I probably own a few too many mixing bowls considering I seem to use the same two or three over and over again, but the latest addition to my collection out-mixes the rest. The Flex-It mixing bowl from iSi is my new best friend, and here’s why.
First, the Flex-It bowl is made from silicone, and if you’re familiar with silicone bakeware this means it is flexible, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and heat resistant (this bowl’s resistant up to 490°F). Being flexible this bowl is ideal for pouring ingredients into a narrow space such as a stand mixer or food processor. The bottom has a nice rigid base which keeps it stable while mixing, and the smooth inside makes it super easy to scrape out every last drop of brownie batter. (Yes, I’m one of those who has to have every last drop of batter out of the bowl and in the pan.) The Flex-It bowl has a bit of texture on the outside so it’s easy to grasp and easy to turn as your mixing.
I received a set of all three sizes (1-, 1½-, and 2-quart sizes) in white, and I have used them all! Tonight I whipped up some waffle batter (we love breakfast for dinner) and found I had less mess going from bowl to waffle iron. I also love that I was able to scrape every last bit of batter from the sides. I haven’t yet tried these in the oven but I bet they’d make for a great way to keep a bowl of veggies warm or other side dish. iSi even offers a set of prep bowls with lids–I may have to make a purchase! If you’re looking to mix it up without messing it up, then iSi’s Flex-It bowls are for you. –Emily
“Hello! I will be offering a 10% discount on all sewing pattern orders for the month of February 2008 as a THANK YOU for a great 2007. I am so thrilled with your support and how wonderfully my sewing patterns have been received by you and your customers. It is fantastic to be a part of this wonderful industry that is growing right before our eyes. I’m looking forward to a terrific 2008. Looking forward to seeing you at Spring Quilt Market in Portland Daria.
With my appreciation,
Amy”
If you like the idea of cutting down on the amount of plastic bags you use then you’re going to love the mini maxi shopper L from Reisenthel. A fantastic and planet-friendly option to the typical grocery bag, the mini maxi shopper L comes in its own space-saving carrying case that fits easily in your purse (or diaper bag). With its long carrier handles and extra strong material you can use it for that in-store special on chicken noodle soup you hadn’t planned on!
I received the mini maxi L in sand and I was truly amazed how much bag fit into that little pouch. With a quick zip I had that bag out and unrolled in seconds. The real test was getting it back into its pouch after I’d opened it all up, and I couldn’t believe how easy that was too! And if sand isn’t your style Reisenthel offers the mini maxi shopper L in over 15 colors and patterns. I have yet to break out of the habit of the plastic grocery bag (I do recycle them at least) but I can see this bag coming in handy for trips to the library. I always come out with an armful of books swearing that next time I’ll remember to brings something to carry them in. I no longer need to feel the frustration now that the mini maxi shopper L has a permanent spot in our car.
Whether you love to peruse the farmer’s market or shop the local boutiques Reisenthel’s mini maxi shopper L is the bag that can carry it all. Check out Reisenthel’s entire line for some really ingenious designs such as the bottlebag, homebox, boardingbag, and bikebasket. My favorite? The gardenbag–and I’m not even into gardening! –Emily
Welcome to Spring on Boutique Cafe – our New Spring Savings Guide is now reserving spaces to promote your stores, boutiques and websites with exclusive promotions for our Boutique Cafe listeners. The Spring guide will go live February 2nd – June 1st.
If your company is interested in joining our Spring Savings Guide and offering a discount code for our audience, simply email daria@boutiquecafe.com and we’ll send you all the information you need.
“DreamAid pillow covers are designed to encourage and enhance your ability to tap into a blissful dream state.” It’s been so long since I’ve experienced a blissful dream state I don’t even know what it is anymore! That’s why I was really excited when DreamAid sent me one of their unique, dream-achieving pillow covers.
As many tired moms know, when we do actually get a full night’s rest we’re less stressed, healthier, and actually operate on all cylinders. DreamAid pillow covers are designed to help us drift into a dream-filled slumber all while thinking positive thoughts. The covers have decorative borders and a crisp white cover and a variety of inspirational messages such as “Peace, Love, Rest“, “Fairytale Beginnings, Neverending Love“, and “Live Well, Love Well, Sleep Well” (one of my favorites). I received one of their special covers perfect for Valentine’s Day. “I thank my lucky stars your love is in my heart…” will make a perfect gift, a nightly reminder that even though he feels he’s last on my to-do list he’s still the love of my life.
