‘Tis the season of eating salads.

Springtime is right around the corner to summer swimwear season and eating right is now essential. Salads are my go to meal because you toss it up just as you like and it’s a great way to get my veggie intake. The only hassle? prep work.

You gotta slice the veggies down to size. Ugh. The reason I dread this task? I typically wind up slicing some skin along with cutting the vegetables. Whether it’s a knife or a peeler I somehow always seem to get a nick on the knuckle. But with the prepara peeler and its large gripper- prep work is now a cinch.

The comfortable non-slip grip is just one of the many features on this must-have kitchen tool. The peeler actually has 3 steel blades nested inside the handle that allow you to turn and click to select your choice of blade.

The soft blade is perfect for soft-skinned produce like peaches and tomatoes. The firm blade grabs and peels the skin of hard produce like potatoes and carrots and the decorative julienne blade cuts precise strips. Prepara has developed a peeler which is a three in one tool. It is a durable and dishwasher safe utensil.

Each blade was easy to select and change out and really cut perfectly. Fruit that I didn’t want a deep cut into, it managed to finely slice up and other produce that required deeper cuts, it did just that. The blade selection by twisting the bottom of the handle is easy to use and a brilliant way to ensure a larger non-slip grip.

My favorite thing about the trio tri-blade peeler? The gourmet shoestring carrot cuts from the julienne blade, that turn any tossed green into a colorful masterpiece or maybe the retractable blades which make it a safe stow away (avoiding any risks from the little ones who rummage through kitchen drawers.) It’s a toss up. So many features to love with the trio tri-blade peeler. -Amber

***DAILY DISH DISCOUNT!***

-Prepara is offering Daily Dish readers not only 15% off the peeler, but, any item you find online at www.prepara.com, just use the code HERB455 at checkout.

-Did I mention that prepara has one of Oprah’s favorite gadgets? Yeah you’ll want to check out all the cool stuff they have online at www.prepara.com.

Apart from Flip Video’s software and a brief run using Photobucket, I haven’t done much in the way of fancy schmancy movies or slideshows. My photos and videos just sit in their respective folders on my hard drive (figuratively) gathering dust. (My computer literally gathers dust—Utah is a very dusty place!)

When Animoto approached me about reviewing their online movie-making site, I was totally game. It looked like a lot of fun and claimed to be easy, the perfect combination. But was it easy? And was it fun? And did the end result look super cool? I’ll tell you—and show you—in just a moment. First, a bit about Animoto:

... Animoto was founded to help people better share their stories and express themselves through online media by innovating technologies in the field of video production. Using the latest in entertainment post-production technologies, Animoto is designed to bridge the gap between the high production value of film and television, and the more “amateur” feeling of most user-created videos and photo albums.

The heart of Animoto is its newly developed patent-pending Cinematic Artificial Intelligence technology that thinks like an actual director and editor. It analyzes and combines user-selected images, video clips and music with the same sophisticated post-production skills and techniques that are used in television & film.

And that Cinematic Artificial Intelligence of which Animoto boasts is the main reason someone like me can upload a few slides, some video clips and snatches of text and have it turn into the best 3-minute-22-second memory ever:






No, it’s not going to win any awards but my mom loved it. (I know because she sent me an email with “LOVE IT” in about 96-point text.) And now I’m hooked. It was easy AND it was fun. I’m already wondering what I can make next—possibly a video for Father’s Day for Nathan?

I couldn’t believe how easy it was to use Animoto’s process for creating the movie. It was so easy, my 13-year-old gave it a shot and had a movie made in just a few minutes:

Uploading images and video was a snap as was uploading my own background music. (You can select from hundreds of songs on Animoto’s site as well.) And of course having a variety of templates to choose from was a nice touch. I do wish they had more of a selection, or at least more options for non-Pro account users.

I think the only complaint I had about Animoto was only being allowed 10 seconds of video time. Trust me, the video of us in that golf cart is hilarious; I would have loved to have shown a bit more of it. The same goes for us laughing uncontrollably in the car. It also seemed the video lasted only as long as the song I chose. I was hoping the song would loop so the slides would stay up longer, but I couldn’t quite figure out if that were a possibility or not. I remade the movie a second time, choosing a longer slide length, but the final length of the movie stayed the same so obviously it didn’t matter.

With Animoto, you have three pricing options: Lite, Plus and Pro. Lite is free and allows for only a 30-second movie. Plus, which is what Animoto offered me for this review, is $5/month or $30/year and allows for full-length video. Pro, which is $39/month or $249 a year, has a lot more capability, is ad-free and lets you do HD movies. (You can read more about what each plan includes here.)

