I love anything that helps add a titch of organization to my life, and the multitasking planner from Truly Mom does just that. I came across Truly Mom in a recent issue of Pregnancy magazine. Pregnancy was actually highlighting Truly Mom’s fabulous Thanking Out of the Box stationary, and I was so delighted by the concept–and stationary–I had to see what other fun stuff Truly Mom had to offer. I’m so glad I did!

Besides the Truly Mom planner, which I’ll get to shortly, the company has a beautiful selection of custom stationary. From dinner invitations to baby announcements to personalized stationary, Truly Mom will help you “tell your story” with a wonderful variety of ribbons, crystals, cardstock, and fonts.

If you’re simply looking for a fun, fabulous, and different way to say thank you then their Thanking Out of the Box set is the way to go. Thanking Out of the Box is one of Truly Mom’s most popular products, and I can see why–literally. I opened the box and found eight different two-layer cards all accented with different ribbon and each with a different way to say thank you. The set also includes eight matching colored envelopes and a white gel pen–I love it when someone thinks of everything!

And speaking of everything, Truly Mom’s planner has pretty much everything I need to stay organized. I love my new Flip Flops and Florals planner! The planner, which is made from Majilite (more costly than leather with unsurpassed durability), has this totally rockin’ tri-fold design so you can open it up to any of the three sections and fold the other two behind. I am totally and completely in love with this feature! I can have my planner open and easily accessible yet it’s not sprawled all over my already cramped desk space.

But the tri-fold design is just the beginning of a long list of fabulous features. This “portable desk on the go” also has a hidden magnet closure, an assortment of truly useful pads (”my day” pad, “a note to” pad, post-it note pad), a pullout calendar, an extra little handy pocket, pen, address booklet, and even a heart paperclip. No wonder this planner’s popularity is steadily growing! I have used one notepad as my ever-expanding grocery list, another for those critical things I have to do, and the “my day” pad puts sanity back into my world on a daily basis. And every time I fold my planner this way or that I think to myself “that is SO cool!” (And yes, I think that every single time). –Emily

Ever since I reviewed toys from Kushies’ Zolo line I have been a big fan of the company. My kids have yet to tire of their Linkos, Libro Ozlo, and Boa (my personal favorite), so I couldn’t wait to review Kushies’ newest product, a child’s travel bag aptly named My Bag. A trip to Phoenix over spring break to visit friends proved to be the perfect test!

I’ve been as excited as my son to try out our new brown and blue, cute-as-a-puppy (literally) Kushies My Bag ever since it arrived. I actually had to hide it so it wouldn’t get worn out before our actual trip–my son dragged that thing all over the house proudly telling everyone it was his bag. I loved that it included insulated boxes and bags to help keep his things organized. It actually came with two insulated boxes, one for snacks (appropriately labeled “Yum!”) and one for medicine (”Ouch”), plus five bags all labeled with cute pictures representing what’s inside, from shoes to stinky clothes to pajamas. Personally I found I only truly needed the shoes bag and dirty clothes bag, but even just the use of those two helped keep the Phoenix dust and dirt off the few clean clothes he had.

Along with the great little boxes and bags, My Bag has two generous outside pockets and an easy-open top so you can see pretty much everything inside without having to dig through it all to find that last clean pair of socks. We packed that thing full for our two-day drive, four-night stay, two-day drive back visit to Phoenix. It kind of reminded me of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag with its magical ability to hold everything and anything! For something appearing so small it had room to spare. (Kind of reminds me of my cinda b review from yesterday!)

We had plenty of room in our My Bag for our little one’s clothes, shoes, and special blanket, but if you tend to forget that extra pillow or favorite blanket, My Bag makes sure you’re prepared for the “are we there yet” drive, overnight stay or daycare nap time by including a soft, fleece blanket and pillow, which of course coordinates perfectly with the bag. And with two great options (the “cupcake” with orange and pink or the “puppy” with brown and blue) My Bag is the perfect travel bag for your little one and a perfect helper for you. You can get your very own My Bag from Kushies’ online store. –Emily

** Giveaway!! Kushies is giving away one My Bag, winner’s choice! Please leave a comment telling us how/where your little one will most use his or her new bag (include a valid email address). We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: May 7, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Congratulations to Danielle S., the winner of the Kushies My Bag 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!

