Archive for February, 2008

Ramalama–style from Down Under

February 28th, 2008

RamalamaOkay, I’ve totally got a thing for diaper bags (news to our Daily Dish readers, I know). I’m tempted by stylish diaper bags about as often as a great pair of shoes, so when I find one our readers may not know about I can’t wait to share, especially if they’re made of super soft, luxurious leather.

RamalamaRamalama, a company based in Australia, offers “nappy” bags that are so sleek, so stylish you wouldn’t even know these chic bags were designed to carry diapers, wipes, sippy cups, and the occasional escaped goldfish cracker. This is the type of bag you can use even when your little one is all grown up, and I can’t say that about too many diaper bags. All Ramalama diaper bags come with a machine-washable changing pad and several internal pockets, including a zippered pocket for your valuables, and a key clip. My favorite style is the Hannah (in chocolate of course…) but Ava and Drew are popular as well. If you like a slouch style bag, then you’ll love the Drew (and it’s extra yummy in caramel)! Plus Hannah’s and Ava’s external pockets are perfect for sippy cups, bottles and items you need to get to quickly before the tantrum starts! Read the rest of this entry »

WIN - One of 5 Mom Bracelets from Rosa Dolce Designs!

February 28th, 2008

In the third of our spectacular Boutique Cafe Spring Giveaways, Priscilla the designer for Rosa Dolce Designs is offering our readers a beautiful “My Little Angels” bracelet (customized with either “Grandma” or “Mom” as the saying). 5 Winners will be drawn!!

All you need to do to snag this sweet prize is visit Rosa Dolce Designs on Etsy, then come back and leave a comment about what you love here! Please ensure we have your current email information so that we can contact you with your prize. We’ll draw the winner on March 6th.

ELK Kids, soft-soled style

February 27th, 2008

ELK KidsIf you’re looking for some very cute, very stylish options in soft sole shoes for your little one then look no further than ELK Kids. Named after Elk Lake in Michigan, ELK Kids offers some truly unique designs “…inspired by the nature in the surrounding areas.”

ELK KidsWith sizes from newborn to 4 years, ELK Kids has styles for every taste and every fancy. They even have unisex styles–perfect for those of us with children of both sexes because they’re one of the few hand-me-downs that work on everyone! Of cours if you’ve got a little girl you’re going to want a very girly shoe like the Fusion Wine or the T-strap Ladybug, and if you’re looking for macho then check out the Baby Dino or my favorite, the Guitar. One of my favorite styles is their ELK boot. I love the fur trim and sleek style. Wish I’d seen these before the spring thaw!

ELK KidsOne really cool feature of ELK’s soft sole shoes is the adjustable elastic. If it’s too tight they have an extra loop of elastic in the ankle band so you can loosen it up a bit. I can’t say that about the “other” soft sole shoes! And the company has recently changed the fit; the new fit covers those cute chubby feet even better (hides the elastic that can sometime show).

ELK KidsThe best news? ELK Kids now has flex sole outdoor shoes! Though their styles are currently sold out they are made to order so you can still get your Ella or Curtis flex sole shoes. You just have to be a little patient (not one of my strengths but I could probably be patient for these). You can never have enough great fitting shoes and spring is the perfect time to freshen up your little one’s collection with a pair from ELK Kids. –Emily

* Promotion! ELK Kids is offering Daily Dish readers free shipping on all orders plus 15% off orders over $50. Simply enter code “dd15″ at checkout.

Parisian Kitty

February 27th, 2008

fancypantscustoms My FINDS this week have suffered since I have sick kids with lung infections. Thankfully I was able to discover an adorable set to share today, it certainly brightened my mood!

ADORABLE is the best word to describe this Parisian Kitty custom set from *Blowin*Bubbles*Boutique. Custom size 1-6 with kitty face appliqué, paris twirl dress with paris BEBE fabric, and detailed appliqué jeans.

splurge a little and make it yours! >>

Baby your baby naturally with Nature’s Baby Organics

February 25th, 2008

That title should actually read “Baby your baby and you…” Though the mom behind Nature’s Baby Organics originally created the line for her two daughters, both sensitive to chemicals and dyes, Nature’s Baby Organics is just as luxurious for adults. I know because I used their Organic Face & Body Moisturizer almost as often as my little ones!

