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Toy & GiftGuide2012

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Our mom just loves the new Multiplicity Magazine. It’s fabulous, it’s free and it gives her tips on feeding, fashion and fun for the whole family! Subscribe today!

the must-read magazine for moms of multiples!

covermomThisissue’scoverfeatures

ChristineWitteofCharlotte,NorthCarolina.SheandherhusbandgavebirthtotripletgirlsinApril

ofthisyear,twoofwhichwereidentical.Withthetripletsnow

sixmonthsold,momcertainlyhasherhandsfullandherheartevenmoreso!photos courtesy of

Firewife Photography

Baby & KidsProductBuzz

Tweens & TeensProductBuzz

MomsProductBuzz

DadsProductBuzz

Present Panic ---needalast-minutegift?

Howtobeasavvyshopperwhen buying in bulk

PartyPlanningforyourTwins---howtoD-I-Y!

Wrap it up withalittlepersonalization

Cooking for a Crowd:Howtopreparepleasingpartyfood!

Twin Mom-Owned Businesses WeLove!

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on great gifts for the whole family!

Shop our entire collection at safariltd.comor call 800.554.5414 for a free color catalog.

Replicas designed by Safari Ltd® in the USA.

10% OFFwith Code TWIN12

*Cannot be combined with other promos.

Forest Dragon

Days of Old®

Princess Juliet

Serving the Toy Industry since 1982.

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productbuzzbaby & kids

primo play yard cabanaPerfectforindoorandoutdooruseforupto3children!Itislight

weight(14lbs),portableandcomesfullyassembled.Thewaterproofpaddedfloormatkeepsyourchildcomfortableanddry.6SidePanels

offersee-throughmeshforeasyvisibilityofyourchildrenatplay.Onepanelhasazippereddoorwithlockforeasyin-and-outaccesstochildandparentswhenthecoverisused.Clothtravelcasewith

shoulderstrapincludedforeasyportability.Sidestoragepocketsareperfectforthetravelcaseandremovablecabanacover.Sunproof

fabricforaddedprotection.Recommended Ages: 0 - 3 years Retail: $225.00

www.primobaby.com (10% discount code: MN2012)

scholastic booksBooksarealwaysafavorite,no-fuss/no-failgiftideaforbabiesandkidsofallages.Whatbetterwaytoencouragetheimaginationthan

togivethegiftoffun,adventure,suspense,andsomuchmore!ScholasticBooksisahouseholdnamehavingbeenaroundformorethan90yearsandisin90%ofU.S.schoolsthroughBookClubs,Book

Fairs,andotherresources.Scholastichasalsorecentlylaunchedanewreadingplatform,storia™,wherereadingcomestolifeviaa

digital,interactiveandeducationalappforPre-Kindergartenthroughgrades7andup.Unsureofwhatbooktobuy?Scholasticonline

offersgiftcardstosuiteventhehardesttoplease!Recommended Ages: 2+ Retail: $1.99+

www.scholastic.com

fundanoodleFundanoodle is a new education readiness brand from Carolina Pad designed to develop and improve the skills needed for handwriting

and many other everyday activities. Created with the belief that learning these skills should be educational and fun, Fundanoodle’s 15 modules help kids have fun while helping fine and gross motor

coordination, enhancing eye-hand coordination, encouraging touch and visual exploration, and promoting problem-solving, discovery, and self-esteem. Fundanoodle products range from writing tablets

to multi-activity kits, all designed to make learning a fun and interactive experience. Fundanoodle is also a great way for parents

and kids to engage in meaningful learning experiences together. Recommended Ages: 3 - 6 years Retail: $5.99+

www.fundanoodle.com

duo splash floats, llcThisisaoneofakindfloatthatmakesfloatinginthepoolwithtwokidsabreeze.Nomoreholdingtwofloatstogether!

Twopocketseatskeepthelittleonessecurewithlegholesforkickpoweraction,educationalaspects,andiseasytoinflateanddeflate.Visitthewebsiteformoredetailsregardingage,weight,andspecialinstructionsofuse.Recommended Ages: 6 - 36 mos. www.duosplashfloats.comFind and “like” them on facebookFor orders in Australia or New Zealand visit www.twinsane.com.au

around the world toob®Visitfar-offplacesandlearnaboutsomeoftheworld’sgreatcivilizationswithourAroundtheWorldTOOB®.Perfectforfamilieswithmultiples,SafariLtd®TOOBS®arecollectionsofindividuallyhandpaintedminiaturereplicasfeaturingfine,professionalsculpting,andaccuratedetail.Theyareavailableindozensofthemes,andeachsetcomesinareusabletubethatsnapsopenandclosedforeasystorage.TheAroundtheWorldTOOB®containstheLeaningTowerofPisa,EiffelTower,TajMahal,ArchofTriumph,StatueofLiberty,TempleofInscriptions,PyramidsofGiza,EmpireStateBuilding,BigBen,andtheParthenon.Allofourproductsareleadfreeandthoroughlysafetytested.Recommended Ages: 3+ Retail: $10.99 www.safariltd.com

the magical tale of santa dustEveryChildWonders...HowwillSantaknowwhereIlive?HowwillSantafindme?IntroducingtheChristmasbookof2012;TheMagical Tale of Santa DustistheMagicaltaleoftwosmallchildrenwho,onChristmasEve,sitbytheirwindoweagerlyawaitingthearrivalofSanta,onlytobebypassedonhisyearlyjourney.Savefortheanticsofagiggling,bunglingelf-andsomemagicaldust-theirChristmasdreamscometrue.MagicalSantaDustisenclosedinaredvelvetpouchthatisalsoakeepsakeChristmastreeornament.Thegiftsetisshrinkwrappedtogether.ThisbookisalsoarecentrecipientofaMom’sChoiceAwardHonoringExcellence.Recommended Ages: 2+ Retail: $24.00 www.themagicaltaleofsantadust.com

productbuzzbaby & kids

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productbuzzbaby & kids

hold-on handles®Asmomsoftwinsandtriplets,weknowthemostchallengingtimes

arewhenoutandaboutwiththekidsandtheywantoutofthestroller.Hold-OnHandlesistheidealtooltohelpduringthese“out-handed”