Here on the Daily Dish we haven’t had many opportunities to review a bag whose sole purpose is to carry mom’s essentials, not baby’s, and so today’s review is a special treat (especially since Mother’s Day is almost here…hello, great gift idea!). cinda b travel bags come in a variety of fabulous styles and sizes–the mix-and-match possibilities are endless!

cinda b bags are ultra functional (e.g. organize your makeup, tote a beach towel and book, or escape for the weekend), ultra durable (e.g. water-resistant, stain-resistant, fully machine-washable), and ultra surprising (e.g. unbelievably lightweight, soft and squishy, with super cool bungees for even more room). How do I know cinda b bags are so ultra cool? I received cinda b’s Weekender in the new Chevron pattern on ivory. I have to admit I wasn’t sure about this new pattern when I first saw a picture, but in person I was pleasantly surprised. It was fun and bright yet classic and chic. The ultra cool part came when I pulled the bag out of the box and couldn’t believe how little it weighed. It’s the lightest travel bag I’ve ever seen or felt, and its soft and squishy design means I can easily pack it in my suitcase for all those little gifts the kids are waiting for back home.

The Weekender is the perfect size for a weekend getaway (hence the name), especially if its via plane. The outside pockets are ideal for carrying those magazines I always treat myself to when flying without kids! cinda b duffels are available in all sizes, plus you’ve got a coordinating garment bag and accessories (sunglasses case, checkbook cover, hair iron cover). My other favorites are the TCB and Resorter. So many options, so few weekend getaways! It’s about time Mom had a fun set of matching luggage, so mix and match some cinda b for Mom this Mother’s Day. –Emily

Just over a year ago I did my first review of Amy Michelle diaper bags. For the review I created the word “chic-tionality” because the bags were truly both chic and functional. I have been super excited to review Amy Michelle’s new Chic and Street lines since I got a sneak peek November of last year, and if it’s possible to be more than super excited, I am just that about the Gladiola bag from their new Chic line.

I’ve had my red patent Gladiola bag since the beginning of February and except for the occasional date night I’ve taken it everywhere. I’ve even used it without baby in tow! (Can you say that about your diaper bag?) This bag has got chic-tionality written all over its yummy red patent design. Features for mom (aka me) include handy credit card slots, a zippered pocket, key ring, and easy-access outside side pockets for cell phone, keys or that power bar I so often need. Features for baby (but really, still for mom) include a washable changing pad, lots of internal and external pockets, a quick-release pacifier holder, compartments for diapers, wipes, and at least five to seven packs of fruit snacks, and stroller attachments (included).

My most favorite things about the Gladiola bag–besides the delicious red patent with champagne lining–are the stylish silver buckles on the I-can’t-believe-they-hold- that-much-stuff front pockets, the roomy interior, and its weight. This diaper bag is just over two pounds so you can haul a lot more stuff without throwing your back out of alignment. You wouldn’t think this bag were that lightweight with its sturdy construction and numerous features, but it is, and I probably love that most of all!

If you’re not that into red the Gladiola bag comes in black patent (red lining) and a rich chocolate jacquard (champagne lining). But I can’t wrap up this review without mentioning the Sweet Pea tote, also from the Chic line (more of a slouch-style bag). And for those of you looking for a smaller, on-the-go diaper bag, you’ll love the new Street collection. This chic-tional shoulder bag converts to a backpack and comes in Broadway (my favorite with its graffiti style), Madison Avenue, and Rodeo Drive lines. Amy Michelle diaper bags–chic-tional never looked so good! –Emily

This week, Daria shares exciting news about her new article featured this month in Yummy Mummy magazine , entitled “Handmade is Hot”. We invite you to check out the article to learn more about Handmade Artisan clothing for your children, as well as gain some valuable resources in the hunt for the perfect designer. Thanks so much to Amy from ToteandTee.com for use of her beautiful images to accompany the article. Additional kudos to Emily our Contributing Editor for her mad editing skills and assistance in creating an informative article for those just introduced to the Boutique business.

With childhood obesity on the rise I’m glad there’s someone like Amy Roskelley, a stay-at-home mom who is helping educate children about healthy eating habits through her company Super Healthy Kids. How has she made mealtime fun AND healthy? With her fabulous Healthy Habits Plate.

Roskelley is a mother of three with a degree in Health Education and eight years experience working for the Utah Health Department, so she’s definitely someone you want on your side when trying to teach your children that eating healthy is as easy as 1-2-3. And when I say 1-2-3 I’m talking about her new Healthy Habits Plate, which has three sections: fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, and meat and dairy. Each section is sized according to the correct portions and has colorful pictures of the foods belonging in that part of the plate.