DreamAid pillow covers are just that…a wonderful dream aid. We all could use some help falling into a positive, stress-releasing, dream-filled slumber. Help “promote the conscious and subconscious state of wonderful dreams” and add DreamAid pillow covers to your nightly bedtime ritual. You’ll wake up feeling like you can accomplish anything, and that’s much more fun than waking up hoping to just make it through the day. –Emily
* Promotion!DreamAid is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their total purchase. Simply enter the code CAFE at checkout; offer expires Monday, February 11, 2008.
…beats a heart full of love any day! (Okay, a loving heart is better in the long run…) With Valentine’s Day around the corner give the gift of chocolate while also giving to a good cause. Endangered Species Chocolate has been on the Daily Dish before and I still can’t get enough of their decadent chocolate and their support of “species, habitat and humanity.”
Endangered Species Chocolate makes it easy to give the gift of gourmet chocolate with their Milk and Dark Chocolate Valentine Heart. Each square of all-natural milk and dark chocolate is made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao. The heart-shaped box contains six pieces of all-natural smooth milk chocolate (52% cocoa content) and six pieces of all-natural supreme dark chocolate (72% cocoa content). Or if you’re not into mixing things up you can get ESC’s Valentine Heart in all milk or all dark chocolate.
If you really want to show how much you love someone (or yourself) then you might want to add a box of Peanut Butter Cup Truffles or even better, The Species Collection. This fabulous gift set includes everything from a milk chocolate treat bag to a variety of all-natural chocolate bars to two packages of Eco-Rounds. You can feel good about indulging in all that sweetness because 10% of Endangered Species Chocolate’s net profits are donated to causes that have an “aggressive and clear mission to help species, habitat and/or humanity.” Now that’s true love! –Emily
*** Giveaway!!! Endangered Species Chocolate is giving away a fab gift set of ESC gourmet chocolate. The gift set includes one Valentine Heart box and one Species Collection gift box. Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: February 1, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations! Christi Stapleton is the winner of our Endangered Species Chocolate giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Also on the show, how to get involved with our BC Spring Gift Guide coming soon (email daria@boutiquecafe.com for details). Discussion in our Boutique Cafe Facebook Group about “Business Goals for The New Year” and responses from our cool members. Feel welcome to share your own business goals for 2008 in our shownotes as well, we’d love to support you in your endeavors.
That’s the message you’ll deliver with the purchase of this Bunny art piece from twolittlewitches. This 12″x12″ original painting is on a gallery wrapped canvas and is a OOAK. It’s totally adorable and calorie-free!
It has been a long time since my children and I last visited Nowhere Land, at least four or five years I’d say, and we have truly missed our friends Maggie, Ferocious Beast, and Hamilton. If you’re not familiar with Maggie and the Ferocious Beast then you’re missing one of the best animated adventures ever!
For those who love the Maggie and the Ferocious Beast series you’ll be as excited as I was to hear Maggie’s adventures are now available on DVD. And if you’ve never visited Nowhere Land you’ll want to pick up one or two (or all) of the DVDs, they’re that fun. I hovered over our mailbox waiting for advance copies of the two newest DVDs, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Rain Showers & Spring Flowers and Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Recipes for Trouble. (These titles won’t be available until February 5th, but you can pre-order them now!) We’ve had ours for less than a week and I swear we’ve already worn the DVDs out–and Mom’s watched them as much as the kids! My favorite episodes are “The Push-Me-Popper” (maybe because I’m glad my kids no longer own one) and “Louder! Louder!”
Who is Maggie? She’s a red-haired, imaginative, spunky five-year-old who’s created a whole world (Nowhere Land) for her two favorite stuffed animals–and best friends–to explore. The characters are based on the popular children’s books created by Michael and Betty Paraskevas. I was able to ask Michael Paraskevas a few questions for our Daily Dish readers. Here are his answers in his own words:
1. Where did you get the inspiration to create Maggie (e.g., did you create monsters or other imaginary creatures when you were a kid?)
Maggie was originally a book that Betty wrote called simply The Ferocious Beast with the Polka-dot Hide… Maggie wasn’t in the book. It was a story about how Hamilton, a pig, meets a Ferocious Beast and convinces him not to eat a pig…it’s pretty funny and we always get asked about it. It has a much harder edginess to it than the series itself. Also we always like Winnie the Pooh so the map from the show is a direct link to that idea. Maps were always special to me as a child.
