It has been a while since I’ve been able to review any bath and body products, so I was excited when I received samples from KLEAN’s home-spa line. The company uses natural and pure ingredients such as cocoa butter, toasted coconut, shea butter, macadamia nut oil, and green tea powder to make your home spa experience both soothing and scrumptious, and after testing a couple of their products I can say the experience was just that.

I was able to pamper my senses with KLEAN’s Mist scent in Grass, Extreme Moisturizing Shea Lotion in Zen Tea, and their Blue Hawaii Sugar Body Polish. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite was definitely the Sugar Body Polish. Not only did the smell of the polish remind me of a relaxing tropical vacation but the scrub left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and yes, even scrumptious. Of course I came out of the shower craving a Pina Colada, but can you blame me with ingredients like pure unrefined Mexican cane sugar, coconut & macadamia nut oils, crushed coconut, and coconut milk? All I can say is yum! Read the rest of this entry »

“Want to add flare to your wardrobe?” sweetpea-totes has designed a one of a kind beautiful handbag with the new Nigella fabric from Amy Butler. It’s unique shape and creative use of the fabrics justs screams FASHIONABLE! Everyone needs their own fashionable accessory - so why not grab this one? Hurry! I’m sure it won’t last! - Megan

Sometimes as a parent you end up making the mad dash to the car, just to realize that you forgot to tell your babysitter something important. PlaceTile designs has devised a way to keep pertinent information available for your sitter, and perhaps give you a little piece of mind as well. Their erasable Babysitter tile is a handy way to keep all those phone numbers, emergency contacts, and instructions in one place.

I received a sample tile and took it for a spin a few days ago. My sitter appreciated the piece of mind that came from having my cell number and info right in front of her, and not having to worry about losing a piece of paper. I admit that I did feel more calm knowing that I had provided her with all the important numbers and instructions - I felt prepared for her to be there. The Babysitter Tile is one of many beautiful ceramic designs from PlaceTile Designs. They also offer various ceramic name tiles for event seating, wipe-able to do lists, menu tiles and much much more. Their products come gift boxed and include a dry-erase pen with built in eraser, you can write and re-write with ease.

Check out PlaceTile Designs for handy ways to keep you, your next dinner event, and your babysitter on track. - Daria

If you haven’t tuned in to Boutique Café© podcast lately, you may not be aware of our weekly segment of Boutique News. We invite you to submit your news regarding sales, launches, promos for BC listeners and any big news that affects our community. Megan our Queen of Chat compiles the submissions and shares the news each week on our show. Please email a brief explanation to megan@boutiquecafe.com. We’d love to feature your suggestions.

Breathtaking is what I thought first when I spotted this gorgeous lovebirds necklace from in.full.bloom. An aqua jade pendant with a lovebirds fillagree over the top truely makes a stunning statement.  - Megan

I don’t often ask for seconds when it comes to peas, but if you’re talking about the new children’s boutique Two Blue Peas, I’ve got room for thirds, fourths, and quite possible fifths! Two Blue Peas features hip baby clothing, bibs, blankets, shoes, toys and gifts from both recognized brands and undiscovered artisans. And with an appealing and easy-to-navigate website, shopping is truly “easy peasy.”

I was lucky enough to receive a sample of the Orange Mod Kimono top, and let me tell you, this little top received a “now that’s cute” from my husband, a man who generally has little comment when it comes to the kids’ clothes. Two Blue Peas is definitely on to something! I love the Dot/Stripe Sock Set, Blue Mod Lunch to Go set, and especially the yummy Knit Cupcakes. In fact, I think I love everything I’ve seen on this site. Hmmm…may have to update this year’s clothing and toys budget.

So if you’re looking for a “healthy” alternative to your current selection of online baby boutiques, check out Two Blue Peas. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for more! –Emily

I am a big fan of the funny tee. And no, that’s not just because it’s my business to design onesies and tees that put a smile on the faces of passersby. I love anything that can make me laugh out loud, but you can’t wear a Shoebox greeting card with your favorite pair of jeans. In today’s dish I’m going to share with you a couple of my favorite sites for some great 100% cotton humor.

