My girls know a late-afternoon knock on the door most likely means the UPS guy or mailman (and yes, that’s politically correct since he is male) is dropping off a new product for the Daily Dish. They anticipate a box’s arrival almost as much as I do, hoping whatever’s inside is something they get to “help” review. Well, they were not disappointed when the samples from Simplymini arrived. In fact, my girls had their new Simplymini sticker books out of the box and cracked open before I could even say, “Hey! Here’s something you girls get to review!”
And I don’t blame them (wish I’d had my own Simplymini book to test but for some strange reason none were to be found). Simplymini is the newest thing in sticker fun. Think of it as “today’s modern version of Colorforms.” It’s a creative, hip take on the ol’ paper doll and it is totally cool! You can mix and match outfits, add shoes, hair, bags, earrings and accessories. And the stickers are reusable–just peel them on and off. I forgot to mention how totally adorable the characters are in these sets. They are definitely a nice break from the Bratz and MyScene looks out there (no offense).
My girls enjoyed their Simplymini fashion stickers and I enjoyed a little quiet time. Any imagination-inducing toy that can do that is a must-have for road trips, plane rides, and that 2-week Christmas break. What’s really neat is each series of books is printed in limited quantities, so they make a great (and space-saving) collectible. This year you’ll even see a special travel edition featuring New York, London, Paris and Sydney. Plus because Simplymini is concerned about so much plastic packaging in toys (e.g. clamshells) the company is introducing “green” packaging on their Starter Pack and donating a percentage of proceeds to an Earth Fund. Simplymini is simply the coolest thing in stickers since scratch ‘n’ sniff, and that’s saying something! –Emily
** Giveaway! Simplymini is giving away one of its Fashion Stickers packs! 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: April 8, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Leanna M., the winner of the Simplymini 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!
The parents behind Rowdy set out to design baby products that not only made life easier but did so in a very fashionable, edgy and innovative way. The results is a line of diaper bags, changing pads and blankets that are fabulous yet functional. Let me introduce you to Rowdy and their Boardwalk Bowler, a great example of Rowdy’s problem-solving style.
The Boardwalk Bowler diaper bag claims to “turn heads with features so you can turn yours” and it definitely turned my head with a feature I have yet to see on any other diaper bag: a removable satchel purse. This removable clutch is an ingenious way to keep my stuff separate from diaper cream, goldfish crumbs and the occasional runaway fruit snack. Plus I can head off to run an errand without spending precious time fishing for my wallet and keys just to place them in another bag. It’s about time someone made this part of my life easier! The awesome features don’t stop there. Rowdy’s diaper bags come with a spill-resistant removable liner that is not only washable but interchangeable as well, plus you get a changing pad, insulated bottle holder, lots of pockets and a removable shoulder strap. All of this in a totally chic and unique design (have you seen any other bowler styles out there?). Did I mention the removable clutch??? SO cool! And if you prefer a dash of color then check out their fab Croc Bowler!
But I can’t finish up this review without highlighting their convertible diaper bag, the Rocker. Though this one has a few less pockets it touts a convertible design so it’s a cinch to go from shoulder bag to backpack. You’ve still got the changing pad, bottle holder, and removable liner but in a slightly more compact, totally rockin’ design! And don’t forget to check out their changing pads (my fave is the green Ragged Pad) and their scrumptious blankets. If you’re looking for problem solvers that hide function behind totally cool style then look no further than Rowdy. –Emily
* Promotion!Rowdy is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their purchase and free shipping. Simply enter code “DAILYDISH” at checkout. It’s definitely time to get rowdy!
Want to put a smile on a new or expectant mom’s face? You can either supply her with a year’s worth of diapers (not very affordable and not very cute) or give her new baby an outfit from gigglygear (very affordable and VERY cute). gigglygear designs the most adorable diaper covers and coordinating t-shirts so your baby can play–and now crawl–in style!
I bet you wished more than just little girl dresses came with those cute matching diaper covers, and thanks to two moms who thought the same thing, gigglygear was born. Their diaper covers and boxers (yes! finally something for little boys) have bright colors and fun patterns, and the coordinating t-shirts complement the diaper covers and boxers perfectly. Plus, most designs come in a convenient “giftpack” with super cute packaging. I received the peppermint stripe giftpack and besides loving the package’s design I was truly impressed with the clothing. The 100%-cotton t-shirt was the cheeriest red and had the cutest terrycloth baseball applique, while the boxers were 100%-cotton seersucker (LOVE the seersucker). Both were prewashed for softness and tagless–yay for tagless!
* Promotion!gigglygear is offering Daily Dish readers 25% off their purchase! Enter code “Cafe” at checkout to receive your discount. This offer’s good only until April 30th so don’t wait too long!
