Come See What's New and SAVE BIG!

There are some new stores in town, and Jackson Square is staying open late tomorrow night, Saturday September 18!

So come downtown for the evening and enjoy the live jazz, music, and food from 5p-8p.

But you can also enjoy some exclusive savings while we offer you a 25% discount off your entire purchase in Wee Little Sprouts tomorrow only! Just mention the blog to cash in.

Motor Fest Tomorrow!

There's a new festival in town! The Fallbrook Motor Fest debuts tomorrow, August 7th from 11 to 5.

There will be brews, bikes, wine, and other eats along with live music all day.

"This is the third year for the [motorcycle art] show and it has always been met with great anticipation and success," explained Michael Calvanese, owner of Café des Artistes, located inside the art center. "I thought, why not expand it and make it a street festival where people can enjoy music, beverages, food and more?"

So come on out and enjoy a great summer day. Tickets need to be purchased in advance, so click here for more information about the event.

Plus it's the last day of our big sale!
You can still get 50-80% off all clothes. Half off all shoes. And 10% off all toys! We have some great toys in too right now. Visit us online to see what's new at www.weelittlesprouts.com

Woohoo, it's our BIG Sale Event that only happens twice a year!

And, it starts today, July 31st. Come visit us in the store for lots of great bargains. And, all our toys are 10% off the original price.

Organic Summer Babybody

We just received some new summer favorites made of a soft rib knit and 100% organic Egyptian cotton.

With stylish summer stripes, get ready for some of the hottest months ahead!

Check them out online for sizing available.

Artisands Playdate

We've got an exciting event planned with Artisands!

Have you or your kids ever painted with sand? It's a really cool thing which allows children to learn as they play, enhancing their physical and mental skills... but they never think they're doing anything but playing!

The materials are all non toxic and 100% made in the USA.

Come by on July 17, 2010
12:00 -2:00
119 North Main Avenue
Fallbrook, CA 92028

Summer Time Headaches

Summer is a fun time of year (by the way, if you live in Southern California- What is up with this weather?) but it can also cause stress with all the family vacations, trips, and outings. While you are busy keeping up with the kids, you might develop a migraine headache.

We came across this article from healthtree.com about summer time headaches, and wanted to pass along some of the information. As well as making sure your children are stopping to hydrate and apply more sunscreen, you really need to take care of yourself as well!

Here's an excerpt:

"All the increased exposure to sunlight may have its negative affects, one common annoyance being the light reflecting off cement surfaces, cars, and water. When the eyes are strained from such light exposure, the most common side effect may be tension headache. This type of ache is described as a throbbing pain between the eyes, lasting around 30 minutes on average.

Many have heard of an ice cream headache, or brain freeze, caused by the consumption of something cold, usually after its hit the roof of the mouth. This causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate, leading to a quick passing but intense pain. However a newer term on the radar this season is called a hot dog headache.

Eating popular barbecue foods filled with nitrates, namely hot dogs, releases nitric oxide, a gas that also leads to a dilating of blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms of this type of headache will mostly be a pulsing pain that can last up to an hour. Coupling foods high in nitrates with foods high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, such as yogurt, can reduce dilation and pain by up to 40 percent."

The article had some interesting stuff, to read more click here!

Baby Carrying and Cloth Diapering Workshop

Amy Rowland, owner of Wee Little Sprouts, is having a workshop! Well, it's really two workshops in one...

Have you been considering cloth diapers? Amy will be giving an informative talk on why you may want to try the cloth diaper vs the throw away kind. She will demo the different brands we carry, along with the accessories and covers they come with.

In addition, she is going to give a demo of how to use each type of baby sling, letting you know the pros and cons of each. After having two children of her own, in addition to running the store, she's a person you can trust for some simple, straight forward information.

We carry three kinds of baby slings; the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, the Moby Wrap, and the ERGO baby. Both men and women will want to see which carriers are best for them.

THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD:

July 13, 2010

10 - 11 am

In our downtown Fallbrook store

Click the flier for an enlarged version

For Up to Age 12... Says Who?

