Polka Dots & Patticakes PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed Adrian Anderson of the cutest children’s boutique in Conover, North Carolina – Polka Dots & Patticakes. She was sweeter than sweet, and definitely knows what her customers love and what’s hot for kid’s style and gear. As a mom herself, she knows exactly what must-have items any mom needs this spring, the fab town hangouts, and even admits to what she swore she would never do as a parent. She is as down to earth as it gets and the products in her store are the best of the best. Read more about one of Le Top’s favorite retailers! Check it out.

Polka Dots & Patticakes

111 1^st Avenue South, Suite A
Conover, NC 28613
828.292.9882

 www.polkadotsandpatticakes.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN
Polka Dots & Patticakes
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1.    Tell us the inspiration behind the name Polka Dots & Patticakes? How long has your store been around?
Every time that I think of children, I think of Polka Dots. I knew that I wanted to do something with this name. I told my husband that I needed to come up with something to go along with Polka Dots & he said what about Patticakes? Perfect!Patty Cake is a childhood game that we all remember from our childhood. My special spelling is just to make the name unique. I started my business in October 2010.

2.    Spring 2012 styles are coming into stores and brightening up any family’s winter wardrobe. What are your top 3 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for warm weather items for a nice holiday vacation this winter?
Ju Ju Be bags are always great for trips or for a mom-on-the-go. With all of their compartments and pockets, you have a place for everything you will need. They even have a Mommy pocket to keep your personal things separate! I also have Stack n’ Seals from Innobaby that make carrying a snack with you while on the go a breeze. I would also pick up some great cotton styles to keep your little one stylish yet comfortable on the trip.

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for Valentine’s Day? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
I plan on having a Grandmother’s night at the store when more of my spring product comes in. I will have tea and cookies and show my collections to them and give them the opportunity to purchase outfits for their little ones with a discount. I also plan on having a few specials throughout the spring season online and in store.

4.    What is your favorite Valentine’s Day candy and why?
Conversation Hearts—I love to pick out little messages to give my Valentine, my husband John.

5.    What are a few common baby names that you have seen trending for the new moms that come to your store?
Emma, Grace and Olivia for little girls; Aiden and Jackson for little boys.

Adrian and her beautiful daughter Logan (who is wearing an outfit from the Le Top Spring 2011 "Daisy" collection)

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
I swore that I wouldn’t talk about her all the time, but how can you help it? She is my world and I love her so much! She is our pride and joy.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Conover, North Carolina? Did you grow up in the local area?
I grew up in a town about thirty minutes away from Conover called Lenoir.  Conover is a quaint town in the Western Piedmont area of NC. Everyone knows everyone and people are nice and friendly.

8.    What are the hottest trends for kids clothes right now?
With warmer weather on its way, tunics and capris for girls will be popular in the spring and fun skirts with tops for summer.  One-pieces are always great for infant and toddler boys during the summer.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
If you are looking for a fun family day outing, you could visit the Catawba Science Center. They have tons of activities and fun things for the kids to do. For soft play, go-carts, putt putt, lazer tag, and arcade games you could take the kids to Hickory Dickory Dock. It is also great for birthday parties too.

10.    What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
My favorite collection from Le Top is “Sun and Sea”.  When it starts to warm up, I want to be at the beach and this collection would look so cute on my tan little girl after a fun day at the beach.  All the bright colors are so beautiful.  Makes me look forward to those long summer days filled with sunshine and sand.

Polka Dots & Patticakes

111 1^st Avenue South, Suite A
Conover, NC 28613
828.292.9882

www.polkadotsandpatticakes.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Polka Dots & Patticakes
Facebook page and click HERE

Tunic and stripe capri with ruffle cuff from the Le Top “Sun and Sea" collection

 

 

Children’s Nursery Songs & their History Revealed

Many times we sing to our children to pass the time, stop them from crying, make a car trip go a little more smoothly, etc. But do our kids know the meaning behind many of the songs we sing? Probably not. We’ve all grown up with similar variations of the same nursery rhymes and children’s songs. Many of us don’t realize is that there is generally an extensive history, as well as a surprising past, behind most of these popular songs. Reading, songs and rhymes are a very important for the development of your child.  They not only help with using and understanding words, but give you child and interest in these areas.

Song and rhyme teach us about language and help us to remember stories.  Many legends, fables and biblical stories are put to song or rhyme! See below 3 popular rhymes/songs that you can teach to your children.

