You never imagined you'd be this busy when you became a parent, right? Although you have zero time, you still care about being in touch with what's cool and new in Seattle and the Eastside, especially when it relates to your kid-focused lifestyle.

Here's where Red Tricycle glides in to save the day:

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Bad Baby Gifts

The newsletter and subsequent hoopla regarding the baby high heels made us think about gifts we’ve received for our kiddos that we just don’t like or flat-out despise. One of comments about the shoes from an RT reader was “It’d be at the back of the closet never to be seen again.” We get that.

The high heels didn’t hit us with much fury but there are several gifts that are actually in our house (some in use) that make us seethe. Most, we’re embarrassed to admit, have come from family. Funny how, when the baby was born, we wished we lived closer to family, but once they started sending gifts (and we had a few ill-fated vacations together) it became evident that 3,000 miles was just the right distance.

Here are suggestions for items that make bad baby gifts, culled from our own personal inventory. These are not hard and fast rules and it’s not to say you can’t buy any of these for your own kid, but if you’re angling for the role of “favorite aunt or uncle” or want to be invited to the next birthday party, it’s best to steer clear of these items so as not stoke the flames of resentment. Read more >>

You're getting a little a stir-crazy at home and have logged myriad hours at the tugboat in Bellevue Square? Why not explore some kid-friendly shops, activities and restaurants in neighborhood near you?

Don't know where to start? Never fear. Check out RT's recommendations for great explorations in our favorite Seattle and Eastside 'hoods.
Read more >>

 

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RT Favorites: Hot List

Once a month we share with you cool events, sales and exclusive RT offers from our advertising partners. These are all local owned businesses (many mom-owned), so show 'em some love. We've broken it down by category for easy viewing: Events, Summer Camp & Classes, Photography, Beauty, Health & Wellness, Helpful Services and Shopping & Sales.

Events

West Seattle Summerfest and Nico and Zoe
SummerFest is here and this year is even more family-friendly, with a designated family fun zone with cool art projects,a carnival atmosphere and loads of clowns. Make sure to visit Nico and Zoe's booth, one of our favorite locally-owned business, to peruse the fab wooden and artisan toys. Mention Red Tricycle for extra savings! The Family Fun Zone is located on SW Alaska between 42nd Ave SW & SW California. The festival runs Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11am --5pm.
Nico & Zoe Toys
at West Seattle Summerfest
www.nicoandzoe.com

Kiddie Concert Singin' Safari at Bellevue Philharmonic
Go on an adventure into the world of music where instruments sound like animals! Three chances to catch the Little Maestros summer show, Singin' Safari with Lisa & Linda. Move-along and sing-along to classical music in these interactive concerts designed especially for children ages birth to six. Show dates are July 12 at Bellevue Arts Museum, July 19 at Kirkland Performance Center and July 26 at Mercer Island Presbyterian. Concerts are at 10:00 and 11:30 am each day. Tickets are $10 for all ages. Groups of five or more receive one free ticket. Subscriptions are still available for the 2008-2009 series. For more information and tickets visit the website.
Bellevue Phiharmonic
www.bellevuephil.org

Summer Camps and Classes

Horses are the Stars at Red Gate Farm Summer Camp
Located on the Sammamish Plateau, Red Gate Farm is a special place where young campers ages 6 to 11 can build their self-confidence while enjoying the pleasure of riding and developing a friendship with their camp horse. Campers learn everything about horse care including instruction in show grooming, braiding, saddling, walk and trot commands, arena etiquette, and other fun arts and crafts activities. On Fridays our campers demonstrate their new riding skills with a horse show for friends and family! For more information please contact Jamie Smith at or [email protected].
Red Gate Farm Summer Camp
425- 392-0111
www.redgatefarmdaycamp.com

Last Chance for Summer Magic at the Moonpaper Tent!
There is still room in several of Moonpaper Tent's favorite summer camps! Check out the awesome creative drama theme camps and arts and crafts camps for all ages! Princess Fashion Show ages 3--6, Pet Store ages 6-10, MTV (Moonpaper Tent Video) Camp ages 6-10, Fairy Camp ages 6-10, Our Show ages 7-11, I Crave Crafts ages 6-12, Dreamworlds and Dioramas ages 6-12, Mystics and Mind Readers ages 7-11, Fashion Passion ages 9-14. Call to register now.
Moonpaper Tent
206-422-6616
www.moonpapertent.com

