Mardi Gras Feather Mask Craft for Kids

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras! Having a party at school or with the neighbors and their families? This feather mask is the perfect project for partygoers. It makes a fantastic, festive accessory!

This post has been moved to ourwebsite. To view the full post go to: http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=23987

 

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT
www.letop-usa.com  

Read Full Post »

Happy Birthday Eden and Savannah

Photo: Pedro Andrade/Pacific Coast News

Today is the day fraternal twins Eden and Savannah Mahoney turn 5 years-old! I’m sure mom, Marcia Cross, will have something fabulous in store for such a big birthday! With nicer weather just around the corner we think the girls would look great in outfits from our Spring collections. Savannah would be stylish in Le Top’s “Tiny Bubbles” sleeveless apron suntop and capri pants while Eden would look sweet in Le Top “Cherry Hearts” stretch cotton cherry and heart country print top & boy shorts. Congrats girls on your big milestone!

(left) Le Top "Tiny Bubbles" Suntop and Capri Pants (right) Le Top "Cherry Hearts" Print Top and Boy Shorts

Read Full Post »

Zoop a Loop: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

We wanted to “loop” you into our favorite boutique in Lodi, California this week – Zoop a Loop! Not only is it the cutest for its fabulous fashion finds, cute jeggings, upscale Melissa & Doug toys and the best baby shower gifts in town…it is the “go-to” children’s boutique for many local Californians in the Lodi area! We interviewed boutique owner Tricia Monahan on the history of her store, the hottest toddler trends, what she swore she would never do as a parent, and her favorite Le Top spring collection! 

Zoop a Loop

Children’s Boutique & Party Place
21 Downtown Mall
Lodi, CA 95240
209.367.1444

 www.zoopaloop.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Zoop a Loop Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind the name Zoop a Loop? How long has your store been around?
We’ve been a children’s store in Lodi, California for 20 years now. Unfortunately, I don’t know the story behind Zoop a Loop because it was founded many owners ago, but I absolutely love the name. It evokes animals, fun, a little craziness and whimsy and is the perfect name for a children’s boutique!

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?
Melissa & Doug have the most fabulous outdoor toys…butterfly nets, bug catchers, indoor/outdoor hopscotch games, and now they’ve added some great pool toys. Roxy and Quiksilver have the best hats every spring for boys and girls, and we love Le Top…the outfits are so fun, colorful and whimsical-perfect for spring!

3.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for spring? Tell us the inside scoop about any special events and especially the fun deals we can expect!
We often partner with nearby merchants for “tent sales” in the alley, we’ll have the Easter Bunny next month for several visits, and we always have great deals for the annual Lodi Street Faire in May!

4.    What is your “go-to” baby shower gift in your store for boys and girls?
My favorites are the handmade “Memory Books” that document all the milestones in the first five years. These beautiful albums are handmade by a local woman and the most unique that I have come across.

5.    What are your top 3 favorite baby or children books and why?
The very Hungry Caterpillar for the beautiful, colorful illustrations, Good Night Moon, because it was one of my daughter’s favorites and The Little House on the Prairie series because my mother read them to me as a child, and then I read them to my daughter…such good memories!

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”  Say?  “Because I said so”!
I thought it would be so much better to just explain things to my daughter, but I quickly found out you can’t reason with a toddler and they can outlast you!

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Lodi, California? Did you grow up in the local area?
The store is located in the Historic Downtown area of Lodi, with several blocks of boutiques, restaurants and antique shops. It’s a great place to stroll in the afternoon. I didn’t grow up here, but my sister moved here 20 years ago, and I followed her 7 years ago. I love the small town feel, and it really does fell like everyone knows everyone else.

8.    What are the hottest trends for kid’s clothes right now?
Skinny jeans and jeggings, but I am seeing a big turn back to skirts with leggings, especially for the older girls. Bright, fun colors and patterns with and anything with embellishments-lace, glitter, jewels, etc.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
We have a movie theater down the street in one direction, a pottery arts painting place on the other side, and a Children’s Science Museum 2 blocks away, so families can spend a whole day downtown!

10.   What Le Top or Rabbitmoon Spring 2012 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
We love the Sun & Sea Collection with the bright colors, fish cut-out on the the back of the Capri set and tulle embellishments on the dress and bikini…so cute!

Zoop a Loop

Children’s Boutique & Party Place
21 Downtown Mall
Lodi, CA 95240
209.367.1444

 www.zoopaloop.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Zoop a Loop
Facebook page and click HERE

Read Full Post »

It’s Another Daughter for Jason Bateman

Credit: Pixplanete / PR Photos

Jason Bateman and wife Amanda Anka (both 43) welcomed baby girl Maple Sylvie Bateman, on Friday, Feb. 10 in Los Angeles. She joins big sister Francesca Nora, 5.

Congratulations on the new addition to your family. We think Maple would look as sweet as her name in Le Top Baby’s “Forever Lovely” collection double layer skirted dress and ruffle panty.

Le Top Baby "Forever Lovely" Double Layer Skirted Dress & Ruffle Panty

Anka’s father, singer Paul Anka, spilled the beans in August saying, “I’m going to be a grandfather again!”

It was reported in October that the Arrested Development series (2003-2006) will be filming new episodes and there is even a movie in the works. On October 2nd Bateman posted the following on Twitter: “It’s true. We will do 10 episodes and the movie. Probably shoot them all together next summer for a release in early ’13. VERY excited!”

