In this weeks show our special guest judges Paige and Gretchen from Mommycast announce the Winners of our “Where In the World Is Boutique Cafe?” Contest and award an iPod from Boutique Cafe, as well as a $100 eBay gift certificate from Journal Modiste. View all of the Entries in our Gallery. Momprenuer, Kim of You Can Make This joins Daria to chat about her amazing new website offering eBooks for the very best of children’s design. Also on the show Daria shares oodles of Boutique Cafe news with upcoming group launches and promotions you don’t want to miss! What’s Cookin Mama is giving away a free 3 week subscription to their menu plans for one lucky Boutique Cafe listener – post a comment in the show notes to be eligible to win. Podsafe music this week is Paula Toledo with Fly Away.

You Can Make This is offering our listeners a special deal – Boutique Cafe
Listeners – Simply Click Here and shop for 10% Off Your Purchase at www.YouCanMakeThis.com!

Bet you didn’t know September 28th is National Write a Review About Daria Muirhead Day. Well, those of us in the review-writing world know, and next to Christmas it’s my favorite day of the year!

Today’s review is going to be a bit different. While some of you are faithful commenters on the Daily Dish, quite a few of you have been holding back, so today is your day to shine. I’m going to start you off with some fun and interesting facts about Daria and then you all are going to continue this review by posting what you know and love about Daria, our beautiful, sexy, extremely talented podcast hostess. Let’s make this the longest””and possibly most interesting””review to date!

I’ll start, and by the way, I got these straight from Nathan, Daria’s DH, so Daria, if you’re reading this (and you better be), anything embarrassing is not my fault. Our fabulous Daria:

• loves pink
• has always wanted a little girl and never gotten one
• used to do temp work all the time as a receptionist
• while dating DH, went on the most extreme roller coaster ride even though she is scared of heights and gets mega dizzy
• climbed about two stories high up a tree while dating DH only to let him know later she was terrified
• sold advertising in their little business 8 Cow Advertising and did quite well, for a little startup
• must have her sheets tucked in at the end of the bed, which can cause problems when DH likes them loose and/or wrapped around his feet
• had this total crush on Nathan Hill, now my DH, and remained attached to the name Nathan (that’s a whole other story”¦)
• loves popcorn (I mean LOVES popcorn) and has to have it at the movies

Okay, that should get you started. Let’s go for a record number of posts, and feel free to be as mushy as you like. We’ll keep the review on the homepage through Friday, the 29th, so you’ve got no excuse for not participating. Now get commenting! –Emily

You may have noticed that the forum looks a bit different. We are always striving to make Boutiquecafe.com a place you love to come that is easy to get around and understand. All the information is still here but it may be in a differect section. Take a minute and explore the CAFE!

We have added a WONDERFUL NEW Feature! our Website Directory! A yellow pages of wonderful boutique sites. This is much more efficient than the previous random postings all over the place, it’s now easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for, plus it’s Free!

Website Directory
Just find the category that pertains to your business, click and then copy and paste the “form” and fill it in for your business.

If you are a SHOPPER this section will be soooo easy for you to find they HOT products you need and are looking for!

thanks!!!
Megan
Queen of Chat

Yes we can! Boutique Cafe is receiving so many emails, inquires and comments each week, it’s sometimes hard to keep up. We love hearing from you and want to give you another venue for leaving feedback for us. If you’d like to send your comments and suggestions via voicemail you may now do so anytime! Be warned that we LOVE to play your messages on the show so speak clearly, leave your name, business name and of course your cool message. You have 30 seconds to record your call. Thanks for Chatting with Boutique Cafe and sharing your thoughts on our show and site.
Boutique Cafe Voice Mail Line:
1-815-642-8640

Perhaps my body is deficient in those vital nutrients of sugar, milk, and more sugar and so it’s craving the things it needs and that’s why I’m thinking ice cream. Hey, it’s almost believable.

When I set a goal of eating healthy during the week I find I hit the good stuff pretty hard on the weekends–and for me, weekends start Friday night. One of my favorite dessert spots is Cold Stone Creamery. For those of you without a Cold Stone, let me fill you in. Cold Stone makes their own (decadent) ice cream daily. But that’s not the best part; customers get to design their own ice cream creation by choosing from a variety of mix-ins. The ice cream and mix-ins are then hand blended on a frozen granite stone.

On one particular visit, instead of ordering my “usual” (mint ice cream with brownies or Oreos), I decided to exit my comfort zone and try the Cold Stone creation known as Germanchocolatekake. It consists of chocolate ice cream with coconut, pecans, brownie, and caramel. It was so good it even rivaled Maggie Moo’s Better Batter Cake Carnival (even though Better Batter Cake Carnival uses a non-chocolate ice cream).

