Happy Halloween from Boo-tique Cafe! We’re busy preparing for the big candy round-up tonight. What are your Halloween traditions? What is your favorite Halloween Candy? Let us know.

We hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween night. We’ve put together a few Halloween links for you to further inspire your trick-or-treating. Have a goulishly good evening. - Daria

How to make - homemade Halloween Fog
Cool free - Halloween Fonts
All about the holiday - Wikipedia
List of great Halloween movies for kids
Find a Haunted House near you - Haunted House listings
Send a Spooky Greeting today - Free Halloween eCards
Search for Top Halloween Songs
Having a paryt? Make some Hilarious Halloween Food

What am I talking about? I’m talking about something fun you can do with those popular rubber bracelets your kids have taken to collecting. The ClockIt from Small Marvel is quite possibly the first accessory for jazzing up what can almost be considered a common feature on every kid’s wrist. A ClockIt turns instant turns a rubber bracelet into a watch, and you can mix and match to fit your style and your mood.

ClockIts retail for under $5, and if you’re looking to change up your child’s band collection, you can find a great variety on Small Marvel’s website at under $2 a piece. Talk about great stocking stuffers! My nine-year-old thought the ClockIts were “fun and cool,” while my six-year-old had a bit more to say: “They’re fun and they tell you time and they’re really fun.”

If you’re into personalization, Small Marvel offers Namelets, a personalized version of the popular rubberized fashion accessory. The bracelets come in four colors and are engraved on the inside with Shakespeare’s famous “To thine own self be true.” Can’t get much better than that! I also was able to check out a couple of their Fwingers, the first and only key chains offered in the full sing language alphabet. The keychains come in five colors and all 26 letters including four generic hand signs such as I Love you, Tumbs Up, and even Spock for the Star Trek lovers in your family.

Small Marvel currently donates $1 of every online purchase to various deaf organizations and schools. The company has set a goal to donate $1 million in 2007. I think we should all help them out by throwing these in those Christmas stockings as well! Any of these fun products from Small Marvel also make great friend gifts as well. Leave it to the Daily Dish to make your holiday shopping that much easier! –Emily

In show #40 Daria dishes out some boutique news including group launches for the upcoming week. Tanya from Bug*n*belle makes a special guest appearance to share a touching story of Emma’s dress. Tanya also talks about the Breast Cancer Awareness Auctions on eBay this month. Maja our organizational expert answers listener questions about organizing Lego, magazines, books and even ribbon! Maja recommends the Sonne from Ikea and you’ll hear why. Music in this weeks show - Lee Coulter “If Time Stood Still”

We’ll take a Euro Inspired trip this week to meet the designer for Mod Kid. Patty Young is the proud owner/designer of Mod Kid clothing and is mom to two young daughters. She found the urge to create styles that reflect each child’s personality. Enjoy the show this week as Mod Kid reveals some hip styles that are 100% wearable, fun and inspired by cool kids like yours.

“I grew up wearing handmade creations that my mom, aunts and grandmother made for me. But back then we didn’t call it “boutique” — we called it “too broke to buy store brands!” When I became a teenager I rebelled against the handmade clothes and wanted only the latest store fashions. Of course, life comes full circle and when I finally had two girls of my own I found myself having the same “urge to create” that my mother probably had 30 years before (and a newly found appreciation for the craft!).

My daughters, Sophia and Sydney, are my sole source of inspiration for my boutique creations. Their funky and unique sense of style drive me to create clothing that reflects their personalities. My professional
background in design and photography, coupled with my insatiable love of fashion, gives me a unique perspective. Once I designed the first “boutique” set and it actually SOLD, I was hooked! And now, I live and breath it every day. Some nights I can’t even fall asleep because I’m dreaming up new designs and fabric combinations! Handmade clothing has finally earned the prestige it deserves, and I am so thrilled and proud to be a part of it! ” - Patty

You can learn more about Mod Kid on their about me page. To shop Mod Kid sources include : eBay auction listings & The Mod Kid website. **Please allow time for the show to load. Fashion Shows are in Quicktime format, a free download here.

