It's Hip Hop Baby!

It's Hip Hop, Baby! featured in Uptown Magazine

2011-02-27T21:40:00.000-06:00

Founder and creator of It’s Hip Hop, Baby!, senior producer at Harpo Productions, and Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Children’s Programming

What began as a mother’s method to calm her child is now an instrument for teaching children listening skills and direction comprehension. “If you can help a child with a [developmental] delay learn to follow instructions, you should be able to do that with almost all children,” says Carter, who has a son and a daughter. “It’s Hip Hop, Baby! started out of necessity because my son responded to music.”

Carter’s son, born with a very rare chromosome disorder that causes severe speech, mental, and physical delays, is on a special-needs journey through life. Carter, however, found a way to make it educational and entertaining for him. In 2006, the Chicagoan launched her first child-friendly hip-hop video, filled with fancy footwork and learning fundamentals, called It’s Hip Hop, Baby! Today, her company is an iParenting Media Award winner and produces a multicultural series with a dance video, fitness routines, and basic essentials for learning ABCs, numbers, animals, and body parts for children 1 to 6 years old.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE DVD IDEA?
My joke is, “I just started singing, literally, to keep myself from crying.” I was in the kitchen with my son, and he was screaming. He screamed from 8 a.m. until he went to bed, but when I started beat boxing and making beats on the table, he paid attention and stopped.”

HOW IS YOUR SON TODAY?
He runs and jumps like a typical kid but reminds you of someone with autism.You can’t have a conversation with him because he doesn’t have full language [skills], but he can show you what he wants, and he says a few words. He’s 7 years old now and still watches the DVD because it helps his language. Because of this whole experience, my communication with him is musical. If he spills milk, for example, I make up a song and he repeats it. Music is one of the most effective, proven methods for helping children learn.

WHO SHOULD WATCH THE DVD?
The line was created for all children but works well for those with special needs too. I receive letters from moms of children with special needs saying that their child likes to sing, dance, and verbalize [with the DVD]. Plus, the dance [video] works for kids and parents. We filmed three full-length hip-hop routines: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. You’re a little tired afterward, but it gets kids involved and active.

To order, visit www.itshiphopbaby.com.

HOW IT'S HIP HOP BABY MOMS PLAN STRESS-LESS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR THEIR HIP HOP BABY KIDS

2010-11-29T11:09:00.003-06:00

Here are some easy tips and goals to ensure a successful birthday party day for your Hip Hop Baby kids:

1. Planning is good.
Put it down on paper, enlist help, and have backup activities if you believe that you might run out of entertainment halfway through the party.
2. Theme the party.
Themes have fallen by the wayside, but if you enlist the help of a theme, you do not have to rack your brain to come up with decorations and games. Instead, many themes naturally lend themselves to games and activities already.
3. Do not give the invitations to your child to hand out at school, unless you are inviting the whole class.
If your child gives invitations only to a select few, there will be hurt feelings. If you are keeping the numbers small, mail the invites or call the parents of the other children directly.
4. Limit the number of kids that will attend the party.
Although a free for all ensures a good turnout, the idea of inviting one child for each year of your child’s age is a good way of limiting the expense and chaos you might experience.
5. Be honest with yourself about your comfort level.
If you don’t like the sound of this idea, consider enlisting an outdoor venue or visit one of the fast food locales that offer party packages with food, entertainment, and – best of all – cleanup!
6. Keep the party short and sweet.
Do not make it an all day affair but specify a starting an ending time. The younger the child, the shorter the duration of the party. This is a good rule of thumb to keep kids from acting out.
7. Goodie bags are a must and there be sufficient bags for each child present, including the siblings.
It should be a fun little item that says “thank you” to the kids for coming and helping your child celebrate.

Reference: Parent News, Birthday Party Ideas

ARE IT'S HIP HOP BABY MOMS WORRIED THEIR CHILD IS BEHIND IN POTTY TRAINING?

2010-11-10T11:58:00.007-06:00

Want to hear some potty tales told by parents around the US? See how they were able to conquer potty training and become masters in creative ways to install good potty habits in their Hip Hop Baby:

A little bribery goes a long way
M&M's and stickers! Promise that each time your kid goes potty, he or she gets two or three, but if she wipes herself (a huge challenge for most) then she gets four or five!

Miniature man
Buy "manly-man" underwear, just like Dad's, and then have him spend the weekend in the big boy underwear and check-in every hour or so to see if he needs to use the restroom. This makes him feel grown-up and just like dad!

Trouble with the aim
Teaching boys to learn the standing-up style can be difficult. Put five Cheerios in the potty and have him aim at them when he uses the toilet. This makes going to the bathroom less intimidating.

Loving Mom
Kids need a lot of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection, and pride when learning unfamiliar things. Making a big deal about small steps in progress is key.

Timing is everything
Putting him or her on the toilet every 20 minutes is a good way to start. If your child attends daycare, seeing other kids learning the same thing makes them want to learn too. You can also purchase a “Potty Watch”, which many children love. The parent programs the watch to play songs and light up at 30, 60, or 90-minutess. Makes the big boy or girl feel in control.

Comfort in location
Purchasing a mini potty seat with characters on it can look less intimidating to children. Some parents even choose to keep the potty in the living room, since they spend the most time there. Then, you can gradually move it closer and closer to the bathroom.

Reference: Parents, http://www.parents.com/

IT'S HIP HOP BABY MOMS CRAVE CHINESE FOOD

2010-11-10T10:10:00.006-06:00

Everyone loves Chinese food in all of its greasy, fatty glory. But can you really have a healthy option for this craving? Check out the 5 star recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Brown Rice from the Food Network that has a 5 minute cook time, serves 4, and is a beginner meal option for all Hip Hop Baby moms! Make tonight a family dinner night!

Ingredients
2 cups instant brown rice
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely grated or minced ginger
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 cups bite-size pieces of vegetables, such as snow peas, broccoli and bell peppers
1 5-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained

Directions
Prepare rice according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch and apricot preserves in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside and just starting to brown in spots, about 2 minutes more.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and ginger to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 20 to 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add vegetables, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in water chestnuts and the chicken. Whisk the reserved sauce and add to the pan. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is heated through, about 1 minute. Serve with the rice.

HOW IT'S HIP HOP BABY MOMS HANDLE KINDERGARTEN QUERIES

2010-11-08T13:46:00.006-06:00

Many Hip Hop Baby kids, especially those with older siblings, have longed for this rite of passage. But, others may be fearful of the change from the often small, loving, and comfortable preschool situation. How to make this an easier, more fun transition for your little one? Well, attention to a few issues and some major empathy on your part will do the trick. Usually your child’s concerns relate to simply getting through the day in one piece (schedules, how the day will proceed). As a mom or dad, answering a few simple questions will be very comforting to your kids. Here are 7 that you can start with:

1. Where’s the bathroom and when can I use it?
2. What if I don’t make it to the bathroom and have an accident?
3. What if I get hungry? Will they feed me?
4. Do I have to take a nap?
5. Will I have homework like my older brother has?
6. What happens first? Then what do we do?
7. What if you don’t pick me up on time?

Reference:
MSN Today, http://www.msn.com/

60 MINUTES OF EXERCISE DAILY FOR IT'S HIP HOP BABY KIDS IS NOT A MYTH

2010-11-08T12:27:00.009-06:00

Did you know that the American Heart Association recommends that children participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity every day at least 60 minutes?

Parents must realize that kid’s fitness is completely different than fitness for adults. Check out the top 5 Hip Hop Baby fitness tips every Hip Hop Baby parent must know.

1. Encourage and facilitate your kid’s participation in activities they enjoy. They may want to play a sport, join the boy scouts, practice ballet, rollerblade or simply play on the monkey bars for hours. Whatever makes them happy is what they should do.

2. Seek out fun fitness classes and fitness professionals when you're at a loss. A few fun classes or sessions with a youth fitness trainer can spark interest simply because the instruction is coming from someone other than mom and dad.

3. Provide healthy snack options, promote small frequent meals, and limit sugar. This prevents mood swings, strange energy surges that often lead to wild behavior, and controls fat storage.

4. Set a good example by participating in some type of activity on a daily basis. Walk, wash the car, do a set of pushups, garden, or play a quick game of tag. Children love to imitate so take advantage and ask them to join in every chance you get.

5. Limit the amount of time kids spend in front of the TV, and computer. A couple of hours a day is more than enough. Plan a certain number of hours a day when they are expected to be active to make it easier for them.

Reference:
BellaOnline, http://www.bellaonline.com/

NEW IT'S HIP HOP BABY FITNESS DVD HELPS FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY

2010-05-05T22:21:00.004-05:00

IT’S HIP HOP, BABY! PRESENTS- HIP HOP DANCE CLASS!

Chicago, IL- The award winning DVD series, It’s Hip Hop, Baby! is releasing its first fitness DVD for kids. Hip Hop Dance Class is a 60-minute work out video featuring the latest in hip hop dance moves. Children ages 5 & up learn three full-length routines with Chicago-based dance instructor Nikki Stanek who has performed and taught children’s hip hop dance classes for nearly a decade.

It’s Hip Hop, Baby! CEO and Founder, Candi Carter, says she got the idea after noticing how young children naturally start dancing when they hear an upbeat tune or popular music. “I thought it would be fun for kids to have real hip hop dance instruction at home, so I put it on a DVD. Hip hop dance is naturally exciting and high energy and that’s why kids love it so much,” said Carter who is also an Emmy-winning television producer for a nationally syndicated talk show.

Whether you have two left feet or loads of rhythm, mastering the hottest hip hop dance moves has never been easier! Hip Hop Dance Class features the best step-by-step instruction for every child at every level. The video teaches three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Plus, there’s cardio hip hop, freestyle dancing and kids even learn how to clap and step to the beat.

Hip Hop Dance Class is designed to get school-aged children out of their seats. Carter says, “All of our products encourage children to get up and move. When you create fun fitness activities for children, its a great first step to batting the childhood obesity epidemic in this country.”

Hip Hop Dance Class is the newest offering from the It’s Hip Hop, Baby! DVD series that features music and energizing dance numbers to help children stay active while they learn. Created especially for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 6, the catchy music of It’s Hip Hop, Baby! can be enjoyed by the whole family and comes in four videos and CD:

- “All Your Child’s Favorites”
- “Get Healthy, Get Fit”
- “Things We Do Everyday”
- “Rockin’ Dance Party”
- “Fruit” music CD

“As a parent, one of my favorite things to do is sing and dance around the house with my children,” says Carter a mother of two. “This video is a perfect tool for parents to engage their children with an activity that is fun but also encourages fitness and movement, which we all know is so important right now.”

It’s Hip Hop, Baby! Hip Hop Dance Class is available now at www.itshiphopbaby.com.

GIVEAWAY

2010-04-15T10:03:00.005-05:00

It's Hip-Hop Baby is so excited to announce our first giveaway!

Curls, an organic hair product company is partnering with us to give away one of their baby products, It's a Curl!

Here's a description of the product:
As gentle as a baby’s bum. As pure as mother’s milk. “It’s A Curl” Organic Baby Curl Care is the first line created especially for baby’s curly tresses. Formulated with only the best in certified organic extracts, botanicals and natural oils proven to calm, soothe and promote healthy hair and skin.

Leave a comment on our blog this weekend and one lucky winner will be randomly selected on Monday!

Check out their website:
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/baby-curly-hair-products.html

Monica & It's Hip-Hop Baby!

2010-04-08T12:04:00.002-05:00

R&B star Monica is just as crazy about Hip Hop Baby as we are! Pictured above with her two sons and one of our DVD's, it's obvious that her children love it too. Monica's newest album, "Still Standing" debuted at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Album chart, and #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 and Digital Album Charts. Even with the huge success of her album and her reality show, "The Single", the young singer still finds quality time for her family.

Here's why Monica loves It's Hip Hop Baby:

"My children and I LOVE "Its Hip Hop Baby. As a young mother of two I look for things that are interesting to us as a family and these DVD's were just what we needed. They are interactive, yet educational and most of all FUN. These DVD's are in heavy rotation in our home and will be for years to come"

Lunch Fun

2010-03-22T11:16:00.005-05:00

Are your kids getting tired of the same 'ole PB&J in their lunchboxes? Parents.com gave us some great tips on how to spice up the sandwich routine. Try these are let us know what you think!

The Laughing Cow light spreadable cheese with ham and grated carrot

Whipped cream cheese and fresh blueberries

Apple butter and fresh apple slices

Hummus and chopped peppers

Almond butter with slivered almonds and dried cranberries

Tuna salad and a sliced tomato

Veggie cream cheese and cucumber

Let us know which ones are a hit!

Best TV for Kids

2010-03-15T10:42:00.003-05:00

With spring just around the corner, there's bound to be a few rainy days where you're going to need some indoor entertainment. Timeout New York compiled a list of the best TV shows for kids, helping us to feel a little less guilty about them watching.

Our first choice is It's Hip Hop Baby! Pop in one of our DVDs and get your kids moving, learning, AND entertained all in one.

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

Based on stories written by British clergyman Wilbert Awdry, about a group of talking engines who aspire to be “Really Useful” to the railway manager, Thomas & Friends (as it’s also known) shows kids what we mean when we talk about emotions like doubt, worry, excitement and caring.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

Now in its second season, this show has already cornered the market on cool guest stars (Elijah Wood, the Shins), offbeat lessons (it has taught viewers how to play the therein) and danceable music (Of Montreal has provided tunes). It’s a new-new classic for the post-post-punk generation.

iCarly

Boob tube, meet the podcast. Resolved to ponder but never to pander, the series addresses such of-today concepts as instant celebrity, technoliteracy (teen Carly Shay produces her own Web show) and even the hardships of military families (her dad is stationed overseas). Look for Miranda Cosgrove to become a crossover star come adulthood.

Other Top Picks:

Barney & Friends
Boohbah

Let us know what your kid's favorite shows are!

Moms-to-be

2010-03-05T08:03:00.002-06:00

For all the moms-to-be out there, Parents Magazine just posted a great little article about creative ways to let everyone know you're expecting!

