The Hopscotch Blog...

Spring Fashion arriving Jan/Feb with adorable designs from around the world… January 5, 2009 Spring is nearly upon us….and the latest in children’s spring fashions from Hopscotch with awesome designers from around the world. Chatti Patti-North Carolina mom with a keen eye for whimsical polk-a-dots and fun. Size 2t through 6. Keedo- A Favorite of many moms!, with its practical and beautiful designs and adorable colors . Size 3 months to age 10. Mim-Pi- European designer that is becoming a favorite all over the world…size 2t through 10 Comments Off ............ New Operating Hours! We are now open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm! (closed Sunday ) Hopscotch Boutique 1620 N Orange Avenue Orlando, Fl 32804 ph: 407.898.5000 Comments Off ............ Natural Carpet Deodorizer… July 29, 2008 Natural Carpet Deodorizer….Thanks for the article Tracy! There are many carpet deodorizers on the market today which contain toxic chemicals that may actually be harmful to pets and small children. An alternative to these commercial carpet deodorizers would be a “green” alternative deodorizer that you make yourself, using baking soda, an odor neutralizer to remove the odor from your carpet, not cover it up. Recipe • 25 drops Lavender • 15 drops Tea Tree • 10 drops Lemon • 1 16 ounce box of baking soda Add the baking soda to a large glass or ceramic bowl, anything but plastic and then add the essential oils. Be sure to completely mix the essential oils into the baking soda especially the lemon because of its yellow color it could stain your carpet if not mixed completely. You may change the blend if you prefer different oils, but these particular essential oils in this recipe provide antibacterial and disinfectant properties and are especially helpful in high traffic areas or if you have pets or children. After blending the essential oils into the baking soda, the deodorizer can be stored in a glass jar or airtight container. Instructions for Use: Sprinkle the deodorizer onto your carpet. You may use any type of clean container with holes to dispense the deodorizer onto your carpet. Allow the deodorizer to sit on your carpet for at least 30 minutes or more and then vacuum normally. You can also apply the deodorizer at night before you retire for bed and then vacuum in the morning. If you have dark carpets I would not leave on overnight. Green Tip: The deodorizer will penetrate deeper into the fibers if you vacuum the carpets before applying the deodorizer. Enjoy!! By Tracy Neely Comments Off ............ Central Florida Moms Feature Hopscotch Boutique! June 27, 2008 Hopscotch Boutique is featured in the june 2008 issue of Central Florida Moms in the “mompreneurs…local moms following their passion” I was super excited when the writer, Bethann Durlin called me for an interview re an upcoming article in the magazine….yippeee! Thank you Central Florida Moms…we love you! www.centralfloridamoms.com Comments Off ............ Pretend-Play Games… Found this article in Parents Magazine: April 2008….and I thought I would pass along the info for you to do with your children 1. Celebrate a new holiday. Announce that it’s Polka-Dot Day or Purple Day. 2. Throw a doll’s birthday party. Wrap up a few “gifts”, decorate with balloons and streamers, and enjoy a mock - or real- cake. 3. Dress for the weather. Lay out items for different weather condititions, describe a certain day, and ask your child to pick an outfit for it. 4. Open a petting zoo. Place stuffed animals around the room, pet each one, and talk about what they like to eat. 5. Camp out in your living room. Climb into a tent and sleeping bags, Turn on a flashlight, and pretend to eat s’mores. 6. Form a family band. Have everyone grab an instrument and jam to a cd. 7. Imitate animals. Practive hopping like a frog, squirming like a worm, wadding like a duck, and stretching like a cat. 8. Play restaurant. In the real kitchen or a pretend one, alternate between being the customer and the server or chef. 9. Offer horsy rides. Let her bounce on your back while you “neigh” and chew hay. 10. Ride the laundy-bin “school bus”. She’s the passenger, and you’re the driver. Make stops to pick up other kids, and wave bye-bye to the mommies at each stop. Comments (0) ............ Your Life Organized! June 25, 2008 OMG….The butler bag…you must have heard of it…it has been featured on Oprah, Pregnancy Magazine, US weekly….the bag of all bags…trust me. I have one - and I love it! READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE…NEW COLORS INTRODUCED TOO! Comments (1) ............ Next Page »