situations.It’snotachildrestraintorharness,butratherateachingtooltohelpkeep1-3childrenwithinarm’sreach.Withaquickclickoftheunique,oversizedcarabiner,itcantransformfromstrolleraccessorytoareinventedwalkingropethatcanbeworncomfortablyonyourwristorthroughabeltloop.Yourkidswilllovetoholdtheirfavoritehandles,freeingupyourhandsforeverythingelse.WithHold-OnHandles,youwillfeelmoreconfident,andyourchildrencanbesafer,moreactive,

andhappilyindependent–afarbetteroptionthanaleashorharness.Recommended Ages: 18 mos.+ Retail: $19.99 - $27.99

www.holdonhandles.com

table for twoFinditdifficulttobottlefeedandspendqualitytimewitheachtwin?TableforTwomakesitsomucheasierandmoreenjoyabletobottleandevenspoonfeedyourtwins...ATTHESAMETIME!Eachtwinhas

itsownsafetyharnessforbuckling,andthecoversaremadeofwater-resistantpolyestersothatcleaningisacinch.Individualbottleholders

helpkeepthebottlesseparatesothatthereisneveramix-up,andacarryinghandlemakesitconvenienttomovearoundthehouseor

whentravelling.Whenthetwinsaretoooldtouseitasafeedingaide,letthemenjoyitasauniquedoublerecliner!Besuretoentercoupon

codeMULTIPLICITY712atcheckoutfor10%off.Recommended Ages: preemies - 1 year Retail: $229.00

www.buytablefortwo.com

innotab 2Wanttoentertainthekidswhileknowingtheyarelearningallsortsofmath,readingandhand/eyecoordinationskills?Thenewinnotab2byVtechoffersthatandsomuchmore!Withitsnewswivelcamera,

kidscantakephotosandvideoandincorporatetheirshotsintogamesandtheartstudio.Thetabletcomespre-loadedwithgamesandapps,

butyoucanpurchaseothersataround$24.99each.Youcanalsodownloadapps,ebooks,music,andgamesfromtheVtechLearningLodgeNavigatorforaslittleas$2.99.Yourkidswillspendsomuchtimehavingfun,they’llneverrealizethey’relearningalongtheway!

Recommended Ages: 3 - 9 years Retail: $79.99www.vtechkids.com

productbuzztweens/teens

nanoblock 3d puzzlesIfyourkidslove3Dmodelsorwereeverafanofbuildingblocks,theywilllovejoiningintheJapanese3Dminimodellingblockcraze.Setsrangefromtheeasierminiatureinstrumentsandanimalslikeducks,dogs,giraffeandpandabears,tothemorecomplex“SightstoSee”collectionfeaturinglandmarkssuchastheEmpireStateBuilding,theWhiteHouse,theSpaceCentreShuttleLaunchBay,andeveninternationallandmarksliketheEiffelTower.Eachsetcomeswithafullsetofassemblyinstructions.Setsarenotrecommendedforchildrenundertheageof3becausemanyblocksareonly4x4mminsize.Extrapiecesareincludedwithmostsets.Retail: $15.00 - $80.00www.nanoblockshop.com

lil’ banshee compound archery setDoyouhavefansofTheHungerGames?Getthemoutsideandenjoyingsomefreshairbyencouragingaskilllikearchery,asthiscangoforeitherboyorgirl.TheLil’BansheeCompoundArcherySetfromBarnettCrossbowsprovidesyoung,beginningarcherswitheverythingtheyneedtogetstarted.Thesetfeaturesan18-poundcompoundbowthatisdesignedforcomfortableuseandgreathandlingwithasofttouchgripandanambidextrousreinforcedhandle.Thesetincludesamulti-colortargetaswellastwotargetarrows,afingertab,anarmguard,andanadjustablesight.Featuringeye-catchingcolors,thisisanidealbowsetforbeginners.Pleasenote:Thisarcherysetisnotatoy---adultsupervisionisrequired.Retail: $35.00www.amazon.com

surface with windows rtThere’sanewtabletintown...onethatisboth“pretty”andpractical,withmorefunctionsthaneverbefore.Surface’sintegratedKickstandandTouchCoverletyouwork,play,andconnectwithothers.Thetabletfeaturesfrontandrear-facingHDcameras,andtheKickstandalsoenableshands-freeSkypevideochatorrecording.YoucanevenplugintoexternaldisplayslikeprojectorsandHDTV,andshareyourphotos,yourpresentation,yourmovies,yourworld.Thetabletrecentlywentonthemarketforsaleandcomespre-loadedwithWindowsRT,MicrosoftOffice2013RT2,Xboxapps,andotheressentials.Retail: $499.99www.surface.microsoftstore.com

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productbuzzmoms

best cradle by it’s you babeNeedhelpsupportingyourachingtummy?TheBestCradlewas

designedspecificallyformomscarryingmultiples.Thisamazinglysoft,supercomfortableandadjustablepregnancysupportgarment

providessafeandeffectivereliefformultipleachesandpainsoftenfeltduringpregnancy.Flannelbackedelasticssurroundtheentiretummywhilegentlyliftingandsupportingthebabiesasifcradlingwithyour

ownhands.TheBestCradleissoeffectiveandcomfortableyou’llforgetyouhaveiton!EnthusiasticallyrecommendedbyHealthcareProfessionalsforreliefofback,abdominalandhippainoftenfelt

duringpregnancy.MadeintheUSA. Retail: $69.00

www.itsyoubabe.com

seez-it nowAreyouanewmomwithanarsenal(I mean diaper bag!)fullofthings

tofeed,diaper,pacifyandplaywithyourmultiples?Wouldn’titbesimpleandsavesomuchtimeifwecouldonlyrememberwhere