After using it just once, I would totally recommend going for the Plus. Lite just doesn’t cut it, and $30 per year isn’t much at all. Then if you love it, you could always upgrade to Pro. I’m thinking you need to at least get a Plus account immediately so you can put together a fabulous Animoto movie for Mom for Mother’s Day. It’s sure to make you the favorite!—Emily

*** Giveaway! Animoto is giving away one (1) year of its Plus service! ***

Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway; please leave a separate comment for each one you do:

•  Leave a comment telling us what your first movie/slideshow would be using Animoto’s service.
•  “Like” Animoto on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you joined.
•  Follow Animoto on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•  Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•  Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did so.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: May 4, 2011 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

I don’t use the term LOVE lightly. It isn’t a flippant expression that has no meaning behind it. When the word is uttered from me…take note. Well get out a pad of paper because I am so in love with my new bag. I LOVE the Lug Cartwheel Bag.

I have used every type of gym bag out there. Using small totes to large duffle bags and nothing compares to this bag. The creators thought of every feature.

During my testing of the bag I really put it to use. I used it for the purpose of going to the gym, but, soon became so attached that my bag also served as a carry-on for my travels and as a book bag. This bag really got some wear with no tear.

First, I stuffed it into various size lockers to test the shape. Somehow it fit perfectly into long skinny lockers and in the wide short kind. Next, the carry-on shoulder strap that seem to hang at just the right length—not too long that the bag drags to your hips, but, not too short that you can’t carry it over your shoulder.

The fabric is this incredible material specially treated with water-repellent finish, which also is the perfect color. It is a hue that sits in the middle of vibrant and a muted shade of green. Not too loud that it screams “look at me” but bold enough to make a statement.

This bag is so well designed they thought of everything! It features an additional plastic liner at the bottom for easy cleaning. There are a plethora of pockets on the exterior and interior. There is a front patch designed specifically to hold your yoga mat, small pockets, large pockets, ring holders within the pockets, zipped pockets and soft-lined ones for gadgets, removable key fob. I’m telling you everything you need this bag has. There is even a hidden water bottle material cage on the exterior. My favorite Lug feature though is definitely the separate ventilated shoe garage. It keeps my dirty soles away from my clothes and the stench of my running shoes can air out.

Inside there is a separate tote that is perfect to hold under garments. After working out, it serves as a perfect place to stow away my sweaty apparel. With all these features you’d expect it to weigh you down, but, nope it is even lightweight!

The price at $95 may seem a little high for a gym bag, but, trust me you will spend way more buying multiple bags trying to get what you want. This is the one and only bag you should have. It is well worth the money. It is well constructed, well-designed and looks good. -Amber

Buy it here at www.luglife.com.

Dontcha just love it when you stumble upon something amazing on Etsy? My recent stumble is Heather’s shop Lemon Dropp. She sells bright, inspirational prints for your home. Heather uses beautiful bright colors that are sure to liven up any space!

I love the ABC print she sent me. It’s hanging in our nursery and it’s the perfect addition. It has a fun mix of animals and letters.

When I asked Heather to tell me about herself and her company, what she responded with was awesome and motivational.

I’m a SAHM of four – three boys and one girl.  I was a visual arts major in college.  I love my family, graphic design, photography, cooking, crochet, sewing and interior design.  My shop, Lemon Dropp, came to be for a variety of reasons.  My husband is currently looking for a job, which has a been a really hard process.  Not only is Lemon Dropp a much needed creative outlet and a way to make some money, but it helps me stay focused on the positive.  It started out as me designing uplifiting prints for my own house to help us not despair about our situation, and has blossomed into my own etsy shop.  I really believe that happiness is a choice, and that no matter where you are in life, there is always a bright side, always something to be happy and excited about, and there is always hope.  I try to portray that in my prints. I try to make something tangible and beautiful that people can put in their homes that spreads that positive attitude.  I think that every home could use a happy art print or two to help us remember who we are and what we want our lives to be.  I also have a blog : www.alemondropplife.blogspot.com where I share design inspiration, lovely things I come across, ways to give service, little tidbits about my family life, and updates for my shop.

Take some time to check out Lemon Dropp. Heather’s art is so happy! – Katie

***Giveaway!!*** Heather’s giving away and 8×10 print (winner’s choice)! To enter, leave a comment telling me which print is your favourite. (Giveaway closes May 5th, 2011 at midnight. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen)

***Promo!*** Get 15% off with code BC15OFF.

Congratulations to Amy! You’re the lucky winner!