Here's a few of our favorites:

Hot-Rod Grandma

We all ride motorcycles in my family, so I sent my mom a book entitled Grandma Rides a Harley when I found out I was pregnant. She called me the second she got it. I could tell she was very excited, but was trying to keep calm until she got clarification.
-Dawn S., Burlington, Connecticut

We were going to my parents' house for dinner and wanted to surprise them by telling them we were pregnant. We told them we would bring the dessert, so we picked up an ice cream cake and had "We're Pregnant" written on it. It was hard to keep quiet all through dinner, but boy were we excited for dessert. Seven months later we played hangman to revel the name we had chosen for our little Ella Rose.
-- Celine V., Phoenix, Arizona

We told our parents by taking each of them out to lunch and giving our mothers "just a little something we saw and thought they would like." The gift was a wrapped bib that said "I Love Grandma." It took a few seconds for them to realize what the bib meant and their reactions were shock then complete happiness and tears. An amazing moment!
-- Lisa D.A., Warwick, Rhode Island

Do you have a great story like one of these to share? We'd love to hear!

Out & About: Chicago

2010-03-02T14:42:00.002-06:00

If you're going to venture out of your own kitchen this weekend, mix it up by going for brunch instead of dinner. Time Out Chicago has some great kid-friendly suggestions that we just had to share - dig in!

Shaw’s Crab House (21 E Hubbard St, 312-527-2722)
You won’t be able to pull your kids away from the waffle bar and mounds of maple-smoked bacon at this Sunday buffet—where 12-and-unders eat free with a paying adult—until they get a load of the sweets table, stacked with housemade desserts, lollipops and poufs of cotton candy.

Angel Food Bakery (1636 W Montrose Ave, 773-728-1512)
Maybe dishes like smoked trout focaccia and creamed wild mushrooms sound a little adult for a kid-friendly brunch. But don’t worry—this retro café also makes awesome egg-in-a-hole entrees and housemade “airstreams” (its take on Twinkies) to balance it all out.

Nana (3267 S Halsted St, 312-929-2486)
The fact that much of the food here is organic is one good reason to visit. The spiced apple crêpes, corn-oat waffles and baked chilaquiles are three others.

If you try one, let us know what you think!

Get all the scoop.

Money-saving Tips

2010-02-27T16:15:00.004-06:00

Money is tight for most now, and it can get even tighter with the extra expense of being a parent. This article from Parenting.com has great tips for the parents looking to get the most bang for their buck. Here's some of our favorites:

lose brand loyalty. You can save 40 percent with generic over-the-counter drugs. Active ingredients are usually the same (check to be sure).

Say hello to hand-me-downs.
Round up a couple of other moms with kids the same gender as yours but different ages, and host a twice-a-year clothes swap.

Read the fine print. To lower monthly bills, home in on cell and cable charges. Scrutinize both bills for services you don't use and cancel 'em.

Troll for discounts. Before you buy online, check Currentcodes.com to see if the website has discount codes posted. And if you receive a gift card that doesn't thrill you, swap it at certificateswap.com or swapagift.com.

Check it out. Take tots to the library to borrow books instead of buying them. (While you're there, ask about any free toddler programs.) Or check websites like Amazon .com or Strandbooks.com for new books at a discount.

Picky-Eaters?

2010-02-25T11:23:00.006-06:00

It's hard to find a child who doesn't love Mac-n-Cheese, but it's not hard to find one who doesn't want to eat their vegetables. This recipe for Veggie Mac-n-Cheese is a great way to sneak something healthy into something yummy. It's so delicious they won't even notice!

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups dried tubular pasta, such as elbow macaroni
* 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices
* 10 oz. of frozen or fresh broccoli, stems sliced, florets separated
* 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
* 1 cup low-fat plain cottage cheese
* 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard (country style)

* 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 to 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded (depends on how cheesy you want it)
* 4 oz. part-skim mozzarella cheese, coarsely shredded
* 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or margarine.
2. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 4 minutes. Stir in the carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes more. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, and return the pasta and vegetables to the saucepan. Stir in the peas.
3. In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese with the reserved liquid from the cooked pasta. Add the mustard, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Stir into the pasta and vegetables. Mix in the cheddar and mozzarella and pour into the baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
4. Bake uncovered until the top is golden brown (about 20 to 25 minutes), then let it set for 10 minutes to firm up. Serves 4. Note: This dish can be prepared a day before it is baked.

Too Sick for School?

2010-02-22T09:44:00.003-06:00

Winter isn’t over yet, and that means cold and flu season isn’t either. Here’s some tips from Parenting.com on how to know if your child is too sick to go to school.

Good to go:
A sore throat accompanied by a runny nose is often just due to simple irritation from the draining mucus; send him off as long as he's fever-free.

Too sick:
If the achy throat is accompanied by swollen glands, a fever, headache, or stomachache, bring him to the doctor for a strep test, especially if he's 3 or older (the bacterial infection is unusual in younger kids). Children with strep should be on antibiotics for at least a full day before mixing in with the class.
Good to go:
If your child is fever-free and isn't hacking up a storm, he's a go. After all, if children with snotty noses were excluded, schools would be empty!

Too sick:
Junior is staying home if he has a persistent, phlegmy cough and seems cranky or lethargic. He's also couch-bound if his cold symptoms are accompanied by a fever or wheezing.
Good to go:
Your child is good to go if he's over 4 months old, has a temperature below 100.4°F, is receptive to drinking fluids, and doesn't appear to have had a personality transplant.

Too sick:
If your baby is 4 months old or younger, call the doctor at the slightest indication of fever (anything above 98.6°F) or a sudden change in behavior; daycare is out. Older children should stay home if their temps rise above 100.4°F. A feverish child is not only considered contagious, but he's also probably not feeling well enough to learn or participate. Keep him home until he's been fever-free for 24 hours and is feeling like his usual self.

Read the full article here.

Hip-Hop New York!

2010-02-20T15:02:00.004-06:00

For all of our Hip Hip Babies and Parents located in New York, Timeout New York recently featured a list of local kid-friendly restaurants for your next night out on the town!

Here are a few stand-out places.

Manhattan:

Moomah
All-day craft time means kids and parents can tackle a “do-it-together” project without messing up their own kitchen table. Trained artists are on hand to help—another perk you probably don’t enjoy at home. The eclectic menu offers plenty to please finicky eaters: Steer the most indecisive toward the “super tryers” menu, where they can choose a sampling of six simple foods from a seasonal list.
161 Hudson St between Hubert and Laight Sts (212-226-0345, moomah.com). DIT table Mon–Sat 9am–5pm.

Brooklyn:
The Perch Café
Entertainment every day of the week, much of it aimed squarely at kids, makes this eatery as family-welcoming as can be.
365 Fifth Ave between 5th and 6th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-2830, theperchcafe.com). Sing-alongs and drum-alongs $5 per family. See the website for schedule and additional special programming.

Queens:
Espresso 77
Monthly storytime at the beloved coffeeshop is a boon to the burgeoning Jackson Heights stroller set. Enjoy an expertly pulled latte and let Sue the Story Queen work her magic.
35-57 77th St between 35th and 37th Aves, Jackson Heights, Queens (718-424-1077, espresso77.com). Next storytime: Tue Feb 2 at 11am. See the website for future dates.

Read more here.

Fun Food: Crepes

2010-02-18T12:19:00.004-06:00

Crepes are and fun and easy way to let children get hands-on in the kitchen, and make their food their own creation! Perfect for a weekend morning breakfast or a quick dinner, here is a simple recipe for this classic French dish.

Batter Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. Whisk together flour and eggs. Gradually add the rest of the ingredients and beat until smooth.

2. Heat a greased medium-sized frying pan over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the pan, move pan in a circular motion until the whole surface is covered evenly.

3. Let cook for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown, then flip with spatula and cook the other side.

Fillings for crepes can be sweet or savory. Here are some great filling suggestions, but let your kids experiment and see what else might taste good!

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Fresh Fruit & Cream Cheese

Melted Cheese

Sautéed spinach and mushrooms

Hummus

Lunch Meat & Cheese

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon pieces

Maple Syrup

And for Dessert Crepes fill with:

Cool Whip and Chocolate Syrup

Ice cream and Sprinkles

Healthy Snacks for Hip Hop Baby Kids!

2010-01-27T12:32:00.003-06:00

A lot of New Year's resolutions have been broken by now, but what about the one to continue to keep your family eating healthy? That resolution should be year round. Parents magazine recently posted a few great snack ideas that we thought we should share with you!

1- Veggie Dip- cut up vegetables into slices and serve with hummus.

2-Turkey Tortilla- Place deli turkey, low-fat mozzarella, and lettuce on a whole wheat tortilla. Roll tightly, seal, and refrigerate. Cut into 1-inch slices.

3-Delicious Smoothies- Blend a banana with one cup nonfat milk and two tablespoons Ovaltine. You can add variety by mixing in other fruits, yogurt, and peanut butter.

4-New Take on Yogurt- Mix low-fat vanilla yogurt with low-fat granola and dried cranberries.

Our favorite is the turkey tortilla- let us know if you try any of them, we'd love to hear from you!!

Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-23T19:23:00.003-06:00

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from all of us here at It's Hip Hop, Baby!

Holiday Cookies for Kids!

2009-12-10T10:53:00.005-06:00

Here at It's Hip Hop, Baby! we were searching for some holiday cookies to share with our readers- then one just dawned on us. Gingerbread cookies! A delicious and easy for kids to decorate. Disney Family Fun posted a fantastic recipe that we love! Your kids can use anything to decorate the gingerbread cookies, just make sure they're having lots of FUN! Happy baking!

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup molasses
Tubes of white decorator's frosting
Red and green M & M's and Skittles

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, sift the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda. Set aside dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, blend the butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, and then the molasses. Slowly add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture, stirring after each addition with the wooden spoon or mixer (the dough should be stiff).
Divide the dough in half, flatten into a thick pancake (a fun step for kids set up with a rolling pin) and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the dough is firm enough to roll (if it becomes too stiff, soften for 10 minutes at room temperature).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a floured counter, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men and a spatula to transfer them to a greased cookie sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until light brown.
Once the gingerbread men have cooled, invite your kids to pipe on frosting features and clothing (they can make both boys and girls -- or even a whole gingerbread family). Add red and green candies for buttons. Makes about 25 cookies.

Make it a holiday tradition with your family!

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/gingerbread-kids-678845/
Photo: http://bakingbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/nic_gingerman_hat.jpg

New Fun Eco-Friendly Tablewear for Kids!

2009-11-15T22:42:00.004-06:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! found these great products and we want you to check out! A New York mom of four started this company because she wanted to make sure her kids were having a healthy and fun eating experience- wa-la! Rooware! They manufacture their tableware from an innovative bio-based plastic, which allows the products to be sustainable. They're also cute and fun! They feature characters called the "Earthsaverz," who you can customize for your child. A great holiday gift, It's Hip Hop, Baby! loves this new product! Check them out at www.rooware.com

Do You Live in One of America's Coolest Small Towns?

2009-10-03T23:09:00.003-05:00

Budget Travel went in search of America's best small towns that get it -- great coffee, food with character and shop owners with purpose. Did your hometown make the top 10?

Cayucos, Calif.

(pop. 3,000)

serious waves and serious food

About halfway between San Francisco andLos Angeles, Cayucos is everything you want in a mellow beach town — an anomaly on the increasingly built-up coast. While the vibe is decidedly relaxed, two things get residents fired up: serious waves and serious food. Surfer Wade Rumble bridges both worlds as owner of Rogue Wave Cafe, where most mornings, after drying off his board, he sells fair-trade, organic coffee beans. Just off Highway 1, Cayucos requires a dedicated detour, which has helped it remain untouched. "We have beautiful beaches and beautiful people," says Christa Hozie, who runs Brown Butter Cookie Company with her sister Traci Nickson; the duo make super-addictive sea-salt-topped cookies. "I came to visit three years ago and thought it was such a magical place," explains Hozie. Grace Lorenzen had a similar reaction. She moved back to the Central Coast from Seattle in 2002 and now manages the five-room Cass House Inn (from $165). The restored 1860s Victorian has a fitting soundtrack for the coastal town: the lulling surf. — Mario López-Cordero

Lexington, Virg.

(pop. 6,867)

right out of a Norman Rockwell

Locals often describe this 19th-century hamlet between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains as "right out of a Norman Rockwell painting." Lexington, about 50 miles north of Roanoke, is the kind of place where people are invested in making sure history is paid real respect. Take Hull's Drive-In Theatre: When the 1950s institution was in danger of closing in 1999, a group of 50 — dubbed the Hull's Angels — banded together to save it; they succeeded after raising an initial $10,000 selling popcorn. Meanwhile, family-owned B&Bs like the 1868 Magnolia House Inn dot Main Street (from $139). "It's like a movie set," says resident Siobhan Lomax. While history has a hold, modernity has entered in just the right way, in part thanks to Lomax, whose two clothing boutiques, P.S. Pumpkinseeds, and George and Bob, stock labels such as Trina Turk and Penguin. At the year-old Red Hen, chef Tucker Yoder, who trained at the New England Culinary Institute, creates dishes like pork belly with garlic scapes. The sense of community has proven fertile ground for his business — and family. "I have three kids, and I don't have to worry about them riding their bikes down the street," says Yoder. Norman Rockwell indeed. — Mario López-Cordero

Breaux Bridge, La.

(pop. 8,200)

big crawfish in a small pond

In the world's crawfish capital, an hour southwest of Baton Rouge, days revolve around Cajun meals and music. Locals two-step to upbeat zydeco tunes at places like Café Des Amis, a brick-walled space that's famous for its crawfish étouffée and where the dining room doubles as a dance floor. The music is what drew long-time New Orleans resident Ellen Wicker back to the area from Maryland five years ago. "I was out dancing, and I met a guy who knew of a B&B that was for sale," Wicker recalls. She picked up the converted 1860s French Creole-style house and opened Maison Des Amis, a B&B with a half-acre of landscaped gardens and a gazebo looking out on the bayou in the back (from $100). "Locals in Breaux Bridge are just friendly and generous," she says. "Right after the hurricane, families took in people they didn't know from Adam and put them up." While his New Orleans shop was being reconstructed after Katrina hit, decorator Patrick Dunne opened satellite locations of his culinary antiques store Lucullus in Breaux Bridge, upon a friend's recommendation. Now Dunne and his French bulldog, Clovis ("He's very much into zydeco"), split their time between city and country. Says Dunne: "It's fun being a big crawfish in a small pond." — Maria Ricapito

Tubac, Ariz.

