Being an entrepreneur and a mom I find my business permeates many aspects of family life. My kids have seen huge screen printing machines up close, made numerous trips to the post office, and asked a ton of questions about just what it is Mom does. I find it important to help them understand the basics behind a business to fuel their own entrepreneurial spirit, and now there’s a site that can help your girls learn a bit of what it takes to run their own business, more specifically their own fashion boutique!

GirlSense.com is an online fashion community directed at teens and tweens where girls can design their own line of clothing, create a boutique, and even advertise to help draw others to their boutique. These virtual boutiques are helping girls (and boys) use their imagination to create fun and fashionable designs all while learning a little bit about what it takes to run a business.

Along with collaborating with real designers to create virtual fashions, girls can make new friends, shop at other boutiques, and communicate in a safe online community. Once users have created their fashions they can save them in their online boutique and share them with their friends. Members can even buy and sell clothing to each other using g-cents money (no actual dollar value). If their designs sell, the designer will earn a lot of g-cents to shop at other boutiques.

As soon as I showed my older girls the site they were hooked! They had a ton of fun designing numerous, very creative outfits and checking out other fashions on the site. I enjoyed seeing them channel their energy into something other than the TV and non-entrepreneurial endeavors. GirlSense.com is a site that teaches some real skills, and your girls won’t even know it because they’re having way too much fun! –Emily

I never shy away from trying new bath and body products, especially when they’re not only good for the body but also good for the environment. Pure & Natural’s products are just that. Created by using ingredients of 98% natural origin, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and packaged in recyclable packaging, their soaps make you feel good inside and out!

We’ve already almost used up our rosemary & mint liquid hand soap, and that’s probably because it smells so good. I think we’re all washing our hands more often than we used to, and that’s not a bad thing by any means! According to the site, rosemary is known for its cleansing and stimulating properties and mint extract is known for its cooling and refreshing effects. The combo, which also includes pure glycerin, is simply fabulous!

I’ve also been thoroughly enjoying Pure & Natural’s almond oil & cherry blossom shower gel. Also enriched with pure glycerin, almond oil is a natural emollient with excellent moisturizing properties and cherry is great at soothing the skin. My favorite thing about their shower gel is that a little, and I mean a little, goes a really long way. I know some are anti-lather, but I love loads of creamy, rich bubbles when I shower and Pure & Natural has perfected the lather. I’m anxious to try their grapefruit & pomegranate; I need all the rejuvenation I can get!

Even better than their lathering abilities is their care for the environment, and I just learned how much they truly care when I visited their site for this review. Pure & Natural doesn’t just use biodegradable products and recyclable packaging; the company also donates at least $100,000 a year to the World Wildlife Fund. They are truly nurturing the world–all the more reason to nurture yourself with their products! –Emily

You can find Pure & Natural at a variety of retailers including Target and Wal-Mart.

** Giveaway! Pure & Natural is giving away one of their fabulous bath & body sets! 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: July 7, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Congratulations to Kristin M, the winner of the Pure & Natural gift set! 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!

We’re taking a break from Quilt Market this week and getting back to our podcasting roots! Don’t worry more vidcast interviews from Market are on the way, including Joel Dewberry next week! (don’t miss it)

In this weeks show, Daria talks about Back to School shopping. Yes you heard us, it’s time to order your custom boutique outfits for fall. Click on our banner in the sidebar to shop hundreds of BTS listings. Other show topics include Boutique News: Lil Peas BTS group launch, ClickinMoms.com, Threaded Pear Studio - GIVEAWAY ends today!, MommyCast mentions us and Daria talks about the family channel. Song by Geoff Smith “Ones and 0s” - congrats Geoff on your new album!

**Boutique Cafe is brought to you by Aveeno Baby from Johnson & Johnson. Thanks Aveeno! Please click on our Aveeno banner to show your support.

Well that may be true, but in the world of custom boutique creations NOW is the time to start shopping for Back to School! For your child’s first day back in class we recommend dressing them in something unique and handmade by talented artisans and designers (many of those we feature on Boutique Cafe are WAHMs). Each outfit is truly a labor of love, and leaves your child looking and feeling extra special!

To search a full range of hundreds Back to School offerings, simply click here and stroll through the beautiful listings >>

*The gorgeous BTS outfit pictured here is designed by Mya*Bella*Designs, from the Lil Peas BTS group launch going on right now! Search their group listings on eBay using search term “lil peas BTS”. You won’t believe what you find…gorgeous stuff!