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Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
The beautiful words of Twinkle, twinkle little star have been immortalized in the poem and music has been added thus increasing its popularity. The simile ‘like a diamond in the sky’ teaches children how words can be used to paint a picture in the imagination. The words create a comparison between the twinkling of the star to a sparkling diamond thus providing a perfect illustration of clever imagery and excellent use of the English language. The joint authors of Twinkle, twinkle little star were two sisters called Ann Taylor (1782-1866) and Jane Taylor (1783-1824). 
The first publication date was 1806.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Lyrics:
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are?

Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky


When the blazing sun is gone, when he nothing shines upon,

Then you show your little light, twinkle, twinkle all the night.


Then the traveller in the dark, thanks you for your tiny spark,

He could not see which way to go, if you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep, and often through my curtains peep,

For you never shut your eye, ’till the sun is in the sky.


As your bright and tiny spark lights the traveller in the dark,

Though I know not what you are – twinkle, twinkle little star.

This Little Piggy
The words for “This little piggy” nursery rhyme are used to point out each one of the child’s toes! The last line in “This little piggy” is used to accompany the child being tickled by the narrator of the poem! This rhyme is extremely popular which ensures that it will be passed from generation to generation. The first publication date for the words and lyrics for this nursery rhyme was in 1728.

This Little Piggy Poem:
This little piggy went to market,

This little piggy stayed at home,

This little piggy had roast beef,

This little piggy had none.

And this little piggy went… 
“Wee wee wee” all the way home…

London Bridge is Falling Down

The Wooden Bridge
The ‘London Bridge is falling down’ Nursery Rhyme is based on the one of the most famous landmarks in London. It’s history can be traced to the Roman occupation of England in the first century. The first London Bridge was made of wood and clay and was fortified or re-built with the various materials mentioned in the children’s nursery rhyme. Many disasters struck the bridges – Viking invaders destroyed the bridge in the 1000′s which led to a fortified design, complete with a drawbridge. Building materials changed due to the many fires that broke out on the bridge.

The Stone Bridge
The first stone bridge was designed by Peter de Cole church and built in 1176 and took 33 years to build and featured twenty arches the dimensions of which were sixty feet high and thirty feet wide and was complete with tower and gates. The flow of the Thames under the bridge was used to turn water wheels below the arches for grinding grain. By the 1300′s the bridge contained 140 shops, some of which were more than three stories high. (The reference to Silver and Gold in the rhyme relates to the trading which was conducted on the bridge). London Bridge survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 but its arches and foundations were weakened

London Bridge is Falling Down Lyrics:
London Bridge is falling down,

Falling down, falling down,

London Bridge is falling down

My fair Lady.



Build it up with wood and clay,

Wood and clay, wood and clay,

Build it up with wood and clay,

My fair Lady.



Wood and clay will wash away,
Wash away, wash away,

Wood and clay will wash away,

My fair Lady.



Build it up with bricks and mortar,

Bricks and mortar, bricks and mortar,

Build it up with bricks and mortar,

My fair Lady.




Bricks and mortar will not stay,

Will not stay, will not stay,

Bricks and mortar will not stay,

My fair Lady.



Build it up with iron and steel,

Iron and steel, iron and steel,

Build it up with iron and steel,

My fair Lady.



Iron and steel will bend and bow,

Bend and bow, bend and bow,

Iron and steel will bend and bow,

My fair Lady.



Build it up with silver and gold,

Silver and gold, silver and gold,

Build it up with silver and gold,

My fair Lady.



Silver and gold will be stolen away,

Stolen away, stolen away,

Silver and gold will be stolen away,
My fair Lady.



Set a man to watch all night,

Watch all night, watch all night,

Set a man to watch all night,

My fair Lady.



Suppose the man should fall asleep,
Fall asleep, fall asleep,

Suppose the man should fall asleep?
My fair Lady.



Give him a pipe to smoke all night,

Smoke all night, smoke all night,

Give him a pipe to smoke all night,

My fair Lady.

Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

 

Mommy, I’m going to make you a chart for all the chores that you do. You’ll get a sticker each time you do a chore. Yours is going to be really big because you do A LOT!”

– Carson, age 5

Editor’s Note: Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us by sending an email to editor@letop-usa.com!

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Heart Marshmallows for your Kiddo’s Hot Chocolate

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner…how to make your kiddo’s morning complete with sweet love? Are you feeling “soft-hearted” (ha ha)? Make hot cocoa for your little one this Valentine’s Day with cute heart marshmallows.

Reach for some marshmallows and transform them into confections of affection. Start by greasing a heart-shaped petit four cutter or aspic cutter with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Cut several marshmallows in half horizontally, and then press the cutter into the center of each one. Float the marshmallows and the cutouts on hot chocolate.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons plus one teaspoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped or shaved semi-sweet chocolate

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring all ingredients to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until chocolate has melted (do not let boil).
2. Pour into mugs, and serve.