eachitembelongs?Thiswouldbeespeciallyhelpfulintheinstanceswhereothers(family,friends,nannies,etc.)helpcareforourlittleones.IntroducingSeez-ItnowDiaperBagOrganizingLabels.Thesepackscontain16labelswithpre-printeditemssuchasbottle,bib,pacifier,wipes,dirtythings,etc.andevenincludeblanklabelstocustomizeyourown.Thelabelsarepaperlessandrefastenablesothatyoucanchangethingsaroundwhenevertheneedarises.Kidsgrownandnolongerusingadiaperbag(luckyyou!)?Packsarealsocustomizedfor

travelandhandbags...anecessityforeverymomonthego!Retail: $8.99

www.seez-itnow.com

r&e avenue handstamped jewelryWhatmomdoesn’tlikejewelry,andevenmore,jewelrythatreflectsherchildrenandfamily?R&EAvenuecreatesmeaningfulandcustomhand-stampedjewelryrangingfromnecklaces,bracelets,ringsandmore.Whatbetterwaytorememberandhonoraspecialdateor

thoseyoulove?Don’twantatraditionalchain?Nowyoucanoptforaleatherorfabrichandstampedpiecethatmayreflectevenmore

personalityformom.Eachpieceofjewelryiscustomizedwithnames,dates,quotes,orwordsofinspiration.

Retail: $15.00 - $75.00www.randeavenue.com

diaper bagOrganizing Labels

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

seez-it

• 16 flexible plastic low profile labels • Peel backing and apply to pockets • Switch label positions anytime!

Patent Pending

00302

Low profile, easy-to-switch paperless labels makeit simple to keep bags organized so you’ll never go digging again!

re-fastenable

NEW!Made in USA

bib

face wipes

bottle

pacifier

changing pad

snacks/food

clean clothes

spoon

comb/brush

sunscreen

diaper cream

toys!

dirty things

Includes 2 writable labels for usewith virtually any brand or color offine-point permanent markers.

wipes2.0“ x 0.5”

IN ARECLOSABLECLAMSHELLPACKAGE

productbuzzdads

my dad --- his story, his wordsWhatsonordaughterwouldn’tlovetohaveajournalcapturingtheirfather’slifeinhisownwords,andaslikelyneverheardortoldbefore?Morethanamugthatwilleventuallybreakorbeforgotten,oratiethatwillneverbeworn,thisjournalfeaturesquestionstosparkthememoriesofhislifeasonlyheknowsit.Dadcanevenworkwiththechildrenalongtheway,andthensaveittogivewhentheybecomeadultsandcansharewiththeirownchildren.Atruetreasureforgenerationstocome,childrenwilllovelaughingatandmaybeevencryingatsomeofthestoriesshared,butwilllovemorethananything,thecelebrationoftheirdad’slife.Retail: $9.95www.live-inspired.com

real men make twins t-shirtWeallknowthatdadsliketotakeallthecreditwhenitcomestohavingourtwins,sowhynotletthemwearitoutloud?Whenlookingforauniqueandpersonalgiftfordad,nothingsays“Iloveyou”likegivinghimat-shirtthatletshimproudlyshowhisegotoanyandeveryonewhowilllisten!CafePressofferstonsofdifferentsayingsanddesignstailoredtotwinsandmultiples,andoffersahostofcolors.T-shirtoptionsarealsoavailableinshortorlongsleeveshirts,andevenonstyleorfit.SizesrangefromSmallto4XL,sobigenoughtofiteventhelargestofegos!Retail: $22.00www.cafepress.com

kindle fire hdOkay,sothisgiftwilllikelygetsharedbyeveryoneinthefamilyatonepointoranother,butwouldn’tdadlovetohavehisbooks,magazines,photosandevenHDmoviesreadilyavailableandaccessibleononedevice?Kindlehasincreasedthescreensizeto7”andnowoffersthetabletin16GBor32GB.Knownforitsanti-glaretechnology,Kindlecanbeutilizedathome,intheoffice,ontheplane,orevenbeachorpoolside.Kindlehasaccesstomorethan22millionbooks,magazines,movies,televisionshows,games,andappslikeFacebook,TwitterandNetflix.ItalsoboastsWi-Ficonnectivitywith40%fasterdownloadsandstreamingascomparedtotheiPad3.Reading,watchingandlisteninghasneverbeenbetter!Retail: from $199.000 www.amazon.com

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eallknowthefeeling–justhours(orminutes!)beforeit’stimetoleaveforapartyitdawnsonusthatwehaven’tyetpurchasedagift.Ohno–thedreaded“presentpanic”!Whetheryou’veforgottentobuyagiftforalong-awaitedeventorwereinvitedtoalast-minuteparty,herearesomegreatgiftideasthatyoucancreatewitheverydayitemsrightinyourownhome.Youmaynothavetimetobattlecrowdsatthemall,buttheseideaswillmakesurethatyoushowupatyoureventwithsomethingfestiveinhand.

1. Baked goods: Whenindoubt,bakecookies,orpie,orcake,orwhateveryourspecialtymaybe.Nothingbringswarmthandgoodcheertoapartylikeaplateofyourfavoritehomemadegoodies.Foranextrapersonaltouch,includeyourrecipe.

2. Wine or champagne:Selectasparebottlefromyourwinerackandtopitwithabow.Tomakethisgiftmorepersonal,placealabelonyourbottlefordashingoffapersonalnotetoyourevent’shost.

3. Frame it:Grabaframefromyourhouseandeitherplaceafamilyphotoinsideorusecomputer

present panic:create last-minute gifts from everyday items

bycara krenn

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papertowritea“Season’sGreeting”,favoritequote,orotherpersonalmessagewithintheframe.Yourkidscanjoininonthefunbycontributingapieceofartworktobeframed.

4. Coffee or tea: Raidyourpantry!DoyouhaveagreatunopenedbagofStarbuckscoffee,aboxofassortedteas,oratinofhotchocolatesomewherewithinyourkitchencabinets?Wrapupsomewarmbeverageoptionswithanotereading:“Staycozythisholidayseason.”

5. Flowers or plants:Cutsomeflowersfromyourgardenorselectahealthypottedplantfora“green”last-minutegift.Greenerylightsupanyhome–andlooksgreatwhentiedwithabow.