If you have a Cold Stone nearby and haven’t yet stopped in, I suggest you don’t. It can easily become a serious addiction. I’m already trying to figure out when I can get my next fix. –Emily

You’re on the road and have the diaper bag packed with everything needed for a pleasant Sunday visit to Grandma’s. Once you arrive you realize you forgot the bottle and the spare diaper. Sound familiar? Well, I’ve found just the thing for preventing “oh-crap” moments like these: the BabyBeReady Diaper Bag Survival Kit from BabyDish.

I love finding a product that makes the ideal baby gift, and this is definitely one of them. The BabyBeReady is an 8.5″ by 14″ bag that comes in a variety of hip, stylish patterns with a durable plastic overlay inside and out (i.e. easy to clean). It has clear zippered compartments for quick access and an easy zip-around top. (By the way, I love the zippers on this tote!) But what makes the BabyBeReady the ideal survival kit?

Inside this deceivingly innocent yet stylish bag you will find everything you need for that visit to Grandma’s. You’ve got a onesie, bib, burp cloth, diapers, changing pad, rattle, bottle, pacifier, sun hat, and travel wipes. Whew! Did you catch all that? I was able to check out the limited edition bag designed in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and in memory of the designer’s best friend, Hally Lyn, who lost her battle with breast cancer this year. As soon as I opened it my girls and I ooh’d and aah’d over all the little “essentials” packed inside this great tote. I especially loved the little extra touches, like the cute BabyDish accent on the onesie and hat.

This tote is definitely not a one-time-use product. Simply replace things (or clean them) as they’re used and you’re always ready to go. I’m thinking to heck with packing this for Grandma’s, I’ll just give her one of her own!

* BabyBeReady is offering 10% off your order through the END of the YEAR! Simply enter “tenoff” at checkout to stock up on these must-have gifts for the holidays (and the baby showers between now and then). –Emily

Search the Bake Sale goodies up for grabs on eBay to support the Social Graces. The Social Graces is a group of volunteers that send pick-me-ups, birthday wishes, condolences, get wells and new baby gifts to members of the Boutique Designers and Buyers Group.

Time to get some yummy treats and support the group that makes it all happen. On a personal note, I served as a volunteer member of the Social Graces for almost a year and I can tell you that these women are caring and compassionate. The Social Graces really do make every effort to support and uplift the members of the BDB and it was a totally rewarding experience to be able to serve with them. Bake on Ladies!! Bake On!
Search the Bake Sale goodies

Saturday marked the first day of Autumn, and though I love the changing colors I fear the coming snow. I don’t do cold. I can handle snow from about Thanksgiving to New Year’s and then I’m ready for 80-degree weather. I could almost skip spring if it weren’t for those great purple and white blossoms on the trees (we like to call it “popcorn”). If you skip spring you can skip spring cleaning, right? Fear-of-biting-cold aside, I do look forward to one thing when Fall weather hits, and that’s hot chocolate.

Last Christmas a good friend who knows all too well about my love for hot chocolate gave me a Cocoa-Latte machine from Back to Basics. We practically wore out the motor we used this thing so much! “Can we Cocoa-Latte?” became a popular evening phrase in our home, and we always indulged. The best was a can of Stephen’s Gourmet Hot Cocoa, but you’ve got to use milk. That’s the key to extra creamy, extra frothy cocoa. And don’t skimp on the froth. The Cocoa-Latte machine has a special switch for whipping the cocoa into a frothy frenzy. (Just don’t load the carafe past the suggested line. You’ll end up with a cocoa mess. I speak from personal experience…)

Another great take on the classic cocoa is to experiment with mix-ins. During college, no late-night chat (a.k.a. therapy session) was complete without a mug of hot cocoa garnished with a heaping scoop of mint chip ice cream. If you’ve never tried mint chip ice cream in your hot cocoa you’re missing out on one of winter’s simplest pleasures. Note: Make sure your hot cocoa is extra hot so it stays warm while the ice cream melts. By the way, the best part of drinking the cocoa is finding all those tiny chocolate chips at the bottom of your mug. It’s like buried treasure, only better! If you’re feeling adventurous, mix and match your hot cocoa and ice cream. Try raspberry hot cocoa with French vanilla ice cream or dark chocolate cocoa with butter pecan. Discover the perfect combination for your tastebuds and you’ll have a new favorite treat when the weather gets frightful.

