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A baby shower is a way for family and friends to celebrate the expected arrival of a new baby with the parents-to-be. It is a joyous occasion and fun for all! But hosting a great baby shower takes some real planning. A very important part of the planning process is the cake. Every baby shower needs a cake, but the cake can serve as more than just a dessert–it can also double as a decoration, even a centerpiece!

Most baby showers have a theme, and the entire party is based on that theme. The cake is no exception and should also follow whatever theme you’ve chosen. If you’re talented and can bake and decorate a cake (or know someone who can), you may want to have a home-made cake. Or you can order one from a bakery, making sure you place your order in plenty of time for the shower.

Once you’ve decided whether it will be home-made or store-bought, you will need to decide what type of cake to have. There are many different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

Angelfood cake
Butter cake
Butterfly cake
Carrot cake
Cheesecake
Chocolate cake
Chiffon cake
Cupcake
Devil’s food cake
Fruit cake
Gingerbread
Ice cream cake
Mooncake
Pineapple upside down cake
Pound cake
Spice cake
Sponge cake

Then there’s the filling to consider:

more icing
different flavors of fruit preserves
pudding
custard
whipped cream
jams
peanut butter
pure chocolate

Not only should you consider what type of cake to have but also how you might be able to decorate the cake in a way that will make the baby shower celebration more special. Here are some ideas:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children’s toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

3. An Autograph Cake. This is a great idea where “Congratulations” is the only word on the cake, leaving room for each of the guests to “sign” their own name in icing. A picture of the cake is taken when everyone has signed it, making a great keepsake for the parents-to-be.

4. A Character Cake. The cake can be made in the form of a character, such as Pooh Bear.

5. A Baby Bib Cake. Another idea similar to the character cake, but the cake looks like a baby bib.

There are so many different things you can do with a baby shower cake. Here are just a few other suggestions for cake shapes:

Baby Buggy
Baby Booties
Bassinet
Baby Bottle
Noah’s Ark

There’s also a “diaper” cake. But watch out–it’s really made of diapers and not edible!

Of course, you can also experiment with creative ideas of your own, or check out the cake design book at your local grocery store or bakery for ideas. Remember that the ‘goal’ is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece or decoration that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be. But don’t forget, stick to the baby shower theme!

Copyright 2006 by Debbie Pettitt who is webmaster for Baby Showers Made Simple, bringing you the latest information and resources to assist you in planning and hosting the most incredible baby shower! Baby Showers Made Simple

Forget the World Series, the Presidential Election Race is the hottest ticket in town! This Tuesday, after you’ve headed out to the polls, gather with friends and family to watch the results Read on for some great election party ideas to help you throw your Election party.

-Reuse old 4th of July party decor, dishware and utensils. Just think red, white and blue!

-Put out snack foods that you might serve on put out for a television of movie party - popcorn, chips and dip, salsa and finger foods.

-Make themed drinks named after the candidates (recipes below)!

-For more election party food ideas, decorate cookies, cupcakes or a cake with a patriotic theme - red, white and blue icing.

-Put together a playlist of McCain and Obama’s favorite songs:

“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
“Barracuda”, by Heart
“Touch the Sky”, by Kanye West
“Yes, I can” by Will.i.am
“City of Blinding Lights” by U2

Election day is on a weekday (as it always is) and all your guests, yourself included, need to make time to vote as well. So, keep the party planning as no-fuss as possible.

Election Party Cocktails:

The Barack Obama

Ingredients

• 2 Oz Citrus Vodka
• 1 Oz Blue Curacao
• 1 Whole 1/2 juice from lime
• 3 oz Sprite

Steps

• Combine all ingredients into shaker.
• Shake and pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
• Garnish with a slice of pear

McCain

Ingredients

• 2 Oz Respado Tequila
• 1/4 Oz simple syrup
• 6 Whole fresh Pomegranate seeds and juice
• 1 Oz passion fruit juice
• 1 Mint leaf for Garnish
• Raspberries for garnish

Steps

• Muddle Pomegranate in base of shaker
• Add other ingredients; shake with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.

With so many different aspects of a shower to plan, coming up with a baby shower favor idea is often the last consideration on a long list of planning.

