I first read about KEEN in the June, 2005 issue of Business 2.0. I am always on the lookout for comfortable yet stylish shoes, and since reading that article I have heard wonderful things about KEENs. People love these shoes and would probably sleep in them if they weren’t afraid of tracking dirt in their sheets. I wanted to see what all the buzz was about, so I tried out a pair (or two) for myself.

The first pair I tried was the Sydney from KEEN’s Market St. line. I chose the shoe in mint and ordered a half size up, as I had read a lot of reviews about this shoe running a tad small. When the shoes arrived I immediately drooled over the yummy color and the KEEN’s take on the classic Mary Jane. I took the shoes for a stroll around the block and felt style was in no way compromised by comfort. A stretch gore backed buckle makes it easy to slip these shoes on and off, and the synthetic lining wicks moisture away from the foot. This is very important when walking around the block in 92-degree weather!

The other pair I tried was the Bali from KEEN’s Waterfront line. The description probably influenced my decision: “Like its namesake, the Bali is inspired by white sand beaches, languid summer days and places far removed.” I’m all over anything inspired by white sand beaches! I also loved the style of this high-end flip-flop. I chose the purple with mango stitching but practically had to flip a coin since they shoe comes in five other great colors. It also has a protective toe guard for those who like to do a little more than frolic on those white sand beaches. These shoes required no breaking in and instantly became my favorite summertime sandal.

If you don’t own a pair of KEENs I highly recommend investing in a pair. They have everything from hiking shoes to water shoes to clogs to even a few great styles for kids. And if you’re planning any trips requiring serious walking (I could have used a pair in Orlando!), KEENs will ensure your feet get a vacation as well. – Emily

* Giveaway! KEEN is giving away one pair of KEEN shoes. Be sure to comment under this review for a chance to have your name drawn. We’ll draw the winner by the end of the next week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

“Bermuda, Bahama, come on Pretty Mama” the lyrics of this week’s theme ring true with the most amazing skirts by Liberty Worth. The Libby Dibby line is definitely one you’ll want to collect, I know that I do! When you first look at the pictures you may think to yourself that this is just your average wrap skirt – but you’d be wrong. Libby Dibby skirts are Reversible! That’s right these fab skirts are two beautiful looks for one great price. Not only are Libby Dibby’s reversible but they are ingeniously designed to wrap toward the back and are a heavier material that will not fly open on you. No embarrassing moments with these skirts, you’ll look chic and stylish at every event this summer!

Another aspect of the Libby Dibby skirt that I loved is that they are cut to look great on everybody. It’s really true, I had others try it on and it looked gorgeous on everyone and fit perfectly. The grosgrain ribbon at the waistline makes being adjustable an added feature. I took my Libby Dibby out for a whirl to church two Sunday’s in a row – one week I wore the first side and the next week I wore the alternate side. I received compliments each week on the skirt and nobody had a clue that it was the same one! Color me happy! I admit that I fell hook, line and sinker for the Libby Dibby skirts – they are an easy breezy way to feel pretty and be versatile at the same time. Any hey, if your little kiddos smear you with something on one side just flip that baby around and wear the other side! Brilliant! – Daria

** Boutique cafe discount code is for 10% off all purchases at Liberty Worth and the code is: CAFE10

Hot fun in the summertime is upon us and moms everywhere are concerned about our little ones keeping cool and protected from the harmful rays of the sun. When I came across Splashskins I was so excited to try them on my boys. Each Splashskins unisuit boasts a minimum of 50+ UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), blocking out at least 98% of the sun’s damaging rays – this totally impressed me. Their suits are made from high quality 80/20 nylon/spandex, four way tricot to stretch and move every way a child does. Splashskins also use heavy-duty vislon zippers to hold up to the most active play.

But UPF isn’t the only factor to consider when purchasing a great suit this summer, you also want style and comfort and Splashskins offer so many patterns to choose from. From Camo to Luau the patterns are fresh and fun for good times in & out of the water. Noah looked precious in his camo unisuit, and even my 12 year old son Dylan got to try the Rash tops and short separates which he thought were “awesome”.

