Toddler’s Birthday Parties: A good idea?

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Vive La Fete

birthday partyDo you remember the last birthday party you threw for any of your kids? Did you spend a lot of money on it? We certainly expect you did not. Well, this week we have been posting about birthday party (decorations, beverages and meals for the kids, to do list, themes, etc.) but we cannot stop thinking about: when is the perfect time to begin celebrating your kids’ birthdays?

The perfect answer for a new mom would be their first year, but wait. What would a 3rd times mom say about this? We are finding several answers to our question, anytime should be ok to start celebrating your babies’ day of birth; however, it does not hurt if we take a look at some details:

Guests: How many people did you, or are you planning to invite, if it is their first year celebration, we are sure that your party will be full of grown adults, basically your friends who feel happy that you have been a parent for a good year already. Think about it: Is it a good idea to start celebrating that early?

Place: Where are you going to set up the party and is anyone helping with the decoration? Is it going to be your house? It will be a messy after party situation.

Theme: since this is a toddler’s  party, are you using their favorite cartoon? Or, will you choose any theme in particular? If you go with option one, your kids might love it.

We could continue with a large list of activities (games, food, music, clown shows, etc) but we don’t want you to  worry about it until you have the real chance to throw your kids birthday party. Take into consideration that when growing up kids are not interested in all minor details such as their birthday party decoration, but what they must care about are balloons, presents and a big cake. Also remember that it’s clever to begin with this type of “ritual” once they have turned at least 4 years (prior to that age, they may not remember what happen). You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a birthday party; we found some good ideas on how to organize a birthday party with a low budget.

Hope you liked our post for the week, we invite you to check out Birthday Party Board on pinterest and good luck with your party.

Vive La Fête

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Kids skills: When and How?

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Vive La Fete

Remember the first time you took them to Kinder Garden? Was it easy or hard? Did they cry or did they have fun? Well, it seems to be a rough time to go through; however, every parent must “suffer” this experience that later on becomes a habit for them.

While growing up; children develop certain skills, some of them will be art, Kids Skills: When and How!singing, drawing, reading or any other that are not necessary inherited. In fact, you can help them to work up new skills starting at home. The first skill that they come up with is asking questions (which is natural for them) and it is part of their “learning” path. Solving problems and being Independent could be considered part of the top 3 skills that parents should teach them. If your kid is unable to solve minor issues at home, and always run back to mom or dad, imagine how their preschooler social life will begin.

Kids needs to stand by their own, defend themselves with respect and feel independent when making none complicated decisions. At the same time it is important that you show them how to feel compassion for others that means: to care for other people other than themselves. Yes, the must love themselves first, but they also need to look after others (their age for example). Teach them about empathy asking them how they would feel or think if they had to be in someone else’s position.

Improve their passion, make them feel that your are proud on what they have chosen as a passion hobby (a sport, an acting path, singing, etc.) give them your support and encourage them to continue as long as they want, do not push them to the frustration point. Celebrate their victories and defeats and show them that there is always winning and loosing time, but no matter what the result is, you are always proud of their achievements.

There are several skills that your kid could develop, it is part of a parent’s job to help them find their own personality and answer as many questions they could have. Try practicing some of them and let us now how your journey goes.

Write to you soon.

Vive La Fête

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Helping them grow!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Vive La Fete

It has been said that we never stop learning, but when do we really start to learn new things? Is it during our mother’s pregnancy? Is it within those “terrible twos”? Have you ever thought when and how we learn to talk, to read, to understand and to give a coherent response when someone asks something to us? Well, we have been sharing with your some ideas on how to help your kids to learn (you can check them on our facebook fanpage wall); and this week’s blog post is also related to that topic: “children’s brain development”

Let’s start with some interesting facts we found, did you know that:

Helping them grow

  • Babies whose parents frequently talk to them know 300 more words by age 2 than babies those parents rarely speak to them.
  • Babies learn what is important to pay attention to by following the eye gaze of adults.
  • Reading aloud to children helps stimulate brain development, yet only 50% of infants and toddlers are routinely read to by their parents.
  • By the time they are 3, children’s brains have formed 1000 trillion connections between neurons.