There are several unique, exciting and interesting baby shower favor ideas that will work well for almost any shower. Whether traditional or alternative in nature, the following are popular baby shower favor ideas:

• Bath and Body Items

• Notepads

• Pictures

• Gift Certificates

• Coupons

• Gift Baskets

• Designer Candles

• Baby Bottles with Candy

No matter what baby shower favor idea you come up with, keep in mind that the majority of your guests are coming with one intention in mind, and that is to spoil and entertain the mom to be. Some important considerations when planning a shower include the food items, cake and games that will be played by visitors.

The mom to be or any friends of the family is likely to take an active interest in your planning efforts. If you are uncertain what favors might be well received, go over the guest list with your mom-to-be and try to get a feel for the personality of the ladies attending. You might find for example that a large majority of the moms that will be attending have children of their own. If this is the case don’t hesitate to include helpful childcare or baby items that any mom would be appreciative of.

Some baby shower favor ideas are generated from the party theme itself. For example, if the motif of a shower is a color, such as green, you might consider acquiring some melon, lime or pear flavored hand soaps and lotions (that will of course, be green in color). You might even consider some “gag” gift items as party favors including stickers (which are sure to be well received from the children of guests).

Planning a baby shower requires an investment in time and energy. There is no reason to spend the majority of your planning time attempting to find appropriate party favors. There is a vast selection of products available, and ideas are easily discovered when one takes a moment to consider the shower theme, guests and mom-to-be’s expectations.

About The Author

Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and your child. It’s best to start potty training when your child has an established daily routine and is not dealing with any additional stress. Potty training should be the only major change in your child’s life.

If your child is showing signs of potty training readiness, ask yourself if any of the following situations exist:

New baby - Although the thought of double diaper duty may be overwhelming, your child needs time to adapt to the new baby before you begin potty training.

Divorce or Separation - Divorce or separation is always stressful for children. Your child may be living in two different homes or under two separate sets of rules. When things calm down, share your potty training plan so that you are both aware of the other person’s plan and can work together for the benefit of your child.

New daycare/baby sitter - If your child has recently switched day cares or baby-sitters, wait a couple of weeks/months (depending on how your child adapts) before you start potty training.

New bedroom or bed - Small changes, like a new bedroom or bed, can have a big impact on your child. Wait until your child has adapted to his new bed before you begin potty training.

Copyright © 2004 ZIP Baby. All Rights Reserved.

Danna Henderson

ZIP Baby

101 Convention Center Drive, Ste 700

Las Vegas, NV 89109

About The Author

Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training and breastfeeding information as well as a large variety of products. For more information about potty training or breastfeeding, visit Breastfeeding Store.

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle of joy and now you need to begin getting the things your baby will need. If this is your first baby all the decisions you need to make may seem overwhelming at first.
One of the biggest purchases you will need to make is about the type of stroller you will use for your baby.

There are so many different types of strollers to choose from and one of the first things you need to do is determine your budget. There are strollers that can cost as little as $10.00 or as much as $400 and up. The lower end strollers are generally the very light weight umbrella strollers. The advantage to these strollers is the fold nicely and can store almost anywhere. As the price gets higher the features and quality of the stroller may increase.

Strollers can come with a variety of features. What is important to you? Do you want a convertible travel system or a stroller that is just that and a car seat? There are travel systems that include a stay in the car base, an infant carrier/car safety seat, and a stroller frame for the infant seat which it is attached. These are great especially when your baby is newly born.

Strollers have a play tray that has insets for a bottle or juice cup. Many have canopies with a vinyl window so you can keep an eye on the baby. The brake on most strollers now are attached to both rear wheels and is easily applied with your foot and some also have a wrist strap brake that is used in conjunction with the foot break. It gives extra safety when you are stopped and the stroller won’t ‘roll away’ while you have the strap.

There is usually a large storage basket under the seat(s) of the strollers and many strollers now are coming with a parent tray that is place over the handle bar. It has a spot for a cup of coffee or a soda, a place for your cell phone, your keys and a place to hold a snack.

Handlebars are now height adjustable on most strollers and are reversible moving from either the front to back or vice versa. The height adjustable feature is a great saver on the back the reversible handle can help you see your baby while he rides if necessary.

The seat is the next consideration. Does the seat recline and if so will it recline enough so that your newborn can lie almost flat? Is the seat well padded and will it be comfortable for your baby? Is the seat padding removable for washing?