I’ve come across another great line of children’s t-shirts and I have to share. tomat (Indonesian for “tomato”) is the creation of Efi Latief, a mom and graphic designer who’s created shirts “to satisfy parents and children hungry for something different.” If you hunger after the same thing then tomat is for you.
tomat’s tees are 100% combed ring spun cotton, home grown and sweatshop free…and 100% delicious! They have some great infant onesies–I love their new organic tree onesie, and “even the cool drool” makes the perfect statement for your “juicy” baby. Their toddler tees sport super fun eye-catching graphics and many styles come in a ringer tee (a personal favorite). My toddler is going to be the talk of the playground in his new blue Surfer tee. The 100% cotton ringer tee and totally hip design will keep him cool in oh, so many ways! I also love “Under the Influence” and their “Trike” tees (sigh…it’s been years since I’ve seen a big wheel bike so this shirt has sentimental value). And what little girl wouldn’t just crave tomat’s “Unicorn” tee? That one is definitely ripe for the picking!
If you want to add a little homegrown freshness and a healthy does of humor to your infant or toddler’s t-shirt collection then look no further than tomat. Oh, and feel free to pinch, sniff and squeeze these tees all you want. –Emily
** Giveaway!!! tomat is giving away one lilac “Miss Manners” t-shirt, size 2T! Please leave a comment with a valid email address telling us your favorite “fresh” tomat design. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 3, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
** Congratulations to Jenny H., the winner of the tomat 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!
PammyJ Fashions has recently launched a new collection of spring styles with more new styles coming every few weeks. Each style is made in very limited quantities with only about 10-15 pieces per size. Stop by and see all new PammyJ designs, Clothing For Today’s Little Girl in sizes 12M-9/10.
We’ve done a few reviews on all-natural, organic bath and body care products. These products are no longer hard to come by thanks to a greater awareness about the benefits, both to us and the environment, of going all-natural and organic. But Aubrey Organics is the first company I’ve noticed that offers 100% essential oil all-natural fragrances (aka perfume).
Line up across the vanity, perfume bottles stand like individual works of art. Bright colors, carved glass and intricate details make them the crown jewels of any personal care collection. But often inside those beautiful bottles, you’ll find dirty little secrets–animal extracts, fillers, preservatives–that wreak havoc on sensitive skin.
Did reading that make you think twice about your favorite perfume? It did for me. If you’re rereading the ingredients on your Clinique Happy or GapScent so pink (okay, those are my favorites) then you might want to check out Aubrey Organics new line of Natural Essential Oils Eau de Parfum. Free of synthetics, preservatives, and fixatives, these fragrances are ideal for women sensitive to mass-produced perfumes. But does something without all the “fixings” smell good?
I’m happy to say it does! I’ve only caught a whiff of the Spring Floral fragrance, but if it’s any representation of the other five scents then you’ll be good to go no matter which fragrance you choose: Spring Floral, Light Citrus Floral, Ocean Water, Jade & Spice, Mush, and Angelica. Aubrey Organics has an impressive product line so be sure to browse some of their other all-natural hair, skin and body care products (they’ve even got a baby and pet line). If you’re nervous about trying something new, check out their Try-Me-Outs where you can order trial sizes in a variety of Aubrey Organics products. (Why don’t more companies offer something like this?) –Emily
** Giveaway!!! Aubrey Organics is giving away one of their fabulous gift sets! Please leave a comment below telling us which Aubrey Organics fragrance you’d most like to sniff and include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 2, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
** Congratulations to Stacey M., the winner of the Aubrey Organics 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!
Boutique Cafe would like to invite you to join our Flickr Group - we want YOU to STRUT your stuff! We want to see our friends posting your crafts, DIY, boutique creations and handmade wares. It’s time to break out the pictures and STRUT YOUR STUFF!
When it comes to Georgie Designs, I love more than just the name. The company’s handcrafted artisan jewelry, which includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, is simple yet simply stunning. I’m not into a lot of bling but I am into sterling silver and semi-precious stones, so Georgie Designs totally rocks my world (no pun intended).
I received Georgie Designs’ Wood and Turquoise necklace with a matching Wood Ring and I had to fight for it the minute I opened the package, as my ten-year-old daughter was all over it (at least I know she’s got good taste). I can honestly say I don’t have another necklace like the one from Georgie Designs, especially one that combines a semi-precious stone with something as simple yet just as “natural” as a wood bead. The end result is wearable art my ten-year-old can only dream about (or hope I leave to her in my will). And of course the matching Wood Ring complements the necklace and looks fabulous on my finger, if I do say so myself.