The Sunshine fun doesn’t stop there, Splashskins also has sunglasses and sunhats to keep your little ones protected and looking great. Now that my boys are suited up for summertime with Splashskins I’m going to have to find a bathing suit for me (sadly Splashskins are not offered in adult sizes), I’d love to have a suit with UPF factor in it! – Daria

A long time admirer of the simple beauty of Pumkinlittle designs I invited designer Erica to share her portfolio with all of us. Her creations are timeless and classic with little special touches to make each outfit a sure favorite. We are excited to present the creations of Pumkinlittle in our Fashion Show feature this week.

“Pumkinlittle began in 2003, simply. I stumbled upon eBay and the boutique world and was off, designing and sewing as fast as my little fingers could sew. Four years later, I’m still designing and sewing because I love it! I can’t imagine a life without creating. I love every aspect of the process from the fabric shopping (of course) to the sewing, taking the pictures and learning photography, and the webdesign. The one aspect that sets this business aside for me is the personal relationships I’m able to build with my customers. I just enjoy them so much! Thank you Daria for letting me share on Boutique Cafe!!–Erica
“Do not lose hold of your dreams or asprirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live” Henry David Thoreau

You can learn more about Pumkinlittle designs on Erica’ s Website and on her About Me page. You may shop her current auctions on eBay. Erica also sells her creations on Blossom St.. Please allow time for the show to load. Fashion Shows are in Quicktime format, a free download here.

When the DuoMat by Kiddopotamus arrived I couldn’t believe how lightweight it was! In fact I was a little concerned it might not live up to the rigorous testing we were sure to put it through. Come to find out my fears were unfounded. The DuoMat just might save our seats!

We’ve had the DuoMat since the first part of May. The minute it arrived I put it under my son’s carrier; the back folds down perfectly for rear-facing infant seats and then unfolds for convertible car seats and boosters. The non-slip material on the top and bottom prevent the carrier from shifting, and though the nifty pockets in front are perfect for small toys (and the necessary pack of travel wipes), my favorite feature is how easily the waterproof material wipes clean. Anything that wipes clean is a must with little ones. I think Kiddopotamus should invent a similar product for couches, carpets, and kids.

At about $25 the DuoMat is a total no-brainer. And just think, when you’re out on a double date with friends and it’s your turn to drive, you no longer have to worry someone’s going to get stuck to the seat. – Emily

**Giveaway! Kiddopotamus is giving away another brilliant product, the TriosTote. When not using the TriosTote in the car to keep bottles, diapers, and wipes within reach, zip it up and use it as a shoulder tote or strap it to a stroller. We’ll draw the winner within a week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

If you are a Mom like me, you’re changing diapers all day long. Changing baby is not the most fun, but you do it because you love those little munchins – and if you didn’t, well you wouldn’t want to hold them! Now Made By Angie has the perfect accessory to take those baby changing moments from drab to fab and keep that bundle huggable and smelling sweet. What’s that you ask? Chic baby wipe containers? Why yes!

Designer Angie (a mom herself) saw a need to not only keep those spills and messes clean but to do it in style. “I started Made By Angie to fill a void in the baby accessory market. Bored with my plain wipes container that I pulled out of my diaper bag several times a day, I craved color and funky fabrics!” she says.

When it comes to fashionable cases Made By Angie has you covered with chic fabric choices for girls, boys and neutral. The cases are beautifully made and are pre-filled with wipes so you can just pop them into your bag and go! They make the ultimate baby shower gift for style and function. I chose the Bubbles design to try out, and headed to church with Noah yesterday – my Made By Angie case in tow. The other mommy’s were all over me asking where I found it and telling me how cute it was. I told them all to check out the Daily Dish today so they could read the review. I’m 100% 2 thumbs up for this great product – I love anything that makes me look stylish when I’m cleaning something!
– Daria

*Made by Angie is offering a 10% discount off your order. Simple enter “boutiquecafe” in the comments section, 10% will be applied after the order is placed, but before your card is charged.