Most upper end strollers come with blankets that can attach to the seat with snaps. These blankets make your baby’s stroller like a bunting on wheels. Rain hoods are also detachable and can be used to protect your baby from harsh sunlight and winds.

Here’s another twist your decision about a baby stroller. Your friend has an almost brand new stroller that you can have for free. She agrees to have it cleaned and ready for you. Is a used baby stroller a safe choice for your baby? It can be a very good choice for you and your baby, however there are some things you really need to look over before you place your precious one in it.

The frame - there should be no dents, cracks, or gaps in the frame. All bolts and screws must be in place. Anything less could cause an accident and seriously hurt your baby. Are there sharp spots on the frame? Are there any screws loose or sticking out that could cut your baby? Is the handle bar joined properly to the frame?

The wheels - are they solid or do you need to look for leaks in air pressure in them? Are the wheels worn? Do they need replacing? Do the wheels turn, as they should? Are the axels straight? Does the brake operate properly; that is, do they hold when applied?

The seat - does the seat hold its position whether straight or in the reclining position? A seat that does not hold the position well could seriously injure your baby. Is the lining clean or does it fit the frame properly.

There are all kinds of options styles and types of strollers. There are multiple seat strollers for twins, or more children. There are a variety of seating arrangements side by side seating, tandem seating with one seat behind the other, and stadium seating (tandem seating with rear seat raised above the front) allowing the second child to be able to see more than the back of a head. There are jogging strollers (one wheel out in front and two rear wheels). The jogging strollers also come with multiple seating.

Used or new enjoy your outings with your baby or children.

About the Author

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of
Baby strollers
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

If you walk into any baby store or online baby site you will find a multitude of styles and designs of baby bedding available. There is something for every nursery décor ever thought of by a new mother. If it’s animals you want, there’s everything from apes to zebras. If you want an angel motif, there are a hundred styles of angels. If you want nursery rhymes, just pick one and you will find a matching motif.

What about cartoon or Disney characters? You can find anything and everything when it comes to baby bedding. You will also find all of the pieces you want such as comforters, bumpers, dust ruffles, pillows and more. They are all matched and some of are the most luxurious you can find. So, now you see all this stuff and are tempted to buy. The cute patterns are obviously for the parents to enjoy because the baby doesn’t know the difference but what does the baby actually “need”? That’s a whole different story.

If you are considering a bumper for the crib, this is a strip of padded cloth that is pretty or cute, but they are used to keep the baby from hitting their head against the bars of the crib. Some think bumpers will add to the risk of suffocation by pressing their face against the bumper. If the bumper is tightly fitted against the drib the possibilities of that happening are much less. Make sure all of the ribbons and ties are short and to the outside of the crib so there are no chances of getting entangled. Bottom sheets are sized for the crib with elastic corners and should fit snugly against the crib mattress.

If the fit is correct they won’t pop off and this also lessens the chance of suffocation. I would recommend leaving the top sheet at the store unless it comes as a set. Your baby only needs light blankets in the beginning and it is best if they are cotton. They also don’t need more covers or warmth than we do. We all know diapers leak at night so sheet protectors are a wonderful idea for the busy mom. A sheet protector is a piece of cloth with cotton on one side and waterproof on the other.

If there is leakage at night, just pull one sheet protector off and put another one on. This will save you on laundry and time. You can do the same thing between two fitted sheets. Put the protector between the two so it protects the bottom sheet and the top one is easily peeled off if there is an accident. If you like, try the new heavier pajamas for baby so they will stay warm without kicking covers off. You only need a few outfits in the beginning. If you want perfectly white sheets, don’t get too excited because colored would be best if you are trying to camouflage the inevitable staining that will happen. If you even think about buying a pillow, stop. There is no need for one for the baby. They aren’t safe, your baby can suffocate and they can’t really lift their heads enough to use one. It is found that babies sleep better when flat.

In the early months babies will be constantly interrupted because their patterns are not yet established. It takes time for them to sleep without these interruptions and to fall back to sleep easily and quickly. When if comes to helping your baby sleep with the choice of baby bedding, consider safety to be the only true criteria. It doesn’t matter how cute the bedding set is if it doesn’t fit right or isn’t safe.

