Election Day

"The single most important factor in whether young people vote in their first or second eligible election is whether their parents vote."  

Eric Plutzer, a Pennsylvania State University political science professor.  [US News, 12/20/07]

My girls were intrigued when I left them with a friend to go vote at the local elementary school a couple of months ago for my state primaries.  It took me 10 minutes and I came back with a bright green sticker saying "I voted."  They of course wanted a sticker, but beyond that what did voting mean.  I was unprepared for all their questions.  Today I will be prepared.  What a great teaching moment!

I've compiled a list of 11 (for the election month, November) activities, kids websites, and conversations you can have with your children today.

1.  If your child is old enough to be patient and quiet, take them with you to vote.  Let them see what this process is all about.  Explain what a privilege it is to vote.  I'm confident they will remember the experience.

2. For story time, look at coins and bills.  Tell simple stories about the past presidents found on the money.  Here is a quick review: $1 George Washington, $5 Abraham Lincoln, $10 Alexander Hamilton, penny- Abraham Lincoln, nickel- Thomas Jefferson, dime- Franklin D. Roosevelt, quarter- George Washington.  Click here for quick facts about past presidents.

3.  PBS Kids has a great website called The Democracy Project.  On this website you can find out more about the importance of voting, discover what it takes to be president and enter a time machine that takes you to past voting events.

4.  Teacher Planet has a myriad of  links to patriotic activities, lesson plans and coloring pages.  A great resource!

5.  Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance.  

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: One Nation under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all."  

Take time to discuss what some of the bigger, more complex words mean.

6. Sing the Star Spangled Banner.  If singing it alone might seem daunting, then click here for accompaniment and lyrics.

7.  Look at the American flag or make one out of construction paper.  Discuss what all the symbols mean, stars, stripes, colonies and states.  Include that red=courage, white=purity, and blue=justice.

8. Ben's guide to U.S. Government for kids is an interactive website that gives an overview of the nation and the government.  You can choose the appropriate age group for your child.  It is good for K-12.

9.  What are the symbols of our nation?  Do you remember?  How about the flag, bald eagle, White house, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty to name a few.

10. I had no idea there were so many different government sponsored websites for kids.  The list seems endless.  Click here for a comprehensive list.  Some good ones are H.I.P. Pocket Change (U.S. Mint), Fact Finder Kids Corner (Census Bureau), and Kids in the House (Congress).

11.  Let your kids vote.  Also powered by PBS kids is ZOOM.  ZOOMout the vote is conducting an online vote your kids can participate in today.  Its also a good place to learn about the election process and how kids can be involved in their communities.

Now stop reading and go vote!  Enjoy your freedom to participate in this historical election and pass on your love for this country to your kids.

Boom Boom Room Celebrity Baby Shower

photo via celebritybabyblog.com

No, I am not a celebrity by any stretch of the imagination, but I was invited to the Boom Boom Room's Celebrity Baby Shower here in NYC last week to take note of the latest baby/child products available. I had a total blast. You can read more about the event here.

I have so much to tell you all about this event, but I really do not know where to start. The products at this "shower"(i.e. celebrities come and receive free samples of every vendor's product) ranged from the ultra luxurious (and extremely expensive), to fun and functional products that the average mom could afford.

Here are just a few of the high-ticket items found:

Sakura Bloom Moondance Baby Sling. $1120. Yes, there are four digits in that price tag. This gorgeous sling is crafted of rare Laotian Silk, which has been rippled with threads of silver. Yep, silver the metal. It also doubles as a bullet-proof vest for all you mothers in the Bronx. Ok, I kid, but this sling had better multi-function as something important-with that price tag.
Luckily, for the rest of us, Sakura Bloom also makes some gorgeous linen baby slings that can be found in the $88-$160 price range (silk slings start at $198).



Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes and other A-list celebs are patrons of the Lulla Smith line pictured above. Lulla Smith creates hand-sewn Bassinets, Crib Linens, Moses Baskets, and Christening dresses out of ultra deluxe fabrics (think: velvet, silk, linen etc.). Bassinets run from $300- $3000+.
This sweater by Shokay just might be my favorite luxury find of the entire event. Shokay is the brainchild of a few Ivy-League graduates who sought to create "style with a touch of humanity." The secret to Shokay's ultra-soft product line is the fact that all of their products are knit with one very unique fiber...yak down. Yes, yak....not exactly an animal you associate with fashionable, luxurious clothing. Shokay sources its yak fiber from Tibetan herders, enabling them to earn a long-term sustainable living while preserving their traditional Tibetan lifestyle. Shokay believes "that by investing and reinvesting our success into the local communities, we ensure the opportunity of choice for future Tibetan generations."

Last year, a Time magazine article highlighted Shokay as one of four new companies in the Asia-Pacific region that "are using materials and production methods that are kind to the earth, while sticking to decent labor practices."

The "yak down" that Shokay's products are made of is absolutely unbelievable. It is really unlike anything I have ever felt before. So incredibly soft and beautiful.

Shokay's luxurious products definitely come at a price. The Paddington sweater (pictured above) retails for $165. Pricey, but this is definitely an heirloom quality piece of clothing. I am a big fan of the Shokay Infinity handwarmers and scarf, which cost $60 and $100, respectively. Want Yak down pillows and blankets? Shokay's got them. Dreaming of something Shokay doesn't carry yet? You can knit your very own creation using Shokay's line of ultra-soft yak yarn.

You will definitely be reading more about Shokay here on citrus- as I will be reviewing a few of their products in the coming months.

So, there you have it. A very small synopsis of the ultra-luxurious products affordable to the "rich and famous" that I encountered at the Celebrity Baby Shower.

In future posts I will be reviewing additional products I came across here at the shower that I was particularly impressed with- many of which fit into a typical mom's budget- so stay tuned!