For children’s tees, I love Wry Baby and babygags. Wry Baby offers such funny snapsuits as “I eat dirt” and “Best in show” and even an “I eat paste” toddler tee, along with one of my favorite non-georgie-tees twin sets “Stop Copying Me” (x2). babygags brings you “Carpe Diem…seize the day and scream all night”, “milk junkie”, “chicita bonita”, and “100% organic…created with a little pest-inside.” Of course, you’ll find a few more risque onesies on the site, but you still can’t help but smile.

For the grownup who hasn’t quite grown up, I love the women’s tees from David and Goliath. The men’s tees are a bit on the R-rated side, so I’m not a big a fan, though I do like “Let’s pretend I make more than $6 an hour.” My favorites for her? “Boys are stupid, throw rocks at them!”, “I’m too pretty to do math”, and “My boyfriend told me to be more affectionate…so I got two boyfriends!”

I’m sure you’ve seen some other great tees out there, so feel free to share your favorite tees and sites in the comments below. Life’s too short not to have a good laugh–and a great fitting tee! –Emily

Megan our Queen of Chat joins Daria to dish all the Boutique News. You’ve sent in tons of news this week, and peppered us with great promos and deals to keep our listeners in shopping heaven. Daria also talks about our Summer Shopping Guide, her pick for Auction of the Day (Dandelion Avenue) and Last week’s Fashion Forward Friday. Music in this weeks show by Sonny Combs and Kitty Kat Radio “Guess She’s Right”.
News Mentioned Includes:
Pammy J Kids.com
Style Network Cafe code: stylecafedeals - 15% off
Interior Style Home code: instylehome - 10% off
Dragonflies and Ladybugs
Madie Jane - code: CAFE 10% off
MJ Graphic Designs code: CAFE10 10% off

Pamper those little tootsies with the most darling Baby Frog Feet slippers by Just Kiddin. Babies from 0 - 9 months can sport the eye catching flippers which are also available in Duck Feet, Flamingo Feet and oodles more patterns. They are some of the cutest slippers I’ve ever seen and you can get em’ on Etsy!

Just Kidd’n Etsy Store

I love really cool vintage items for my home and even better when you can wear a really them. Comfybug has just the accessory if you are wanting something unique and truly handmade with her typewriter key earrings. I love to see great and interesting pieces made from old typewriter keys and fell in love with these earrings. And the price? Can’t beat it! - Megan

I have found the perfect source for all things–especially paper goods–personalized, and I’m talking more than simple gift enclosure tags. Periwinkle Papers truly offers “gifts and papers with pizzazz!”

I received a variety of samples from their huge selection of gift items, and I could see myself ordering every single one. I especially loved the personalized recipe cards, calling cards, and tote bags. I’m always forgetting to include a card with birthday and shower gifts, and Periwinkle Papers offers some great options for solving this memory lapse. And their “a note from (child’s name)’s mom” cards are a great way to send notes to the parents of your child’s new best friend at school. Even better are the fill-in-the-blank thank-you cards, which give you and your kids and easy way to keep gift-receiving etiquette alive.

Besides paper products Periwinkle Papers also offers placemats (so fun for the kids!), aprons, bag tags, bibs, and even sippy cup labels (perfect for nursery or daycare). They have a huge selection of designs and fonts to choose from with some great examples for those of us who are personalization challenged. I’m already thinking about stocking up now for the Christmas season, as their notepads, note cards, and even their babysitter wipe board, would make for the perfect–and personal–holiday gift. –Emily

* Promotion! Periwinkle Papers is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their total purchase. Simply enter code “daily dish” at checkout and get an early start on your holiday shopping!

