Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

On a road trip very late in the evening a little girl was sleeping soundly in her car seat. Her parents turned onto a gravel road. After a few minutes her dad saw a rabbit hop across their path and exclaimed, “Wabbit Season!” Within a couple of seconds a voice from the back seat shouted.

Duck Season!”

– Lilah, age 5

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

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How to Keep Your Kid from Swearing

Sh*t! How do I keep my kid from swearing? It happens. We’ve all heard it at some point from a friend’s child, your own toddler who is imitating you, or even from family members who think its funny to make other parents’ child say “frog” which sounds like you know what. Ha. But in all seriousness…how do you get your children ages 2 to 12 to stop cursing?!?

Is your toddler discovering the “power” of language? Amazingly, it doesn’t take kids long to figure out the really important words. Your wonderfully curious toddler has acquired a new and exciting skill. Many times, a child’s first swear word will be the result of direct mimicry; maybe she heard you say it when another driver cut you off in traffic, and now she’s repeating it endlessly in the back seat.

According to Care.com in a national survey, “Eighty-six percent of parents agree that children ages 2 to 12 are cursing more today than when they themselves were children. Fifty-four percent of parents say that their child has cursed in front of them, though 20 percent don’t think the child understood the meaning of the word.”

At its best, swearing is an ineloquent way to express emotions. At its worst, it actually stunts one’s ability to describe emotional experiences. So whether a child hears these f-bombs from you, at school or on TV, it’s important to stop it before it continues.

Here are some tips to help you respond if your child swears:

• Keep a poker face. The first time your toddler says a swear word or makes a scatological reference, restrain your urge to laugh out loud, which your child would of course take as wonderful reinforcement for doing it again.
• Watch your own mouth. Sure, there are different rules for adults’ and children’s behavior, but if your toddler hears profanity dropped into daily conversation, it’s going to be a lot harder to convince her that certain words are unacceptable.
• No matter what age your child is, address it immediately and calmly. For kids age 6 and under, start simple: “No swearing ever.”
• For older kids, who can think more abstractly, you should explain why swearing is not okay. Your goal is to make sure to help kids express their feelings, to talk and present themselves in the best way.
• Some parents believe that calling attention to a child’s inappropriate words will only encourage the behavior, so they choose to ignore these transgressions. But how will your child learn that cursing is not okay if you don’t teach him? Ask your child first whether he or she understands the word. If the answer is “no,” explain that the word is offensive, that it affects how others receive you, and that it is not acceptable.
• When you reprimand your child, he or she might retort, “But I heard you/Daddy say it.” Resist the urge to deny or justify your own swearing. Admit that you also struggle to control what you say. By doing so you won’t create a double standard.
• Sit down with your child and brainstorm new, non-offensive words or phrases to say when she feels frustrated, upset, or angry. More often than not, children say these words when name-calling. Use this incident to discuss your child’s feelings toward an acquaintance or sibling.
• If your child has already made a habit of swearing, you need stronger measures to show him that this behavior is not appropriate. Tell him that every time he swears at home, there will be consequences such as no book at bedtime, no video games, no TV, no dessert after dinner (you get the point).
• Beware of TV and movies – kids do catch every word!

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

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Movie Popcorn for the Family! Perfect for Oscar food night!

It can be hectic with your neighborhood friends and family over for dinner and to watch the upcoming Oscars this Sunday…so why not make this fun “make-ahead” popcorn recipe that both the adults and children will love? Plus it saves you time on the day of the Oscars to glam up yourself! Make it fun and have your little boy or girl get dressed up too by letting them take clothes from their closet and play “dress-up” for their favorite movie-character…and for the laid-back parent, maybe let your little girl put on a little lipstick and blush for a “special night” of fun! Enjoy the below recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 quarts plain popped popcorn

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup, stirring until melted and combined.
2. Cover; cook 2 minutes to let steam wash down sides of pan.
3. Remove lid; cook until mixture reaches 280 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
5. Place popcorn in a large bowl.
6. Slowly pour half the caramel over popcorn, stirring to break up clumps.
7. Drizzle in remaining caramel; stir until cooled and no longer sticky.
8. Serve at room temperature.

Note: you can store the popcorn for up to 2 days in an air-tight container. I love a “make-ahead” recipe.

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

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Finger Food for your Super Bowl Party!

Sunday is the Super Bowl and you are most likely going to someone’s house to watch the game or you are throwing the party! Here is a fun recipe adults and kids love, and can be a great hostess gift or your “go-to” finger food for your soirees.

Panko-Crusted Chicken Bites with Apricot-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1-1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

DIRECTIONS: 

1.    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and fit with a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray; set aside.

2.    Place flour in a large bowl and season very generously with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs in another large bowl with 2 tablespoons water until well combined. Place the breadcrumbs in a third large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat. Stir in cheese and cayenne and mix well.

3.    Place chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and toss to coat. Working in 3 batches, shake off any excess flour from chicken pieces and transfer to egg mixture; stir to combine. Transfer coated chicken pieces with a slotted spoon to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until completely coated. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a rack-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Repeat process until all the chicken is breaded. Bake until golden brown and chicken is cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes.

4.    In a small bowl, stir the apricot jam, mustard, and thyme together until combined. Allow chicken to cool 10 minutes before serving with apricot mustard mixture.

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

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Superbowl Brownies – Healthy too!