Bev Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying mattresses, comforters, bedding, duvet covers and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.com/Baby%20Bedding.htm She gives information and tips at http://www.bedding-4u.com to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life.

Besides the fact that they were built to do so, there are a
great many reasons why infants need to move. The truth is,
even though their movement capabilities are extremely
limited when compared with even those of a toddler, movement
experiences may be more important for infants than for
children of any other age group. And it’s not all about
motor development either.

Thanks to new insights in brain research, we now know that
early movement experiences are considered essential to the
neural stimulation (the “use-it-or-lose-it” principle
involved in the keeping or pruning of brain cells ) needed
for healthy brain development.

Not long ago, neuroscientists believed that the structure of
a human brain was genetically determined at birth. They now
realize that although the main “circuits” are “prewired”
(for such functions as breathing and the heartbeat), the
experiences that fill each child’s days are what actually
determine the brain’s ultimate design and the nature and
extent of that child’s adult capabilities.

An infant’s brain, it turns out, is chock-full of brain
cells (neurons) at birth. (In fact, a one-pound fetus
already has 100 billion of them!) Over time, each of these
brain cells can form as many as 15,000 connections
(synapses) with other brain cells. And it is during the
first three years of life that most of these connections are
made. Synapses not used often enough are eliminated. On the
other hand, those synapses that have been activated by
repeated early experiences tend to become permanent. And it
appears that physical activity and play during early
childhood have a vital role in the sensory and physiological
stimulation that results in more synapses.

Neurophysiologist Carla Hannaford, in her excellent book,
Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head, states:
“Physical movement, from earliest infancy and throughout our
lives, plays an important role in the creation of nerve cell
networks which are actually the essence of learning.”

She then goes on to relate how movement, because it
activates the neural wiring throughout the body, makes the
entire body not just the brain the instrument of
learning.

Gross and fine motor skills are learned through repetition
as well both by virtue of being practiced and because
repetition lays down patterns in the brain. Although it
hasn’t been clearly determined that such early movements as
kicking, waving the arms, and rocking on hands and knees are
“practice” for later, more advanced motor skills, it’s
believed that they are indeed part of a process of
neurological maturation needed for the control of motor
skills. In other words, these spontaneous actions prepare
the child - physically and neurologically - to later perform
more complex, voluntary actions.

Then, once the child is performing voluntary actions (for
example, rolling over, creeping, and walking), the circle
completes itself, as these skills provide both glucose (the
brain’s primary source of energy) and blood flow (”food”) to
the brain, in all likelihood increasing neuronal
connections.

According to Rebecca Anne Bailey and Elsie Carter Burton,
authors of The Dynamic Self: Activities to Enhance Infant
Development, whenever babies move any part of their bodies,
there exists the potential for two different kinds of
learning to occur: learning to move and moving to learn.

Still, recent evidence indicates that infants are spending
upward of 60 waking hours a week in things - high chairs,
carriers, car seats, and the like!

The reasons for this trend are varied. Part of the problem
is that more and more infants are being placed in childcare
centers, where there may not be enough space to let babies
roam the floor. Or, given the number of infants enrolled,
there may be little opportunity for caregivers to spend
one-on-one time with each baby. This means, in the morning,
an infant is typically fed, dressed, and then carried to the
automobile, where she’s placed in a car seat. She’s then
carried into the childcare center, where she may spend much
of her time in a crib or playpen. At the end of the day,
she’s picked up, placed again into the car seat, and carried
back into the house, where she’s fed, bathed, and put to
bed.

Even when parents are home with baby, they seem to be busier
than ever these days. Who has time to get on the floor and
creep around with a child? Besides, with today’s emphasis on
being productive, playing with a baby would seem almost a
guilty pleasure! And if the baby seems happy and safe in a
seat placed conveniently in front of the TV, in a bouncer
hung in a doorway, or cruising about in a walker, then
what’s the harm? It’s a win/win situation, isn’t it?

In fact, it isn’t. Being confined (as one colleague says:
“containerized”) affects a baby’s personality; they need to
be held. It may also have serious consequences for the
child’s motor - and cognitive - development.