2. Why do you think Maggie appeals to children?
The simple stories allow a child to understand what’s actually going on… the pace is less frantic than most shows..and the bold colors have a way of holding the attention. The pace allows the child to think about what’s going on instead of being catapulted along at a frantic pace that most cartoon shows use now.
3. What was it like to adapt your books for the small screen?
It was quite satisfying… we enjoyed the process… animation is made or broken in the script process… bad script, bad show.. you can’t dress up a bad script with great animation ..many try but they learn a lesson that the show is just awful without a solid script..and Betty unlike most children’s authors today.. got to write most of the scripts for this show…so that in itself helps keep her vision.
Take your own trip (via DVD) to Nowhere Land with Maggie and her Ferocious Beast. I promise you’ll visit often! –Emily
* Giveaway!!! Shout! Factory is giving away one set of the Maggie and the Ferocious Beast DVDs mentioned above! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 31, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations! Taryn Scarfone is the winner of our Maggie and the Ferocious Beast giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
News of Heath Ledger’s death came as such a shock yesterday. The 28 year old actor was found dead in a Manhattan SoHo apartment, with prescription pills nearby, an apparent accidental death. An autopsy is expected to occur today.
Our sincere condolences go out to his entire family, and many fans from all over the world. We feel especially sad for his 2 year old daughter Matilda, who will have to grow up without her adoring daddy. It’s just heartbreaking news.
In remembering Heath Ledger today, please feel welcome to share your thoughts on the famous actor, or your favorite Heath Ledger movie role.
In tribute, here is one of my favorite Heath Ledger movie moments – from the movie “Ten Things I Hate About You”. RIP Heath Ledger, you’ll be missed.
Today I’m dishing about a product line that gives us back our sanity, and works efficiently to help us get organized. It’s all about LobotoMe paper planners that are sure to get us all on track for the new year!
There’s something really satisfying and powerful about making lists, I’ve always been a real list maker and love to have all my duties laid out in front of my eyes. When I take that extra step to write it down, I see greater results in the amount of things that I can accomplish. However, I’m not perfect and I definitely need a little help getting everything prioritized, and then staying on track. I was sent the organizeMe Weekly Planner, and got right to work filling in my weeks activities. This planner doesn’t disappoint, in fact they have really covered the bases with spots for my entire week full of appointments. For the Mom who doesn’t exactly put herself as a priority, the Weekly organizeMe planner offers reminders to drink your water, take vitamins, and hit the gym (you can add in – Get A Massage, Pedicure and New Outfit if you like, that’s what I did). It’s like having an assistant that really cares about you right there in your own writing.
I loved that this pad included 60 pages on white recycled paper (1 for each week) to take along with you, just tear off your week’s schedule and bring it along in your purse wherever you go. It’s all there at a glance. And since LobotoMe includes some additional pages, you can definitely help out another stressed out Mommy in need by giving her a LobotoMe, or at least a weekly page to make her feel that way.
The LobotoMe website is rich in humor and offers “goods to keep me sane”. Everything from a Mantra Poster for your wall, to PackMe travel pads for your next trip, Feed Me meal planning pad, Save ME to do list pad, even a HoneyDo note pad!
By shopping LobotoMe products you are buying eco-friendly organization gear. And LobotoMe even offers a Brain Fog Blog with a great dose of “sanity saving tips…to save you from a trip to the looney bin”. So go check out the website today and get your very own LobotoMe! – Daria
Just look at these adorable Cherry on Top shoes in a custom size from Sweet Toes Boutique! Available in most sizes from 5.5 to 11.5. White canvas t-straps with pink trim and velcro closures are decorated with handpainted cherries, dots and ribbon bows! The cherries are in the sweetest shades of pink, red and yellow with pretty green stems and leaves.
From the moment you’re born life is an adventure so why not read about it in a personalized book? Custom Made for Kids has designed an easy and fun way to create a highly personalized story for your child. The First Adventures of Incredible You is a one-of-a-kind book you create by entering details about your child and the people and places most important to her. The end result is a beautiful yet fun keepsake the whole family will enjoy reading. I know–we’ve read Olivia’s over and over again!
I was able to test the process for creating one of these custom stories. It took less than ten minutes (well, maybe a little more to make sure I had it just right!) to enter over 20 details that would help make this story all about Olivia. From Grandma Gail’s chicken divan (a family favorite) to rooting for the BYU Cougars with Grandpa Wayne to splashing in puddles with her big brother, Olivia’s adventure is truly all about her and her family. I was also able to include a special dedication in this beautifully illustrated hardcover book. This is truly a book Olivia and I will never get tired of reading! (If you want a glimpse inside, take the virtual book tour.)