If you’ve posted recently on the Daily Dish products reviews be sure to have a peek here for your name as you qualify for our prize drawings. If you don’t see your name here as a winner be sure to comment on the products you love and would like a chance to try, we draw from those who post.

CONGRATULATIONS Daily Dish WINNERS!!

Flexflop – 1 pr. Leslie gigglez-n-grinz
Autography copy of “Wonderbaby” – Christa
Likeabike – Spoky version bike!!!!!! Linda Gates
Baby Bella Maya cover – Chrisy – 2sweet*creations
Who’s Shoes id kits – Kerri and Allison
Kid Kouture Blanket – Peggy
3 Hot Tamales pack – Megan
Star Child Shoes – Allison (Allyashbree)
Mother’s Intuitons 3 pack set – Karlana
Peanut Shell Slings – Shannon and Angie
Dad Gear backpack – Jena
Mommytags – Sarah Marvelous Mouse Designs
Light:night in green – Kim kimberbell
Kidco adhesive mount locks – Courtnee, Rachel

Thank you to each of our featured companies for these OUTSTANDING giveaways for our listeners and visitors.

While reading the latest issue of Real Simple magazine””something which I find very relaxing””I came across a truly unique find called the Message Bean. The Message Bean is a small can about 4 _” high and about 2 _” wide that contains everything you need to sprout a single bean plant. Remember those preschool plant projects where your child brought home the Styrofoam cup filled with dirt and a single bean? Well, the Message Bean is ten times more cool. When this little bean sprouts in a week or two, the plant bears an actual greeting like “Good Luck,” “Happy Birthday,” “Love,” or “Thank You.”

The greeting is laser-printed on one side of the bean with a complementary image on the other. According to the description, “the recipient simply pulls off the foil top and bottom”¦and adds about _ cup of water to the soil. In about a week or so, the bean will poke thru the soil revealing the special message.” I have never seen anything like it, and as much as I love the occasional (in my case, VERY occasional) bouquet of flowers, this would definitely score points.

You might wonder how this fits into our R&R week, and I’ve got two great reasons ready for you. One, giving a small gift (this one’s only $12) that expresses how you feel is always great for the soul. And two, I find it very soothing to have a little piece of nature around the house. So if flowers are a been-there-done-that sort of thing for you, try something a bit more magical and score some points of your own. – Emily

Daria is moving next week and feeling the stress – join in her little therapy session and send in your helpful moving tips and comments for this tough week. Mentions also include the Lillapalooza launch, Give Simple online boutique, WAHMjams, Boutique Charmers Billy Jack Launch on June 24, Congrats to Tiffany from My*Only*Princess, as well as a shout out to Mommycast. Song Brother Love – Summertime going out to Jamie from JZcustoms. Auction Scramble is for the Haute Summer and the Accessory Scramble is full of BLING today as well. Thanks for tuning in everyone!
My Odeo Channel (odeo/f8a656c284eb0b40)

*hilarious picture by Megan of creative*outlet – Thanks Megan!!

It’s summer time, and if the heat and humidity doesn’t totally frizz your hair and dry out your feet you’re one lucky camper. For me summer time equals dry skin from all the sockless activities and shoeless wanderings. But not this year, I am going to invest in myself this season and do some serious feet pampering. Now my pedicure will be all the more decadent, with Flexflop the emergency flip flops and stylish carry pouch – what’s a bigger emergency than those freshly painted tippy toes? I ask you!