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Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate with your kids!

Today is the beginning of Chinese New Year – the year of the Dragon! If you are or are not Chinese, it is great to teach your child about different cultures, and it can be fun for you and your family! In 2012, Chinese New Year is celebrated on January 23. In the Chinese calendar, it is the year 4709, and the Year of the Dragon!

A common Chinese New Year’s greeting in Cantonese is “Gung hay fat choy,” which means “May you become prosperous.” On Chinese New Year, the themes of happiness, wealth, and longevity are celebrated. On Chinese New Year, families reunite, special foods are eatten, fireworks are lit, and children receive money in lucky red paper envelopes.

All about Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.

The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations–all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring.

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When Is Chinese New Year?
The start of Chinese New Year changes every year since it is dictated by the lunar calendar. The Gregorian or solar calendar–which is based on the Earth’s movement around the sun and has a fixed number of 365 days a year (366 during a leap year)–is the most widely used calendar system in the world and has been the official calendar used in China since 1912.

But in China the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon– which has a shorter cycle than the sun–Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th.

Here is a fun coloring page to print and color with your kids!

5 Indoor Activities (besides TV!) for Kids

“Can I watch a movie?” Don’t we all hear that every day from our children, nieces, grandchildren or little ones in our life? I don’t have a problem with TV or movies. But I believe that they are FAR too often used as the default choice of leisure time for children or used as a babysitter when you are a busy parent. They can easily suck away imagination, energy, and the innocence of our kids, and a few hours of distraction just isn’t worth that, in my opinion.

So what’s a parent to do? Here are some ideas…simple, but hey, effective!
1.    Read a book– take a trip to your local library…..looking at the books alone is at least a 20-30 minute activity and then choose some books for the afternoon (picture books are great) or 3 books for bedtime that night.

2.    Collaging– take your old newspapers and mommy’s magazines and create a collage book with your kiddo.

3.    Make an indoor clubhouse!I used to use blankets to make amazing forts with my friends when I was young, get your child started and see how they become mini-architects!

4.    Perform a puppet show or play!

5.    Have an indoor picnic – lay out a fun blanket and make lunch or snacks and enjoy your party!

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Le Top Darling of the Day: Nate

This handsome little guy, Nate (5-months-old), is today’s Darling. We’re told he is very easy going and quite the charmer. Nate is always full of smiles and laughs easily. Watch out little girls! Congratulations to Nate on you title of Le Top Darling of the Day! 

Easy Chocolate Croissants – yup, only 20 minutes! Perfect on the go!

I just recently came back from St. Barths from my fiancé’s family vacation…it’s a French colony and of course, there were croissants EVERYWHERE, and EVERY morning! Not exactly a meal at the top of my healthy radar for kids, BUT I came back to New York craving croissants (I have a weakness for chocolate! I am human!). My nieces loved them and I thought to myself, “What about just once-in-awhile making mini chocolate croissants as a special breakfast treat? SURE!”

Here is a 20-minute recipe anyone can do and they are DE-LISH!

Yes, you can make croissants in just 20 minutes. You’ll only spend five minutes assembling them from refrigerated crescent rolls and chocolate chips before popping them in the oven to bake.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 8-count tube of refridgerated crescent rolls (buy at your nearest grocery store)
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate 

DIRECTIONS:

1.    Heat oven to 375° F.
2.    Unroll the dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Place about 10 chocolate chips on the bottom third of each triangle and roll the dough up around the chocolate.
3.    Transfer the croissants to a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper, if desired, for easier cleanup). Bake until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Cold Weather Crafts – this is a must-do! Marble Roulette

Burrr…cold outside? What are you to do with your children? I run out of ideas on a daily basis, but this activity is original and pretty cool…how many kids do you know that still play with marbles?

What you’ll need:

-        marbles
-        paper towel
-        rubber bands
-        round plastic container

How to:

1.    Wet a piece of single-ply paper towel and gently squeeze it (do not wring). Stretch it taut across the mouth of a plastic container and fasten it with a rubber band.

2.    Kids take turns placing a marble on the towel; whoever adds the marble that breaks through the towel loses.

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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

A child walks into her parent’s bedroom at 5 AM.

I had a bad dream and when I woke up my heart was BEEPING so fast.”
- Lilah, age 5

Editor’s Note: Please spread the giggles and share your funny quote with us by sending it to editor@letop-usa.com!

Visit our home page at
www.letop-usa.com