What I love almost as much as the book itself is just how easy it was to create such a personalized gift. It took no time and the web interface was so easy! You just answer the questions (names, dates, places, etc) and the site does the rest. Simply double check the details and you’re done! And if you’d like to give this as a gift to someone who has yet to “deliver,” Custom Made for Kids offers gift certificates for purchase on their site as well. The First Adventures of Incredible You is a keepsake every child should have. Life is an adventure–personalize it! –Emily
* Promotion!Custom Made for Kids is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their purchase. Simply enter code “bc15″ at checkout; offer expires February 14, 2008. This book would make a fabulous Valentine’s gift, so hurry and personalize yours today!
If you’re a Mama with “Great Expectations” the most recent giveaway, on A Mom In Red High Heels blog is sure to make you smile. One lucky winner is going to win an Expecting Mama Prize worth over $300.
I HEART this adorable custom crochet set from
Jaybird Designs. This sweet custom will look so precious in pink and red on your little lovebug! Available in infant – child sizes (note: infant size mitts have no thumbs).
After having your first little one you realize it really is all about baby, and what can you give that little one who’s (lovingly) taken over your life? All About Baby, a fabulous boutique specializing in personalized baby gifts, has just the thing. From baby blankets and bibs to hand-painted plates and growth charts, All About Baby makes it personal.
I received one of All About Baby’s beautiful hand-painted canvas frames. I was able to choose from five color schemes (I chose the pink dots with lime green lettering and striped bow) and then personalize it with a short phrase or name. The frame is to die for, and even though it does make the perfect baby gift I’m thinking it will make a great gift for my pre-teen daughters, too. Everyone who sees the new frame in our baby’s room ooh’s and aah’s over it, and I of course tell them where they can get their very own!
The frames aren’t the only thing you’ll love from All About Baby. I love their hand-painted plates (especially the Cookies for Santa), wooden table clocks, and robes for baby. Everything on their site makes the perfect gift, so good luck trying to choose just one! –Emily
* Promotion! All About Baby is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their order. Simply enter code AABD at checkout; offer expires June 30, 2008.
I’ve got a sweet way to wrap up our “let’s go green” week here on Boutique Cafe. If you’re an old timer to the Daily Dish then you know by now I have a weakness for chocolate. (I hear it’s a common problem…) I’ve featured Endangered Species chocolate many times on the Daily Dish. I absolutely love their dark chocolate and their belief that “all life is precious and deserving of our respect, kindness and care.” Thanks to our “let’s go green” week I’ve stumbled upon another delectable way to satisfy my sweet tooth while supporting a company that is “human, globally responsible, irreverent and built for a new generation.”
sweetriot is many things–dark, delicious, and down-to-earth to name a few–but just what is the definition of a sweetriot? The company’s site tells us “a sweetriot is a joyful celebration of culture, diversity, and understanding — it is the opposite of a civil riot, which is dangerous, violent, and oppressing.” The company’s mission is “to create a more just and celebrated multicultural world for our next generation.” Loving sweetriot? I thought so, but I should warn you, if you love dark chocolate you’re sure to become addicted.
The company allows you to celebrate the cacao bean for its purity and intensity of flavor by covering small “peaces” of the cacao bean in yummy dark chocolate. Trying sweetriot’s “Peaces”was my first experience eating pieces of the cacao bean rather than a processed chocolate bar, and let me tell you, I’ll never look at a candy bar the same way again. sweetriot’s Peaces are gmo-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and antioxidant-packed. Can you say that about your Twix bar? And you’ve got three ways to get those antioxidants: flavor 50 (100% cacao pieces covered in 50% dark chocolate–great for milk chocolate fans); flavor 65 (100% cacao pieces covered in 65% dark chocolate–great for chocoholics); flavor 70 (100% cacao pieces covered in 70% dark chocolate with a hint of espresso).
Besides supporting your chocolate habit and your New Year’s resolution to get in shape (Peaces are only 140 calories per tin and packed with antioxidants), sweetriot supports all natural ingredients, fair trade practices, and various organizations from Gen Art to The Reciprocity Foundation. Become a sweetrioter and help celebrate culture, diversity, understanding, and of course, the cacao bean. –Emily
I’m not a big fan of reruns unless they’re from a classic show like Little House on the Prairie or of something hysterically funny like Seinfeld. When it comes to diaper bags the only Re-Runs you should be watching–or wearing–are Fleurville’s new Re-Run Messenger and Re-Run MicroPod. Who knew your diaper bag could help save the environment?