Whether you’re walking down the mall after your pedicure or just need to kick off those 4″ heels flexflop will be your best friend. They come in an adorable makeup bag, making portability key, whenever you have a shoe emergency or just need a rest from those tight toed shoes your flexflops are on the ready. If Bling is your thing then you’ll want to buy a few pairs of the swarovaski crystal embellished Flexflops for your tender tootsies. I loved that Flexflops come in an array of scrumptious colors, pampering fabrics and the sole of these flops are flexible and gripped so you won’t take a tumble. You can also endulge further with pouches that have sayings like “Heels are so Over-Rated!”, “Pamper Me”, “Bride” and more…

Flexflops make the perfect chic gift for your bridal party or for a new mommy in the hospital! I’m off for a pedicure and all I have to do is pop this cute pouch in my purse with no worries about smudging my “Gwyneth” color polish. – Daria

* Giveaway – Flexflop is giving away a great pair of their super cute kicks this week. Be sure to comment under this review for a chance to have your name drawn. We’ll draw the winner by the end of the next week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Part 2 of our interview with singer/songwriter and mommy-to-be Christa Couture. During the show you’ll hear two of Christa’s songs “Jennifer Grey” and “I will.” Daria dishes about Flexflops and raves about Baby Boy Blog. News about our current contests, cool prizes & featured articles. We even have an Auction Scramble that is sweet like Cotton Candy, and an Accessory Scramble to make you feel like a Superhero!
** Oops! I forgot to mention that Christa is giving away her CD – Fell Out Of Oz to some lucky Boutique Cafe listeners. Be sure to post a comment and we’ll draw from those who would like some great new tunes for summertime. Thanks Christa!

Boutique Cafe’s Daily Dish review is quoted on the Give Simple press page. We love Give Simple!

Singer/Songstress Christa Couture mentions Boutique Cafe in her News section about our interview on BC. Christa also includes a link to Boutique Cafe in her favorite websites page called Brown Paper Packages. Thank you so much Christa, we love you and your music!

Robin from my3luvbugz has all the tips and tools of the trade in her awesome article about Staying Sharp featured in our Boutique Cafe Chat forum. The New Bistro is an exciting place to learn all about the things you need to know as a creative genius and mom-of-all-trades! Pop by the Bistro in our BC Chat forum and learn something new.

What self respecting R&R week could be complete, without a product to spoil and tempt you while you are lunching with your gal pals?! Give Simple has the perfect addition for your girls noon out with their classy and oh-so-chic platters by French Bull. Picture the beautiful melamine platters in your favorite groovy pattern at your next backyard soiré©e. The most scrumptious of desserts will be ever so tempting on top of the bold colors, you and your guests will quickly fall head over heels in love with French Bull.

Of course the first thing I noticed about the platters were the colorful and kaleidoscopic patterns, I had a hard time deciding which one I liked best. I opted for the Rings pattern and discovered it was the hottest seller at indulgent online boutique Give Simple. Stars like Oprah and celebrity chef Rachel Ray have sung the praises of this gorgeous kitchen gear. In fact Rachel used French Bull on Oprah’s May 13th show! You’ll love the lightweight feel of the platters as well as the peace of mind that they are “child friendly” and shatter proof, something this momma doesn’t take lightly. French Bull is known for it’s high resistance to heat in fact they are dishwasher safe and will wear beautifully over time, no worry about colors fading here. Word of warning, do not pop them in the microwave – that’s basically the only no no with French Bull.

Make your next backyard BBQ the talk of the town with the delightful platters, salad servers and even storage containers by French Bull designer Jackie Shapiro. I am going to stock up on a few hostess gifts to share with my friends – I bet they are reading this now and are picking up the phone to invite me over! – Daria

* The incredible owners at Give Simple have provided a promo code BOUTIQUECAFE for 10% off for an ENTIRE YEAR! Don’t miss out on the chance to own some French Bull of your very own!

I’m always on the lookout for new and entertaining children’s books. I know just about every Sandra Boynton book by heart along with Goodnight Moon and Guess How Much I Love You. It was time to freshen up our collection and Immedium had just the thing.

Immedium is based in San Francisco and publishes titles ranging from children’s books to commentaries on art. I received WonderBaby (board book) and The Year of the Dog: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac (hardcover). I could tell right off they were going to be a lot of fun to read. I always check out the illustrations before I read the actual text (yes, I tend to judge a book by its cover) and I could tell I wouldn’t be disappointed.