Usually when I review a company like Georgie Designs I like to tell you my other favorites in the collection, but I pretty much couldn’t narrow it down. I could see myself wearing any piece of jewelry from Georgie Designs, and I don’t think I can say that about most jewelry lines. What is really, REALLY cool and makes a fabulous Mother’s Day gift is Georgie Designs’ Ring of the Month Club. (With daylight savings and Easter early this year, Mother’s Day will be here before you know it…better get shopping!)
The Ring of the Month Club is available in 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscriptions and is a perfect fit for all fingers! If you don’t know the recipient’s ring size it’s not a problem. Each package includes a gift card and a ring sizer so the recipient can email or phone in with her size. They will then receive their first ring in 1-2 weeks. If you’re fighting for the “favorite child” title, this is a surefire way to secure a win! And with the Ring of the Month Club you won’t have to stress over which ring to buy. Georgie Designs has truly offered the perfect gift along with their perfect jewelry! –Emily
** Giveaway!!! Georgie Designs is giving away one ring from the Ring of the Month Club! To enter please leave a comment telling us your favorite Georgie Designs ring from the current collection. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 1, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Promotion!Georgie Designs is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their purchase. Simply enter code “BC20″ at checkout. Promotion is good for 2 DAYS ONLY so act now! Free shipping and free gift wrap included in every order. Sounds like Mother’s Day is all wrapped up!
* Congratulations to Lana G., the winner of the georgie designs 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!
Once in a while I actually do find a spare band aid or two in my diaper bag or glove compartment, but more often than not I come up empty handed, and a McDonald’s napkin just doesn’t cut it when a cut’s what you’re dealing with. Most first aid kits are a bit too large to keep in a purse or diaper bag, and I always forget about the one I’ve got stashed away under the passenger seat. Thank heavens for me4kidz and medibuddy; I’ve got a new best friend when it comes to playing nurse on the go!
me4kidz, a family-owned and operated business, has designed a fully loaded yet compact first aid kit that is not only pediatrician recommended but award winning as well (2007 Greatest Products Award from iParenting). The medibuddy is actually a scaled-down version of their totally cool medibag 4 kidz. The medibuddy, which is about the size of a sunglasses case only a little chunkier, is packed with 40 kid-friendly first aid items. Inside you’ll find an assortment of red, blue and yellow crayon bandages, a knee & elbow bandage (you almost need 40 of those!), sting relief pad, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, burn relief cream, antibiotic ointment, and fun little sticker (stickers always make any owie feel better). All of this fits into a cute little travel case that can be used to store all kind of fun treasures (e.g. crayons, rock collections, the occasional bug collection) once the first aid stuff is gone.
I’ve got a medibuddy in the car, in the kitchen, and even passed one along to my husband to keep in his car. They’re perfect for the stroller, diaper bag, glove compartment, and medicine cabinet. And at only $5 you can afford to keep one in every suitcase so you can play nurse even on the beaches of Hawaii. (Okay, so maybe the kids aren’t with you in Hawaii but you get the point.) You’ve also got to check out the medibag 4 kidz and medibag 4 petz–yes, for pets! I bet this is the first time you’ve ever thought a first aid kit was really cool.
me4kidz makes all of their products in the USA and every purchase gives back to the disabled community. All plastic used is 100% recycled and guaranteed US & EU lead free. Cool company, really cool products. Better stock up before warm weather hits along with a plethora of scrapes, splinters (dang those old swing sets!) and outdoor owies. –Emily
** Giveaway!!! me4kidz is giving away 4 2-packs of their popular medibuddy! 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: March 28, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Christi S., Amanda G., Amy R. and Elizabeth Y., the winners of the medibuddy 2-packs! 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!
The worst of cold and flu season may be winding down but spring allergies are in the air. Better get out your Puffs (shameless endorsement; these truly do prevent Rudolph syndrome…aka red, raw nose). Even better–yes, there’s something even better than Puffs–get out your Boogie Wipes!
I first heard about Boogie Wipes while watching “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” and had to check this product out. Created by two moms, one of whom was tired of “chasing her [daughter] around the house as she winced and dodged our painful swipes,” Boogie Wipes look like just another wet wipe, they’re actually specifically designed for little noses. With added saline, these little babies offer your little babies a “quick, gentle, effective relief of stuck on Boogies (mucous) caused by the common cold and allergies.” Boogie Wipes are hypoallergenic, alcohol free, and include moisturizes such as chamomile, Vitamin E and aloe.
We’ve already busted open our package of Boogie Wipes to test them out. One daughter, who was already suffering from Rudolph syndrome, said they stung a little but two other “reviewees” thought they were great. I like that Boogie Wipes have added saline; we’re big believers in the benefits of saline when it comes to stuffy noses. With added moisturizers I think Boogie Wipes would also be perfect for messy faces (no chapped cheeks from paper towels). Boogie Wipes–they’re “snot your average wipe!” –Emily
* Promotion!Boogie Wipes is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their purchase. Simply enter code “Boogie Time” at checkout.