Join with Journal Modiste for their JM 1000 flickr flood! In an effort to expose the boutique design community to the huge flickr fan base Amy Shearer has come up with a fun way to get the word out. The goal is to Flood flickr with photos of awesome boutique handmade items. Flickr is one of the leading online photo management applications on the web. Find all the details on JM’s flickr flood info page.

As a member of Boutique Cafe Chat forum you’ll be privy to some of the hottest auctions with the most beautiful clothing available. Each month Daria hosts a new clothing thread featuring some of her favorite boutique FINDS just for you! Stroll through Daria’s October Finds which not only include some amazing quality creations, but also designers themselves, drop in to share what their inspiration is for their spotlighted design. Our popular FINDS thread is just one more way that Boutique Cafe serves up your cup of couture! Join the forum and check out our monthly Daria’s FINDS thread.

Featured designers this month include: Mamapatrice, That Funky Boutique, TP’s Boutique, Key West Kids, Little Red Wagon, Posh Kids Co, The Pouty Princess, Delaney’s Garden, Sassypants Designs, My UnBirthday, rainasdesign, spirited style, mimisgirls and many more to come…

Photo Credit: Mamapatrice

My little boy is an expert at kicking off his blanket at night. He actually starts kicking as soon as I try to put the blanket on him at bedtime! When the temperature drops I’m always worried he’ll be cold, but now that we have a grobag from gro-group, I worry no more.

Every element of the grobag has been carefully designed and tested to ensure it is as safe and comfortable as possible. gro-group and the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) are actually working in partnership “to promote a safer sleeping environment for babies.” Now that should help you rest easy at night!

grobags come in a variety of sizes (from 0 to 36 months) and a variety of togs (European warmth rating). You can find a grobag ideal for not only cold winter months but the warmer months as well. George and I were able to try out both the Fleecy Bee design, a 2.5 tog grobag in soft fleece, and the Happy Times design, a 1.0 tog grobag in a soft cotton jersey. The Fleecy Bee is perfect for Utah winters, especially when we’ve already had below freezing temperature and snow, and the Happy Times will be ideal for when the warmer temperatures finally thaw us out. Both grobags have the standard snaps at the shoulders and a side zipper complete with zipper guard on the inside. (Gotta love the easy access!) Read the rest of this entry »

For the 4th straight year, eBay boutique designers have joined together to sell their creations as a means to join the fight against breast cancer. These talented women, many of them WAHM’s have raised over $25,000 for breast cancer research. Over the next week boutique designers will auction off their designs with 100% of the money raised being donated to breast cancer charities. To join in the fight against breast cancer please bid this week by searching Boutique BCAA in your eBay search box.

**UPDATE

Tanya from bug*n*belle shares the most heartfelt story of friendship in her auction dedicated to Elizabeth and her daughter Emma. Thank you Tanya for sharing this with us.

There is a story behind this dress. This dress was designed for Emma, age seven, who lost her mother, Elizabeth, last March, to breast cancer. I did not know Elizabeth well, she was a friend of a friend who lived in another town. I had met her a few times at social engagements and I heard her story through my dear friend Sandy. Elizabeth was a teacher, a daughter, a wife, and a mother to two young children. She died at the age of 37.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She went through a mastectomy and chemotherapy and was in remission when she found a new lump on her back in the summer of 2005. Frightened Elizabeth immediately consulted her Oncologist and was stunned to learn her worst fear had come true, the cancer was back. She was a fighter, as the mother of two young children she did not have time to wallow in self pity. She immediately sought all treatment available taking on more chemo therapy, radiation, and also some experimental treatments at the University of Washington.
By Febuary 2006 it was clear that the cancer was getting the better of Elizabeth. Sandy had mentioned to me how much Elizabeth loved the clothes I’d designed for Sandy’s daughter and I said I would love nothing more than to design a dress for Elizabeth’s own daughter, Emma. I asked for some direction and was told “anything pink and girly, she will only wear dresses she won’t wear pants” I ordered some fabric with Emma in mind and began working on a design. A few weeks later Sandy told me that Elizabeth had taken a bad turn and gone into hospice care. The day I heard that I went home and cut out Emma’s dress. Then much to my dismay I learned that Elizabeth had passed. She had been hanging on for a long time for her family, and when she went into hospice care, and finally had the chance to say goodbye she quickly passed. So with tears in my eyes I finished Emma’s dress not for her to wear in a moment of joy with her Mother but to wear to her Mother’s funeral. I told Sandy to make sure she knew her mother had picked it out just for her.