WonderBaby features our caped crusader (i.e. infant) transforming into various creatures, each with a distinct “talent” you’ll quickly recognize: biting like a beaver, kicking like a kangaroo, and even toddling like a turtle. Catch the alliteration? WonderBaby not only entertains but teaches. Each animal and its unique “superpower” walk you through the alphabet from A to Z. I love it when learning is fun!

The Year of the Dog is the first book in an annual series highlighting the twelve animals of the Chinese New Year, and it’s a great way to start. The Year of the Dog features Daniel the puppy, who explores the world with a girl named Lin, all the while learning what it takes to be “man’s best friend.” The illustrations in this book are bright and fun, and at the end of the book you’ll find a brief description what it means to be born in the Year of the Dog. Reread the book and see if Daniel doesn’t have some of those same traits.

I thoroughly enjoyed these great little books, so if you’re ready to expand your library, consider adding a couple selections from Immedium. Every collection needs at least one caped crusader in diapers!

* Giveaway! Immedium is giving away one autographed copy of WonderBaby! We’ll draw the winner by the end of the week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen. Also, visit Immedium’s site and sign up for their monthly newsletter for news and reviews.

When I have a day where I actually get to stay home, my outfit of choice consists of a pair of Old Navy pajama pants and a very comfortable old t-shirt. If I want to change it up I throw on my black velour pants instead. I wouldn’t say I’m on the cutting edge of style but at least I’m comfy. Well, now I can be both!

Wahm Jams offers the perfect outfits for work-at-home and stay-at-home moms. I’ve found they’re also perfect for I-frequent-the-gym-for-my-sanity moms and late-night-trips-to-the-grocery-store-so-I-can-go-without-my-kids moms. I tried out both the fitness set, which consists of a hoodie, tank, and shorts, and the lounge pant/racerback tank set. The minute I got them I pulled them out of their cute packaging and tried them on. Let me sum up my thoughts for you: If I didn’t have to actually wash these clothes every now and then I’d probably live in them for the rest of my life!

The hoodie and shorts are made from super soft cotton with a little bit of stretch for a great fit, and the racerback tank is made from a comfy stretch jersey. And if for some strange reason “extremely comfortable” isn’t enough for you, you can add WahmBlings (WahmJams’ fun mom-friendly designs) or Swarovski crystals to your outfit. Now you can wear your WahmJams on your next date night””you can live in them 24 hours a day! Hey, if I’m going to be doing that, I better pick up a pair of fitness pants so I have something to wear while my lounge pants are in the wash. – Emily

* WahmJams is offering free shipping on all orders for the next 30 days (through July 18). Simply enter the code JAMS at checkout. Hurry and get in uniform!

After a week of backyard barbecues and picnics in the park it’s time for some well deserved R&R. Enjoy this week’s selections of products perfect for resting and relaxing. Be sure to take some time out for yourself this summer; it’ll be over before you know it!

Singer/songwriter Christa Couture joins Daria and Nathan for part 1 of an interview about her passion for music, and her new baby on the way. Daria talks about the Daily Dish and lets you in on the scoop of how to win great must-have products each weekday by reading the reviews (be sure to leave your comments). Happy Father’s Day wishes to all the Dads out there with our love! All that, plus new baby announcements for Laurie of Buttercup*Babes and JenTheMom. Daria invites you to Discover the Boutique Community, and we play Christa’s song “Day 4″.

“It’s not a tricycle, not a toy car, not a bike with stabilizers, not a scooter”–so what is it?” That’s exactly what I wanted to find out. A bike with no pedals? Really? The philosophy behind LIKEaBIKE is that by helping children as young as two years old become familiar with the experience of riding on two wheels, the transition to a “real” bike will happen without difficulty (and without training wheels).

