I’m just in love with these gorgeous hair clips! I discovered them kind of by accident, got some samples, and knew that we had to offer them at the boutique.

Each pair of clips is hand embroidered by a talented mom in the USA. They are really, really nice and very well done. We have six designs to choose from right now, with more to come in the future. You can check out all of the designs here.

There is a new review of my books Supermom’s Simple Guide to Healthier Eating here, and a review of Supermom’s Simple Guide to Super Salads here.

I found this interesting article today and wanted to pass it along to you gals. If you are looking for an alternative to coffee, why not check out Teeccino Herbal Coffee? It comes in many different flavors, including Vanilla Nut, Almond Amaretto, Hazelnut, Java, and even an organic version. It brews in your coffee pot and smells heavenly. Zero caffeine! You can check it out here.

Like a lot of you, I’ve tried many different vitamins and supplements.  In the last year (or two, or three….or who knows how long?!) I have felt very, very tired and run-down, and always like I was just one step away from getting sick.  During this time I have done things like eating a mostly raw-foods diet, or exercising 4-5 days a week, or trying some new vitamin that someone told me made them feel great.  Well, for me, none of those things helped.  I gained a pound a week (for 7 weeks straight!) while I ate a 100% raw foods diet (!!!!!), only felt more tired and more hungry when I was working out, and the vitamins didn’t give me any energy but did succeed in making me constipated!  (Thank You, Iron!!)  ugh.

As a lot of you know, I have six children, plus homeschool, plus run my businesses, plus have a husband.  I Need Energy!!  I had been watching projects pile up, things going undone, and just felt too stinkin’ tired all the time to get a handle on any of it.

Recently I was doing some reading and two new supplements caught my eye.  Because of my desperation to feel better, I got both (they were very reasonably priced) and started taking them.  The first time I took them was at night, and by the next morning I was literally BURSTING with energy.  That day I worked around my house conquering all sorts of projects and chores for at least 12 HOURS!!!  It was amazing!  Since then I have continued to have a lot of energy, except on the days when I realize I have forgotten to take the stuff.  It has been since December 23 and I am still GOING STRONG and feeling SO thankful that I found these supplements.

The first product is called Bee Strong, and it is a bee propolis supplement.  This is well-known for giving lots of energy, and it certainly works for me.  Of course, if you have a bee allergy, this isn’t going to be something for you to take.

The second product is called Berry Well and it is an elderberry syrup with good stuff like raw honey, raw apple cider vinegar, among other ingredients.   Berry Well is intended to be taken if you are sick, or feeling like you’re getting sick.  I decided to take it since I could tell that my immune system just wasn’t very good.  Although I do experience good amounts of energy when I take the Bee Strong, I feel really, really, REALLY great on the days when I take Berry Well.  I really enjoy it mixed into my healthy lemonade, and that has proven to be a great way to give it to my children.  (You could even make it into a popsicle for sick little ones that need a health boost!)  The taste of the syrup is fine and not objectionable, but when I put it in the lemonade it just makes a yummy berry lemonade that is very refreshing.  (It mixes up great in juice as well)

I highly, HIGHLY recommend these new products to you.  If it helps you feel half as good as I’ve been feeling, you will be THRILLED that you gave it a try!

Both of these products are now available at my other business, Supermom’s Health and Wellness.  I have been selling lots of this stuff since I started telling people about it, and it seems like it’s really helping others.  I hope it helps you too!

Carmen over at Mom to the Screaming Masses was kind enough to review our slings, the Belly Hugger, and one of the Living the Dream t-shirts.  You can go read all about it here.

How often do you start looking through a catalog and find yourself moved to tears because of the beautiful products and vision that the company is offering? For me, never! Until Once Upon a Family came along.

OUAF rep Amy Gill kindly sent me their catalog and some of their products for me to look over. Right from the start I could see that this company has something really, really special to offer.

Not too many of us need more shoes, shirts, or toys. Our kids don’t need more ballet lessons or soccer games. But one thing most of us could use more is family connections, family traditions, and a tangible way to remember our journey together as a family.

And Once Upon a Family offers that to you.

Wow.

Every time I’ve thought about getting started on this review, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it justice, so I’d put it off some more. And then, you know, nobody even hears about it from me. So, the time is now.

Once Upon a Family has some of the most beautiful, thoughtful products for building family traditions, cherishing childhood memories, staying in touch, family celebrations, family values, and more.