(pop. 1,900)

galleries are framed by mountain views

Over the years, everyone from Spanish missionaries to maverick cowboys has called this high-desert town — 40 minutes south of Tucson — home. These days, you're most likely to find artists roaming the streets of Tubac, where dozens of galleries are framed by rugged-mountain views. "Not only is there no traffic, there's no traffic lights," says Dennis Rowden, who runs Spanish-meets-Western housewares store Pancho's with his interior decorator wife, Lorraine. While the Western charm is obvious, Tubac's sophistication is a subtler surprise. "People underestimate us," says jeweler Martita Foss, who moved to Tubac last year from southern California to work at the Tubac Center of the Arts, a 4,000-square-foot space for concerts, lectures, and gallery shows. "They may say, 'Oh, it's just an old historic town,' but we're really pretty hip." Foss discovered Tubac on a road trip with friends. "The light is amazing, and the sunsets are phenomenal," she says. The long wooden porch at the five-room Tubac Country Inn is the perfect place to see the orange-and-red-streaked sky at sundown as it casts its shadow on the area's cacti. Notes Foss: "It's not hard to see why painters and photographers have been drawn here." — Keith Mulvihill

Wallace, Idaho

(pop. 1,000)

a place that mines its own history

Preservation and industriousness are key in Wallace, a former mining town about 40 miles east ofCoeur d'Alene in northwest Idaho, where every single building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Bicyclists setting off on the roughly 87 miles of area trails fuel up on huckleberry shakes at Red Light Garage, a café decorated with vintage musical instruments. The café is run by musician turned contractor Jamie Baker and his wife, Barbara, who have made a second career out of restoring Wallace's 100-year-old buildings. Their latest, Hercules Inn, opened to visitors this summer, and each of the four units has a kitchen (from $75). "Some folks would call this retirement," says Chase Sanborn, who ran a snowboarding-apparel company before opening Wallace Brewing Company, where you'll find him filling kegs seven days a week. — Jason Cohen

Saugerties, N.Y.

(pop. 5,000)

shop owners extend the welcome mat

Don't be surprised if you're invited into someone's house the minute you set foot in Saugerties, 100 miles up the Hudson River from New York City. Richard Frisbie operates Hope Farm Press & Bookshop out of his converted living room. "We're the book capital of the Hudson Valley," says Frisbie, who often shares anecdotes from some of his 3,500 books, which focus on the region. It's not uncommon for other shop owners to extend the welcome mat, too. In their two-story 1826 building, chef-owners Marc Propper and Michelle Silver serve homemade brown-sugar ice cream at long, wooden farm tables downstairs at Miss Lucy's Kitchen; upstairs they rent out two warmly inviting apartments, each with a kitchenette. Saugerties can feel so much like home for weekenders that some have made it official. On a mushroom-foraging trip in the Hudson Valley, friends Mark Grusell and Juan Romero decided to plant themselves for good and opened Love Bites Cafe, a cozy, 16-seat café with an open kitchen that serves dishes like coconut-carrot French toast with vanilla-citrus butter. — Thisbe Nissen

Mount Vernon, Iowa

(pop. 4,671)

art isn't confined to gallery walls

In Mount Vernon, about a 20-minute drive east of Cedar Rapids, art isn't confined to gallery walls. As you're driving in on Highway 30, a local artist's rendition of Grant Wood's American Gothic, splashed on the side of a barn, immediately sets the town's tone. And at an annual sidewalk-chalk festival, which takes place each May, hundreds of people put their stamp on more than 4,000 square feet of the main drag. "There's a certain amount of culture here that's not as unapproachable as in a larger city," says Matt Steigerwald, a chef from North Carolina who runs Lincoln Cafe, where dishes like the Carolina pork BBQ sandwich draw diners from all over the state. The unofficial clubhouse for Mount Vernon's creative types is Fuel, a 4-year-old coffee shop that doubles as an antiques store. Some of the shop's sofas, tables, and lamps are for sale, along with everything from ceramic tiles to handmade greeting cards. — Thisbe Nissen

Jacksonville, Ore.

(pop. 2,750)

a refuge from the tourist whirl of napa

Just across the border from California and 4½ hours south of Portland, this old gold-rush town is getting its second wind from liquid gold. With 17 wineries in the surrounding Applegate Valley, and a climate that's ripe for growing multiple types of grapes, Jacksonville is a refuge from the tourist whirl of Napa. Herb Quady is among the residents integral to the burgeoning scene. Quady, whose father, Andrew, produces dessert wines at Quady Winery in Madera, Calif., opened the Quady North tasting room in April. "There isn't anyplace in California that's nearly as cute," Quady explains of his move. "We're all about the bucolic southern Oregon life." The best way to tap in is at South Stage Cellars, which stocks bottles from nine area wineries. The Garden Bistro at the five-room McCully House Inn & Cottages showcases local growers of a different sort, with food products from 27 area purveyors, including cheese from the goats at nearby Pholia Farm (from $135). The lifestyle drew Constance and David Jesser, a chef and a commodities trader, respectively, from Sonoma five years ago to open Jacksonville Mercantile, where the shelves are filled with provisions like black-truffle-roasted almonds. — Jason Cohen

Rockland, Maine

(pop. 7,680)

sophistication mixed with saltiness

You'll find just enough sophistication to balance the saltiness of mid-coast Maine in Rockland (about an hour and a half northeast of Portland), where regional mainstays are reinvented every day. After honing her skills working for Perry Ellis in New York City, Beth Bowley was lured back to Maine four years ago. "Rockland is filled with folks who've seen what the world has to offer and want to be here," says Bowley, who opened the boutique FourTwelve, which she stocks with clothing and accessories like Sea Bags, made from recycled sails. Down the street at Suzuki's Sushi Bar, Japanese-born chef Keiko Suzuki Steinberger infuses freshly caught lobster, shrimp, and crab with modern Japanese flavors. Steinberger first came to Rockland to visit a second cousin but stayed after falling for her now-husband. As pleasant as a short visit can be, the real risk of visiting Rockland is that you'll do the same and need to move here for good. It's worth testing the waters by renting a house, which you can find 19th-century Capes for $125 a night. — Carole Braden

Whitefish, Mont.

(pop. 7,723)

ski bums and urban refugees congregate

After a frenzied stint on Broadway's 42nd Street, actor Luke Walrath was ready for a quieter pace. His actress wife grew up in Whitefish, about a half-hour north of Kalispell, so the two decided to make it their new home. "It's at once folksy and stylish," he says of the town, a 35-minute drive southwest of Glacier National Park. The couple cofounded the Alpine Theatre Project, which stages seven shows a year. At the foot of the Rockies, Whitefish has long drawn adventure seekers. To live out a rustic Montana fantasy, book a cedar-walled room at Good Medicine Lodge, which feels like a set from Legends of the Fall (from $95). — Kathryn O'Shea-Evans

Worried About The Swine Flu?

2009-10-03T22:09:00.004-05:00

With the kids back to school, how worried should you be about the upcoming flu season, especially in the year of H1N1, also known as swine flu? You may have heard -- and been frightened by -- the "plausible scenario" from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) that 30 to 50 percent of the population could contract this flu, with up to 90,000 deaths possible. Already, experts estimate more than 1 million people in the United States have contracted the virus.

It's easy to freak amid the scary-sounding stats, but take a deep breath. Many experts think the worst case scenario outlined by PCAST is unlikely, and that swine flu is still pretty much acting like seasonal flu. "The southern hemisphere is completing their flu season, and the virus hasn't mutated to become more virulent and it's still susceptible to the drugs we have to treat it," says Neil Fishman, M.D., director of the department of healthcare epidemiology and infection control at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia.

This is an excerpt from "Swine Flu: A Guide For Parents"- learn about how to prevent it...signs & symptoms and the latest information about the vaccine at Parents.com.

http://www.parenting.com/Common/printArticle.jsp?articleID=1000071579

Also, check the CDC's 2009 H1N1 Flu site- http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/

How you can make great ribs in the crock pot!!!

2009-09-24T20:42:00.004-05:00

We wanted to share one of our favorite crock pot recipes. After searching for a way to make barbecue ribs with little mess -- we came across a simple solution in the crock pot.

1 slab of pork or beef ribs (cut into 3 or 4 sections)

Put salt, pepper, season salt on both sides of the ribs

Place the ribs in the crock pot

Pour a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs

Cook on high 4 to 6 hours or low 6 to 8 hours...

They are tender and delicious!!! Enjoy.

Little Gardener

2009-09-03T11:53:00.005-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! is so happy see more people following our blog and we especially love the great comments we've been getting! Thanks again for the support!

We received a comment from Shirley who would love to see us post an article about kids growing their own food. As environmental appreciation is gaining more power around the world, we can't leave the little ones out of the movement!

Check out this really cool article about vegetables that children would have a blast growing in their own garden!

Not only does this fun activity get your kids more interested in fresh foods (and eating their veggies*) but it gets them started early with healthy eating habits! They'll appreciate what they grew in turn will love eating their own vegetables!

P.S. Look at these super cute names for these fun vegetables!

Bean, Green Snap ‘Asparagus Bean’ is an extremely prolific climbing vine. The common name, yard long bean comes from bean pods which reach an amazing yard in length. Beans are best picked when smaller but allowing several to grow to their full length will give children something to talk about with their friends as well as a lesson in saving seeds for the following season.

Lettuce ‘Tom Thumb’ is a miniature butter-head type lettuce. The flavor is very sweet and buttery. The plant produces a head that is perfect for a single salad so grow enough for each child to have their own bowl.

Onions ‘Pearl’ also known as pickling onions. These small onions can be harvested when they are the size of a marble. Children will get a kick out of tossing these into a salad bowl at lunchtime or adding them to pickled cucumber mixes.

Pumpkin ‘Baby Boo’ This small pumpkin has edible white flesh. It reaches maturity at 2 to 4 inches wide. Baby Boo sometimes produces odd shaped fruits which are a lot of fun to add to the Thanksgiving centerpiece along with ‘Little-Jack’ pumpkins.

Radish ‘Easter Egg’ This radish is a great mix of colors including white, red, pink and purple. Pull them when they are as small as marbles for colorful additions to salads. They may also be allowed to grow a bit larger. These radishes do not have the ‘bite’ that others typically have and so children are more apt to try them.

Squash ‘Sweet Dumpling’ has a sweet orange flesh surrounded by ribbed, creamy skin with green stripes. The fruit matures at about 4 inches wide and makes an excellent stuffing squash.

Tomatoes ‘Tommy Toe’ is an old favorite which is always loaded with tiny grape to quarter-sized fruits. This is a true anyone can grow tomato plant. Grow in a hanging basket or patio pot and pick often to encourage more fruit.

Get out there with them and start digging!

ECO-FRIENDLY FROM DAY ONE!

2009-08-17T15:09:00.004-05:00

With our society becoming more aware of how important Mother Nature truly is, "Eco-Friendly" is a phrase that has definitely been used more than once in recent years!

From diapers and certain foods to teething toys, the green movement has swept over the Mom world, as well.

It's Hip Hop, Baby found the cutest article at www.parenting.com on eco-friendly baby names!

Now your baby can be in tune with Earth from their first day on Earth!

Check 'em out!

Acadia French, Place name.	Ansel French, Follower of a nobleman.
Birch English, Birch tree.	Branch Latin, Tree branch.
Canyon Latin, Deep ravine.	Cedar Latin, Tree.
Cliff English, Short for Clifford.	Denali Native American, The great one.
Forrest English, Woods.	Lake English, Body of water.
Leaf Latin, Tree/flower leaf.	Meadow English, Meadow.
Nature Latin, Nature, life.	Ocean English, The ocean.
Petal English, Flower petal.	Prairie English, Prairie.
Ranger French, English, Gamekeeper.	Ridge English, Ridge of a cliff.
River English, River.	Scout English, Observer, explorer.
Sea English, Body of water.	Sequoia Cherokee, Giant tree.
Spruce English, Evergreen tree.	Tide Latin, Fluctuations of the ocean.
Timber English, Wood.	Willow English, Willow tree.
Wisteria English, Flowers.	Woody English, Short for Woodrow, Woodruff.

Plan A Family Fun Night!

2009-08-11T21:46:00.002-05:00

As the summer winds down, busy Fall schedules are right around the corner!

With a few weeks left of the relaxing season, why not spend time with those who matter the most? Family!

After work or summer camp or even a slow day at the pool, come home and plan a Family Fun Night! Remember those?

Here are some great ideas to really get in some family bonding time!

- Plan a party! Who needs an occassion?

- Game Night! Board games, dominoes, UNO!

- Watch a movie together! Pick a family favorite!

- Make something together! (Family meal, arts and crafts)

- Pick something you know your family loves!

Check out the full article at www.kaboose.com!

http://family-fun.kaboose.com/plan-a-fun-family-night.html

Need Quiet? 15 Ways to Soothe A Crying Baby!

2009-08-06T12:43:00.002-05:00

Here at It's Hip Hop, Baby!, we all know how frusterating it can be when our beautiful little baby's lungs can seem as loud as the ambulance wailing by the house!

You've tried cuddling, bottles, music and nothing seems to help. A headache may be lurking near, but don't worry!

At www.parenting.com, we found 15 clever ways to help soothe a crying baby! Try a few of these tips and in no time, you'll become a pro at putting that smile you love so much right back on your precious infant!

1. Run the shower
2. Rub their belly
3. Sing the chorus of "Umbrella"
4. Walk through your garden
5. Bark, burp (or make another suprising noise!)
6. Stroke their hair
7. Turn on your hair dryer
8. Hand them to someone else
9. Stroll over gravel or a bumpy lawn
10.Massage their feet
11.Make a funny face
12.Put a warm bottle of formula on their belly
13.Switch on the vacuum
14.Sing "Silent Night"
15.Find a cute dog you can sit and watch

Do you hear that? Sounds like quiet to me!