So here is Emma’s dress. Modeled by Emma! This is my Tribute to Elizabeth’s memory. Every year breast cancer kills an estimated 40, 970 women in the United States (source: Susan G. Komen foundation). These women are mothers, daughters, wives, grandmothers, aunts, coworkers, and friends; and they all leave behind people who love and miss them. My own Mother in Law is a breast cancer survivor and now my daughter lives with a legacy of breast cancer in her gene pool. There IS a cure out there and this is your chance to help support finding it. 100% of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. - Tanya

Bid for A Cure.

Where do you go when your hipster jeans ride too low? What can you do when your tees are constantly needing a tug at the bottom to cover that “muffin top?”? Who can you turn to when you’re a chic woman, yearning for clothing that covers you modestly, but also looks hot? Have I found a company for you…Shade Clothing.

At first glance you may think that Shade is just another tee shirt company, but you’d be mistaken. Shade Clothing is a company with a mission, providing you the ability to dress in the latest styles without feeling exposed. They give you the tools you need to dress modestly, comfortably, and in fashion every day. Owned by Chelsea Rippy and her friend Char Garn, these two savvy mommies and good friends prove that hard work and a great idea can turn into a largely successful business. Now on to the good stuff, the clothes!

Shade Clothing sent me several items in their new Fall line to try out. I am totally in love with their Thermal Top which is comfortable and cute for just kicking it around town. The thermal wasn’t thick like I expected, and it was a welcome surprise because I loved the weight of this top. Another fave was Shade’s Half Sleeve Turtleneck in poly-rayon spandex, this shirt is gorgeous on and fits beautifully. I love the half sleeves, and my husband raved about how cute this was on me.

With Shade Clothing you never have to worry about your cleavage bounding out, or your top riding up. Each top is cut with extra fabric in the length so you can wear the most fashionable jeans with a low rise and still not expose your backside to the world. Not only do they cover Womens and Maternity styles, but Shade also boasts a fun line for younger girls as well. I can’t think of cooler than teaching your young daughters that modest is hottest, they can be beautiful without showing skin.

Check out Shade Clothing for some ultra cute tees with awesome pricing. You’re future’s so bright - you gotta wear Shade! Daria

Today””well, tomorrow by the time you read this review””our little George turned one year old. It was one of those bittersweet moments where I was both excited for him and his new walking abilities and sad he was no longer a baby. His sisters were just excited for the gifts since George definitely needed “help” opening them. And here’s where I mention one of my favorite line of toys from Fisher Price, Peek-a-Blocks.

If you haven’t seen them, Peek-a-Blocks are these fabulous little blocks filled with tiny objects, fun sounds, and interesting textures. For Christmas last year George received their Incrediblock play center and Rollin’ Rumblin’ Dump Truck. Once he could pull himself up to standing he worked every inch of that Incrediblock, and now he’s learning how to drop the blocks down the chutes and pull the trigger to have them drop. He’s also even learned how to place the block on the top of the toy and press down to hear the sound the item in that block makes. I’m so proud! And the Dump Truck makes this great little sound when you move it. It was the very first thing George pushed around the house when he discovered the “vroom-vroom” concept.

We’ve also got the Alphabet blocks, which George isn’t quite into studying yet, but my 6- and 9-year-old girls love looking through each one at the little treasures inside. I’ve even found myself studying every letter of the alphabet while George plays nearby. How does this all relate to his birthday? Well, tonight he received the Stack & Smile Crocodile and Vehicle Builders. I’m loving these new stackers as they have these tiny prong-like things for easy stacking and not-so-easy knocking down. I rarely get to build a tower more than two blocks high before George play wrecking ball. I can actually get it three and four blocks high with these babies! Oh, and the Crocodile makes the cutest sounds when you press down on its back and that was something George easily learned to do.