I’m sure we all have a favorite website or two for great gadgets and gift-giving ideas, but if you’re looking for another one to add to your repertoire, check out Wrapables.com. The site has some really fun products for the kitchen, bath, entertaining, and even pet lovers.

One of my favorites is the Sugar Please Automatic Sugar Dispenser. My family would definitely get a lot of use out of this one. If their cereal isn’t already coated in sugar, my kids know exactly where to find the Splenda packets, which I have them use for portion control when it comes to sweetening their breakfast. But this awesome dispenser would definitely be a more affordable way to go, and I wouldn’t have to clean up empty sugar packets after our morning meal. The push of a button dispenses half a teaspoon of sugar (equal to one packet), and two pushes are equal to a cube of sugar (great for tea time). You can even use it to dispense powdered creamer–cool!

I also love the Candeloo lamps, a pair of rechargeable lights for kids that turn on when removed from their base and automatically recharge when they’re put back. With a truly fun design and even the ability to pulse gently (lulling a restless child to sleep), these are the perfect late-night-trip-to-the-bathroom tool. And I’ve heard they even help ward off bad dreams. Hmmm…maybe I need a set of those!

Wrapables.com is definitely worth a visit, if only to check out the adorable aprons (my favorite is the Pimento Ruffle) and huge selection of bags (baby bags, sports bags, cosmetic bags, laundry bags, totes, clutches…the list goes on and on). Oh, and don’t forget to bookmark it–I’m sure you’ll want to visit the site often! –Emily

I’m most honored to share a video from You Can Make This.com about their charity efforts on behalf of the Children’s Miracle Network. I had the pleasure of meeting Kim the owner and founder of You Can Make This at our Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway back in April of this year. Kim is savvy business woman with great ideas and with the most kind heart, I was so impressed with her caring and wanting to make a difference and that’s what their new campaign is all about. You Can Make This.com has released a $5.00 ebook pattern who’s sales will directly benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, that supports over 170 children’s hospitals. I knew that Boutique Cafe had to be a part of sharing the news, when something like this comes along you want to do whatever you can to be a part of it!

Please watch this two minute video on how you can not only shop her site and create something wonderful for your children, but you can actually make a difference with your purchase of the new Miracle Pattern. The cost is $5.00 and 100% goes directly to the Children’s Miracle Network. What an incredible opportunity to make a difference. - Daria

Cross_The_Street is offering these super sweet removable cuffs in Hot Pink. The fashionable cuffs are crocheted with eyelash style yarn and made to grab some serious attention. They add a wow factor to your little girls fall wardrobe, and yes they are washable (lay flat to dry). Modeled by gorgeous Emerson!

Cuff Em’ here »

Prepare for a sweet discovery this week with our feature of Trudi’s designs. With her business from*my*angels*to*yours she creates gorgeous clothing for little girls, inspired by her own children. Thank you for taking a moment to enjoy the Fashion Show this week, please leave a comment for Trudi.

When asked what inspires her love of design Trudi says: “I really love designing as it gives me an opportunity to be creative! My inspiration come from my girls, Maggie (5) and Lilly (3), I love for them to have unique things, and they already love all sorts of things to wear. I owe pretty much all of my experience to my grandmother, she taught me just about everything I know when it comes to sewing and drafting patterns. She sewed for family, friends, and the public for many, many years before passing away almost 3 years ago. Every time I finish something new, I just know she would be so proud of me and I love knowing she passed along her love of creativity to me. ”

Shop from*my*angels*to*yours eBay listings and her Blossom Street Shoppe. You can also read her Blog and add it to your blog roll. **Please allow time for the show to load. A HUGE Thank you to Lisa from iza-bella.com for producing our Fashion Show this week!

One of our favorite websites has announced their new website today! youcanmakethis.com has oodles of NEW features and categories to shop their ebooks - along with their You Can Make a Difference campaign supporting the Children’s Miracle Network. For a Video Tour of the new features check out You Can Make This and click on the Tour image.

