How do you turn a word that is used for someone who’s considered “un-cool” into the coolest word around? You design a unique and hip line of clothes for boys with an edgy, urban look. Knuckleheads Clothing has definitely challenged Webster’s definition of “knucklehead” and won!

Knuckleheads Clothing, which is very much a family affair, offers some very cool alternatives to your typical GAP and Old Navy styles. With their Pub hats, Banditos shorts, and Gutterball shirts, your little guy will step out in style at the next playgroup. I received the Skateboard tee and the Grease Monkey Coveralls and I can say they definitely upped the ante in his wardrobe. I’m thinking I need to purchase a few more items from Knuckleheads so his new tee and coveralls don’t get lonely next to the not-so-edgy Osh Kosh.

My favorites? The Lil Duke shirt, Squirt t-shirt, Camo cargo shorts, and Wrench jacket. I may have to pick up the men’s Rockabilly shirt for my husband as well! Knuckleheads Clothing definitely adds some much needed variety to my son’s closet, and since variety is the spice of life, Knuckleheads is a must-have for anyone looking to “spice up” their little boy’s wardrobe. ““Emily

* Promo! Knuckleheads Clothing is offering 10% off non-sale items. Simply enter code “dailydish” at checkout.

When I am impressed by a product from a past Daily Dish, I always look forward to the possibility of reviewing another product by the same company. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I received one of Patricia Ann Designs’ couture reversible infant car seat covers because I knew it would be just as fabulous, just as well made, and just as hip as the shopping cart cover and travel silkie I reviewed back in November 2006. And guess what? I was right.

First of all, the fabric selection from Patricia Ann Designs far surpasses those from any other company””believe me, I’ve looked! I received the pink and chocolate hibiscus cover and I’m telling you it’s going to be the envy of all the other moms. And if their little ones knew what envy was they’d be envious too! With a universal fit and pre-sewn strap slots, these covers are designed to fit most infant car seats and will grow with your little one. With a matching hood/canopy, coordinating strap covers, comfortable padding, and an oversized, easy-to-reach pocket for a pacifier or small toy I’ve got everything I need to ensure my little one is sittin’ pretty. And being machine washable and dryable means she’ll be sittin’ clean as well (something I can’t say about her big brother).

Read the rest of this entry »

Patty (mod kid) arrived with samples in arms. The life of the party had to be our little spit fire Patty. She was just so much fun!

We gathered in the Hilton Lobby for our Meet & Greet with the ladies. The energy was great and the smiles were abundant.

*We’re going to be adding loads of Getaway pictures. To view them all just click on “Photos” in the sidebar under categories for now. We’ll have a linky for you soon to make it easier.

Momos Clothes is offering this precious pincushion on eBay. Her pincushions are highly prized in this community so be sure to snatch one up for your sewing room! Visit the Pincushion here »

Learn more about Momos Clothes on their Me page

Or rather, let your laptop live in the lap of luxury. And if you’re impressed with my alliterative talents you’ll be even more impressed with the company that inspired that alliterative phrase. gina b. designs high-end laptop bags that are not only fashionable and functional but also fabulous. (I must be on some alliterative kick”¦sorry!)

I am currently the proud owner of gina b.’s bella bag in green. To say this bag is a laptop bag is to seriously underestimate it. Made of 100% genuine leather this bag comes with a removable dedicated case for my laptop and places for my cell phone, business cards, and pens. Along with the removable laptop case I’ve got two roomy compartments and the signature gina b. organizational features (inner zip pocket, cell phone pocket, pen pocket and key snap). Take the laptop case out and I can go from savvy (at least I hope so) “mompreneur” to stylish mom-on-the-go. Carrying a gina b. bag is truly a luxurious experience whether you’re heading to work or away for the weekend.

