Mud pie Baby Crocheted Headband or Hat
The Babytalk Store

Ty Inc
Monstaz Collection
Featured is Trixie, an awesome plush toy from the new Monstaz Collection from Ty. Trixie “talks” when you push her heart.
Learning Express Toys

Ty Inc
The Beanie Boo Collection
You had me at Beanie. This little puppy is irresistable.
Learning Express Toys

Melissa & Doug
Decorate Your Own Heart Mirror
Ages 4+
Learning Express Toys

Peaceable Kingdom Press
Boy Themed Valentine’s Card Kit
20 Valentines in 4 styles (box can be used as carrying case to take them to school)
Homewood Toy and Hobby

Creativity for Kids
Opti Art Gemstone Jewelry
Make 15+ accessories
Ages 7+
Homewood Toy and Hobby

If you are hosting a baby shower for a little boy, check out this Nautical Boy party package by nothing{2}something on Etsy. This classically inspired party set includes an invitation featuring an adorable sailboat, nautical party circles which can be used for cupcake toppers or favor tags, a coordinating thank you card and calling cards.  This party package is customizable and is a great way for you to make the expecting mother’s day extra special.

Homemade Marshmallows
(Adapted from Giada De Laurentis’ Homemade Orange Marshmallows)

Ingredients
• Butter, for greasing the pan
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• 1/2 cup water, plus 1/4 cup
• 3 tablespoons (3 packets) unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Red decorating sugar*
• *Can be found at cake decorating stores
• Special equipment: a candy thermometer

Directions
Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch straight-sided baking pan. Dust liberally with sifted powdered sugar and set aside.
Pour 1/2 cup water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and allow to soften, about 10 minutes.
In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk and 1/4 cup water. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Pour the syrup over the gelatin mixture. Beat the mixture at low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, fluffy and tripled in volume, about 10 to 12 minutes. Beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract until just combined. Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with orange decorating sugar. Allow the mixture to set, uncovered, in a cool place (not refrigerated) for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove the marshmallows from the pan and place on a powdered sugar-dusted surface. Using scissors, dusted with powdered sugar, cut the marshmallows into about 1-inch squares. Dip the cut sides into powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate-covered Pretzels

Heat white chocolate bark squares as indicated on package. Once the chocolate is melted, drop pretzels into chocolate, coating the pretzels. Set the pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and insert into refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool and set. Once the chocolate has hardened, drizzle red decorating icing onto pretzels and place back in the refrigerator to set.

Heart-shaped Strawberries

Cut off the tops of the strawberries making a flat surface. With the flat surface facing you, make a V with your knife and cut away excess strawberry to make a heart shape.

Nutella Fluffs

Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and put the oven on a low broil. Using a bread knife; cut the tops off the croissants and place the top and bottom of the croissants on the cookie sheet with the cut side facing up. Cook on low broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Take out of the oven and cool. Once cool, use a knife to spread Nutella on the bottom of the croissant and Marshmallow Fluff on the tops. Put the top back on the croissant to serve.

White-Chocolate Dipped Bugles

Heat white chocolate bark squares as indicated on package. Once the chocolate is melted, hold the bottom of the bugle and drop the top of the bugle into chocolate. Set the bugles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and insert into refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool and set. Store bugles in an air-tight container to keep crunchy.

Cookie Hearts

Using store-bought cookie dough, roll it out on a surface sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and attach a lollipop stick to the back of the cookie before placing on cookie sheet. Cook using package instructions until a light golden brown. Take the cookie hearts out of the oven to cool before decorating with icing.

Chocolate Pound Cake
(Adapted from Paula Deen’s Cream Cheese Pound Cake from Paula Deen & Friends)

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups cake flour, sifted twice
1 cup cocoa powder, sifted with cake flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour heart-shaped cooking molds.
2. Cream the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the sugar. Mix for 7 minutes, until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each until blended. Gradually add the flour and cocoa powder, beating after each addition, until all is added and combined. Add the salt, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix again.
3. Pour into the prepared cooking molds. Hit the molds gently on the counter about five times to help settle the batter and remove any air pockets. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes. The cake is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (If using a Bundt pan, bake for 1 ½ hours).
4. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack and let cool completely before putting it on a cake plate or in a plastic bag for party favor.

Love Potion

Ingredients
1 package of red Kool-Aid
1 cup of sugar
4 cups white cranberry juice or white grape juice
1 quart club soda, chilled
2 cups water

Stir together the white juice and water. Add the package of Kool-Aid and sugar, mix well. Stir in the club soda just before serving.

