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[trend alert . . . holiday picks]
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baby news
bits' ULTIMATE gift guide. WOW everyone on your wish
list . . .
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kick-start your holiday
shopping with gifts for each of the different types of
people in your life!
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1
For the Joyful
Santa Knows . . . When Mom is happy, everyone is happy! Nicole Geller Photography is offering an exclusive holiday gift certificate program for the "Happy" readers of Baby News Bits. When you purchase a minimum of $100.00 in one gift certificate, you will be matched 50% of your payment (the gift certificate will read $150.00). Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 9th, 2010 for Nicole's Pirates and Princess Pirates 15 minute sessions at her studio. For $50.00 you can get your child's photos taken, get a 8x10 or two 5x7's, one free digital image and have a chance for your child to be on the Nicole Geller Photography float this year in the Children's Gasparilla Parade. Nicole's studio is located in South Tampa at 4220 W.
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For the Fashionista
What you will find at Little Peeps is a broad selection of trendy lines, hip classics, and everyday must haves. Stocking a broad selection of clothes, accessories, furniture and so much more. Make your holiday shopping for the Peeps in your life a little easier by going to the one-stop-shop in Tampa that offers a curated assortment sure to please the finikiest fashionistas. Little Peeps, 2221 S. Dale Mabry Hwy.,Tampa, FL 33629, (813) 250-0044.
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For the Girly-Girl
There is something about handcrafted soaps to make the everyday seem special. Why not share that with the women in your life? We think that the handcrafted soap from Indigo Bee is perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or even yourself. Choose from over 25 different flavors of handcrafted pure vegetable oil soap. Or, allow your gift recipient to mix their own custom blended lotions or crèmes many of which are made in-house. With several gifts under $20, you'll be able to please just about anyone on your list. Even better - all BNB subscribers receive 10% off
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ANDI DIAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
For the Sentimental
We think that this would be a perfect holiday gift to make that sentimental loved ones' hearts smile! Custom portraits by Andi Diamond Photography blend a unique style of modern and contemporary visions to create stunning artwork that will be cherished for a lifetime. Andi Diamond Photography is Tampa Bay's premiere custom portrait photographer for maternity, newborn, and children's portraiture. Book your session by December 24, 2009 and mention Baby News Bits and apply 50% of your creation fee towards complimentary portraits. It's the perfect gift for a loved one ~ or for you. Contact their studio at www.andidiamond.com, 813-503-5056, 305 South MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609.
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For the Health Conscious
Make this years resolution a reality. Dr. Jay J Garcia MD has the perfect gift for you this holiday season. How would you like to lose up to 20lbs? Two lucky winners will be able to avoid the frustration of gaining weight this holiday when they are selected to receive a New Patient Visit on Dr. Jay J. Garcia's Easydiet Weight Loss Program,
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For the Wee Ones
What little kid wouldn’t get excited about eating when their plate was just for them? On their website you will find designs featuring your child's name, initials, characterizations, hobbies and favorite foods - all served up with bold colors and tasty graphics. Another bonus – they are BPA-free and made in the U.S.A. This menu of handmade personalized plates and placemats is so vivid and delightful that we are wondering when they are coming out with an adult menu! Check out their scrumptious selection of plates and placemats at www.alphabetplates.com.
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For the Pet Lover
We think that this is the perfect gift for the Pet Lovers in your life. This solid-sterling pet collar from In The Pink Designs gives your beloved pet a way to show off his loyal owners. Square comes attached to a collar.
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For the Person that Makes a Difference
Charitable giving for so many worthy non-profit organizations is down this year. What better way to honor the one you love than by giving a donation to their favorite organization? Many local organizations are offering special Holiday options ~ Everything from providing food and gifts for families in need or adopt an animal (even a Reindeer!). This selfless gift will be a gift that truly keeps giving. Long after that toy is broken or the sweater doesn’t fit, a donation can assist in maintaining programs for months and years to come.
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ANDREA DANNER FITNESS
For the Fitness Fanatic
Whether you aspire to improve health, tone or fitness, start your resolution early and start training efficiently and effectively. And with a trainer that teaches and motivates you’ll soon be on your way to reaching your fitness goals in no time. Whether you want to lose weight and inches, gain energy or tone up, schedule your appointment today, adanner615@yahoo.com.
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For your BFF
It's so much fun to bond with your "Bestie" by wearing best friend necklaces and we've come a long way from hearts split in two. Violet Gum Drops has a Sweet and Yummy Bestie Set necklace collection that is original and unique. The perfect stocking stuffer for “kids” of all ages. 3 sets currently available and 6 more to be released any day. Milk & Cookies, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Hot Chocolate & Marshmallow are ready to ship, www.violetgumdrop.com.break
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For A Little Help Around the Holidays
Don't have a sitter for holiday parties or date-night with the hubby? Let Sitter Soirées find you a reliable sitter you can trust and get in on the best kept secret in Tampa! Schedule a private appointment or attend a Sitter Soirees event - a one-hour soirée to find someone who you can connect with on a personal level and that is right for your family, www.sittersoirees.com.