6. Color scheme bag: Chooseafestivecolorthemeandgatheritemsaroundyourhomeinthosecolors.Youcanincludelittlegiftssuchasunlitcandles,candy,stationery,bathproducts–whateverlooksfungroupedtogetherandyourhostmightenjoy.

7. Book club:Haveyoujustreadanovelyoucouldn’tputdown?Wrapupafavoritebookofyourswithanotereading:“Lovedthisbookandthoughtyouwould,too.”Suggestaone-on-one“bookclub”coffeedateforwhenshe’sdonereadingyournovelofchoice.

8. Movie night: Makeaquick“movienight”giftwithafavoriteDVD,popcorn,and

candy.Thiscanbegreatforadatenightorsomethingtoincludethewholefamily.

9. White elephant: Headedtoapartywitha“whiteelephant”theme?Havesomefunandfindthestrangestunusediteminyourhouse.Wrapupwithnewspaperforanextra“special”effect.

10. Recipes: Areyouawhizinthekitchen?Haveastashofgreattried-and-truerecipes?Copyyourfavoritesontorecipecardsandtiethemtogetherwitharibbon.Youcanevenchooseathemesuchasdesserts,amazingappetizers,orquickandeasydinners.Wecanallusenewcookingideastokeepthefamilycomingtothetable!

11. Kids Crafts: Needachildren’sgift?Trywhippingupsomehomemadefingerpaintsorplaydough.Forfingerpaints,combine3tbssugar,½tspsalt,½cupcornstarch,and

2cupswaterinapanandheatuntilmixturethickens.Cool,addfoodcoloring,andpourintocontainers.Forplaydough,mix1cupflour,½cupseasalt,1cupwater,2tbsoil,and2tbscreamoftartar.Cookovermediumheatandstiruntildoughstiffens.Cool,thenkneaddoughuntilitreachesdesiredconsistency.Addfoodcoloringandplaceincontainers.Voilà!

12. Gift card: Manyonlineretailersofferprintablegiftcardsforshoppersinapinch.Haveagiftcardemailedtoyou(oryourfriend)instantly.Itmayseemimpersonal,butwhodoesn’tlovegettingtopickoutexactlywhattheywanteverynowandagain?!?

Aboveall,remembertohavefunthisholidayseason.Evenifyou’veexperienced“presentpanic,”awarmhugandheartfeltgreetingusuallymeansmoretoourfriendsthananygiftevercould.

Calm the clutterand instantly reduceorganizational stresswith new switchable“velcro-style” labelsfor diaper bags, travelbags, handbags andmore. Now in customwritable sets just perfect for multiples!

Made in USA www.seez-itnow.comtoll free 855.273.3948

Hint: Identifythings usingswitchableseez-it labels

CAN’T KEEP TRACK OFALL THOSE BABY THINGS?CAN’T KEEP TRACK OFALL THOSE BABY THINGS?

16labels

L A B E L S

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henyourfamilyconsistsofmultiplestherearemanythingsyouneedtoconsider,likehowcanIsavemoney

onthenextnecessaryitemsIneedtopurchaseforthem.ThereareafewthingsthatIfeltwerenecessarytoskimon,splurgeonorbulkupon.

Whenskimmingonitemsforyourmultiples,itshouldbeitemsthatcanberotatedfromonechildtothenext.Suchasinfantswings,walkers,bouncyseats,andexcersaucers.Thesethingsmaybeanecessitytoonechild,butnotfortheother(s).Onechildmayliketohaveindependentmobilityandtheothermaybecontentwithalittlemotionfromabouncy.Somepeoplemaythinkthatwalkersshouldnotbeincludedinthiscategory,butfrommyexperience,IhadachildthatscreamedwheneverIputherinit.Sheactuallylikedtowalkbehindhersisterwhileshewasinthewalker.Hand-me-downsorpurchasinggentlyusedisgreat,too.Agreatwaytogethand-me-downsisbyjoiningalocalmomofmultiplesclubinyourarea.Manyclubsalsohostbi-annualconsignmentsaleswhereyoucanfindbabynecessitiesandoutfityourentirecrewfornexttonothing!Iwashappytogivethingsawaywhenmychildrenoutgrewthem.Believeme,everyoneishappytogivetoanotherfamilyofmultiples.Consignmentsalesanddonatingaregreatwaystogetridofeverythinginbulk.

Now,whenyouhavetobuyinbulk,Iwouldsaystartwiththefood,diapers,wipesandformula(ifyouarenotnursing).Thosearethekeyingredientstoasuccessfulstartoftheday.ThoughInursedmychildren,IdidcontactSimilacandEnfamilbeforegivingbirthtoletthemknowthatIwasexpectingmultiplesandwouldliketofeedmychildrenwithastrongvitamin-filledformula.Theywerebothhappywiththisinformationandsentmetonsofcouponsandsamples.ThebigchainstoressuchasJetro,BJ’s,andCostcohavegreatcouponsonceyoubecomeamember.Theyalsohavefreshfruitsandvegetables,whicharegreattobuyinbulk.Duringthesummer,thefruitcanstretchfrombeingtossedinoatmeal,pancakesoralone,tosmoothiesforlunchandicepopsforasnack.Thevegetablescanbesteamedwithahealthyorganicingredientsuchasgarlicandtossedintherefrigeratorforeatingduringtheweek,untilyouneedtomakeavegetable.Asfarasdiapers,wipesandformula–sometimeswritingtothemanufacturerofyourchoice,suchasHuggies,andpassingafewkindwordswillgainyousomecouponsinthemail.Anotherkeysaveristoparticipateinthesurveysthataregiventoyouatthetimeofcheckoutafterapurchaseinthestore.Everyonelovestoknowthattheircustomersarehappyandthatusuallymeansrewardsforyourtime.

