New Disney Channel for 'Tween Boys

We normally focus on 'tween girls, but we read about the new Disney Channel for 'tween boys and had to give props. The new channel will launch in February 2009 and is called "XD". The big Mouse is now targeting boys ages 6-14 (sound familiar?) with a blend of programs, movies and online games that range from comedy to action-adventure. Read all about it in the LA Times.

Mamma Mia!

Ooh boy.
Have we heard a LOT about the Mamma Mia movie - and I'm not talking about the soundtrack. Twixt is a 'twitter with parents discussing the merits of letting their 'tweens see the film and of passing on this one.
The movie is rated PG-13 and deals with some fairly adult themes -- and includes one shot of a man's behind. The soundtrack is, of course, infectious, and the costumes are a riot. The main character is an adorable 20-year old ingenue named Sophie and BFFs figure prominently (for both mother and daughter, interestingly). Folks seem split on whether they would permit their daughters to see the film. Common Sense Media rates the film as appropriate for kids ages 13+, while Nick Jr. finds that it would work for 10-12 year olds.
Ms. Twixt split the difference and took our 11 year old to see it but not our 9 year old.
What do you think? Were we out to lunch on this call, or what's all fuss about? Vote and tell us your thoughts on the right-hand-side of the screen.

The Cutest Nite Lites!

We've always loved Ikea for their reasonably priced furniture and cool design - and now we can add "cute" to that list. Check out these adorable "ghost" nite lites from Ikea. They come in green, blue and red and fit nicely in the palm of your hand. And at $15 apiece, they won't break the bank - what a great idea for a camp care package! Unfortunately these little gems are not available online, so you'll have to head down to the Ikea nearest you to snag one - but oh, so worth the trip!

Archiving All Those Art Projects

If your house is anything like mine, there are piles upon piles and bags upon bags full of artwork, school projects and classwork that have been emptied from school cubbies and backpacks and removed from classroom walls that have now taken up residence in the living room. And like unwanted house guests, I don't have a clue what to do with them. Well, at least until now. I just read Risa Green's (she, of the Notes from the Underbelly fame column, "Posterity Needs Its Own Garage" and was so relieved that I did not suffer from this affliction alone.

Risa had discovered iPhoto as a solution to the piles (super easy: snap, save and then toss (the originals)). I have also found those little photobooks from Shutterfly to work well. For more significant masterpieces, I particularly like making a framed poster of the works (and not just any poster, but the best kind of poster: one that someone else lovingly scans, mounts and frames for me). My fave for top-notch, professional, almost-museum quality is Swee'Pea Posters. Liz, the owner, does amazing work.

What do you to preserve your piles?

Cool Charms for your Crocs

We just found one of this summer's coolest trends: flashing charms for your Crocs! These little doo-dads come in cute shapes (ladybugs, dolphins, peace symbols, flowers, butterflies, soccer balls, tennis balls and more!) and colors and flash at night. They are perfect for a summer's night stroll and will attract even the shyest firefly. Imagine them on your toes during Fourth of July fireworks! We loved them so much that we ordered every shape for the shop. Just email us at info@shoptwixt.com if you'd like to get your own.

Women's Health Bill in Congress Needs Your Suport Now

While this is not necessarily a 'tween issue, this topic is about an urgent women's health issue that merits your attention. And, as we all know, health issue awareness and activism needs to start early.
The bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act is now before the House. Championed by Representative DeLauro (D-CT) and Senators Snowe (R-ME) and Landrieu (D-LA), this bill would eliminate the practice of "drive-through" mastectomies, when women are forced to leave the hospital following their physically and emotionally difficult breast cancer surgeries before they and their doctors may feel they are ready to go home. For the millions of women and families who have shared their horrific stories of "drive-through" mastectomies on myLifetime.com, this hearing — an important first step toward the passage of this bill — is 12 years too late. But for the nearly 200,000 women who will face breast cancer this year, it is about time. This is just the first step. There is still a long way to go. You can help. Sign the petition today and urge Congress to continue to take steps to pass this bill.
You can go the MyLifetime site to lend your support. All that is required is your name, email, city and zipcode, and none of this information will be used for marketing purposes. Please take 2 minutes out of your day to view this petition and lend your support. Your daughters will thank you for it.

Cooler Than Camp Rock

Ok - so you thought Camp Rock was cool? Think you could do as well as Mitchie? Well, here's your chance: Girls Rock DC is arriving this August!!

GR!DC is a week-long camp for girls ages 8-18. During the camp, girls will receive coaching on electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, turntables, and vocals. Campers will form bands, collaborate to write an original song and then perform in a GR!DC Showcase at DC’s 9:30 Club. There will also be workshops on gender and cultural identity, band merchandising and promotion, conflict resolution, and other skills young women need to take over (the world of rock)!

Ms. Twixt thinks that this organization is seriously cool and urges you to check it out and support GR!DC.

A Healthier Chocolate Milk?

All of us in the Twixt household have been grooving on these cool, lower-sugar chocolate milk straws from Sipahh. They're called "milk flavoring straws" and come in chocolate, strawberry, cookies-n-cream & banana. Our faves are the chocolate and cookies-n-cream. They're basically a straw with flavored sugar pellets INSIDE the straw - so you drink much less sugar (only 2 grams of sugar per straw!) than if you were to mix a syrup into milk. Not health food, certainly, but definitely a fun and healthier option (and it has no gluten, for those of you with such allergies).

As always, please note that any and all product info/recs/postings are all strictly editorial in nature and NOT paid for/sponsored in anyway.

An Artist Who Works in "Play"

You never know whom you'll meet on any given day. I am blessed to be in such a vibrant city as DC and in such an interesting neighborhood as Georgetown where people from all walks of life converge. Today at the boutique an artist came in, and we started chatting. Her name is Malia Stenerson, and she does the most amazing work in all manner of medium about "play". Her work is colorful and striking and HAPPY! Check it out on her site: MaliaPlay. I feel giddy just viewing her work - it looks like a Willy Wonka set. Let me know if you're interested in her next show - I plan to go with the kids!

GIANT Edible Gummi Bears?!?

OMG - how sweet is this: GIANT edible gummi bears!!! We found someone who creates these treats in lemon, cherry, lime and Astro (a layered version with all three flavors, like those Astro Pops you used to get). Too cool. These would make an awesome centerpiece for a party, or grand prize for party games. What a fantastic complement to our Gummi Bear Nite Lites (to order a Gummi lite, please email us at: info@shoptwixt.com).