• Smaller, Softer & Easier to Chew
• All Natural
• Reduced Sugar
• Made with Real Fruit Juice
• Good Source of Vitamin C
• Gluten Free
• Do not contain artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives

Pick some up at your grocery store and let your child enjoy a delicious treat!

It was four years ago when I found out I was expecting. I can still remember anxiously waiting for that second line to show up. I had an inkling I might be pregnant but after three years of trying, I couldn’t bring myself to hope that I might be. Slowly, it appeared but was so light that I still thought it was a mistake. All of a sudden, I was sitting in the bathroom overwhelmed with a mixed feeling of terror and joy. It was true! I was pregnant.

Over the past three and half years my daughter and I have had many other firsts together but that first – the moment that I knew she would be part of my life – is still one of my absolute favorite memories. Whether it’s two lines or a plus sign or the entire word spelled out, it means the same thing – the very beginning. There are so many firsts when you are a parent and each first is exciting in it’s own way but the very first first has a special place in our hearts.

Where were you and how did you feel when you first found out you were expecting?

Flaherty got her start making custom linens for nurseries, which she turned into a business called Nursery Décor. She was studying interior design at Southern Institute at the same time, and as part of her class work, was one of a group of students who designed a twin’s nursery for the 1994 Decorator’s Showhouse. While working on the nursery, she saw an advertisement for a European crib she thought would be perfect for the project. She imported two Simon Horn Cots (as they are called in Europe) for the room, and after the success of the Showhouse, took the cribs to a consignment shop to sell. The first one sold within two hours, and the second shortly thereafter. The shop owner wanted more of the cribs, and so began Flaherty’s 10-year career as the exclusive American representative and importer for Simon Horn Furniture.

Despite her success with Simon Horn Furniture, Flaherty felt a new dream flickering to life. So she started researching opening a children’s shop. She was put in contact with Merrill McCullough, who became her partner in Once upon a time, LLC. A year after opening the shop, the pair purchased The Heirloom Shop in Crestline, and six months later, agreed to separate the business. “Merrill preferred the clothing and took The Heirloom Shop, and I preferred the design end so I took Once Upon a Time, LLC,” says Flaherty.

Once upon a time became a family endeavor in 2005 when Flaherty’s daughter Sarah began working with her, and in 2009, became a partner. That was a big year for the mother and daughter as they expanded the business and opened a second location in Homewood.

Alabama Baby & Child: Can you tell us a little about your family?
LINDA FLAHERTY: I am the second of four girls, and am married to Matthew Joseph Flaherty, Jr. In November we will celebrate 42 years of marriage. We have two daughters: Julie-Ann and Sarah. Jules, as I call her, is our oldest. She is a teacher and lives with her husband Leo in Waltham, Massachusetts (I miss her terribly!) Sarah is our youngest and also a partner with me in the business. She and her husband Michael live in Birmingham with their three children, Jay (4), Parker (soon to be 3), and William (6 weeks). I thank God for these blessings every day.

ABC: What is it like to work with your daughter?
LF: As a parent I have always been proud of my children and their accomplishments, but it wasn’t until Sarah and I started working together that I actually saw her as an adult. She has brought new ideas and energy to the business, and is a real partner in every sense of the word.

ABC: What is your favorite thing about being a retailer?
LF: The diversity of my business is what keeps me passionate about being a retailer. Whether it is designing custom linens, selecting product at market, changing the floor and window displays, or registering a customer for shower gifts, I love it all! I know our customers have many choices to shop for baby things, so I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with them at a time so that is so important in their lives. It is the satisfaction and smile on customer faces that make it all worthwhile.

Crestline Village
201 Country Club Park
Mountain Brook, AL
205) 870-7772

Homewood Central District
2900 18th Street South
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 870-777

onceuponatimellc.com

The Cooking Mom

Just in time for the holidays, KitchenAid is introducing their revolutionary exact slice system food processors.  With its’ uniquely designed blade, this food processor slices food into exact sizes making food preparation simple and easy. Choose from the 9-cup or 13-cup and enjoy preparing your food like never before.  Perfect gift for holiday parties!

The Crafty Mom

The Silhouette Cameo is a must-have for any craftonista.  The Silhouette is an electronic cutting tool that allows the user to cut fonts or images onto cardstock, vinyl, or heat transfer systems.  It’s a great way to add a unique touch to your scrapbooking, apparel, home decor and so much more.

The Styled Mom

Hollywood is continuing to sport the loose curls look and now the styled mom in your life can too!  Get her the Nano-Ceramic Curly-Q iron made by Hot Tools.  For large curls, try the 1 ¼ tapered iron.  What makes this iron perfect is it is clamp free so curls will stay soft instead of kinky.  Find it at Ulta or other beauty supply stores.