A New Article is now LIVE in our Chat forum by: Kim Christopherson owner of Kimberbell Kids and www.YouCanMakeThis.com. Kim shares her tips and advice on building your business, where to advertise, The OOOOooo Factor, how to promote and more…a must read this month on Boutique Cafe!

To find the article simple click on our Chat forum button, now open the “Chat with Other Designers” thread, and you’ll find her article there. Kim was recently featured on on ABC4 TV in a segment on the Good Things Utah show. Click to view segment. Kim has also guested on Boutique Cafe in Our Show #38 to discuss her business.

In another Boutique Cafe Article, guest author Lisa from Bella Fiore Couture shares her tips and advice for PICTURE PERFECT PHOTOS.
“Whether it’s for an auction or your own personal web site, nothing sells a product better than a great photograph! It’s your first impression to your potential customers so why not make it a good one? I promise you, it’s easier than you think!

The 3 Most Important Elements to a Good Photograph”¦.
1.LIGHTING
2.LIGHTING
3.LIGHTING
Did I mention lighting? LOL Here are a few things to remember about lighting…” Article Continued Here…

I don’t know about you, but we have a pretty impressive collection of baby feeding gear in the kitchen. From sippee cups to suction-cup bowls to rubber-tipped spoons, we may just have a corner on the market. But out of all of it, I have to say my favorites are the ?storeId=10001&_catalogId_dummy=&categoryCatalogId=10052&categoryId=10628&_associationCatalogId_dummy=&_associationId_dummy=&bcId=&partNumber=&dummy0=&com.rc2corp.framework.commerce.action=CatalogNavigation&pager.offset=&selectedCatalog=10052&selectedCategory=10052%2C+10620&BreadCrumb=1168443799172%2C+Feeding+%26+Soothing%2C+10052%2C+10052%2C+10620%2C+%2C+&selectedCategory1=10052%2C10628%2Cnull%2Cnull&selectedCategoryName=Take+%26+Toss&selectCategories=10052%2C10628%2Cnull%2Cnull#7_0_21L”>Take & Toss line of snack cups and spill-proof cups from The First Years.

I love the Perfect Portion Snack Savers because they have a lid the helps prevent spills. I can give these to my one-year-old and know that at least half of his Goldfish crackers will remain inside the cup. The opening is big enough to allow for little fingers to grab little snacks but not so big that when shaken ceremoniously dumps its entire contents! Read the rest of this entry »

I have an affinity for Cherry Fabric, and this precious set by designer Crystal (eBay id: Nelsonmum) is truly a spring set to admire. Modeled by gorgeous little Holly, this set consists of a pretty baby doll top and appliqued capri denim pants. Perfect for spring in custom size 3T-6!

For information on Nelsonmum designs check out Crystal’s eBay Me Page. And for Crystals Uptowngirls group auctions be sure to check out their new CHERRY themed auctions.

(Okay, I’m not really sure peas are comfy in their pods, but for the sake of this review, let’s assume so.) A while back I reviewed a product know as the Bumbo Baby Seat. As functional as it is, I wouldn’t say it’s the most stylish baby seat around. Sure it comes in six different colors, but does it have the sleek, chic lines of the bebePOD?

Prince Lionheart, the same company that brought you the Wheely Bug, has turned function into fabulous. Their soft and cushy baby seat, “the ultimate in infant positioning and support,” may only come in three colors, but its design is far more appealing than the Bumbo Baby Seat. The bebePOD utilizes your little one’s body weight to “ensure a safe and comfortable seating position without the need for uncomfortable straps.” The ergonomic design is not only chic but lightweight, durable, non-toxic, and easy to wipe clean. Read the rest of this entry »

Well, that’s all George would say if he actually knew how to say “wheee” while taking his new Wheely Bug for a spin. Just what is a Wheely Bug? It’s only the latest and greatest must-have roll-around toy from Prince Lionheart.