Nature's Baby OrganicsI received samples of Nature’s Baby Organics a few weeks ago and the box couldn’t have arrived at a better time. My 6-month-old was fighting a more mild case of RSV (but still just as scary) and I was able to test out the Ah-Choo! Chest Rub. Specially formulated to assure safety for infants Ah-Choo! Chest Rub (95% organic) helps loosen chest and sinus congestion. Because she was less than 6 months at the time we actually rubbed this soothing salve on the bottom of her feet rather than her chest area. I don’t know how much of the soothing came from the foot massage but whatever the reason this product did help calm her labored breathing and loosen some of the crap hanging out in her chest. We’re big Vick’s Baby Rub fans but if I can get the power of Vick’s in an organic product, I’m sold!

Nature's Baby OrganicsI haven’t had a chance to test every product in the line but we are big fans of the Organic Face & Body Moisturizer with aloe vera, olive oil, calendula extract, and shea butter (no greasy feel; super light so it spreads easily) . After bath time it’s a little for baby and a little for Mom! And we’ve also had the “opportunity” to use the Organic Diaper Cream, which not only has sunflower and castor seed oil but also zinc oxide (a great moisture barrier and irritation reducer) and Vitamins A & E (great at treating existing rashes and promoting healing). Though we haven’t used it yet I love the smell (and the idea) of their vanilla tangerine PU All Purpose Deodorizer. With natural enzymes that eat away the bacteria that causes odor and a natural fragrance made with 100% essential oils this is an environmentally friendly way to keep your environment a pleasant smelling place. Read the rest of this entry »

WIN - Two pairs of Clippies and Free Shipping from Shy Girl Designs!

February 25th, 2008

In the Second of our spectacular Boutique Cafe Spring Giveaways, Shy Girl Designs is offering on or our readers their choice of Two pairs of Clippies (with Free Priority Shipping). Winner will chose from their Valentine, Monogram or, Everyday collections.

All you need to do to snag this sweet prize is visit Shy Girl Designs website, then come back and leave a comment about what you love here! Please ensure we have your current email information so that we can contact you with your prize. We’ll draw the winner on March 4th.

Round Pond is gourmet olive oil at its finest

February 24th, 2008

Round PondI first learned about Round Pond in a holiday issue of Real Simple magazine. I was reading a feature highlighting perfect hostess gifts and Round Pond caught my eye. I’d like to say it was because of the artisan gourmet olive oils and vinegars but what I actually fell in love with first were Round Pond’s uniquely shaped miniature bottles used in their gift sets. It was only later, when I was able to try Round Pond’s olive oil in my kitchen that I fell in love with the gift inside the bottle.

Round PondWe have a lot of readers who know a lot more about olive oils and vinegars than I ever will, but even though I’m no connoisseur I do know a good thing when I see–and taste–one. To give you a little “taste” of Round Pond’s gourmet olive oils (Italian Varietal; Spanish Varietal; Blood Orange; Meyer Lemon) and vinegars (Cabernet & Merlot; Sangiovese & Nebbiolo), here’s a little background on this family-owned business:

At Round Pond, we believe that excellence is achieved through a seamless blend of Old World traditions and state-of-the-art innovation. We walk the vineyards and orchards daily and carefully tend to our grape vines and olive trees. All of our fruit is organically or sustainably farmed and hand-harvested. … We perform all of our blending and bottling by hand in order to ensure the highest levels of quality.

Round Pond is a welcome change from the world of mass production and Costco-size vats of olive oil.

Round PondI couldn’t wait to try Round Pond’s Italian Varietal olive oil and Cabernet & Merlot red wine vinegar. Though I have yet to try the red wine vinegar (the recipe I had for that disappeared from my kitchen) I did give the olive oil a thorough “test” with last night’s dinner and salad. I may not know much about olive oils but I do know Round Pond smelled better, looked better, cooked better, and tasted better than any other olive oil I’ve used in the past. (I may not be a gourmet chef but I have experimented with different brands, from gourmet shops to local grocery store.) Read the rest of this entry »

Xeko wants you to “be a force of nature”

February 21st, 2008

Xeko“Based on the Legend of Xeko and conservation hotspots, Xeko ignites imaginations and sends the next generation of heroes on an adventure to save the world.” That next generation of heroes is your child’s generation, and Xeko has created a way to get every child excited about saving the world. The winning combination? A trading card game and animals.