Make Nutrition Fun and Even Colorful!

2009-07-20T12:45:00.004-05:00

Check out this really fun and cool idea on how to make nutrition fun for you child!

We found this article on www.parenting.com and it says that a really colorful way to get your little one to eat healthier is to color coordinate each day with certain foods of the same shade.

For each day of the week, pack their lunch with a certain color of the rainbow! Not only will they learn their colors, they'll be eating healthier, too... (something all moms want!)

Monday
Color: Purple
Fruit: Toss a handful of blueberries into vanilla yogurt.
Veggie: Layer eggplant slices into slightly defrosted lasagna.

Tuesday
Color: White
Fruit: Wrap peeled pear slices in ham or turkey slices.
Veggie: Saute chopped cauliflower, then fold into mac 'n' cheese.

Wednesday
Color: Red
Fruit: Add unpeeled apple slices to a peanut butter sandwich.
Veggie: Spear cherry tomatoes on toothpicks with cubes of cheese.

Thursday
Color: Orange/Yellow
Fruit: Top cottage cheese with fresh apricot slices.
Veggie: Sweeten up cooked carrots with butter and brown sugar.

STUCK INSIDE? CHECK OUT THESE ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS!

2009-07-06T14:30:00.004-05:00

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Feeling tired and don't want to get up to go to the park with your kids? No worries!

Check out these cool indoor crafts and activities that can keep your baby or toddler busy! With a few simple materials, your little ones will be entertained for hours-and you can lounge out on the couch! :)

We found this article on www.parenting.com**

Stick 'em Up

What you'll need: Pad of sticky notes, crayons

Best for: 1 and up

Stick a few rows of notes to a wall or the side of your desk and have your toddler take them off and put them back up again (and again!).
Hand your older toddler a pad of notes and a few crayons and say, "Would you draw a picture on each, and then decorate this door?"
Write a number from 1 to 20 or an individual letter -- from the alphabet, or just the ones in your child's name -- on each sticky note. Place the numbers or letters out of order on the wall and challenge your preschooler to put them in order.
If your child counts but doesn't yet recognize numbers, put one star on one note, two stars on the next one, and so forth. Then he can also line up his notes by the number of stars.

Souped-up Stickers

What you'll need: Paper, two or three sheets of different stickers
Best for: 18 months and up

Draw small shapes and letters on the piece of paper. Toddlers can simply cover each shape or letter with a sticker.
Preschoolers can follow a key: Dog stickers go over the letter "D," for example, or stars on top of every "S.

Mythical Creatures

What you'll need: Kid-safe scissors, catalogs, glue stick, paper, crayons
Best for: 2 and up

Have your child cut out pictures of people and animals. (You'll probably do the cutting for a toddler.) Cut heads off bodies.
Your child can mix and match heads and bodies and glue them to the paper, or draw his own bodies after gluing the heads.

Little Weavers

What you'll need: Six rubber bands, sturdy cardboard or notebook, pencils, kid-safe scissors, paper
Best for: 2 and up

Place the rubber bands around a piece of cardboard. Toddlers can "weave" pencils over and under the rubber bands.
Preschoolers can cut strips of paper and weave these into the bands.

Polka-dot Masterpiece

What you'll need: Paper punch, paper, envelope, glue stick
Best for: 3 and up

Punch out a few dozen holes and put them in an envelope for your preschooler. She can glue the circles onto another piece of paper.
When she's done, tape the paper with the punched-out holes onto another piece of paper; let her use it as a stencil by coloring in all the holes.

GREAT WEBSITES FOR ONLINES COUPONS!

2009-07-06T13:57:00.003-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! totally understands the importance and need of finding bargains and steals whenever possible!

Saving money on anything can really make a Mom's day! Finding coupons and amazing deals on anything you may need for your family can only be a click away!

On Parenting.com, we found an article that featured their favorite online coupons websites as well as super deals on diapers, foods and other products!

Check it out and start saving!

Coupons:

www.flamangoworld.com
www.couponcabin.com
www.couponmountain.com
www.thecouponclippers.com
www.savingsmania.com
www.retailmenot.com
www.swapbabygoods.com

Read the full articles for other cool deals!

http://www.parenting.com/article/Mom/Work--Family/Coupons-for-Mom-1000066036

CHECK OUT IT'S HIP HOP, BABY! AT THE TASTE OF CHICAGO 2009!

2009-06-29T13:43:00.002-05:00

CHICAGOLAND PARENTS!!!

It's Hip Hop, Baby! will be performing at the Taste of Chicago 2009!

FRIDAY, JULY 3!

***Show Times: 12:10pm, 1:40pm, 2:55pm

Bring your toddlers and children out for a wonderful day in beautiful Grant Park in Downtown Chicago!

There will be plenty of action and excitement at one of the most memorable events of Chicago's summer: The Taste!

We will have a stage just for your children to dance on with the kids from the It's Hip Hop, Baby! DVDs and CDs!

Miss Dre will host the show with a fun-filled dance routine and plenty of expertise to teach your kids some moves!

Come out for the perfect family outing and support It's Hip Hop, Baby!

***Look for "The Fun Stage" on the Southwest corner of Columbus and Jackson!

***Parking Garages: Millennium Park, East Monroe, or Grant Park

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

GREAT FOODS FOR EATING AND EVEN BETTER FOR TEACHING!!

2009-06-29T13:32:00.004-05:00

Here at It's Hip Hop, Baby! we're all about teaching toddlers and children in the most effective and fun ways!

Check out this article we found at www.parenting.com about 6 cool foods that are wonderful for teaching your toddler about the world around them!

These foods are great for learning colors, numbers and more!

Your toddler won't mind learning when it tastes so good!

Here's the list!

1. Jell-O (colors)
2. Earth's Best Letter of the Day Cookies (letters)
3. Keebler Graham Bug Bites (insects)
4. Cheez-It Scrabble Junior (letters)
5. Fruit Roll Up Stickerz (colors)
6. Campbell's Chicken Alphabet Soup (letters)

Click this link to see the full slide show!

http://www.parenting.com/recipes-gallery/Recipes/7-Snacks-that-Teach

SAFER TEETHERS FOR YOUR BABY!

2009-06-22T20:40:00.005-05:00

Here at It's Hip Hop, Baby! we have a 6 month old who LOVES these safe, creative and colorful teething toys by DANO2. This company focuses on making products for infants that are made of non-toxic and FDA approved materials that qualify as medical grade.

Daniel Monahan started this business after deeply wanting to always have safe toys for his young daughter to use. Out of that vision, DANO2 was born. With a mission to make their products in the US while using the best materials possible, this unique toy company really sets itself apart from the rest!

Check out their website for super cool and super safe products for your babies!

http://www.dano2.com/

KEEP THOSE SUMMER SEASHELLS LOOKING NEW!

2009-06-17T12:26:00.004-05:00

Taking a family vacation on the beach this summer?
You know your kids LOVE finding cool seashells on the ocean's shore, right? Even though their new-found treasures look shiny and beautiful when they first get them, they don't always have the same appeal once you get back home.

To prevent the shells from drying, check out this fun and creative way to keep those shells looking like they just came out of the water!
Your child can even create his own masterpiece by decorating the jar how he or she pleases!

We found this article at: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/famf67project0697/famf67project063097.html

Gather rocks, empty shells and sea glass in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Fill a canning jar with a layer of sand and wedge in larger rocks or driftwood, then add the smaller shells. Fill the jar with seawater, screw the lid on tightly, and wrap in a towel to prevent breakage on the ride home.

Stand the jar in a kettle and cover it with water. Heat until the water boils, then simmer for 15 minutes (the cooking kills any algae). Carefully remove the jar from the kettle (parents only) and cool. Let your child label the jar and decorate the lid with sand sprinkled over glue.

Happy hunting!

ADORABLE AND EASY TWIST ON A CLASSIC SNACK!

2009-06-14T23:38:00.003-05:00

Here at It's Hip Hop Baby, we love finding quick and fun recipes that even your kids can help you with!

Check out this super cute recipe for PB & J blossoms we found at:

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50225!

Great for parties, after-school snacks or just a fun way to get your kids going in the kitchen, these edible flowers are perfect for the summertime!


-Bread  
-Peanut butter or cream cheese  
-Jelly or jam  
-Water bottle cap  
     

Step 1 
For each sandwich, cut two slices of bread into flower shapes with a cookie 
cutter. 

Step 2 
Cut a hole in one of the slices by pressing a water bottle cap into the center. 

Step 3 
Spread the peanut butter and jelly on the whole piece and place the slice with 
the hole on top.

WHAT A COOL SUMMER TREAT! FROZEN S'MORES!

2009-06-10T11:27:00.004-05:00

There's nothing like the delicious treats that come along with summer! After a hot day out by the pool or running errands in the baking sun, come home to this interesting twist on a classic camp food and your kids can help!

Frozen s'mores use ice cream instead of marshmallows; no fire needed! We found this recipe Allrecipes.com and it looks gooood!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
14 or so graham crackers
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened on microwave's defrost setting for 30 seconds
1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened on microwave's defrost setting for 30 seconds

Directions:

Microwave cream and chocolate in a 1-quart glass measuring cup on high power until very hot, about 2 minutes. Whisk until chocolate melts into a smooth sauce.
Line an 8-inch square metal pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang. Arrange 1/3 of the graham crackers over bottom, cutting the final few with a knife to fit. Drizzle 1/3 of the sauce over the crackers; spread evenly. Freeze until chocolate is just set, 5 to 10 minutes.
Spread vanilla ice cream over the chocolate. Top with another cracker layer as before. Drizzle another 1/3 of the sauce over the crackers; spread evenly. Freeze until just set, 5 to 10 minutes. Spread chocolate ice cream over the crackers. Arrange a final layer of crackers over the ice cream. Spread remaining sauce over crackers.
Freeze until set, about 2 hours, or double-wrap in plastic and freeze up to 5 days.
To serve, lift dessert from pan; discard plastic wrap. Halve the dessert; cut each half into 6 slices. Return to freezer briefly.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk! YUM!

***Instead of graham crackers, try chocolate chip cookies!

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS OVERLOOKED: KEEP YOUR BABY SAFE!

2009-06-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

Here at It's Hip-Hop Baby, we care so much about keeping children safe at all times! Cnn.com ran a very helpful article on many household hazards that are commonly overlooked. We thought we would share what we found to keep your precious babies and children out of harm's way.

While most parents know to cover outlets and put chemical cleaners out of arm's reach, there are still some things in the house that can be very dangerous.

The article warns parents that putting furniture right under a window can be very hazardous, giving a child a clear opportunity to climb the furniture which could lead to falling out of the window. It suggests using window guards instead of screens, which may not hold the weight of a child. You can find these for around $30 and it's worth it!

We know it sounds like an old record, but we think it's worth mentioning over and over again!

Window treatment cords can also be a danger, so they should be tied up high enough that child or baby wouldn't be able to reach them. Also, keeping cribs or changing tables away from window treatments is a smart idea!

Power cords can potentially be incredibly dangerous, as well. They can cause electrical burns, tripping, strangulation and head trauma if an appliance is pulled with the cord.
Parents should always remember to unplug and secure these cords whenever possible and keep appliances out of the way, too. **This includes exercise equipment cords! If you have a gym, limit the child's access to this room - shut and lock the door if possible.

Link: Remembering Mike Tyson's daughter and the importance of treadmill safety!
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/health/2009/05/mike-tysons-daughter-in-preventable-treadmill-accident-treadmill-safety-tips-.html

In the article, they stress another commonly overlooked hazard - tipped over furniture. Dressers and flat screen televisions are common dangers. Leaving one drawer pulled out makes a dresser less stable if it isn't mounted to the wall. You can buy inexpensive wall mounting kits at baby stores and hardware stores that can hold up to 400 pounds of weight!

With flat screen televisions, try to mount it on the wall but if that's not an option, push it back as far as you can on a stand so a child still wouldn't be able to reach it.

Read the full article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/27/hidden.home.hazards/index.html

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONES SAFE!

DID YOU KNOW YOUR BABY COULD HELP SAVE THE PLANET?

2009-06-08T14:13:00.005-05:00

As more and more people take notice of how important it is to protect Mother Earth, babies can be just as much of a force in this GO GREEN movement!

Cloth diapers may stir up images of constant washing, safety pins and 1957, but they are becoming more convenient and more eco-friendly! Most importantly, they are becoming more Mom-friendly!

Here are some environmentally smart diaper options that we researched that just may help keep our planet healthy and prosperous!

Pocket Diapers, by Happy Heiny's

What they are: They can be made more absorbent with washable fabric inserts that slip into a pocket on the inside of the diaper.

Eco-benefits: These pocket diapers are handmade by moms in the United States from custom-milled fleece. Hemp Stuffins inserts are made from organic hemp -- a plant fiber that's less toxic to process and more biodegradable than fibers from other crops, like cotton. ($16 per Pocket Diaper, $6 per hemp insert; happyheinys.com)

Bamboo Fitted Diapers, by bumGenius

What they are: Superabsorbent and well-fitting diapers with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure.

Eco-benefits: They're made from bamboo, which grows easily without fertilizer or pesticides and has been found to have natural antibacterial elements. ($13; cottonbabies.com)

Adjustable Velcro Diapers, by Under the Nile

What they are: Fitted all-in-one diapers (meaning they're diaper and diaper cover in one) with elastic legs.

Eco-benefits: They get their superior absorbency -- and softness -- from 100 percent organic Egyptian cotton that hasn't been bleached. ($13; underthenile.com)

Organic Absorb-It-All Diapers, by Ecobaby

What they are: Fitted diapers with adjustable side snaps that come in a variety of colors, like pink, seafoam, and buttercup. (Use them with a diaper cover.)

Eco-benefits: Not only are these diapers made of organic Indian cotton, they get their cute hues from natural dyes. ($16 www.ecobaby.com )

GO GREEN!

Kansas City, Missouri: Stay on Budget and Have Fun with the Fam! MIDWEST MOMS: READ!