One of the coolest things they have that I think will especially appeal to scrapbookers, is their Live, Laugh, Love Club. This is a program where you can get together a regular group of women from your church, neighborhood, family, etc. and do a monthly project that will help teach family values and preserve family memories. What a great idea for an inexpensive and completely worthwhile Mom’s Night Out hobby! (only $12 a month!!)

Here’s some info from the web site:

Live, Laugh, Love I workshops focus on the upcoming holiday, a cherished family value and an important keepsake project. The January Workshop, for example, is about Valentine’s Day and Gifts of Love. You will read about and understand the 5 Languages of Love, create a Love Journal for someone you cherish, and take home the Hearts of Loving Kindness tradition to start with your own family. You do not need to complete these workshops in any order. You may start with Level I or Level II. It’s up to you!

Live, Laugh, Love II workshops focus on a cherished family value and an important family celebration: Weddings, Birthdays, New Babies, Graduations, Family Reunions, etc. The January Workshop, for example, is about Anniversaries and Respect. You will read a short article which will cause you to think about how to show and teach Respect at home; you will write a letter to someone whom you hold in high esteem, you will fill in a “Story of My Life” booklet to pass on to future generations, and take home 3 “Love Puzzle” cards to do at home with your loved ones.

Once Upon a Family is not only a wonderful company to support with your purchasing power, but it offers a wonderful consultant program as well. Rep Amy Gill shared with me,

I am looking for like-minded women to join my team to help me spread the mission that it is the little things that we take the time to do now is what is going to matter in 20 years.

My daughter was very ill and almost died (15mths) and I realized that all that I was busy with wasn’t important. Once Upon A Family was just beginning and I heard their mission and signed before there was product. I travel and speak, do home parties, speak to moms, women’s ministries, and teach PTA that we need to get back to the basics. I don’t want a mom out there to have to go through what I went through in order to learn that. If I can help bring one new tradition into a home that will bring that family closer together than I have not wasted the gift God has given me.

Amen, Amy! Honestly, after looking over this catalog and the product samples, I feel confident in telling you that this is one of the most worthwhile ventures I have ever had the pleasure of learning about. Spread the word!

Hey gals!

Just wanted to let you know that we have a nice testimonial/review about the Your Baby Can Read program over here. I knew that some of you would enjoy seeing how this program worked for another mom.

I am SO pleased to finally be able to offer my VERY FAVORITE baby accessory to my baby boutique customers: Slings!

Honestly, after mothering my six children, I can tell you that if I could only choose one item to help me with my babies, it would definitely be a sling. They are wonderful for

going for walks,

for keeping strangers from pawing at your baby at the grocery store,

for helping your baby sleep while you go through stores (and not having bright lights shining in their eyes),

for nursing discreetly,

for all the times you go places where strollers are inconvenient (the zoo, museums, etc.), and more!

Here are directions for how to use our slings. There are many ways to use them!

Those of you that have visited this blog or my site very much know how highly I think of this product. I thought you would enjoy this press release:

Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record by Karen Melnick (RN, BSNi) s a winner of the prestigious Dr. Toy’s Best Products Summer 2007 Award!

Midhurst, Ontario. - Dr. Toy’s Best Products Summer 2007 was developed by noted child development authority, Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D (a.k.a. Dr. Toy) as a service to consumers who desire to purchase safe, affordable, educationally-oriented, age-appropriate, and stimulating toys and products for children.

Dr Toy , Director of the Institute for Childhood Resources, founded in San Francisco in 1975, selects the best products from companies across the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Only the best are selected from hundreds and Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record, written by author Karen Melnick, has been given this prestigious award!

Karen Melnick is an RN, BSN, photographer, and mother of three who has written Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record. This beautiful childhood health journal has also been given the Exceptional Parent Award of Excellence. It needs to be added to the ‘must-have’ list of every parent! It makes a fabulous gift for expectant, new and experienced parents alike!

As a health professional and parent, Karen knows first hand how difficult, but important, it can be to remember health and wellness details. We all think that we will remember but the reality is we don’t! Her professional and personal experiences taught her early on that…

“Children whose parents are organized, informed,

and comfortable advocating for them

receive the best healthcare!”

Is this fair? No. Is it true? You bet. Karen also knows first hand how difficult it can to be truly in charge of your family’s health and wellness. As parents, we are not taught these skills, and they certainly don’t come naturally for most people. Parents can be certain that using a health journal such as Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record will make a difference in the care your baby or child receives.

