlesaplings.org).

SEE
Skateboard: Evolution and Art in California
What: Check out more than 275 rare boards, from crude wood planks used before 1950 to today’s state-of-the-art rides.
Why: It’s for wheels.
When: Thru May 30. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St., at Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica (310-392-8537).

MAKE BELIEVE
Pretend City Children’s Museum
What: Kids test out the grown-up world at this 15,000-square-foot mini metropolis complete with a farm, construction site, beach, and more.
Why: Role with it.
When: Mon., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 29 Hubble, at Bunsen, Irvine (949-428-3900).

Photo: Courtesy of Little Saplings

The Sipping Point

2009-12-31T09:30:00Z

The Liquid Muse's Kiddie Cocktail Recipe

He can’t stay up ’til midnight, isn’t allowed to play with poppers, and won’t get any bubbly (not the good kind). Don’t let your mini reveler miss all the fun. Whip up a kid-friendly concoction created by mixologist Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (a.k.a. The Liquid Muse).

DailyCandy Kiddie Cocktail

Ingredients
1½ oz. pineapple juice
3 oz. guava juice
½ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz. club soda
½ oz. grenadine
Pop Rocks (or colored sugar)

1. Hold a champagne flute upside down.

2. Rub the rim with a piece of lime to moisten, then dip it in a small plate filled with Pop Rocks so that they stick to the rim of the glass. Set aside.

3. Pour juices into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, shake.

4. Gently strain into the candy-rimmed glass. Top with club soda.

5. Slowly pour in grenadine so that it settles toward the bottom of the glass, creating a slightly layered effect.

Cheers!

Looking for more nonalcoholic cocktail options? Natalie Bovis-Nelsen’s recipe book, Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be, is available online at amazon.com.

Photo: _FXR / Flickr

Stuffed Love

2009-12-29T09:30:00Z

Shidonni One-of-a-Kind Toys

Your little gift hound hoped to score big. Instead, everything he unwrapped (gee, thanks for the itchy sweater, Aunt Georgie) made him cry foul.

Try a new game plan with Shidonni One-of-a-Kind toys, plush creations that kids design themselves. The company’s website is half cyber sketchpad, half gaming zone. Newly expanded, it allows tots to “draw” creatures and have them made into cuddly fleece toys.

The process is simple: Set up an account (it’s free) and help your child with the various online artistic tools. Place an order and in one to two weeks, the finished product will arrive. No creation is too outlandish (they’ve seen it all — even purple-winged strawberries).

Bonus points: Your kid’s critter can become a wacky animated character controlled on the site.

What a slam dunk.

Available online at shidonni.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Shidonni

Sugar Rush

2009-12-28T14:30:00Z

SweetHarts Sweets Shop Opens

’Twas the week after Christmas, and school was still out.
“We want more sugarplums,” the children did shout.

Mama was nearly out of her head,
When a voice from beyond offered wisdom instead.

Go to SweetHarts, the new candy palace,
Where a bonbon or two won’t cause much malice.

There are cookies, cupcakes, candies of two kinds:
Retro and modern. What else will they find?

Gelato and fro yo with toppings galore.
They serve themselves. But wait — there’s more!

A magical room reserved for occasion,
When you need treats of a special persuasion.

If they brush, they won’t get cavities,
Leaving you to make bribes with the greatest of ease

SweetHarts, 13704 Ventura Boulevard, at Woodman Avenue, Sherman Oaks (818-788-5004 or sweethartssweets.com).

SELL
We Want Your Toys
What: Help Venice architect Greg Lynn find used playthings to recycle into furniture. If he’s interested in yours, he’ll send a check, postage, and packaging.
Why: It doesn’t get any easier.
When: Your kidlet’s moved on to the next big thing.
Where: List of desired products online at glform.com. E-mail low-res images and your shipping address to toys@glform.com.

SEE
New Shanghai Circus
What: The Chinese invented acrobatics. Expect showstopping illusions, special effects, and feats of derring-do.
Why: The whole fam will flip for it.
When: Mon.-Wed., 8 p.m.; Thurs., 2 p.m.
Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr. S, Cerritos (800-300-4345). Tickets online at cerritoscenter.com.

GIDDYAP
Equestfest
What: Families are invited to meet some of the riders in the annual Rose Parade. Check out drills, trick riding, roping, and more.
Why: Horse around.
When: Tues., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank. Tickets and info at 626-795-4171.

Photo: Courtesy of SweetHarts Sweets