2009-06-08T13:25:00.011-05:00

NEVER THOUGHT OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI WHEN PLANNING A FAMILY VACATION? THINK AGAIN!

Cnn.com ran a very informative and fun article on a city that offers PLENTY to do without breaking the bank!

In the article, they discussed how Kansas City, Missouri may just seem like a small Midwestern city known for their fantastic barbeque, but it actually is a great tourist spot, especially for children and families! With countless museums, a theme park and the Kansas City Zoo, over 200 fountains in the area, an award-winning children's theater, The Coterie Theater, the incredible Science City Science Museum, and family friendly restaurants like Fritz' Railroad Restaurant, your kids will have tons of fun running around and exploring this great vacation city!

From the looks of it, your children can get their artistic buzz going in the FREE Kaleidoscope in Crown Center Building. Kids can make their own artwork with a colorful array of art supplies and recycled materials, including markers, colored paper, ribbons and so much more! More than 40,000 children have stopped in last year alone! Your kids won't want to leave!
**Ask about their family workshops! (We did!)
While you're in the Crown Center, visit the Hallmark Visitor Center to find out the history of Hallmark and how Hallmark cards are made!

Here at It's Hip Hop Baby, we understand the importance of keeping a reasonable vacation budget! The article shares that there are numerous hotels in the Kansas City area for under $100 a night and the entire family can find something to do in this "best kept secret" vacation city!

Check out the full article at :

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/getaways/06/08/kansas.city.family.travel/index.html?iref=newssearch

Hip Hop Baby Participates in Celebrity Gifting Lounge!

2009-05-12T17:13:00.002-05:00

Hip Hop Baby Participates in Celebrity Gifting Lounge!

Los Angeles, CA (May 8, 2009) – Silver Spoon Entertainment Marketing hosted the 3rd annual Silver Spoon Dog & Baby Buffet at the Hyatt regency in Century City on Friday, May 8th , and Saturday, May 9th. The 2-day long event offered the newest and most fashionable in baby clothing, toys and furniture along with couture dog fashions, cuisine and grooming. The Buffet provided everything a new mom in the spotlight could desire to make their new additions comfortable! In addition, the event raised approximately $5,000 for The Bailey Bayo Foundation, a non-profit working to help children.
Attendees included: Amber Valletta (Hitch), Taryn Manning (Hustle & Flow), Shannon Elizabeth (“Cuts”), Larenz Tate (Crash), Kelly Hu (X-men II), Lisa Edelstein ("House, M.D."), Kevin Weisman (“Alias”), Amy Acker (“Alias”, “Angel”), Bill Bellamy (“Fastlane”), Marissa Jaret Winokur (“Stacked”, Tony winner for Hairspray), Bridgette Wilson Sampras (The Wedding Planner), Pete Sampras (Grand Slam Tennis Champion), Danny Pino (“Cold Case”), Jennifer Finnigan (“Close to Home”), Jonathan Silverman (“The Single Guy”), Melissa Rivers (TV Guide Channel), Victoria Fuller (“The Amazing Race”), Jonathan Baker (The Amazing Race”), socialite Casey Johnson, James Carpinello ("So noTORIous"), Skye McCole Bartusiak ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"), Tony Hale ("Arrested Development"), Kelli McCarty (“Passions”), Mayim Blalik ("Blossom"), Ali Landry , Samantha Harris, Jason Priestley, Natasha Alam ("Entourage") , Marilyn Guevara ("Dirty Sexy Money"), Lynne Curtin ("Real Housewives of Orange County"), Among many other Media, Press and Celebrities.

I Booker Media founder Gemma Touchstone commented, “Every year the Dog and Baby Buffet brings the very best in baby and dog products to showcase at this elite event. This year our selections ranged from Bee Gee Bags retro custom clutch Bags to Sunshine Kids Children's car seats. We even had child psychologist Dr. Selena Emond PH.D on hand to share parenting tips and plan "Parenting Parties".
This event caters to the red carpet style which celebrities, stylists, media and industry heavyweights crave. Prestigious manufactures from around the world join I Booker Media in presenting exclusive Gift bags for selected guests valued at $3,000.00 Invited celebrities, media and special guests at this event will find the latest and greatest baby and children's goods and services.
At this year’s I Booker Media Dog & Baby Buffet, attendees sampled baby clothing from celebrity favorite Micro Me & Frenchy Baby Organics, retro clutch bags from Bee Gee Bags, and innovative and stylish active wear from Krista Pendergast clothing and t-shirts from SkateDanceWear.com, Fantaisie Kids protected tiny heads from the sun with beautiful hats, while Fashion Angels gifted Project Runway creative art kits for the littlest designer. Moms-to-be were able to choose stylish fashions from Is A Belt and select custom embroidered T's from Logan & Blue. New moms snagged Posh Petals hair accessories & hats, and cute kids purses from Grayce Lee. They were also able to choose Barbamel Books & Hip Hop Baby Videos for the latest in educational fun. Sunshine Kids offered the latest in Safe Care seats and Wett Giggles made kids smile with creative bath time soaps. Fortunate babes got to enjoy cute Paci Plushies soft character pacifier holders as well as blankets from Tralala Inc. Moms and babies were gifted with summer essentials by Rejoice Body Care and every parent was invited to Host a Parenting Party with renowned child Psychologist Dr. Selena Emond PHD. Guests were treated to refreshments from WATAAH.

About I Booker Media Entertainment Marketing
I Booker Media Entertainment Marketing has set the trend in Hollywood during award season. With casual ambiance and a unique atmosphere, I Booker Media continues to set the precedent for award show pre-pampering. Designers, jewelers, manufactures, cosmetic and new and innovative lines from around the world travel to Los Angeles to gain access to the media and celebrities surrounding this global event. The company is the creation of Gemma Touchstone and the I Booker Media Team.
I Booker Media www.IBookersGuide.com - The Official Children's Network
DR. SELENA EMOND www.DrSelena.com
WETT GIGGLES www.WettGiggles.com
REJOICE BODY CARE www.Rejoicebodycare.com
MICRO CLOTHING www.Microclothing.com
HIP HOP BABY www.ItsHipHopBaby.com
FASHION ANGELS ENTERPRISES www.FashionAngelsEnterprises.com
SUNSHINE KIDS www.skjp.com
KRISTA PENDERGAST DESIGN www.SkateDanceWear.com
IS A BELT www.IsABelt.com
FRENCHY BABY ORGANICS www.FrenchybabyOrganics.com
PACI-PLUSHIES www.PaciPlushies.com
POSH PETALS www.MyPoshPetals.com
BARBAMEL BOOKS INC. www.ILoveMommyBecause.com
BEE GEE BAGS www.BeeGeeBags.com
GRAYCE LEE www.GrayceLee.com
FANTAISIE KIDS www.FantaisieKids.com
Tralala Inc. www.TralalaInc.com

Potty Training Tips from "It's Hip Hop, Baby!"

2009-05-08T12:15:00.007-05:00

Kushies Reusable Water-proof Training Pants

http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Re-usable-Water-proof-Pull-Training/dp/B001AQXD0M/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1241640153&sr=8-29

WATERPROOF TRAINING PANTS FOR TODDLERS

We're potty training here at It's Hip Hop, Baby! and we discovered a set of potty training pants that are working out pretty well-- so we thought we'd share.

These potty training pants are great because we have a special needs child in the It's Hip Hop Baby family so larger training pants were hard to find.

Second, we wanted something that would fit on top of underwear so the child still feels like they're responsible for staying dry and these fit the bill.

Lastly, when the child is roaming around the house you don't have to worry about wet spots on the furniture.

**One cautionary note-- do not let a child sleep in them...they leak. Overnight we recommend overnight pull ups.

Good luck!

Sun Safety Advice from It's Hip Hop Baby!

2009-05-06T14:41:00.016-05:00

Since summer is right around the corner, Hip Hop Baby is looking for some ways to stay safe and have fun this summer! Parents.com recently published a "Sun Safety Myths" that gives some great tips on keeping your kids safe from the harmful UV rays.

http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/outdoor/sun-safety-myths/

Here's why you should put sunscreen, shirts, and shade in the same non-negotiable category as car seats, toothbrushing, and bike helmets, from Parents magazine and the American Academy of Dermatology:

Keeping Kids Safe in the Sun

You probably think you're on the ball when it comes to sun safety: You always put sunscreen on your kids, and they rarely, if ever, come home looking like a lobster. However, new research has found that overall sun exposure in childhood -- not just burns -- significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. "Young, developing skin may be particularly vulnerable to UV rays," says Parents advisor Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital, in San Diego. "If your child is getting intense sun exposure playing outdoors, she's in danger of developing melanoma -- the most serious type of skin cancer -- even if she has what appears to be a healthy tan." Childhood melanoma is rare -- most cases don't show up until adulthood -- but the number of kids diagnosed has been increasing almost 3 percent every year.

If all this news makes you want to grab your kids and move into a cave, don't panic: There's plenty you can do to keep them safe. The best protection is still lots of broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. One study of more than 300 kids found that those who wore sunscreen whenever they were outside for more than 30 minutes developed significantly fewer moles than those who wore sunscreen sporadically or not at all. (The more moles a child has, the greater his lifetime risk of skin cancer.) Just as important: limiting the time your kids spend in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and making sure they wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. We teamed up with experts from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to bring you real-world ways to protect your family without spoiling your summer.

2009-05-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/outdoor/sun-safety-myths/

Nancy O'Dell Loves "It's Hip Hop, Baby!"

2009-04-24T16:58:00.003-05:00

See what Nancy O'Dell has to say about her daughter and Hip Hop Baby!

"My baby girl, Ashby, loves Hip Hop Baby! She just dances and dances and dances to it. The beat is wonderful and kids really pick it up and it teaches as well. Ashby sings the alphabet with the DVD as she is dancing hip hop at the same time!"

"It's Hip Hop, Baby!" in People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog!

2009-04-17T13:11:00.004-05:00

Check out "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" in People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog!

http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/04/11/its-hip-hop-baby-using-music-and-rhyme-to-teach-children/

It’s Hip Hop Baby: Using Music and Rhyme to Teach Children

My 3-year-old has always been really into music (what kid isn’t?) but trying to find something that holds her attention these days seems impossible. It’s Hip Hop Baby!, a new children’s DVD series aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers, certainly does hold her attention. Beyond that it also teaches her key developmental concepts while causing her to have a blast.

Using child-friendly hip hop music to educate, the videos feature dance routines, musical performances, interviews with the “hip hop kids” and even a game of Simon Says (my daughter’s favorite part). Through music and rhyme — two of the most effective methods of incorporating new ideas into the world of a child — kids learn their ABC’s, animals, body parts and numbers.

While it seems like this is targeted at younger kids, I felt that my daughter benefited from this CD simply because it caused her to listen and learn how to follow simple instructions (no small feat). Also, something about the rhythm really appealed to her and since she recently learned to snap her fingers, she loves having this one and snapping to the beat. I give it a thumbs up for teaching her that skill alone!

Check out what celebrities like Holly Robinson Peete (Holly’s son, Roman, 3, was caught wearing an It’s Hip Hop Baby t-shirt in our post from May 17th!) and Justin Chambers have to say about It’s Hip Hop Baby!

– Teba

Looking for Unique Children's Toys & Gifts?

2009-03-24T15:40:00.003-05:00

We stumbled across this really cute website and wanted to share it with our friends. http://www.kishaskids.com/ is a speciality website featuring toys, clothing, frames and other children's items for African-American children. The adorable baby bags, onsies, toys, rugs and picture frames feature adorable designs of children of color.

If you've been searching high and low for children gifts that reflect your little one's beauty...check out Kisha's Kids. It's a really neat idea.

How Much Do You Love This Recipe?? Friendly Dog Salad!!

2009-03-22T21:19:00.005-05:00

4	lettuce leaves
4	canned pear halves
2	canned prunes or plums
2	maraschino cherries
4	raisins
8	canned mandarin orange segments



	Print these coupons...





	About Concordance™

1.	Place 1 lettuce leaf on each of 4 salad plates. Place 1 pear half, cut side down, on each lettuce leaf. Cut prunes lengthwise in half with scissors and remove pits. Place 1 prune half on large end of each pear half for dog ear.
2.	Cut cherries in half with scissors. Place 1 cherry half on narrow end of each pear half for dog nose. Scoop out tiny hole in each pear half for dog eye. Place raisin in each hole. Add 2 orange segments to each salad for a collar.

THIS IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO GET YOUR CHILDREN TO EAT FRUIT AND HAVE FUN DOING IT! ENJOY...WE LOVE IT HERE AT IT'S HIP HOP, BABY!

We found this great recipe on www.BettyCrocker.com

New "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" DVDs Debut on Amazon.com

2009-03-20T11:21:00.005-05:00

MOM INVENTS HIP HOP MUSIC DVD SERIES TO HELP CHILDREN LEARN FASTER

CHICAGO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- When Candi Carter struggled to help
her speech-delayed son learn and communicate she turned to the one thing
that's always inspired and motivated her - hip hop music. Carter quickly
saw that by incorporating music, rhythm and beats into learning, her son
learned much faster and thus "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" DVD series was born.

   "I needed to find a way to communicate and teach my son so I started
singing in the kitchen, tapping out rhythms and beats with spoons and
spatulas. It helped him follow instructions and learn words faster," said
Carter, who is also an Emmy Award-winning television producer for a
nationally syndicated talk show. "I shared this educational tool with other
parents and saw how effective it was for all children which inspired me to
create the DVDs."

   "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" DVDs are new, innovative videos that have
educational content set to music and energizing dance numbers, which
enables children to learn and hit developmental milestones much faster.
"It's Hip Hop, Baby!" includes original songs, as well as the traditional
toddler classics we all know and love, just spiced up with fresh beats and
rhythms.

   Created especially for toddlers and preschoolers, "It's Hip Hop, Baby!"
comes in four educational videos:

   --  "All Your Child's Favorites"
   --  "Get Healthy, Get Fit"
   --  "Things We Do Everyday"
   --  "Rockin' Dance Party"
   "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" motivates children with a fun, positive message
set to a trendy, dance-worthy beat. It promotes the joys of learning ABCs,
animals, body parts, colors, nutrition and numbers through captivating
musical performances that sound like today's hottest hip hop tracks. The
DVDs feature real children, not actors, showing child-friendly movements
that develop listening skills and the ability to follow simple directions.