Looking for gourmet hot cocoa? Check out Stephen’s Gourmet Cocoa, a Utah original. My favorite? The Chocolate Mint Truffle. Of course Godiva’s Dark Chocolate Truffle comes highly recommended as well. And don’t forget the Cocoa-Latte machine. It makes a great gift for friends and family during the holidays. Oh, and pick one up for yourself! (You’ll need it for those emergency late-night therapy sessions.) –Emily

I’m going to share a little secret with you””my partner and I are new at this whole entrepreneurial thing. We may look like we have it all together but don’t let our well designed website, fun product line, and knack for writing great copy fool you. Every day is a new learning experience and every day I seem to search the web for an answer to another business-related question. Yesterday I searched for help with writing a business plan and stumbled upon a site all women business owners should bookmark: WomanOwned.

WomanOwned was formed in 1998 and provides some more-than-useful information, tools, and advice useful to women like us. Whether you are looking to start a business and need a small business loan or grow your business and need a good business plan, WomanOwned offers a wealth of articles and resources at your fingertips. From press releases to meta tags to the various types of funding (do you know the ins and outs of angel investors?), WomanOwned has an article on it. The site also features an online search engine of women business owners from every type of industry and from almost every country around the world. Now I call that networking!

I have yet to explore beyond the business plan articles, but I’m definitely going to make time to do so. And until I know it all, I’ll just keep fakin’ it. –Emily

Okay, some of you may think this review isn’t nearly as cool as other ones we’ve done, but sometimes you’ve got to scrap the cool review for the “this-just-might-come-in-handy-someday” review. And those of you with kids in school just might find this site interesting.

At Infoplease, a site with everything from almanacs to encyclopedias to thesauruses, you can find a page called “Year by Year: 1900-2006.” Simply enter a year in the search box or click on a year and you can learn about everything associated with that year, from world and U.S. events to sports and entertainment. You’ll find statistics like population, life expectancy, GDP, and even the cost of a first-class stamp. (Can you believe it was $.10 in 1974?) If you’d rather look at the larger picture and view history decade by decade, you can do that too. And to top it all of, the page even includes a plethora of timelines in categories such as U.S. and world history, society and culture, science, entertainment, and select biographies.

This is seriously a fabulous resource for those of us with post-kindergarten age kids. Need to learn more about the events surrounding the Women’s Rights Movement? Got it. The Space Shuttle? Check. Fashion? Found it. You can even find up-to-date information on the Iraq Crisis, 2002-Present. (The most recent event listed is August 30, 2006.) Even if you’re not scrambling to finish a school report, the site makes for some great reading, especially for those of us who spent class time passing notes to friends rather than learning about ancient history.

Don’t limit yourself to the information in Year by Year. Infoplease’s online almanac is another great resource for both you and your child (whose report is due tomorrow morning, by the way). Just think how impressed your friends will be when you list of the 2005 Nobel Prize Winners in Peace, Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, AND Economics.
–Emily

“Eat candy, lose weight!” That tagline definitely peaks one’s interest, and believe it or not, it really exists. It is the idea behind Power-Pops, a lollipop that claims to “suppress your appetite, increase energy levels, and burn fat and calories in a safe and natural way.” When I saw this debut on Extra a few nights back, I knew it was a product I had to personally review.

Fun Unlimited, the company behind Power-Pops, sent me samples of both the Power-Pops and KidsPops in various flavors. KidsPops are their newest item””lollipops designed as a great-tasting treat yet packed with a “complete and balanced formula of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for children.” Guess who got to test those out? But let’s start with the Power-Pops.

The ingredients: Guarana, L-Tyrosine (amino acid), Super Citramax, Hoodia, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, corn syrup, sugar, natural color, natural flavorings, and 28 calories per pop. Noting there was no ephedra or mahuang, I felt safe giving the Power-Pops a try. It was hard to decide on a flavor, for these potent pops come in everything from Root Beer Float to Cinnamon to Green Apple to Pina Colada. Being a big Butter Pecan fan, I tested that flavor first. Read the rest of this entry »

The designers from Boutique Lilla group want you to grab a cup of java and head over to their Meet and Greet today. They’ve come up with a fun contest to get everyone involved. In each group members auction will be a question about that designer, you can then click on their About Me page to find the answer. There is a button for contest correspondance on each auction. You must have the answer to all of the trivia questions before you can send them in to win. So head on over and meet the gals of Lilla…you just might win a $20 Lilla gift certificate. Let the games begin!

Boutique Lilla Auctions

Whether its for fun or competition, skateboarding is a great way to get exercise and have a good time. Thrill your skateboard fanantic with a room decorated to reflect their interest in this high energy sport.