XekoBecause my oldest two are girls we haven’t seen much in the way of trading cards, but once we opened our first Xeko game, Mission: Madagascar, they were hooked! This game, along with Mission: Costa Rica and Mission: Indonesia, was inspired by the work of Conservation International, an organization whose mission is “to preserve the diversity of life on Earth and demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.” So instead of defending whatever it is you defend in Pokemon my girls were defending habitats and the animals who live there. We had to carefully read the directions to make sure we understood the ins and outs of play and then the battle was on! Read the rest of this entry »

Fashion Forward Challenge - Have YOU Got The Blues?

February 21st, 2008

Fashion Forward Friday Last week’s Bag Challenge was such a hit, it’s time to shift gears a bit and sing the Blues! Denim that is! For our Challenge this week we want to ask “Have YOU Got The Blues?”. We want everyone to blog about your fave pair of jeans this week, it can be jeans you already own or even a scoop on some hot denim duds that you have your eye on. So what’s your personal fancy? Skinny, Flair, boot cut? Low rise? (how low are we talking?) Share it all on your blogs and remember to come back and share your url so we can enjoy and even shop! Fashion Forward Friday

*To participate please post your “Dream Jeans” on your own personal blog, with picture and link back to this Challenge url. Once you blog your reply to the Challenge, come back to Boutique Cafe and list your blog link our comments so we can all come to view your post! It’s a fun way to get traffic to your personal blogs + we all get to know each other a little bit better.

ImagiPLAY’s toys are au natural

February 20th, 2008

ImagiPLAYNo, these toys aren’t naked per se but they are free of products and processes harmful to the environment and your child. “Producing toys using only materials and processes that show respect for the planet and all the people and creatures upon it has remained ImagiPLAY’s promise and challenge.” But eco-friendly doesn’t mean uninspiring. ImagiPLAY’s toys are quite the opposite in fact.

ImagiPLAYI received ImagiPLAY’s A Day on the Farm wooden playset and both the Penguin and Chick and Giraffe Family puzzles. My children didn’t waste any time getting good use–and a lot of fun–out of these toys, and I didn’t have to worry about lead-based paint or how safe these toys were for my kids. My two-year-old loved the farm set as did my seven-year-old. I loved how they could set it up without much help from Mom and then used their never-ending imagination to move those animals in and out of the barn and all around. The Penguin and Chick puzzle was great for little hands though it did require a flat surface to stay balanced. All ImagiPLAY’s toys have bright colors and simple features which make them perfect for kids of all ages.

ImagiPLAYImagiPLAY has a great story behind the toys and it’s definitely worth a read. With spring around the corner baby showers will soon be in full bloom. If you want to give something that’s both good for the imagination and the environment then ImagiPLAY’s baby rattle would make the perfect gift! –Emily

Boutique Cafe TV - features Sophie

February 19th, 2008

My Angel Sophie Tonight I have this special little treat for you. We announced a few weeks ago that BC would be launching Boutique Cafe TV, complete with video submissions from you - our community. In the first of our listener video submissions, I’m honored to showcase a familiar face… 7 year old Sophie (myangelsophie). This video is from a dance competition she was involved in. Sophie has modeled for eBay sellers for many years, and was the face of clothing company Greggy Girl. She and her Mommy Lark were our first ever guest interviews on Boutique Cafe, so it’s only fitting that we now share what Sophie is up to these days - DANCIN’. We’re proud of you girl! (To view our vidcast please press our “Watch The Show” button below)

*We invite you to tape a quick segment for inclusion in our shows and email it to me at daria@boutiquecafe.com (inclusion in our shows isn’t guaranteed and will be based on the discretion of BC staff). Perhaps you’re a great seamstress and would like to share a quick tip, or maybe you’re a mom with a great idea to get your kids to sleep at night. We’re thrilled to include YOU this year in Boutique Cafe’s videopodcasts, and feel that this will bond our community further as we get to know each other even better!