This is true for children who are developing typically,

and is absolutely essential for preemies and

children who have been diagnosed with any illness or condition!

Karen’s goal in writing Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record was to give all parents, regardless of background, the necessary tools, support, and ‘insider information’ to

achieve this.

Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record is a multi-disciplinary health journal in which parents record health and wellness details for their child. It truly is a health journal for every child! Also available is an optional Document Organizer, which is a customizable, 3-ring binder for organizing reports, assessments, resource materials and even report cards. They can be used separately or as a set, depending on each child’s needs.

Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record is unique because it is suitable for all children, whether they are developing typically or have complex health and developmental issues. It also recognizes that children today may be treated by a wide variety of health and wellness professionals.

Health professionals love Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record because it ensures parents bring them the information needed to make accurate decisions. Parents love it because it is easy to use and gives them the confidence to be sure their child is getting the best care possible.

Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record contains no medical advice. Rather, the focus is on learning what information is important to record and why, communicating with health professionals so your concerns are taken seriously, and advocating collaboratively for your child.

There is nothing like it on the market! It is not only practical, it is beautiful to look at and includes gorgeous black and white photographs of children. This is a health journal parents aren’t embarrassed to take to health related appointment. It is a smart product for smart parents to use and can be ordered on-line at The Baby Boutique at Womb’s Window! For more information and a complete listing of Dr. Toy’s award recipients go to www.drtoy.com.

I know that a lot of pregnant women need to be especially careful about their blood sugar, and many of you are looking for ways to cut down on sugar for your children as well.

Today there is a very nice review of my Healthy Lemonade recipe here. This recipe uses SweetLeaf Stevia instead of sugar. Stevia has zero calories, zero carbs, and zero glycemic index. The lemonade recipe in the review is my family’s favorite drink all the time! You can check out SweetLeaf Stevia at my health and wellness store, here.

Product Name: Bugaboo Cameleon Standard Stroller
Submitted by: Shea Harris, San Angelo, TX
Rating: 9
Where to buy: www.Amazon.com

Description: The Cameleon stroller from Bugaboo is a complete stroller. It includes a DVD with the user kit for parents who may trouble working some of the nuances of the Bugaboo Cameleon.

It features a reversible handlebar so mom or dad can see baby at any time. The seat is also reversible.

It includes a seat and bassinet, both of which can be used separately from the Bugaboo stroller. The seat features a 3 position recline.

The Bugaboo Camaeleon Complete Stroller distinguishes itself through its integrated functionality, streamlined design and unique personality. It is perfect for the trend setting baby. Bugaboo products are known for their functionality and simplicity of use.

Review: Baby products have advanced a lot over the last several years. When investigating today’s baby products, such as strollers, there is little comparison with most past products. While searching for a new stroller I came across the Bugaboo Cameleon. They seemed to have a large variety of options, choices, and flexibility. Bugaboo offers many great strollers but in the end I decided to choose the Cameleon.

It has adjustable handlebars! That is great if you are a little on the tall side like I am. It can be pretty uncomfortable having to lean down while trying to push a stroller. This is the first stroller I have come across with adjustable handlebars and that is the first thing I noticed about the Cameleon.

The Cameleon is very flexible. With just a few adjustments it can go from a bassinet pram to stroller to car seat and back. Very impressive. The stroller is fairly light. At around 20 pounds. So you shouldn’t get too tired if you have to push it around for awhile.

It is also nice that you can buy accessories to provide further function. For example there is a toddler attachment that is basically a trailer that attaches to the back of the stroller for your toddler to stand.

I give the Bugaboo Cameleon stroller my full recommendation. It is of very high quality construction and surprisingly isn’t that hard to assemble. It is a very flexible stroller that can do many things for you and your child, and despite a few flaws this is a great stroller that you can’t go wrong with.

Criticism: This is not an easy stroller to just fold away and store. It takes a little practice if you want to completely store it away. I usually just throw it into the back of my car half folded so that I don’t have to take the time and effort to fully fold it. To fully fold the stroller you must remove and collapse the seat or bassinet and then fold the frame in what takes three more steps. And so on, you get the picture.

The Cameleon has no cup holders. That’s not a huge deal but it would be nice considering other strollers have them. I know I have seen other strollers by Bugaboo that had cup holder so it is disappointing.