If your group is listing Back To School right now, please shoot us an email and let us know. We’d love to feature your launch on Boutique Cafe’s Finds!

I first reviewed a Tike Tech stroller in January when I featured their 2008 Sport Series ATX All Terrain jogging stroller. My favorite features about Tike Tech’s ATX single were its lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame, easy assembly (just pop on the wheels and go), 5-point harness, comfy reclining seat (good on a stroller; not so good on Mom), and multiple storage pockets along with a generous basket. The thing I missed the most was a swivel wheel, which I had on my previous jogger. When Tike Tech heard about that they immediately sent over their Trax360 in Canyon Orange for review–now that’s service!

The Trax360 is basically the same stroller but with 12-inch wheels and the ability for the front wheel to swivel a full 360 degrees. The smaller wheels mean this stroller lends itself more to urban outings rather than 5k’s, but who says you have to own just one Tike Tech stroller? I had forgotten how easy this company’s strollers assemble, but the Trax360 was just as read to go as its counterpart. I simply popped on the wheels (okay, my husband popped on the front one…those swivels can be tricky!) and attached the canopy. Now the canopy took a little more umph than I had (and almost more “umph” than DH had) but we eventually got it to slide into place. The ergonomic handle is one of my favorite features, and when I found this one to be almost as tricky to adjust my husband simply replied, “That means it’s sturdy!” Sounds good to me!

Because I’ve had a few months to thoroughly test our ATX single jogger I know Tike Tech makes a great stroller. I’ve found lots of things to like, including the little mesh pocket on the inside of the seat so our toddler can store his pretzels, toy car and other treasures. I’m still loving the lightweight frame and generous, reclining seat with its 5-point harness that includes a chest strap. Those chest straps are nice because they keep the shoulder straps from slipping (and the aforementioned toddler from escaping mid jog). And guess what? While testing out the Trax360 I not only discovered I like a little swivel action (and Canyon Orange better) but also that both strollers have a removable rear seat cover. Who knew? It came attached on the Trax360 and I thought to myself, I wonder if the ATX has one as well. Lo and behold it did, tucked nicely away in a zipper pocket behind the seat!

For some closeup shots of the Trax360 and a full list of its features you’ll want to visit Tike Tech’s website. I should probably do the same in case I’ve missed any other features on this fabulous stroller! –Emily

We have a fun new button design and it’s free! Snag the code from our Share The Love page and place it on your blogs/website etc.

Thanks to each of you so much for sharing Boutique Cafe with your readers and friends!

(**thank you to Amy from toteandtee.com who designed this actual tee shirt pictured, it was worn by Amanda Congdon in an episode of Rocketboom!)

When was the last time you sprayed something under your tongue that rejuvenated, relieved ailments, restored balance and rebuilt your body? The answer is probably never..unless you’ve discovered Sprayology, a line of homeopathic and vitamin oral sprays that “promote beauty and well-being from within.”

Why an oral spray? When you swallow the typical capsule or liquid, the processes that break it down in the digestive tract and stomach often reduce its overall effectiveness and restorative properties. Sprayology’s oral sprays are sprayed under the tongue and are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. And because Sprayology formulas are designed in FDA-approved laboratories by both doctors and homeopaths they offer a well balanced, holistic and fast-acting homeopathic approach to health and wellness.

The Sprayology line, which includes 20 homeopathic sprays and four vitamin sprays, can be broken down into four groups:

• Rejuvenates–6 sprays that help give back youthful energy, muscle tone and a fresh complexion (e.g. BrainPower, ManPower, DietPower and MenoPower)
• Relieves–6 sprays formulated to alleviate the symptoms of everyday ailments (e.g. AllergEase, Party Relief and Travel Ease)
• Restores–8 sprays that help restore vital nutrients depleted by a hectic lifestyle (e.g. Acne Tonic, City Life Detoxer and PMSupport)
• Rebuilds–4 reinventions of the common vitamin (e.g. AgeWell Anti-Ox, B-12 + Folic Acid and Daily Multi)

I had my choice of spray to try so of course I chose WomanPower from the Rejuvenates line, which claims to “relieve the symptoms of low female energy, including decrease in sexual desire and vitality, low physical energy, irritability and the blues.” I sprayed two sprays of WomanPower under my tongue twice a day (I could never remember midday) and waited to see if anything would happen. Read the rest of this entry »

Make a Splash this summer with this funky teardrop pendant from Toodee*Frudee*Kids on eBay.

