Post on 08-Mar-2016
description
transcript
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples1
Toy & GiftGuide2012
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples2
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!
4
7
8
9
10
12
14
17
20
23
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.
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 3
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples4
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
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 5
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples6
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
phot
o co
urte
sy o
f mic
roso
ftsto
re.co
m
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 7
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples8
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
phot
o co
urte
sy o
f liv
e-in
spire
d.co
mph
oto
cour
tesy
of c
afep
ress
.com
phot
o co
urte
sy o
f am
azon
.com
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 9
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples10
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
W
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
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 11
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples12
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
W
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!
*
*
*
*
*
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 13
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples14
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
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 15
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples16
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
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 17
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.
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 19
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples20
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.
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 21
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples22
“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
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 23
multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples24
phot
ogra
phy
by fi
rew
ife p
hoto
grap
hy