We now have a Healthy Habits Plate and it is everyone’s favorite! I love that by using it often my kids will learn–by habit–the correct portion sizes for mealtime. They can even dish up their own meal (with a little help from Mom, of course). The only thing I don’t like is we have only one Healthy Habits Plate…and four kids. The odds are not in Mom’s favor. If you look at the plate closely you’ll see about half of the meal is made up of fruits and veggies, and that’s just how it should be!

Entice your children to eat healthy and pick up a Healthy Habits Plate for everyone in your family. At less than $6 it’s an affordable investment in your child’s health. Super Healthy Kids also has some great tips and ideas for incorporating more fruits, vegetables, protein and grains in your children’s diet. By the way, I think Roskelley ought to come up with an adult-size plate. Even at 30-something my portion control could use a little help (and I should probably finally learn dessert is not a requirement at every meal). –Emily

** Giveaway!! Super Healthy Kids is giving away one Healthy Habits Plate! Please leave a comment telling us your favorite fruit or vegetable (include a valid email address for our drawing). We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: May 2, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

** Congratulations to Jenn O., the winners of the Healthy Habits Plate! 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!

What a lovely way to wake up in the morning, with news of a fabric sale!! That’s right, Fabric.com is having a Spring Customer Appreciation Sale where you can snag 15% off your purchase using promo code: Spring415

That’s 15% off your entire order, oh the fabrics we could buy! (expires 4.28.08 at midnight)

If you’re on Bath & Body Works‘ newsletter distribution list then you’ve seen the FitFlop before; that’s how I first heard about it. And because it claims to “tone and trim your legs, improve your muscle tone, increase muscle activity and circulation, improve your balance and posture, and burn calories,” I knew I had to review this shoe for our readers, even if it meant a more toned tush. (Sigh…the sacrifices I sometimes have to make…)

The FitFlop comes from the UK, and its patent-pending design mimics barefoot walking but with added benefits. This calorie-burning flip-flop has a varying density midsole that creates a microwobbleboard workout every time you take a step. In layman’s terms this means your legs work harder then they would do in standard trainers or shoes. In simplest terms the FitFlop has three main features: one, the hardness of the toepoint sole promotes a propulsive gait; two, the softer midsole creates a slower eversion rate (i.e. your muscles stay active longer during each step); three, the firm heel strike cushion provides speed.

With independent studies confirming the “workout in every step” and a plethora of happy customers, I stepped into my navy FitFlops and walked numerous steps while doing some intensive Saturday cleaning. (The weather did not permit my wearing them outdoors–dang this abnormally cold Utah spring!) I will say they took a little getting used to; they definitely don’t “flop” like my $5 Old Navy flip-flops! After wearing them for a while I wasn’t sure they were doing much except rubbing the inside of my big toe a little raw. (It was the first time I had donned flip-flops since the previous summer, so that was part of the problem.) But the next morning I woke with a backside that was slightly sore and legs that felt a bit more tired than usual. And no, I hadn’t done any squats while scrubbing the floors.

I’ve worn my FitFlops a few more times and have found them to be a bit more comfortable between the toes (I still think they should eliminate the plastic covering on the fabric FitFlops) and still giving my legs a little workout. I definitely won’t be skipping the gym but I will wear these more often. I’m all for a little extra help burning calories and toning buttocks! Just don’t try to do any light jogging in them, even from parking lot to post office door. Stick to your $5 flip-flops for that–they’re a bit more forgiving! Read the rest of this entry »

I received the most touching email from Angie about TheAve group’s charity auction to benefit one of their very own designers. I couldn’t possibly begin to convey how much this note touched my heart. I wanted to share it with you and encourage everyone to support this launch for Renee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

“Dear Daria,
I am writing to you because I have listened to boutique cafe since the beginning and I know that you can reach more women, people, designers single - handedly than anyone else I know of. I Hope that you are able to help us.

Let me start by telling you what this is all about:
Last week, the members of TheAve were devestated to hear that our dear friend and groupmate, Renee was diaganosed with lung cancer Renee, is only 39 years old and is 1/2 of the dynamic painting duo Cricket*Cottage. The doctors have told her the cancer has spread to the rest of her body including her brain. She is in the intensive care unit now where she had a drain placed to drain fluid that accumulated around her heart. At this time, the doctors say she is too sick and too weak to start Chemotherepy. They have said there is no cure for Renee but only the small chance of remission. The cancer will come back

TheAve, instead of sitting back and feeling helpless, has decided to have a benefit launch for Renee with 100% of the proceeds going to Renee and her family. Renee is a mom and a designer just like many of us who listen to your show. Who better to help than one of our own

My Sincerest Appreciation,

Angie
Simply*Sophia”

To support our fellow designer and raise money for her Cancer treatment please bid on these Team Renee auctions >

Though Earth Day was yesterday we should be thinking earth friendly 24/7, whether we’re riding the bus to work or flowing into downward dog. And if you often find yourself flowing into downward dog you’ll want to check out Natural Fitness and their line of high-quality, 100 percent eco-friendly yoga products.