Because there are so many options and adjustments you can make to the stroller it can be a little tricky to figure out how to adjust it for the different uses. So it will take you a little time and be sure to have your manual handy!

Product Name: Jeep Wrangler All Weather Umbrella Stroller
Submitted by: Sarah Grant, Rosamond, CA
Rating: 9
Where to buy: http://www.jeepworld.com

Description: Very affordable single child stroller. It folds up really smooth and easy, has convenient rear wheel locks, a head rest for baby (under 35 lbs), along with a fold out sun shade/umbrella.

Review: I hate lugging huge things around, and I completely fell in love with this very affordable single child stroller. The all terrain wheels really work great too, I’ve taken mine over dirt, gravel, and grass and it keeps going without getting stuck. The fabric wipes clean easily, and mall, the park, the zoo, anywhere you take baby. I’ve even run into the grocery store with it to grab some milk, it’s that quick to set up.

There are two little “saddle-bags” on the side to carry snacks and stuff. The lap belt works smoothly, I can snap or unsnap it with one hand.

I can’t say enough how convenient it is to have such a compact little stroller in the back of the car that I can whip out any moment for strolling in the mall, the park, the zoo, anywhere you take baby. I’ve even run into the grocery store with it to grab some milk, it’s that quick to set up.

Criticism: I wish it had a strap to hold it folded together after I’ve stored it under the seat in the car.

Product Name: Luvs Ultra Leak guard Stretch Diapers
Submitted by: Jeannie Kerns; Colorado Springs, CO
Rating: 10
Where to buy: www.luvs.com and www.amazon.com

Description: Luvs Ultra Leak guard diapers are the kind of diapers you have been waiting for. They are made with a plastic coating instead of the cloth coating that leaves little cotton ball like particles all on the outside, they have tape instead of Velcro like most diapers these days, and the characters that are across the diapers change every few weeks. You can’t go wrong with Luvs Ultra Leakguards.

Review: Well I tell you, I think that I have been able to try almost every diaper out there in the past 20 years. I have gone through the most expensive (like all us new Mommies tend to do) to the least expensive (that is when we realize they’re all the same) diapers.

Well after using Drypers for the longest time, I decided that I would try a new one. Actually a name brand one that was cheaper by a couple of bucks. To my surprise and that is exactly what it was, I loved them.

I bought Luvs Ultra Leak guard thinking I was going to be disappointed like the rest. But I honestly was shocked. They were like the old diapers. And I am talking like 20 years ago when my first daughter was born.

They have the plastic outside, which I love because the cloth outside is terrible, I was sick of seeing pieces of the diaper balled up when my son walked away. That is what they do, they collect and make lint balls all over the diaper and they are terrible.

The pattern: Well let me tell you I honestly do not like Barney, but yes, my son does. And when he saw Barney on his diaper he was in a rush to put them on. Thank goodness too, because any other time he wants them off.

The tape: Well this is a big thing for me. I am so sick of the Velcro, I can’t even begin to start. I don’t know who thought that it was better to do this, but whoever it was needs to be spoken to. All that does is give the child an easier way to take the diaper off. That is exactly what he would do. “Mommy my hiney is showing”, well if the Velcro wasn’t so easy we wouldn’t have had that problem now would we have. Sheesh. But with Luvs, I can be at ease that his diaper will stay on until it is ready to be changed. The tape comes off easy and applies easy as well. No red marks to where the tape cuts into the skin because it is hanging off, no problems at all.

As for quality: Excellent. I have used these for about 4 weeks now, and not once has there been a wet bed. With the others, I was washing sheets and blankets on a daily basis. It is nice not to be the queen of the washing machine for a chance.

Anyways, if you’re planning on buying diapers, buy Luvs. They will not let you down, and you save money as well.

You love to drink coffee, but need to give it up now that you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or just trying to take better care of yourself? You’ve got to check this out.Teeccino Herbal Coffees come in a wide range of delicious flavors that will energize and satisfy you without caffeine or acidity. Teeccino brews in your coffee pot just like regular coffee and smells heavenly.

I recently served free samples of Teeccino at an Earth Day Festival and hundreds of people gave it a try. I got 100% positive responses about the taste!