When the LIKEaBIKE arrived I was very happy to discover it is a “very-little-assembly-required” product, and my husband was impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the bike, not to mention the seat height can be easily adjusted in four different positions. When I first moved the handlebars around I noticed they had limited steering, which is actually a unique safety feature of the LIKEaBIKE. Your little one won’t turn hard left and end up face planting on the patio, always a bonus!

My girls, ages 6 and 8, are already experienced two-wheelers, but I swear they would trade their old bikes for the new LIKEaBIKE. “Cool!” was the first thing out of my 8-year-old’s mouth. But to actually test the bike I invited my friend’s two-year-old to hop on and take it for a spin. We had a great time watching him walk that bike all around the house (something you can do when the bike’s brand new), and he even got on and off without any help. Given enough time, and a really long driveway, I’m sure he would have started running with that thing and picked up speed. Aha! This is how the LIKEaBIKE eventually helps kids learn balance before hopping on a two-wheeler. I get it!

The LIKEaBIKE comes in a few different styles, and they even have a new LIKEaBIKE Jumper, which is completely made from aluminum and is extremely light–the perfect bike for toddler training for the 2021 X Games! – Emily

* Giveaway! LIKEaBIKE is giving away a LIKEaBIKE Spoky for one of our lucky listners. This is one giveaway you won’t want to miss! We’ll draw the winner by the end of the week from our mailing list and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

If you’re like me and don’t mind getting a little attention from complete strangers when out and about, you’ll want to pick up one of Baby Bella Maya’s designer slipcover for your baby front pack carrier. These covers will turn your Baby Bjorn or other carrier into a thing of beauty and style, and I’m sure will be a conversation piece at the next visit to the park.

Baby Bella Maya’s designer covers are handmade from a silk/polyester and rayon blend and are designed to fit most front packs. The reversible cover slips on and off easily with an invisible zipper on the side and the matching strap covers easily attach with Velcro. I’m all about easy and this cover was true to its claims. I got my Candy Apple Green cover on the Baby Bjorn in less than a minute flat.

After putting it on I wanted to try the new look out, but my “tester” was already asleep for the evening. Of course that didn’t stop me from strutting around, checking myself out in possibly every mirror in the house. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t actually checking myself out, but rather how cool the new slipcover looked on the ol’ Baby Bjorn. The carrier went from, what’s the phrase? Drab to fab in less time than it takes for me to strap on the Baby Bjorn! And one more bonus: The covers are washable, so even a spitter like mine won’t be cramping my newfound style.

Baby Bella Maya designer covers come in 11 designs, including camo, so even Dad can take little one for a stroll. (Yay for quality time with Dad””and a little break for me!) – Emily

* Giveaway! Baby Bella Maya is giving away one designer slipcover! We’ll draw the winner by the end of the week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

If you’re like me and don’t mind getting a little attention from complete strangers when out and about, you’ll want to pick up one of Baby Bella Maya’s designer slipcover for your baby front pack carrier. These covers will turn your Baby Bjorn or other carrier into a thing of beauty and style, and I’m sure will be a conversation piece at the next visit to the park.

Baby Bella Maya’s designer covers are handmade from a silk/polyester and rayon blend and are designed to fit most front packs. The reversible cover slips on and off easily with an invisible zipper on the side and the matching strap covers easily attach with Velcro. I’m all about easy and this cover was true to its claims. I got my Candy Apple Green cover on the Baby Bjorn in less than a minute flat.

After putting it on I wanted to try the new look out, but my “tester” was already asleep for the evening. Of course that didn’t stop me from strutting around, checking myself out in possibly every mirror in the house. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t actually checking myself out, but rather how cool the new slipcover looked on the ol’ Baby Bjorn. The carrier went from, what’s the phrase? Drab to fab in less time than it takes for me to strap on the Baby Bjorn! And one more bonus: The covers are washable, so even a spitter like mine won’t be cramping my newfound style.

Baby Bella Maya designer covers come in 11 designs, including camo, so even Dad can take little one for a stroll. (Yay for quality time with Dad””and a little break for me!)