Fleurville is known for its stylish yet functional diaper bags, and as unbelievable as it may seem, they’ve even topped their own bags with their new Re-Run line. The Re-Run Messenger bag is actually the popular MotherShip slightly shrunken in size and made out of Fleurville’s recycled plastic bottle fabric. How their Re-Run fabric is made is an interesting read in itself (for the life cycle, click here). Just know that 86% of the 50 billion plastic bottles the US consumes each year end up in landfill and these same plastic bottles take 1000 years to breakdown. Makes you re-think buying a case at Costco, doesn’t it?
Fleurville’s Re-Run Messenger bag keeps 10 (600-ml) plastic water bottles out of landfill. Though this “green” bag (okay, it oesn’t actually come in green but it does come in four fab colors) is smaller in size you’ve still got the adjustable shoulder strap, 2 external pockets, 3 interior pockets, a key clip, see-thru wipe case, and even an earbud pass-thru badge and fleece-lined iPod/sunglasses pocket. All that in a Messenger bag made from recycled plastic! But what does it look and feel like up close? Well…just like any other well-made, high-quality Fleurville bag. I know because I am now lucky enough to go green with a red Re-Run Messenger bag, and that beautiful silk-screened botanical print only enhances the inner beauty of this bag.
Let’s not forget the Re-Run MicroPod, which keeps 3 (600-ml) plastic water bottles out of landfill. I had to get up close and personal with to make sure it lived up to its claims: zip-out mesh sippy cup pocket (sippy cups and baby bottles okay; plastic water bottles not okay), removable/adjustable shoulder strap, fleece lined iPod/sunglasses pocket, earbud pass-thru badge, changing cloth, and wipes case. I truly couldn’t believe it, but this little made-from-recycled-plastic pod had all that hidden in its sleek lines and perfect-for-the-light-traveler size. You can even wear the MicroPod in four ways: messenger, over the shoulder, around the waist, or hung from a stroller.
I absolutely love Fleurville’s Re-Run line, but their Re-Run fabric isn’t the only “green” thing about this company. Fleurville is a certified “San Francisco Bay Area Green Business” (i.e. it uses “green” business practices), and its products are PVC-free. Instead of PVC, Fleurville uses its own environmentally friendly polyurethane laminate, Green-LAM, which has superior attributes like moisture–repellency, UV-resistance, and overall durability. “By purchasing products with [the] Re-Run logo, you are reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable form of manufacturing.” Sounds pretty darn good to me. –Emily
* Giveaway!!! Fleurville is giving away one Re-Run Messenger and one Re-Run MicroPod! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: Jan. 24, 2007 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.
** Congratulations to Donna Fenton and Joanna Dreifus, the winners of the Fleurville giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Amy Butler has wowed us again! Her new line appropriately named, Midwest Modern hits stores April, 2008.
Of the new fabric line Amy says:
“My collection is inspired by the vintage modern spirit of my lifestyle book Midwest Modern which just released this fall. With luscious palettes called Ohio Sky and Pink and Orange Dahlias, the colors for this group comes from beautiful summer days in my Ohio garden. The mix of organic prints are perfect for fashion, quilting and home dec projects, everything you need to help your customers create their own Midwest Modern style!”
Visit Amy Butler Design to view the entire collection. Congratulations Amy, we’re in love with your new line!
**listen to our exclusive past podcasts featuring Amy Butler Part One and Part Two.
Tired of Baby Mozart, Baby Beethoven, and the other Baby composers? Don’t get me wrong, we have quite the collection of Baby Einstein videos and I do love them, but here’s a refreshing DVD that will entertain your little one while teaching her about the beautiful and very green world around her. Green Baby features babies in natural settings, interacting with animals and other fun animations. The music is original and soothing and throughout the video toddlers speak words of wisdom like “Trees provide us with oxygen” and “Please protect the ocean.”
When my two-year-old watched the DVD I found him smiling in response to seeing the variety of engaging faces and animals, and even my five-month-old loved the animation. I loved that they were learning a little bit more about our beautiful planet rather than being hypnotized by a hand puppet or metronome. (Hypnosis does have it’s place, like when Mom’s trying to get dinner on the table, but I try to use it sparingly…) As Green Baby says, its Green Baby DVD is a “healthy alternative to Baby Einstein, as it encourages gratitude and appreciation for Mother Earth.” I have to agree!