I love this statement from gina b.’s website: “True individuality and a sense of empowerment is what a gina b. laptop bag provides to today’s woman. It is her business. And it is not the usual.” I couldn’t agree more about it being business not as usual, and now the “unusual” comes in a “tasteful, not trendy; high-end but not showy; fashionable yet functional” bag by gina b. ““Emily

* Promo! gina b. is offering 10% off the capriccio and gracie bags. Simply enter code “Daily Dish” in the comments section at checkout.

If you’re looking for some great boutique deals, resells might be the way to go. Sweet little model Bren is selling off her outfits from this season and it’s a good opportunity to get something super cute for an awesome price point.
View her resell Auctions here

For more information on little model Bren and photographer/mommy Becca, be sure to visit their Me page.

Awhile back I highlighted TopSecretRecipes.com on the Daily Dish, a site featuring top secret recipes from your favorite restaurants. Now I’m happy to bring you, and on a full stomach no less, a review of the company’s Top Secret spice blends.

I was sent five Top Secret spices: Steak Rub, Salmon Rub, Chicken Rub, Island, Rub, and Shrimp Shprinkle. Though I only had time to test out three of the five, based on my “tasting” they’re all worth a serious tasting of your own. With family in town I thought it a great time to try out the Steak, Chicken, and Island Rubs. All were a big hit, especially the Steak and Chicken Rubs, and the Steak Rub’s claim that it “will make your homemade steaks taste like they came from a famous steakhouse chain” (think Outback Steakhouse) was entirely believable. Just ask my dad! And I loved how easy it was to grill using these spices. Simply rub on a little oil, sprinkle as much spice as you’d like, and throw the meat on the barbecue. I am all about simple and tasty.

Mother’s Day may be around the corner but Father’s Day isn’t far behind. If you’ve got a griller in the family, TopSecretRecipes’ collection of Rubs and Shprinkles would make a perfect and oh-so-tasteful gift. ““Emily

P.S. The Salmon and Chicken Rubs are currently on sale so you can stock up early for Father’s Day!

Did you miss out? Our Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway last weekend was a HUGE hit! We’re excited to do it all again next year, Bigger and Better in TEXAS! We’re calling the event our Boutique Cafe Hot 100 Getaway and only 100 tickets will be available for 100 ladies. In other words - YOU’RE the Hot 100! We also thought it would be great to have it in 100 degree weather and have plans for some amazing tees as well.

Things are still of course in the planning stages but we’d love to sign up those who are interested below for any updates over the coming months.

We’ll see you in Texas next year! Thank you so much for your interest in our Hot 100 Getaway.

Join the Boutique Cafe “HOT 100 Getaway” Mailing List Email:

Designer Dayna from my*unbirthday offers this super sweet Rockin’ Remnants set for your darling daughter. She says “I’ve held on to these remnant pieces of vintage inspired fabrics for almost 2 years hoping to find the time to make a sweet little outfit from them….and here it is!!”
View Auction here

To learn more about my*unbirthday and amazing designer Dayna be sure to read on her Me Page

Click To Play

For those who may not understand what RSS is I was sent this amazing and simple explanation video (thanks Nathan and Emily). I can’t help but share it with you as RSS is a big part of Boutique Cafe. Thanks for checking this out!

The group shot was such a blast as our bellman Aaron from the Salt Lake City Hilton braved all the ladies and their SLC cameras, taking shots on probably 10 different cameras! (several sweet attendees were missing at this point). Friday April 20th Meet & Greet.

*We’re going to be adding loads of Getaway pictures. To view them all just click on “Photos” in the sidebar under categories for now. We’ll have a linky for you soon to make it easier.

What a treat to finally meet Megan and Amelia. These ladies are so incredible, as designers, as moms and as dear friends! Check out their links.

*We’re going to be adding loads of Getaway pictures. To view them all just click on “Photos” in the sidebar under categories for now. We’ll have a linky for you soon to make it easier.

It all started with a desire for two friends to meet! (Daria & Megan)
We couldn’t anticipate the response we would receive from fellow designers, BC listeners, and momprenuers when we decided to open it up to EVERYONE. You wowed us!