* Giveaway! Baby Bella Maya is giving away one designer slipcover! We’ll draw the winner by the end of the week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

I didn’t mean to make you hungry, well not for food anyway – you are allowed to be hungry for fashion! And you will be as I introduce Le Fromage et L’orange, a collection of delicious clothing for girls and boys with european style and definite wearability. Their name means the Cheese (boys line) and the Orange (girls line), and together the collection is a beautiful blend of bright colors and high quality that your child will want to wear again and again. I was able to see first hand a few pieces from the Spring 2006 Sun St. Seaport line. I dressed my 3 year old Brigs in their Pistachio Zip Cargo Shorts and Color Block Tee and off we went to spend the afternoon on the Astro Bounce. As he bounded and bounced as little boys do I couldn’t help but marvel at how darling he looked today in those pistachio shorts, like a little Euro Man in a big bouncy rubber room! Brigs is a tiny boy for his age and I really apprieciated the waistline on Le Fromage et L’orange clothing, they smartly sinch with elastic and buttons inside to accommodate almost any size of child, what you get is the perfect fit. Brigs loved the zipper pockets and the fact that his older brother Joshua kept pouting that he couldn’t have the same shorts to wear. What?! Boys fighting over clothing?? They must be great clothes.
Le Fromage et L’orange also has a website that suggests the perfect coordinating piece, a very helpful feature as you simply can’t get it wrong.

For extra special everyday wear I’m so happy to have found Le Fromage et L’orange for my kids, and now that I’ve reviewed the Cheese and the Orange I definitely deserve a snack!

Boutique Cafe listeners and visitors can receive 20% your first order by shopping www.shoplorange.com . The discount code is FRFAM (enter code at check out to receive your discount).

That is exactly the question you’d want Cinderella to ask your child if she suddenly went missing during your family vacation to DisneyWorld. We’ve taught our children what to do if they ever get lost, but will they remember what we’ve told them? Will they ask the right person for help? Will they remember my cell phone number? How will we find them? Ever since we planned our big trip to Orlando I’ve worried about my girls running from one princess to the next. But now that we have the Who’s Shoes Kids ID Kit, I’m experiencing a little peace of mind.

The Who’s Shoes ID Kit contains two shoe ID bands, ID card, and safety tips. The ID bands include a high-quality Velcro fastener and a water resistant information label. The information label includes spaces for the child’s name, parent’s name, emergency phone, physician’s name and phone number, medical conditions, and date of birth””all on a tag not much bigger than your zipper pull. The bands fit all types of shoes, even sandals and your kid’s favorite pair of cowboy boots.

Though we never lost sight of our kids while visiting the Magic Kingdom, it was comforting to know if they had run off, we’d soon be reunited. (And we might even let them live to see their next birthday.) Read the rest of this entry »

I remember when my oldest son Dylan came home from the hospital as a newborn, I wrapped him up in his little generic sleeper and fleece blanket and headed for home. Not that there is anything wrong with that picture, but I would have loved to have been able to spoil my new little prince back then with one of the sumptuous products that are now offered by Kid Kouture.

Kid Kouture offers a full line of luxurious snugly wares! Every one of their baby blankets looks like a treasure, a gorgeous way to wrap up that beautiful baby. Kid Kouture sent me the Kuriousity Lime Brocade/Spotted Dog blanket, it is gorgeous. Noah loved the little tags that attach around the edge to keep tiny hands occupied. I loved the feel of the brocade and they way it made my outing with Noah feel really special as I brought it along. I also had many friends ask me about the blanket and where I found it as it was so unique.

Kid Kouture’s site offers many drool-worthy options for baby showers to birthdays including burpies, bibs, blankets, Swarovski Crystal embellished tees and much more! If you are looking for a gift that is funky and chic be sure to stop by Kid Kouture. Your little one will be sitting in the lap of luxury!