   The "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" educational DVD series has unique benefits
for children, allowing them to accelerate learning through music and
movement. Additional attributes include:

   --  Encourages reading
   --  Teaches children to follow instructions
   --  Encourages dance, movement and freedom of expression
   --  Helps children master concepts like repetition and rhyme
   For more information, visit http://www.itshiphopbaby.com. "It's Hip Hop,
Baby!" is distributed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group
Company and available on multiple channels, including http://www.amazon.com

It's Hip Hop, Baby! debuts today on Amazon.com!!!

2009-03-17T12:40:00.005-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! debuts on Amazon.com TODAY!! Children can leap into learning with four fun and educational DVDs and one CD "Fruit." Go to Amazon.com and order now! Put "Hip Hop Baby" in the Amazon.com search. If you're looking for the next Baby Einstein-- you've found it!

What does Rabbi Shmuley have to say about It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2009-02-18T10:28:00.011-06:00

Rabbi Shmuley, host of Shalom in The Home and bestselling author says the music of It's Hip Hop, Baby! is addictive and the videos are engaging.


"I have thank God nine children including a whole bunch of young ones.
Keeping them occupied with healthy outlets is one of the great
challenges I face as a parent.  Hip Hop Baby is a fantastic, engaging,
entertaining, and inspirational outlet. The kids just love it. And
even I have the jingle playing on an endless loop in my brain. Just
shows you that even touches the little child still lingering in us adults."

http://www.shmuley.com/

Can Music Help Your Child Learn Faster?

2009-02-03T17:01:00.005-06:00

Real moms say music can definitely help your child learn faster. It's Hip Hop, Baby! was created by Candi Carter, a mom who wanted unlock the brilliance in her toddler son. She knew with his speech delay he'd have challenges learning so she set everything to music and her son picked up words and simple instructions faster with the music than without.

Last week, a young toddler in Fort Wayne Indiana demonstrated that music can be one of the most effective ways to teach children. His mother decided she would teach him their new address by making up a song. Nine days later, she was home alone with her son when she fell down a flight of stairs and lost consciousness. Her four year old son called 911 and sang the "address song" he'd learned from his mother over and over again until the operator realized what he was saying. Help was dispatched and this young toddler ended up saving his mother's life.

The happy mom said, "I took child development in high school, and there I learned if you teach a child any kind of music or a rhyme, they will actually pick it up quicker. I taught him his phone number, his address and he knows how to spell several words because of the songs."

It's Hip Hop, Baby! is an educational experience for the entire family. DVDs and CDs teach toddler basics through family friendly hip hop music. Go to www.itshiphopbaby.com and help your child learn faster.

Celebrity Toddler Loves It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2009-01-28T11:34:00.006-06:00

Photo Courtesy: Alberto E. Rodriquez/Wire Image

3 year old Roman Peete, son of Actress Holly Robinson Peete, and former NFL player Rodney Peete proudly sports the "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" t-shirt at the launch celebration party for The Simpson’s Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 17th 2008 in Universal City, CA.

He is joined by his sister Ryan and brothers Rodney & Robinson.

How Can You Stop Your Toddler From Biting?

2009-01-22T16:55:00.010-06:00

Photo (c) Zsolt Nyulaszi

It's something every parent of a toddler will deal with at some point in time-- BITING. It's scary and disturbing all at the same time. I know many parents are horrified when they get that call from the school, daycare or witness their child biting first hand at a playdate.

Chicago Parent Magazine contributor, Dr. Lisa Thornton, says many parents react in a way that actually supports the behavior instead of preventing it.

She says toddlers bite for many reasons. "Sometimes it’s to show aggression, but many times it’s something else. Many toddlers don’t have the language to express what they are feeling. Since they don’t have the words, some children may communicate by biting, hitting or shoving. Others may do it to get attention and still others bite when they’re tired, hungry or not feeling well. For the most part biting is a phase that usually passes by age 3 or so. But biting is very emotionally charged so even though it’s developmentally normal, it can’t be ignored."

How do parents respond? Dr Thornton says, "The first response from many parents when a child bites is to get very excited and yell. Some may even hit the child, but that’s exactly the wrong response. Hitting a child who bites is communicating that hitting, not biting, is the appropriate response to a frustrating situation.

The most effective way to help a child stop biting is by using immediate, unemotional intervention. It’s important to be unemotional because for some children getting attention from an adult (even if it’s negative attention like hitting or yelling) will reinforce their behavior. Speak calmly and keep language to a minimum. This isn’t the time to try to logically explain why biting is bad. Simply say "Biting hurts. No biting" and put the child in time out. The rule of thumb for time out is one minute per year of age, so a 2-year-old would be in time out for two minutes. After the time out, give your child some coping skills. For example, if your child was biting out of frustration give your child the words to match his emotions: "It makes you feel angry when Noah takes your toy. When you’re angry you cannot bite or touch another person, but here’s what you can do instead ..." This gives your child language and strategy for coping with negative emotions.

Try to find out why your child is biting. It may be helpful to keep a log of what happened right before the incident because you may see an opportunity to intervene before the child bites. On rare occasions biting is part of a developmental problem. These children may also drool, eat things that aren’t food or chew items. Talk to your pediatrician if you see this pattern."

Is there an end in sight for parents?? Dr. Thornton says, "It will stop one day. Biting can feel like a problem that will never end, but consistency is key and almost every child will eventually stop."

Dr. Lisa Thornton, a mother of three, is director of pediatric rehabilitation at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital and LaRabida Children’s Hospital. She also is assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago. These are excerpts from Dr. Thornton's column in the September 2008 issue of Chicago Parent Magazine.

http://chicagoparent.com/article.asp?aID=76407368.804089.64987.6013249.5352398.194&aID2=4990

Obama's Historic Inauguration

2009-01-20T12:56:00.004-06:00

Where is Hip Hop Baby headed in 2009? Today was an exciting and historic day for our nation. Everyone here at Hip Hop Baby watched alongside millions of Americans as Barack Obama, the nation's first African American President, took the sacred oath to become our 44th Commander and Chief.

His inspirational plight is one to be admired. And all of us here at Hip Hop Baby pledge to follow a path that inspires and motivates children all over the world with our unique brand of music and movement. Let's take this day to celebrate a new start for our country.
Photo courtesy: AP

Isn't this baby with our new President, Barack Obama, just adorable?

2009-01-19T16:39:00.003-06:00

Photo courtesy: China Daily

Kids and Colds- Great Tips for Moms from It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2008-12-15T12:23:00.005-06:00

It's winter and yes...cold season is upon us. I am always looking for great tips for making a bad winter cold more bearable. Especially when our cute little babies infect the entire household and everyone gets sick.

After some searching, I found a good article in January 2009 Parents Magazine titled, "Cold Season Survival Guide."

Some of the tips were pretty generic and often followed by most moms: prop up your child when they're sleeping- moisten the air with a humidifier- keep your child hydrated- wash hands frequently- and make sure your children get enough sleep. A bit obvious. But here were a few tips that I thought were worth writing about.

1. HONEY HELPS THE COUGH: for children 1 year and older, Parents Magazine says, "Recent studies show that honey is better than cough medicine for relieving coughs and helping sick child sleep better." According to researcher Ian Paul, M.D., dark honeys, such as buckwheat, may work best because they're higher in antioxidants. They say-- give a half a teaspoon to children ages 1 to 5 and 1 teaspoon to children ages 6 to 11. But never give honey to a baby under the age of 1; they can get botulism from bacteria in honey.

2. HOW TO LOOSEN UP CLOGGED MUCUS: Parents Magazine says, "Loosen up clogged mucus with a few drops of saline solution, then suck it out with a suction bulb.

PERSONAL TIP: my cousin once gave me a great tip for getting hardened mucus out of a child's nose. She said to roll a q-tip in a little Vaseline, smooth the Vaseline on the q-tip and do a sweep in your child's nose. Works like a charm :)

SMART PRODUCTS PARENTS MAGAZINE RECOMMENDS:

NOSEFRIDA
www.nosefrida.com $15
-They say it safely removes mucus with an aspirator you use outside of the nose

SINUCLEANSE KIDS MIST
www.sinucleanse.com $15
-a spray that washes away excess mucus

NOZIN NASAL SANITIZER
www.nozin.com $15
-a swab that you rub on the inside of your child's nose and helps reduce the risk of getting cold- causing germs for up to 8 hours.

NEILMED NASAMIST
www.neilmed.com $7
-saline spray to soothe red noses

BREATHE RIGHT KIDS NASAL STRIPS
www.amazon.com $6 to $8
-adhesive strips that gently lift nasal passages so your child can breathe better at night.

I have to say, I've never used any of the products mentioned above by Parents but they all look like great cold solutions. I will be checking them out. We have a long winter ahead!

Holiday Eggnog Recipe from It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2008-12-10T19:31:00.002-06:00

I came across a great eggnog holiday recipe I wanted to share. I found it on the Prevention Magazine website today (December 10, 2008).

What I like about it is that it's a different twist on regular eggnog. It's actually a pudding dessert. I plan on altering the recipe slightly because in my household we have 2 members of my family that are "lactose intolerant" so we'll be substituting the milk for soy milk or almond milk.

Here's the recipe. Enjoy.

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the whipped topping and rum or brandy extract. Whisk just until combined. Spoon the pudding mixture into 4 dessert dishes. Sprinkle with the nutmeg. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM IT'S HIP HOP, BABY!

Safe Christmas Toys for Babies and Toddlers- From It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2008-12-10T06:39:00.007-06:00

There was a very helpful article on CNN.com yesterday (December 9, 2008) about safe toys for babies and toddlers. I wanted to blog about it because I know moms are concerned about the rise in lead poisonings from toxic paints and other dangers caused by plastics and particle board in toys. This Christmas we have options for keeping our kids safe.

The article titled, "Bringing Up Baby with Safe Green Toys" really shifted my focus on the types of toys I'll be purchasing for my 5 year old son and baby (due any day).

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/12/08/HM.kids.going.green/index.html

CNN's expert, Dr. Alan Greene, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, gives the following advice about choosing safe and organic toys.

In his book "Raising Baby Green, The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care," he tells parents to take the time to examine the materials used in the toys.

"Choose natural toys, and those might be toys made out of solid wood, especially if it's not finished or has a non-toxic finish," Greene recommended. "Toys that are made out of fiber, such as cotton, especially organic cotton, wool or hemp, or toys made out of bamboo can be really nice choices."

He warned parents to beware of wooden toys made from pressed wood or particle board.

"Some of those will have toxic substances in the glue," he noted. "Unless you know it is safe, I would skip that this year."

Greene said toxics can be found in certain plastic toys, too. He worries the most about toys and baby items containing phthalates, PVC and bisphenol-A.

He advised parents to look for recycling symbols on plastic toys. "If it has recycling symbol number 1, 2, 4 or 5, that means it does not have those chemicals in there," he said.

I feel lucky to have come across this article. Especially since I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet! I hope it helps you too.

Candi Carter

CEO and Founder, "It's Hip Hop, Baby!"

Affordable Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Kids from It's Hip Hop Baby!

2008-12-04T17:15:00.014-06:00

photo credit: Joey with Santa

It's Hip Hop Baby! winner of the iParenting Media Awards is a fun holiday gift! The educational DVD, It's Hip Hop Baby! is filled with energizing dance numbers for your favorite toddlers ages 2-6.

This Holiday why not teach the children through hip music? As an iParent Award Winning Product you can be assured It's Hip Hop Baby! products are fun, a value, and a quality product that is fun to watch for parents and children. It's Hip Hop Baby! has a long play duration with toddlers, and is educational in nature and uniqueness.

It's Hip Hop Baby! helps kids of all levels learn faster while having fun! Teaching Children through hip music and energizing dance numbers for kids ages 2-6. The perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite little one features familiar toddler tunes with family friendly hip hop beats. The captivating songs about letters, colors, numbers a animals encourage learning through music, movement, language, sounds and rhythms will guarantee hours of educational fun.

The Emmy-winning TV talk-show producer Candi Carter and It's Hip Hop Baby! founder will release four new Children's educational DVDs February 24th. Our Holiday Elves tells us that Its Hip Hop Baby! DVD's and CD are a popular children's favorite on Santa list, assuring fun for the new year to come.

Four New Video's From Its Hip Hop Baby!

2008-10-29T15:50:00.018-05:00

Emmy-winning TV talk-show producer Candi Carter and Winner of the iParenting Award is introducing four new Children's educational DVDs. With her unique teaching style Candi Carter produced It's Hip Hop Baby! to help kids of all levels learn faster while having fun.

All new Music CD or DVD's that are education and fun all wrapped up in one! It's Hip Hob Baby! has launched four new children's TV shows that hip moms and dads can use to help their children get smarter. Captivating songs encourage the exploration of music, language, sounds and rhythms.

These 4 new educational DVD feature child-friendly dance routines that help your child develop listening skills and the ability to follow simple directions. Your toddler will experience the joys of learning their ABC's, animals, body parts, and numbers through fun-filled musical performances and interviews with the hip hop kids. Look for It's Hip Hop Baby! newest educational video's to be available in stores this February 2009.

Its Hip Hop Baby on XM Radio Oprah and Friends

2008-04-21T17:49:00.005-05:00

Listen to It’s Hip Hop Baby! Founder Candi Carter with Gayle King today on Oprah and Friends XM radio channel 156. Emmy Award winning TV Producer, Candi Carter talks with Gayle King and XM listeners about her interesting award winning educational entrepreneur business, It’s Hip Hop Baby! Gayle King is the popular television personality, who regularly appears on The Oprah Winfrey Show, is the Editor-at-Large for O, The Oprah Magazine and for O at Home.

Listen now

Its Hip Hop Baby! Featured in Chicago Tribune

2008-03-31T12:49:00.010-05:00

A wonderful article by Kelly Haramis in the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune entitled, Hip-hop gives hope for speech, featured Emmy-winning TV talk-show producer Candi Carter and her son.