A short, short, true story from one of our customers...

Is it really true? Do you really have to get rid of your toys when you turn 12 years old?

My brother seemed to think so. My family remembers this story well, and I'm afraid it goes down in history as one even I, his little sister, will think of when I see a toy destined "for up to age 12."

You see, my brother loved and adored his toys. Especially his legos and play mobile characters. We never had tv growing up, and I tell you, our imaginations got a run for their money. But the ever looming 12th birthday was approaching and worry was all over his face.

"You don't have to get rid of your toys just because the box says for up to age 12", my parents tried to reassure him.

But nevertheless...

The day he turned 12 that was it. They were gone. Without so much as even asking our parents for approval, the small fortune they had spent over the years was shoved into the hands of some boys more "appropriately aged" for such things.

Now, as he turns 30 this year, he has begun slowly but surely collecting those favorite little long lost friends of his again. For me, I guess it would be coloring. Sometimes when I'm stressed out I actually think about how nice it would be to put on some music and just sit down and color!

It's actually kind of inspiring to see him get in touch with his inner child like that. I just hope this time he doesn't take it so literally when the box arrives with those dreaded words... For up to age 12

Story Time Tomorrow

Don't forget to bring your wee little ones around tomorrow... It's Story Time!!

June 24th in our downtown Fallbrook shop

10a - 10:30a

Come hear a real story teller!

Reading to Your Baby

Many people start communicating with their babies while they are still in the womb. Although it is not exactly certain when the baby can hear what, it is known there are definite benefits to reading out loud during pregnancy, and even after the baby is born.

The consensus seems to be that around the 4th month, the baby will indeed start to hear sounds such as the mother's heart beating, the stomach gurgling, and the movement of blood. This is a time when the baby's ears start to develop nerve endings from the brain and protrude a bit off the head. Loud noises are also likely to get their attention (hoping for a future rockstar? This might be the time to play some upbeat music).

Shortly thereafter the baby might be able to pick up actual voices during conversations, but again it is tricky since there is so much going on between the ears and the actual outside world (think amniotic fluid and the not so cuddly protective paste covering the baby).

But into the 7th month it seems that a baby can actually recognize the voice of its mother as all the senses begin to really get in tune.

The vibrations of a mother's voice can be extremely enjoyable to the baby, and can help create a bond between them and their parents. Not only will it relax the baby, but it can relax the mother too, especially if she chooses to read one of her favorite books. Most expectant moms know how hard it can be to calm down and let go of stress, and reading out loud may do just that. And that's good for baby!

Sometimes the men feel left out since they can't really be a part of the physical experience, and reading can help them create that special bond too... don't leave out dad!

Ok so now the baby is... well, a real live baby! Don't stop reading to a child simply because it seems they can not understand. Reading to infants may

• build listening vocabulary, and memory skills
• introduce concepts
• further parent-child bonding
  
• teach them about communication

Babies don't understand pictures very well, but that doesn't mean they can't focus on them just the same. Books with bright colors and shapes will sti

ll grab their attention and by the time they are 6 months to a year old, they will begin to understand what pictures really mean.

A baby learns all the sounds it needs to speak its native language by the time he or she is one years old! So why not help them along the road to reading? They will have a much better vocabulary when they are finally ready to speak, more importantly being able to better communicate with mom and dad.

So pick up an ol' favorite and get going!

Babies

Has anyone seen Babies yet? It looks so cool!

Workshop: Baby Slings and Cloth Diapers

Join Amy Rowland as she gives another free workshop on two of the things expecting mom's are wanting to know. What are the ins and outs of cloth diapering, and how to use the different kinds of baby carriers.

Click here for more details from our last workshop, and keep in mind this one is scheduled for June 8th from 10a to 11a at the downtown store.

Documentary: The Business of Being Born

We got a good tip from a San Diego mom who read our last blog about home births vs hospital births. She recommended the documentary The Business of Being Born, in which we just watched the trailer. We found it on netflix as an instant play movie, or you can order it. One of our friends said, "Just after watching the trailer, I'm afraid to give birth in the hospital."

