There aren't many fashion accessories for boys. I guess that's why I was so excited when we introduced this item. I'm always in awe when mothers of daughters manage to accumulate so many tchotchkes (Typically pronounced "CHACH-kee" are small toys, gewgaws, knickknacks, baubles,lagniappes, trinkets, or kitsch. The term has and has long been used by Jewish-Americans and in the regional speech of New York City). From bows to baretts and purses to play makeup, there is so much to adorn a little girl. This fashion accessory is one that both boys and girls can enjoy.

A must have for any closet. This shiny belt buckle with your little one's initial puts the final touch on any outfit. Easy to take on and off - even for little fingers. Simply switch the look by interchanging belt straps. There are tons to choose from!

Each of my boys got one for Channukah and they use it almost all the time. The blue strap matches their uniform pants perfectly and makes them look neat on dress up days. The camo one is perfect for informal Sunday afternoons. It adds a bit of variety to since it seems that the biggest change in their closet is the color of their Polo shirts.

Girls - don't feel left out as you can never have too many accessories. There are metallic color straps that add a bit of glitz to any outfit and have a more sober matte look on the other side.

Here's a "blue gene" that won't be going out of style any time soon. It's not skinny or tight and does not make your butt look big. This one is just right!

The Fatboy has long been a popular accessory for many. It is perfect for sitting, sleeping, playing and lounging and with its wide range of colors and styles, there is one for everyone.

Like the arrival of a new baby, Fatboy is excited about the birth of it's newest family member - Jean. Created from organic denim of the highest quality, the latest addition to the Fatboy line will snuggle your bottom like your favorite pair of jeans.

In honor of Earth Day we are partnering with Fatboy and giving everyone the opportunity to reduce and reuse. Bring in a pair of jeans - Those tight ones you keep hoping will fit... someday or The ones you think will be back in style but have not - and we will give you 25% off of your Fatboy Jean purchase. The recycled jeans will be donated The Community Closet, a local charity that provides gently used clothes to families affected by the unstable economy.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite tips and products that help to raise an eco–friendly child.

• Educate: Use books with age–appropriate vocabulary and concepts to ensure they understand the terminology. We cannot raise children to be “green” and environmentally responsible if they do not know what it means.

• • “What does it mean to be green?” by Little Pickle Press – explores how children can help protect the earth’s precious resources every day.

    



• Lead by Example: Utilize various learning tools that help to explain your actions so your child understands why it is important. If you want your child to turn off the lights when they leave the room, then you must do the same.

  • “Respect the Earth” flashcards by Eeboo – friendly animals show children how to reduce, reuse and recycle

    



• Renew: Participate in arts and crafts projects with your children that help them find new uses for old things.

  • “Kid Made Modern” by Designer Todd Oldham – introduces kids to masters of modernism with 52 playful, simple to stimulating arts and craft projects

    



• Reuse: Teach your children that every little bit helps. Reduce the amount of trash your family produces by using stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic ones or reusable snack bags instead of Ziplock bags.

• • “Organic Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags” from Graze Organic – simply throw them in the wash, not in the trash, after use

    

  • “Itzy Ritzy Wet Bag” – stores any wet item from diapers to swimsuits without leaking

    



• Recycle: Make it a routine. Set your recycling bin next to your trash can so you take it out as much as you take out the trash and purchase toys for your children that don’t create trash.

• • Original Buddha Board – paint on the surface with water and as it evaporates your child’s art will magically disappear, leaving them with a clean slate for a brand new masterpiece

    

  • Modern Twist silicone coloring placemats – the mats are doodle – friendly with the use of washable or dry–erase markets; just clean with a damp cloth or rinse to color again and again

    



• Spread the Love: Make a conscious effort to make small changes to become part of a greater good. Educate your child about the sustainable food movement, purchase a cloth tote bag and reuse it for grocery shopping or go paperless and pay and receive bills online.

• • Super Sprowtz book series – teaches about purchasing and using locally grown produce by responsible farmers and growers

    


• Shop Smart: Purchase products that are manufactured by responsible companies. Surround your children with household items and toys that are made from 100% recyclable materials or packaged in recycled packaging.

• • Blue Orange Games – plants a tree for every tree used in creating its games

    

  • Hape Toys – uses non–toxic paints and recycled bamboo for its products and manufactures them in eco–friendly production facilities

    

  • Bloom Baby – manufactures furniture with the safety of your baby and the Earth in mind, prohibiting the use of wood from intact natural forests, high conservation value forests, protected areas. They also promote a paperless workplace.

    

Must-have toy for any mom's purse

I just spent half an hour testing out a game that recently arrived at Give Wink. Kanoodle was recommended to me by a mom who carries three of them in her purse. She told me it keeps her sane when out to dinner with her family. The tiny black box fits in any purse and is so light I forgot I was carrying it. As I started cleaning out my purse (something I never do unless I'm in a waiting room) I came across the toy I've been carrying for over a week. It is a multi-level brainteasing puzzle where you can complete both 2D and 3D puzzles. I'm hooked! I can't wait for my boys to try it out too.

This is definitely for the little one who dreams of driving a race car but is still to young to reach the gas pedal. These rolling bags shaped like Formula 1 Race Car, Pick Up Truck, Space Shuttle, Race Car and Fire Truck will have any on-looker stopping in their tracks. Each bag is equipped with a matching lunch box (water bottle & food container are also included inside). Not just any lunch box, though. Each one is cleverly matched. The Formula 1 Car has a Helmet-shaped lunch box. The wheels on the bags are pretty cool as well. The patented triple wheel system allows the driver to zoom up a flight of stairs smoothly and without losing speed. Belongings are always driven in style no matter where the streets of life take us.