Other trends in today’s society having an impact on infants’
opportunities to move are the inclination to restrict,
rather than encourage, freedom of movement and the misguided
belief that early academic instruction will result in
superbabies. (In 1999, 770,000 copies of infant software -
“lapware” - were sold!)

Humans are meant to move and play. The inclination - the
need - is hardwired into them. Babies, in fact, spend nearly
half of their waking time - 40% - doing things like kicking,
bouncing, and waving their arms. And while it may appear all
this activity is just for the sake of moving, it’s important
to realize a baby is never “just moving” or “just playing.”
Every action extends the child’s development in some way.

Rae Pica is a children’s physical activity specialist and author of Your Active Child: How to Boost Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Development through Age-Appropriate Activity
(McGraw-Hill, 2003). Rae speaks to parent and education
groups throughout North America. Visit her and read more
articles at http://www.movingandlearning.com.

Should baby sleep in her own cot or in bed with you? There are
arguments on both sides.

Advantages:

• Breastfeeding is easier, you don’t have to get out of bed to feed baby.
• Many mothers say baby sleeps better - if she wakes she is
  more likely to be comforted by your presence and heartbeat and go back to sleep.
• You will probably get more sleep.

Disadvantages:

• Other mothers can’t sleep for fear that they will roll over and suffocate baby.
• They wake any time baby makes the slightest noise.
• Baby’s presence could disrupt your sex life.

According to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths:

• The safest place for baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in your room.
• Never sleep together on a sofa or armchair - it is easy to suffocate baby who can sink into the soft surface.
• Do NOT share a bed with baby if you smoke, have drunken alcohol or take drugs that make you drowsy, are ill or are exceptionally tired (how many mothers are not exceptionally tired in those first few months?!!).
• A recent study found the risk of infant death doubles if you co-sleep before 8 weeks, and if either partner smokes this risk increases eleven-fold.
• Make sure baby’s room is not too warm, use lightweight sheets or blankets in her cot, and never use duvets or pillows as she may overheat or suffocate.

****************************************************************
Author: Tony and Katy Luck who run a site with advice on having a baby, everything from conception to the toddler stage, and a personalized gift site.

As you grow older, you may find yourself suffering with the same type of injuries that athletes can suffer. However, your injuries will most likely be the result of falls or accidents in your everyday life, not as a result of a sports related injury. It is for this very reason that if you happen to suffer from an Acl Injury, you will likely not have to undergo surgery for the injury unless the injury is very severe. Instead, you will most likely be advised to undergo a rehab program. Surgery would not be necessary unless you are planning to exert yourself in sports.

Acl injuries are quite common in athletes. If you are someone that you happen to know has experienced that unfortunate instance of an Acl injury, there is treatment that is available. Upon tearing the ligament, the athlete or other person should immediately stop any activity and sit down and elevate his or her leg. Ice compresses should be applied at regular intervals to help alleviate any resulting swelling from the injury. Medical attention should be sought for any Acl Injury. The attending physician will decide whether or not surgery for the injury is warranted. If surgery is needed, expect a rehabilitation period of six to nine months.

Loss of hair in lads affects ten million in the UK, the most common kind of hair loss is genetic male pattern hair loss. The hair loss will probably develop as young as 18 and develop emotional turmoil.

Male pattern baldness is regularly hereditary and may target boys as well as women. The hair loss seems due to the hair follicles on the scalp getting smaller and the hair strands dropping out. Baldness naturally follows a balding pattern around the hair line and also at the middle of your scalp. Discover the latest hair loss techniques from Carl Howell from Advanced Hair Studio, home to hair restoration.

Losing hair is not a virus and does not affect your actual health, although your emotional health will probably become affected through the feeling of being unhappy.

There are three eye-opening primary treatment methods for losing your hair, Minoxidil, Finasteride and Strand by Strand from Advanced Hair Studio. The very first big time baldness treatment is a topical cream that goes on the head and is available from hair loss clinics. The hair loss treatment Minoxidil works through reducing and slowing down the speed of hair loss, simply eye-opening. Finasteride works through minimising the chain reaction of the baldness hormone. The eye-opening Strand by Strand hair restoration technique from Advanced Hair Studio uses the very latest loss of hair medical technology and involves new hair growing on the head strand by strand over time. With both the Minoxidil and Finasteride treatment methods they need to be constantly applied and taken for the hair effects to work.