Baby Fashion Blog - Baby Gifts & Baby Boutique Stories

Baby Names

Who doesn't love learning about names?

We had such a great time discovering and searching for baby names when planning for our daughter's arrival.  We did the typical search online.  We then bought a couple of baby name reference books; as well as thinking about our "family" names.  But, it wasn't until we were on a family vacation in Tennessee that our daughter's name "came to us.".  While in the historic "civil-war fort" town of Franklin, we decided to walk down their old main street.  The day was blistering hot and full of Tennesse humidity.  After stopping at a Starbuck's to load up on needed fluids....we "window shopped" numerous boutiques. 

At the point that we were just about to call it a "day".....we passed a darling little boutique called Emmeline's Boutique.  That was the name!

We didn't have the fortune of finding BabyNamesCountry before our daughter's birth.  Veronica Russel and her husband Daniel, created BabyNamesCountry.com in the loving memory of their late son Gregory (who they lost when he was only 2 years old).   As you can imagine, this was a heart-breaking loss. 

BabyNamesCountry is a non-profit website that is dedicated to Gregory's memory.  The website is one of the best online sites that we have found as a resource for not only finding names, but learning more about them.  The website's name directory's (organized by girl names, boy names, origin, alaphabet and popularity) is extremely well designed and very easy to use!

Kudos to Veronica and Daniel for such a terrific way to remember their son.  To learn more about their story and their website proejct, visit them here. 

   

Swanky Canvas

Founder and artist Stacey Clayton creates customized canvas under the company name of Doodle Diva.  She's a MOM, a registered nurse and holds a BA degree in commercial and interior art....a powerful combo!  We're sure that when you check out her canvas creations you'll agree that the name of doodle diva is well deserved!

For the baby fashionista:  Walking her Dotson  while doing a little window shopping.

Comple w/ real Tutu!
 

For your little baby pilot.

For more information you can call them direct at:  501.834.1755.  Enjoy!

Everything I need to know...

Well....almost!  A Canadian production company, Liandrea, formed by two real-life mums has created 2 up-to-date, excellent parenting DVD's.  Click here to read all about the ladies!  Seems to me like these DVD's would come in handy for new and experienced parents and caregivers alike.  We feel so lucky to have had the chance to review these 2 DVD's just in time for Baby Emme's birth sometime in the next couple of weeks!

Bringing Baby Home is an excellent substitute for a Newborn Care Class.  After weeks of Childbirth Classes, the 6-Hour Breastfeeding Class and The Happiest Baby on the Block Series, we just couldn't drag ourselves out the door for one more.   In fact, I could see a newborn educator using this DVD in a class, so you're definitely aren't missing out as long as you watch this DVD!

In place of a Baby Care Class, I've been trying to memorize the baby care chapters of my favorite parenting book, The Baby Book by Dr. Sears.  But, this DVD really filled in the gaps for us with hands-on demonstrations of diapering, breastfeeding, bathing (sponge and imersion baths).  The info from professionals--including pediatricians, nurses and lactation consultants is truly indispensible!  I especially liked the tips on when to seek medical advice and what symptoms constitute a medical emergency.

I'm a particular fan of the Yummy in My Tummy DVD which talks all about feeding your baby in the first year of life.  Info is provided by a nutritionist and pediatrician.  But, the best part is the mums who produced the video star in it,too.  They go step by step in the kitchen showing us how to prepare homemade baby foods (surprisingly quick and easy) and even go so far as to demonstrate the making of a healthy & tasty First Birthday Cake!  The days of running to the store and picking up a few random jars of Gerber when the doc says its time to start solids have come and gone for many.  Awareness has certainly increased that feeding in the first year of life can impact a child's lifelong eating habits, tastes and cravings.  Who wants a kid who screams for a happy meal when they can enjoy Thai, Indian, Italian, and California Cuisine right beside you?  Not to mention, we'd all like to be spared the guilt of winding up on the "Dr. Tell-It-Like-It-Is Phil" Show being told we're personally responsible for our own child's obesity!!!  This DVD will answer your burning baby feeding questions and give you some great ideas on how get off to a healthy start.  The Yummy in My Tummy DVD makes a great gift and I bet you'd even watch it more than once....I already have and will be keeping it handy during Baby Emme's first year!

These excellent parenting resource DVD's are available directly from Liandrea at their website, www.liandrea.com!

Barking in the Holidays

The holidays can be exhausting....especially shopping:).  However.......We've done the majority of our shopping online....and in the process have found some darling speciality sites that we would have never found..even in BIG sprawling Los Angeles.

We just discovered BarkSlope.com.  Darling DOGGIE website with a great supply of unique, fashionable items.