While most of the exercising and training I do happens at the local gym, last summer I started participating in sprint triathlons. To train for the cycling part of those tris, I would head out on long rides with a girlfriend, but one afternoon I headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon by myself. It was an uneventful ride and I returned home safe and sound, but it dawned on me later that something could have easily happened on those narrow shoulders or around those blind corners. If it had, my phone would probably be toast (along with my ability to talk coherently) and those arriving on the scene wouldn’t have a clue who I was. And my family wouldn’t have a clue what had happened.

That’s why when I stumbled upon Road ID and their Wrist ID bracelet, I knew I not only had to have one for myself, but I also needed to share this product with our readers, especially at the start of warmer weather. ‘Tis the season to head outside on long runs and rides and participate in sporting events like marathons and cycling races!

First I want to share a bit about the inspiration for Road ID:

The inspiration for Road ID was born in the fall of 1999. For my father, the inspiration was his concern for me as I trained for my first marathon. For me, the inspiration was a black, King Kong size pick-up truck that I nearly came face to face with on a long Saturday run.

Earlier that fall, I began training for my first marathon. My father worried about me logging all those miles and would often tell me to “be safe.” One day, he suggested that I carry an ID so that he could be notified if I had an accident while training. Of course, I dismissed that suggestion. I thought: “What could possibly happen to me while running?”

So, there I was, in a ditch, on the side of the road, having nearly been hit by the aforementioned pick-up truck. From that ditch, my father’s suggestion to carry ID started to make a tremendous amount of sense. ... A few months later, from my father’s damp basement, he and I launched Road ID. To us, Road ID has always been far more than a business. We are on a mission to save lives.

Kind of makes you think twice about NOT having a Road ID bracelet, doesn’t it?

Road ID let me choose the style of bracelet I wanted, so I went with the Wrist ID Elite. I liked the sleek look with its rubberized band and watch-style buckle in a brushed nickel finish. I went with the pink (I do like pink!), entered my info including a nice, sassy, inspiring slogan, and sent off my order. Within no time at all, my new Wrist ID Elite arrived and I absolutely LOVE it!

What I don’t love is that I haven’t been able to use it yet. If you’ve watched our awesome Utah weather at all, you know we’ve had like one day of sunshine since Christmas Eve, and I don’t venture out unless it’s close to 70. (I’m a wimp like that.) So I haven’t been able to give my new Wrist ID Elite bracelet an actual test drive on the road, but I have worn it around and believe you me, it’s so comfortable and so lightweight you forget you’re even wearing it. And the peace of mind knowing I wont’ be a Jane Doe if something happens is totally priceless. (You never know…my little ones could take me hostage and cover me in duct tape and fingernail polish someday and Road ID would be the only way to identify me.)

If you’re not a sports enthusiast but have a family member or friend who is, this would make a pretty cool gift. Trust me. If Nathan had known about this product and purchased one for me, I’d think him even niftier than he already is!

Road ID now offers a Wrist ID Slim, which I might consider adding to my collection; it would also be a great option for kids! I also like their Shoe ID, which is perfect for someone who can’t handle wearing things on her wrist while active. No matter which ID you choose, choose one. You never know if it might save a life.—Emily

*** Giveaway! Road ID is giving away one Road ID bracelent, winner’s choice! ***

Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway; please leave a separate comment for each one you do:

•Visit RoadID.com and leave a comment telling us which product you’d choose.
•“Like” Road ID on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.
•Follow Road ID on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 26, 2011 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Easter is quickly hopping our way, but it’s not too late to snag your children some special Handmade creations, clothing and accessories from talented Mom Businesses. The boutique community offers oodles of original, custom and “created with love” designs for your little bunnies.

Shop Children’s Easter on Etsy>>

Search “Boutique Custom Easter” on eBay>>

I love my Hushamok hammock and Okoa stand. Before Greta was born, I wrote a quick post to tell you all how much I love the look of it. Now that Greta’s here (she’s 2 months old), I can tell you how much I love my hushamok hammock in action.

For the first month of Greta’s life, she wouldn’t sleep anywhere except for in somebody’s arms and in her hushamok hammock. Which is saying something. Greta’s a high maintenance baby – a princess. To give you an example, she refused a soother until she was 6 weeks and she still refuses to take a soother half the time it’s offered (what bottle-fed baby refuses a pacifier?!). So the fact that she’d sleep for good stretches in her hammock is saying something. Very recently Greta developed reflux and I’ve found that although the hammock offers the ability to have Greta’s head elevated, it’s not quite enough for her specifically to lie awake in. To fall asleep these days, she needs to be elevated about the same way an infant car seat elevates a baby’s head (and sometimes she has to be completely upright!). Once she’s asleep, she’s good and happy to sleep in her hammock. And once she’s there I love that it keeps her head elevated slightly – she coughs less which is great!