Use your teen’s colorful, graphic skateboard for paint color inspiration. Think quarter-pipe boarding blues, half pipe hunter greens, ollie trick whites, airborne reds, jumping yellows, longboard oranges and pop shovit greens. These colors are easy to mix and match. Bedding with skateboard theme prints are an easy and fun way to start creating a skateboard motif bedroom. Hang skateboards as shelving build a unique look. Mix and match curtain panels and valences with skateboard theme prints. You can find bedroom decor for your kids and teens that is fashionable and fun at Artistic Sensations.

If you’re looking for that unique or whimsical addition to your child’s room? Artistic Sensations not only is stocked with beautiful inspiring bedding but a host of other great products you will love checking out. From furniture, to play, to great gift ideas – Artistic Sensations is really a one stop shop for creative design and fun.

I love it when my baby has that fresh-from-the-bath smell, and I’ve found a product line that not only has just the right fragrance but just the right ingredients as well. Noodle & Boo combines an exclusive sweet créme scent with ingredients that “were meticulously selected for the gentlest formulations possible.”

Christine Burger, the mother behind Noodle & Boo, created the skin care line when she found only limited options for caring for her two sons, both with ultra-sensitive and eczema-prone skin. What is in the formulas:

• the finest ingredients available, regardless of cost
• natural antioxidants found in vitamins that gently protect baby from environmental factors
• soothing ingredients including allantoin, bisabolol, aloe, zinc oxide and wholesome oatmeal
• moisturizing ingredients including sweet almond oil and nutrient-rich milk protein

What is not in the formulas:

• surfactant systems (bubbling agents) with harsh sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laurth Sulfate, or DEA and MEA
• numbing agents in “tearless” products
• heavy botanical and antibacterial ingredients, which are discouraged by the American Academy of Dermatology for sensitive skin

All Noodle & Boo products are clinically tested by dermatologists and pediatricians using state-of-the-art testing methods (not on animals), plus they’re 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and pH-balanced for babies. All that in a beautifully packaged, sensibly priced, sweet smelling product!

I was able to lather my little one in their Soothing Body Wash and Super Soft Lotion. I loved the sweet cré¨me fragrance and knowing his skin was getting the finest in skin care. Even with just one use I could tell Noodle & Boo was a much-needed treat for my baby’s skin. And I’m not alone. Sharon Stone is a fan of the company’s sunscreen, and celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Denise Richards, and Britney Spears slather their little ones with Noodle & Boo products.

If I haven’t made you a fan of Noodle & Boo yet, try this: The company donates 20% of its profits to children’s charities, focusing primarily on poverty, health and education in the United States. I’m all about supporting a good cause, and if I can do so while pampering my baby, that’s even better! –Emily

* Noodle & Boo is offering Daily Dish readers a complementary gift with every purchase!

This issue is too important not to share, it’s frightening. Get informed, get involved and have your say.

Read more at Save The Internet

We all know the horror of cuddling up that sweet little punkin only to have them launch all over our new sweater! If you have a colic prone little bundle or just prefer nice clean clothing instead of being covered in infant spit up, you will be excited to hear about Burp Catcher. The Burp Catcher is the next generation of burp cloths, and it’s most magical feature is the brilliantly designed pocket that will stay open from any position to catch any stray spit up episodes – and keep you spit free.

Burp Catcher was invented by mommy of three, journalist Margaret Pressler. When all three of her children were prone to spit up as babies she set out to find a solution. After experimenting with different kinds of pockets on burp cloths, Margaret finally hit on the right design: a pocket that hangs open without any hardware, snaps or scratchy Velcro. With the Burp Catcher Margaret didn’t have to stress about handing baby over to someone for a cuddle and burping became worry free.

The design of the Burp Catcher is quite simple, but sometimes the most simple ideas work the very best. I loved how cozy and soft the fleece cloth was, it is perfect to cuddle your little bundle against and is strong and absorbent as well. I tested the pocket to make sure it would in fact hold open and it definitely passed the test. My mother came by and fell in love with this product as she was a mother to the most colic prone baby ever – ME! She wished that it had been invented back in 1973.

Not only is the Burp Catcher the ideal gift for a new mommy, but it’s so affordable that you can easily buy several for each room in your house and your diaper bag, even the car! Currently Burp Catcher is available for purchase at Target, Creative Kidstuff and Big Blue Castle with many more locations coming soon.

So go ahead and pat your baby on the back, burp time is now smooth sailing! – Daria

Our organizational expert Maja joins us for her tips on getting into routines for Fall (and yes, even Christmas) you don’t want to miss it! Our Queen of Chat, Megan gabs with Daria about all the events going on at Boutique Cafe right now. Daria plays a fun song from the pod safe music network called “Booty Voodoo” by Lee Coulter. Boutique News, New Fashion Show is up on BC featuring My Girl And The City, Contest results next week and much more! Previous appearances by Maja on BC include episode #2, and episode #22.