*We’re going to be adding loads of Getaway pictures. To view them all just click on “Photos” in the sidebar under categories for now. We’ll have a linky for you soon to make it easier.

Yes, Mother’s Day is all about the homemade cards and breakfasts in bed, but if you’re truly honest with yourself, it’s really all about the candy, right? And with Mother’s Day around the corner you’ll want to drop hints to your hubby about AvenueSweets, a local Utah company that’s quickly becoming famous for its decadent caramel and nougat candy.

AvenueSweets is the creation of Agnieszka Jones (”Agnes”), who immigrated here from Poland with her family in 1981. Before AvenueSweets only Agnes’ friends and family knew of her “amazing nougat and rich, soft caramels.” Since the opening of AvenueSweets in 2005, her confections have found their way into Martha Stewart Living, gift bags at the International Emmys Awards, candy stores, gift shops, delis, and the mouths of fans all over the country.

Confections from AvenueSweets are created in small batches using only the freshest ingredients. The company’s nougat (almond, hazelnut, and pistachio) is crafted using a European recipe dating back many centuries, and their gourmet caramels (golden, chocolate, pecan, espresso, peanut butter, and licorice) are “soft, rich and buttery.” Are you drooling yet, because I sure am!

With a variety of gift ideas, you–I mean, your hubby–will find the perfect sweet for you this Mother’s Day. All you have to do is drop a hint or two about AvenueSweets. Actually, you probably should just email him the link–very few men ever get the subtle hints… –Emily

Hot Infant Collection by Peanutbutter & Ellie Babies are taking Boutique by storm these days, designer Amy Shearer from Peanutbutter*and*ellie must be inspired by her own pregnancy. These precious newborn gowns are selling like hotcakes, if you’re lucky enough to own one be sure to let us know how darling your little bundle looks in theirs!

To win a Peanutbutter & Ellie Baby gown you have to watch Amy’s auctions like a hawk.

I admit it. I have used my husband’s hair gel to give George the popular “fauxhawk” for last summer’s neighborhood party but uses of said gel have been few and far between. I have always been concerned about the grown-up ingredients in Dad’s Dep (okay, we don’t really use Dep but how can you forget it?). Now that I have a sample of jenerations baby hair gel I’ll definitely be sculpting my son’s hair more often.

The jenerations baby product line consists of hair gel, body lotion, shampoo/body wash, and a soap bar all designed for little ones and made with the highest quality ingredients. Inspired by the need for hair and body products we moms would feel safe using (unlike Dep), Jennifer reilly, salon owner and hairstylist for over 14 years, designed this organic and natural hair and body care products “For Good Girls & Boys.” Though my boy isn’t always on the good list, I feel great about using jenerations baby on his still baby-soft skin, especially with ingredients like extracst of comfrey, chamomile and rosemary, oils of coconut, almond, and apricot, aloe vera, and vitamins E and A. Hmmm”¦these products may find their way on to my hair and skin as well!

Hand picked by VH1’s “The Fabulous Life of Celebrity Kids” as one of the top-selling baby hair and body care products for celebrities with children, jenerations baby has definitely found its niche among moms interested in teaching healthy hair and body care regimens to the younger generation. Oh, and don’t forget about the importance of creating a Dep-free, more natural “fauxhawk.” ““Emily

The First Annual Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway weekend is officially over and if you weren’t there you really missed out. Everyone who attended had their cups of couture filled to overflowing with new experiences (many Salt Lake City first-timers), new friendships (those avatars now have real names and real faces), and lots of new ideas (”If it’s something you really believe in, you’ll be successful”–Carrie Miner from Puddle Jumpers).

