feel fresh fridays...colored denim

Colored denim is a trend that we absolutely LOVE.  The trick to styling a pair of bright colored jeans is to offset the color with a subdued patterned top and muted accessories.

If you’re a little unsure about wearing a bright color on the bottom, start out with a shade of blue – it’s close to your normal denim and therefore easier to style than yellow or hot pink.

We have plenty in stock now...stop in soon so we can help you feel fresh in some colored denim for the weekend!

Melissa and Doug...Item of the week!

Ok, so the stockings need to be stuffed in 2-DAYS!!!  Yes, I said it, 2-DAYS!!!  Melissa and Doug make some great little toys that will fit just perfectly.

We opened a box of these here at the store and we can't stop playing them!!

What a fun childhood memory to share with your kids - who probably have no idea what either Jacks or Pick up Sticks are.

The snowman stacker is so cute, I gave it to a friend of mine's son and he ran around the party screaming "look! it's frosty!"

The decorate your own crafts are a great way to keep little girls busy

What boy doesn't love bugs!  We also have crafts for them as well :)

Mention this blog for 10% off any toy that can fit in a stocking...today and tomorrow only!

celebrity style...blazers

Celebrities always look pulled together because they are lucky enough to have stylists shop for them and dress them whenever they feel it's necessary.  We like to make you feel just as special as a celebrity with personal shopping available here free of charge.  

Look how easily Rose Byrne pulled her look together with a simple blazer.

And look how we can give you her look for much less...

what are you wearing for Christmas?

It is officially the week of Christmas...you've finally got most of your shopping done and the Christmas cards have long been sent out...now is the real issue, what in the world are you going to wear??

There is a great neutral trend happening right now, it's delicate and romantic while remaining classy and elegant.

Here are some ways to pull this look together with items we have in stock now.

And don't forget about Christmas morning PJ's for those little ones!!

We also have an incredible selection of Little Elegance still if you would like a different outfit than what you used for your Christmas cards...stop in soon!

3 ways to wear it...blazer

A blazer is such a versatile staple in everyone's closet.  See how we pair this Theory piece with 3-different styles.

Add a sophisticated look to your party dress

Make a fancy silk top work appropriate in no time.

Pair bohemian flared jeans with a more tailored look on top.

feel fresh fridays...9 days til Christmas!

I don't know about you, but I just realized that Christmas Eve is in 8 days...and not only do I not have something to wear....I haven't done my shopping!!

You can always go for the classic holiday cheer look and wear something red or green...

Don't be afraid of something sleeveless, remember how hot it gets in the house with the ovens going!

For a more formal look pair a cocktail dress with pumps, a clutch and a shawl.

A sweater dress is great because it's comfortable and it looks great!

A nice twist on the classic holiday cheer look is a neutral paired with metallics since it is muted but remains festive with the hint of shine.

Stop in soon so we can help you feel fresh for the holidays!

Melissa and Doug...Item of the week!

 

Out of every toy from Melissa and Doug, I have to say that the 'Get up and Go Games' are my personal favorite.  They are interactive board games which promote gross motor skills, balance, hand-eye coordination, memory, auditory skills and color recognition - not to mention, they are REALLY fun!  Each set includes 10-action packed games to engage your children's body and minds.

The Puppy Pursuit is adorable, it comes with 6 stuffed puppies and 60 paw print cards and the instructions include variations on all 10 of the games so you can enhance the fun.  Games such as Puppy Hunt, Jumping Puppies and Paw Pickers, will truly encourage the development of memory, patterning, sequencing, color recognition and matching skills.

The Block Balancing Games look like the most fun to me, I haven't actually played it yet, but trust me it's on my list!  Games like Brain Block, Blocked Memory and Out of Shape, will inspire action and lots of laughter. Using 20 brightly colored foam blocks, 20 cards and 4 wooden discs, children will find lots of challenging game fun in this box! Matching, stacking, and relay racing make physical and mental fitness a giggling goal for all. Instructions include variations on many of the games to extend the fun.

The Funny Frog Games such as, Lilypad Landing, Musical Lily Pads and Pad Hop and Go will improve hand-eye coordination and balance using 4 beanbag frogs, 9 colorful lilypads and a spinner. Following directions and taking turns are reinforced as children match, toss and hop in these exciting activities.

This cool set is the perfect excuse to play with your food! Slip the bread-shaped gloves onto your hands, then follow the sandwich cards to "grab" sandwich fillings and make the winning sandwich. A variety of game ideas include Fast Food (race to match the sandwich on the picture card), Service on the Fly (toss a sandwich filling onto a bread glove) and more! Inspiring children to get active and improve memory and matching skills will put fun on the menu every time. Set includes four bread-slice gloves, 14 sandwich fillings and 20 sandwich cards.

celebrity style...loving lace

Lace has been all over the runways since spring 2011.  It adds the perfect feminine touch to any outfit and it also works well as an accent on accessories.  All year long lace trim has been popping up on shoes, handbags and even jewelry...it is also a trend that has carried through the fall season, beginning to show for resort 2012, and has also been seen on the red carpet recently!

People Style Watch shows you how to accomplish Anne's look for $507.89

Renewal can help you get the same look for $66.49!

Pippa Middleton has proved her fashion sense to be flawless.

Renewal's merchandise is flawless as well

getting ready for holiday visitors...

Aside from the basic worries about how many people are coming, what is on the menu and where is everyone going to sit…I’ve come up with a 3 simple tips to help you get your home ready for the holidays.
 
1.  Clean out your hall closet:
Making room for your guest’s shoes and coats is a great way to make them feel welcome in your home and avoiding a huge mound of coats on the bed in the guest room and a pile of shoes by the door will also keep you from feeling cluttered throughout the day.
While this may seem like a huge undertaking, cleaning out one small closet near your front door will probably only take 30 minutes to an hour at the most and it will be well worth it in the end.  Besides, when is the last time you cleaned out that closet anyway?

2.  Prepare for unexpected overnight visitors:
While the weather has been amazing for the past few weeks, there is always a chance for a flash blizzard like we had on Halloween.  With this being said, preparing extra bed linens, pillows, towels, even a guest room if you have it, and stocking up on extra toothbrushes and toiletries may be a smart move.  A pack and play for a toddler or a little rocker for an infant guest might not be a bad idea either.

3.  Create a space for the kids:
Lets face it, when the kids are happy, everyone is happy.  Making sure that your space is welcoming to children and keeping them entertained is a perfect way to assure the day will be enjoyed by everyone.  Defining a space with toys, games, and art supplies for older kids makes them feel special to have their own separate area.  If you have some newborns or toddlers coming over make sure you stock up on some extra baby equipment for everyone’s benefit.

Don't forget the high chairs and booster seats for dinner time...

I know your guests are your number one priority during the holidays, but it should also be a relaxing and enjoyable time for you as well.  By planning ahead and preparing your home, you'll be able to focus on the important part…enjoying the holidays with your family and friends.  Remember, take it one step at a time, you have 2-weeks to get it all done!

Submit your best tip on preparing your house for the holidays by midnight on Friday 12-16 and you will receive a 20% off coupon!  Simply email info@growingkidsnj.com and stay tuned because the results will be posted next week!