Perfect for dressing up your denim and adding some funk! It will go with almost everything in your closet.

Bid on it today, and make it yours!

…and I’m so totally serious! I’ve reviewed a few double strollers in the past; non-joggers include the Joovy Caboose tandem, Baby Planet Unity and phil&teds Sport with double kit. I feel like I have a little double-stroller experience under my belt and have quickly learned what features are important to me in a double stroller: compact fold, reclining seats, fairly large canopies, easy-access basket space, easily adjusted straps, a drink holder or two, easy maneuverability, and most importantly the ability to fit in the back of my ol’ school Honda Odyssey.

Maclaren’s Twin Techno stroller stole my heart when all I had to do was turn it vertically with the handles down to fit perfectly in my small trunk space. It stood only about 18″ wide and freed up the rest of my trunk for two black travel suitcases and an overnight bag. The Caboose fit laying on its side only if I removed the canopy; the Unity only if I collapsed the car’s backseat before putting it in; the phil&teds required removal of the tires. If it weren’t for the Twin Techno all five of us would’ve had to share one black suitcase for our week-long trip to Disneyland! Okay, enough about its amazing space-saving capabilities. Let me tell you what else the Twin Techno has to offer.

The Twin Techno’s all-important features include:

• Height-adjustable 5-point harnesses (you can cover these in 8 different “comfort pack” options)
• Removable/washable seats
• Front-wheel suspension
• Independent 5-point recline (it’s a little tricky to recline but once you figure it out it’s easy as pie)
• Independent and water-resistant canopies with UV-protective windows and sun visors plus pockets on the back for added storage (loved the window but we did have to cover it now and then with a small blanket when the sun was overhead; pockets were perfect for camera, cell phones, and extra snacks)
• Extendable leg rests (used this all the time so our littlest once could sleep comfortably)



• High-performance aluminum frame (a.k.a. the ability to hold a diaper bag, beach bag and Disney bags without tipping…see photo)
• Lightweight (at only 25 pounds this stroller is competitive with others on the market)
• Compact umbrella fold (already covered this one; note: the more you use it the easier it gets to open)
• Double mesh shopping baskets (easy to get to and good sized)
• Removable cup holders
• Carry handle (loved this feature)
• 5-second, one-hand fold (um, not sure I could have folded it this quickly with one hand but perhaps with two)
• Ergonomical foam insulated handles (my hands never felt tired even when pushing the kids from Disneyland to California Adventure, back to Disneyland, and then off to Downtown Disney)
• Lockable, front swivel wheels (didn’t review this feature as I totally forgot about it! LOL)
• Reflective accents for safety at night (these give off a nice glow during the Electric Parade)

Maclaren’s already too cool Twin Techno fits through a standard door (and an amusement park’s stroller entrance) and is suitable from birth up to a total of 110 lbs. I absolutely LOVE this stroller! If it can fit in my van, still allowing us to pack a clean change of underwear, and survive a 3-day park hopper pass to Disneyland and California Adventure, it deserves all the love I can give it! –Emily

My daily energy boost is Dove dark chocolate and a can of Diet Coke–probably not the healthiest option even if dark chocolate has those great antioxidants. I ought to try getting a full night’s rest, but because that’s probably still a few years away I was excited to try FRS, a new line of energy products I found via the Hungry Girl website.

The FRS (Free Radical Scavenger) formula was created in 1997 after 7 years of research into the benefits of plant-based antioxidants on human health. You can read more in-depth research here. FRS Healthy Energy combines quercetin, which is a natural, powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, with 7 essential vitamins. “Quercetin helps extend your body’s natural energy and fight fatigue caused by oxidants that build up in your body from daily activity, exercise and stress.” One can of FRS Healthy Energy has the same amount of flavonoid antioxidants as 3 servings of blueberries, 8 servings of red onions or 10 servings of raspberries. (Kind of reminds me of the Total cereal commercials…why eat 10 servings of raspberries when you can drink just one can of FRS Healthy Energy!)