Hushamok says their hammock is the next best thing to the womb – I agree. And so does Greta. I love how it sways when she stirs helping her to sleep a little longer. This makes me totally believe that the hammock would be perfect for restless sleepers. As the baby moves, the hammock sways or bounces slightly and that would help soothe the baby. Hushamok also says that their hammock helps to prevent flat heads. Again, I agree. The way the hammock softly conforms to baby’s head is perfect. It cause no concern for suffocation either.

Hushamok has some great, flexible options as well. There’s two different stand choices: the Okoa (which I have and love – it’s super sturdy and beautiful!) or an aluminum stand. Or you could purchase just the hammock and it comes equipped with the hardware to hang it directly from the ceiling. When your baby is ready to be a little more interactive, you can get the MySeat. I would love one! I love that it allows the baby to sit upright and off the floor. I think it’s so clever and it looks like it would be so easy to interact with baby when they’re in a MySeat.

You have to check out Hushamok! They make beautiful, eco-friendly products that parents and babies alike will love. – Katie

There is so much a’buzz in the blogging world, and some pretty pretty things that I must share.

1. Elizabeth Kartchner (aka Dear Lizzy) is launching a NEW site this Thursday called “Something Splendid” – isn’t that delicious? I have the launch marked on my calendar because everything she does is ultra beautiful and drool worthy. Just check out this little teaser video created by her husband Collin and you’ll be rushing to your computer Thursday to check out the new site with me:

Something Splendid from Collin Kartchner on Vimeo.

2. Megan (aka Brassy Apple): we all have seen the easy and beautiful DIY method of making those adorable rosettes for your hair, jewelry and more. Brassy Meg cranks it up a notch with this awesome tutorial on making a Burlap Rosette Bracelet. It’s fun and fabulous just like her >>

Have YOU spotted something Fabulous we need to spotlight? Email us the link (daria@boutiquecafe.com – subject: Fab Tip) and if we use your suggestion we will credit you with a link back to your blog or website. It’s a fun little way to share the best content on the web with our BC readers, and its a fun little boost of traffic for you. XO - Daria

...
advocating for women enslaved in prostitution.

restoring their broken lives.

empowering them to live free.

I am a really, REALLY big fan of products that support worthy causes. That is why I’ve especially fallen in love with PUNJAMMIES, a product line that supports the International Princess Project. Did you know over 3 million women and girls work as prostitutes on the streets of India? Some are as young as six years old. SIX. YEARS. OLD.

The International Princess Project is “committed to giving women once enslaved in the sex trade the opportunity to support themselves with skill and dignity, to heal in body and spirit and to live lives of freedom.”  The organization establishes micro-enterprise sewing centers, partnering with Indian organizations who rescue women escaping from the sex trade. Inside these centers, rescued women learn to create PUNJAMMIES, drawstring pajamas sewn using beautiful Indian fabric.

I found this video on YouTube. I think you need to watch it.

Ready to purchase a pair of PUNJAMMIES? Wait until you see some of the gorgeous patterns. I was sent the RATTMA PUNJAMMIES paired with the blue fair-trade organic tee.* The first thing you notice is the gorgeous pattern and lightweight fabric. And then it hits you—these pajama bottoms are going to be the most comfortable pajama bottoms EVER. Unfortunately I didn’t get to actually wear them with Utah thinking it’s still winter and dumping inches of snow at least twice since I received them. LAME.

I did get to try out the organic black cotton tank** during a recent yoga class. Super soft and comfy, it was the perfect tank for yoga…and Pilates..and weight lifting and whatever else you’d like to do in a tank. I loved the design (I think it helped me channel my inner “ohm”), though I wish it had a bit longer length. I’m thinking I might have to get the red version so I can see if a larger size is just as comfy…you know, purely for research purposes of course.