After you’re done watching your new Green Baby DVD you’ll want to take a stroll to enjoy that nature your little one just learned about. And what better way to ride than in a stroller from Baby Planet’s Endangered Species line! Baby Planet partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to develop a line of premium strollers that focus attention on the plight of Endangered Species around the globe. Each stroller actually focuses on a different animal. My favorites? The Monarch Butterfly and Snow Leopard. The strollers are made with the same quality and durability as all Baby Planet strollers, and I know firsthand how truly durable they are. (Read my review of Baby Planet’s Unity Double Stroller.)
But just as cool, or maybe even cooler, than their Endangered Species line is Baby Planet’s recycling program. The company is concerned–as we all should be–with the overcrowding of landfills by discarded consumer products and to help reverse this trend, the company will help you recycle your stroller to keep it out of a landfill. If your stroller still has life in it Baby Planet will help you donate your stroller to a family in need. In fact, they will take any brand of stroller. How cool is that! Love your planet by choosing (and recycling) a Baby Planet stroller. It’s just another way you can help you and your baby go green. –Emily
* Giveaway! Green Baby is giving away its Green Baby DVD to three lucky Daily Dish readers. Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.
** Congratulations to Brandie Langer, Mary Salvato, and Tara Robertson, the winners of the Green Baby DVD! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
One of our favorite past Boutique Cafe guests has recently launched a new blog, to help busy momma’s feed their families. Nikki (Ragazza Bella Couture) has started Gourment Momma for all of us struggling to find easy, heathly meals for our families. Nikki knows what she is talking about:
“I was formally trained at the Texas Culinary Academy, a division of Le Cordon Bleu Paris. I hold a degree in savory culinary arts, but I also love to bake and can make some mean desserts!”
Easter is just a HOP, SKIP and a JUMP away. Your little bunny will look precious in this chenille and appliqué jacket from Cherry*Tea. Custom size 6 months – 6 years.
We’re lovin’ the floppy ears and carrot appliqué. It’s Easter-rrific!
…happy mommy, and happy child! Just because a toy is environmentally friendly or fair traded doesn’t mean it’s boring or unimaginative. Planet Happy Toys‘ mission is to “promote imaginative and intelligent play while setting a higher standard for children’s products.” With a mission like that, Planet Happy is a perfect fit for our “let’s go green” week here on the Daily Dish.
All of Planet Happy’s toys fall into at least one of six categories: all natural, organic, fairly traded, green (environmental awareness), responsible (labor), and multi-use. Who knew there were so many “green” categories? Plus, Planet Happy has partnered with Trees for the Future and 1% for the Planet to bring you their “Tree Project”. For every purchase made the company donates funds to plant trees; for every planted a tree, up to one ton of carbon is offset. So far they’ve helped plant over 5500 trees and counting!
Planet Happy sent me their Organic Snuggling Bunny from Kathe Kruse. This sweet, ultra-soft (yes, organic can still mean ultra soft) grasping toy or teether is chemical free and environmentally friendly from seed to finished product. Can you say that about the other toys your infant is using to soothe her gums? I couldn’t until now. With natural dyes I don’t need to worry about chemicals finding their way into my little one’s mouth. This truly sweet little bunny is a truly sweet toy for any newborn.
Planet Happy Toys’ site has “green” products for kids of any age. From books and doll houses to musical instruments and puppets you’ll find a hundred wonderful ways to support your child’s imagination and support a worthy cause. At Planet Happy, parents, children, and the earth can smile together! Make you, your child, and the planet happy. It’s easy enough to do! –Emily
This week is the last of our theme weeks dealing with New Year’s resolutions, and we’ve saved the most worthy one for last. Today kicks off our “let’s go green” (aka “let’s promote peace”) week. We all talk about being more environmentally friendly or supporting fair trade or human rights issues, so let’s stop talking and take some action.