Many of you are already familiar with Robeez, and a while back we introduced you to Starchild shoes from the UK. I’ve now got to tell you about my new favorite shoes for little feet, See Kai Run.

Cause Haun, owner and co-founder of See Kai Run, was on the lookout for the “perfect first shoe” for her son, Kai. Living in the Pacific Northwest, she needed shoes that would survive the soggy weather yet were soft and flexible enough for developing feet. Of course, style is just about as important as function, and Haun’s come up with the perfect combination in her to-die-for collection of shoes. Designed by this mother of two, who was “inspired by today’s parents’ desire for style and originality, as well as comfort and protection for their little one’s feet,” these shoes are absolutely perfect for new walkers.

I, or rather, George, was able to try out the Ellis, a black ankle boot with the most adorable faux snap closer on the side and stylish top stitching. (I’m really glad these are weather resistant, as I couldn’t stop drooling over them once I opened the box!) I was impressed with the padded collar around the top and how easy the shoes were to get on and off (another major selling point). I’m already planning the purchase of another pair. Hey, girls aren’t the only ones who need shoes for every outfit!

Let me give you the basics as to why See Kai Run shoes are perfect for little feet:

• Luxurious, butter soft leather, with pigskin leather lining and padded collars
• The most flexible of soles, made of thermo-plastic rubber (TPR), which is suitable for “inside dancing and outside puddle jumping”
• Generous width (necessary for my little one’s chubby feet) and a wide toe box for plenty of wiggle room (sure wish my 3″ heels could say the same)
• Velcro closures for a perfect fit

I can’t wait to “see George run” in his new Ellis boots. (I may need to see him run in a new pair of Diegos or Noahs or maybe even Kobys as well”¦)

* Giveaway!!! See Kai Run is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice! We’ll draw the winner from the comments on this review. The winner will be contacted via email and have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Today I’m going to share with you one of my “favoritest” hair care products. Now, I know hair care (like mascara) is a very personal thing; we know what we like and don’t care what works for someone else, but if you’re still looking for a volumizer that actually does its job of volumizing, change can be good.

Catwalk Root Boost by TIGI has become an essential part of my daily hair drying and styling routine. I was introduced to this foaming volumizing spray back around 2000 and immediately fell in love with it. Since then I’ve been unfaithful a few times, trying other products that claim to do the same thing, and I always come crawling back to my Root Boost. The directions are simple. When hair has been towel dried, hold can two to three inches from hair and mist your root area for “extreme lift and style support.” You then work the product through the ends of your hair for some great texture and fullness. That’s it! I then blow dry, style (with little need for backcombing) and go.

Catwalk Root Boost can be found at most salons and will run you around $12, but it’s so totally worth it. You’ll spend less time under the hot blow dryer and less energy teasing those roots. Your hair will thank you. I promise. –Emily

There’s a New mod in town and her name is Sarah! You’ll be awed by her knowledge of all the hottest celebrity gossip and news, she knows her stuff. Each day Sarah scours the internet for the hottest info and brings it right back here to our Boutique Cafe Chat forum for us all to enjoy and talk about. Her section on BC is really hopping and you’ll want to get in on the Celebrity Dish. Jump on in and join us as Sarah leads us through the wonderful world of celebrity lives, it’s fun, it’s interesting, it’s current and it’s all wrapped up in Sarah’s own style. Welcome Sarah, we’re so thrilled to have you join us at Boutique Cafe.

Alright, I totally admit that drinking water for me is a chore. I know that we each should be drinking 8-12 glasses per day but honestly I find it so hard to manage 3-4 because water is boring to drink. Well at least that’s what I used to think until the folks at HINT WATER sent me samples of their amazing H2O! I’m addicted and must have more.

Hint has created a product that is 100% pure delicious water with natural essence that adds just a “hint” of flavor. There are no sweeteners, no preservatives. What you get is the most crystal clear and satisfying water that I’ve ever tasted (and I’ve drank my share of water in my lifetime). Hint carries such refreshing flavors as Apple, Cucumber, Lime, Peppermint, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Premium Drinking Water, Raspberry-Lime, Tropical Punch and my favorite Pear. These crystal clear treasures are best served chilled, then you can drink to your hearts content knowing that you’re getting pure and healthy water with none of the sugars or sweeteners found in other flavored water. Hint water has a pristine taste with subtle natural flavors that don’t take over your water but enhance the water experience.