George (and his sisters no matter how many times I told them they were too big for it) got to review the Wheely Bug while at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in California. Now George, whose legs were just barely long enough to let his feet touch the ground, got the biggest kick out of being pushed on the Wheely Bug by anyone and everyone who had enough energy to do a hundred laps around the house. His sisters, whose legs are far too long to sit on the thing, still managed to steal a few laps themselves (when Mom wasn’t looking). Heck, if I weren’t so grownup I would have taken a spin myself! Read the rest of this entry »

To celebrate the remaining Daily Dish days of 2006 Emily and I will highlight our favorite 20 products reviewed over the past year (we’ve each handpicked 10). We’ll bring you two each weekday (in no particular order) through December 29th. Continuing on!

Quite possibly one of the best “a-ha!” moments experienced by a fellow mompreneur has to be the Cupcake Courier designed by Jennifer Gunn. No more cupcakes slipping and sliding all over the back of the car! The Cupcake Courier can also be used to carry mini cheesecakes or muffins (remove the trays and safely transport that decadent cake). Read the original review here.—Emily

For education toys that completely knocked my socks off, and entertained my children for hours I recommend the great products by School Zone. Afforable, fun and smartly packaged – you just can’t go wrong with these! Read my full review here. – Daria

Spring is just around the bend, and for a set that’s full of barnyard charm you’d be hard pressed to find a cuter spring set than this one by twolittle*angels. Sheeps, bunnies and chicks abound!

For information on twolittle*angels check out their eBay Me Page. And for even more clothing be sure to drop by their bevy of beautiful auctions.

Megan our Queen of Chat has been busy in the first few days of 2007 creating some exciting new threads for the month. We have so much going on, you’ll want to drop in and chat it up with all of us.

Special deals thread – JANUARY exclusive deals for BC members

Celebrate you JANUARY - successes of business and everyday life – LOTS going on!

Link exchange thread – boost your business and rating by exchanging link with other designers, blogs you love, etc

BC THE Place to Be!

Here’s a chance to get involved in a heartwarming cause. Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley, known around the world as “the littlest angel”, was born Feb.13, 2003, weighing just 2 lbs, 8 ounces. Kenadie was diagnosed with primordial dwarfism, a genetic condition that is believed to affect only about 100 people in the world. She isn’t expected to grow past about 30 inches or weigh more than 8 pounds.

So, Swanky Moms and Our Sponsors (including Boutique Cafe and Journal Modiste) will be building Kenadie a custom OOAK boutique clothing wardrobe, if you are interested in making or donating something for this beautiful little girl visit http://www.swankymoms.com/kenadie.html.

Swanky Moms has also put together an auction, for interested sponsors. Thank you all for your kind hearts.

(Photography © garyparker.com 2006)

To celebrate the remaining Daily Dish days of 2006 Emily and I will highlight our favorite 20 products reviewed over the past year (we’ve each handpicked 10). We’ll bring you two each weekday (in no particular order) through December 29th. Continuing on!

Of course you can never have too many stylish diaper bags, and 2 Red Hens brings you great bags with a great cause. My Whole Roost bag in the Pink Tin Roof design suits my sense of style and my sense of supporting a good cause. See if they fit your senses by checking out the original review here.—Emily

Every once in awhile we run into a totally genius product and think “wow, someone is really smart!”. The Patemm Pad is one of those brilliant creations you can’t imagine your life without once you try it. Patemm is the only circular change pad I’ve ever found with great pattern choices, handy pockets and tons of versatility – all in one handy “throw it in your purse” package. Read my full review here. – Daria

To celebrate the remaining Daily Dish days of 2006 Emily and I will highlight our favorite 20 products reviewed over the past year (we’ve each handpicked 10). We’ll bring you two each weekday (in no particular order) through December 29th. Continuing on!

My fabulous diaper bag from 1154 Lill Studio has not left my shoulder since I first reviewed it. I get comments left and right on my fabulous bag. You wouldn’t even know it’s full of fruit snacks, diapers, and burp cloths. And it’s probably the only diaper bag that easily doubles as a fashionable purse. View the full review here.—Emily

Looking for a sweet and simple baby sling that has everyone raving? Try the Peanut Shell by Goo Ga. For comfort, ease of use and great fabric choices it really has raised the bar for baby wearing devices. I love mine! Read my full review here. – Daria