Summer Art Camp at Paint The Town
Sign up now for Summer Art Camp at Paint the Town in University Village. There are 7 one-week sessions, that run Monday - Friday, 9:30 - 11:30. Projects this year include: Clay hand-building, mosaics, tie-dye, papier mache, ceramic painting, printmaking and more... The focus this year is on recycled materials, so the kids will have lots of opportunity to explore and create using all kinds of interesting items. The cost is $190 per person, or $175 with 2 or more siblings signed up for any of our sessions. We're also offering a 15% discount for all Red Tricycle families (that's a $30 savings) Click here for summer session schedule:
Paint the Town
206- 527-8554
www.ceramics-painting.com

Reserve a Summer or Fall Preview at Musikgarten
Musikgarten: Best place to prepare your baby/child (0-9) for the musical unknown. Watched the 4yos on Youtube playing a sophisticated piano piece? Wonderful indeed, but this skill is only part of the musical tool box which prepares your child adequately for the musical path often unknown, before age 9. Here are some other skills just as important as reading music and performing: Ear training (enhances sight reading, singing without playing) , Playing a known song without music or "by ear", Improvising, Composing, Rhythm competence, Singing tunefully, Solfeggio or similar And more! Come visit and see. Reserve a summer or fall preview! Comprehensive and irresistible.
NW Musikgarten
206-691-0621
www.NWmusikgarten.com

Sign Up with a Friend at Music Center Northwest
"Every child is musical and musical competence is a birthright of every child." --Zoltan Kodaly. The excellent teachers at Music Center of the Northwest bring this statement to life each day as they introduce children to the joy of making music and help parents establish music as an integral part of their child's life.Registration is now being accepted for fall Music Together classes and Suzuki private lessons. These internationally recognized music programs are based on the philosophy that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune and keep a beat, Get a friend to sign up with you and both you and your friend will receive a 10% discount on your most expensive class..
Music Center Northwest
www.mcnw.org

Photography

Complimentary Mini-sessions for Kids 2 and Under with Shutterbox Photos
Come to tottini in South Lake Union, near REI, at 259 Yale Avenue N, for a complimentary mini-photo session with donation for Treehouse on Saturday, July 19th from 10am to 2pm provided by Shutterbox Photos! We will be accepting donations such as clothing, strollers, bike helmets, or checks made out to Treehouse. All participants will receive a complimentary $75 gift certificate from Shutterbox Photos. In addition, all shoppers on this day at tottini, whether you have a mini-session or not, will receive 10% off from tottini with donation to Treehouse! Spots will fill up fast, so please email [email protected] to reserve your time today! Kids age 2 and under.
Shutterbox Photos
www.shutterboxphotos.com
www.shutterboxphotos.com/blog

Summer Birthday Party? You Deserve a Photographer!
Imagine: You, relaxed and smiling calmly as your child blows out birthday candles, not worried about whether your camera will flash...because a professional photographer is capturing those great moments for you. Laura loves birthday parties, all the kids running around with sugar highs asking, 'when is she opening the presents?' You�ll love the pretty album Laura fills with her gorgeous signature prints after the party. Birthday packages are popular, call today to reserve your date. Mention Red Tricycle and receive $20 off during July and August!
Laura Lowery, Shades of Gray Photography
206- 799-5604, [email protected]
www.shadesofgrayphotography.com

Beauty, Health & Wellness

Zing Nutrition Bars: Created by Nutritionists
Tired of grazing on boring goldfish and granola bars with your little ones during snack time? Add Zing bars to your food stash for a deliciously different snack you'll actually want to share. Created by 4 Seattle dietitians, Zing bars are 100% natural, nutritionally balanced and amazingly yummy. Wheat and soy protein-free (2 of 3 flavors are also gluten-free): Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry Almond and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. Recommended for taste and nutrition by DailyCandy Seattle, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, King 5 Morning News and Bastyr Magazine. Order online at www.zingbars.com. Type "Red Tricycle" for the coupon code and get free shipping. Zing bars are also available at select local stores.
Zing Bars
www.zingbars.com

Dr. Stella and Aesthetic Laser Summer Open House
Summer is the perfect time for a tune-up --whether that means laser hair removal, a facial or peel, or Botox. Dr. Stella and Aesthetic laser offer casual, intimate Open House events introduce you to the staff and answer all your aesthetic, laser and surgical questions. The next Open House is onThursday July 17th from 4-7 PM. Bring a friend to the event for additional savings (from 25% off laser hair removal to $1000 savings on Active FX treatment) Please RSVP to Kate @ 206-682-3223. The first 25 people to RSVP will get an exceptional goodie bag with lots of great items!
The Stella Center
Aesthetic Laser Center of Seattle
509 Olive Way Suite 1133 / 1430
206.322.9740
www.doctorstella.com
www.alcofseattle.com

