We are hard at work on the Makeover Issue of MOM Magazine - debuting early June. I can't wait for you to see the amazing makeovers of our Cover MOM winners. While working on the story, I stumbled on these great info videos from local NW designers:

1. Building a wardrobe (Hood River Redesign)
2. Simplifying your wardrobe
3. Summer dresses 2011 (Garnish)
4. Summer colors

   

And then I was so bad. I fell in love with the gorgeous orange dress in video #4 and went directly to the Garnish site. I ordered it in the brown top version, sight unseen. I never do that! I'll let you know how it goes when it arrives. Check out their designs - amazing!

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age Nine

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.

Manner #1 - When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2 - When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3 - Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4 - If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5 - When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6 - The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7 - Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8 - When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9 - When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10 - Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11 - When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12 - Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13 - Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14 - Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15 - Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16 - Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17 - If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18 - Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19 - As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20 - If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21 - When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22 - When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23 - Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24 - Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25 - Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

See full article from Parents.com here, by David Lowry, Ph.D.

(This is Mia trying green beans for the first time at 6 months old)

I recently tried a new recipe for dinner that didn't go over very well, and I'm not surprised. Alex, the "good eater" had a few bites, and Mia, the "picky eater" barely choked down her "try me" bite.  And ya know what? I am OK with that. For years, I stressed about every drop of food and liquid that went into my kids' mouths. My husband has reassured me countless times that the kids will not starve if they don't clean their plates. And we've done lots of research, reading, and trying different ways to encourage our kids (particularly Mia) to eat. Through all that, we've discovered some pretty interesting tidbits.

-The average number of times most toddlers need to be exposed to a new food before accepting it?  8-10. It can be unbelievably frustrating to spend time preparing a nice home-cooked meal, only to have your toddler throw it on the floor with hardly a taste. But if you ever want your child to eat it, you need to be persistent.  (source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475189_5) (Medscape link requires login)

-The average number of times a new food is provided to a child before the adult determines that he/she doesn't like it? 2.5. Quite a lot lower than the number of times that it takes the child to make up their mind. Give it at least 10 tries before you determine your child doesn't like a food.  (source: http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/17/2/180)

-Toddlers don't need nearly the amount of food we think they do. After age 2, the nutritional requirements of a child significantly decrease, due to a decrease in the rate of growth.  Feeding patterns can be quite unpredictable, so accept the fact that you will may have more leftovers than planned. On those nights when they eat nothing, send your child to bed with confidence, knowing that he will not waste away overnight.

-Don't turn eating into a power struggle with your child! Parents need to keep the emotion out of eating - this is not the time to exert control over your child. Forcing a child to eat will only lead to further eating and power issues down the road.  (source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475189_5)

-Don't use bribery or punishment to force your child to eat.  Both reward and punishment reinforce the characteristics of a "picky eater" and help to create bad eating habits. (source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475189_5)

So what can you do through difficult meal times with toddlers?

We've had some luck with recipes and techniques in Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld (although Mia spotted the spinach under the cheese on the pizza right away).  But we are living proof that continued exposure leads to acceptance. Mia used to turn her head away from many of our go-to meals, like veggie burgers and stir-fry, but now welcomes and looks forward to them.  We also did try-me bites. Instead of intimidating her with a whole serving of a new food, we'd put one bite of the food so she could just try it. If she liked it, we'd get her more, if not, we'd wait until next time.  You can also try Flavor-flavor learning (pairing a new food with an already-accepted food). Most importantly, don't let mealtime get the best of you. The less you react and make an issue out of it, the less attention you'll draw to the situation.  And as with everything baby and toddler related, it's most likely just a stage that your child will grow out of.