If you want to go green in style then PeaceKeeper Cause-metics is the way to go. PeaceKeeper is the first beauty company in history to donate ALL of is profits, after taxes, to women’s health and human rights advocacy issues. The company does not test on animals and uses no harmful chemicals (FD&C or Lake coloring, toluene, formaldehyde, acetone, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryth, mineral oil, etc.). PeaceKeeper uses natural minerals to color their products. But being “green” doesn’t make for a suboptimal product. Their Lip Paints have been nominated as finalists for the Best Lip Product of the year alongside companies such as Lancome, Prada, Estee Lauder, and Shiseido. I was able to test PeaceKeeper’s Nail Paint (ranked “the cleanest paint-based nail paint” by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) in Paint Me Stunning. Though it took a good 3 coats to achieve the desired effect, the final result was not only beautiful, shimmery pink toenails but the feeling I had done something good simply by giving myself a pedicure.
I’m a lip gloss junkie so I’m already planning to purchase PeaceKeeper’s Lip Gloss. I’ll have to purchase at least two, one each of their UNIFEM Lip Gloss (proceeds from this celebrity-endorsed lip gloss go towards the United Nations Development Fund for Women) and their V-Day Lip Gloss (proceeds from this gloss go towards the V-Day campaign to end violence against women). As PeaceKeeper says, “If we don’t use our discretionary buying power to help heal the world, who will?”
Once you’ve empowered yourself (and other women) with PeaceKeeper Cause-metics you’ll want a great accessory to go with that empowered smile, and Ten Thousand Villages has just the thing. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world’s oldest and largest fair trade organizations and works with over 100
artisan groups in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring the rest of the world fair trade jewelry, home decor, and gifts.
Ten Thousand Villages sent me their amazing Fringed Silk Scarf, a 100% handwoven silk scarf with a hand-embroidered design. The colors were shimmery and luscious, and I couldn’t believe the scarf actually retailed for $34! The scarf was handmade in Laos by the Phontong Handicrafts Cooperative. (The cooperative weavers are also known for their basket weaving skills.) The traditional Laotian art of weaving was recently a dying art revived by the Phontong cooperative’s craftswomen. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased handicrafts from the Phontong group since 1989. This is just one example of the many amazingly beautiful handcrafted items brought to us, via fair trade of course, by Ten Thousand Villages. I had the chance to go into a Ten Thousand Villages store while in Orlando a year or so ago. I came out with a fabulous Heart-Shaped Bead Choker, but if I’d had room in my suitcase I’d have brought home a few pillows, journals, and sculptures.
As silly as it sounds, every item from Ten Thousand Villages seems to have a special spirit about it. Perhaps it’s because fair trade went into bringing it here, or perhaps it’s because every item has a story; whatever the reason I feel good every time I wear that necklace. Ten Thousand Villages has something for everyone on your gift-giving list. Be part of a “worldwide movement striving to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade” all while staying within budget. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! –Emily
I’ve got a fabulous product to review on our last day of “let’s get in shape” week, and if you buy it in Midnight Navy it will even color coordinate with your ToughGirl skirt! The new 2008 Sport Series ATX All Terrain jogging stroller from Tike Tech will not only look good with your new workout gear but make you look good in your new workout gear.
I was able to check out the new ATX Single in Nordic Red. Though it hasn’t hit the pavement yet (yes, I’m just a big wimp when it comes to 20-degree weather and ice on the road), it has made a few laps around the house. The first thing I noticed–and loved–was how much lighter this aluminum stroller felt compared to past ones I’ve reviewed. It’s probably just a pound or two difference, but when you’re talking strollers (or even my personal weight) every pound matters. But the relatively lightweight frame didn’t mean this baby was short on durability and cool features, the first cool feature being how little assembly it required. The instruction booklet was only a couple pages and even I had no problem putting the stroller together. (The only problem came when my two-year-old wanted to help…)
After quickly popping on the three wheels and engaging the breaks the ATX was ready to “glide effortlessly over all types of terrain,” even if the terrain included carpet and tile. The 16-inch wheels allowed the ATX to ride smoothly over the occasional slipper, toy, and cordless telephone. The basket was a generous size (very important) as was the canopy, which even comes with side storage pockets. How cool is that! The adjustable, contoured padded seat reclines and is suitable from 6 weeks on (just in time for post-pregnancy workouts) and has seat bottom support (we could all use that) and back of seat support. You’ve got a zipper pocket on seat back with an additional mesh pocket, and the rear seat cover is removable and stain resistant. Impressed? I thought so! Read the rest of this entry »
Good morning. I simply have to share this photographers website called Fresh Sugar Photography
Located in Calgary, Alberta (yes that’s in Canada). I haven’t personally had the pleasure of working with her on photos for my children, however when I came across her pictures I fell in love with her style (especially with infants).