We can’t wait!

Read Full Post »

Funfetti Banana Bread

As much as I am a big fan of only homemade bread, cupcakes, dessert, well…anything that goes in your mouth or your child’s mouth, I am a BIG sucker for funfetti. I saw this recipe and it looks AHHHH-MAAA-ZZZING. It is ridiculously easy to make, and your kids will be all smiles this morning over having sprinkles baked right into their slices.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (18.25 oz) boxes Funfetti cake
• Mix 
6 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut or canola oil melted
• 12 very ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl blend together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and bananas in a stand mixer for 2 minutes.
3. Pour batter into three 5.25 x 9 x 2.75 loaf pans which have been sprayed with nonstick baking spray (the sort with flour added).
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely.
6. Makes 3 large loaves.

CHECK OUT THE LE TOP HOME PAGE AT www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »

Le Top Darlings of the Day: Benjamin and Olivia

Here is a precious picture of today’s darlings, Benjamin (1-1/2 years-old) and Olivia (4-1/2 years-old). We’re told that despite Olivia’s best efforts Benjamin decided he wasn’t interested in sitting on Santa’s lap. Isn’t that always the way it works out! Never fear Olivia, we still think you two look as cute-as-can-be in your Le Top holiday outfits. Benjamin is sporting a shirt from the ”Santa’s Best Friend” collection and Olivia is the perfect model for our ”Reindeer Games” collection dress and polka dot tights.

Congratulations to this pair on being named the Le Top Darlings of the Day!

Read Full Post »

Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

Mom: It’s almost time for us to pick up sister at school.

Child: NO!

Mom: Should we leave her at school then?

(With one finger pointing up) That’s an idea!”

– Paulo, age 2

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

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

Read Full Post »

Windowpane Heart Valentine’s Day Cookies

Here is a very, very sweet recipe that we know your kids will love and think is fun looking! For this Valentne’s Day we decided to make “windowpane heart” valentine’s cookies! If you don’t have time to make the sugar cookie dough, just buy some store made cookie doe that you can roll out and Jolly Ranchers. You will have a whole lotta lovin’ cookies in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• Hard candy for cookie center (try Jolly Ranchers)

To make the dough:

1.  Using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, cream the butter, gradually adding the sugar. Beat in the egg until evenly mixed, then blend in the vanilla extract and salt.

2.  With a wooden spoon, stir the flour into the creamed ingredients, about one third at a time, until evenly blended. The dough may seem soft, but it will firm up when refrigerated.

3.  Divide the dough in half. Flatten each portion into a disk and seal in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

To create the cookies:

1.  Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Cover a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. Between 2 sheets of waxed paper lightly dusted with flour, roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Remove the top sheet.

2.  Cut out the cookies with a large cookie cutter. Use a spatula to transfer the shapes to the baking sheet, leaving about an inch between cookies. Remove the centers of the cookies with a smaller cookie cutter. (Save the centers to bake later.)

3.  Place a hard candy (we used Jolly Ranchers) in the center of each heart and bake until the cookies start to brown lightly around the edges and the candy is melted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. To prevent sticking, line your serving plate or tin with waxed paper and place additional waxed paper between layers. Makes 30.

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »

Valentine’s Day Doily T-Shirt Craft for Kids!

St. Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and why not have a fun craft at home tonight that your kids can wear to school tomorrow with love and pride? The design on this shirt is so delicate and sweet, you’d never guess how easy and quick it is to make! 

This post has been moved to our website. To view the full post go to:
http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=23941

 

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT
www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »

Dessert Recipe for Kids with Diabetes

Tonight I am cooking for my fiance’s 90-year-old grandmother (Mama) and her boyfriend Marvin who is 95-years-old! Mama happens to be diabetic and said she couldn’t eat anything really with a lot of sugar. My father is also diabetic and tends to avoid desserts, but how could I not have dessert after dinner? It made me think about families with kids who have diabetes and how it might be hard to do “homemade” desserts without buying something that is tasty for a diabetic child. So, on my last-minute quest today, I found this fabulous recipe that I am sure any child or family member would love. Enjoy!

Most children with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Children with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin and must receive insulin injections to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells to supply energy. To help manage blood sugar, children with diabetes should aim to eat the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal. Foods with carbohydrate include starch, fruit, milk and yogurt. Carbohydrate needs vary based on your child’s calorie needs and blood sugar goals.

APPLE DUMPLINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Basic Pie Shell
• 4 apples
• 1 Tablespoon (15 mL) lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoon (45 mL) granulated sugar replacement or granulated fructose
• 1/4 teaspoon (2 mL) cinnamon
• 4 teaspoon (20 mL) margarine
• 1 egg white (slightly beaten)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Roll out pie dough and cut into 4 equal pieces.
2. Peel and core apples and sprinkle them with lemon.
3. Place 1 apple in center of each piece of dough.
4. Combine sugar replacement and cinnamon in a bowl, sprinkling evenly into cavity of apples.
5. Top each apple with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) margarine.
6. Bring opposite ends of dough up over apple.
7. Moisten slightly with water; seal securely.
8. Brush with beaten egg white and place in shallow baking pan.
9. Bake at 425 F (220 C) for 35 to 45 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Serving Size: 1 dumpling
Yield: 4 dumplings
Exchanges: 2 bread, 1 fruit, 2 1/2 fat
Nutrition: 221 calories

 CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT
www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »