Table of Contents

1. AVOIDING THE TOP 10 MOMMY FAUX PAS
Contributing Writer and Professional Etiquette Consultant, Melissa Leonard, talks proper mommy etiquette.

2. Kate Quinn Organics
Staff Writer, Amber Bell, showcases the Eco-friendly apparel line from the phenomenal designer, Kate Quinn.

3. Earth Angels
Staff Writer, Erin Donnelly, explores a world of Earth friendly products for babies.

AVOIDING THE TOP 10 MOMMY FAUX PAS
By Melissa Leonard

As a mother and etiquette consultant, I often find myself lending a sympathetic ear to other mom’s as they relay their blunders, their child’s indiscretions and mommy faux pas. We can all relate to the shock of our child’s faux pas, but how we choose to handle it can make all the difference. Our sweet little girl asks a man with a belly, “when the baby is coming out?” or when our son blurts, “I hate this food” when we are over at our sister-in-law’s house for Thanksgiving. You probably do what most of us do, smile politely, apologize and give those around you the I-want-to-crawl-in-a-hole-right-now look. Being on the receiving end of many horror stories from other mothers, I would like to share what I like to call, ‘Avoiding the Top 10 Mommy Faux Pas’.

1. PLAYDATE PANDAMONIOM

DO make sure that children have enough space to play. Too many children crammed into too small a space may lead to unnecessary squabbles.

DON’T let your child get away with bad behavior because you are engrossed in riveting conversation with another mother.

DO have your child take turns. DON’T allow your child to horde the toys. Encouraging sharing will be a valuable lesson that they will carry for a lifetime.

2. PLAYGROUND ETIQUETTE

If you see a child struggling, seek some sort of non-verbal permission to help from the parent, if possible. If you are not sure who the parent/nanny is, by all means help. Just like in school, there are often bullies at the playground. If your child can’t handle the situation by themselves, go over and say something to the effect of, “Excuse me, if you want to play with the other kids, you have to be gentle”. If the problem persists, take it upon yourself to inform the parent/nanny of the inappropriate behavior.

3. BABYSITTER/NANNY ETIQUETTE

Things to remember:

Family information is private and children should not repeat such information to the sitter, i.e., Mommy was angry with Daddy last night.

Household rules don’t change when a babysitter is there.

When parents aren’t present, your child should respect the rules that the babysitter sets. Your child should not say, “My mom/dad doesn’t make me do that!”

Make sure you sit down with your child the day after and ask how things went. If there are any issues that made your child feel uncomfortable, discuss it privately with the babysitter.

4. DINING DISASTERS

Sometimes your children will encounter food that they dislike or food that is usually not served at home. In this case, it is important to explain to your children that they need not make a fuss, especially if they are a guest in another house. They shouldn’t use words such as “Eww, Yuk, Gross, I hate, etc”. If the food has already been served to them, it is polite to take one bite and leave the rest. Any remarks about food should always be positive. Enforce these rules at home and your child will naturally carry over the positive behavior when not at home.

5. TOO MUCH TO DO, TOO LITTLE TIME…ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY

If you don’t have time for your child to attend a birthday party, do you have to send a gift? When invited, you are usually expected to bring a small toy/gift. You should send a gift even if you are unable to attend. You don’t have to break the bank…send a small token, perhaps a $10 - $20 item. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

6. WHEN YOUR CHILD IS NOT INVITED

It is important to teach your children that they will not always be invited to everything. Having hurt feelings can cause a chain reaction of emotions that are not necessary. Explain that others can’t always invite everyone to their parties. Suggest that you plan something fun for that day which can turn their disappointment into excitement. In addition, have your child invite that person over on a different day to prevent hard feelings from developing.

7. PRE-FAB THANK YOU NOTES

For etiquette sake, don’t send them. There is nothing worse than the Dear [fill in the blank] note from the store. If your child is old enough, have them write a short thank you note. If your child cannot yet write, handle the note for them and have your child decorate the card or envelope.

8. TEACHER APPRECIATION

The most common complaint I hear from teachers is the lack of gratitude shown by their pupils and parents. We all like to feel appreciated for hard work done. It is considered customary to give your child’s teacher a holiday and/or year-end gift. Be sure to include your child in the selection of this gift. More importantly, have your child include a hand-written thank you note.

9. SMALL TALK

We all love to share funny stories about our kids, but not everyone wants to hear about them ALL the time. Try not to be the one to overwhelm others with your stories, especially to your single or childless friends. If you are at a dinner party where there is a mix of people, be sure to make the effort to bring up conversations to which everyone can relate.

10. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT MOTHERS

There is nothing that will test your patience as much as a difficult mother. This is especially true with your children’s close friends, which may require you to have frequent contact with a particular mother. Rather than having a confrontation and making things uncomfortable for you and your child, bite your tongue, be tolerant and set a good example…there is always the chance that they will move away!

No matter what situation you are faced with, a good knowledge of etiquette is a wonderful guide and will ensures that an awkward situation doesn’t escalate and snowball.

Melissa has been wowing clients and readers over the past few years with her fun and dynamic approach to the often perceived ’stuffy’ world of etiquette. After having two children (well-behaved, of course!), Melissa took her innovative style of teaching business etiquette and tailored programs for children, parents and yes, even yachting enthusiasts. Her “distinctive style and sense of humor” has helped put manners back into the ‘in-crowd’.

Kate Quinn Organics
By Amber Bell

Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Persimmon, Pomegranate and Green Apple are now more than delicious foods; they’re a part of the wonderfully natural collection of colors offered in Kate Quinn’s organic cotton baby clothing line. Kate Quinn, originally a designer for Earth Organic Baby Basics, the company that has now grown to become non-other than Kate Quinn Organics, has created an irresistible line of clothing for baby and child that is as good for baby as it is for the earth. Every parent would love to leave a cleaner, healthier place for their child to inherit and with Kate Quinn Organics you can be sure you are doing just that.

Every piece of clothing is made from organic 100% cotton using sustainable farming practices. Even the manufacturing process, “from yarn to fabric to packing”, is certified by the USDA to ensure that your little one is indeed wrapped up in the truest toxin free threads.

While the earth friendly fabrics and manufacturing of these delightful duds are the most exciting points, they are also in no short order of distinctive luxury. Cushy, velvety and plush are just a few of the ways you could describe the absolute quality of this stylishly designed line of baby wear. Most notably, the Kimono Onesie is a refreshingly simple contemporary basic for baby that comes in the most richly nature inspired colors, including Clover, Orchid, Peony and Sunshine. An adorable accompaniment to the Kimono Onesie is the Straight Leg Pant, which comes in regular cotton or in the super soft Sherpa cotton.

For our little dudes, the Boys Professor Pant has been thoughtfully designed and is a smart alternative to the basic pant. With front and back pockets, cuffs and a snap/zipper front, this pant has style usually withheld for the big boys but not lacking in softness and comfort in the slightest. The super cozy Professor Jacket completes the ensemble and is lined in a handsome light-weight knit.

For our little glamour girls, the Bolero Jacket is so delightfully charming you might wish you had one! In either Peony or Vanilla Bean, this swanky little jacket is trimmed in Chocolate Brown with lovely vanilla topstitching that makes this piece extra special. Add the Gaucho Pant for girls and you have yourself an adorably chic combo. If you love this look, also take a peek at the similarly designed Topstitch Skirt.

As an even more casual alternative to the above, check out the Track Pant and Jacket for boys and girls. If the onesie and pant set is just becoming a little too redundant in babies closet, a hooded jacket is a great way to add interest to the same old thing.

Luxury truly is in the details and it is attention to detail that sets Kate Quinn Organics a part from the rest. Detail in the clean simple designs, fresh modern colors and responsible manufacturing make Kate Quinn Organics the perfect place to start your babies wardrobe. All of Kate Quinn’s designs can be found on her website at www.katequinnorganics.com. In addition to ordering directly from Kate Quinn, you can view a nationwide list of retailers on her website.

Earth Angels
By Erin Donnelly

While your baby doesn’t seem to have formed an opinion other than “nursing good” and “Grandma Betty’s annoying kissy-kissy routine very, very bad,” your mother’s intuition is telling you that deep down the little fellow is a passionate, card-carrying tree hugger. And even if he grows up to be some Styrofoam-cup-using industrialist with a penchant for wearing baby seal blazers, you’ll rest easy knowing that you did your best to raise an eco-conscious child by introducing these recycled, earth-friendly, and organic products into the nursery.

California Baby Overtired & Cranky Aromatherapy Bubble Bath ($12.50): Overtired and cranky? Sound like anyone you know? California Baby is a great bath and skincare line for babies with sensitive skin and concerns about the environment, as its products are chemical-free and biodegradable. Saving the planet can really wear a tyke out, so reward yours with this soothing bubble bath.

Available at www.californiababy.com.

Branch Blanket + Poncho 2 ($68): Some see a plastic bottle and think “garbage”; some see it and design this genius blanket and poncho combo, which is 100% polyester fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Mommies can get even more mileage out of the blanket by using it as a poncho for their growing environmentalist.

Available at www.branchhome.com.

Organic Onesie ($24): The latest in infant eco-chic. Dress your baby in these 100% unbleached organic onesies, which come in recycled gift boxes and four adorable styles.

Available at www.elsewares.com.

Albert Onesie ($22): Little Emily would rather go naked than wear fur. Actually, she’d pretty much always rather be naked. But even she won’t be able to resist this sweet 100% organic cotton onesie. She’ll feel fabulous; you’ll feel great knowing that her outfit wasn’t made in some sweatshop.

Available at www.totshop.com.

Lotta Jansdotter Baby Bib ($18):
These darling bibs are as organic as the mushy peas your baby is about to spit up on them. The hand-drawn designs have a peaceful, minimalist quality that might bring out your baby’s inner Zen.

Available at www.greenergrassdesign.com.

The Organic Pharmacy Baby Nappy Balm ($42): Expensive? Yes. But can you really put a price on your baby’s sensitive tushy? This organic diaper cream uses the healing properties of marigold, neem, and propolis to soothe irritable skin (and babies).

Available at newlondonpharmacy.com.

Sage Creek Ladybug Baby Blanket ($35): Little nature girls will adore this organic cotton blanket, which is printed with lovely ladybugs. Sage Creek has a full collection of chemical-free organic baby bedding and clothing.

Available at www.sagecreeknaturals.com.

Amazing Organic Sheep Music Box ($61.50): It’s cute, it’s earth-friendly, and it plays tunes. Can’t say the same for your cold, impersonal, plastic iPod, can you? This washable sheep music box is made with organic cotton and is filled with pure wool (don’t worry—it grows back). And the sweet lullaby it plays is a nice alternative to the protest songs your little one will eventually start blaring.

Available at www.organicwearusa.com.