Yes, it was really “Pick me! Pick me!” in Shrek, but once you, or rather your little one, has experienced the Bundle Me and matching hat from JJ Cole, you’ll be saying “Bundle Me” too.

Remember way back when we reviewed JJ Cole’s Travel Pod set? It was perfect for on-the-go >moms like us, who need to have everything organized and within reach. The original Bundle Me is another on-the-go product, but this one is designed to keep babies of on-the-go moms cozy and warm. With the start of Fall and the unavoidable cold weather that follows, this review is going to give you another great gift idea for the holidays.

The original Bundle Me’s plush shearling on the inside and warm fleece on the outside eliminates the need for blankets, jackets, and more blankets. I love how easy it is to bundle baby up without trying to cram all those blankets around, under, and through the 5-point harness. The Bundle Me actually allows those same straps to rest directly on your child for the safest””and warmest””ride possible. Going from car seat to stroller? No problem. The cozy shearling transfers easily, and the high-quality, heavy duty zipper allows you to remove the top if baby gets too toasty. Oh, and this baby is machine washable.

Sure, the Bundle Me is all cool and nifty, but what I really went ga-ga for is the matching shearling hat (also machine washable). You’ll almost wish the cold weather were here so your little one can sport around town in her new hat. Of course she’ll also need her matching Bundle Me if she’s really going to cruise in style. What would really make the ensemble perfect is if it came in adult size as well. I would totally do a shearling hat and matching Bundle Me on the driver’s seat. How cool””I mean, warm””would that be? “Bundle Me! Bundle Me!”—Emily

Greetings everyone. Last year Boutique Cafe celebrated the season with a Spectacular 12 interviews featuring designers of Children’s Boutique Items. The shows were a huge success bringing in literally thousands and thousands of subscribers, hits and feedback. We heard about great success with sales as well as additional press from the podcasting community and press releases.

Now Sophie Claus is back and ready to do it all again this year in Season 2 of Boutique Cafe’s 12 Days of Christmas.

We’ll be producing 3 shows for this event, each show will showcase 4 different sellers (yes groups are eligible to bid as well – make it fun and bid together). LINK TO THE SOPHIE AUCTIONS

Note: If you win please be prepared to tape with Daria the host within the next week and a half after the auction completes, pictures of your designs and a headshot of the designer will be essential as well.

**you must also assure that you have items listed for the show air date which will be provided to you.

Interviews will be taped throughout the month of October with the winners and then air in November. This is a huge task to put together encompassing many many hours of organizing, taping, interviewing, producing and promoting – we hope you will join with us in making it a huge success again this year! We’ll even have a few more suprises to add to this years event – details on that to follow.

A huge thank you to Lark and Sophie for their excitement in making another great Christmas season full of shows. Sophie will be singing and introducing each designer or group in the shows and she’s adorable!

You can join in the Boutique Cafe forum set up specifically for questions about this event at this link as well – BC 12 Days forum

Boutique Cafe is excited that we were invited to join in the new Mommy Corner Blog Connection on the Children’s Market website. Drop by to check out some great Mommy websites like ours!

I love the story of The Little Red Hen. It’s a great example of Mom playing the martyr, something of which we are all guilty. But now I’ve got an even better, more inspiring story, the story of 2 Red Hens.

Lori Burley, Mama Hen, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1992. “A long road lay ahead””one filled with potholes, covered in nails and littered in trash. I fought the disease for many months. What followed my battle with cancer were years of complications and health problems. Today I am happy to report I’m cancer-free and feeling great. “¦ Not only do I have my health, but 11 years after being told I’d never have children, I gave birth to the perfect baby boy. Miracles really do happen.” (I find that more inspiring than grinding wheat and making a loaf of bread.)

2 Red Hens is committed to spreading the word about how to prevent cervical cancer, and for each bag they company sells, they make a donation to cervical cancer research and education. That should be enough for you to make a purchase without even seeing their bags, and if you did, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Read the rest of this entry »

Creative Outlet Designs launches their new womens line today! The long awaited launch of Megan’s famous mosaic jeans custom made for the winner will surely stop traffic.

If you are the LUCKY winner then you send me your favorite pair of jeans! They could be BRAND NEW or a pair that is well used. This ensures that the jeans are a perfect fit for you. I then work hard to create this Beautiful Autumn look for you! Get noticed when you are coming and going with these jeans! Dress them up or down for all your Autumn occasions. The variety of colors allows for many coordinating options of tops, accessories and shoes as well!

With each wash and wear your jeans will acquire more “character.” These are machine washable and dryer friendly.” – Megan

Now everyone will exclaim “Man you have GREAT jeans!!” when you walk by. Mosaic Jeans for Women by our own Megan of Creative Outlet Designs

I am one of the least fun moms around. When it rains I actually try my hardest to keep my kids from jumping in the large lake of a puddle that forms on our back patio. I can’t stand muddy wet jeans since they usually track a muddy wet mess through the house. I know, I know, it’s a must of childhood to puddle jump, but how do you keep those pant legs dry? I’ll tell you—with the cutest ever pair of puddle stompers from Plueys.

“Plueys is an independent label which reinvents the humble rubber boots of our childhood with brave, bright, fun designs that recall simple joys, like playing in the rain. Made in limited quantities, Plueys designs are unique, practical, and always attract lots of admiring attention.” That’s pretty much all there is to these totally fun, totally practical boots.

We received Blue Jeans from the kids’ line and Go Fish from the women’s line. The Blue Jeans pair are perfect for any little puddle jumper, whether girl or boy. They feature an easy-to-clean rubber upper, treaded flat rubber soles, and adjustable nylon splash guard (aka dry sock protector). The Go Fish pair is perfect for those of us who want to puddle jump—or just walk around town in the rain—in style. These Plueys feature a printed rubber upper, full cotton lining, one-inch heel, treaded rubber sole, and adjustable buckle and strap. Nothing like bright colors and lucky goldfish to make me feel like stomping in the first puddle I see!

Plueys come in only two designs for the kids but in six fabulous designs for us grownups. And if you don’t think it’ll rain enough to wear these babies, check out Plueys’ “Where to Wear” page. You’ll find lots of great opportunities to trade in your muddy sneakers for a pair of Plueys.—Emily

• Plueys is offering 10% off your order! Simply enter code “cafe” at checkout and you’ll be well on your way to jumpin’ those puddles.