FRS Healthy Energy comes in four different variations: cans, concentrate, powdered drink mix and soft chews. I was able to review all four, and I have to say the Low Cal Orange and Peach Mango concentrates were my favorite, followed by the same flavors in the cans. I wasn’t a big fan of the powdered mix but they’re a great way to take your Healthy Energy with you. The Orange soft chews tasted almost like an orange Starburst, but because I’m a calorie counter I had a hard time wasting 40 calories on a soft chew even if it was for added energy. Though I didn’t have scientific research to back it up, I felt like I got the quickest energy boost from the concentrate. FRS says you should feel the effects within about 30 minutes, but the company says it may take some people a few days to start to feel the positive effects

FRS can also enhance your focus and alertness and support overall weight management. My favorite use for FRS was to take it about 30 minutes before a workout so I not only had the energy to get on the treadmill but had the energy to exercise just a little harder (so I could have an extra Dove chocolate or two later). On what I think is an impressive and important side note, Lance Armstrong recently joined FRS’ Board of Directors and chose FRS as the exclusive beverage he represents worldwide:

… FRS fits in line with me wanting to live to be ninety, wanting to keep running marathons, riding my bike, being fit and having fun. A lot of people just reach for a coffee or supercharged energy drinks when they need a little pick me up, but I believe our lifestyles and the daily choices we make are some of the most important decisions we face.As an athlete and a cancer survivor I’ve got a responsibility to myself to think about my long term health when I put something in my body. After studying the antioxidant science behind FRS, I feel confident in making it a part of my daily routine.

Sounds like a quality endorsement if you ask me! If you’re tired of the low that comes after the Diet Coke and chocolate high then incorporate FRS Healthy Energy into your daily routine. It’s a tasty way to get your “daily allowance of enhanced mental focus, increased performance and the energy to keep you going”…and we could all use some of that! –Emily

* Giveaway!!! FRS is giving away a 2-week supply of Healthy Energy (a $60 value!) to 20 very lucky Daily Dish readers (yes, I said 20)! Please leave a comment telling us which Healthy Energy product will best fit into your lifestyle (and if you’re willing to admit it, the unhealthy energy “supplement” it will replace!). Please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: June 30, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Congratulations to all the winners of the FRS giveaway (too many to list)! 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!

No intro needed for this review…I love, love, LOVE sticars! Sometimes The Big Idea is right on–sticars are fantastic! Slated as the “hippest car magnets to hit the road,” these babies help you “express your inner artist on the open road.” (Note: I like to quote when I couldn’t say it better myself!)

sticars are basically magnetic graphics designed for your car’s exterior but there’s nothing basic about them. Just check out their fun and funky designs, many of which come in a variety of colors. My Odyssey’s gas flap is now the mini canvas where I display my small birds sticar. (I’d have included a picture but the car is in major need of a thorough washing.) I was actually sent a few different designs, and though I loved the random dots, peace sign and monsters my inner artist felt it might be too much to have them all on the car at the same time.

I love the online catalog because you can get a feel for how the sticars will look on different styles of cars before you buy. Plus they have a great photo gallery, which is helpful for those of us whose creative juices don’t flow as readily as others. And don’t think sticars are just for the open road. Because they’re magnetic you can also place them on other magnetic surfaces like school lockers, refrigerators, even your washing machine!

The best part about sticars is they’re an affordable way to give your car flames without the permanent paint job, which is a very good thing once that midlife crisis passes! “Express yourself in the fast lane” by getting your own set (or two or three) of sticars. You’ll never look at your car the same way again! –Emily

* Promotion! sticars is offering Daily Dish readers free shipping! Simply enter code MOMSHIP at checkout. Vroom, vroom!

In our continuing video coverage of the Spring 2008 International Quilt Market from Portland, Daria interviews quilter, designer and blogger Gina Halladay from the popular Quilters Buzz and Threaded Pear Studio. We loved meeting Gina, she’s so full of energy and definitely had her finger on the pulse of Market! Once you view our interview please leave Gina your comments and questions here below.

**GIVEAWAY** 5 Winners!! The prizes just keep on rolling! Gina Halladay is offering (5) six-packs of threaded pear patterns–winners choice!! To enter simply leave a comment about our interview. Please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: June, 27 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen. miss this!

**Boutique Cafe is brought to you by Aveeno Baby from Johnson & Johnson. Thanks Aveeno! Please click on our Aveeno banner to show your support.

**Don’t miss out! Comment before Midnight Friday June 27th to enter.

Article By: Lisa Otto

If you’re a mom with a small business, chances are you don’t keep a writer on staff. If you’re not a writer yourself, it can be difficult to come up with Website content that sounds good, and is beneficial to your business. When writer’s block strikes, many people jump to the old stand-by of throwing anything on the page and hoping it sounds good. You’ve all seen it…the small business website that sounds haphazard doesn’t make much sense and gives you no real clue as to what is being sold or offered. Let’s hope this isn’t you! But, if this does sound familiar, and you’re not sure how to create your own Website content, a simple formula can make all the difference!