This Sunday is the big game – Giants versus the Patriots – and that means lots of kids, lots of TV sports watching and lots of food! Entertain your little ones with these semi-healthy sweet treats at superbowl for dessert! They are also great to nibble on during the game, I mean, aren’t we all big kids?

p.s. – these are great for a next day kid-friendly lunch-box treat!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Timing: 45 minutes
(includes cooling time)
Yield: Makes 16

Chewy Oatmeal Blondie Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  (not quick-cooking)
• 1 ½ cups of baking mix (see below)

Baking Mix Recipe: (whisk together and store in a sealed container for next time!)

• 6      cups of all-purpose flour
• 3      cups of sugar
• 2      tablespoons baking powder
• 1      tablespoon of salt

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush an 8-inch square baking pan with butter. Line bottom and two sides with a strip of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides. Butter paper, and set pan aside.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, and beat until combined. With mixer on low, gradually add Baking Mix; mix just until combined. Mix in 3/4 cup oats. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Using an offset metal spatula or table knife, smooth batter evenly. Sprinkle with remaining oats, pressing gently to adhere. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pan 30 minutes.
4. Using overhang, transfer blondie (still on paper) to a wire rack to cool completely. Place on a cutting board (peel off paper); using a serrated knife, cut into 16 squares.

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

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Glenn Howerton and Jill Latiano Baby on the Way!

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage.com

Is there something in the water on the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia set?

Now, actor Glenn Howerton, AKA Dennis Reynold, is also going to be a father. He and his wife, actress Jill Latiano, are expecting their first child later this year. The couple married in September 2009.

“Check out my beautiful preggers wife, y’all,” Howerton Tweeted Sunday from Comic-Con with a link to a photo.

Something from our new pre-fall “Baby Love” collection just might fit the bill for their upcoming arrival. The soft pima cotton footed coverall or pull on cap would keep baby warm and cozy.

Howerton’s fellow cast members Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (due in December), Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney (10 month-old Axel) and David Hornsby (Rickety Cricket) with Emily Deschanel (due this fall) are all adding a first child to their families. I think there may be a daycare on set shortly. 🙂

Le Top "Baby Love" Collection

Enjoy opulent comfort in the white long sleeve footed coverall. You will adore the soft pima cotton one-piece, patterned with gray baby love script and white satin piping. Bib front baby script appliqué with button accents add classic style. Designed with functional rear panel and underneath snaps for asymmetrical dressing.

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Ana Ortiz has 2nd baby on the way!

Photo: Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage

The former Ugly Betty star, Ana Ortiz, and husband Noah Lebenzon are expecting their second child! “We know it’s a boy! [We] are trying to come up with some names that we can agree on,” says Ortiz, 40-years-old. High on the list of contenders? Names that work in both English and Spanish, much like the one given to daughter Paloma Louise, 23 months. This cute Le Top Baby blanket from the “Playtime Pups” Collection would be perfect to swaddle her upcoming bundle of joy in. 

Congratulations on your pregancy!

 

Le Top Baby "Playtime Pups" Blanket

Keep him comfy wrapped in this splendid and generous double layer 30×36 size carriage blanket. Light blue print made of the softest cotton featuring embroidered puppies and toy truck with white textured cotton framed border for a classic feel. A perfect gift for years to come.

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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

Mom, I know all about Mexico. I saw it in a Scooby Doo show.”

– Madison, age 7

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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It’s a baby girl for Ian Ziering!

Amy Graves/WireImage

The actor’s wife, Erin Ludwig, delivered daughter Mia Loren Ziering at 10:09 p.m. Monday, April 25 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She weighed in at 7 lbs., 6 oz.

A source told PEOPLE that “the baby girl’s name begins with ‘M’ in honor of Ian’s late mother Micki.”

The former Beverly Hills 90210 star couldn’t wait to share his thoughts with his fans about his new baby.

“Well, it’s official, I’m a dad!” he wrote on Facebook. “As I sit holding Mia, Erin sleeps the most beautiful sleep. My thoughts race with visions of a brighter future, only made possible by what happens today… or, last night! God bless us all.”

On Twitter he shared, “OMG life is about to change. Going baby shopping for the first time! Stroller, crib, yikes!”

We think he should make sure to pick up the Le Top “Flutterbye Butterfly” sleeveless one-piece romper for little Mia. It would be perfect for that Southern California weather.

Congratulations to the happy family!

Le Top "Flutterbye Butterfly" one-piece romper

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Jane Krakowski Welcomes a Son

Marion Curtis/Startrak

Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Jane Krakowski, 42, of 30 Rock has welcomed a baby boy with fiancé Robert Godley, a British menswear designer. We think our Le Top Baby “Set Sail!” Collection terry hooded jacket and pants would be perfect to bundle him up in his new home. It is a sweet ensemble just in time for the coming Memorial Day holiday. 

She gave birth to Bennett Robert Godley on Wednesday, April 13 in New York City. Their baby boy has blond hair like Mom and weighed in at 7 lbs., 12 oz. This is a first child for both parents.

“Bennett is an amazing, healthy sweet boy and we are both just crazy in love with him,” Krakowski told PEOPLE.

Krakowski and Godley, who have been dating since 2008 were engaged over the holidays and made the announcement in January, the baby news followed quickly after.

Le Top Baby “Set Sail!” Collection terry hooded jacket and pants

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