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What Can Be Found In the Blackout? pt.2

February 19th, 2008

fancypantscustoms The Etsy Boutique Designers group have launched “Blackout” this week, and there are hundreds of amazing finds to be found! Here’s another small sampling of the goodies, we’ll be sharing many throughout the week - search the entire launch by visiting etsy.com and searching “Blackout”.

For the boys, your little guy is sure to delight in this adorable Jack and The BeanStalk applique’d hoodie. I’m in love with this item but I couldn’t resist sharing, be sure to check out the back! Available in custom size 2-6 Make it yours here >>

My Little Chickadees Then, My Little Chickadees has her awesome tile necklaces up in her Etsy shop. Made from a wooden Scrabble tile and you can pick your child’s initial. Too cute!! Grab yours for $9.99 >

the Vintage Pearl For all the Mom’s…The Vintage Pearl has some striking jewelry including this Love Circle in sterling. Hand stamped and lovely. Snag it here >

Sweet Tea ShoppeAnd finally, don’t miss out on the Retro Rodeo set for little girls from seller Sweet Tea Shoppe. Available in 12-18month size - Yee Haw! Buy it in her Esty Shop>

What Can Be Found In the Blackout?

February 19th, 2008

Abbylane The Etsy Boutique Designers group have launched “Blackout” this week, and there are hundreds of amazing finds to be found! Here’s a small sampling of the goodies, we’ll be sharing many throughout the week - search the entire launch by visiting etsy.com and searching “Blackout”.

First up is this Monster tee from Abby Lane - custom sized in 12 months - 6. Sure to be a favorite for your little guy! Click here and snag it >

Spirited Style Then Spirited Style has listed this adorable Cherry Bomb happy hobo bag. It’s berry-liscious and full of fun! Make it yours >

MiaBambinaCo And this gorgeous custom set from MiaBambinaCo comes in a custom size 2T up to 7Y. This set includes a beautiful short sleeve dress, with a cute apron which is attached to the dress with a tie on the back strap to adjust, and the cute Solana pants! View it here>>

Aloha from Putumayo Kids!

February 18th, 2008

Putumayo KidsLast year I was able to review Putumayo Kids’ Brazilian Playground CD and Celtic Dreamland CD, both of which have been huge hits in our home. Brazilian Playground had us up and dancing our own Brazilian dances while Celtic Dreamland helped sooth my savage beasts (aka my overtired children). Now we’ve added a little island flavor with Putumayo Kids’ latest CD, Hawaiian Playground.

Putumayo KidsIf you’ve got cabin fever (who doesn’t once President’s Day is over and you’ve still got snow on the ground?) then Hawaiian Playground is the medicine you need. This CD is full of hip-swaying, sunshiny music that will chase away the winter blues faster than you can say “Holoholo Ka’a” (a song by Willie K sure to have you kicking up your flip flops). The CD is a colorful blend of ukuleles, steel guitars and beautiful vocals and mixes Hawaiian artists such as Robi Kahakalau and Raiatea with mainland ones such as The Moonlighters and Joe McDermott. The result is a CD both adults and children can sing, swing, and sway to.

Now is the perfect time to freshen up your children’s CD collection, and Hawaiian Playground’s about as fresh as they come. And if tropical breezes and sand between the toes doesn’t get you to buy this CD, then perhaps knowing a portion of the sale goes to a worthy cause will. Proceeds from the sale of this CD are donated to PACT (Parents And Children Together) Hawaii in support of its efforts to promote and support healthy individuals, families and communities. Pick up Putumayo Kids’ Hawaiian Playground and get your aloha on! –Emily

Baby Light & Clip takes the guesswork out of trimming

February 17th, 2008

Baby Light & ClipI have a confession to make: I have accidentally pinched my little one’s fingertips while trying to trim her nails, and I’ve done it more than once. With such little fingernails and such little clippers it’s easy to see how this could’ve happened. Sure, I could try to trim while my baby’s sleeping, but sleep is such a precious thing there’s no way I’m going to chance waking her up. Thankfully I’m not the only one who approaches nail trimming with some apprehension, because that apprehension is what led one mom to invent the Baby Light & Clip, a tool that takes the guesswork out of nail trimming!