buyinginbulkbynatasha d’anna

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Coupons,couponsandmorecouponsgoalongway,somakesuretoalwaysleaveyouremailaddresswhenaskedfromyourfavoritestores.Shoppingduringthesalesthatincludecouponsofbigsavingswillsaveyouabunch.Whetherthereisaneedforaspecificseasonofclothingornot,itisgreattobuyinbulk,saveyourreceiptandreturntheunusedclothing;especiallyiftheyhavegrownoutofseason.Thiswillgiveyouthefundstopurchasethenecessitiesfornextseason.Asyourchildrenaregettingolder,outdooractivitiescanbepurchasedinbulk,aswell.Ihighlyrecommendpurchasingmembershipstomuseums,zoos,aquariums,andactivitycenters.Untilthereisaspecificactivityyourchildwouldliketojoin,thisisgreatforinteractingwithotherchildrenbesidestheirsiblingsandyousaveplentyofmoney.Whetheryouarehomewithyourchildrenorhaveasitter,thereareconsiderationsinthefamilypackagesforalladults.Visitingthesefunplacesontheweekendcancostatonafterparking,entrancefeesthenlunch.Believeme,attheendofthefirstyearwhenyouhavemadeuseofalloftherainy,boringandfamilydaysspentatthemuseum,youwillrushtorenewitoverandoveragain.Besides,thereareplentyofothermembersthatliketosaveandwillthensharetheirsavingtipsandactivitieswithyouasyoubecomeafamiliarface.

Splurgingusuallycomeswhenbothchildrenhavetohavesomething,suchasshoes,coats,hats,gloves,andtheoccasionalfancyholidayorpartyattire.Whenitcomestothesethings,Ialwaysturntotheinternetforcouponsavings.Youcansearchforawell-knownstoressuchasStrideRite(whichisgreatformultipleswiththebuyone,getone½offsale).Ofcourse,therehasbeenatimeortwowhereIneededtopurchasetwobabydolls,babycarriagesandtwomeals,butmostofthetimeIampushingthatlearnedbehaviorofsharingandtakingturns.Here’s to buying the things you need most in bulk, without overspending that hard-earned money that could be better used for a little family fun!

Natasha D’Anna is a mom of twin girls, an educator and a self-published writer of a children’s book titled Twindollicious (available in December 2012). The book is inspired by her children and developing this great push to succeed at her inner passion. Natasha worked in the rewarding

field of education for almost ten years before fulfilling her dreams of having children of her own. It was then that she felt that she could truly make a difference in a person’s life. In this case, two twindollicious girls with great personalities.

other bulkbuying tips

Purchase only what you need.Makealistandstickwithit.Don’tlettheaislesandaislesofallofthosebulkitemssuckyouintobuyingmorethanyouliterallybargainedfor!

Purchase food you can use or for which you have the space.Ifyoucan’teat,freeze,oruseanitembe-foreitspoils,thenit’sprobablynotworththemoney.Also,beforehavingtospendmoneyonthatextrafreezer,makesureyoueitherhavethespaceforthebulkfoodorthatthecostbenefitoutweighsthespending.

Always do the math.Buyinginbulkshouldbeanobviouscostsavingsforyourfamily.Youshouldknowpricesofyourfavoriteormost-useditemssothatyoucancompareandgetthebestdeals.Also,besuretoaskaboutcoupons.SomewarehousestoreslikeBJ’swillallowyoutopairtheirstorecouponswiththemanufacturercoupon,whichcanreallygoalongwaywithsavings.

Consider timing.Besuretovisitwarehousestoresduringatimewhencrowdswon’toverwhelmandcheckoutlineswon’tbesolong(peopletypicallygetpaidonthe1stand15thofthemonth).

Share in the savings.Inviteanothermomfriendalongandsharenotonlythecost,buttheitems,aswell.Itmaybeworthkeepingbothyourspendingandyourstorageincheck!

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fyouarelikemanymomsofmultiples,youhaveafewsetsoftwinsonyourguestlist-aswetendtosticktogether,right?Mymother-in-lawgavemetheadvice

thatyouonlyinvitethenumberofguestsasyourchildisold.Whilethatmaybefineforsingletons,whenyourmultiples’friendsaremultiples,itmightnotbethateasy.However,don’tletthesheernumberintimidateyou...we’vegotsolutionstokeepyourpartyfunandbudget-friendly!

ThefirststeptocreatingapartyformultiplesisFinding the Right Location.Youmayassumethatapartyathomeisthebestoption.However,ifhavingapartyfortwinsmeansinvitingtwiceasmanyguests,youmaynothavetheroom,northedesiretohavealargenumberofpeopleinyourhome.

Localparksoftenrentsheltersforasmallfeeandincludetheuseofgrills,restroomsandplaygroundfacilities.Whiletheclimateriskforanoutdooreventisalwaysthere,sometimesit’sworththegamble,especiallyifyouhaveacoveredshelter.

NeighborhoodClubhousesarealsoagreatoption.Ifyourcommunitydoesnothaveafacility,don’thesitatetoaskafriendinaneighborhoodthatdoes.Therentalfeesareoftenquitelowandincludeuseofthekitchen,restroomsandsometimeseventelevisionandaudio-visualequipment.

Choose a theme.Justbecausetheyaretwinsdoesn’tmeantheylikethesamethings.PiratesandPrincesses,Trainsand

partyplanning:DIY

byjuliane kilcoyne

i

Superheroes,andthelistgoeson.Useathemethatincludesyourkids’favoritethingsanddon’tworryifitdoesn’tseemlikeaperfectmatch.AfterallMonkeys&Mermaidsmayendupbeingthemostmemorableandcreativepartythemeyet!

Thenextthingtoconsideriswhatyourguestswillbedoingatyourparty.Youdonotneedtospendalotofmoneytokeepchildrenentertained,butyoushouldofferafewActivities.

Play with your food: Insteadofhavingstore-boughtcupcakes,makeplaincupcakesaheadoftimeandgivethegueststhechancetodecoratethem.Frosting,sprinklesandcandywillentertainthechildrenandfeedtheirbellies!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:Takealookatwhat’sgoingoutonyourcurbeachweek.Havealotofcans?Takeoffthelids,washthemandspraypaint

"hosting a birthday party for your twins does not mean that you need to spend twice as much!”

themyourfavoritecolor.Stackthecanshighandletyourpartygueststaketurnsthrowingaballtoknockthemover!Isyourrecyclebinstillfilledwithdiaperboxes?Turnthoseboxesintowearabletrainsorspraypaintthemandusethemforjumbostackingblocks.Whatchilddoesn’tlikebuildingafortandthenknockingitdown?