This two piece knit set from Little*Red*Wagon would be a most cherished addition to your little mouse’s wardrobe!
Imagine the chatter this summer, if she wore this to the Magic Kingdom to meet Minnie herself! Offered in a custom size 12months - girls 10 and magically infused with adorable details. Preciousness personified - go check it out!
At the Daily Dish we love products that help to inspire young minds and empower children for future success. We’re always on the hunt for clothing that looks good, wears well and makes your child feel special. We recently discovered a company called “Dream Kids” who create empowering clothing for your little super stars.
Created by a mom and child development expert Kelly Pryde, we were excited to see that Dream Kids products are “designed to celebrate and nurture each child’s unique potential for greatness”. We think that is cool and definitely something our readers want to know about! (oh and did I mention that they are a Canadian company? something near and dear to my heart)
I was sent a very special tee from Dream Kids to review, on the front the message was “Anything But Ordinary” and that is definitely how I feel about my son who has now confiscated it from me. Noah’s only three and not able to read yet, but the reaction that he received when he wore it was enough for him…he loves this shirt. The Dream Kids clothing line is 100% cotton, ultra soft and comfy to wear. Best of all it’s machine washable and came out great when we washed it, it fact it was even softer. I want the very best for my children and one of my greatest desires is for them to realize their incredible potential, how unique and wonderful they are. With sayings like “Here to Change the World” , “All I have to be is me” and “There’s a Little Hero in All of Us”, Dream Kids is well on their way to help kids discover themselves and dream big.
If the philosophy behind Dream Kids is something that inspires you, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for their monthly newsletter offering suggestions for putting the ideas into action, helping you grow your family in wonderful ways.
Empower your own little Dream Kid - a wonderful world awaits! - Daria
GIVEAWAY: Dream Kids is giving away one tee shirt of the winners choice! Simply leave a comment with a valid email address below and share with us the empowering tee shirt saying you love the most from Dream Kids. We’ll choose the winner from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: March 26, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
WINNER ANNOUNCED!!! Scarlett! Congratulations on being drawn as our winner from our Dream Kids Daily Dish review on Boutique Cafe. Dream Kids is awarding you a tee of your choice from their incredible website. All you need to do is supply them with the style and size you adore, along with your shipping information.
Thank you to everyone who entered this fantastic giveaway! The response was phenomenal, we love the message behind Dream Kids and hope you’ll support this great business.
Okay, maybe this isn’t true for your husband when he’s honest about how your butt looks in those jeans (honesty often leads to bodily harm), but it is true for your baby. With sayings like “ferberizing stinks!” and “sharing is overrated,” honestbaby helps your little one speak her mind.
My seven-month-old is now able to tell the world, “i’ll walk when i’m ready” (I am more than okay with that!) whenever she wears this cute pink lap tee. I think I need a matching one that says, “I’ll diet when I’m good and ready.” My other favorites are “don’t expect a lot i’m big for my age” and of course “i survived nipple confusion.” Many one-liners come in both screen-printed and cute patch applique styles.
But honestbaby is more than just cute sayings on tees. The honestbaby community is a “non-judgemental place where parents can share their triumphs and misadventures and admit that they’re just giving it their best shot.” Launched by Jill Besnoy, a comedy film producer, honestbaby is “a parents’ forum where support, candor and laughs are the goal.” I’m all about laughing at the many mistakes I make as a parent and it’s great to have a place where I can connect with other less-than-perfect parents! At honestbaby it feels good to tell it like it is! –Emily
** Giveaway! honestbaby is giving away two honestbaby t-shirts! Simply leave a comment with a valid email address below and share with us your most imperfect parenting moment. We’ll choose the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: March 24, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Stacey M. and Stacy S., the winners of honestbaby’s 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!
It’s always such a thrill for us to share great design talent, we know you’ll fall in love with the intricate hand knit and crochet flair from My Little City Girl. Designer Alla has created some mouthwatering girls clothing, her talent is breathtaking. Enjoy getting to know My Little City girl this week on Boutique Cafe!
Designer Quote:
” I have been knitting since I was a child, but rarely created any children’s items - I just did not have much motivation. Well, when I had my own daughter, I started imagining all the cute things she could wear and this is how I started designing children’s clothes. And then I realized that it was exactly what I wanted to do in my life. I love coming up with something new and different. I find inspiration everywhere… my family, kids world, imagination, yarn, textures, nature… My new venture is that a couple months ago I decided try my hand at writing patterns and done a couple already. They are testing now and will be available for sale soon. I’m so excited about that and would be so honored to see my designs made by somebody else ” - Alla Koval
My*Unbirthday never disappoints with her amazing sense of style and sweet finishes. This Pepper Hearts dress for the Boutique Beatle Mania launch is no exception! It was inspired by the album covers from Sgt. Pepppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Custom sized from 18mon - 8.