Not only is the water delicious but their bottles are gorgeous. I love the printed fruits and fun descriptions on each clear bottle of Hint. So take them to the gym, throw a few in your diaper bag or store some in your office fridge, you’ll be saying goodbye to soda pop and hello to a product that tastes yummy and is actually good for you. Trust me, you’ll love it! Bottoms up!

To purchase Hint water you’ll need to go to their handy website order form and order a case. – Daria

Today is the day for the new Journal Modiste launch to begin! The last JM collaborative launch was a huge success, in fact hundreds of designers joined in the challenge a few months ago and now today Journal Modiste has announced their JMOrigins theme.
“The designers of Journal Modiste present jmOrigins: Reflections of our Heritage. Each designer was asked to create something that reflected their unique family history. The results are truly amazing and it was fun to get to know the designers this way. We hope you agree!” – Amy owner of Journal Modiste

Be sure to check out the auctions as they appear throughout the day by searching jmorigins on eBay.

The fashion prowess of My Girl And The City is celebrated this week in our Fashion Show. Designer Kelly has created a clothing line that encompasses the many moods and looks of your little girl. We’re excited to showcase My Girl And The City this week! We asked Kelly to share about her business, why she loves it and her secret to success -

“I loved fashion as a little girl (even more than now!)… and although the stuff then were not the same as the cute ensembles these days… I remember that I always loved dressing up and feeling like a princess! Now as a mom I see the same enthusiasm from my 2-1/2 who will always asks to wear her favorite dresses and would do so everyday (if only mom’s laundry service could keep up!). Anyway… that is why I love creating pretty clothing for little girls. They love it… they live it… they dream about it… and they just look so cute in it! That is what inspires me.

As far as secrets to creating cute clothing — i would have to say thinking outside of the box. I think I really take that to the extreme — I don’t start a project having a specific design in mind. I always play with fabric along the way, figuring out what fun things to do with it. And from there things just fall into place.” – Kelly

You can learn more about My Girl And The City on their incredible website. Please allow time for the show to load. Fashion Shows are in Quicktime format, a free download here.

** Special Boutique Cafe Offer – My Girl In The City is giving each buyer a “Free cotton candy hair clip for orders over $50″ in September. Just mention Boutique Cafe when you order! Thanks Kelly!!

Five years ago today the world stopped, the world changed forever. We honor all those died, who feared for their loved ones, who went into the twin towers to save others, the courageous and the innocent. Please share your 9/11 experience with us today, where were you when the US was attacked? How do you feel now? Please share your memories and hopes with us today…
Let’s all take a moment of silence to reflect on this Anniversary, have we changed? Are we safer? Do we properly honor those who gave so much? Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

9/11 Tributes to view:
Rocketboom
NYC Fire Fighters Tribute
America Attacked 911
Mommycast Moment of Silence

We’ve reviewed some great gear for on-the-go moms, but what I’ve got for you today I’m totally excited about. I’m talking a bib that doubles as a burp cloth AND a changing pad that’s more fashionable than my purse. I’m talking I’mStillME!

The women (a mother and grandmother) behind I’mStillME! use their “combination of “¦ “˜hands-on’ experience along with a lifelong love affair with beautiful fabric and extensive sewing and design experience “¦ to create products which are both practical and beautiful.” I couldn’t have said it better myself after trying out the OopC and LilyPad Changing Station.

The OopC is a must-have for all us moms with children, who as infants loved nothing more than spitting up, and as toddlers can’t seem to get the food within a foot of their mouths. The OopC has coverage down to a “T”. You can use it both as a bib or a burp cloth, and its extremely soft cotton terry velour comes with a variety of fashionable cotton trims. With generous dimensions (22″ x 11.5″) and a shape that helps it stay put, the OopC leaves other burp cloths and bibs in the dust. And to top it all off, the OopC is reversible! I tried it on for size even though my 10-month old is no longer spewing formula, and boy, I wish I’d had one of these 10 months ago! At least we’ll get some good mileage out of it as a bib, though I wish it were large enough to cover the high chair and kitchen floor! Read the rest of this entry »

I hate going on vacation simply because it’s so dang hard to come back! For Labor Day weekend we headed down to St. George (southern Utah). We basked in the sun, cooled off in the pool, and stuffed ourselves sick at the local buffet. Then we came home.