If you’re actually looking for more toys to add to your collection, I highly recommend pretty much anything from the Peek-a-Blocks line, especially if you’re looking for a toy with which both you and baby will enjoy playing! (I’ll let you know how George likes his new Sing & Sounds Farm, which will be under the tree Christmas morning.) –Emily

I promise we have some great products coming down the pipeline for the Daily Dish, so don’t give up hope! In the meantime I’ll be filling you in on what may not be the latest must-haves in fashion but definite must-haves here at home. Today I’ll share with you one way I’ve found to eat a bit healthier and cut out a few calories. I made this discovery at the local Neighborhood Market.

How many of you have seen the round case of Laughing Cow cheese? You usually can’t miss it. It’s the package with the big red cow–complete with cheese wheel earrings–on the front. Inside are those little foil-wrapped wedges of creamy Swiss cheese. They have a light version which I’ve used on sandwiches, but it was always a little tricky to spread on that crappy light bread (the stuff that falls apart if you look at it funny). Well, last trip I discovered a new item from Laughing Cow–a tub of Light Creamy Swiss spread. This stuff is fantastic! Not only does it taste really yummy, it’s very low-cal and spreads easily on your favorite bread, even if you’re using the paper-thin stuff. I’ve also found toasting your bread first makes that turkey or veggie sandwich even better.

With this spread you’ll no longer experience gaping holes in the middle of your sandwich. Plus you’ve saved on calories, so go ahead and add on that extra slice of avocado. Don’t worry, avocadoes are a healthy addition to any sandwich. Saving calories means more Halloween candy, right? –Emily

Here’s a great opportunity to let your expertise shine! I am currently searching for clothing designers who do not use sergers when creating their darling boutique creations.

Why am I searching for these lovely ladies, you ask? It’s simple: I’m looking for an author for November’s Designer Know How Article.

If you are interested in participating, please PM me and let me know. The deadline for posting the article is November 15, 2006.

Looking forward to hearing from all the talented non-serger ladies out there! - Sarah (Boutique Cafe Chat Moderator)

“All moms go through changes and challenges. A bag that helps us hang on to our fashion sense, while still remaining functional for our baby-toting needs, can make all the difference. As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders while still trying to look chic and feel organized. Sure our priorities shift in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up style and color.” I took that quote from the story behind JP Lizzy, a collection of bags, totes, and purses designed by a woman who was “thrust into motherhood” after the birth of premature twins.

I received the Diana Classic Tote set in green, which comes with a coordinating changing pad (one of the thickest yet compact ones I’ve seen), cosmetic bag, and coin purse. Now here’s where fashion meets function. The microfiber on the outside of the bag is wipeable (yes, that fabulous design is wipeable), as is the liner. You’ve got seven””count them, seven””pockets: a large zippered interior pocket, two open interior pockets, two adjustable interior bottle pockets (one on each end), and two exterior pockets. Read the rest of this entry »

With the holidays around the corner and another day with no specific product to review, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share one more favorite recipe. This one is for a to-die-for chocolate bundt cake. It’s been a hit at every get-together so far!

Death-by-Chocolate Cake
3/4 c sour cream
4 eggs
1/2 c water
1/2 c oil (or applesauce if you’re into the whole healthy substitution thing)
1 chocolate cake mix (I highly recommend Devil’s Food)
1 small box instant chocolate pudding (I’d go with Chocolate Fudge)
1 c semisweet chocolate chips (I recommend the mini ones, and feel free to double it)
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt pan. Beat sour cream, eggs, water, and oil together in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Add cake mix and pudding mix and beat for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into bundt pan. (Don’t forget to lick the bowl clean.)

Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Let cake cool 10 minutes, then invert cake onto serving platter. When cake is completely cool, sift powdered sugar over the top and serve. Enjoy! –Emily

Actually, in our schools I don’t think it’s even legal to hold a bake sale. And if you want to bring treats into the classroom, they of course have to be store bought and in the original packaging. That leaves one less excuse for baking up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, but who needs an excuse anyway?

Today I don’t have an amazing product or fabulous find for you. What I do have is a tried and true yummiest of yummy recipes for chocolate chip cookies (or chocolate chocolate chip if you’re as into chocolate is I am). This is a family favorite though it’s not a family recipe. I have to admit I found it on AllRecipes, but I highly recommend you whip up a batch and eat at least two hot out of the oven. Just don’t burn your tongue on the ooey, gooey chocolate chips.

Award Winning Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 c butter, softened
3/4 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c white sugar
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (these are extra yummy if you substitute chocolate pudding mix)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour and baking soda and set aside. In a large bowl cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Add the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool two minutes on cookie sheet and remove to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

(Store what in an airtight container? We never have any left over!) –Emily

Merry Christmas to YOU!!! We will be doing an ornament swap on the boutiquecafe CHAT board! All you have to do is buy or create an ornament for the person you are swaping with and send it to arrive by NOV. 27th. We will open them at our PARTY and share what we got on the NOV. 28th!

If you would like to participate Please fill out the questionnairre and sent it to Megan.

email your questionnaire to:
creativeoutletdesigns@yahoo.com

1. Name:
2. Boutiquecafe forum ID:
3. Mailing Address:
4. Favorite color:
5. Does your tree have a theme
ie: victorian, santa, americana, snowmen, etc.?
6. Do you collect any type of ornaments
ie: disney, Snow Babies etc.?:
7. Are religious ornaments ok

The definition of “off-the-cuff” is “with little or no preparation,” and that just may describe this review. But that’s not a bad thing, as a review for this fun product needs no serious preparation. I was sold on its “niftiness” the minute I saw it. You don’t need a fancy review for the Smoy PhotoCuff; all you need is a photo or two.

The Smoy PhotoCuff is a stylish bracelet with little pockets perfect for placing your favorite photos. But don’t limit yourself to photos. Try sliding newspaper or magazine clippings, artwork, or even a small post-it note. Okay, that last one was my idea””a post-it on my wrist might actually help me remember that doctor’s appointment!

I received the Soho 4 PhotoCuff in pink with brown trim. I wish I’d had two so I could avoid my girls fighting over who got to wear it first. Looks like they’re going to have to take turns making their personal statements. Fortunately the bracelet seems well made enough to last through more than a few elementary school recesses. One benefit the PhotoCuff has that other wrist accessories don’t: if I’m nice enough to share, each of us can make it uniquely ours.

The Smoy PhotoCuff is the perfect gift for the girl who enjoys wearing her creativity on her sleeve””or her wrist. –Emily

* Smoy is offering free shipping! Simply enter code “dailydish” at checkout.

This week we discover the musings of Rebekah, designer for Sunnybrook Farm Designs. Her collection of beautiful clothing for little girls is rich with gorgeous fabrics and special details. We’re elated to share the charming custom creations of Rebekah’s Sunnybrook Farm.

Rebekah is offering a special deal this month where you can win a free Custom Lounge Set. Simply sign up for her mailing list between October 1-31 and you will be entered into a drawing to win. To join, send an email to : congosc@yahoo.com

You can learn more about Sunnybrook Farm Designs on their about me page. To shop Sunnybrook Farm Designs sources include : Blossom Street, eBay Listings, and Cherry Tree Avenue.Please allow time for the show to load. Fashion Shows are in Quicktime format, a free download here.

Both my son George and I have had a taste of the Bohemian lifestyle and we are definitely ready to live it. Over the past few days we have been sampling the fresh, organic flavors of Bohemian Baby and I’m going to find it hard to go back food as we knew it before.

Bohemian Baby was born after Anni Daulter, mother of two, and her husband quit their jobs to make a change for the baby food world that was dedicated to health and nutrition of babies. Anni had a career in social work and teaching, while Tim was a business consultant with a PhD in chemical engineering. Both are working hard to shift America’s consciousness about feeding babies, helping them to understand all of the many benefits of freshly prepared baby food. They also support a belief in sustainable living and have implemented an amazing recycling program in support of preserving the planet and using less.