Now that’s just a very small taste of the delicious weekend the attendees enjoyed. I was not able to indulge in every activity (it doesn’t help when, after over an hour of waiting, you realize you’re at the wrong Bucca di Beppo), but I did get to hang with the BC girls for the PJ Party Friday night and learn more about these wonderfully creative and inspiring women. That hotel room simply oozed creativity–and a few great stories (but that’s for us to know and perhaps non-attendees to never find out). By midnight I had OD’d on way too many bite-size candy bars but I did learn that Chicago has some of the best barbecue sauce in the U.S., Daria is a big fan of musical toothbrushes (especially those with music from the Cheetah Girls), and Preston, Idaho is home to a world-famous rodeo.

The Saturday session was quite possibly the highlight of the event with three fabulous guest speakers. My pen could hardly keep up with the great tips and ideas floating around the room. I’m sure you’ll be able to catch the conference via video in the near future, but personally meeting these women is something you won’t be able to do via broadcast. Oh, and the giveaways were something else! And yes, I actually do own a sewing machine, girls, and I promise to make good use of my gift certificate to Fashionable Fabrics.

And major kudos to Daria, who even on her deathbed managed to attend the Saturday conference and put on a brave face. With a stomach in turmoil from much more than stress about the event, Daria kept her famous smile and just-as-famous laugh intact through the whole weekend. With help from our Queen of Chat (Megan), Eva, Amelia, and many others, the First Annual BC Girls Getaway was a true success. Plans are already in the works for next year’s Second Annual BC Girls Getaway, “The Hot 100,” but that’s all I’m going to tell you. Just be sure and pencil it in so you too can fill your cup of couture to overflowing. –Emily

I was so impressed with Amy Michelle diaper bags that I was inspired to create a new word: “chic-tionality.” What is chic-tionality? Chic-tionality is when something is truly both chic and functional, and Amy Michelle diaper bags are just that.

Just in time for Mother’s Day Amy Michelle has introduced its new Chocolate bags in three different styles. Whether you’re tempted by the Orchid, the Azalea, or the new Stroller/Messenger bag (Tulip), my advice is to give in to temptation. I have been drooling over my Tulip bag ever since it arrived. The blush pink with gold accents and classy lining (chic) combined with its ability to change into a stroller bag or backpack (functionality) make this the best early Mother’s Day present ever!

More on chic: With four classy styles, three of which offer at least three color options, you’ll be styling no matter what flavor you choose. The new yummy Chocolate bags only add richness to an already “rich” product line. And more on functional: These bags feature a washable changing pad internal and external bottle pockets, quick-release pacifier holder, compartments for diapers, wipes, formula, as well as a removable wet bag and zip-down changing station (Orchid & Azalea styles). The sections for Mom include a place for wallet, pocket for day planner, cell phone and other essentials, and easy-to-find key ring. What did I tell you? Chic-tionality at its finest!

Read the rest of this entry »

Hi everyone,
Tomorrow is the BIG Day! The start of the Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway Weekend in Salt Lake City Utah. We’ll be updating you guys on the fun from the Hilton Hotel, plus we’re videotaping the event and posting alot of it on the website in the coming weeks. Imagine the fun of approx. 40-50 ladies all together talking designs, kids, fashion, shopping and more.

We’d love to share some pics with you as we take them over the next few days. I’m so excited to meet so many of the gals I have admired for so many years. We have exceptional attendees for our first Live Event.

We’ll miss you all - hope you’ll enjoy pics and info we can share with those who can’t attend.

Hugs to all! (See ya in SLC!)
Daria

Immedium, a company that publishes whimsical and fun books for children (past Daily Dish reviews include The Year of the Dog, Wonder Baby, and Year of the Pig), has just come out with the perfect book for the train lover in your home. Train of Thought combines this childhood fascination with a wonderful and imaginative storyline.

I received an advance copy of Train of Thought and was immediately drawn in by the colorful and detailed illustrations. It didn’t take long to get caught up in the story as Timmy and his sister Tammy take their own magical journey after boarding a small-scale engine. Throughout the ride the story introduces a myriad of trains, colors, and sounds to even the youngest of readers, and the final surprise destination makes this a perfect story for train-lovers of all ages. I can’t wait to read it to mine tomorrow!

