Happy 2011!

SALE!

Happy Holidays from all of us at CWDkids!

(Unfortunately, CWDkids was not in business in the 1970's which would explain my unfortunate choice of a dress... I am sure that my outfit led to my pitiful expression. I must have been furious that my brother, Jim and CWDkids' president, got to sport a snappy Lacoste shirt while I was channeling my inner-Holly Hobby for this holiday photograph with the wonderful Miller & Rhodes Santa Claus.)
You can see that fashion has come a long way since the 1970's... CWDkids is proud be a part of dressing your children "like kids" for the holidays. Our very best wishes!

Dreaming Of Sugar Plums!

I have been having trouble sleeping at night. A neverending to-do list along with managing my Elf on the Shelf's schedule (you know what I mean...) seem to be keeping me up at night. Last night, after tossing and turning for a while I started recanting 'Twas The Night Before Christmas to myself, just to see if I knew it by heart. I do, but I realized I really do not know what a sugar plum is. They sound delicious, but what exactly are they? I pondered this for a while, but decided that it was too cold to get out of bed to answer this earthshaking question and it would have to wait until the morning.

The next day, I was still curious about this infamous sugar plum and googled its definition. It turns out that a sugar plum is a sugared candy made from dried fruits. A century ago, any dried fruit was called a plum so a sugar plum could consist of any type of dried fruit. This really does not conjure up the magic of Christmas Eve for me. I think I am going to stick with a vision of the Nutcracker's beautiful Sugar Plum fairy, as I really am not wild about any type of dried fruit, plum, prune or not!

Track Santa!

Those terrific folks at Norad are getting ready to track Santa's course on Christmas Eve. Take a look at their website to start your countdown to Santa!

SALE!

Our Gift To YOU!

Hot Chocolate On A Stick!!

Yes, hot chocolate on a stick! Hop on over to the Makes and Takes blog to find all of the instructions to make this adorable and yummy gift. Your teachers, friends and neighbors will be thrilled to receive this delicious creation!

Image from Makes and Takes

Snow Magic!

On Sunday, my youngest son saw on the news that there was a small chance of snow flurries predicted. He decided that it was his duty to do everything in his power to conjure up a blizzard. His older brother started exams on Monday (today) and he wanted to help. So... he put his pajamas on backwards, put a spoon under his pillow, placed an ice cube in the toilet and settled down for a long winter's nap. He had to be exhausted after all of this work! About ten o'clock, it did start to snow. My oldest son went outside to investigate. (We live in North Carolina so snow is an event.)

This morning, my oldest son told his brother about the snow and told him that he needed to work on his snow-calling spell as he conjured up a dusting, but not enough to call off his first exam! My youngest looked at him with a smile and headed off to school determined to ask every third grader what their snow procedures were as he thought maybe, just maybe, he had forgotten a step.

Holiday Fashion Find!

It is not too late to order your holiday bling! We LOVE this adorable velvet dress with sequined bow, perfect for any holiday party. Add the gold leggings and your little fashionista will light up the night for New Year's Eve. Click here to order your sparkly outfit today!

Holiday Viewing!

A Charlie Brown Christmas special airs at 8pm tonight on ABC in most viewing areas. ABC is also showing a new seven-minute short film Prep and Landing: Operation Secret Santa featuring the ageless voice of Betty White as Mrs. Claus. Set your DVR's!

Sweet Inspiration!

Looking for a little inspiration for your holiday baking this season? Hop on over to the Annie's Eats blog to find some delicious inspiration... From peppermint mocha cupcakes to a yummy recipe for hot cocoa mix that you can give to all of your friends... Enjoy!

Avoid The Crowds!

Avoid the crowded malls, finish up your holiday shopping in the comfort of your own home! We have the perfect gift for any little one on your list. Click here to browse our terrific inventory of unique holiday gifts. We have some of the best children's books around, plush stuffed animals, umbrellas, stockings... The list goes on and on!

Gingerbread House Fun!

Isn't this the cutest gingerbread house? Hop on over to the Gordon Gossip blog to learn how to make this delicious creation. You will find everything you need to host your own gingerbread housemaking party! This is a terrific (and yummy) way to spend a cold winter afternoon. Mmmm!

A Must See!

Looking for a way to get out of the cold and relax with your family? Plan on going to see Disney's latest movie, Tangled! It is a terrific film fun for both girls and boys with a plucky heroine and swashbuckling adventure. Click here to read blogger Media Mom's review.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at CWDkids!