Play Ball:Askyourgueststoweartheirsneakersandcomereadytoplay!Whetherit’sagameoft-ballintheyardorHORSEinyourdriveway,agamecanbringallthegueststogether,bigandsmall.

Design your own Jewelry:Setoutafewbowlsofbeadsandspoolsofyarn,andletyourguestsgettoworkmakingnecklacesandbracelets.Notonlyisitaneasyandinexpensivecraft,itcanalsodoubleasapartyfavor.

Food and Beverage.Don’tscheduleyourpartyduring

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contd. ---partylunchordinnertime,unlessyouarepreparedtofeedyourguests,andtheirparents.Let’sfaceit,thatisNOTbudget-friendly!Instead,choosemid-morningormid-afternoonwhereasmallsnackanddrinkwillsuffice.

Décorisacinchforchildren’sparties,especiallyifthethemehappenstobesomethingtheyloveandhaveathome.Havingaconstructionparty?Pulloutthedumptrucksanddisplayyourcupcakesinthem!Forasportsthemedparty,usetheequipmentyoualreadyhaveforcenterpiecesandtabledécor.WhataboutCuriousGeorgeorBrownBear,BrownBear?Largecopiesofthebooksareagreatadditiontoatablescape.Searchyourkids’rooms,bookshelvesandtoyboxes;yourpartydécorisrightthere(beneaththegiantteddybearsandhalf-dressedBarbies).

WhenitcomestoFavors,minimalisbest.Itmaybetemptingtoordernick-nacksfromanonlinecatalogorhitupachainpartystore,butavoidthetemptation.Noonewantstoseemoneygodownthedrain,andunfortunately,that’swhatthoselittleplasticfavorsdo.Theygodownthedrain,thebackofthecarseat,thebottomofthetoyboxandeventuallyfindtheirwaytothetrash.Ifyouaregoingtoinvestinafavor,getonequalityitemoronedelicioussweettreat.Atrainwhistle,apinballgame,aprincesstiaraoracookieisallyourguestswillneed–addafavortagandaribbonandyouareset!

Lookingforinexpensive,destinationpartyideasthataresuretobeahit?Herearesomeofmyfavorites:

Venturetoapumpkinpatchtoplayinthecornmazesandgoforahayride.Youdon’thavetodecorate,thefarmisyourbackdrop,andyourguestscanleavewithapumpkin.

Takethepartytothebeach!Loadupyourcarwithbucketsandshovelsandtellyourgueststobringtheirswimsuitsandtowels.Thereisnolimittothenumberofguestsyoucanhaveinthesand,andanafternoonbuildingsandcastlesissuretomakeeveryonehappy.(Justmakesuretopackenoughsunblock!)

TurnyourholidaybirthdayintoaParadeParty!Providepinwheels,noisemakersandlotsofseatingatthecurb.Inviteyourgueststojoinyoutowatchyourtownparade–aperfectwaytocelebrateabirthdayandaholiday!

Just have fun.Remember,partiesareformakingmemories.Keepitsimpleandfocusonfun!Yourkidswillrememberthewarmthandjoyassociatedwiththeparty,longaftertheballoonshavedeflatedandthecakeisgone.

Juliane Kilcoyne is the mom of 3 boys, including 5 year old twins. She is the owner of

Bloom Events, an event planning company and an online Party Boutique.

other tips

Haveanounceofcreativityinyou?Considermakingyourowninvitationsandpartyaccessories!Afterselectingyourpartytheme,makeuseofsimplegraphicssoftwareandsomecardstocktogivetheinvitationsapersonaltouch.Youcanmakelabelsforfoodandjuiceboxes,cupcaketoppers,flagsandbanners,andevenadhesivelabelsforfoodcontainerslikeshownforthese“in-flight”snacks.Tagscanalsobecustomizedforpartyfavors.Eachoftheseaddsacreativedimensiontoyourtablescape.

Notthecreativetype?Checkoutfavoritesiteslikeetsyforfindingtheperfectpartypieceforanyoccasion!

Whenpeoplethinkabouttheperfectgiftforthatfriendorfamilymember,thepackagingusuallyisanafterthought.Thelast-minuteideathatcomesfromrunningdownthegiftwrapaisle,thatdoesn’thavetobeyourgo-towrapplan.Allyouneedistothinkoutsideofthebox.

Everybodyhasthingslyingaroundtheirhousethatcanbeusedforgiftwrapping.Beforethemodernconceptofstore-boughtwrapideas,mostgiftswerecoveredintheSundaycomic’spageforkidsorextraclothfromahomemadedressfortheadults.Somecultureschoosetheirgiftwrapbaseduponthecolorormaterial,astheyarespecial,too.ChineseculturestatesthatredwrappingbringsgoodluckandJapanesesayclothwrapping(Furoshiki)isecologicallyfriendly.Sodon’tlimityourselforyourbudgettowhatthestoreaisleoffersyouinbags,bowsandrollsofpaper.Putyourthoughtfulgiftsinsomecreativewrappingsolutionsthateverybodycanenjoygivingandreceiving.

Somesimple,creativesolutionsthatevenanovicecando,butanexpertwouldenjoyare:

#1:Emptysoupcans:Washoutoldsoupcans,whichshineinsilverandfillthemwithallkindsofgifts,small,orcandied.Thenuseupsomeof

thattissuepaperweallhavelyingaroundandcreateabouquetofcoloroverit.Tyingitoffcanbesimpletoo.Whetheryouhavesomeribbonortwinelyingaround,eachtiecanbeuniqueandcreative.Wanttogothatextramile?Holepunchasmallcardstocksheetandmakealabelorcardforit.