Save $500 off Invisalign with Dr. K
Eastside Smile Expert, Dr Michael Koczarski, is offering $500 off Invisalign --the new breakthrough technology that offers a clear alternative to braces. "Invisalign transformed my smile and was perfect for my active lifestyle," Jenn, Mukilteo Invisalign is a method of straightening teeth using a series of clear, nearly invisible and removable aligners. No wires, no brackets, no hassles. It's a remarkable solution for patients who have overcrowding and overlapping or spaces where they don't belong. Call Jo now at 425-486-2200 to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation. Offer expires July 31, 2008.
Dr Michael Koczarski
www.nwsmiles.com

Kids Day at new32 Family Dentistry
July 17th is the next "KID'S DAY" at new32 Family Dentistry. This month's theme for the special day will be BEACH DAY! Children are encouraged to wear anything beachy and prizes given to everyone who participates. While Dr. Fligor and his team provide dental care to both children and adults, they set aside special days for the little ones to see dentistry in a whole new light. Introduce your child to dentistry with balloons, beach balls, flippers, and flip-flops. Join us for a fun 'teeth' day to kick in the summertime. Red Tricycle readers who are new to the practice will eligible for one FREE sealant per child!
New32 Family Dentistry
www.new32dental.com

Helpful Services

Sitter Search Made Simple with SeekingSitters
Take the guesswork out of the sitter search with SeekingSitters, a brand new Seattle babysitting referral service. SeekingSitters gives parents a break when it comes to choosing a childcare professional: from the in-depth screening process through post-visit parent feedback. Sitters are vetted and approved via the comprehensive SeekingSitters process, which involves thorough background checks and reference reviews. Local owner Lisa Rizza - herself a mother of two - and her team offer service throughout the Seattle and greater King County area. All Sitters are 18 or older and experienced. And no worries if your needs are now - Lisa and her Seattle sitters are on call for both planned and not-so-planned babysitting events.
SeekingSitters
206-714-2222
www.seekingsitters.com

Family Finance Series at Salmon Bay Community Lending
Salmon Bay Community Lending is an independent all-mom Seattle company that specializes in securing personalized and stress-free home loans. SBCL has built a reputation for delivering solutions tailored to the unique challenges and objectives of their clients. These ladies believe that helping people enjoy the benefits of home ownership with surprise-free home financing is healthy for our community! Also check out SBCL's free Family Finances Series of seminars. Experts in their fields come in and speak monthly on topics like couples and money, college savings, and savings savvy kids. Call Colleen Butler at 206-856-0319 or email [email protected].
Salmon Bay Community Lending
www.salmonbaylending.com

Smilebox is Proud to Announce, Smilebox for Mac!
Newly released Smilebox for Mac is an easy way to turn your iPhotos and videos into animated, musical creations. Share via email, print or post to a site. Previously only available for Mac recipient viewing, the application marks the first time Mac users can install the free service and make their own Smilebox creations. We have integrated Smilebox with iPhoto, iTunes and Photo Booth more seamlessly than any other third party application. Mac users can drag and drop or import their photos, videos and music between Mac applications and Smilebox in seconds. Smilebox for Mac supports Leopard and Tiger operating systems. To quickly download our free application visit
Smilebox
www.smilebox.com

Sales & Shopping

Strollers and Furniture at Cribs2Bunks
Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Picnics in the park, trips to the zoo, strolls by the waterfront. Time to show off your little bundle of joy (and his prime-choice stroller, too). Look no further than Tukwila's Cribs2Bunks, a 10,000-square-foot superstore dedicated to the smaller set and all their strolling, sleeping, and rockin' needs. First the transport: Cribs2Bunks offers both single and double strollers from Zooper, UPPAbaby and BOB. While you're cruising the showroom, check out the store's display of more than 60 cribs, beds and bunks. Most cribs boast hardwoods, and many are convertible, making it possible for Bed to grow along with Baby. When you need a pit stop, take a seat on one of Cribs2Bunks' Dutailier Gliders, perfect for rocking away when the midnight munchies strike.
Cribs2Bunks
720 Andover Park East, Tukwila
206-575-1476
www.cribs2bunks.com

Summer Sale at Lemon Meringue Boutique
Still looking for a cute summer outfit for you and Little One? Look no further than Lemon Meringue at the happening intersection of 65th and Phinney. Their summer sale includes bags, baby bags, jewelry, dresses tops, maternity, nursing tops, and jeans! Sale goes through Sunday, July 13th. All summer items are 30% off - in addition, winter and spring items are now marked up to 70% off.
Lemon Meringue
Greenwood
206-297-6071
www.lemonmerigue.us