Visit our sister site, Supermom’s Health and Wellness, to try it today!

http://www.supermomshealthandwellness.com/index.php/action/category/id/15/

I just love this great little accessory. The Icy Bag is a smart new innovation that every woman will appreciate! This stylish, insulated bag comes with a tethered ice pack that you can freeze and then use to keep your cosmetics, sun screen, lip balm, snack bars, and other little essentials safe from excessive heat or sun exposure. I already have my very own Icy Bag and can see that it is going to come in handy for me for most of the year. (even in the spring and fall it gets really hot in cars while they are parked)

You can check out the Icy Bag here.

Product Name: Amby Baby Hammock
Submitted by: Amy Jones; Austin, TX
Rating: 9
Where to buy: here

Review: The Amby Baby Hammock is a soft cloth baby bed/hammock that hangs from a steel stand on a spring. Your baby is nestled inside, and if she wakes up, her motion will cause the hammock to gently sway and bounce which lulls her back to sleep. Her body is snuggled in a slightly upright position, so this bed is great for babies with reflux or colic. My first 5 babies all slept in bassinets and in my bed, and were up every few hours until they were 1-3 years old. My last 2 babies have slept in the Amby Baby Hammock at least 5 hours a night as young as 2-3 days old. At 2 months old they are sleeping 8-10 hours a night, and NEVER did I ever listen to the baby cry to “train” her to sleep at night. The baby sleeps cozy and happy in her hammock.

Criticism: Baby doesn’t stay in one place in the hammock any more than she does in the crib– expect to find your baby creatively positioned in this thing. I woke this morning to find my baby’s leg hanging over the rail like your college roommate in the shotgun seat on a road trip. Sleeping soundly and happily, 10 hours since I’d put her down. My first experience with the Amby, I found that at about 7 1/2 months, my baby figured out how to sit up in it, and lean forward until she somersaulted forward out of it and crawled to me. Smart little cookie. This wasn’t a huge problem; I adjusted by paying even more attention to her and getting her up as soon as she woke up so she wouldn’t have to come looking for me. She slept in it until she was about 18 months old (then she kept getting out and coming to my bed, where she still sleeps now at almost 3 LOL)

When my fourth child was born 3 months prematurely, I jumped into the wide world of breast pumps. Having a GOOD pump can make a huge difference. Here’s one woman’s impression of this one:

Product Name: Medela Pump in Style Original Breast Pump
Submitted by: Dana Irwin; St. Louis, MO
Rating: 8

Description: A hospital-grade double electric breast pump with electrical cord and battery pack.

Review: Great electric pump. Much better than hand held ones! Quite a bit faster. Lets you adjust the suction level and speed for maximum comfort. Does well at expressing all of your milk in not a lot of time. Is an expensive item. Buy only if you are going to use it. If you plan to be away from your baby frequently, definitely spend the extra money on this pump verses a handheld! The battery pack also makes it convenient to travel with if needed. You can even pump in the car on long car rides! The only problem I have had with mine is that I sometimes have to adjust the front piece to get suction. I bought this item used though so I have no idea of its history.

I’ve already told you how much I love the handmade soap I sell. What I may not have mentioned is that the soap (and laundry detergent kits, and natural dishwasher detergent, and body scrub, and shampoo bars!) is made by my real-life friend Jill.

I use every single one of these products in my own home on a regular basis and think they are wonderful.

Jill has a very high standard for the products she makes. She will not cut corners or send out something that she does not completely recommend. I love that!

This is Jill’s family. Jill is in the back in red, standing with her husband. Their daughter is the young lady in the center. The young men are their sons, and the two other young ladies are their daughters-in-law.
Here’s my interview with Jill:
Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Jill Evely and I am the mom of 5 kids, most of whom are grown now. I have been homeschooling for the past 17 years and my youngest will graduate from our homeschool next month. My husband and I have been married for nearly 32 years and we own 30 acres that we hope to move to in a few years. Sometimes I think I was born 100 years to late because I love old fashioned things and values. I have been making crafts and baking everything under the sun since I was about 8 years old. As a girl I loved the Little House on the Prairie Books and we even named our only daughter after Carrie Ingalls, but changed the spelling to Kari.

Whenever I would make crafts, such as pillowcase dolls or sock monkeys for my kids and nephews and nieces I would put a tag on them pronouncing them as a “Prairie Kari” product. So when I started making soaps, scrubs, candles and so on, I just kept that name that I had been using for over 15 years.

How did you get the idea for your products?