Watch the trailer and see what you think, and really try to break the mold of thinking that the hospital is the only way to go. It's right for some people, but is it right for everyone?



and thanks to blogger missmehoneybee for the suggestion!

Hospital Birth, Home Birth, or Birthing Center?

The trend towards birthing in hospitals is one that has only just begun in the last century. It was not even until the 1920's that women became drawn to hospitals due to the availability of newer pain relief options. But women in the 1970's were beginning to discuss how the environment in a hospital was safe, but very uninviting. They also left out consideration to the expecting mother's other family members and general comfort of what can be a very long stay.

Birthing centers are an answer that seem to be gaining popularity in the community of low risk pregnancies. The environment of a birthing center is to provide a safe place for labor, but also to feel more home-like, allowing for as much family who wanted to be there, to comfortably participate in the birth. They are generally larger than hospital rooms, with a more cozy decor, personal bathrooms, and personal care.

And then home births are obviously one of the most natural methods a mother could choose. You have free reign to eat and drink, move around, and most importantly, it is the option with the lowest chance of infection.

Let's just break it down to some basic pros and cons. This list is from pregnancychildbirth.suite101

I. Hospital

Pros

• Anesthesia (for surgery) and analgesia (pain relief) is readily available in hospitals.
• Helpful for many women and/or babies with high-risk health issues.
• Additional help in recovery.

Cons

• Medical interventions are harder to avoid in hospitals.
• Medical staff (for the most part) are strangers to mother.
• Lack of privacy.
• Hospital environment can be stressful, noisy and less relaxing.
• Highest chance of infection for mother and baby in hospitals (see below).
• Cannot eat or drink.in most hospitals.
• Highest Cesarean rate of all three places of birth

II. Birth Center

Pros

• Fewer medical interventions in birth centers.
• Medical staff (midwives typically) are more familiar to mother and family.
• Often birth centers have many natural pain relief options such as jacuzzis.
• Better freedom of movement during labor and birth of baby (little or no restrictions on mother's choice of positioning)
• Mother can eat and drink as she desires in birth centers.

Cons

• No anesthesia available.
• Transfer from birth center to hospital is required for complications with mother or baby.
• May not be available to all women due to insurance or lack of birth centers in their area.
• Typically must leave birth center within about 6-10 hours after birth.

III. Homebirth

Pros

• Environment is more relaxing at home.
• Medical staff (midwives) and helpers are well-known to mother and family.
• Little to no medical intervention in homebirth.
• No restriction on eating.
• No restriction on positioning.
• No limits placed on length of labor at a homebirth.
• Lowest risk of infection from all three places of birth.
• Homebirth has the lowest chance of a Cesarean birth

Cons

• No analgesia or anesthesia available in home birth.
• Homebirth requires transfer for complications of mother or baby.
• Expertise and training of home birth support/medical team varies.
• Mother and labor partners may have to provide their own pain relief options such as a tub rental.
• Not covered by all insurance.
• Parents may need to arrange for their own immediate postpartum help if needed.

Really what it all boils down to are the opinions, beliefs, and risk level of the expectant mother. If she values privacy, or has fears of infection, a hospital birth may not be the best choice. If she is set on medical pain relief and feels safer in a hospital environment, a home birth or birthing center might not make her as comfortable. It all just depends.

Women can safely give birth in a number of locations, we are just more used to seeing hospital births in our culture and in movies and on tv, and in turn makes it feel as though it's a scary decision to choose elsewhere. "A 2003 study of nearly 3,000 birth center births versus hospital births found that not only did both places resulted in equally safe outcomes for both mothers and babies, but the women who gave birth in birth centers wound up with fewer epidurals and cesareans."

The best advice is just to do research, investigate local facilities, and talk to others who have experienced both options.

Another great entry we found is this one:

http://metropolitanmama.net/2009/04/birth-centers-versus-hospitals/

Where a woman talks about her first pregnancy in a hospital, vs her second in a birthing center. She gives a much more personal pros and cons list, and we recommend any expecting mother read it!