Well, I’ve found something that makes the transition to reality much easier. I call it my post-vacation vacation, and it includes two treatments from bath by bettijo. The first thing I did was try out the Eucalyptus Spearmint Tub Tea. Yes, Tub Tea! To use the tea, you fill the reusable antique tea infuser (included) with a tablespoon of tub tea and steep as you fill your bath. When bath time is over, you simply discard the use tea and hang the infuser from the faucet “until your next soak.” Now, I’m not one for taking baths (the water gets too cold too fast and it’s just so hard to multitask while relaxing in the bath) so I tried the other option on the jar, which is to toss a handful of herbs into a bowl of boiling water for a herbal facial steam. Words can’t tell you how fabulous this mini facial is. I felt renewed, relaxed, and rejuvenated. How’s that for some great alliteration? It was absolutely perfect.

The next product I was able to experience was the Mudder Nature Spa Mud. I’ve always wanted to try a mud treatment, and I was able to do so without spending the big bucks at the local spa. This detoxifying spa mud is a unique blend of natural clays and herbal extracts that nourish and soften skin from head to toe. You can use it for a relaxing mud bath, purifying facial, or as a full body mask. Once again, I skipped the whole mud bath thing (way too much cleanup), the full-body mask (too much work””can you tell I’m no good at this relaxing thing?) and went straight for the facial. The mud was easy to apply and had a wonderful cool and tingly sensation. It dried within about 5 or 10 minutes and washed off easily. Afterward my skin felt refreshed, soft, and smooth. I can only imagine how great this would feel as a full-body mask!

Now that I’ve got such wonderful products from bath by bettijo, I’m ready for our next family vacation. And if it’s longer than a three-day weekend, I better bring my “relaxation” with me!

If you have a daughter like my youngest, every Halloween is pretty much the same. I search for the most sparkly, most princess-y, fairy-est costume around. Sure, it’s easy enough to find a Tinkerbell, Sleeping Beauty, or Cinderella costume, but then she’ll be no different than all the other Disney princesses trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Mally’s Ally has just the solution for a little girl whose sole purpose in life is to be the fairest of them all””and stand out from all the other wannabe royalty.

Mally’s Ally (both the ebay boutique and new website) has some of the most decadent tutus, wings, dresses, and accessories around. This boutique has tiaras, boas, wands, and even pomies (fun ponytail holders). I was able to try out the sherbet rhinestone tutu and the small fairy wings. Well, they didn’t fit me, dang it all, but I sure wish they had! The rhinestones on the tutu are beautiful and the wings are made extremely well. Not true for the ones I bought a couple years back””they barely made it once around the block!

Of course, if your daughter’s more like my oldest, Mally’s Ally isn’t nearly scary or creepy enough. But if you’re looking to outfit a true princess, you’ll find everything you need at Mally’s Ally. Like they say, it’s good to be queen (or fairy or princess or angel”¦). –Emily

* Mally’s Ally is offering Daily Dish readers a 15% discount off purchases of $10 or more through October 20th with the code “halloween special”. You can receive the discount at both her ebay store and new website. Contact Melanie (MelEMel4370@aol.com) at Mally’s Ally after purchasing to request the discount and combined shipping (if purchasing from both sites).

I am totally flippin’ out, or rather flip-n-tippin’ out, over the latest and greatest must-have in sports bottles from CamelBak, “the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems.” Just when you thought sports bottles couldn’t be reinvented, CamelBak has done just that.

I am currently flippin’-n’sippin’ from my grey CamelBak bottle and thoroughly enjoying myself. While working away at the computer I usually keep hydration on hand in the form of a huge plastic cup. Yeah, not too smart around computer equipment. I’m always fearful I’ll knock it over and pretty much fry my system. With the CamelBak bottle I can rest easy, as its Big Bite Valve and leakproof construction prevents spills.

Just what is a Big Bite Valve? It kind of reminds me of those valves on swim floaties you have to squeeze in order to inflate. Simply squeeze the valve between your teeth and sip away. No imploding sports bottle when taking a swig from this baby. And you don’t even need to tilt your head back to get the last drop of water, something I’m way looking forward to trying while on the treadmill. Of course, you can remove the straw and use the bottle in tip-n-sip mode, but I’m only safe doing that when seated. Coordination is not one of my strengths.

I also love the unique integrated handle that not only protects the bite valve but makes the bottle easy to carry with one finger, which frees up the other nine for my MP3 player, car keys, workout gloves, and gym pass. It also has a universal cap size, so it can fit most bottles and is compatible with most water filters. (Hmmm”¦perhaps I should review a good water filter next!)

The CamelBak bottle comes in nine fabulous colors to coordinate with your favorite workout clothes (or pajamas if you’re working from home) and is top-rack dishwasher safe. You’ve got to get your eight glasses of water, so you might as well do it in style! –Emily

* Giveaway!!! CamelBak is giving away two CamelBak bottles. We’ll draw the winners from the comments on this review. Winners will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize or new winners will be chosen.