I originally started my business by making soy and beeswax candles without coloring. That was because I wanted to make clean burning candles for my home that were not petroleum based. While I was researching candle items I kept running into information about making soap.

I have dry skin, really dry. The more I read about commerical soap and all the chemicals it has in it, and when I realized that our skin is our largest organ, I was convicted to make some old fashioned soap for myself for health reasons. I started out with some basic recipes and have expanded to making over 20 varieties plus shampoo bars for people and dogs.

Now, my skin is the softest it has ever been. My daughter said that she shaves with the shampoo bars and doesn’t even have to put lotion on her legs after because they are naturally moisturized. I have had folks with eczema say how much this soap has helped their condition and so on. Because of all the types of soap I was making, and the fact that it lasts so long, I really needed to market it to other folks because my family just can’t use this much soap! Also, I figured if I found it to be so great, other people would love it too. I found that many people think lye based soap is harsh, but this in not true at all if it is made properly. It is very mild and moisturzing and the goat milk soap is extra mild. I encourage people to try just a bar or two, the results are practically immediate.

Go get a bar of soap you are currently using and see if you can even pronounce the ingredients. Now look at the ingredients for my soap–organic virgin coconut oil, sweet almond oil, virgin olive oil, coco butter, shea butter, beeswax and so on. What would you rather put on your largest organ? My laundry detergent is made with my homemade soap, all natural washing soda and borax. It leaves your clothes without chemicals, and what could be better for your family? Truly I think these are products that are needed to lesson the chemicals our children and ourselves are exposed to. Also, I encourage folks to use good old fashioned vinegar on their clothes instead of fabric softener in the final rinse and to use a vinegar rinse on their hair after using a shampoo bar, instead of commercial conditioner.

Then, I developed all natural bath bombs which fizz when they are put in water and they moisturize well and smell great. I don’t use artificial colors or fragrances in the bombs or soaps. I use only essential oils for fragrance. After talking with Erica, we thought there would be a market for all natural laundry and dishwasher detergent too, so I am making them too.

How is your business going?

So far my business is going pretty slowly. I have worked up to the point that I can buy a nice variety of oils and butters in large quantities so that I can buy them cheaper. Since I use only food grade oils and butters, they are high quality and buying in bulk makes it more reasonable for me to make high quality products. I have designated an area of my basement for manufacture and have nice shelves with all the oils and ingredients, plus I have designated mixer used only for the bath bombs. I have started sewing some nursing pads too, which are being tested by real nursing moms before I offer them for sale.

How do you juggle your business with the rest of your life?

I am pretty organized by nature but I do have to push myself to get “it all done” sometimes. My family are Green Bay Packer Fans and football season would find me packaging soap in the family room while we watched games. I also work part time from home for a homeschool curriculum company.This keeps me pretty busy, but it did provide me with the money to start up my business. Essential oils are expensive and other oils, soap molds and so on become expensive very fast. I just bought things as I went along and increased my manufacture as needed. Mostly I love the thrill I get from developing new recipes and I love the point where the oil and lye water undergo the chemical change called “saponificataion.” I get a rush everytime. It is kind of a therapy for me and I never knew that chemistry could be so much fun! I feel the same way about the bath bombs. They fizz really great in water and the hint of almond oil moisturizes without leaving a greasy feeling. Many times I will make a batch of soap in the morning while I am straightening up the kitchen or make bath bombs after supper, before I relax before bedtime.

What future plans do you have for your business?

I am hoping to get my soaps into some local stores so I can increase my business and my daughter-in-law is starting to go to local stores to see if they want to carry it. I would love to expand my soap line and for people to use more natural products for their health. My problem is that though I love to make the products, I don’t really like to market them. I need to be more aggressive in this area because I think that folks will love my products if they only knew about them.


What advice would you have for someone that is interested in starting their own business?

Well, first make sure it is a product that you love and that anyone you have given it to loves it too. Then you can judge if it will have the appeal it will need and also you won’t get burnt out doing the same thing over and over.

Second, start slow, paying as you go. Don’t expect to make any money for a year or two. Maybe you can break even after a year, but if you think you are going to make money right off, I think you might need to reevaluate. I know for me, I LOVE making soap and the therapy and creativity of it really hooked me. I wanted to make it every day, but quickly found that it costs money and we cannot possibly consume it all. So unless I increase demand, it limits what I can make. I had to realistically evaluate how much I wanted to spend on equipment and stay within that amount.