Story Time

This is a free event where kids of all ages can enjoy hearing a great story from one of our Wee Little Sprouts story tellers.

June 24th in our downtown Fallbrook shop

10a - 10:30a

Doodlebugs Play Date

Join us for a Doodlebug Designs event on June 3rd!

Event is free and is from 11-2 in our shop.

For those of you who missed it....

This morning was an amazing workshop by Amy Rowland, owner of Wee Little Sprouts. For those of you who could not make it out, we've got it on film and will be sharing it soon!

Stay tuned for all the info on cloth diapering and baby carriers!

Warehouse Sale This Weekend!

75% off everything!

This year's warehouse sale is going to be better than usual. We are moving to a new warehouse and really need to get rid of inventory! We will be selling more than just toys and clothes, we'll be getting rid of tissue paper and ribbon, small displays, shabby chic furniture, and lots more.

This Saturday and Sunday only

May 22nd and 23rd

9a-4p

303 Industrial Way in Fallbrook

Baby Carrying & Cloth Diapering Workshop

Amy Rowland, owner of Wee Little Sprouts, is having a workshop! Well, it's really two workshops in one...

Have you been considering cloth diapers? Amy will be giving an informative talk on why you may want to try the cloth diaper vs the throw away kind. She will demo the different brands we carry, along with the accessories and covers they come with.

In addition, she is going to give a demo of how to use each type of baby sling, letting you know the pros and cons of each. After having two children of her own, in addition to running the store, she's a person you can trust for some simple, straight forward information.

We carry three kinds of baby slings; the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, the Moby Wrap, and the ERGO baby. Both men and women will want to see which carriers are best for them.

THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD:

May 18th, 2010

10 - 11 am

In our downtown Fallbrook store

Click the flier for an enlarged version

Do a Dot Play Date

Saturday May 22, 2010

12-2

119 N Main Street

Downtown Fallbrook

Do a Dot Art is hosting a FREE play date this month! Kids can spark their imagination and awaken creativity with fun dot markers. Wee Little Sprouts will be providing the activity pages, see here to view one!

It's easy to use and doesn't need cups, brushes, or have drips or spills.

Call us at 760 728 9339 for more details on Do a Dots!

When Pregnant Women Crave Dirt...

We just read an interesting article about strange cravings that some women experience during their pregnancy. We knew that it happened from time to time, but didn't really know it had a name of it's own! Most people don't even realize that women can crave dirt and chalk while they are pregnant, so we wanted to share this article with you. Here is a snippet:

"Strange cravings during pregnancy are referred to as "pica," eating non-food substances. Pica stems from the Latin word for Magpie, a bird known for eating pretty much anything. Pica occurs to a small percentage of pregnant women, less than 30 percent, and many women are unaware of this experience until it happens to them, or someone they know.

The first question many ask is why women have cravings for dirt in the first place. Unfortunately the answer is not entirely known for certain, although some studies have shown it may be due to an iron deficiency or even an overall lacking of minerals that have not been consumed from regular food intake. Getting enough vitamins during pregnancy is important, and it may be nature kicking in to find these minerals elsewhere, often, from dirt."

To read the full article, check out healthtree.com or click HERE to go straight to it.

PlanToys

We've just received a ton of new PlanToys in our store! We love these wooden toys for all ages, and hope you want to learn more about them.

Watch this video to see what makes them tick (it's a little on dramatic side, so popcorn is always recommended)

Another Doodlebug Day!

Join us Thursday, May 6th

in our downtown store for Doodlebug Designs!

11 - 2

With Mother's Day around the corner, creating a lasting keepsake for loved ones has never been easier!

Read our past blogs here for more info on ceramic stamping!

Tomorrow! Free In Store Event!

Remember to come in to our downtown Fallbrook store tomorrow for a free Abrakadoodle event involving hand made Mother's Day cards!

Dads: this is a great opportunity to share an event with your kids and make a great gift for mom.

Here's a recap from our last blog about this free day of fun!