I’m a big fan of Inlgesina, especially their Fast chair, which I reviewed on February 8. The design is perfect for our narrow counter and its high-quality engineering and well planned design has made it one of my favorite baby products. Inglesina has taken its reputation for high-quality children’s products and created a new line of chic products perfect for the modern home. M’Home combines “design, technology, aesthetic and functionality” and the result is stylin’!
The new line includes two high chairs (Zuma and Club), a baby rocker (Loft), and a changing table that doubles as a bathtub (Spa). Each piece has sleek lines and a modern look without sacrificing great features. I know because we’ve tested the Zuma on both our 2-year-old and our 6-month-old and both have sat comfortably, stayed put (very important feature) and made messes that for once were easy to clean. The Zuma features an 8-position adjustable height (8 positions!) that was easy to use, and the backrest (lined with M’Home’s “comfort plus” pillow) reclined to three positions. We loved the two removable overlays that fit in the snack tray because it was an ingenious way to make cleanup even easier. Any company that makes cleanup easier is a true friend! Read the rest of this entry »
Visiting New York City is on my list of things to do before I die. You’d think I would get there before turning 35 (that’s next year, girls) but with four kids, two under the age of 3, and both my husband and I starting businesses, before I die’s a pretty good goal for now. LOL So in the meantime I’m going to dream of Broadway and my first NYC subway experience every time George or I wear our cool NYC Subway Line gear!
I received a couple of the NYC Subway Line’s new Birthday tees, the #1 train and the #2 train, sized to fit a toddler of the same age (although they seem to run a little big so a little warm wash and dry might help). I love these train tees because they’re a lot easier than teaching my toddler to hold two fingers up when someone asks how old he is. Plus they’re unisex so when my newest little one hits two she’ll be able to proudly show off her age.
As cute as NYC Subway Line’s birthday tees are, my favorite is their New York appliqué hoodies. These super comfy hoodies (way more comfortable than any other ones I own, and I own a lot!) have subway map fabric in the letters that spell New York on the front and also in the lining of the hood. When my sister, who’s probably more into hoodies than I am, comes for a visit I have to keep careful watch on my NY Subway Line hoodie or it might disappear!
* Promotion!NYC Subway Line is offering Daily Dish readers 5% off all purchases except sale items. Simply enter the code “Café” in the Coupon Code section and your total will be adjusted automatically.
Are you a long time listener of Boutique Cafe? Perhaps you’ve advertised your momprenuer business or boutique on our website, or journeyed to our Boutique Cafe Girls Getaway Conference last year? Do you just HAVE to listen to each and every show? Do you long to be featured on the site? Whatever your interaction with Boutique Cafe we’d love to hear from you!
What do you love? How have we changed your podcasting experience? Have any of our shows inspired you with new ideas for your home and business? Are your children wearing boutique handmade clothing now? Are you blogging along with our Fashion Forward Challenges, or trying out products we recommend on the Daily Dish? Please let us know.
Here’s how to get involved… simply send in a Testimonial about your own personal experience with Boutique Cafe over the past three years. We’ll be sharing your messages and feedback on our site so other Moms like you can see exactly what Boutique Cafe has to offer.
Please send your testimonial directly, with subject “Fan Feedback” email us by clicking here. (*please include your name and url so we can link to you and give you credit for participating).
We thank you so very much for taking a moment out to share your thoughts and feelings about Boutique Cafe with us. Your participation is what makes this show and website so worthwhile. Once we have several testimonials we’ll make a page available for everyone to view and enjoy.
This utterly adorable set from buckeye-mom26 will have you going bananas! Rich in vibrant colors and gorgeous applique, this set consists of an Appliqued/Embroidered Monkey Hoodie, and Appliqued Wide leg Jeans in a custom size 12M up to a 5/6.
Ever wonder what your little one would say if his vocabulary extended beyond “mama,” “dada” and “waaaaaah?” He would probably say something like “I want my rights!” or “I will not be pacified!” Heck, I would if I were under the age of 2 and exercising my right to free speech. Revo Baby has captured the revolutionary spirit of our little ones and put it on a line of cleverly outspoken t-shirts.
I love Revo Baby’s story:
Revo Baby was founded in 2006 on a shoestring budget by a single father raising his infant baby boy. The inspiration came from dad’s own revolutionary principals coupled with baby’s rebellious nature. The designs are based entirely on original concepts as thought up by dad and are meant to express a light-hearted, witty and child-like response to the heavy and dismal political times we live.