Natural Fitness‘ products include a full line of yoga tools (mats, bags, straps, blocks and bolsters) and fitness gear (exercise and medicine balls, tubes, balance discs and mats). I received their natural rubber yoga mat, and after airing it out for a few days (that natural rubber smell packs a serious punch when lowering yourself before upward-facing dog), I was ready to try it out. I found the mat to offer good traction, though it seemed my not-so-environmentally-friendly mat was a bit better at it. I did enjoy the high-rebound dense cushion and the added thickness and length. (I didn’t have to decide whether my head or feet would hang off the mat during corpse pose.)

The nifty thing about this mat is it’s made entirely from sustainable plant-based material, is PVC free, and at the end of its life it can be composted, making them 100 percent eco-friendly. The company is pretty nifty too. One of Natural Fitness’ founding principles is to offset the impact on the environment that results from the manufacturing and distribution of their products, so the company’s created its Zero Impact Program (ZIP), which includes a variety of environmentally friendly practices such as the Plant-A-Tree initiative (for every product sold, Natural Fitness funds the planting of a tree in areas of the world that benefit most).

Natural Fitness also offsets their employees’ eco-footprint and encourages them to extend eco-conscious business practices into their personal lifestyles. And get this, even their website is eco-friendly–it’s completely powered by solar energy! Now THAT is cool! “Green your workout; green our world.” Namaste. –Emily

** Giveaway! Natural Fitness is giving away one of their fabulous cork yoga blocks! 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 30, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

** Congratulations to Patricia S., the winner of the Natural Fitness 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!

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate Earth Day I’ve got two earth- and child-friendly products for you on today’s Daily Dish. One is a great read and the other a great listen. Together they’re a wonderful way to help children become more aware of the world around them.

Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World is a true story about Knut, the young polar bear who was abandoned by his mother and raised by his zookeeper (something animal rights groups were less than happy about). Knut received his share and more of media attention and soon became the unwitting–and cute–symbol of environmental awareness. Because the author co-wrote the book with his two young daughters, the book is easy-to-read for younger children and yet teaches them about important environmental issues (e.g. the impact global warming has on the natural habitat of polar bears).

My girls read and this book the moment I unwrapped it. The next day my oldest daughter asked if she could take it to school to show her class. Of course Mom said yes, and it’s a good thing as the class “LOVED” it (emphasis added to show exactly how my daughter said it–LOL). I’m just glad my girls came away from reading the book with their eyes a little more open to the world–and animals–around them. By the way, the author and his family are the writers behind the popular Owen & Mzee series.

Now for the good listen. Let me start off by saying I’m not a big jazz fan. I’ve tried to learn to appreciate this style of music but have not been successful. Having said that, I may be on my way to appreciating jazz after listening to Music for a Green Planet. Hayes Greenfield, who is an acclaimed jazz musician and creator of the multi-award-winning Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz, created Music for a Green Planet as a “musical celebration of green consciousness for the whole family.” And let me tell you, non-jazz-lover that I am, I celebrated right along with Greenfield and the other top singers on this sophisticated yet fun mix of “green” songs.

I mellowed out to “The Things We Throw Away” sung by Carly Sonenclar, the eight-year-old “Les Miserables” star, and rocked out to “This Little World of Ours” sung by Shayna Steele, a Broadway veteran. I also loved “Little Bo Beep Goes Green,” a very eco-friendly version of the old nursery rhyme. If you want your kids to experience “green consciousness” then there’s no better way to learn than through music, and no better music then Music for a Green Planet. –Emily

Wildbydesign presents a new custom sized design for your little puppy lover called “I LOVE MAX!”

Available in custom size 12 months to 5T and featuring the most kibble-rrific appliqué of Max the pup.

Included in this auction are the appliqued MY DOG MAX overalls and puppy hat that you see pictured.

Adopt this pup today by bidding on these adorable overalls and hat >>

Here’s some sweet news from LaNae of BijouCo group:

“BijouCo launched our group one year ago, we got a tad sentimental thinking over all the great memories we have made. We decided to invite other designers to join us in celebrating our anniversary! We are so thrilled to have a fabulous list of esteemed designers joining us. I have attached a guest list of all the designers.