MAY 1ST, 2010

12 - 2 pm

Wee Little Sprouts

119 North Main Ave Fallbrook, CA 92028

WHY COME?

It’s fun! Children love Abrakadoodle art classes and programs because they engage their minds, inspire their creativity and develop new skills.

It develops skills! Abrakadoodle helps develop creative and academic skills that are related to school success. Researchers and prominent thinkers are telling us that children who participate in quality art classes and programs are more successful in school and in life.

It encourages craftsmanship! Children learn how to engage in the creative art process and focus on quality task performance whether learning about techniques of the master artists or developing a personal artistic style.

It builds self-confidence and expression!Abrakadoodle art classes afford children the ability to convey their ideas, perceptions and feelings creatively, giving children enormous satisfaction while building self-confidence.

We hope to see you there! Call us at760-728-9339 for more details.

Petunia Pickle Bottom

Since these were so popular for Mother's Day last year, we decided to do a feature on the beautiful diaper bags just in time for the upcoming holiday.

Petunia Pickle Bottom bags are great and here's why!

The backpacks have:

• water resistant liners
• four bottle pockets
• two interior pockets
• detachable dirty diaper pouch
• built in changing station with pad
• handy key clip

...and that's just some of the features!

Look at how awesome the roll out changing station is...

Maybe you don't need the whole big diaper backpack though. If totes are more your thing, this brilliant stylish bag carries:

• 2 interior sippy cup or bottle pockets
• 1 interior pacifier pocket
• 2 side zipper pockets
• 3 sizes for the carrying strap
• 4 spacious inside pockets
• 1 large bag pocket with removable changing pad

and more!

The bags come in a variety of chic colors so visit the Petunia Pickle Bottom section of our website to see them all!

Abrakadoodling In Store Event!

One of the best things about childhood are the hand made cards. It's something that just gets lost as we age and we lose that imagination and creativity.

Tap into your inner artist with Wee Little Sprouts! Your children, you, and anyone else who needs a little craft in their life will love to spend some time creating hand made cards for Mother's Day. The event will focus on block printing but can incorporate painting, foil embossing, sculpture, mosaics and more!

MAY 1ST, 2010

12 - 2 pm

Wee Little Sprouts

119 North Main Ave Fallbrook, CA 92028

WHY COME?

It’s fun! Children love Abrakadoodle art classes and programs because they engage their minds, inspire their creativity and develop new skills.

It develops skills! Abrakadoodle helps develop creative and academic skills that are related to school success. Researchers and prominent thinkers are telling us that children who participate in quality art classes and programs are more successful in school and in life.

It encourages craftsmanship! Children learn how to engage in the creative art process and focus on quality task performance whether learning about techniques of the master artists or developing a personal artistic style.

It builds self-confidence and expression! Abrakadoodle art classes afford children the ability to convey their ideas, perceptions and feelings creatively, giving children enormous satisfaction while building self-confidence.

And it brings you together :)

Call us at 760-728-9339 for more details!

Music Together Tomorrow at Wee Little Sprouts

Visit us tomorrow, April 15th for Music Together
this fun music making experience is from 9:30 to 10:00
at our Fallbrook store.

Let's make Music!

See Kai Run

"Every journey begins with the first step".

Ok, here's the lowdown on one of our favorite brands. They just came out with the new spring and summer shoes, so we want to tell you all about why they are so great!

See Kai Run was started by a mother who couldn't find comfortable shoes with flexible soles for her two year old to wear outside. She was inspired to create See Kai Run and designed a line of shoes as "happening as Kai", her son. A bold, hip, fun, urban sensible shoe was born!

Every mother knows the benefits of Velcro closures, so easy to get on and off, but the shoe doesn't stop there. With the soles made up of super flexible rubber, and the breathable leather linings, they bend in all the right places.

Check out some of our favorite new spring and summer shoes by reading more about See Kai Run on our website.

Spring Madness coupon for 25% off your purchase in the Fallbrook store!