Revo Baby’s got my vote! I received their “Get Up, Stand Up” tee in white and “I Want My Rights!” in black. The t-shirts’ edgy design was complemented by 100% soft combed cotton and contrast stitching (I love contrast stitching, by the way). What I really love about Revo Baby is the unisex appeal of their designs. These shirts make great hand-me-downs whether your revolutionaries are girls or boys. If your baby wants his milk and wants it now, then he’s a Revo Baby. Better help him speak his mind by getting him his own “Milk! Now!” t-shirt before you’ve got a rebellion on your hands! –Emily
Why do I love Penny and Kenny Robinson? Because this married couple of 25 years has created a line of shoes that are fresh, hip and stylish while at the same time affordable even for those without a high-fashion budget. Penny, a mother of three daughters, relates well to those of us whose shoe addiction includes outfitting our offspring in fabulous shoes without breaking the bank.
It was love at first sight when I came across a pair of what I like to call “Dorothy” shoes from Penny Loves Kenny. The metallic red ballet flats looked magical enough to whisk me off to Oz and back, yet comfortable and well made enough to last the journey. I had to learn more about Penny Loves Kenny and give their shoes a test run for the Daily Dish. Tough job, I know, but anything for our readers…
Named by In Style Magazine “a best buy for women of any age” Penny Loves Kenny shoes are more than a best buy–they’re a great buy! Though some styles spoke to me more than others I could easily see how this line would appeal to women from all walks of life, all ages, and all budgets. Plus how many husband-wife teams do you know who are still going strong after 25 years in business together and loving what they do? We could all be so lucky!
Now for the shoes. I received a pair of Cagney shoes in gold and silver and to be honest I wasn’t sure how I’d like them. You see, I don’t buy gold or silver shoes, but because I had such faith in the company I was willing to give them a try. I am SO glad I did. They passed their test run with flying colors. The first time I wore them I went to Target, stood in line at Cafe Rio, and traipsed up and down Fashion Place Mall and not once did my feet feel like they were in new shoes. And the color? I now find myself coordinating outfits to match the shoes instead of the other way around! That’s saying a lot for a fashion-conservative girl like me. Some of my other favorites (well, pretty much the entire Spring and Summer 08 line) are the Cha Cha, Gaze, and Tutu. (Zappos is a great place to buy Penny Loves Kenny.)
You may think you love shoes, but you don’t know true shoe love until you’ve bought your first pair of Penny Loves Kenny shoes. Warning: those with little self-control may become easily addicted. –Emily
I just HAD to share this to start your weekend off with a smile! This 3 yr. old has me captivated and ready to watch some Star Wars this weekend. Enjoy!
This week Boutique Cafe is excited to “party down” and join the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom. We love their website, and are thrilled to be able to join in the groove with many mommy bloggers across the blogosphere. As means of celebration I have put together a peppy podcast full of podsafe music by Lee Coulter, Geoff Smith, Brother Love, and a great Giveaway for one of our commentors on this show. This will give you a small taste of what Boutique Cafe has to offer, but don’t stop there listen to our past podcasts, shop till you drop in our Market and Spring Savings Guide, and come back often for our Daily Dish hot product reviews and BC FINDS!
To all our New visitors this week, welcome to Boutique Cafe. Don’t forget to bookmark us and come back often - to learn more about BC check out our About Us page. Thanks for stopping by for your cup of couture and so much more! Now Let’s party, click our Watch the Show button and join in the fun.
**GIVEAWAY - Boutique Cafe is giving away a TWO MONTH banner ad in our popular Market to One lucky poster (valued at $120) that’s two months of free exposure for your blog or website. To be eligible simply post a comment about our website or this show - we’d love to hear from everyone that visits. We’ll draw the winner on March 14th at midnight. Leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing.
WINNER ANNOUNCED!! Lois from Goodies for Mom.com -Congratulations to you! You were drawn as our Winner from the Boutique Cafe / 5 Mins for Mom blog party! You have won a Two Month banner ad in our popular Boutique Cafe Market (ad value is $120).
Many thanks to all of you for participating on Boutique Cafe, we hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that we off
If you’re looking for a “green” option when it comes to crib mattresses and bedding then you’ll want to check out the options from Natural Mat, a UK-based company started back in 2000 by parents who wanted the best, most comfortable, most natural sleeping environment for their child.
After six years, and with a little help from their children, the company has developed “the safest range of entirely natural, organic crib mattresses on the market” without the use of chemicals, plastics and PVC. So what’s in a Natural Mat organic mattress? Natural Mat uses the finest natural and organic raw materials including lambs wool, natural latex foam, coi (coconut husk coated in natural latex), mohair and cotton. These natural fibers provide higher levels or support and better ventilation than your typical synthetic foam or coil springs. Natural Mat gives you three choices: the Coco Mat (most breathable and organic); the Latex Mat (most allergy safe and supportive); and the Mohair Mat (most luxurious). I received a small cross-section of one of Natural Mat’s mattresses and I was impressed with how thick and supportive the mattress was. Before seeing it in person I doubted that something so “organic” could be that soft and yet that solid. It was amazing!