[santa
guide]
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Polar
Express Storytime
When: Friday, December 4th,
7pm
Where: Barnes and Noble, N. Dale
Mabry Highway
Why: All
Aboard! Come comfy in your PJ's for this special
reading of the Polar Express.
Wild Wonderland
When: Begins December 4th;
December 4th-5th, 10th-13th, 17th-23rd, 26th -30th from
6-9 pm
Where: Lowry Park Zoo
Why: This annual, holiday
tradition at the zoo bring thousands of twinkle lights,
animatronics, free zoo rides and activities. Meet some
of Santa's reindeer and enjoy photos with the big man
himself.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Friday, December 4th,
6-7pm
Where: City of Safety
Harbor
Why: Caroling from local
students and Santa arriving by firetruck are all a part
of this special event at the Gazebo in John Wilson
Park.
Mistletoe Market
When: Saturday, December 5th,
10am-4pm
Where: 5/3 Bank at The Shops at
Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel
Why: With food, fabulous
drawings and lots of fun, you can't go wrong with The
New Tampa Junior Women's Club Mistletoe Market, a
holiday boutique experience! Baby News Bits and Parent
Guide will be there with fun kids activities. Don't
miss it!
Christmas in the Country
When: Saturday, December 5th,
10-4
Where: Cracker Country, Florida
State Fairgrounds
Why: Experience the sights and
sounds of an old-fashioned country Christmas! Make
traditional decorations, sing carols and learn about
19th century life...all for an exceptional price! Only
$6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 5 and under
are FREE!
Grinchfest
When: Saturday, December 5th,
11am
Where: Borders, N. Dale Mabry
Highway
Why: The
classic holiday Grinch story is told along with
activities, music and more!
The Knack: Santa's Workshop
When:
December 5th,
10am-1pm
Where: Michael's Craft
Stores
Why: This FREE family event will
afford children an opportunity to make holiday gifts
for loved ones. Make-and-take trinket box, holiday
cards, American Girl crafts and stockings are all a
part of this event.
Santa
Fest and Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, December 5th,
11am-4pm; parade begins at 4pm
Where: Centennial Park, Ybor
City
Why: This all day event will
feature some of the best the holidays have to offer!
Visit with Santa, listen to holiday music and enjoy
holiday crafts from Lowry Park Zoo, MOSI, Tampa Fire
and Rescue and The ParentGuide. There will even be a
giant snow slide presented by The Tampa Tribune. The
parade will begin at 7th Avenue and Nuccio Parkway
and will start at 4pm.
Fancy
Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
When: Saturday, December 5th,
11am
Where: Barnes and Nobles, N. Dale
Mabry Highway
Why: Miss Jessica will read a
special, holiday Fancy Nancy book. Stay after for the
craft!
Barnes
and Noble Chanukah Events for Kids
When: Sunday, December 6th,
Various, see below
Where: Carrollwood Barnes and
Nobles, N. Dale Mabry Highway or Brandon Barnes and
Noble
Why: Congregation Kol Ami will
be at the Carrollwood Branch at Noon for Chanukah fun
including songs and crafts. Or, join Hadassah there for
Chanukah festivities at 6pm—you can wear your PJ's or
slippers! All ages welcome! Call 813.962.6446 for more
information about either event at the Carrollwood
Barnes and Noble. At the Brandon Branch, there will be
a Hanukkah Storytime at 1pm that will be hosted by the
Jewish Community Center and Congregation, Beth Shalom.
Stay to hear a special musical performance and view
artwork created by JCC Preschool students.
Family
Christmas Festival
When: Sunday, December 6th,
3pm
Where: Hyde Park Methodist Church,
supported by University of Tampa
Why: The
23rd Annual Family Christmas Festival is a celebration
of holiday music! Come watch The Collegiate Chorale,
Women's Glee Club and UT Orchestra in this wonderful,
hour-long, free concert.
A
Phone Call from Santa
When: Tuesday-Thursday, December
8th-10th, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Your very own home!
Why: Volunteers assisting Santa
and Mrs. Claus will be making phone calls to boys and
girls ages preschool through grade 2 for three days
this December. Imagine your child's delight when they
receive a phone call meant especially for them by the
man in red himself. You can download the form to send
in at: http://www.tampagov.net/dept_parks_and_recreation/
Victorian
Christmas Stroll
When: Ongoing this month through
December 23rd, 10am-8pm
Where: Henry B. Plant
Museum
Why: Destress with a turn back
to Victorian times. Let your eyes delight on twinkling
lights, beautiful music and Victorian antiques.