No matter if you are a boutique owner, clothing designer or sell pet products, how the front page of your Website is written can affect sales and the success of your business. This is why experts put so much emphasis on quality content that is well written, descriptive and clear as to what you are offering. Not only is a clearly written Website good for search engine ranking, it’s also vitally important to making your customers feel compelled to, and comfortable enough, to buy from you.
Read the rest of this entry »

Hey you! Yes you, the hardworking Mom over there! Need a little pick me up? Why not a gorgeous new necklace from Moxie Designs on Etsy?!

This POD designed necklace is the perfect little accessory to take your outfit from drab to fab. Check it out on Etsy today

Though I don’t have a huge hat collection I love hats. I love beanies in the winter and floppy cotton hats in the summer, but I’ve never owned a hat with super sun-shielding power that was also super stylish…until now. Wallaroo Hat Company actually has me excited about wearing a wide-brim hat this summer, especially since I’ll be the envy of every beach- and pool-goer this summer!

Believe it or not many of Wallaroo’s fashion-friendly hats are UPF 50+, which means the fabric has been tested and block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As cute as my floppy Old Navy bucket hat is, it definitely doesn’t have a UPF rating, nor does it protect my face from the sun’s harmful rays as well as my new Nantucket hat. But as much as I love the UPF rating, what I truly love about this hat, along with the other two I’m lucky enough to own (the Victoria Diva and Casual Traveler) is that they look good even with my short hair (yep, that’s me!). If you have short hair you may have the same problem I do: hats just don’t look as good as they did when I had long hair. All three styles looked fabulous no matter the angle (trust me, I checked).

So you’ve got great sun protection and great style–what more could you ask for? How about the variety of styles for the whole family (love the women’s Tamworth, men’s Explorer, and children’s Platypus) plus fabrics like canvas, microfiber, and the new polystraw that make the hats washable, crushable and oh so versatile. Plus (yes, there’s another plus!) each Wallaroo hat has an internal or external drawstring to make it one-size fits most. (By the way, this drawstring comes in handy when walking along Huntington Beach Pier in the wind…)

Wallaroo hats are the most fashionable way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays (i.e. the wrinkles and sun spots). I doubt my motherly, gave-birth-to-four-kids figure will turn heads at the pool but my Nantucket hat sure will! –Emily

* Promotion! Wallaroo Hat Company is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their order! Just call the company to place your order and mention this review. Offer expires July 30, 2008.

I’ve had four kids and every one of them has experienced baldness at an early age; you know, it’s that special horizontal line of exposed scalp that runs from ear to ear. Even alternating how they sleep didn’t help. Time spent in their crib, carrier and car seat didn’t help. But now there’s something that just might. Baby Sharmooz just might reduce (and even eliminate) the infant balding phenomenon, and if your little one is already experiencing some hair loss Baby Sharmooz can quite possibly slow down the loss and speed up the re-growth. So how does it work?

Baby Sharmooz looks like a satin pillow without the fluff but it is a 100% satin headrest designed specifically for infants. Satin has been shown to help adults with hair loss and dry skin and now moms can use this same technique on their little ones. One side has satin with a cute safari print or chenille accent while the other has a nonslip backing to help it grip to fabric and keep it from shifting.

We received the hot pink Baby Sharmooz with cheetah trim and tested it out in both the bouncer seat and car seat. It stayed in place on the bouncer seat and our little one didn’t even seem to notice it was there, but in the car seat she discovered it pretty quickly as it did shift a little. It went from satin headrest to satin plaything pretty quickly, but I was just as okay with that. Kept her busy and that kept me happy! Because we were a little past the infant balding stage we weren’t the best test subjects, but after our week in Anaheim I noticed the hair on the back of her head seemed to have worn off a bit again. I sure wish I’d had our Baby Sharmooz with us; it might have spared her some feminine balding!

Besides hair loss the satin has other benefits such as minimizing cradle cap, tangling, and dry hair and scalp. Note: this is not a crib product. If you’d like your little one to sleep on satin try a fitted crib sheet. Also, once baby begins to roll over you can use your Baby Sharmooz as a “lovie.” Shower the next mom-to-be with Baby Sharmooz; every baby deserves the royal treatment! –Emily

Summer is here and that means swimsuit season is in full force, which also means countless hours trying on suits and the endless upkeep of bikini lines. Someone ought to design a suit that fits well no matter your body shape and saves time when it comes to being beach ready. Guess what? Someone has! Trunkettes swim wear is comfortable yet sexy, flattering yet sassy.

