Today 7 billion...

Today marks a major milestone in terms of the world's population... we've grown by 1 billion people and it only took 12 years! When I think about it, it doesn't necessarily seem like much. But when I really think about, that means in the past 12 years, since 1999, there have been 1 billion babies born in this world!

WOW!

Making Your Kid a Millionaire, Part II

On Wednesday, I wrote the first five steps of preparing your kids to be millionaires. Today, I will continue with steps 6-10.

1. Don't Overeducate
2. Find a Cheap B.A.
3. Fund a Roth
4. Shun Card Debt
5. Shop for a 529
6. Give Away Grandpa's IRA
• Reasoning: This allows the account to compound tax-deferred for more years, which means that the minimum distributions will be based on your kid's life as opposed to your adult, shorter one. So, for instance, let's say your father just died at age 85 and left you his $100,000 IRA. You can "disclaim" the money so it goes to the kids, if they were listed as secondary beneficiaries. Your kid will have to withdraw $700 of his $50,000 in his or her first year and will owe what's likely to be a minimal amount of tax on it.

Making Your Kid A Millionaire, Part I

A few months ago, I got a special edition of Forbes magazine titled, "The 10 Steps to make Your Kid a Millionaire". I breezed through the pages thinking it would be clear cut and pretty simple to incorporate into my life so that I can pass a fortune on to my two-year-old! I mean who wouldn't want to do that for their child?

Me, in my not-so-special situation, being a single parent found that it would be a little harder than I initially thought. Just in case you missed the issue, I will recap how you can set up your investment plan for your little one.

1. Don't Overeducate
• Reasoning: The Doctor vs. the Plumber. By the time the doctor graduates school, finishes residency, pays back student loans with interest, the doctor will earn $185,900 a year. The plumber will start out making $33,200, but eventually graduate to a salary of $71,700. The doctor, over a career life, will only makes $500 more than the plumber. 

Onward Fall Weather!

This is dedicated to some of the cutest kids clothes around... Let's get ready to style for Fall! I managed to find some very affordable pieces, as well as items by some of the hippest kids designers around. Let's take a look, shall we?

The Shaggy Vest courtesy of Zutano -- $45.

Gorilla Faux-Fur Coat, Khaki from Last Call at Neiman Marcus -- $52.

Because I Love Food -- Halloween Treats!

After starting yesterday's posting, I decided that one day should be dedicated to food! Namely, cupcakes, but other treats as well!!! I wonder if the Hungry Peach does their Peach Cobbler Cupcakes in Halloween decorations. If you have not tried any of their absolutely delicious food... it is a necessary must!

Any hoot, here are my fav cupcakes -- aptly decorated!!! Baking anyone????

Who's Decorating for a Kids Halloween Party?

There is a ton of inspiration every which way you look. If your budget is small or large, you can create homemade decorations for pennies, or just buy everything you need. However, for kids parties, always crafting decorations and party themes is fun and helps your child develop into the creative little person they truly are. I just found a couple of photos that inspire me to host a kids halloween party!!!

nursery decor { pink + green }

The way the baby pink and olive green flow together makes sophistication look easy! I love white furniture for little girls!!! What do you think? What color is / will your little one's room be?

we usually don't do this...

but we have to give a shout out to miss beyonce... home girl is working it in this outfit! I can remember when I was pregnant... even though I feel as though I had it easy... I wore Chucks and flat sandals every single day!

Nice open, sequined jacket with that humongous neck piece -- it looks like it weighs about 5 pounds... almost more than the size of a newborn baby. ^ ^

New Ugg!

UGG® Australia 'Bailey Bow' Boot

Available in Cerise and Black at Nordstrom for $99.95
These are disgustingly cute and are a must have for this fall/winter season!

Sustainable, Handmade Toys!

With almost 8 weeks until Christmas, I thought what better way to start it off than by looking for something different! As I browsed the web, I came across this shop on etsy.com... ForeverAfters! Apparently, these toy makers out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, have been making toys for many years. Their toys include high quality, exclusive designs and excellence in workmanship. 

Tutu Hair Bow Holder

One of my high school classmates -- Chasidy Bryant -- is the maker of these sweet adorable Tutu Hair Bow Holders! They come in a variety of colors, and can be custom made to your liking and the color scheme of your little one's room. I liked the paisley and black since Emory's room is a mixture of white, hot pink and black! Check out my photos below, as well as a sample offering of other colors. You can find Chasidy on Facebook.

{ re:loom! } Photo Shoot

Last Thursday, Kim helped out a rug company by styling a kid's space for a catalogue photo shoot. The rugs benefit re:loom, a non-profit organization that assists low-income and homeless women by helping them to gain job and life skills, all the while learning a marketable trade. Check out the pics from the shoot!!!