Image from Norman Rockwell

Twinkle Toes Trend Alert!

Little girls are going crazy over our shiny glitter ballet flats! Your daughter will light up any holiday party with our adorable glitter shoes.

• Our shoes will complete every holiday outfit and girls LOVE to wear them. Moms and dads, your shoe battles are over! Your little one will happily jump in to these fun flats this holiday season. Click here to order your pair today!

Thanksgiving Activities!

Moms and dads know that when extended families come in to town... little ones need to be kept busy! We love what The Alpha Mom blog has created to decorate your holiday table and keep little hands scribbling during the big feast. You will find her clever plan and free printable coloring sheets here!

Image from Alpha Mom

Start A Holiday Tradition!

Start a pajama tradition at your house this year! We have the most adorable and comfy pajamas and nightgowns that are the perfect holiday gift.

Kids will LOVE receiving colorful pajamas or a new nightgown on the big day. Your holiday photographs will be even more special with your family in matching nightwear. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving Snoopy!

Hooray! A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is on tonight at 8pm on ABC. Who does not love watching Snoopy prepare his Thanksgiving feast year after year? Click here for all of the details.

Image from ABC

Thanksgiving Reading!

It can be difficult to find a great Thanksgiving children's book; however, Albert's Thanksgiving by Leslie Tryon is a true find. My mother sent my kids this book a few years back and it has become their favorite Thanksgiving book.

It is a funny tale about Albert the duck and Patsy Pig and their endeavors to get ready for the best Thanksgiving feast since 1621. You and your children will have a ball reading about all of the tasks Albert the duck must complete to satisfy the ever-demanding Patsy Pig!

Turkey Time!

Children love making decorations for their Thanksgiving table. The Crafty Crow and Make and Takes blogs have pulled together a slew of terrific projects for your children to enjoy making for the big day! Take a look here and here:)

Images from Make and Takes and Crafty Crow blogs

Friday's Fashion Find!

Boys will love dressing for the holiday season with these two new long-sleeved tee shirts from Misteev-us. Kids will chuckle seeing Santa Claus' boots peeking out of the chimney. The sportier boys will have fun wearing our second tee shirt covered with every ball imaginable piled high in the shape of a Christmas tree!

These shirts are 100% cotton and their designs stay colorful through many washings. Let your boys get in to the holiday spirit with these colorful and extra comfy shirts!

Thursday Is Veterans Day!

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and many children will be home from school. On November 11, 1918, World War ended. Fighting stopped at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1938, Veterans Day became a federal holiday, to honor all of the men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces. Click here to learn more about this holiday on the apples4teachers website.

Did You Remember?

Did you remember to fall back? It sure feels good to have an extra hour of sleep!

Friday's Fashion Find!

Your child will slumber in style in our newest holiday pajamas. We LOVE these adorable reindeer pj's! Let us know your child's name and we will print it on the top for no additional charge.

• Get a jump on ordering these pajamas so your child can enjoy them all winter long! Click here to find out more.

The Kids' Table!

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away? Now is the time to start thinking about how to set up seating arrangements for the big day. I remember (not so fondly) being escorted to the "kids' table". Unfortunately for me, this table was in the kitchen where I was usually put with cousins I did not know and saw once a year. I do not have terrific memories.

The fabulous Inspired Room blogger has pulled together very special ideas to ensure that your children will be begging you to sit at your kids' table! Click here to find her secrets!

Image from the Inspired Room blog

Halloween Math Fun!

Halloween candy is not just for eating! My kids LOVE to sort their candy into piles by category and then they trade each other for their favorite candies. My youngest child is learning to multiply so he put his candy into a grid pattern and worked on his multiplication. He was able to quickly multiply the number of candy that he has by type and then in total. Sorting and counting Halloween candy is a fun way to sneak in some math in to your child's day. Have fun!

Friday Favorite!

We were thrilled to see our Halloween clothes mentioned on the adorable Follow The Leaders blog! Click here to see a terrific blog post spotlighting our spooky clothes and to follow this charming family through their daily adventures.

Happy Halloween from all of us at CWDkids!

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Halloween would not be the same without a viewing of the Peanuts classic, It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! Luckily, this classic holiday special will be aired tomorrow night on ABC at 8pm in most areas. Plan to gather your family around the television to enjoy this Peanuts favorite!

Spooky Reading Tips!