The launch begins on April 15th, search BijouCo on eBay to see all the wonderful listings. In fact, each listing will contain a special diary entry from the designer, sharing what inspired them to create their sets! - LaNae”

Click to enjoy the Sentiment Listings - they are gorgeous! >>

If life doesn’t stand still (does it for anyone?) whether you want it to or not, and that same life includes little ones, then you need to take a close look at Baby Rhys Adventure Gear. Baby Rhys Adventure Gear products are inspired by an active, on-the-go little boy and the need for “convenience and purpose without sacrificing style.”

Baby Rhys Adventure Gear includes crib shoes, bandana and sun hats, lunch wraps, a variety of totes (diaper, toy and zippered) and blankets. I received one of Baby Rhys’ lunch wraps, and we’ve already gotten good use out of this functional, brightly colored product. The lunch wrap helps organize and carry everything you need for feeding baby. I love that it has a labeled pocket for the spoon, baby food jar, napkin and bib. That means I won’t forget something when in a hurry. (I’m not the only one who’s lived to regret forgetting the bib, right?) The “wrap” part comes in to play when you’re ready to throw the lunch wrap in your diaper bag. Simply roll the lunch wrap and tie. Super cute and super convenient!

Besides the lunch wrap my favorite Baby Rhys products are the hats, especially the bandana hat. All of Baby Rhys Adventure Gear product use quality hand-dyed (with premium European dyes) and hand-loomed textiles.They’re designed in the Canadian Rockies and handmade in Sri Lanka. And get this–each pair of crib shoes comes with a card identifying the name of the seamstress who did the stitching. That is so totally cool! Baby Rhys Adventure Gear is just what you need when you’re on the go, whether you’re traveling to the mall or to Morocco! –Emily

** Giveaway! Baby Rhys is giving away a bandana hat (winner’s choice) to seven lucky Daily Dish readers! Please leave a comment telling us the furthest location you’ve traveled with your little one (include a valid email address for our drawing). We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: April 28, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

** Congratulations to Jennifer B., Leah O., Julie E., Danielle S., Anita B., Stacey M., and Jenny B., the winners of the Baby Rhys 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!

And did I mention they’re also personalized? With just one photo Flattenme turns your child into a wood sprite, pirate, monster, or even a world traveler in search of a potty (finally, an alternative to Once Upon a Potty!).

What makes these books different than other personalized books out there? You’ve got awesome illustrations, engaging stories and personalized text, but most importantly you’ve got page after page of your child pictured as the star of the story. We sent in a photo of our 2-year-old son in which he was looking right at the camera. A few days later we received Here There Be Pirates featuring our son as first mate in a true pirate adventure! His face was seamlessly integrated into the artwork–even with the closest inspection you couldn’t tell his face wasn’t the original one attached to that body.

We all had a great time reading Here There Be Pirates, though I think it was still a little unclear to him he was the first mate pictured in the story. I have a feeling when he gets a little older that Flattenme book is going to be one we read over and over and over again! (Perhaps I’ll need to invest in another Flattenme book so we can have a little variety at bedtime.) Let your little one be the star of her own story with a magical book from Flattenme. Just be prepared to know the story by heart, something which can’t be helped after reading it multiple times a day for weeks on end! –Emily

* Promotion! Flattenme is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their purchase. Simply enter code “BOUTIQUECAFE” at checkout. Offer expires May 18, 2008.

Ever try to find your stroller among a sea of nearly identical strollers (think amusement park, train ride at the zoo, play areas in the mall)? It’s kind of like fishing the right black travel suitcase from bag claim at the airport–nearly impossible unless you’ve tied a bright pink ribbon on the handle. I’ve got a better solution for you than that hot pink ribbon: BabiePlates, the latest must-have baby product from Sweden!

BabiePlates are personalized with a name or phrase (my personal favorite: GO BYU!) and birth date. Or instead of a birth date you can add baby’s picture, one of BabiePlates newest features. (Their other new feature is safety reflector foil.) I ordered one for our daughter and couldn’t wait for it to arrive. When our BabiePlate finally arrived it was even better than pictured. It was made with close attention to detail and quality (hence the 2- to 3-week wait) and I knew I had found that latest stylin’–and personalized–must-have baby gift.