#2:Recyclekitchenboxes:WhythrowoutthosesturdyboxesyougetfrombulkbuyingatSam’sCluborCostco’s?Recyclethemandcoverthemwithstuffyoualreadyhaveonhand.TheSundaynewspaperofferslotsofoptions.Whetherit’stheComics,theSportspageforthatsportfanaticinyourlife,orthecrosswordpuzzlesforthepuzzleloverinyourfamily,thereareendlessoptionsforwrappingitandkeepingit“green”.

#3:DecorativeBoxes:DidyoufindagreatplainboxatMichael’soranyothercraftstore?DoyouhaveanoldboxthatyouknowwouldjustfitthatiPodNanoforChristmas?Whynotwhipoutthosecraftpaints,gluegunanddrawerfullofbuttons,bowsandloosenick-nackstocreateallkindsofdecorativeboxes?Yourcreativewrapisnowauseful,reusablegiftinandofitself.

Creativegiftwrappingisonlylimitedbyyourimagination.Shufflethroughthe“junkdrawer”

wrap it up!creativewrappingsolutionsforyourfamilyandfriendsbyangel rodrigues

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weallhaveinourhouses,therandomshoeboxofoldconcertticketsoreventhetornpicturebooksyourkidshaveusedbeyondrecognition.WithalittleModgePodgeeveryboxisacollagewaitingtohappen.Buyingdiscounted,damagedweavebasketsonclearanceinastoreandweavinginyourownyarnfromanextraballthatyouhavelyingaroundcanbeamemorablegiftholderthateveryonewillbetalkingabout.

Giftwrappingaislesarefulloficonicimages,conveniencepackaging,andready-to-goinstantcoveringforallgiftideas,butatwhatprice?Oftenthewrappingforonegiftcanbejustasexpensiveasthegiftitself.Thenwhathappens?Thegiftreceiverripsthewrappingtoshredsandthrowsitout.Whataletdown.Sowhynotputasmuchthoughtandcreativityintothewrappingthatitultimatelybecomesagiftitself.Attheveryleast,putatonofcreativityintothewrappingandwithoutputtingmuchmoneyintoit,sothatwhenitdoesgettossed,itisanideawell-spent.Takethetimetogettoknowyourgiftreceiverandfindoutwhattheylike,don’tlikeandwouldratherhave.AchildmaywantagiftbagdecoratedbyauntiewithallhisfavoriteLegocharactersinwhichtokeepthepiecesforstorage.Aco-workermaywantthesoupcanpackagesotheycanuseitasapencilholderaftertheyeatalltheyummygoodiesyoustoredinsideasagift.MomanddadmaywantthecerealboxcoveredintheNewYorkTimes’Crossword

Puzzlesotheycanhavesomethingtodooncetheyreadthebookyouwrappedupinside.

Wrappingideasareendless.It’suptoyoutobecreativeandfindthebestwrappingforthatpresentyouspentsomuchtimethinkingaboutandbuying.It’snotallribbonsandbows,butitsurelyisallaboutyouandthethoughtyouputintoit.

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Ithashappenedtoallofus.Youarehostingapartyatyourhouse,andyouweresureyouhadplentyoftimetodoallyourcookingandgeteverythingoutonthetable.Sowhydoesitalwaysfeellikeamadscramble?Welovetoentertainanditiseasytodoinourneighborhoodfullofkidsandfamilies.Ijustgottiredofalwaysfeelinglikepeoplewerewalkinginthedoor,(even when they were the fashionably late, I-don’t-want-to-be-the-first-ones-there, 15 minutes after the party starts folks),andIwasstillpullingthingsoutoftheovenorstirringsomethingonthestove.

Whatworkedformewastofindasetofgo-topartyfoodsforlargecrowdsthatalloftheprepcanbedoneearlierintheday.Veggie-basedappetizersarealwaysagreatvegetarianchoice

andyoucan’tforgetdessertforthesweettoothattending.WhenIlivedinDallas,IbecameOBSESSEDwithNothingBundtCake’sChocolate-ChocolateChipBundtcake.Throughtrialanderror,IhavefiguredoutahomeversionsinceIamnolongerinDallas,butamstillobsessedwiththiscake.Thefollowingrecipeswillpleaseanycrowdandkeepyoucool,calm,collected,andreadytoanswerthedoorwithoutanovenmittinhand.

Broccoli-Cheese & Turkey Pepperoni P inwheels1boxoffrozenPuffPastry(2sheets)–Pastrysheetsneedtobeunwrappedandsetoncounterforthirtyminutestothawbeforeuse.

For Broccoli-Cheese:110oz.packageoffrozenchoppedbroccoli,

cooking for a crowd:party-pleasing recipes that never fail!

byjessica therival

defrosted2cupsshreddedCheddarcheese1½TofDijonmustardSaltandpepper1beateneggwhite

Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Microwavethebroccoliaccordingtodirectionsonpackageandputinalargemixingbowl.Addcheese,mustard,saltandpepper.Rollorstretchthedoughouttoapproximately10x14inches.Spreadthemixtureoverroughly¾ofthedough,leavingashortsidewithoutfilling.Starttorollupfromtheshortsideuntilyouhavealog.Wrapinplasticwrapandplaceintherefrigeratoruntilreadytobakebeforeyourparty.

For Turkey Pepperoni:4oz.ofturkeypepperonislices,mincedorchoppedveryfine3tspofDijonmustard1Tofhoney½cupofgratedAsiagocheese1tspoforeganoSaltandpepper1beateneggwhite

Mixinalargebowlthecheese,honey,mustard,pepperoni,andallofyourspices.Rollorstretchthedoughouttoapproximately10x14inchesandrepeatbyspreadingmixture,rollingupandwrappinginplasticwrap.Placeintherefrigerator.

Whenyouarereadytobakeeachlog,sliceintoequalpiecesapproximately½wide.Layflatonbakingsheet,brushwitheggwash,andbake15to20minutesuntilpastryisgoldenandcheeseismelted.Dependingonyourovensize,howmanyovensyouhave(singlevs.double),andhow

longyouroventakestopreheat,timeyourbakingandthesecanpopoutoftheovenjustasyourguestsarrive.

Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip1cupofthawed,choppedfrozenspinach2cupsthawed,choppedfrozenartichokehearts6ouncesofcreamcheese¼cupofsourcream¼cupofmayonnaise1/3cupgratedParmesancheese½teaspoonofredpepperflakes½teaspoonofsalt¼teaspoonofgarlicpowder

Boilthethawedspinachandartichokeheartsin1cupofwateruntiltheyaretenderandthendrainthewater.Discardthedrainedwater.Heatthecreamcheeseinthemicrowavefor1minuteuntilitissoftandhot(makesuretomicrowaveoutofthemetalwrapper).Stircreamcheeseintothespinachandartichokeheartmixture.Addtherestoftheingredients.Putintherefrigerator.Whenyouarereadytoserve,justplaceinthemicrowaveandheatin1minuteintervals,stirringinbetweentogetridofhotspots.Placeinacrockpotorchafingdishandservewarmwithpitachipsortortillachips.Thisisanotherrecipethatyoucandoalltheprepduringtheday,andjustmicrowavewhenitisgettingclosetoservingtime.

Truff led Mac and Cheese1lb.ofelbowmacaroni1Tofkoshersalt5Tofunsaltedbutter6Tofall-purposeflour1½tspofDijonmustard5cupsofmilk(canbe2%)8oz.shreddedsharpcheddar8oz.shreddedGruyerecheese1tspofsalt(trufflesaltifyouhaveit–youcanfindtrufflesaltatSurlaTableorDeanandDeluca)1cupofPankobreadcrumbsTruffleoiltotaste(ifyouhaveit,availableatHarrisTeeter,WholeFoods,DeanandDeluca,SurlaTable)

Bringatleast4quartsofwatertoboiloverhighheat.Addthemacaroniandthetablespoonofsalt.Cookaccordingtopackagedirections.Drainthepastaandsetaside.Addadropofoliveoiltokeepthepastafromsticking.

HeatbutterinaDutchovenordeepsaucepan.Oncebutterisfoaming,addtheflourandmustardandwhiskwelluntilitiscombined.Continuewhiskingandmixturewillbecomefragrantanddarkenincolor.Thistakesabout1minute.

Reducetheheattomediumandkeepwhiskinguntilmixturehasthickenedtotheconsistencyofheavycream.Thistakesabout5minutes.Removefromheat,whiskinthecheeseandtheteaspoonofsaltuntilitisallmeltedtogether.

Addthepastaandkeepstirringovermediumlow,untilpastaisheatedthrough.Topwithpankobreadcrumbsandputunderthebroileruntilthecrumbsaregoldenbrown(3–5minutes).Drizzlewithtruffleoiltotaste.

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“For anyone expecting or raising multiples, this book needs to be on their recommended reading list!” —MultipleBirthsFamilies.com

“Offers advice to frazzled parents.” —Brooklyn Daily Eagle

“Full of information, it is richly flavored with tips and tricks that are certainly very practical for the busy parents of twins.” —Twin Research and Human Genetics

A must-read book...

photo courtesy of jane goodrich photography

Dr. Joan A. Friedman, PhD

*New book about adult

twinscoming

soon, too!

contd. ---cooking

World’s Best Bundt Cake1pkgofdevil’sfoodcakemix1pkgofinstantchocolatepudding1cupofsourcream4largeeggs½cupofwater½cupofvegetableoil1½cupsof60%darkchocolatechips(Nestle,Ghiradelli,)

Frosting:½cupofbutter,softened(2)8oz.packagesofcreamcheese,softened2tspofvanillaextract3-4cupsofpowderedsugar

Preheatovento350degrees.Takethefirstsixingredientsandmixwithabeaterorinastandupmixer.Addthechocolatechipsandstirbyhand.Greaseyourbundtpan,andpourthebatterintothepan.Shakegentlytoevenoutbatter.Cookfor45–50minutes.Removefromtheovenandletcoolforatleast20minutes.Shakeoutofpanontoacoolingrack.Oncecool,wrapinplasticwrapandplaceintherefrigeratorovernight.Forthefrosting,creamthecream

cheeseandbutteruntilwellmixed.Addthevanillaandthenstarttograduallyaddpowderedsugarataslowspeed.Youcanadd3or4cupsdependingonhowsweetyoulikethefrostingtobe.Ifyoudon’thaveapastrybag,justgrabaZiploc,fillwithfrosting,cutaholeinabottomcornerandpipethefrostinginastripedpattern,goingfromthetopofthecakedowntotheservingplate.Rotatethecakeandcontinueuntilthewholecakehasstripesoffrosting.

Jessica Therivel has been married for 8 years to Laurent and is mom to twin girls who started

kindergarten this fall. Now that she has some free time again, Jessica is freelance writing and running a photobook design business.

cookingwiththe kidsWithmytwins,thetwinthatlovestohelpoutinthekitchenismyadventurouseater,whosefavoritecondimentistrufflesalt(a little embarrassing when you are out to eat or at a friend’s and she asks where the truffle salt is!)

Awayfromthestove,somegreatkid-friendlytasksarewhisking,stirringormixing.Theyalsousuallylovetomanipulatethemixerorfoodprocessor.Evencrackingeggscanbedonebyasmallchildwithsupervision.Finally,thereisthetasting!Ikeepsmallspoonsandhavebeenworkinghardtoteachthatyoutasteoncewiththespoonandthenputitintothesink.Here’stoenjoyingthefoodandthetimewithyourkids,too!

by jessica

businesses we lovetwin mom owned

Accessories:FemmeFaireCustomCreationsbyPiaHookingHousewivesMadWillTwo2’sJustSew

Clothing:TutusforToddlersJustJoshinCustomCreationsJust4Twins

Jewelry:SunBurstBeingsTiedTeethersR&EAvenue

Designed GREEN for a new generation of eco-minded mothers and their babies

Home & Entertainment:TraciZellerDesignsBloomEvents

Photography:FirewifePhotographyJaneGoodrichPhotographyCleoBellaPhotography

Other:TwinSistersProductionsStitchPlease!SignsbyTiffanyCakePopsbyCindyCreativeCookiesbyLindsayHeysugarSNAPLocalBuggyYouCanMakeThis

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