Spring Madness is in the air, so we're offering 25% off your entire purchase in our Fallbrook store (even sale items)! To get in on this great offer, bring your coupon with you to the Fallbrook store
March 11th to March 17th

Discount is not valid on previous purchases or special orders. It's good on sale items too!


Bring in your coupon on Wednesday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, and anything GREEN you buy will get 35% off (instead of 25% off)

Share this coupon with your friends too.

Doodlebug Designs Event is Cancelled Today

Kelly from Doodlebug had to cancel the ceramic hand stamping today because her daughter has the flu.

If you were planning on coming to the event today, please call us so we can give you details about the next event.

Wishing her a speedy recovery!

Spring Madness Sale!

Spring Madness is in the air, and so we're offering

25% off

your entire online order right now!

EVEN SALE ITEMS! To get in on this great offer, enter "madness10" at check out.

March 4th to March 9th

Discount only applies to purchases on weelittlesprouts.com and is not valid on previous purchases or special orders. Does not include shipping. Shop early for best selection, quantities are limited on some items and you'll be notified within 72 hours if your item is not available.

But remember... It's good on sale items too!

Under the Nile

We are very proud to be carrying one of our favorite organic lines from Under the Nile. They are one of those companies that you find yourself feeling so proud of on so many levels. Here's a few reasons we love them:

• Organically cultivated and grown
• Hand picked in Egypt
• Produced in an environmentally friendly manner
• Dyed with natural, heavy metal free colors
• Fair Traded
• Machine wash and tumble dry!

Additionally, Under the Nile is involved in a project called The '13 Villages Project'. "It takes place in 13 rural villages in Sharkeya, Egypt. Through vocational training and infrastructural development, the project is improving the health, skills and overall well being of the village inhabitants. We provide excellent health care as well as education on dental and over all physical health. We begin by educating the villagers on how to make our fruit and vegetable toys. Each village receives an advance for their work and the materials needed to produce that toy. Upon completion, we pick up the finished goods and pay them fair wages for their work."

So our new favorite thing that JUST came in, is this Octopus. It's made with left over scraps and thus rightly named the Organic Scraptopus Toy! It's really vibrant and is made with soft rib knit fabric. The legs are perfect for teething too, especially since you can wash and dry it in the machine.

See it online here.

Make Your Own Valentine's Cards

What ever happened to hand made cards? I know, I know... life gets busy and it's hard to follow through on things like that.

But I have a couple ideas that can help you meet in the middle! We have a great make-your-own cards kit. Made in the USA and only $10.50, this kit comes with 10 blank 4" x 6" cards, over 250 pop out shapes, 10 envelopes, and a glue stick. Read more about it here.

Another fun idea could be to attend our Shrinky Dink event tomorrow and create some heart shape designs to add to your cards.

I always sort of hope for one of those fancy hand made Valentine's each year... the kind with the doily and lace. But I've come to grips with the fact that I might only see those if I make them myself!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Remember Shrinky Dinks?

I think one of the best things about Shrinky Dinks would be that anybody can do it. My friends bring their kids, but they end up making earrings and other great things for themselves that are one of a kind and beautifully artistic too!

Back by popular demand, we just decided last minute to have another Shrinky Dinks play date this Friday from 12p -3p!

Check out our photos from last time. And watch the video for a better idea of just what fun it can be.

If you can, come on in our Fallbrook store and learn all the in's and out's of creating Shrinky Dinks! If you can't make it, check out this really cool video on how to make your own designs by recycling plastic. I thought it was a really cute little video, so thanks to the makers for putting it on youtube!

If you give it a try, let us know how it works! And if you make a video, we'd love to share it on our blog. Have fun, and hope to see you soon!

Doodlebug Designs are FUN

We love that every month we get to design lasting memories with people of all ages. Using non toxic clay, our customers can come to our Fallbrook store and make ceramic stamps of their hands and feet, write their names, make ornaments, and more.

Here are some pictures to help you visualize the good times :)

Our next event is this Friday, January 8th from 11a-2pm. We hope to see you there!

Semi Annual Sale!

Wohoo! It's our big sale event that only happens twice a year! If you're in town this month, come check it out!