Its Hip Hop Baby! founder Candi Carter wants to help more children learn through music and movement and announced she will expand the series with three more DVDS. Carter will also add new education via online video content, with her newly launched You Tube Channel. “Combine music with educational content, you've got accelerated learning” states Candi Carter who is a winner of the iParenting Media Award 2007.

The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” DVD & CD are available online at http://www.itshiphopbaby.com/, Amazon.com and specialty toy retailers across the country.

The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/itshiphopbaby.

How To Find a Babysitter this Spring

2008-03-15T11:52:00.012-05:00

With spring right around the corner many of us are thinking about hiring a babysitter so we can step out without our kids in tote for a spring shopping trip to buy Easter basket goodies and squeeze in some "me" time. This is the time of year we all enjoy spring shopping for new colorful spring outfits. At Its Hip Hop Baby! we have educational advice and information from CEO & Founder of sittercity.com , Genevieve Theirs. Ms. Theirs will educate and help you to learn, how to properly screen a babysitter.

At Its Hip Hop Baby! we think proper educational advice and knowledge of finding a babysitter is a great way for parents to hop into Spring! Spring meaning NEW, it is a time to spring clean the house, get a fresh new haircut, start washing the car outside again, planing our summer gardens, think new hair styles and adding color back into our families wardrobes again. It is also a natural time to start thinking abut putting the spring back into our marriage and family life.

So how do we March into spring? In the morning play the Its Hip Hop Baby! DVD for your child and watch them rejoice with song, while you sing along thinking about your romantic weekend dates with your spouse you have planned, thanks to the excellent information you learned on finding a Babysitter from Its Hip Baby! You Tube Channel.

Dr. Lisa Thornton Featured on Its Hip Hop Baby! You Tube Channel

2008-02-20T19:16:00.005-06:00

Its Hip Hop Baby! Is proud to feature Dr. Lisa Thornton on their You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/ItsHipHopBaby. It’s Hip Hop Baby! Founder Candi Carter mission is to educate America's children in a fun and exciting way. “We are dedicated to providing stimulating educational products that are fun for the entire family. Watching Dr. Lisa Thornton's educational video’s on our channel will help families across the country with important educational information and inspire them to take charge of improving their health and their lives.

Dr. Lisa Thornton believes that childhood is the best time to develop good habits for the body and mind. A mother of three, she recognizes that parents are hungry for honest information from the medical community. Dr. Thornton is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Orthopedics & Rehabilitation at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Her medical practice is dedicated exclusively to the care of children with disabilities.

A graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Thornton received her medical degree from the University of Michigan and her pediatric specialty training at Children's Memorial Hospital. Her rehabilitation residency was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where she also served as chief resident. She has also appeared on Good Morning America and CNN, and is a well known lecturer on topics including health and wellness, holistic health care, obesity and childhood disability.

Cool moms and parents should all watch It’s Hip Hop Baby! Dr. Lisa Thornton, You Tube videos. And visit www.itshiphopbaby.com and order your copy of "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" for your toddler.

“It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” Launches New Channel on YouTube!

2008-02-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

Chicago based “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” announces the launch of its official channel on YouTube- www.youtube.com/itshiphopbaby. The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” channel features videos on parenting issues, babysitting, sign language, childhood development and much more! A variety of family experts provide important information for moms, dads, teachers and daycare providers. The channel will also showcase exclusive bonus features with the Hip Hop Kids, yoga instruction and Hip Hop dance classes for children.

“It’s Hip Hop, Baby! on YouTube is a natural extension of our desire as a company to educate and entertain the entire family,” says Founder and President, Candi Carter. She adds, “As a mother of a 4 year old, I’m always looking for information that appeals to both parent and child.”

“It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” is an innovative new DVD that features traditional songs spiced up with fresh beats and rhythms, encouraging children to explore music, language and sounds. Created especially for children ages 2 and older, the funky style of “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” can be enjoyed by the whole family.

“It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” includes original songs, as well as the classics we all know and love – “ABCs,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” – but on this DVD the music has a trendy, dance-worthy beat with a fun, positive message. It promotes the joys of learning ABC’s, animals, body parts, colors and numbers through captivating musical performances that sound like today’s hottest hip hop tracks.

The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” DVD & CD are available online at www.itshiphopbaby.com, Amazon.com and specialty toy retailers across the country.

The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/itshiphopbaby.

Celebrities Get Hip with It's Hip Hop, Baby!

2008-01-23T01:00:00.001-06:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! a children's DVD for ages 2 to 6 was a big hit with many celebrities at the "Boom Boom Room” at the 2008 Golden Globes swag suite, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Celebrities like Angela Bassett, Tori Spelling, and other Hollywood Parents with their kids, babies and their families smiled when they received the new educational dance DVD. It’s Hip Hop, Baby! was one of the hottest products for little ones of celebrities thanks, to Erin Gutierrez President/Founder of http://cottonseedclothing.com/ who is also a big fan of It’s Hip Hop, Baby!

It's Hip Hop, Baby! is an educational DVD that features child-friendly dance routines that help your child develop listening skills and the ability to follow simple directions. Your toddler will experience the joys of learning their ABC's, animals, body parts, and numbers through fun-filled musical performances and interviews with the hip hop kids. It's Hip Hop, Baby! the DVD and CD are available at http://www.itshiphopbaby.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/.

Trials of a Special Needs Mom- The Defiant 4 Year Old

2007-12-05T14:55:00.000-06:00

My son is testing every single bone in my body. If I say do you want a drink...he throws the drink. If I say hold mommy's hand...he yanks it away. If I say time for bed...he throws a monster fit. And if I say walk with mommy...he runs the other way. "No" means "yes I will!" everytime. These days it seems like a no win situation for mom at every turn. But what makes this situation so unique is my son doesn't have any speech. For all toddlers, they reach a stage of independence that most people refer to as "terrible twos"-- a very normal developmental milestone. Children begin to understand they can object or even say "no" whenever they please. And to their little delight...it feels pretty good to get a "rise" out of mom or dad. My son, for example, thinks it's really funny. It's exciting on the one hand to know that my globally delayed child has reached a typical developmental milestone. But on the other hand...it's the most frustrating period of our existence together as mother and son.

Parents with typically developing children have the luxury of talking their toddlers off the edge. "Johnny if you continue to lay on the floor screaming the birthday party is off and we're going home." Or "Mary, if you throw your sippy cup one more time, I'm taking away your (favorite toy)." It requires some negotiation but it generally works or helps at a minimum. In my case, I don't have that luxury.

I can't say I've actually figured out this stage of my son's development. But I have stopped catering to the madness. I've stopped picking him up off the floor-- in Walmart. If he refuses to eat we just don't eat. If he wants to throw a toy-- it disappears. It may not be the best plan...but it's keeps me sane. I think every mother gets to a point where deep breathing and patience are about all you can rely on to get through a stage you pray won't last forever.

Trials of a Special Needs Mom- The Plane Ride

2007-11-22T12:54:00.000-06:00

The plane ride is always a joy. Even though my four year old can be a loving but difficult child in an airport waiting area he's great on the plane. I don't know about other children but my child loves confinement. He loves small spaces and loves to be strapped in-- I think he feels safe. He won't swim in any pool but he loves our bathtub. He'll play in the bathtub all day if he could. We think it's because he can see all four walls and feels safe. He loves to ride in the car. He helps you strap him into his booster seat. Once it's snapped...he settles in with a smile. Even eating meals with a little strap in chair makes his experience and ours all the more fun...and enjoyable.

So once we boarded the plane and snapped him into his seat belt...he was as happy as a peach. We watched all the activity of the passing planes and trucks on the tarmac. We took off and quietly said, "Wee Wee" to make those initial bumps and altitude changes more fun.

The Trials of A Special Needs Mom- THE AIRPORT

2007-11-21T08:44:00.000-06:00

I'm at the O'Hare airport this morning preparing to board a flight to Shreveport Louisiana to visit my husband's parents.
Although most people get excited to pack up the family and board a plane, I'm usually terrified. Not because I'm a afraid to fly...I'm afraid to wait. My son is mentally disabled and four. He has very little speech and even less patience. So the thought of being delayed for hours on a plane or spending the night in the airport with a special needs toddler- terrifies me.

It's not just the worst case scenerios that try your resolve and work your nerves. It's the everyday little things that no one thinks about. We just got through security only because a kind check in security guard realized my son, in tears and screaming, was over stimulated and freaking out by the lines, the people and the ropes that guide the passengers through the lines. When you're a special needs mom you have to worry about too much stimulation, too much noise, too many people and an anxious child.

As we moved through security people watched. As they always do. I'm a little used to it now but I still have to talk myself through it. It's embarrassing when my son is screaming and kicking and squirming and he's clearly too big to be in stroller. A special needs stroller for bigger children. Even as I write this blog...my hands are shaking because I'm just nervous.

I had a moment to write because my husband decided to walk my son through the airport until our flight boards. I must go because we're about to board our flight. I have to tell the gate attendants that although my child is large we need to board early. He kicks and hits on his way on a plane. Oh well. It's just another day at the airport.

It's Hip Hop, Baby! Wins an iParenting Media Award

2007-11-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! All Your Child's Favorites was awarded an iParenting Media Award for 2007!
This educational DVD for toddlers was selected for the video category.

iParenting Media Awards announces the winners of our Greatest Products of 2007 Call for Entry, during which we evaluated items ranging from classic games and high-tech toys, fun music and innovative baby gear items, helpful books and educational videos to organic foods and beverages. All of the items were thoroughly evaluated by experienced reviewers to determine which ones exceeded the standards to earn an award.

The iParenting Media Awards program is the only product review and awards program in the industry that has attained ISO 9001:2000 Certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO is the world's largest developer of standardization regulations, and ISO 9001:2000 is an internationally recognized standard of quality assurance. Only a fraction of the companies that attempt this certification achieve it.

"In an increasingly crowded marketplace, it is more and more difficult for families to know which products and media materials are the best. The iParenting Media Awards program cuts through the clutter by thoroughly reviewing products, recognizing only the best ones and sharing them with our audience," says Alvin All, Chief Executive Officer of iParenting Media. "During our Greatest Products Call for Entry, iParenting Media Awards reviewers evaluated many items, but only the ones that exceeded our high standards earned the iParenting Media Award."

It's Hip Hop, Baby! is an educational DVD features child-friendly dance routines that help your child develop listening skills and the ability to follow simple directions. Your toddler will experience the joys of learning their ABC's, animals, body parts, and numbers through fun-filled musical performances and interviews with the hip hop kids. It's Hip Hop, Baby! the DVD and CD are available at www.itshiphopbaby.com or amazon.com.

I am one TIRED mom!

2007-11-20T09:32:00.000-06:00

I think the lesson about "being tired all the time" needs to go on the list of things your mother never told you before you gave birth. I don't know if my mother just made it look easy but I have to say growing up I never noticed that she was exhausted or running on few hours of sleep while she made meals, worked, ran us to all our activities, picked up my dad's dry cleaning and ran our house. She made it look effortless.

But me...I am exhausted. I average about 5 hours of sleep a night. After long hours at work, grocery shopping, reading through all the school papers, cooking, cleaning, laundry, doctor appointments and general house management...I'M TIRED! My husband always says...if you're so tired why do you want more children? Because I love children. I'd love a big family. You mean it doesn't make sense to him that I'd be happy being EXHAUSTED for the rest of my life to have a large loving family?

Hey...all my other friends with children and busy lives are tired too.

I think what's really interesting is that men don't seem to be tired at all. They have time to read the paper, magazines, and watch a Netflix every other night. I haven't read a book in months.

But when it all comes down to it...I wouldn't change a thing. Well maybe. My husband could take out the trash without me hounding him and step up to cook sometimes, but beside that-- I'll take tired over anything else. Because tired means I'm cooking for a family that loves me dearly. Tired means I'm running my son to the doctor and cuddling him after a painful shot. Tired means I'm working to earn a living that allows my family to rent a beach house for the summer. Tired means I'm staying up late to go through my son's school papers to make sure he learning with love.

So no...I didn't see it coming-- this mommy exhaustion and "to do" lists that never end. But...it's okay with me.

Signed,

Needing a Nap

Toddler Won't Have a Birthday Party With Friends

2007-10-04T17:56:00.000-05:00

It's settled. We're not going to host a "kid" birthday party for my son who is turning three in November. We're are going to celebrate his birthday. He'll bring a store-bought (school policy) treat to pre-school on his birthday. We're going to have my husband's relatives over for dinner the evening of his birthday.

Why the change of heart? The following week, we're hosting 30 people for Thanksgiving dinner, which include two overnight guests for the weekend. It will also be our first time hosting Thanksgiving (YIKES). Don't worry. My dinner parties consist of some cooking, some catering, some potluck, and lots of wine.

The day after Thanksgiving, we're taking our son to "Sesame Street Live: Elmo grows up." He's going to have plenty of fun. Also, since he's only in preschool half days, I'm planning to do some thing special with him during the day (e.g. children's museum, zoo, or open gym). I need to wear him out so he'll take a nap and I can prepare for my husband's family to come over for dinner. Again, some cooking, some catering, and potluck.

Although I know we're making the right decision. I'm still a bit sad that we won't be having a kid party. I was looking forward to all the hype. However, a good friend made a good point, "until they're asking for party, just celebrate with family.

And so we shall.

JeanJeannie

a little help here?

2007-09-23T20:22:00.000-05:00

I just have to get this off my chest and then I'll be able to let it go- my husbands appalling lack of interactive parenting tonight just ticks me off. Not that I am looking for a massive song and dance every evening....but guess what buddy? We are all tired. Doesn't matter if you drove far today or not. And, the nerve to assume that your day is ALWAYS more difficult than my own makes me want to scream at the top of my lungs sometimes.
I suppose in a way I should be grateful, because I know he can be great- so when he is not, I am sad. I know (in fact, I often witness) there are husbands who don't do a thing- but it just really gets on my nerves when there is no consideration towards what kind of day I have had before he just lays out the negativity of his day on us.
All right. Better now.

www.itshiphopbaby.com

"Are Ya Gonna Have Another?"