Trunkettes were designed by a woman who wore her husband’s swim trunks to the pool because she “felt more comfortable and freer in them” and could “do all sorts of things more easily while wearing them–run, jump, dive, rough house with [the] kids, etc., without a wardrobe malfunction.” We’ve all had our own swimsuit malfunction and I knew I had review Trunkettes for our readers.

I tested out the Funky Fresh Bermuda-style Trunkette in black with pink dots and the matching Feeling Flirty halter top. The Funky Fresh Bermuda-style bottoms were ultra comfortable and a lot easier on the bikini line than the typical bikini bottom and I thought the cargo pockets on the side were super cute. Though this style was a bit long for my taste (I think I’d prefer the Legs Legs Legs Trunkette) I was sold on the idea of swim trunks (with a built-in bikini) for women. I was a lot less self-conscious about my butt and thighs, which meant I could have a lot more fun at the pool. Plus my bikini line was grateful for a reprieve from the dreaded razor burn!

The Feeling Flirty halter top fit amazingly well, and I say amazingly because I have a hard time finding bikini tops that flatter my slightly broad shoulders and “slight” chest. These were a perfect fit and had “boosting pads” “optional cleavage” (yay for me!). Trunkettes also offers an underwire maximizer (Get Pumped) top and slimming tankini (Free Spirited). And for those who prefer a one-piece suit, their Sexy Savvy has extra slimming support with a sheer front insert that shows just enough…but not too much!

With Trunkettes you’ll be able to avoid “sand butt” and the dreaded bikini wax all while sporting a sexy style and boosting your self confidence. Sounds like days at the pool will go just swimmingly this summer! –Emily

Arbonne’s skin care products were originally developed in Switzerland in 1975 by Petter Mørck and a group of leading biochemists, biologists and herbalists. Their goal was to “provide skin care products unparalleled in quality and effectiveness,” and one of these “unparalleled” line of products is their NutriMinC RE9, which fights the effects of sun exposure and aging.

Arbonne’s proprietary RE9 is a group of nine key anti-aging elements, and though it’s a long list I wanted to include it so you would know the science behind the system:
1. Bio-Hydria® complex: Proprietary blend of seven plant nutrients that soften and condition skin.
2. Nanospheres: Infused with free-radical fighting antioxidant vitamins
3. Vitamin C, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A biologically active form of vitamin C; helps support collagen, elastin and ground substance.
4. Elhibin® & Stimu-Tex®: Elhibin®, a revolutionary, plant-derived skin protectant; contributes to skin’s elasticity, softness and smoothness. Stimu-Tex®, a unique, plant-derived skin moisturizer, helps improve the appearance of the skin’s epidermal lipid layer, minimizing water loss.
5. Alpha Lipoic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that penetrates skin quickly.
6. Kojic Acid: A highly effective, natural skin lightening agent that reduces the appearance of long-term sun and environmental damage.
7. Copper: Visibly smoothes, softens and firms skin; helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while promoting younger-looking skin.
8. Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids: Activate healthy cells while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
9. Peptides: Improve skin roughness and lessen the appearance of wrinkle volume and wrinkle depth.

I was able to try their entire line of face care products, from face wash to toner to day and night cremes. Though I found the full daily regimen included a few too many products for my taste (and time), I did notice a change in my skin. It looked a little brighter, a little tighter, and I didn’t experience any blemishes or other problems when switching to Arbonne’s NutriMinC RE9 line. Holistic is great, but I have to say I’m a bigger fan of science when it comes to skin care. My favorite product out of the group is the REpair Corrective Eye Creme. Now this baby really works! With my lack of sleep, sun exposure, and my 34th birthday around the corner I’ve tried my share of eye creams. None have worked as well as Arbonne’s REpair Corrective Eye Creme, and I love it enough to actually purchase it once my sample runs out. Now that’s saying something!

Don’t get me wrong, I thought the other products worked great as well but saw the most results from the eye cream in the 1 to 2 weeks I tested this line. I highly recommend you visit the site and do some research. The before and after photos are amazing, especially for the body care line.