* Giveaway! Kid Kouture is giving one of our lucky listeners their Kouture Blanket or Kuriosity Blanket!!! They’ll also arranged for our listeners to receive 25% off their purchases of items on the Kid Kouture site. The coupon code is Boutique Cafe 25. We’ll draw the winner by the end of the week and contact her via email. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

If you were a “Material Girl” and wore your “Sunglasses At Night”, if you wanted to be “Jessie’s Girl” or routed for Andie in “Pretty in Pink” there’s a discussion that requires your expert 80’s input. Stop by the Chat forum and roll up those jeans, strap on your friendship bracelets and tease that hair…

Join in with discussions like this:
“OMGosh! How could I forget Dirty Dancing? It’s not like I don’t know every single word of the dialogue (seriously!). My friends and I used to sit together and recite the movie for fun. Ahhhhh…….memories.” Sarah

Back in the 80’s – share your favorite things about the era!

The beauty of each Mamapatrice creation is easy to see, every detail is perfect, each outfit a breathtaking work of art. It’s an honor to showcase the impeccable work of artist/designer Patrice this week on Boutique Cafe.

“I have always been artistically inclined and come from a long line of artists, but my art prior to the word of custom couture for children was focused in drawing and painting. Years ago I was introduced to custom boutique on eBay from another designer I met through a parenting site. I was then hooked and started to learn all I could about sewing. I continually push myself to grow in all aspects of this business. I just feel so blessed to have found this gift I had, and am able to share this experience with my own children and with my customers and their children.” – Patrice

You can learn more about Mamapatrice on her Website and on her About Me page. You may shop her current auctions on eBay. Patrice also sells her creations on Blossom Street. Please allow time for the show to load. Fashion Shows are in Quicktime format, a free download here.

And so do the three women behind Three Hot Tamales, a collection of sauces and rubs sure to heat up your love life”¦I mean, barbecue. Three Hot Tamales uses only the freshest and finest ingredients””and no preservatives or additives””in their sauces and rubs. And ingredients like garlic, onions, chipotle peppers, ripe red tomatoes, habanero peppers, pineapple, mango, and cayenne are sure to pleasure your tastebuds. Read the rest of this entry »

As summer fast approaches and your family trips are planned, don’t forget about Boutique Café©! You will need your daily cup of couture as your children yell from the back seat for the hundredth time, “ARE we there YET?” We want to travel with you and are excited for you to take us along!

We want you to go BIG, BOLD and BRAVE, Boutique Café© style! While you are playing on vacation, snap a few pictures of you or your family promoting Boutique Café© at a landmark significant to your vacation. Make a sign, a t-shirt or write it in the sand!!!! Get creative. We want your pictures from Disneyland, the beach, the Eiffel tower or wherever you go! Make it funny, make it famous, and make it GREAT! Send your submissions to WHERE IN THE WORLD CONTEST with the name of your location and we will add it to our ongoing gallery “scrapbook” that’s coming soon.

**2 Lucky Winners will be chosen at the end of the summer to win our Grand Prize of a FREE iPOD !!!! from Boutique Cafe. Or a 2nd Prize of a $100 EBay gift certificate from our friends at Journal Modiste.

Send in those pictures to win and check the site often to see the “scrapbook” as it is updated all summer long.

*Note: Only REAL vacation pictures will be accepted and posted on the site. Please do not send fake or photoshop photos of a copy and pasted person in front of the Pyramids. Thanks to Journal Modiste for being a valued sponsor of this event and helping us discover “Where In The World Is Boutique Cafe?”

Tune in today for our 30th episode of Boutique Cafe, we want you to celebrate right along with us as we hear messages from viewers, friends, musical artists and fellow podcasters. Guests include: Mommycast, Amy Butler, Charlene May, Christa Couture, Cali Lewis and many many many more! Daria announces our “Where in The World Is Boutique Cafe?” contest, you may submit your pictures for our online scrapbook to info@boutiquecafe.com (more details available in the BC Chat forum). We will be having a fun After Party in the Chat forum to celebrate further, so stop by and join in. **You’ll want to see pics of people you know on the RED CARPET!