Congratulations to Kim and everyone at You Can Make This, for making the creative process easy and exciting for anyone and everyone who has the desire to learn.

Looking for a great bag that will make a splash while you carry it? bonspielcreation has amazing leather bags with unique printed objects and designs on them. Definately eye catchers! This pufferfish design pops off the background color and the design don’t stop there.  She’s added color and detail to the corners and the inside as well. Take a stroll through her etsy shop to see more! - Megan

Thinking Fall yet? you should be if you want to catch any of the great custom outfits from the ebay boutique community. And don’t forget about great matching accessories! These shoes by sweettoesboutique will help add that touch of fall to her wardrobe. Beautiful artwork and colors adorn these brown maryjanes and are finished off with cute polka dots! Be sure to order yours today! - Megan

I recently purchased a factory-reconditioned KitchenAid Ultra Power 5-Speed blender from Amazon.com (I’m all for factory reconditioned if it saves me a ton of money!) to fill the gap left by my current blender, which I fried trying to crush frozen fruit for smoothies. To make sure the new blender was up to the task, we whipped out a couple of our favorite smoothie recipes and tested it out. The KitchenAid passed with flying colors–thank heavens since the temps here in Utah have been at a record high for the month of July!

So with the heat, and for some the humidity, I thought I’d share two of our favorite frozen drink recipes. Note: Make sure your blender has the power to crush ice. If you’re not sure, just keep your nose open for a faint burning smell (probably not the most high-tech test but it works). Read the rest of this entry »

Feel the Retro Vibe » My*Unbirthday has created this retro/plaid dress that is the ultimate in chic back to school style. Details include: inverted front and back pleats, button down front, belt loops, contrasting fabric sleeve cuffs, peter pan collar, front pockets and bow belt. Custom size 3T-8. Don’t miss this one!
View Auction Here »

MommyCast is a weekly internet show for and by women immersed in the fullness of motherhood and life. “holding the world together one child at a time”

Journal Modiste has released their 2007 Trend Report. If you are a designer wondering what to offer this fall, or a mommy searching for the most hip creations for your kiddos, take a moment to read their report. They cover hot styles you’ll see alot of (ie: Asian inspired kimono tops, pirate themes, and even plaid madras tops). Also included are a few fabric and Pantone swatches, so you can easily seek out the sweetest shades for Autumn.

View Report Here »

My find for today is actually for the soon to be wed! Almost Mrs. is the statement you’ll make at your Bachelorette party or just out on the town. Everyone will rush up to you to share in your pre-nuptual bliss, in this applique tee by my*precious*piggies. The auction is for a custom size, and no matter what size your real ring is - there’s a nice big shiny rock on your tee! Congratulations!!

This week we visit the designs of Angel from Bayoubabe5. Angels creations are full of cheer and sweet details for little girls and boys. Looking for All Around Style? Be sure to check out her auctions.

We asked Angel what inspires her:
“I have 3 year old triplets and they inspire me every day. I want to inspire and encourage them to do what makes them happy and build on their strengths.” A Quote that inspires me: “Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
Henry van Dyke

Shop Bayoubabe5 eBay listings. You can also read her Blog and add it to your blog roll. **Please allow time for the show to load. A HUGE Thank you to Lisa from iza-bella.com for producing our Fashion Show this week!

It’s Clicking Spree Days done in a whole NEW way! There’s lots of prizes up for grabs so get ready to click, POST and win! Here’s how to play:
1. Browse around the site ““ homepage, market, etc
2. Click on the ADS that catch your eye
3. POST your findings HERE in the comments on the homepage. Tell us what ADS you liked, what great products you found, etc. It’s great feedback and fun for all those involved!
**Make sure you use a valid email address so we can contact you if you win**

Here is what is up for grabs this month! Thank you to our donators!