Third: When you do buy equipment or tools, get what you need, but in my opinion, buy the absolute best you can afford. I know I saw a lot of soap molds before I decided on the rather expensive ones I purchased. But they are easy to use and the soap comes out good every time. Don’t settle for inferior equipment, because it won’t save you any money if it wastes ingredients and may cost you a lot of time.

The last thing I want to stress, is count the cost. of having a business. Do you have the time and resources to start a business? And if you say yes, then I want to encourage you to figure out the exact cost of what your product will cost you to make. Figure in all packaging, even labels, packing materials, business fees such as PayPal fees, bank fees and so on. Figure out how much the ingredients cost–don’t just estimate. I was surprised at the cost of my soaps when I actually figured out each ingredient, down to the ounce. Some things might be fun to make, but not profitable to sell. You might be able to cheapen them up, but at what cost? I know for me I wanted the highest quality ingredients and didn’t want to make a less expensive product if I had to compromise quality. Make a chart and figure it all out to see if you think folks will buy your product at the price you need to make to make a profit. If not, then don’t make it. Pehaps something else might work better.

Any of Jill’s Healthy Living Products (linked to in the intro at the beginning of this post) will come to you during Spring Fling with an extra bar of soap free! Go ahead and use your newsletter coupon and give these products a try. You will be so glad when you find out how much you love it, and you discover a way to give your family a safer, healthier alternative to your regular products! The Sampler Pack is really good for those of you that want to try a little bit of the most popular products. Click here to see it.

Have you seen the ultra-cool Belly Huggers? These smart and fun clothing accessories help moms from pregnancy through post partum and breastfeeding by keeping belies covered and allowing your regular clothing to go the extra mile (or several miles )

These stretchy fabric bands wrap around your waist under your regular shirt, giving you the look of a layered t-shirt, and keeping those stretch marks and love handles under wraps. (yay!!)

Here’s my interview with Brandy:

Tell me a little about yourself.

I am a native of New Orleans but have lived in northern CA for the past 12 years. My husband is a jazz guitarist and teaches music to elementary students.
After earning a BA in music, teaching music, and teaching kindergarten, I became a work at home mom. I now have a 2 1/2 year old son, Tucker, and a 2 week old daughter, Violet.

How did you get the idea for your product?

With the birth of my son, I found myself laid off from my teaching position. We could not afford to spend money on expensive nursing shirts so I made do with my own wardrobe. I started wearing my husband’s tanks under my shirts as my clothes fit me different after giving birth. It seemed silly to have to raise both shirts to nurse. I eventually came up with the simple idea of The Belly Hugger.

Tell me how you got to the point where you were selling your product.

I already had my own retail web site called Momma Bird’s Nest. In the beginning stages of MBN, I planned to create a lot of the products myself. I love sewing and crafting. When I got the idea for The Belly Hugger, I took a picture of the one I had made for myself and put it on the web site. I quickly started getting a lot of interest. The single best move I did was adding The Belly Hugger to my banner on Mothering Dot Commune. That is when I started getting wholesale orders.

How is your business going?

I am now able to add funds to our personal accounts. That helps! I no longer sew myself. That didn’t last long. I use a sewing contractor in San Francisco. I would like to see The Belly Hugger even more successful but with a new (fixer upper) house, toddler, and newborn, I can only do so much. That’s O.K. for now. Life is such a journey. I’m going along for the ride.

How do you juggle your business with the rest of your life?

I do my best to work while my children sleep. With the birth of my daughter I needed to organize my time even more. I find it very important to compartmentalize tasks and find a separation between work and family time.

What future plans do you have for your business?

I would love to see The Belly Hugger become a household name as a product for moms.

What advice would you have for someone that is interested in starting
their own business?

Everyone works differently. For myself, if I planned too much up front, I knew I might not actually get started. Starting a web-based business is a great way to start since you can learn as you go. I didn’t even set out to sell The Belly Hugger wholesale. Business just started to grow slowly and pretty soon I found myself buying bulk fabric and heading off to sewers in San Francisco. So my advice is “just do it”. Start small if you want but just dip your toe in the water. You may be surprised how much comes your way when you finally get wet.

Hey gals!

I found these awesome products last week and just now had the time to add them to the boutique. I had to show you…they are so fabulous!