That seems a lot for an infant or a toddler huh? Now, remember that it is a parent`s duty, to stimulate their kids learning path, and that is a lifetime job. In some cases parents will only care until the kids start talking or walking, but that is just the beginning.

Most of the children’s decisions are taken by their parents prior the age of 10 and these will include TV programs to watch, clothing to wear, reading material and time to go to bed, just to mention a few of them; it is a good recommendation to have your kids share with you how they feel about those decisions, take into consideration their opinion and that will help you to build trust bonds with them that will be useful later on in your parent-kid relationship.

If you want to practice our last advice, have your toddlers decide what to wear next time you buy something for them and tell us their reaction.

Write you soon!

Vive La Fête

www.vivelafete.com

 

Sources:

www.du.edu/marsicoinstitute

 

 

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Welcome Easter

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Vive La Fete

It wasn’t long ago when we where celebrating New Year’s Eve. Time goes really fast these days and we are closer to our Easter break (some of you are already in it). What have you planed for your vacation to come? Are you travelling overseas? Or are you staying at home getting ready for Easter egg’s hunting? What do you have in mind?

On our side we are more than ready, for a few days we have been promoting our Easter collection; of course, our emphasis for is on bunnies, chicks, eggs and everything Easter related. We will share some pictures of our garments

Easter Chicks Boys Bubble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren’t they cute? But, taking about Easter activities, we have been wondering about traditions and customs, where do they come from? What do they represent? What is the meaning of Easter? We have done our homework and we want to share a few facts that you might not know about this holiday, for example:

Did you know that?

  • The Easter egg roll on the White House lawn has been a tradition since 1878.
  • After Halloween, Easter is the biggest candy consuming holiday.
  • The first chocolate eggs were made in Germany in the 19th century and remain one of the most popular Easter candies today.
  • Each day throughout the year, 5 million marshmallow chicks and bunnies are produced in preparation for Easter (That’s a lot)

Those were some fun facts that we found about Easter. Like many other holidays, you can find recipes, creative crafts or plenty of activities to do. If you want to know some of them we invited you to visit our boards on Pinterest. Don’t forget that the true meaning for Easter is to rejoice and celebrate the beginning of a new life, we encourage you to take some time to spend with your family and be grateful for everything that you have been given.

Please leave us your comment or post in our Facebook wall.

Vive La Fête Blog team

 

Sources

http://www.yumsugar.com/Easter-Fun-Facts-200482

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/easter.htm

http://www.candyusa.com

 

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Pick a Book: I Read You

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Vive La Fete

Despite the fact that technology is almost the protagonist of everything nowadays, nobody can deny that the main step (or at least what most people learn to do) is learn how to speak followed by the reading ability. Yes, we all went to kinder garden or preschool and played a lot, but we also went thru the difficult experience of learning how to read. How scary it was standing up in front of our classmates trying to read out loud (and maybe it was a cute fairy tale or a short paragraph) but for one instance, that was the worst moment that we  had.

RAAD

Once you have learned how to do it, everything becomes easier, but, it doesn’t mean that you still like it, and more the less if it is in reading public. We are sure that this story had happened a lot and the worst case is that your kids may be going through this phase as well, are you doing something to help them?

Parents, not always, think that it is the school’s job to teach them how to read and write, in a way it is, but is at home where they learn as they watch you doing so. It has been said over the years by several studies that kids are like sponges on their first years, therefore, they will copy whatever they are learning in their house. When it comes to reading, it may not be the kid’s favorite activity but you can show them how to become interested in it. For example, you can ask them what their interests are and find a book that matches those interests. Earlier this month the “Read across America Day” was celebrated in the U.S and the National Education Association promoted several tips and hints on how to help children  learn how to read out loud and make it a habit in their lives.