Our BabiePlate currently has a place of honor on a shelf in my daughter’s room. I have yet to pimp her ride since she’s usually doubling with her brother–I now need to order him one too! Though the most popular use for BabiePlates is on strollers you can also put them on a bedroom door, wall, or shelf, or attach them to motorized toys, wagons, or go carts. I’ve heard even some companies are putting their logos on BabiePlates–a fun idea if you want to spread the word about your business in a fun, unique way. BabiePlates are a great accessory no matter how you use them! –Emily

* Promotion! BabiePlates is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their order; simply enter code “bc” at checkout.

As much as I love a “Made in U.S.A.” label I love it when I find an international business that not only makes great products but also has a mom behind its conception. JUBI is just such a company. With bedding and baby accessories that “use natural fabrics and promote safety as well as design and functionality,” JUBI literally wraps your baby in a layer of softness and safety.

Ali Hui, the mom behind JUBI, has a background in nursing and medical sales and was concerned about the health and safety aspect of infant “bedwear,” especially following the birth of her. “Aware of the links with asthma, respiratory problems, allergies and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS – commonly known as cot death), she wanted to feel secure that the fabric would not be harmful or abrasive to her baby’s delicate skin.” Her concern and research and attention to detail mean your baby is getting the best of the best.

I received one of JUBI’s dribbler bibs and though it was just a small example of the current line I could tell someone had definitely paid attention to detail. The 100% cotton material was soft to the touch and the ribbing around the edges didn’t leave any little rub marks around our little one’s neck. The style was simple, which I like. One of my favorite JUBI products is their all-in-own kimono and kimono bodysuits. I’d like to wrap myself up in one of these!

What I’m really looking forward to checking out is JUBI’s new merino wide rib blanket once it’s available. A merino blanket from JUBI would quite possibly be the softest one around! Even though it’s almost summer I could totally justify the purchase…somehow! –Emily

How well do you do in a medical emergency? Are you calm and collected or frazzled and freaked out? With four children the odds are in our favor we’ll see the inside of an emergency room more than once, and we’ve already had a few visits (barbecue scraper to the forehead…stitches; finger smashed between the weights on a home weight set…more stitches; recreational drinking of a bottle of grape-flavored Triaminic…one really drunk 2-year-old). The right supplies and the right knowledge are vital to keeping your cool during an emergency, and IntelligentFirstAid offers you the most advanced first aid kit in the world!

IntelligentFirstAid has been providing their patented first aid kits to major commercial clients, law enforcement and consumers for over seven years, but it’s their new “Talking” Fist Aid Kit that really grabbed my attention. How reassuring would it be to have a soothing voice talking you through the emergency at hand? With four patents and more pending this kit is truly amazing. It combines the highest quality medical supplies and in-depth, easy-to-follow instructions all separated into individually labeled and color-coded injury packs: Breathing & CPR, Bleeding, Shock, Head & Spine, Bone, Eye, Burns, Bites & Stings, and Basics. But where does the “Talking” part of Talking First Aid Kit come in? Each instruction card has an audio module. With the squeeze of a button, the module narrates step-by-step instructions to manage the injury, “pausing and repeating when necessary for accurate response.”

When I read about IntelligentFirstAid’s Talking kit in Real Simple I thought it was really cool, but when I opened it up, listened (yes, listened) to the intro and then checked out one of the injury packs, I knew I was truly looking at the coolest first aid kit ever! Read the rest of this entry »

It’s Spring Shopping time and the perfect opportunity to scour the BC Spring Gift Guide for Mother’s Day gift ideas. We’ve found a few that you’ll want to check out for your deserving Mom!

For all our current specials visit our Gift Guide for promos and discounts, to spoil Mom and save too!
Take me to the Promo Codes!!! »

Boutique Cafe HOT MAMA Spring Picks

If your company is interested in joining our Spring Gift Guide, simply email daria@boutiquecafe.com and we’ll send you all the information you need.

**please feel welcome to grab this logo and link to our gift guide on your site. We love you for sharing!

On Tuesday’s Daily Dish I reviewed Laughing Starfish, jewelry that doubles as a nursing necklace for your nursing or bottle-fed baby by day and a beautiful necklace for Mom by night. Today I have another double-duty line of jewelry perfect for curious and/or teething babies and perfect for Mom. Smart Mom Jewelry brings you Teething Bling, “inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry.”

What? Babies like to yank, tug, and mouth our jewelry? If you’ve got the collection of necklace casualties I do (the result of baby’s sometimes freakish strength) then you’re familiar with this phenomenon. Smart Mom Jewlery’s line of Teething Bling is a collection of baby-friendly pendants and bangles that look great on Mom (or Grandma or that favorite Aunt) but are safe for babies to handle and chew. Teething Bling products are 100% lead-free, and Smart Mom Jewelry is non-toxic and phthalate free, and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp. That means Mom won’t come close to passing out when her little one wanders off with necklace in hand–and still attached to Mom’s neck!