1.Whole World Book with Sing Along CD
www.letsreadbarefoot.com

2. Heart Pendant
www.theskyrubyproject.etsy.com

3. $20 gift certificate to
www.littleangelsboutique.net

4. Free wide-vertising for 2 weeks on www.Journalmodiste.com ““ 2 ads to be given away. Front page prime location between the articles

The winners will be drawn on Thursday July 19th, so you have 4 days to click around and have FUN! Be sure to check back HERE to see if you have won!!!!

Ready, set, GO! Let the CLICKING begin!

Daria speaks with Morgan from Funky Junk Co. about her blog and passion for repurposing & decorating with great finds. It’s time for another Fashion Forward Friday Challenge and this week Amelia shares the importance of protecting our luscious locks from sun damage. Grab a photo of your favorite hat or scarf and blog it in our Fashion Forward Friday “Sunshine & Tresses” Challenge! To participate please link back to this podcast url and blog your reply to the Challenge. All comments may be placed in the shownotes, please be sure to add the link to your blog. Megan shares some great Boutique News including: Boutique BellaLuna, On the Avenue, Painted with Heart, Southernbabies.com. News about our Chat Forum Closure and more. Podsafe music from Ingrid Michaelson “The Way I Am”.

We’ve heard of Generation X and Generation Y, but Generation G might be the most important one yet. Toy maker KidsGive recognizes children’s inherent desire to save the world by becoming more globally aware and giving to children in need and so the company has developed Karito Kids, a new line of international dolls and books perfect for Generation G (”G” as in give).

Karito Kids kicks off its late summer launch with five dolls, which include Pita from Mexico City, LuLu from Nairobi, Gia from Florence, Wan Ling from Shanghai, and Zoe from New York. The dolls are 21 inches tall, designed to look like an 11-year-old girls, and are ethnically correct. And when I say ethnically correct, I don’t mean the dolls simply come in different colors. KidsGive actually hired an experienced and renowned doll sculptor to sculpt each doll’s face from scratch.

I received the Wan Ling Doll from Shanghai, and ever since she arrived a couple months back my girls have truly enjoyed her. With a part vinyl, part soft body her clothes are easy to change around. They especially love the slightly larger size and older look, at least that’s my best guess as to why Wan Ling is the only doll (not counting Barbies) with which they’ve ever really played. Plus Wan Ling arrived with a great part fiction, part fact book all about an adventure in her home country complete with landscapes, cultures, and beliefs. I love giving my children fun and interesting ways to learn about other cultures!

Read the rest of this entry »

Send your little Genius back to school in style with this tee from cutie_patootie_boutique. A fun layered “preppy” look with some seriously CUTE button style! She’s sure to be Head of the Class in this little number! - Megan

I’m not a big fan of the local easy listening station, especially when someone leaves it on in the weight room at the gym. Kind of hard to pump iron with Air Supply in the background. But I was really glad someone left that easy listening station on the other day as the morning-show hosts mentioned a website I thought our Daily Dish readers might find interesting.

SoYouWanna.com “teaches you how to do all the things nobody taught you in school.” This site is a literal clearinghouse of random how-to’s. From how to pay off student loans and how to learn to play poker to how to dress properly for your body type and how to lie persuasively (a how-to I hope none of our Daily Dish readers are anxious to pursue…) you’re going to “wanna” check this site out. You can even learn how to convert to Buddhism if you so desire.

So if you’re interested in joining the Peace Corps, acing a job interview, or decorating your apartment, you’ll definitely “wanna” check out SoYouWanna.com. –Emily

On Monday July 16th our Chat forum will be closing and we’ll be moving forward with our plans for keeping Boutique Cafe cutting edge and “oh so enjoyable”. In order to be eligible for Boutique Cafe giveaways/prizes/news/information/ and a whole host of great surprises over the coming months please take a moment and sign up for our mailing list. If you previously have signed up but changed your email address you’ll need to sign up again.

Thanks everyone for assisting us in the transition to make BC even more than your cup of couture and 100% crave worthy!