Arbonne also has a line for little ones, Arbonne Baby Care (ABC). I tested their lotion (oat, shea butter and safflower oil) on our baby’s dry, sensitive skin and found it worked really well (i.e. I could apply it once and it would soften and smoothe for a couple days). The Hair & Body Wash (aloe and oat) had a nice, fresh scent and didn’t dry out her skin, while the sunscreen (SPF 30+; oat, aloe and shea butter) created a truly effective barrier from the sun even when her skin got wet.

If you’re like me and enjoy a little science with your skin care then you’ll love Arbonne’s NutriMinC RE9 product line. And if you don’t want to replace your current products all at once then be sure and get the REpair Corrective Eye Cream first. You’ll find yourself smiling while those smile lines and dark circles disappear! –Emily

* Promotion! Deneen Manesiotis, an Arbonne consultant, is offering Daily Dish readers an amazing 25% savings on their order! Simply email Deneen at deneenm@cox.net to place your order and she will give you the discount.

These beautiful bows are BURSTING with color! Red and Hot Pink with crystals mingle together to create a symphony of hairbow heaven! Designed by Emmasaxton and available on eBay for the Glamsquad ‘Color my World’ launch (June 12-19th)!

Click to bid on these spectacular hairbows >

It’s Retro Week on the Daily Dish! We’re posting some of our fave past reviews to share with you. Discover (or re-discover) great products that we’re still loving and talking about years later! Welcome to Retro week.

Let’s face it, changing diapers is not the most glamorous or exciting job in the world. That’s why I’m so happy to have discovered the Ubi changing table. The Ubi to me, is like the swiss army knife of change tables due to it’s many handy features!

I was sent the Deluxe Ubi Table with natural wood base and “lime coco beach” cover. This swanky model also sports the most awesome diaper dispenser right where you need it, under the baby. The diapers push down into a spring loaded system that keeps several diaper right within reach. I loved that aspect to the table, it just makes so much sense that you shouldn’t have to stretch and reach to find a diaper - it should be right at your fingertips whenever you need it. The thing I loved most about the Ubi is the fastener strips that quickly and easily hold the diaper in place. It was so simple to change diapers with the fastener strips, just pull up a diaper from the dispenser and stretch the tabs up to attach on the strip. They hold firm despite any wiggles from your little one and the diaper change is stress free. Read the rest of this entry »

Maja (The Savvy Organizer) is back from her vacation, and ready to share tips on how to become “Road Trip Ready” for this summer’s holiday season.

Preparing for your family holiday can tend to be a bit daunting, but with The Savvy Organizer’s hints and suggestions you can truly become a pro at packing, and return home to a house that doesn’t overwhelm you, it’s all in the planning. If you’re tired of taking vacations that cause stressful recovery time, this show is for you!Kick back with our show this week, take notes, and plan for some serious family fun this summer!

*If you are planning a roadtrip this summer please leave a comment and let us know where you’re going, and how many hours you’re traveling to get there. We’d love to hear about great family discoveries!

Click To listen to the show

It’s Retro Week on the Daily Dish! We’re posting some of our fave past reviews to share with you. Discover (or re-discover) great products that we’re still loving and talking about years later! Welcome to Retro week.

Changing Baby? You’ll thank your lucky stars for the most innovative change pad I’ve ever tried - and I’ve had 4 babies so I’ve been around the block a few times in the diaper arena. Meet the Patemm Pad, you’ll be such fast friends. The first thing I loved about the Patemm Pad was the circular disk comes in such attractive patterns of vinyl oil cloth (I loved the Jack Martin for my son Noah). The pad then smartly folds up into a convenient tote you can take anywhere. I only had to look inside the Patemm to find true magic. Not only did they make the pad large enough for baby changing or a clean play area, but Patemm has added spectacular pockets all around to hold all your baby essentials in just one piece! Lug that luggage no longer, simply stock your Patemm Pad with diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and a few toys and you’re ready to set out with baby for a new adventure.

Pick yourself up a Patemm Pad and be the coolest mama on the block! Well unless you live on my block, that title is now taken. - Daria

In the first of our GROUP Fashion Shows we present Boutique VIP with their “Playground Couture” launch on eBay. With approx. 30 participants and loads of auctions it’s a launch you don’t want to miss!

About the group:
“Boutique VIP has been together for 2 years. The interesting thing about this launch is that is was a collaboration of designers, accessory designers, and models alike. This launch brought our group together to work as teams to create great Playground Couture!” - Ramona Ortiz (2*chicas*couture) Leader of Boutique VIP

Discover Boutique VIP by searching their auctions on eBay. Thanks to each of the BVIP ladies for the use of their pictures! **Please allow time for the show to load.