I received three sets (two of which we’re giving away…see details below) of Smart Mom’s Teething Bling donut pendants with matching bangles. I was impressed (aka surprised) by how solid they look yet how flexible and tooth-friendly they are. I would have worn my Mother of Pearl pendant the next day if my 2 1/2-year-old hadn’t claimed it as his own. (I can prove it with a picture of him wearing it while dancing in his big sister’s black tutu–very fashionable!) My 8-month-old loved mouthing the bangle and I found that even its simple design was enough to keep her attention–and mouth–busy in the car and at church. You know, sometimes simplicity is the best policy.

Smart Mom Jewelry is truly stylish and beautiful and a favorite of babies and moms everywhere. With Mother’s Day in just a few weeks you’ll be happy to know they have their new rose quartz hearts in stock (see photo above), just in time to give Mom this May. –Emily

** Giveaway! We’re giving away one pendant/bangle set to two luck 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. Deadline: April 18, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Promotion! Smart Mom Jewelry is offering a free matching bangle with every pendant purchase (while supplies last). That’s a $12 value! Want two pendants? Get two free bangles! No restrictions apply.

** Congratulations to Martha W. and Noreen L., the winners of the Smart Mom Jewelry 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!

This beautiful necklace and bracelet set from all*gods*children will make your little lady feel very special and grown up. We love the cats eye beads and the wonderful mermaid summer colors! The color combo includes: Dark Rose, Orange, and Yellow! with 4mm daisy spacers that add just the right amount of shine!

To complete the set, a dainty Yellow Flower (Pink flower is shown in pictures) adorns each piece! So cute with this summers fashions! The Necklace & Bracelet both have lobster style closures for easy fastening and will be custom made in your little Mermaid fan’s size at auctions end!

Bid on this summer time set here >

I’ve been dying to do this review for our Daily Dish readers ever since I received my own work of art from Letter Perspectives. When I first saw Letter Perspectives’ photos it reminded me Daria’s Spell With flickr post a while back featuring this cool site where you type in a word and then Spell with flickr uses images to spell what you’ve typed. If you’re looking for a way to take this idea offline and turn it into a work of art then Letter Perspectives is the answer.

Letter Perspectives uses black-and-white letter photos to help you design what is sure to become a conversation piece in any home. And creating this conversation piece is easier than you think. All you do is select a theme from which you want to choose your photos, select a letter, then scroll through the pictures of that letter. Drag the picture you want into an open space. When you’re done with your design simply choose the product(s) you’d like to purchase with your new custom design and you’re done! Who knew it was so easy to create such a beautiful work of art!

We are now the proud owners of the word “Family” from Letter Perspectives and I can honestly say, next to the black wooden tri-fold photo screen in my living room, it is my most favorite framed artwork in my home. As beautiful as they look on the site, those images don’t do the real thing justice. What an awesome gift to give family and friends, especially as a housewarming gift. And Mother’s Day is right around the corner–I think I’ve done your Mother’s Day shopping for you with today’s review!

If you’re looking for the perfect thing to hang on that blank wall in your family room or entryway, Letter Perspectives has the perfect thing. Create something that’s truly beautiful and truly you. –Emily

* Promotion! Letter Perspectives is offering Daily Dish readers $10 off their order. Simply enter code “boutiquecafe” at checkout.

Moms deserve cute stuff!

Moms are amazing. On duty 24/7, it’s hard to take time for anyone but the kids. Make the constant, tedious and downright stinky job of diaper changing a dare-we-say “fun” activity … with an ultra stylish Made by Angie baby wipe container. Treat yourself or a new/expecting mom in your life with over 75 fabulous fabrics to choose from. It will make that diaper change easier, we swear!

Save 20% on all orders now through May 11* in honor of Mother’s Day … use the code LOVEMOM at checkout for your instant discount.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Angie
* To make sure that your gift arrives in time for the holiday, please place any gift orders by Sunday, May 4th.

Skip Hop, a company long known for innovative parenting products that “appeal not only to your heart but to your modern sense of design,” recently introduced a new line of baby bedding and coordinating accessories in true Skip Hop style (i.e. modern, chic and functional).