2007-09-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

That is the question that everyone seems to ask and I gotta tell ya. . . Its eating me up inside. For every single second of brain space I have left in my head this is what I think about. Should I have another kid. My decision making on this issue LITERALLY goes when the wind blows. I could be getting out of my car, walking into the grocery store elated that I have made my decision to have another kid. Then I pay for my groceries, walk back to the car and my decision has been swayed.. I'm then against it. and this goes on and on and on like this.. everyday, every week, every month. I cannot seem to stand on one side of this issue 100%. You know what the most frustrating part of it is? My husband is the same way. We are both totally and completely on the fence on this one. so what do we do about it? nothing. No protection when we have sex, yet I'm not getting pregnant. I just turned 37 years old and my husband will be 40 next year. no reason to not have another kid but also a reason to consider as well. I am confused like I have never been before. Help. but no one can help me. i cant even go to a therapist to talk about it because this is a decision that only I can make. not even my husband. Only me. i have a beautiful, smart and most of all healthy 2 1/2 year old girl. she is obviously the center of my being. is this enough? for me? for her? for my husband? i have to admit something: The vision of me being pregnant and being in the ultrasound when you can find out the sex of your baby and the technician telling us that its a boy brings tears to my eyes. because i KNOW in my heart of hearts that my husband would love a son. he wont admit it and maybe hes really telling the truth that he doesn't care what the sex is, but maybe its just me. I would love to give my husband a son. that is enough for me to have another child. having said that, my first pregnancy was pretty horrifying and I cannot imagine going through it again. especially while I'm taking care of a 3 year old. But I would love to give her a sibling. and the debate goes on and on and on and on. I guess we will just have to see what happens.

A Momentary Lapse of Reason...

2007-09-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

that is chronic and seems comparable to my adolescent years when my brain was full of hormones and pharmaceuticals. That's how I feel most days at 39 1/2 years old with 3 boys between the ages of 2 & 5, having joined this club I didn't know existed! Don't get me wrong--I wouldn't trade lives with ANYONE (and have even recently come to the conclusion that there is still one "soul" missing), but I am TIRED, at the end of my training for the Chicago Marathon in two weeks--my first, and looking forward to going back to yoga with my kids all occasionally in school! The point is, yesterday with all of the kids and the dog in the car, about a mile from my house, my middle son asks, "Mommy, why isn't [the baby]'s car seat buckled?". (Can you hear the screeeeeeeching sound made by the mini-van tires as I pulled over?!?) Anyway, in my former life I was an educator, I consider myself grounded and relatively intelligent, and yet I forgot the MOST important thing I had to do that morning. Although I am pretty opinionated, I try very hard not to be judgmental--as in the case of the woman who left her baby in the car all day--because we ALL make mistakes, some of us have just been luckier than others. My heavy heart goes out to her--she is living my worst nightmare.

SWR

Catch It's Hip Hop, Baby! in Ebony Magazine this month!

2007-09-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

It's Hip Hip, Baby! is featured in Ebony Magazine this month. It's Hip Hop, Baby! is an educational DVD and CD for toddlers. Fun musical performances teach children the fundamentals they need to learn-- abc's, numbers, animals and colors. The CD features all of the music on the DVD in addition to two bonus tracks -- "Hip Hop Exercise" and "Fruit Song."

Visit our website at www.itshiphopbaby.com.

The Birthday Party Dilemma

2007-09-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

When my son was born, my husband and I swore we would never be one of those parents who threw lavish birthday parties for our son. Lo and behold we're two months from celebrating his third birthday and I'm in the process of calling around for suitable venues, entertainment options (will a clown be too scary?), and deliberating on menu options (Are peanuts really off-limits?). Involuntarily, I feel like I've been sucked into some sort of vortex of a "toddler rite of passage." While weighing the decision of whether or not to host a birthday party for my soon-to-be three year old, which will include other two and three year olds (YIKES), there's far more reasons to have a blow-out party.

First, in my son's short three years on earth, he's been through quite a bit. He experienced a severe arm injury at birth, had corrective arm surgery when he was 10 months, and was diagnosed with a significant speech delay at 18 months. He currently receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He's been a trooper through it all.

Second, he's been a rock star at potty training. That alone deserves a party.

Third, he's a great kid with a lot of friends and friends with parents whom I really enjoy (Not to mention we're constantly being invited to birthday parties. Reciprocity may be in order here).

Fourth, my son loves a great party. He loves to dance, sing, and run around. He enjoys socializing and playing games. It's going to be joyful just watching him with his friends.

Finally, I actually enjoy event planning. I'm having a blast checking out birthday party websites to get ideas for themes (Trucks, Trucks and more Trucks). I've been a savvy negotiator when it comes to the venue space. I've even decided, in lieu of gifts, we're going to have a box for "Toys for Tots." That will be optional of course.

I'm at peace with my decision and I'm actually looking forward to the birthday bash. I've resolved my dilemma and I'm ready "to send in the clowns"(just kidding). We're flying the Wiggles in from London (again, I'm kidding).

I read a great remark, which I'll paraphrase here: Let the child be celebrated, not the party. This is what my husband and I plan to do. Hence, our dilemma is solved.

JeanJeannie

We Should Have Sympathy for the Ohio Mom Who Left Her Child in the Car

2007-09-09T21:24:00.000-05:00

This week I was horrified to read about the mother and assistant principal in Ohio who accidentally left her child in her car for 8 hours while she attended meetings at school. She says a stop for donuts threw her off her regular routine and she forget she hadn't dropped her child off at daycare.

I watched people on various news reports condemn this mother for split second mistake that resulted in a deadly consequence. People were angry that the prosecutor ruled it a mistake and refused to press charges. If she did get charged, arrested and sentenced-- I don't think any prison could compare to the prison she's living in now. I'm a mother. And I feel horrible when my child comes home with a bump on head or falls under my watch. Imagine the internal hell you'd be feeling if you made the fatal mistake that killed your child. I can't begin to understand how painful it must be for this mom and her family. I just hope more people will take the time to put themselves in her shoes before they pass judgment or publicly condemn her.

It's Hip Hop, Baby! Gets Down at the Chicago Living and Giving Gift Show

2007-07-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! makes a splash at Chicago's premier gift show-- The Living and Giving Show at the Merchandise Mart.
Boutiques, Toy Stores, Hospital Gift Shops and Baby/Children stores are excited about this new educational DVD and CD for cool kids ages 2-6. On the showroom floor scenes from "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" the educational DVD entertain hundreds of buyers from the Great Lakes region as they pass buy in search of the perfect gift item for their stores.
Visit www.itshiphopbaby.com for store locations near you.
It's Hip Hop, Baby! where education and fun are wrapped up in one.

IT'S HIP HOP, BABY! AND THE BABY BOUTIQUE EXPO- JULY 15TH

2007-07-10T16:40:00.000-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby! an educational DVD for babies, toddlers and preschool aged children will be featured at the Baby Boutique Expo. Baby Boutique Expo is the place where cool moms and dads, preschool teachers, doctors, childcare providers and children go to have fun and check out the latest in products for baby and child. The Baby Boutique Expo has lots of activities for children including a Gymboree and Kohls Children's Museum play area, a mother daughter model search and so much more. Vendors from all over the city of Chicago will be selling the hottest baby clothing and trendy gift items. It's fun for entire family.

Come out Sunday July 15 from 10am to 4pm at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook (at Dundee and Skokie Blvd off the Edens Expressway).

It's Hip Hop, Baby!-- the ultimate educational experience your child will love-- is proud to be affiliated with the Baby Boutique Expo. We'll see you there!

New Information about Childhood Obesity

2007-06-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

We know childhood obesity is a problem that affects thousands of children in this country. "It's Hip Hop, Baby!"-- the educational DVD for babies and toddlers-- is one way children can start moving and staying active at an early age. Throughout this educational DVD children are asked to participate and dance along with the hip hop kids. It's not a passive learning experience-- it's an active one.

In "Hip Hop Simon Says" children are asked to jump, raise their hands, dip down to the ground and stomp their feet. Each verse has an active command for children to move their bodies with the hip hop kids.

Go to www.itshiphopbaby.com for more information on how your child can benefit from "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" the DVD. Action, educational and fun all wrapped up in one.

Don't Miss The Baby Boutique Expo in Chicago!

2007-05-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend Chicago welcomes the Baby Boutique Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago, IL. It's an expo filled with upscale products for the hip, trendy, cool mom. There's something for everyone at the Baby Boutique Expo. You'll find products for your baby or toddler ranging from baby wear, educational books, toys, and so much more.

"It's Hip Hop, Baby! gives the Baby Boutique Expo a thumbs up! "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" All Your Child's Favorites is an educational DVD for babies and toddlers. Moms, dads, daycare providers, doctors and even celebrities say "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" is education and fun all wrapped up in one. If you're looking for the next best thing in educational videos for your children go to www.itshiphopbaby.com.

Please visit the Baby Boutique Expo at The Hard Rock Hotel 230 N. Michigan Avenue Sunday May 6th from 10am to 4pm.

Our Prayers Go Out to Virginia Tech

2007-04-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

Everyone here at "Its Hip Hop, Baby!" is deeply saddened by the events that took place at Virgina Tech. Our prayers go out to all of the grieving families and students.

Check out "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" in today's Wednesday Journal- Oak Park and River Forest, IL

2007-04-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

4/10/2007 10:00:00 PM
Mom takes the basics and gives them a beat
By STASIA THOMPSON

Oak Park toddler Emerson Clark doesn't like transitions. From crib to bathtub or high chair to diaper station, he disapproved. Strongly. But instead of making it a struggle, his mother turned it into a positive. "I knew Emerson liked music so I would sing a made-up song to put him in a good mood and look forward to the new activity," says Candi Carter.
The culmination of many such moments is It's Hip Hop, Baby! is a new preschool video created by Carter, an Oak Park resident.
"My son always loves it when I sing his favorite songs in the kitchen, tapping out rhythms and beats with spatulas and spoons," she says of how she got the idea to create her spirited junior jam session. Carter is an Emmy-award winning television producer for an internationally famous Chicago-based daytime talk show that you've no doubt heard of and has plenty of professional experience with entertainment. But she wasn't thrilled with what she found when looking for something for her son.
"I was looking for that new, cutting-edge toddler video that would appeal to my 3-year-old-and to me-but it didn't exist," she says.
It's Hip Hop, Baby! includes original songs such as beloved classics like the "ABCs," "If You're Happy And You Know It," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," but all the songs have been tricked out with fresh beats and rhythms. "The songs encourage children to explore music, language and sounds," says Carter. "And the music can be enjoyed by the whole family."
The songs help kids learn body parts, animals and numbers, featuring real children and child-friendly movements. "Necessity is the mother of invention," as Benjamin Franklin put it, and after composing the music, this mother tested her inventive concept on friends and families-and they gave her a resounding thumbs up.
"The songs have a catchy beat and fun, positive messages," says Carter, who grew up in New Hampshire and always loved music. "I have an unusual experience because I am an African-American who grew up in a school where there were four other kids like me and one was my brother," she recalls. "People are surprised when I know all the lyrics to Foreigner and Pat Benatar, but that's what I grew up with. I mean, my parents had albums like The Ohio Players-but it wasn't like I was around R&B or hip-hop music because there were no soul stations there."
Carter attended Boston College on a track scholarship and, upon graduation, joined CNN in Atlanta. As is common in the TV industry, she moved a few years later to Milwaukee where she oversaw several children's television programs. "I produced a teen show once a week and also a show called "Street Smart Kids" that taught youth how to be safe-like, not to fall for the "lost puppy" trick." The series won Carter an Emmy. "It's actually at my mother's house. I should get that back!" she said, on second thought.
Carter moved to Chicago to accept her current producer position and has worked there for 11 years. "I am always making up songs and singing," she says. "My experience as a mother pushed me to want to make a video that other families with young children would think was cool as well as educational."
Her husband, a private banker, supported her idea to create It's Hip Hop, Baby!
"I created the video right here in Oak Park," says Carter. "I rounded up the neighbors, friends and it's a reflection of Oak Park that the video shows diversity. We shot around town at Ridgeland pool and at Barrie Park and then at a studio downtown." Her goal is to create an ongoing series of a couple dozen videos and CDs "focusing on different subjects like "fruits and vegetables" or "learning your numbers." Carter has a CD culled from It's Hip Hop Baby! coming out soon. "Three of my original songs-the Duck Dance, the Milk Song and the Hip Hop Hokey Pokey," she says.
"I am so happy with the response other parents give me. They say they like the songs as much as the kids do-and their kids listen to the video all the time!" Carter says she isn't sure if they're attracted by the real kids, the lively music or the lyrics, but it's proving to be a popular formula, and she's just happy her concept is working.
"Kids really pay attention when you take something they are familiar with-like the ABCs-and then add some." To prove her point, she launches into her hip hop rendition of "ABCs."
The video is available locally at Magic Tree Bookstore and also online at www.amazon.com. A visit to www.itshiphopbaby.com offers information about how to order the video and T-shirts, and includes parent reviews.

It's Hip Hop, Baby! Featured on NBC 5 Chicago

2007-04-04T21:50:00.000-05:00

It's Hip Hop, Baby!, the exciting new DVD for babies and toddlers, was recently featured on WMAQ NBC 5 Chicago. Anchor Art Norman interviewed creator Candi Carter and pediatrician & host of Lifetime Television's "Health Corner," Dr. Lisa Thornton.

They discussed the childhood obesity epidemic and how It's Hip Hop, Baby! is doing something about it. When preschoolers and toddlers watch It's Hip Hop, Baby! they are encouraged to move and groove. This kidvid is not a passive experience. Boys and girls get involved and enjoy learning. Daycare providers, teachers, therapists, moms and dads all agree children learn with It's Hip Hop, Baby! and most importantly-- they're having fun.

Obesity in children is a serious issue we all face in this country. It's Hip Hop, Baby! is one way we can begin to start encouraging our children to be active at an early age.

Hello Parents...

2007-03-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to It's Hip Hop, Baby! We're so happy you decided to visit our site today. Please watch the preview of the video on the "preview" page.

Have a great day!
IHHB