I’m not going to give away any more of this wonderful ride. You’ll have to pick up a ticket, I mean, a copy, for yourself! You can find the book on Immedium’s website along with other great books such as The Octonauts and Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles. –Emily

If you have a teen daughter you might want to check out this new vidcast called GirlTalk available on blip.tv and also through iTunes under podcasts. It’s well produced and centres around 5 teenage girls talking about everything from boys, parents, friends and more. Jacklin, Alex, MaryAnn, Taylor, and Kelsey look like they have a blast doing the show, and who could resist their hot pink set? Check it out and let me know what you think.

But just remember, even us grown up girls can have slumber parties! Our Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway promises to be a blast from the past on friday night at the Boutique Cafe PJ party.

Or at least they’ve got your little one covered when it comes to those messy art projects. If you’re like me and don’t always have one of Dad’s old shirts to use as a play smock, you’ll love Bella Tunno’s line of fun-yet-useful children’s smocks. Not only are these play aprons laminated and completely machine washable, but even the inside of the pockets are laminated! The smocks also have two large pockets that can hold whatever your child’s imagination needs to create that next work of art. With the messes I make of myself in the kitchen, I wish the Hot Stuff smock came in an adult size!

Bella Tunno also has a wonderful selection of burpies, bibs, “binkers” (pacifier holders), “diaper ditties” (diapers and wipes holders), and “butties” (changing pads). Their fabric designs are fabulous and I love their gift sets in perfectly coordinated styles and fabric. Anything that makes gift giving easier is a plus in my book! Another plus? Bella Tunno donates proceeds from all sales to charity.

So if you’re tired of seeing your pint-size artist in one those totally unflattering oversize t-shirts, you definitely need to outfit her in a play smock from Bella Tunno. No reason you can’t create art in style! –Emily

* Promo code! Bella Tunno is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their order. Simply enter code DD20 at checkout. Offer good through the end of April, 2007.

This month we have 5 wonderful prizes up for grabs all centered around Women/Mommies. All you have to do for a chance to win a prize is browse around the site - homepage, the Market and the chat forum - and click on the ads that caught your eye.

THEN - come back to the Daily Chatter thread and post your finds! What ads caught your eye? and why? What amazing products did you find? etc. It’s so much fun to Click, click CLICK around!

and here’s what you can WIN!

$50.00 gift certificate to http://www.irenemuldoon.etsy.com/

Set of 6 Spring Thank You Notes, boxed w/envelopes - http://www.specialtycards4u.com/

Crystal birthstone bracelet from http://www.leapinlilies.com/
Made with freshwater pearls and Swarovski
crystals in the birthstone(s) of winners choice (their
birthstone, kids, grandkids)

100 Mom Calling Cards from http://www.sophieandspice.com/

“Hand out your number in style with these professionally designed and printed cards.”

Funky Beetle Tee from http://www.creativeoutletdesigns.com
Size Medium ““ ready to ship!

THANK YOU to our SPONSORS for their donations!
*If you are interested in donating to an upcoming clicking spree event or other Boutiquecafe.com giveaways email me today! creativeoutletdesigns@yahoo.com thanks!!!

Need a Custom Logo? Wendy’s World Art is offering this cool custom logo auction. The graphics used are from her own handpainted or hand-drawn artwork. Grab this service for a group logo, me page logo, auction logo, website logo or banner ad.

Be sure to visit her Me page. Don’t miss out on the Wendysworldart store.

Four Peas is a hip place to find some cool gear for your kids and it’s “Mommy” owned. Casey Baca saw a void in the children’s market and set out to fill it by bringing together fun ideas for traveling tots and sweet clothing pieces. We love momprenuers and were excited to try out a few of her offerings. I was sent the Funky Monkey backpack from their site, it’s toddler sized and fits my 4 year old so well. This size is ideal for early reader sized books, and has an extra zippered pocket to bring along small toys and action figures. I like that the pack is very well made and durable with sturdy fabric, strong zippers and adjustable straps for good support. They offer several different styles for your child so their personality can shine through, everything from Monkeys, Sharks, Camo, Flowers, Frogs, Gators and more…several of them are on sale right now so it’s a good time to grab a pack for your pre-kindergarten kid (like my little man Brigs).