Remember that reading is not just an ability learned; “Good reading” should become a must in everyone’s daily life. Towards the end it has consequences. To an adult life it could be good or bad if you did not learn how to read correctly (in public or for yourself). And finally, someday you kids will go back to you and say “Thank You for reading for me” “Thank You for teaching me how to read”. Pick a book and read to them.

Don’t forget to leave a comment o post in our facebook wall.

Vive La Fete Online Store Team

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A bit of Irish Luck!

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Vive La Fete

Irish Luck

In less than a month we are celebrating  St Patrick’s Day,  but what do we really celebrate on this date? What is St. Patty’s about? Well, as you may assume, “Patrick” was a Christian missioner also known to be the patron saint of Ireland.

At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish pirates and sold as a slave. After several attempts he was able to recover his freedom and then he became a Bishop in Ireland.

Within his message, St Patrick used to talk a lot about the Divine Trinity; here is where one of the symbols takes it meaning from: The shamrock, which should not be confused with a four-leaf clover. The Shamrock represents the Father, the Son and The Holly Spirit. In Ireland and also around the world (mostly the United States) March 17th is the day that this celebration takes place and it is in memory of the day in which Patrick passed away.

Now, what about the luck? It is an Ireland belief that if on St Patrick’s Day you find a four-leaf clover (or a shamrock), if you wear green, or even better, if you catch a leprechaun (where can you find one?) you will be lucky enough for the rest of that day, at least. And the luck related to these symbols are as follows: a four leaf clover its rare to find; the leprechaun possess a pot of gold (who wouldn’t be lucky to find one of those?); and, green color is connected with thoughts of hope and good things to come.

Inspiring ourselves in St Patrick and its meaning, Vive La Fête wanted to participate of this fun and why not, familiar event. For this theme we included the main characteristic symbols of St Patrick in our garments. Have you seen them yet? Of course they are green and hand smocked. If you are planning on having your children dress for this day, it would be a good idea to take a look to our St Patrick collection.

Feel free to post a comment or share with us what are your expectations for St. Patrick, and remember the Ireland blessing:

May her lakes and rivers bless you

May the Irish hills caress you.

May the luck of the Irish enfold you

May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you.

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Your Sweet Valentine’s

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Vive La Fete

Isn’t it great to have family and friends in our lives? How many of you remember what it is like to receive a card, flowers or chocolates? Do you still give or get them on Feb. 14th? Even though this is a special day for this type of presents, details like this are perfect to get or to receive without a particular excuse.

We are sure you will do something special for Valentine’s Day. But, what do you know about this celebration? Where does it come from? What’s the meaning of it? Well, the story tells that “Valentinus” was an Italian Bishop who secretly married young couples. And, due to some unfortunate events, was ordered to be sacrificed on Feb 14th 270 A.C. Since he was in favor of love and people who where in love too, it was in his name that this celebration was named after. That is why February 14th is known as Saint Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day only.

Now, going back to love and Valentine’s Day activities, what are your plans for this year? We are more than ready! A couple of styles in our website where especially made for Valentine’s Day. Have you seen them yet? If not, here is a good picture of two cute little friends dress up with our beautiful Heart Sundress. Don´t they look adorable?

Your sweet Valentine's

Beside from these gorgeous styles, we also have a special discount available: 25% off on selected Hand Smocked Styles!

Fell free to let us know what your family plans are for this year’s valentine’s day. And, don’t forget to let us know what you think about our designs. We like getting feedback from our followers!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Joyful Joyful: Christmas arrived!

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Vive La Fete

FAST, this is the word that best describe 2012. Many great things happened to all of us. From our side, we can say that it has been a great year since we got the change to get in contact directly with by opening our website, our birthday is close.

In our country big events will make the difference from every other year and history, some of them were good and some other are not that happy to remember. As always Christmas is the season of the year in which we all start to get ready for the big day: Christmas Eve. What were your plans for this day? What did you eat? What did you wear? Who did you visit? Or who did you spend the night with? Were you excited about the presents you received or the ones you gave out?