Baby Light & ClipBaby Light & Clip is a lighted nail clipper that helps show just where to clip baby’s nails. The light illuminates the underside of the nail so you can safely see where to trim. (This is a great feature for those brave enough to attempt trimming while baby’s sleeping.) But this isn’t Baby Light & Clip’s only cool feature. It also has safety guards to keep you from nicking baby’s skin, or in my case pinching those little fingertips. The handle is not only comfortable but helps you maneuver the clipper a lot more easily than that tiny one you’re currently using. Plus it has a nail clipping tray that helps prevent those tiny clippings from landing in your little one’s bedding or changing pad (where we do most of our trimming). All these features in one ingenious product and a travel case to boot!

My husband and I both think this mom-invented product is pretty cool, and if my 6-month-old could talk I’m sure she’d tell me how excited she is about Mom using the Baby Light & Clip. (She’s probably so happy about it she’ll actually hold still next time I use it…ha ha.) –Emily

* Promotion! Baby Light & Clip is offering Daily Dish readers free shipping! Your discount will be reflected on the checkout page.

** Giveaway!!! Baby Light & Clip is giving away one of their awesome nail trimmers! Visit the website to read more about the product’s features and then come back and tell us your favorite one. 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 25, 2008. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Mutsy’s itsy bitsy Spider

February 14th, 2008

MutsyThough you won’t find this Spider climbing up any water spouts, you will find it fitting nicely in the trunk of your car (unless you plan to drive the 2008 smart fortwo). The Mutsy Spider is quite possibly the coolest stroller on the market, and I’m not just talking about its sleek lines and modern look. There’s much more to this Spider than meets the eye.

Mutsy SpiderI had seen a little of what the Spider could do from Mutsy’s website, but it wasn’t until my husband and I were folding and unfolding the stroller in my family room that I became truly impressed. This Spider boasts “the most compact fold available,” and I believe it. (See how it folds here.)No other stroller transforms the way this one does while still feeling strong enough and sturdy enough to last. Though it took a few reads of the instruction manual to get the hang of it, once we’d done it once it was a snap!

The Spider quickly became my husband’s favorite, and he’s helped review his share of strollers! His favorite feature? You can apply the brake to both wheels by pressing on either of the wheel locks. Why did this feature get a “That’s rockin’!” from him? This stroller doesn’t have the typical bar between the wheel locks but rather control wires hidden in the tubular frame. Just another sleek, well-thought-out feature of the Mutsy Spider.

Mutsy SpiderThe Spider is ultra lightweight for its class and has a totally cool, totally unique 3-wheel design. The seat, which has side protection, reclines easily and has an adjustable footrest. The Spider is also equipped with an adjustable handle, and I’m not talking your choice of two or three positions. The Spider has a telescoping handle so you have almost unlimited options for comfortable steering–a feature that elicited a “now that’s cool” from dear hubby. And compact doesn’t mean no canopy. I attached the protective hood in a matter of seconds and found it had a generous amount of coverage. As much as I love the Mutsy Spider I was a bit disappointed in the basket. The 3-wheel design is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t leave much room for storage. (Guess I’ll have to cut back on the shopping…yeah, like that will happen!)

Is the Mutsy Spider “revolutionary in design technology?” Yes. Does it have “the most compact fold available?” I’d say it does. Is it my new favorite stroller? Definitely! If you’re looking for your own sleek and stylish Spider you can purchase one at BareBabies. –Emily

Show #85 - Valentine’s Day XOXO

February 14th, 2008

Valentine Show Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Boutique Cafe! In today’s special episode we feature loads of Boutique News, The Gals from Runaway Design podcast.

Boutique News includes:
Marvellous Mouse Designs
Almost Amy
Adagio Bleu Studios new members (123 Mojo and ACherishedChild)
Bon Ami
News on the The Etsy “Blackout” launch >
Brassy Apple

We also have our Valentine Love Notes from YOU our listeners. Have a Lovely day everyone! XOXO
Podsafe music - Collin Raye “All I Can Do Is Love You”.

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WIN a Tutu & a Pair of Baby Legs from Saige Nicoles!!

February 14th, 2008

In the FIRST of our spectacular Boutique Cafe Spring Giveaways, Saige Nicoles is offering a Tutu of the winners choice, as well as a pair of Baby Legs from their beautiful online shop! Saige Nicoles is an irresistible lifestyle boutique that caters to today’s modern moms and their children.