Four Peas also offers fun activity packs to keep kids busy and happy on those long summer road trips. If you’re looking for some cute kiddo clothing you might want to pick up the “Hey Kids…Wally World!” tee, nothing says family travel like a trip to Wally World. They also have adorable camo and embroidered designs to keep them in traveling style this summer. Four Peas has cool stuff for hip kids! - Daria

**Promo Code - Four Peas is offering our readers a “Free Mini Activity Pack with any purchase”. Enter code “BOUTIQUE CAFE” in the comments section during checkout.

It’s not very often that I try a skin care regime and love it, to be frank I’m quite lazy when it comes to the care of my skin. I was surprised by my reaction and continual use of a product line I was sent to try out. It’s called Yes to Carrots and if you haven’t heard of it yet, I’m confident you will hear all your girlfriends chatting about it soon!

As I mentioned, I typically try a new skin care product but after about a week or so I guess I just stop caring or liking it. With Yes to Carrots I have not had that problem, in fact I look forward to my nighttime routine now and I think you will too. The first product I want to mention is the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. For me this product is the highlight and crowning jewel of the Yes to Carrots line. Formulated with Dead Sea Mud, carrot juice and natural apricot scrubbing particles, I instantly see a difference in the glow and feel of my skin when I use it. I like to picture all the stress, grime and old skin lifted away as I rub this in a circular motion on my face. I love the light scent and my skin feels like a million bucks once I’ve lightly exfoliated with it, not bad for a product that retails around $10!

I was also lucky enough to try their Moisturizing Day Cream and Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub. I love a nice moisturizer and I think you’ll find this one is full of rich ingredients and feels silky and special. The Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub is now what I love to use just before I shave my legs, I can’t believe I didn’t realize the wonders of exfoliating my legs before I shave them. This scrub is the ideal amount of luxury feel with particles for a light buff on those great gams.

After using Yes to Carrots products for almost a month on myself I can wholeheartedly recommend them to our readers. They are quality products to nourish your skin, body, hair and they’re even easy on your pocket book! Who knew Carrots could be this great for you?! - Daria

***Promo - Yes to Carrots is offering a discount on their products. Simply shop www.Walgreens.com, and enter the promo code DEADSEA for $2 off your order.

Design-her Gals website has posted a thank you to Boutique Cafe on their homepage this week. Jeanne Fitzmaurice was so thrilled with the way her interview turned out on our most recent episode, that Boutique Cafe was given a lovely thank you image on their homepage and mention in their newsletter as well.

We loved having you on the show Jeanne - thank you so much for sharing your passions with us!

There’s a flurry of activity at Boutique Cafe these days. Daria discusses her recent appearance on episode #178 of MommyCast - click to hear her interview. On today’s show we present a talented and brilliant business woman, Jeanne Fitzmaurice the owner and founder of Design-her Gals, featuring the ability to create virtual stationary with your own likeness. The site supports their Gal to Gal Foundation raising money for research to treat stage 4 breast cancer. Find out more about the Gal to Gal Foundation here. Jeanne shares the story of how her site has become widely popular with women all over the world (including Oprah). Also in this weeks show, news on our Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway Weekend April 20-22nd in Salt Lake City. Email daria@boutiquecafe.com for tickets (space is limited now). Music on today’s show: Lee Coulter “Love in a Bottle”.

Cute Crabby Hat! hand crocheted CRABBY hat. I love these adorable hats for boys and girls! A definite must-have for stylishly keeping off the sun’s rays, and looking like a total cutie!

Be sure to visit her Me page. There are OODLES of adorable hats available in their eBay Store