Mystery of the Gerber Baby

Throughout my life I have always wondered who that sweet cherub was on all the Gerber baby products.   I have been given tons of answers by people who swear they are right.  Still I think there is more to the story than a sweet face. 
Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, and even Leif Garrett are among some of the rumored celebs to be the Gerber baby model. 
I have decided to do some research on the matter and this is what I have found. 
In the late 1920's Gerber held a competition to find out who would be the next Gerber baby.  Pictures were mailed in left and right.  Gerber received a sketch from a woman named Dorothy Hope Smith.  She entered the sketch a beautiful child that everyone now knows as the Gerber baby.
Who is the child in question?  The answer is Ann Turner Cook.  She was the artist's neighbor.  Ann Turner Cook is a mystery novelist and retired English teacher.
So there you have it America the truth about the real Gerber baby.  Not quite what I was expecting, but now glad to know the real truth.

Via Gerber

Happy at Last

Elton John, 62, and partner David Furnish, 48, welcome their new bundle of joy Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John. The couple has talked of adoption for years and it is now in motion.

The couple sadly was rejected earlier this year in Ukraine when they attempted to adopt two young twins, one of which was HIV positive. They are now doing all they can to find the twins a loving home they deserve, even if it was not with them.

Congratulations to them both on their new adorable son!

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Sweet Violet

My how little Violet Affleck has grown.  Turning five on December 1st of  this year she is still cute as a button.  You can absolutely tell she is the product of Jennifer Garner.  She is her mommy's little clone!  

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Healthy Eating for You and Your Family

The wonderful thing about the Internet is that you have access to any type of information you could possibly want.  It is right there at your fingertips.  There are many different websites you can even visit for great recipes.  Food.com has a wonderful selection of gourmet recipes you can make yourself no matter what your cooking skill.  Most of the recipes will give nutrition facts as well as serving sizes if you plan on cooking for a larger family.   They are categorized several different ways.  The area I have flocked to more frequently is the healthy recipes section.  It has thousands of recipes for healthier living.  One I am planning on trying is the Lemon Herbed Chicken Satay it has been rated with five stars and great feedback.  If you are a frequent cook and have recipes you would like to share with others Food.com allows you to upload your own concoctions to share with the world.  I am a frequent visitor to this site when I am stumped on what to have for dinner!    The best thing of all is it's FREE!                            

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Get your latest recipes here!

Food.com

Baby Weight

I am a proud mother of a wonderful two year old sweet girl. Sadly... I am not so proud of the baby weight I have yet to loose. I suppose I can no longer blame it on having a baby... it has been two years now. It is no longer baby fat it is just plain old belly chub.

I have decided to make this a learning experience for myself and realize I no longer want to be this weight again. Today is a brand new day and I have every intention of dropping back to my pre-baby weight. Luckily I have a wonderful friend to take on this challenge with me. My regimen will included a reduce calorie diet and at least four days a week of intense workouts. I challenge all mothers struggling with baby weight to do this with me. I will post weekly my progress. After all my dream is not that unattainable. Look at these baby weight triumphs.

Kate Hudson lost 60 lbs. in four months!!

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Google Image Search

Heidi Klum was back on the runway in just 2 MONTHS!

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Google Image Search

It is possible ladies we just have to stick with it and have WILL POWER!!!

Toddlers and Tiaras

Yes I am willing to admit that I am addicted to almost every TLC hit show, one I find hard to look away from even though the whole time I sit angry. I have such mixed feelings on the show Toddlers and Tiaras.  The clothes, performances, and the children are just adorable, the parents however can be a bit much.  You come across a few that are well actually remarkable parents, however there are several I think most of us would just like to kick in the face. 

There is no reason for a child to look like they are twenty, have waxed eyebrows, or be yelled at for a pitiful performance. Children should be children. One episode that really stood out for me was when  Sara, Isabelle's mother, was extremely mad about her daughters stage performance and said, “She’s bombing bad … that was horrible.” Then continued to turn to a near audience member and say, “Wow, this sucks.” It is our jobs as parents to be our kids cheerleaders not their worst critics.  If a child is doing their best they should be congratulated not insulted.  Sadly I pity the poor children who have the "crazy pageant moms" it just goes to show what effect their behavior has on these little ones.  You can always see the disappointment in their little faces when they don't win.  Their parents are putting way to much pressure on them at such a young age. In my eyes all children are beautiful and talented.  (Photos courtesy of Google Image search)

Product Recalls for December!

12/01/2010 – Lowe's Stores Recall to Repair Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds; Two Near Strangulations Involved Young Children

12/02/2010 – The First Years® Recalls American Red Cross® Cabinet Swing Locks; Latches Can Fail to Prevent Access by Children

12/07/2010 – Circo Children's Camping Combo Pack Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target Stores

12/09/2010 – Toddler Girl Garments Recalled by American Eagle Outfitters Due to Choking Hazard

12/16/2010 – Girls' Hooded Zip Jacket and Vest Sets with Drawstrings Recalled By Splendid Due to Strangulation Hazard

12/22/2010 – Zoom Buggy Cars and Dream Pillow Stars Recalled by Kindermusik Due to Choking Hazard

12/22/2010 – Ceramic Banks Recalled by Oriental Trading Company Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

12/23/2010 – BabyLegs Recalls Baby Socks and Leg Warmers with Heart Appliqué Due to Choking Hazard

Recalls and photos curtousy of Safe kids USA

Melissa and Doug

Melissa and Doug is a fantastic line of children's toys to die for.  They are durable, educational, and overall adorable.  I have bought several Melissa and Doug items for my little one and she loves them.

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google image search

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Melissa and Doug started 20 years ago in their home garage and have moved on to becoming a household name. They can be found all over the web and at a lot of major retailers. Target generally has a great selection.  I give this weeks congratulations to Melissa and Doug.

Celebrity Baby Watch

The last few years has produced a mass celebrity baby boom it appears that this year is starting off with a lot of  pregnancies rising and other celebs are ready to POP!  Can't wait to find out the names!

Natalie Portman
Via Google Image search

Jewel
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Victoria Beckham
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Mariah Carey
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Kate Hudson
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Rachel Zoe
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Miranda Kerr
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Baby Craze

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Top Baby Names 2010

  

Girls                  Boys

 1) Sophia           1) Aiden

 2) Isabell           2) Jacob

     3) Olivia            3) Jackson

 4) Emma           4) Ethan

   5) Chole            5) Jayden

http://www.babycenter.com/

Style with a Smile

Blast from the Past

One of my new favortie fashion trends for children is flare legged ruffles and paisley prints.  Loving all things boho I find these trends to be totally adorable!   Doesn't get much cuter than this!  Chatti Patti has become one of my favorite new children's lines.

Chatti Patti

                                                               

Rock Star Appeal

A great trend for little boys who want to be rocker chic?  Set them up with some cool gear from City threads.  They have a wide range of graphic tees to suit any style!

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                                                                      City Threads

Fashion Under Five

Little Suri has been quite the trend setter and fashionista for all star babies.  She comes out dressed to impress every time.  I am always amazed at what her baby closet holds!

Suri Cruise

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Accessories for a Steal!

Children's Place is one of my favorite children's stores.  They always have great items for an even better price.  Their sale items are always so inexpensive. 

$2.75 at Children's Place

$1.50 at Children's Place

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