There’s this holiday called Mother’s Day coming up in just a few weeks, and I’m thinking PUNJAMMIES would be the perfect gift, especially this pair:

You’d be supporting the International Princess Project, bringing “hope and a voice to those who have none” while making your mom (or sister or friend or yourself) feel like a princess in a gorgeous pair of pajama bottoms. The only problem will be deciding which beautiful design to buy, especially when you see the new collection! (By the way, they come in full length as well as capri.) Good luck!—Emily

***MOTHER’S DAY PROMOTION!***

The first 50 online orders will receive a FREE bracelet from 31 Bits (pictured below), a friend of PUNJAMMIES and the International Princess Project. (Like you need an extra excuse to buy PUNJAMMIES…)

* The organic cotton tees are made by Freeset, an organization similar to IPP working in Kolkata.
** The tank is made by Alternative Apparel and printed in the U.S. Even though the tee and tank are not produced in IPP’s centers, the profits go back into the program.

Check out my little Dollar Store find tonight! I purchased these little obtuse chicks, but you could EASILY make your own DIY style…for reals! All you need is a kidney shaped piece of foam (cut it that way), wrap with your favorite colored twine or raffia. The eyes can be purchased at Michaels or any craft store for cheap. The beak is merely a piece of orange paper glued on. And the little chick feet are wire wrapped in string. Quick Easy and adorable – I’ve named these guys my little Picasso Peeps! Happy Easter! – Daria

I’ve also shared these little cuties on my blog here>>

There is just no stopping our spunky little fireball of a friend Patty Young! Her creativity and talent is being noticed all over the creative world, and you can snag a copy of her most recent feature article this month in Quilter’s Home Magazine! Rush to your local newstand to snag yourself a copy, or you can swing by Patty’s Blog to enter to win one of two copies she’s giving away.

With a book in the works, and gorgeous fabric and pattern lines being snapped up all over the textile world it’s easy to tell that Patty is making a huge name for herself in the industry. We couldn’t be more thrilled for her! – Daria

Follow Patty Young on Twitter>

Binth not only sent me their darling baby book (see my past review) but they also sent me two of their “FRIENDS” prints, which are absolutely charming. Each print is screen printed with hand-mixed inks. They come framed and ready to hang (or stand), which I love since all too often I purchase prints I love, but never complete the hanging process because I forget or procrastinate buying a frame! I loved hanging my “Doe Girl” and “Dancing Bears” on my daughters’ nursery wall shortly after they arrived (see photo below). Somehow Binth has an amazing ability to tie modern with vintage and make it perfectly balanced. I love the colors that are used – “licorice black and lavender with just a touch of cream.” The prints are high quality and will surely last through the ages and become heirloom items – they’re that adorable. – Katie

***Giveaway! Binth is giving away 3 prints (winner’s choice) to once lucky BC reader! To enter, visit Binth and leave a comment telling me what your three faves are.

Additional Entries by:

Tweet about this Review and GIVEAWAY on Twitter (include @BoutiqueCafe and @Binth in your Tweet). Please come back here and post a link to your tweet as well for an extra entry.

We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline April 15, 2011 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Congratulations to Wendy R!

Did you know April is Autism Awareness month? I didn’t until I was asked to check out Brady Rymer’s new release, Love Me for Who I Am, a CD featuring 10 songs that honor kids of all abilities. Available on April 12th, just in time for Autism Awareness month, 5 percent of proceeds from CD sales will benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit research and advocacy group.

These songs were inspired by the students at Celebrate the Children School, a New Jersey school for children with alternative learning styles. Many of the students are affected by autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or related disorders. The songs can be heard as anthems for differently-abled children and their families; at the same time, I think every child will find something to relate to in this collection. I hope the songs will invited deeper understanding and appreciation of children with autism and other disorders by shedding light on just how much we all have in common. ~Brady Rymer

We listened to this CD and found ourselves rocking out to many of the tunes. It is definitely one of the more enjoyable children’s CDs we own. My favorites are “Soft Things” and “Bein’ With You,” but all the songs on Love Me for Who I Am are a good time. How could they not be with titles like “Picky Eater,” “Keep Your Wiggle Alive” and “Squish Me, Squeeze Me”? You can listen to samples on BradyRymer.com and pre-order the CD on Amazon.com (or order it on iTunes now).






Even if you think you have more than enough children’s CDs, there is always room for one more especially if it celebrates children AND supports a very worthy cause. I mean, how can you say no?—Emily

** Giveaway! We are giving away one (1) copy of Love Me for Who I Am! **

Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway; please leave a separate comment for each one you do:

•  Visit BradyRymer.com, listen to the song samples and leave a comment telling us your favorite one.
•  “Like” Brady Rymer and The Little Band Who Could on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did so.
•  “Like” Boutique Cafe on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.
•  Follow Boutique Cafe on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you’re our newest follower.
•  Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 8, 2010 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

-->