Natural Mat also offers a line of organic crib bedding including pure organic sheets and mattress protectors. The company makes all their sheets from luxurious soft flannelette and crisp cotton percale. And yes, they are machine washable and dryable. I received both a cotton and a flannel crib sheet and chose to test out the flannel and save the cotton for a giveaway. The flannel was super soft, and I mean really, really soft, and the natural color complemented my daughter’s bedding, an added perk! It’s been washed and dried a few times and just gets softer and better with each wash. Though I had a bit of a hard time getting the sheet to completely fit over all four corners of the mattress it did hold tight and I never had an issue with it slipping off.
If you’re looking at eco-friendly ways to decorate your nursery then you’ll want to give your baby a “fresh” start with an organic mattress and sheet or two from Natural Mat. These mattresses are supposed to help baby sleep better, and that means more sleep for Mom! –Emily
** Giveaway!! We’ve got one Natural Mat organic cotton percale crib sheet to give away to one lucky Daily Dish reader! 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: March 14, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Promotion!Natural Mat is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off any Natural Mat product and free shipping on orders over $99 from now through April 30, 2008. Visit BareBabies.com to purchase and enter code BCNM10OFF at checkout.
** Congratulations to Susan C., the winner of the Natural Mat crib sheet! 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!
As even more of a tribute to Sandi Henderson this week, Ginger Blossom is a group launch on Etsy! Creations are made using the magnificent Ginger Blossom line of fabric from Sandi, and she’s even guesting with them.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth for great infant and toddler t-shirts then satisfy it with a tee or two from Baby Candy. With sayings like “Sugar Mama” and “Sugar Daddy”you’re sure to find something to please even the pickiest eater (okay, “eater” would only apply if you were a goat, but you know what I mean).
I received the light blue Sugar Daddy toddler t-shirt and a sneak peek of their new organic 100% Sugar Free onesie. Yes, the shirts were really, really cute but what I loved most was the fun packaging. Each shirt was creatively packaged to look just like a piece of candy complete with a nutritional label on the back–it was the kind of packaging you almost don’t want to open because it’s that cute. Of course I did open it because I was just as anxious to check out the tees inside, and they were just as sweet as their wrappings. Super soft and super cute, Baby Candy shirts are a real treat! My favorite is the Glitter Cupcake, because hey, all little girls need a tee with some delicious sparkle!
Baby Candy also has a great selection of some really fun customizable tees. I love their 25 Cent Kisses, Name Tag, and Property Of custom shirts. They’re a really cool, unique take on personalizing your child’s wardrobe. And don’t forget their new organic line; it’s a guilt-free treat for your little one! –Emily
* Promotion!Baby Candy is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their order. Simply enter code BOUTIQUECAFE at checkout. Go on, satisfy that sweet tooth!
I’m loving this apron from NuturedThreads on Etsy, it’s called “Ode to the Winged One” and is in a bird theme. The color combinations and handy pockets have me seriously coveting this chic hostess apron.
It’s that time of year again! Time to vote in the 2nd Annual Journal Modiste Modie Awards. They have 9 categories of the best designs from Journal Modiste members. These designs were created in 2007. All winners will receive the JM “Modie” girl trophy as well as a slew of other prizes including free advertising, ebooks, fabric and more.
Vote today for your favorite….voting ends March 21st! Click to cast your Vote > (only members of Journal Modiste are eligible to vote in this contest). Be sure to confirm your vote by clicking the link in the email sent to you after you vote.
And the world I’m talking about is the one inside your suitcase. Just when you thought you had become an expert at packing your suitcase (without having to sit on it to close it) you come across someone who’s quite likely the most organized traveler around. You quickly realize you have much to learn when it comes to being organized while trekking across the country or the globe, and who better to teach you than Stephanie Johnson, the woman behind the namesake travel accessories.
“Who better to design a travel collection than an order-obsessed modernist and traveling anthropologista?… Unruly belongings have no place in Johnson’s stylish Type A universe. Her thirst for organization, compounded by insatiable wanderlust, has made her a master consumer of packing order.” That should give you enough background about Stephanie Johnson accessories to know this is the ultimate collection of cosmetic cases, jewelry rolls, overnight bags, and totes. I’m a Type A (well, more of an A- now that I have four kids…) and couldn’t wait to check out Stephanie Johnson’s Deluxe Brush Case. I was practically salivating before it even arrived, and I was not disappointed. It had a large interior with six brush pockets and lots of room for my favorite makeup–and I have lots of favorite makeup! My favorite features were the two removable interior pouches and the stylish little zipper pulls. I love those little extra touches that show a lot of thought went into a product design.