Actually that should read “Griddle the fat away” if you’re talking about Cuisinart’s new Griddler GR-4. This awesome appliance is a perfect fit for “let’s get in shape” week and your kitchen, and here’s why.
Cuisinart’s Griddler is a true multitasker. With its easily interchangeable nonstick plates you can cook everything from panini to pancakes or grill anything from chicken to steak. How does this help with your New Year’s resolution to get in shape? The cooking plates drain grease and fat away, and the drip cups (included) collect those dripping so they don’t collect on your hips! Plus, grilling lean cuts of meat like chicken breasts is a lot healthier than that bucket of KFC you picked up on the way home.
We’ve already used the Griddler for its first and foremost “occupation,” that of panini press. Using homemade focaccia bread and layers of tomato, mozzarella, and chopped basil, we have eaten panini good enough to rival the local Italian deli. The unique hinged design not only makes it easy to convert the machine from panini press to extra-large griddle or indoor grill, but this same hinged floating cover also adjusts to the thickness of your food so your panini come out perfectly pressed. Read the rest of this entry »
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I probably own a few too many mixing bowls considering I seem to use the same two or three over and over again, but the latest addition to my collection out-mixes the rest. The Flex-It mixing bowl from iSi is my new best friend, and here’s why.
First, the Flex-It bowl is made from silicone, and if you’re familiar with silicone bakeware this means it is flexible, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and heat resistant (this bowl’s resistant up to 490°F). Being flexible this bowl is ideal for pouring ingredients into a narrow space such as a stand mixer or food processor. The bottom has a nice rigid base which keeps it stable while mixing, and the smooth inside makes it super easy to scrape out every last drop of brownie batter. (Yes, I’m one of those who has to have every last drop of batter out of the bowl and in the pan.) The Flex-It bowl has a bit of texture on the outside so it’s easy to grasp and easy to turn as your mixing.
I received a set of all three sizes (1-, 1½-, and 2-quart sizes) in white, and I have used them all! Tonight I whipped up some waffle batter (we love breakfast for dinner) and found I had less mess going from bowl to waffle iron. I also love that I was able to scrape every last bit of batter from the sides. I haven’t yet tried these in the oven but I bet they’d make for a great way to keep a bowl of veggies warm or other side dish. iSi even offers a set of prep bowls with lids–I may have to make a purchase! If you’re looking to mix it up without messing it up, then iSi’s Flex-It bowls are for you. –Emily
Weency Boutique is offering this sweet Tropical Fishy themed set. Available in sample size 3,4,5 (see auction for full measurements).
Sweet news from our friend Amy Butler today:
Welcome to Spring on Boutique Cafe – our New Spring Savings Guide is now reserving spaces to promote your stores, boutiques and websites with exclusive promotions for our Boutique Cafe listeners. The Spring guide will go live February 2nd – June 1st.
Isn’t she lovely in this sweet smocked creation from Delaneys*Garden?!
In this week’s show Daria dishes about some exceptional Boutique Launches (including: 
Somebunny loves You!
News of Heath Ledger’s death came as such a shock yesterday. The 28 year old actor was found dead in a Manhattan SoHo apartment, with prescription pills nearby, an apparent accidental death. An autopsy is expected to occur today. 
Today I’m dishing about a product line that gives us back our sanity, and works efficiently to help us get organized. It’s all about 
Just look at these adorable Cherry on Top shoes in a custom size from Sweet Toes Boutique! Available in most sizes from 5.5 to 11.5. White canvas t-straps with pink trim and velcro closures are decorated with handpainted cherries, dots and ribbon bows! The cherries are in the sweetest shades of pink, red and yellow with pretty green stems and leaves.
If you’re a Mama with “Great Expectations” the most recent giveaway, on A Mom In Red High Heels blog is sure to make you smile. One lucky winner is going to win an Expecting Mama Prize worth over $300.
I HEART this adorable custom crochet set from 
I’ve got a sweet way to wrap up our “let’s go green” week here on Boutique Cafe. If you’re an old timer to the Daily Dish then you know by now I have a weakness for chocolate. (I hear it’s a common problem…) I’ve featured 
Easter is just a HOP, SKIP and a JUMP away. Your little bunny will look precious in this chenille and appliqué jacket from Cherry*Tea. Custom size 6 months – 6 years.
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I’ve got a fabulous product to review on our last day of “let’s get in shape” week, and if you buy it in Midnight Navy it will even color coordinate with your 