And their line of baby food is just as impressive as their mission””I speak from personal tasting experience. George and I received a sampling of foods from all of their delicious lines: Bo Baby Basics (single ingredient purees), Bo Baby Blends & Grains (more complex flavors and textures), and Bo Baby Cultural Café© Meals (12+ months). Bohemian Baby sent us such a wide variety to sample we haven’t yet made it through them all, but I will tell you what we’ve had has been nothing less than gourmet! Our personal favorites are the Spicy Bean Burger Bites and Pear Raspberry Yogurt. We can’t wait to try the Butternut Squash Risotto or Pure Fuji Apples. Read the rest of this entry »

I have to admit I love bags (including diaper bags), almost as much as I love jeans and shoes, so when I come across something that’s truly one-of-a-kind I have to share.

1154 LILL STUDIO offers both custom and ready-made handbags that are simply to die for. For those who live near a 1154 LILL STUDIO store, customers can “select from over 25 handbag styles and then mix and match fabric choices from hundreds of ever-changing and limited-edition textiles for the exterior, interior, pockets, trim, straps, and more.” Does that sound like heaven or what? Their website is no different. Pick your style, pick your fabrics, wait about three to four weeks for it to be handcrafted and then shipped to you.

But let’s focus on their baby bags. 1154 LILL STUDIO sent me the Diana diaper bag in the yummiest of yummy fabrics. The main body of the bag was a patterned mix of reds and oranges (Falling for You), and the flap was beautiful orange fabric quilted with a flower pattern (Sunset). The flap closure gave me easy access to everything inside and I could tell the handcrafted bag was of the highest quality. Just imagine how much fun you would have if you were truly a creative genius! The options are endless. I loved how their fabrics are organized by colors on the site, which makes it easy to color coordinate. This is a great help for those of us who may be creatively challenged. Read the rest of this entry »

I have found another favorite brand of jeans. I’ve stepped outside my GAP comfort zone, even though I love the new curvy fit, to try out a brand that just happened to be on sale at Bluefly, one of my favorite sites for designer apparel at a non-designer price.

While browsing Bluefly during a recent sale I came upon a brand called Epoch, loved the pockets””I’m all about the pockets””on their Karma boy cut jeans and ordered a pair. They have since become my favorite pair of jeans, bumping my new skinny Hudsons out of the top spot. I love the way they fit, love the details such as a cute inside fabric around the waistband, and love the fact they come in a longer inseam (34″). I’ve already ordered another pair from their dark vintage line. I can’t wait for them to arrive!

I wanted to share my latest denim discovery with you not because I’m a jeans addict (I hope never to recover) but because I find it refreshing when I come across a brand of denim that perhaps not “everyone” has heard about just yet. Sure, I love Sevens and Hudsons and hope to own a pair of True Religions someday, but Epoch is perhaps the only brand of which I’ll actually own two! –Emily

Here’s a fun piece of News that Megan our Queen of Chat reported in the Chat forum today. It seems that Baby Gap is looking for some new precious squeezeable little ones for their ad campains. More information can be found in our Chat Forum in the modeling section.

It’s that time! Hundreds of Journal Modiste designers entered the 2006 Modie awards. The entries were narrowed down to 5 in each category. Now it’s your turn to pick the winner.

Each winner will receive a Modie trophy, a $10.00 gift certificate to You Can Make This! - the premiere boutique e-book site, a JM banner ad, and anything else that gets donated!

Vote now! Contest ends next Monday, October 16.

I must admit I love cute hats on little kids, in fact I just Love cute hats and wish that I had the face structure to pull off all the fashionable ladies hats that are so hot and chic right now. I envy the bone structure of my sister-in-law who can put any kind of hat-like creature on her head and look like a super model. Thankfully with the sweet ribbon hats by Lexy Lu each and every kid I have seen in them looks totally adorable.