From the team that brought you www.YouCanMakeThis.com, comes a new machine embroidery website — www.SWAKembroidery.com! This new website provides free “how-to” video tutorials, tips, ideas, inspiration, and darling embroidery downloads! Machine embroidery opens up a whole new world of creativity. From home décor to clothing, you’ll soon be adding that unique touch to everything!

You’ve made some amazing items from the eBooks at www.YouCanMakeThis.com. Now it is time to “seal those projects with a kiss” with machine embroidery.

As part of our grand opening, the Janome company is sponsoring a give-away for a free embroidery machine! The Janome Memory Craft 350e is a fantastic machine. Read more about the features this machine has here: http://www.janome.com/documents/File/Brochures/MC350E_Brochure.pdf

We appreciate the Janome company for offering this fantastic prize. To enter this drawing, simply sign up for the free www.SWAKembroidery.com newsletter and you’ll automatically be entered into the drawing. Details on how to enter through mail are also found on the site.

Enjoy your visit to www.SWAKembroidery.com!

We have a great new Fashion Show coming this week! Watch for it on Monday and enjoy our first full Group Fashion Show feature.

This super sweet set would be ideal for your little lady size 4/5.

Made by adorable*duds and features “LadyBug Luv” with applique, denim capris and headtie. Ruffles, buttons and flair, this set has it all!

Click to bid on this summertime set

In our continuing video coverage of the Spring 2008 International Quilt Market from Portland, Daria interviews fabric designer Tina Givens! Once you view our interview please leave Tina your comments and questions here below.

Visit Tina’s website www.tinagivens.com and her blog at www.tinagivens.blogspot.com to get to know this inspiring designer a bit better, and enjoy the beautiful fabrics, patterns and more that she creates. Thank you to our new friends at Quilt Market in Portland for your hospitality and enthusiasm for our show!

**GIVEAWAY** Tina Givens is giving away Two Spectacular, Jaw Dropping prizes for Boutique Cafe listeners! To enter simply watch our video interview and comment in our shownotes telling us which Tina Givens design is your personal favorite. Visit www.tinagivens.com for full inspiration!

First prize: 1 Yard of Each of the colorways of Chloe’s Imagination fabric (That’s 8 different designs and the winner will pick out the color of their choice between MARIGOLD PALACE, FAIRYLAND COCO, OBERON RED, AZUR TEA OR PINK VERANDA) A prize valued at $75 !

Second prize: One set of 25 notecards from Tina Givens collection. Will be personalized with the winners name. A prize valued at $120 !

Please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: June, 20 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen. miss this!

**Boutique Cafe is brought to you by Aveeno Baby from Johnson & Johnson. Thanks Aveeno!

**Update!! Winners Announced!
Congratulations to our Winners -
poster “Carmen” has won our second prize of 25 Notecards personalized from Tina Givens!!
and poster “TheDrizzled Apple” has won our First prize of Tina Givens Fabrics!!!! Thank you to all who participated and commented. We loved your posts as did Tina herself. She’s planning on posting back to you all shortly here on Boutique Cafe. Stay tuned for even more amazing interviews and giveaways! XO!

Using the same simplicity and style found in their Judabee Pouch, Hedvig Bourbon has designed a bug net that not only keeps pests away but does it with style. The Charlotte Bug Net is quite possibly the only bug net I’ve ever considered a fashion accessory. I mean, if you’re going to protect your child from pesky insects, why not do it in style?

The Charlotte Bug Net is a 100% polyester soft, fine mesh designed with an elastic hem so it fits snugly around most strollers, prams, carriers and car seats (even those with canopies). The net comes in both black or white mesh and your choice of either colorful butterflies or dragonflies appliqués. I think I loved the cute drawstring bag almost as much as the bug net inside! We have lots of outdoor trips planned (including our last-minute one to Dinseyland this week) and I can’t wait to bring along our Charlotte Bug Net to create a very fashionable insect-free environment for our baby. (Okay, she’s almost 10 months old but she is our last so I can refer to her as our baby as long as I’d like!)

This summer keep the critters away in style! The Charlotte Bug Net retails for only $28 and would make a great gift for any mom, including yourself! –Emily

* Promotion! Hedvig Bourbon is offering free shipping on orders over $50 plus 20% off for Daily Dish readers. Email the code “boutiquecafe” to sales@hedvigbourbon.com after your purchase for the discount.