On Today’s Dish we wanted to take a moment and enjoy the First Day of School with our excited kiddos. We know that many of our Mommy and Daddy readers are dropping of their children for school and wanted to share some ideas for Back to School shots. I asked my Mother-in-Law Catherine to put together an article of ideas for taking great school pictures, she has always been so on the ball about those shots for her family and I knew she would have some great advice for us. Enjoy the Dish today!

Its Back To School Time!
For some of us, it will be our child’s First Day of School, for others it will be Back to School AGAIN.
It might be YOUR first day of school as you return to studies or start fresh… so many scenarios! But for each
and every one, its a historic day worth documenting. Here are a few tips on how to record the big day.

1) Keep it low Stress. I am a natural micro-manager, and semi-control freak, so this is an area I understand!
Don’t be the Mom who has the kids freaked out about every hair in place and a vision of perfection. It will not only ruin the photo shoot,
you’ll stress them out about their appearance for the whole day.
How to avoid this? Plan ahead! If you need wardrobe input, help your child to select their choice the night before.
Lay out the days appropriate accessories (backpacks, shoes,lunches) the night before, and you will have a calm and collected
child. Have a nice relaxing breakfast- or hit McD’s for a special first day of school breakfast. Whatever works for you.
One thing is for sure, and that is that YOU will set the tone. Lots of kids will have their own set of anxieties and fears,
and your calm and organized demeanor will help your child tremendously. Read the rest of this entry »

Boutique Cafe podcast and mom site celebrates 1st Birthday

Canada (PRWEB) September 3, 2006 — Boutique Cafe (www.boutiquecafe.com) website has not only taken the boutique world by storm but the podcasting one as well. And even more important than that, this site rocks my world. Welcome to Boutique Café©, a site famous for serving up a huge helping of children’s couture and your Daily Dish of what’s hot.

Daria Muirhead, the creator and owner of Boutique Café©, is celebrating her first birthday. Well, not her first birthday (though I’m sure that would set the world’s record for the youngest podcaster and how cool would that be?) but Boutique Café©’s first birthday. One year ago Daria had an idea for a website that would cater to boutique lovers, designers, women and shoppers alike, and she topped it all off with one of the web’s most entertaining weekly podcasts. Of course I’ve only been with Boutique Café© for a few months now, but I imagine that’s how it all happened.

Since then Boutique Café© has garnered rave reviews and great press from all over the web and even offline as well. And it’s no wonder”¦the site is a plethora of resources for those whose alternative lives are lived in the boutique-ing world. In the Boutique Café© forum you can chat with other “Hot Moms,” share deals exclusive to BC members, express your anxiety as a new mom, discover other great boutique websites, find fabric suppliers, and even catch up on the latest celebrity gossip. The Market area is full of eye-catching advertisements from the web’s best boutiques, and the Daily Dish brings you the latest and greatest must-have products for moms, children, and their families.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the knock-your-socks-off (and sometimes your pants) podcasts that appear weekly on Boutique Café©. Daria has interviewed everyone from Jessica Denay, co-founder of Hot Moms Club (www.hotmomsclub.com), to singer Christa Couture (www.christacouture.com), to vid cast personality Cali Lewis of Geek Brief (www.geekbrief.tv), to designer Amy Butler (www.amybutlerdesign.com), to actress Taylor Dooley (www.taylordooley.com). And it wouldn’t be a Boutique Café© podcast without the hostess’s infectious laugh. After listening to just one BC podcast you’ll be hooked for life.

So if you haven’t visited Boutique Café©, be sure and head on over. Uh, I guess if you’re reading this you’ve at least hit the homepage, so let’s just say if you haven’t explored all the wonders of Boutique Café© set aside an afternoon or two or three and get lost in what is already the world’s best boutique website. –Emily Hill

* Author of this review is a contributing editor for BC and may be a bit biased, but who the heck cares? Happy Birthday, Boutique Café©! – Emily

If it’s about boutique, if it’s about kids, if it’s about moms, if it’s about you, it’s on Boutique Café©.

About Boutique Café©

Boutique Café© is the world’s first boutique podcast. Our weekly shows feature children’s couture designers and highlight topics of interest to fashion savvy moms around the world. Whether it’s a new muse, shopping for trendy outfits for your tot, or tearing your hair out over organizing your home, Boutique Café© is here to help. Besides producing a highly portable and downloadable radio show, we also support a community forum of buyers, designers, moms and professionals. If it’s about boutique, if it’s about kids, if it’s about Moms, if it’s about you, it’s on Boutique Café©. After all, who couldn’t use a cup of couture? For more information, please visit BoutiqueCafe.com.

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