Can you imagine how adorable your baby girl will look while you carry her around and her little feet go bling-bling? Too cute! You can get white or pink shoes, and choose pink, clear, or blue crystals.

And I love this keepsake silver rattle! It has beautiful detailing, crystal embellishment (pink, blue, or clear), and comes in a gorgeous gift box!

Both items are on sale during Spring Fling! If you didn’t already get your coupon, you must not have signed up for the newsletter. Get going!

Made by Angie wipe containers are such a fun way to handle a basic chore of diaper changing. These wipes containers are well-made and have gotten rave reviews from Baby Boutique customers. Here’s what one customer had to say:

“I got my wipes container- and fast! It is REALLY cute- looks to be very well put together, and fun. The wipes were wet, the fabric smooth, and the trim was neat!

I gave it to a friend, and she loves it and thinks it is REALLY nice quality- said she’s seen other brands of wipe containers before and they were sloppy looking- this was really neat and pretty! and looks like it’ll wear well!! yay!!!”

These wipes containers make a super fun baby shower gift since it’s so unique and fun, and an item that practical moms might not buy for themselves. (but they’ll LOOOVE it!)

Here’s my interview with Angie:

Tell me a little about yourself.

i am an event planner turned mom (two boys, ages one and three) –

How did you get the idea for your product?

the idea for my product came to me by accident. once i had my first son, i just started to notice there were tons of decorated baby items, except the boring plastic wipes container! i used it constantly, so i knew it would be a big hit if i dressed it up a little!

Tell me how you got to the point where you were selling your
product.

i played around with fabrics and perfected the finish product, showed my friends, signed up
for some local shows and started selling! they were an instant hit!

How is your business going?

my business is going great! i make an unique item that is practical and adorable, at a reasonable price point. the perfect combination!

What future plans do you have for your business?

juggle?! it’s a daily challenge. lots of late nights working.

What advice would you have for someone that is interested in
starting
their own business?

do lots of research about your product…make sure that you can create a niche.

Jamie Bird is the sweetie that donated one of her awesome Wet Bags for our Spring Fling giveaway! This innovative new product is SO smart and well made–I am very impressed. After years of dragging around wet diapers, clothing, and swimsuits in Walmart bags or ziploc bags that always burst open, the Wet Bag is a welcome, and stylish alternative.

Let’s get to know Jamie a little better, shall we?!

Tell us a little about yourself-

My name is Jamie Bird, and I run an online boutique
specializing in personalized, handmade baby products. About four years ago, I
told my husband I wanted to learn how to sew. I lugged my mom’s 30-year-old
sewing machine through the airport from Michigan to California, and went to
the library in search of a good HOW To book. I started sewing a few baby
items, and haven’t stopped since. Two new sewing machines and thousands of
hours later, sewing is my life’s work.

How did you get the idea for your product?

Actually, a friend suggested the idea for the wetbags. She is a connoisseur
of baby products, and together we knew it would be a must have for any mom.
From diapers to wet swimming suits to a cosmetics bag, it is a stylish and
affordable product considering how much use you will get out of it.

How is your business going?

Almost one year ago, I had my first online order. I am a relatively new
boutique, and have been really blessed this first year. I just hired another
mompreneur to help me out so I can spend more time with my family and
developing new products. It is a constant struggle to find balance between
work and family time. I am working on setting hours that I work each day,
and that helps me put less pressure on myself to “get it all done”.

What future plans do you have for your business?

I would love to continue making products that I find useful and unique. I
love babies, and hope that my products will be cherished gifts- treasures
that will make mom’s life easier. My long range goal is to have products
available in boutiques nationwide.

What advice would you have for someone that is interested in starting their
own business?

I have two- Initiative and Perserverence! I meet so many moms
that want to own their own business, but it seems overwhelming so they never
even try. A business takes time to grow, and small steps to make it
successful. There have been many days I would have loved to give up, but my
desire and love for this business won’t let me. If it is a true passion of
yours, go for it-and continue doing it even when things get tough. At the
end of the day, it will be worth all the hard work. I love that I get to
spend each day with my son, and I the many people I meet that make it so
worthwhile.

I’ve been looking for unique and adorable hair clips to offer in the boutique for awhile, and finally came across Pampering Beki. The hair clips are already a hit at the boutique–and you’re gonna love them too.

I got to interview Beki recently. Here’s what she had to say:

1. Tell me a little about yourself.