All you need to do to snag this sweet prize is visit Saige Nicoles website, then come back and leave a comment about what you love here! Please ensure we have your current email information so that we can contact you with your prize. We’ll draw the winner on February 21st.

DaBib’s got your baby covered and your crumbs caught

February 13th, 2008

DaBibWhen it comes to bibs you’ve got a lot of choices (a few of which we’ve reviewed here on the Daily Dish). A lot do a pretty good job at coverage but DaBib is the first bib I’ve seen with a design that not only keeps food from falling through the collar and behind the bib but also gives you an optional crumb catcher. Yes, I said optional!

First, how does DaBib keep food from sneakily making its way behind the bib and onto your child’s clothes? DaBib has a patent-pending scrunch collar that fits so snugly yet comfortably around the neck I doubt even the slimiest drool could slip past it. It is also easily adjustable, which means baby won’t outgrow this bib after her Stage 1 food! Yay!

DaBibSecond, what about that “optional” crumb catcher? The crumb catcher is actually hidden behind the bib until you fold it forward. Ingenious! Of course the design has led a few to think DaBib is reversible… Though you’re welcome to reverse the bib, just know you’ll have a bit of a hard time attaching the collar. No need to reverse it when a simple fold-over will do!

I’ve been testing DaBib’s two designs, Hugs and Giggles, and I’m seriously considering tossing my old bibs and stocking up on more of these. Both have a larger size and a generous hourglass shape that means shoulders are covered when baby is looking left and right at everything going on around her. (Tell me this happens at your house too…) And I love the fun fabrics in solids and stripes; all have a waterproof layer and are non-toxic/lead-free. We’ve used the Hugs bib the most because it has an absorbent front and waterproof back, which is ideal for my 6-month-old (who seems to spit out half of every bite) . Their Giggles bib is a waterproof bib that wipes off super easily–super cool! Both bibs are machine washable, and trust me when I say they stand up well to frequent washings!

With its stylish, got-you-covered design, hidden crumb catcher and scrunch collar it’s no wonder DaBib recently won the iParenting Media Award, which rewards the best products in the market. If you ask me, I’d say DaBib is da best! –Emily

* Promotion! DaBib is currently offering free standard shipping on purchases of three DaBibs or more! Just visit their website and start shopping so you can stop the messes! Right now you’ll get 10% off your order through May 15th. Use code “mom2008″ at checkout!

** Giveaway!!! DaBib is giving away one DaBib to three lucky readers (their choice)! To participate in the giveaway, visit DaBib’s website and tell us the DaBib (Hugs or Giggles) and the style you like best. Leave a comment about your fave DaBib with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: February 21, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Easter Patchwork = Adorable!

February 13th, 2008

blondieandco In our BC FINDS today I couldn’t pass up the chance to share this incredible spring fairy set by BlondieAndCo.

Fits a 4T,5T or slender 6 (see auction for full measurements). And don’t miss out on all the pictures!

The details and little extras are evident, and make this patchwork Easter set = Adorable!!

Make it YOURS on eBay - click here >

Boutique Sellers! Are You Joining In?

February 13th, 2008

This video is everywhere right now. If you are a member of the Boutique Community and are joining in the Boycott please say Yes below in comments. We’d love to hear what you think.

Valentine Lovin’ On The Way!

February 12th, 2008


Hello and happy Wednesday! This past week I have had several emails sent in to me, asking if we would be doing another Valentine “Love Note” type of show. Our Valentine’s shows are always very popular and fun. How could I deny you? My sweet listeners!

Here’s how it’s going to work:

-If you would like to leave a brief message for the one you adore, simply call our Boutique Cafe Voicemail line at 815-550-2434 and leave a brief 10-20 second message for your darling. (message must be received by dinner time Wednesday (that’s today) in order to be included)

-This will be a FREE service, I will include your message in my Valentines Day podcast. Be sure to have your sweetheart listen in.

**when recording speak clearly and identify yourself. Have fun and thanks for sharing your loving thoughts on Boutique Cafe this holiday. (once our voicemail box is full we won’t be accepting more messages, so record yours right away!)