There are so many things to do these days and the time goes literally flying! For example, cooking, in many places around the world it is a family tradition to eat close to midnight, then gather around the chimney and maybe sing a good old Christmas song.

Christmas morning it is the kid’s favorite time since the have the chance to open their presents and of course get surprised. Talking about presents, what are your favorite ones? What do you usually give as a gift? Sometimes it gets complicated at the time to decide what the best choice is.

Another important part is like we said CLOTHING. What are we wearing since these days are identified for us having to go meet our friends or going to family reunions, and who doesn’t want to look good and dress up for that special occasion? Lets be honest, dressing accordingly to Christmas it is also a big thing that takes some time to think about.

When it comes to kids, they might not pay attention to what they are wearing but to what they receive (most of the time toys), but from a parent perspective we like our kids (at least the little ones) to be ready for the big day. Vive la fête is also aware of that and although it might be late for the items to be ship on time, let us share with out what our inspiration was for this season.

Yes, we also love Santa, Christmas trees, nutcrackers, elves, en every other icon that is Christmas and New Year related, but who doesn’t? Overall it is time to share, love and get closer to family and friends. Vive La Fête wishes you a happy holidays and a great time.

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Halloween in smocking!

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Vive La Fete

We just celebrate one of most exciting Holidays: Halloween.

October 31st or “all hallows eve” Is the night in which our kids go out trick or treating, wear their favorite costumes and receive lots of goodies! Here is a video of where Halloween comes from.

Some fun activities for this holiday will definitely include food. There are tons of recipes that you can easily prepare and enjoy at family time; maybe some Halloween cupcakes or pumpkin roll-ups. The main idea is to share a table with all kinds of decorative spooky food and treats.

Art and creativity are also part of this Holiday. If you are thinking of what activities could be helpful and fun for your kids, why don’t you have them create some Halloween crafts by their own? Using some orange, black and purple color paper, scissor, masking tape or glue, they can create a jack o lantern’, bats, witches hats or you can even help them to build their trick or treat bag for the evening.

Now let’s go back to costumes and Halloween “fashion style”. We find amazing how our little ones get excited to dress up as their favorite characters or super heroes and sometimes even parents h

ave to wear one too.

But, what about daytime wear? Wouldn’t it be great to have our kids start the celebration early that day? Vive la Fête has some ideas for you to dress them!

Witches, pumpkins, Jack o’ lanterns or ghosts are some of the Halloween icons that we have chosen for this special holiday designs.

They will look absolutely gorgeous on this, like the little model in the picture who is wearing a Smocked Witches Bishop. Yes, it is smocked too!

What were your plans for Halloween?, what did you eating? But more important, what daytime and night customs your kids wore for this holiday? Feel free to leave a comment or post in our Facebook wall. 

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What is FALL all about?

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Vive La Fete

Fall has finally arrived at Vive La Fete. We are getting closer to the end of a great year. We had the chance to get closer to you (our special clients and friends) by opening our own website www.vivelafete.com. Thank you for your support.

 

FALL starts with the equinoxes that usually takes place on September. However, let’s talk about what is fall all about? Falling leaves, warm clothing, fun family activities, holidays, great food and memorable moments for kids.

Since we are in the hand smocked clothing business, let us show you a couple of our smocking designs created for this special season.

We always incorporate the best and most prevalent themes for the season, making sure we always have choices for the important times and events, such as football season, Halloween, Christmas, and other of ourfavorite designs for these days. We certainly know that you a have a chance to enjoy these special moments with your family.

Our family events help us stay in touch, through food and feasts, that harvesting time is also a great tradition in the US.

Who does not enjoy having the opportunity to pick their own apples, pile jumping or even carve a jack-o’-lan

tern.

These are some of the themes that Vive La Fête uses to create their seasonal styles, adding our extra value with  dedicated handmade smocking; we create themes that match those elements, and  help you maintain important traditions alive with the little ones we all love, our kids.

Do you have theme suggestions for us this season? Feel free to comment, post on our facebook wall or follow our Falling into Fall board on Pinterest, we would love to hear it from you.

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