Skip Hop’s first two patterns, Mod Dot and Vine Floral, are sophisticated and parent-friendly yet look right at home in a nursery setting. Would something so “modern” appeal to a mom like me who’s ideal bedding is her very floral set from Land of Nod? I wasn’t sure until I saw–and felt–the Mod Dot bedding firsthand. The first thing I noticed was that clear vinyl bag in which bedding sets are always packaged. Skip Hop managed to spice up even this typically boring bag with cute zipper pulls in the shape of Skip Hop’s trademark asterisk. Though just a small detail it speaks volumes about Skip Hop’s attention to detail.

After handling the bedding, which was silky soft by the way, I was tempted to change my daughter’s current crib bedding for the Mod Dot and probably would have if I didn’t have to undo all those dang ties! The set is made from 100% cotton in 385 thread count (I don’t even think I have that high a thread count on my own sheets!) and includes a super soft comforter, crib skirt, two cotton sheets (how many sets offer you two sheets?), and reversible bumper. The collection also includes a reversible blanket, wall organizer (probably my favorite accessory), decorative pillows and a really cool lamp.

If you’re familiar with Skip Hop diaper bags and other products like their Splash bottle drying rack and Toolbox diaper caddy then you’ll know to expect only the best from their new bedding collection–and you won’t be disappointed. Even this not-so-modern mom things they’re pretty dang cool! And what’s really cool is every time you buy a Skip Hop product, a portion of your purchase goes towards supporting the Pediatric Aids Foundation and The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

What a treat to be featured on a blog that I read and admire. I felt very flattered to be invited as a guest interviewee, and to share my personal beauty regime. A Mom In Red High Heels is a site meant to educate Moms on how to look great and feel fabulous in her role as Mom! We Absolutely LOVE that!

In my feature on MRHH I share:
-my favorite beauty tip
-What my Mother taught me about beauty and fashion
-my time saving beauty tips
and MUCH more!

Check it out and be sure to bookmark them.

Read and comment on my feature here>>

What a treat to be featured on a blog that I read and admire. A Mom In Red High Heels is a site meant to educate Moms on how to look great and feel fabulous in her role as Mom! We Absolutely LOVE that! Check it out and be sure to bookmark them.

Read and comment on my feature here>>

First of all, what is a nursing necklace? Laughing Starfish Jewelry describes a nursing necklace as a necklace “designed to be interesting and fun for little hands while strong enough to be tugged and yanked.” For me, a nursing necklace should also be stylish enough to be worn without baby in tow, and Laughing Starfish Jewelry designs pieces perfect for nursing or bottle-fed babies AND their moms!

What I love about Laughing Starfish’s necklaces is how well they entertain without being cheesy. I love this quote from the artist’s site: “It has been my experience … that my children always preferred things that were more adult - as illustrated by the dozens of times I spent hours trying to locate what they did with my car keys while their colorful plastic ones sat ignored in their toy box.” I have seen other nursing necklaces, many of which failed to appeal to me because their design was reminiscent of a colorful infant toy. Laughing Starfish’s beautiful necklaces are works of art (many limited editions because of the beads) and I haven’t seen one I wouldn’t wear on its own.

I received Blue Skies Over Paris and I’ve already worn this baby more than other necklaces in my “everyday” collection. I’ve probably gotten more use of it by now than my little one has! Its high-quality construction (”tested” by the artist’s own children) means no broken cords or strings or beads flying this way and that if tugged on a bit too hard. (I can’t say the same for a couple other favorites–casualties of that crazy strength all babies seem to have!) Whenever I’m wearing it and holding my little girl, she’s all over that necklace, practically entranced with the beads’ contrasting colors. Even my 2 1/2-year-old checks it out when in my arms or on my lap!

I also love Amethyst Springs, Little Red Strawberries, and Summer Downpour (and I love their creative names!). Each necklace comes gift wrapped and includes the sweetest little starfish charm on the clasp. Besides beautiful nursing necklaces Laughing Starfish Jewelry also has equally beautiful bracelets, earrings and other accessories. A word of advice: make sure you order two lengths of cord for your necklace, a longer one so baby can easily play with the pendant and a shorter one just for you! –Emily

THE YUMMY MUMMY CLUB is a playful and cheeky site for modern mothers looking for adult stimulation. This site was created by celebrity Yummy Mummy, and fellow Canadian Erica Ehm (who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at the Calgary Women’s Show last year) in 2007 as a playful place for moms to come to celebrate and commiserate the realities of modern motherhood, while trying to balance life as a sexy mama.

This month, they are focusing on being a Healthy Mummy - and are giving away some prizes that I just had to share with you. Click and enter to win some spectacular gift baskets from Yummy Mummy Club >>