The Plush Pad, my favorite diaper changing pad!

February 11th, 2008

Ah Goo BabyMy first Daily Dish review of Ah Goo Baby’s Plush Pad was in August, 2007. I received the Vintage Plush Pad for review and wrote how it was “truly the most scrumptious changing pad out there.” After six months I still feel the same way!

Ah Goo BabyThe Plush Pad turned the hope chest in our bedroom into a second changing table, which we needed while our then newborn slept in our room for the first few months. We didn’t want to wake her older brother, not quite two at the time, to change her diaper at night or during his nap time so we placed the Plush Pad on the hope chest. With its super soft boutique fabric (water resistant and washable) and its high-density memory foam pillow (covered in water-resistant taslin fabric), it still looks brand new even after six months. No, she’s no longer in our room but her big brother is until she gets used to sleeping in a crib–and no longer wakes up at night (ha, ha). The Plush Pad is still as cushy as ever and still just as plush.

Ah Goo BabyAh Goo Baby recently added three new styles to its current line: Lagoon Paradise, Spa, and Vintage in Blue. I’ve seen the Spa up close and the colors are just as yummy as the Pad is Plush! I just might turn my computer desk into changing station number three since it seems all I do these days is change diapers! Another thing I love about Ah Goo Baby’s Plush Pad is how perfect it is for travel. When we headed to St. George over Thanksgiving I threw this in the car and turned the extra long bathroom counter into a temporary changing table. Opened it’s 2 feet x 2 feet square, but rolled up and easily snapped into its cylindrical patented design it’s 3 inches x 10 inches (the perfect size for keeping your kids in line while driving–totally kidding!).

Whether you need a second changing station at home (or even a first) or would like to give one to Grandma for family visits, Ah Goo Baby’s Plush Pad is the way to go. As the site says, it’s “Style meets practical. Baby meets plush.” And it’s simply perfect! –Emily

* Promotion! Ah Goo Baby is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their purchase! Simply enter code “dish330″ at checkout. Offer expires March 30, 2008.

Boutique POP!Kids - Strawberry Jam Launch

February 11th, 2008

POP! jam Get “Jam”-in’ with Boutique POP!Kids and friends. This delicious group launch is bursting with strawberry goodness! So yummy are the designs that you’ll want a second helping. :)


Boutique POP! Strawberry Jam Launch >>

Fashion Forward Challenge - What’s in Your Bag?

February 11th, 2008

Fashion Forward Friday Its time for a NEW Fashion Forward Challenge this week, and we want you all to break out your camera’s and join in the fun. Our theme for the week is “What’s in your Bag?” and it’s as simple as that. Basically we want everyone to dump out their purses and showcase what’s in your bag? It will be fascinating and fun! Let’s see what we all just can’t live without!
Fashion Forward Friday

*To participate please post your “Purse Contents” on your own personal blog, with picture and link back to this Challenge url. Once you blog your reply to the Challenge, come back to Boutique Cafe and list your blog link our comments so we can all come to view your post! It’s a fun way to get traffic to your personal blogs + we all get to know each other a little bit better.

Rockin’ Rocketfish

February 11th, 2008

Rocketfish Here’s a great little gaget for all our momprenuers out there today, it’s a wireless keyboard and mouse from Rocketfish and is available for under $100 at Best Buy. “Why wireless?” you may ask, and my answer would be flexibility and convenience (something us work at home moms really can enjoy).

I tested the Rocketfish wireless keyboard and mouse at home. The first thing that impressed me was that it connected right away to my Mac, without needing ANY software disks to get started. I love that! And for those who use a PC, it’s also PC compatible too.

The next thing I adore was the sleek design and the extra space you will discover on your desktop without all those pesky wires. Why do you need to be attached to the computer? This allows you the option to spread out (in fact it works at a distance of 60′ - NICE). This savvy device comes Bluetooth-enabled, so it’s a cinch to transfer your favorite digital photos and MP3’s between your computer and Bluetooth products.