At my house, we are in countdown mode for the most delicious holiday of the year! Last year, blogger Design Mom wrote about a terrific idea which will delight your children and get your whole house in a spookerific mood!

It is SO easy! All you have to do is pull out your favorite Halloween books, turn off your lights, and light candles. Your children will love reading spooky stories by candlelight. Check out the apples for teachers website to find a list of terrific books to read this week!

Friday's Fashionista Find!

Fall is finally here and this outfit is sure to please the fashionista at your house! What's not to love? Purple, patterned leggings, colorful pockets... This outfit has it all and will definitely put a smile on your little girl's face!

BOO and Run!

In mid-October, my kids love to "ghost" their friends' houses. "Ghosting" involves ringing, running and leaving candy at a friend's door. The recipient continues the "ghosting" spreading candy and mischief from house to house.

The always-creative Skip to my Lou blog has come up with a special plan that will show you how to create your own special Halloween ring and run fun. You will find instructions on how to create a special pumpkin to start the chain and a copy of a cute poem to travel from door to door in your neighborhood. Have fun!!

Image from Skip to my Lou blog

Healthy Halloween Candy Choices?

Sometimes when I am "borrowing" a piece or two of candy from my children's Halloween candy bags, I wonder which would be a healthier choice: a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or a Snicker's bar... Fortunately, Real Simple magazine has put together a fun quiz for you to take to discover which candies are better choices.

(By the way, choose the Snickers bar!)

Friday's Frightening Find!

This looks like a current xray of my children's stomachs!

Your kids will love wearing this tee shirt. Friends will chuckle at this fun design! Moms and dads will cheer at the price. Hurry, this shirt is on sale for $12.99!

Halloween Treats!

Have you signed up to bring cookies for a school Halloween party? Here is an easy recipe for delicious candy corn cookies. Find all the details on the Martha Stewart's website. Enjoy!

image from Marthastewart.com

He Sailed the Ocean Blue!

Happy Columbus Day! Today is a perfect day to teach your children about Christopher Columbus. Although Columbus was not the first explorer to discover America (the Vikings actually came first!), he is credited with establishing the route between Europe and America. Did you know that Columbus was really looking for India when he discovered America? Would you like to learn more? Click here to find more fun facts about Christopher Columbus from the Social Studies For Kids website!

Friday's Fashion Find!

Your children will love wearing these handprint turkey-inspired outfits this fall! This colorful tee shirt and coordinating pants for boys and matching dress for girls are the perfect outfits to get in to the Thanksgiving spirit. The bright yellow and colorful turkey designs just make you feel like cooler temperatures and family gatherings are right around the corner.

Holiday Cards!

It is that time of year.. Already? Yes, it is time to start thinking about which photograph to choose for your annual holiday family card. Do you like to dress your children in matching outfits? Do you select a summer photograph? We would love to see which picture you are selecting for your holiday card this year.. particularly, if your kids are dressed by CWDkids!

Halloween Drinks!

Twenty-seven days until Halloween! This idea for special Halloween drinks is from the My Life My Loves blog. Children will LOVE these spooky drinks with gummy worms to top them off!

Friday's Fashion Find!

It's not too late to order a SPOOKY tee shirt to celebrate Halloween! This tee shirt is a surefire hit for boys. This tee shirt is not only a little bit scary, but it also

GLOWS IN THE DARK!

Boys will have so much fun wearing this tee shirt and lighting up the night.

Fall Foliage Fun!

Finally, it is FALL! After this very hot and dry summer, I am thrilled to feel cooler temperatures and to see leaves starting to change colors. I have dusted off one of my favorite fall books, Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro, to read with my children.

This is a terrific book to help your children discover why leaves change colors and fall off trees. This book also provides some wonderful craft ideas to help your family get in to the fall spirit, such as leaf rubbings and leaf pressings. Enjoy!

CWDkids & Kenya

You may remember the story about Matt, a local Richmond man who made a trip to a rural village in Kenya last year. He, along with a group from Koins For Kenya, built two water cisterns which now provide clean drinking water to the primary schools in the village. We were so impressed with this organization and how they are helping the children of Kenya, that we donated several boxes of tee shirts, dresses, shoes, and sun hats.

We were thrilled when we were sent us a few photos of the precious children proudly wearing the clothing from CWDkids. We were told that the children were very happy with their new clothing and there were "big smiles all around".

These children endure struggles each and every day that many of us will never encounter and they still remain resilient with bright smiles. If you would like to learn more about Koins For Kenya and their good work, please click here.