With all this organization you might think Stephanie Johnson travel accessories were short on style. Think again. From the colorful new Belize print to the gorgeous Rio to the glitzy Sunset Boulevard you’ll find a style that speaks to your inner traveler. With over 25 bags and cases and a variety of fabric styles you’ve got endless organizing possibilities. Plus Stephanie Johnson accessories are easy to take care of and a breeze to clean (wish I could say the same for my two-year-old). Going somewhere for spring break? Don’t pack without a little help from Stephanie Johnson! –Emily
My girls know a late-afternoon knock on the door most likely means the UPS guy or mailman (and yes, that’s politically correct since he is male) is dropping off a new product for the Daily Dish. They anticipate a box’s arrival almost as much as I do, hoping whatever’s inside is something they get to “help” review. Well, they were not disappointed when the samples from Simplymini arrived. In fact, my girls had their new Simplymini sticker books out of the box and cracked open before I could even say, “Hey! Here’s something you girls get to review!”
My girls enjoyed their Simplymini fashion stickers and I enjoyed a little quiet time. Any imagination-inducing toy that can do that is a must-have for road trips, plane rides, and that 2-week Christmas break. What’s really neat is each series of books is printed in limited quantities, so they make a great (and space-saving) collectible. This year you’ll even see a special travel edition featuring New York, London, Paris and Sydney. Plus because Simplymini is concerned about so much plastic packaging in toys (e.g. clamshells) the company is introducing “green” packaging on their Starter Pack and donating a percentage of proceeds to an Earth Fund. Simplymini is simply the coolest thing in stickers since scratch ‘n’ sniff, and that’s saying something! –Emily
–Emily
PammyJ Fashions has recently launched a new collection of spring styles with more new styles coming every few weeks. Each style is made in very limited quantities with only about 10-15 pieces per size. Stop by and see all new PammyJ designs, Clothing For Today’s Little Girl in sizes 12M-9/10. 
Boutique Cafe would like to invite you to join our Flickr Group - we want YOU to STRUT your stuff! We want to see our friends posting your crafts, DIY, boutique creations and handmade wares. It’s time to break out the pictures and STRUT YOUR STUFF!
This two piece knit set from Little*Red*Wagon would be a most cherished addition to your little mouse’s wardrobe! 
At the Daily Dish we love products that help to inspire young minds and empower children for future success. We’re always on the hunt for clothing that looks good, wears well and makes your child feel special. We recently discovered a company called “Dream Kids” who create empowering clothing for your little super stars. 
I was sent a very special tee from Dream Kids to review, on the front the message was “Anything But Ordinary” and that is definitely how I feel about my son who has now confiscated it from me. Noah’s only three and not able to read yet, but the reaction that he received when he wore it was enough for him…he loves this shirt. The Dream Kids clothing line is 100% cotton, ultra soft and comfy to wear. Best of all it’s machine washable and came out great when we washed it, it fact it was even softer. I want the very best for my children and one of my greatest desires is for them to realize their incredible potential, how unique and wonderful they are. With sayings like “Here to Change the World” , “All I have to be is me” and “There’s a Little Hero in All of Us”, 
It’s always such a thrill for us to share great design talent, we know you’ll fall in love with the intricate hand knit and crochet flair from My Little City Girl. Designer Alla has created some mouthwatering girls clothing, her talent is breathtaking. Enjoy getting to know My Little City girl this week on Boutique Cafe!
My*Unbirthday never disappoints with her amazing sense of style and sweet finishes. This Pepper Hearts dress for the Boutique Beatle Mania launch is no exception! It was inspired by the album covers from Sgt. Pepppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Custom sized from 18mon - 8.
This utterly adorable set from buckeye-mom26 will have you going bananas! Rich in vibrant colors and gorgeous applique, this set consists of an Appliqued/Embroidered Monkey Hoodie, and Appliqued Wide leg Jeans in a custom size 12M up to a 5/6. 
This week Boutique Cafe is excited to “party down” and join the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 
As even more of a tribute to Sandi Henderson this week, Ginger Blossom is a group launch on Etsy! Creations are made using the magnificent Ginger Blossom line of fabric from Sandi, and she’s even guesting with them.
It’s that time of year again! Time to vote in the 2nd Annual Journal Modiste Modie Awards. They have 9 categories of the best designs from Journal Modiste members. These designs were created in 2007. All winners will receive the JM “Modie” girl trophy as well as a slew of other prizes including free advertising, ebooks, fabric and more.