The Rocketfish combo comes in black, silver or red so you can customize your look for your specific office space. The laser mouse offer 4 way scrolling and ergonomic rubber supports for comfort and quality function. You’ll discover the wonder of wireless as your Rocketfish combo acts as a hub for you, making those file transfers a breeze. Lose the Wires, Keep the Performance, with Rocketfish you can do that and more. Oh and did I mention that it comes with batteries so its raring to go? That’s something the mommy in me really appreciates! - Daria

Get Ready To STRUT Your Stuff!

February 10th, 2008

BC Flickr STRUT Boutique Café invites you to Strut Your Stuff in our NEW Flickr group! Share pictures of your crafty crafts, DIY, boutique creations and handmade wares.

It’s time to break out the pictures and STRUT YOUR STUFF!

Designers, Crafters, Sewing Fanatics, Photographers welcome!

XO
Boutique Cafe.com

Here Fishy Fishy!

February 9th, 2008

Piddies These utterly irresistible goldfish baby shoes by Piddies are available on Etsy right now. They are handmade, and crafted from felt and then hand embroidered. Available in infant sizes, and packaged in a clear box for the ultimate in gift giving.

Make a Splash and give these at your next baby shower >>

Inglesina’s ‘Fast’ and ‘Trip’ make travel a breeze

February 7th, 2008

InglesinaInglesina’s objectives are “comfort, safety and functionality,” the company’s tools are “research, innovation and style’” and the world of Inglesina is “‘built with heart’ that, as always, we offer in tribute to babies.” If you haven’t discovered the world of Inglesina then let me help you by highlighting two products I was able to review from their 2008 collection.

InglesinaInglesina’s Fast chair isn’t just “fast” when it comes to setup, it’s also lightweight, easy to clean, portable, and has a universal design. This last feature is my favorite. We have a pretty cozy kitchen and little room for a high chair, but we do have a counter/bar area that doubles as our dining table. We’ve tried other portable chairs similar to Inglesina’s Fast chair but they don’t work because the arms that go under the counter reach too far. Plus those other chairs just didn’t feel sturdy enough to work as a semi-permanent seat for our little one. I love Inglesina’s universal design. It attaches easily–and firmly–to the counter and has held up to a two-year-old climbing into and out of it and standing in it to reach the forbidden cup of pens next to the phone. The fabric is machine washable )and stands up well to frequent washings) and the chair folds compactly so you can take it with you to Grandma’s house or Granny’s restaurant. If you’re looking for an easy way to have your little one sit at the grownups’ table or you’re suffering from the too-tiny-kitchen syndrome, Inglesina’s Fast chair is the way to go!

InglesinaSpeaking of “going,” if you’re heading out and need a stroller that’s lightweight like an umbrella stroller yet has handles that won’t break your back, a generous canopy and storage basket, then Inglesina’s Trip stroller is for you! At only 14 1/2 pounds this ultra-light stroller acts like an umbrella stroller but is packed with features that ol’ umbrella stroller can only dream about. I had this stroller out of the box and open in just minutes. The first thing I noticed was the height of the handles–no uncomfortable leaning forward to push this baby. I also caught site of a handle on the side and double checked the manual to make sure it was for carrying the folded stroller–yes, it is! Does your lightweight stroller have a handle? I thought not! Read the rest of this entry »

Where are Lark and Sophie Now?

February 7th, 2008

My Angel Sophie We’ve received so many emails recently, asking the status of popular mommy/daughter duo Lark & Sophie (My Angel Sophie). I know that many of you are fans of Sophie’s modeling and Lark’s tutu collection, and have missed their very popular auctions on eBay.

I contacted Lark today to get the scoop on our fave girls:

“Hi Daria! I actually stopped selling on ebay back in October, but I think most are just now realizing it :-)

Sophie is in competitive dance this year, and I worked on about 100 team/solo costumes. It has taken up all our time not to mention Sophie is dancing about 20 hours a week right now. We just started competition season and won’t be finished until April. I might come back this summer but honestly I just haven’t missed it at all.

You are so sweet to think of us…. Sophie is still modeling when she has time…. this past summer she was super busy with it, so I bet she will be busy again this summer. I am sure this summer I will come back and list a few things. In April, I will list all of Sophie’s dance costumes for sure!” - Lark

So that’s the word on the street everyone. If you’d like to leave a comment for Lark and Sophie here please feel welcome. Maybe we can encourage them to come back a bit sooner. ;)