In the cold north where my family lives, the winters are bitterly cold and last many many months of the year, a great winter hat is an essential piece of your wardrobe. But how do you find a great looking hat for your children that is fun, fashionable and warm as well? Simply check out the bevy of designs a Lexy Lu. The designer of Lexy Lu was frustrated with the lack of warm but wonderful hats for her own children, she desired something whimsical and magical that her children would enjoy wearing…that’s how the Lexy Lu Ribbon Hat was born.

What I love about the hats is the warm cozy quality fleece with the sparkling topper of beautiful ribbons out of the top. These hats are simple but oh so fun! My little son Brigs slept with his Lexy Lu hat for the next three days after they arrived, his favorite was the camel hat. Lexy Lu hats are for both Boys and Girls and come in every color and combination you could desire, from Dinosaurs to Toile they really have a great selection.

You can purchase Lexy Lu Ribbon Hats from a huge list of distributors, etailers and stores across the nation, you can also buy on their website at Lexy Lu Dot Com. No matter what your bone structure your little kid is going to look precious in Lexy Lu Ribbon Hats, now if they only made womens hats I may have found a hat I could actually pull off!! Hat’s off to Lexy Lu, the solution for those chilly days when looking cute is just as essential as keeping warm. - Daria

Lexy Lu is offering a special giveaway this week to our Boutique Cafe readers. All you need to do is comment under this review for a chance to win a Free Lexy Lu hat! We’ll be giving away TWO hats this week. The first is a Boys Version size 1-2 years in the Blue & Chocolate Dinos version, and the second is a girls hat in the Pink & Brown version. Don’t miss out on a chance to win these darling hats!

Our season 2 of Boutique Cafe’s 12 Days of Christmas is upon us. In this weeks show Daria shares loads of Boutique News that has been submitted, as well as information about the Sophie 12 Days auctions that END TODAY. Be sure to bid for your chance to be a featured guest on our popular Christmas shows, a great way to have your products seen this holiday season. Music by permission - Coco Love Alcorn song “Go To Sleep”. Also, our Chat forum Clicking SPREE day is going on today only in our Chat forum - run over and post for a chance to win great prizes. More details in the Daily Chatter thread.

This week my youngest son Noah learned all about dressing to impress when a package arrived from Heather Flottmann, the designer for Liliputians-NYC, enclosed was the most gorgeous Mod Zoo Animal set for my little man. But I didn’t trust my own rush of excitement, instead I had to hit the target zone for adorable clothing - Nana’s house.

When his Nana saw Noah in the beautiful boutique set with so much flair and funk she was smitten. The quality long sleeved brown tee with stitched appliques was the perfect accent to his curly brown hair and big brown eyes. The pants are a treasure with a palette of blue, brown and olive and are made from the 2-D zoo print with a contrasting striped band at the bottom hem. Decorative top stitching accents the seam of the two fabrics. Oh and did I mention that they were lined in flannel to keep him toasty throughout the winter months?

Heather’s clothing line Liliputians is a line rich in color and fabrics that will delight your child and those who love them. Details and care are a huge part of what makes this custom boutique clothing so durable and desirable. I was highly impressed with Heather’s obvious attention to detail, the outfit she sent was made with love, but also imagination and whimsy. Liliputians clothing line is available for boys and girls in size 6 month up to size 6 (with larger or smaller sizes available upon request). But if you are looking for the perfect Mommy & Me set you’ll want to check out the section made just for you! That’s right, Liliputians offers several styles for Mommys as well.

What I found when dressing Noah in his Liliputians set was superior stitching, straight well made seams, vibrant high quality fabrics and fun details. I can recommend them without hesitation as a wonderful source, for precious clothing that will stand up to a childs romp-around days and still look great. - Daria

** Special Deal for Boutique Cafe readers - Liliputians-NYC offer enter “BOUTIQUECAFE” when checking out for a 15% discount.

Just what did I do? I’ve discovered another fabulous mother of invention. Actually, this time it started with a grandmother. Let me introduce you to bbibs by OOTS!

The bbib (pronounced “buh-bib”) is a “hip and handy baby bib with sleeves.” That’s all there is to it, but in this case, simplicity is genius. Bbibs are the invention of Sjaan, a Dutch grandmother who had been making this type of bib for years as gifts for her grandchildren. After one of Sjaan’s daughters, Aria Roefs, gave birth to her own daughter, she was amazed at the enthusiastic response from friends. Arian decided to develop the bibs with her husband bbibs by OOTS! was born.

OOTS! sent me their girl bbib, which of course I had George take for a test run. He is just starting to feed himself and it is a very messy adventure. Bbibs are perfect for embarking on such adventures, as they cover arms and tummies and adjust easily with three sets of reinforced snaps. With three sets of snaps, you’ve got 9 options for ensuring a snug fit. (I love the snaps because it’s one bib George can’t pull off!) The bbibs are made of terrycloth and are easily washable. This is a necessity when the self-feeding adventure consists of spaghetti and meat sauce.

I love their fun designs, especially the melon and flying egg. Hey, even the pink looked good on George. The unique design is life changing””just think, no rushing to push up sleeves before that first spoonful goes from bowl to mouth (at least, that’s the idea). With bbibs, you’ve got meal time, and your little one, covered! –Emily

* OOTS! is offering 10% off your purchase. When checking out, please answer “Daily Dish” to the question, “How did you hear about our bbibs” and 10% will be deducted upon receipt of your order. Offer valid until November 9, 2006.

How many of us have made a success of a hobby we’ve enjoyed since the age of 10? If you can call flirting with boys a hobby, I can claim success (but I had to walk away from that business about 10 years ago). Deborah Nolan, the designer behind Baby Starlet bedding, has turned what was once a mother/daughter hobby into a gorgeous””and I mean gorgeous””collection of fashionable infant bedding.

“With Baby Starlet, I’m looking to provide fashion forward designs that will grow along with your baby. I want to provide nursery designs that have never been seen before, focusing on trendy yet timeless fabrics and high attention to detail.” Well, Nolan has done just that with her five full collections. From the trendy Asian-influenced Ava Collection to the exotic and authentic Sari Collection, you feel you’re immersing your bundle of joy in a bundle of luxury. Each collection includes a Moses basket, receiving blanket, decorative pillow, changing pad cover, burp cloth, and nursing pillow cover.

I was able to review the sassy Parisian Sophia Collection. This “Ooh la la” line combines black and white polka dot cotton with a pink French poodle print flannel and light pink grosgrain ribbon accents. The fabric lining the basket was ultra soft and had serious padding for ultimate comfort. It was all I could do to keep myself from climbing inside for a quick nap! The basket came with its own mattress pad (removable for easy cleaning), the sweetest polka dot accent pillow, fully lined skirt and bumper, and good-size receiving blanket with matching flannel backing and coordinating piping. Read the rest of this entry »

You should know by now I’m a sucker for great packaging, and I’ve got something that will knock your socks off! (Good thing there’s an extra pair inside.) If you’re looking for a unique baby gift with more-than-unique packaging, you’ll find it inside a Baby Bunch gift box.

Inside this simple gift box, which comes tied with an oh-so-cute ribbon, is a beautiful bouquet. Though this bouquet doesn’t require water, it’s the freshest idea around. Believe it or not, this bouquet contains a full set of clothing perfect for any new arrival. The Baby Bunch bouquet comes in two sizes, small and medium. The small Baby Bunch contains one t-shirt, one bib, one hat, and four pairs of socks, while the medium Bunch contains two onesies, one t-shirt, one bib, one hat, and two pairs of socks. Both the small and medium Baby Bunches come in your choice of pink, blue, or yellow with clothing sized for infants 0-6 months.

I received the medium Baby Bunch in pink””but before I get to the bouquet, let me mention one little thing. The gift box has an area for you to write your “To,” “From” and a quick note. This is a lifesaver for those of us who constantly forget to buy a gift tag! It also comes in handy when ordering the item and having it shipped elsewhere, as the company will write your gift message right on the box. Read the rest of this entry »