BarkSlope has a great "small" business story too!  Read more on their about us page.   You can also see more about the owners on their blog!

If you count your pets as Family and love to dote on them....this site is for you.  Check them out and support another small business!  Here's our favorite item and it's one of their best sellers.

 

Peanut Butter Kisses

  I'm so excited to introduce you all to one of our new favorite websites/designers--PEANUT BUTTER KISSES!  Work-At-Home Mom, Angela Ray, creates adorable & classy personalized thank you notes, custom baby announcement & holiday cards.  It was great working with Angela, submitting photos online and asking her to tweek little things here and there or make little changes...You are sure to wind up with a finished product that makes you very happy!!!  We just used our first thank you note (I dole these babies out very carefully) to thank our wonderful Childbirth Class Instructor, Rena Ward, for sharing her vast knowledge with us (and, of course, teaching hubby that one of his most important roles in labor is MASSAGE)!  The quality of Angela's cards is great, just what I'd choose if I was selecting all the materials myself.  Affordable rates for custom cards will keep you coming back for more!  Visit www.pbkisses today...

Here's a peak at what Angela created for our growing family!

Nico & Zoe

Introducing Nico & Zoe

Holidays are huge for toys!!  We've just discovered a darling website that specializes in handmade artisan and uncommon toys.  If you are looking for a toy that says something a little extra special, take a look at be sure to check out  Nico & Zoe's uncommon selection of wood, plush, learning toys and more!  Visit them here. 

One of my favorites at Nico & Zoe is their Hopping Rabit Pull Toy by Mossy Creek Woodworks out of rural Madison County, AR.   I'm a huge fan of bunnies and I love the fact that this is a natural toy, made by a small, local based company.  You can view by clicking here.

Need more reasons to visit Nico & Zoe?  We'll, check out their about us page. For those of you that care about the people behind the businesses you shop at; Nico & Zoe is a business owned by two moms (Pamela and Stacy) who specifically support local, small businesses by finding toys that are designed, if not made, in the US.  Hurray for them!!

Seattle based parent business

Introducing Eight3One. We found out about this Seattle based baby/toddler apparel company last week and they instantly went on our wish list of vendors. They’re soft, high quality baby clothes combined with the look of Fifth Avenue. Owners Sven & Aimee (expecting parents!!) feature two distinct lines: 1) Urban Pop features the hip side of the street. The idea of combining old school ideas with contemporary fabrics promises to raise your infant's cool factor. 2) On the flip side is Tot Couture. Elegant clean lines decorated with whimsical designs and colors. It's as if the creatures your baby might be daydreaming about appear right on their outfit! 

We’re happy to support parent owned small businesses!

They take orders directly on their site: Click Here

They also have a lovely section called “happy customers”. This is our favorite, as it features toddlers “modeling” the good:). Check it out here.

The Ravey Baby Company

Another great woman owned business!

What a clever idea. A company that recognizes the great art of tattoos and incorporates their designs into baby wear! Nat and I admit, we love to watch the TV show Miami Ink. Natalie loves everything on the TLC channel:). So, when we found out about the Ravey Baby Company, the interest was automatic!

They offer an amazing, unique service. Simply email them a picture of your tattoo and they will “baby-size” it on a piece of baby clothing of your choice. To find out more visit their website.  They even take orders direct;)  Get ready for some tatoo attitude.

Creative Baby Strap

“Baby Lift” Strap

Here is a great idea from a very entrepreneur-ing family! It’s called the “baby lift” strap. Here’s the story as posted on their website:

“The 'Baby Lift' strap was invented by my Daddy. When I was a little guy, Daddy needed to make it easier for me and him to shop for gifts for my Mommy.  With the strap, he could easily shop and pay for that special thing, while I was in still in my infant-seat.  You should of seen the dance my Daddy did to open a store door before he invented the 'Baby Lift' strap.  You would think he was Barney.  I think that every Daddy should buy a 'Baby Lift' strap.  This way more Daddies with little guys can shop easier for more Mommies.  And, by the way, Mommies like the strap too.”

We love the illustrations/pictures showing how easy it is to handle! Very handy:) Our favorite picture is the before and after section: see here. We can relate with so many of our “new” mother friends carrying their car seats to the car or even from the car to that mommy friendly corner café:)

Check out their website.  They take direct orders!

Everybody loves "BABEEZ"!

Another family business we love---BABEEZ--has created super bath & body products for, well, "babies"!  Laura Burgess, and her mother-in-law, Pam Hardin, came together to create the line of all-natural lotions and potions in adorable packaging. 

I am fan of their Ultimate Luxury Baby Shower Gift--a gorgeous topiary (perfect for a baby shower centerpiece) crafted from ribbon and tulle with a few pacifiers, baby socks, a scrubby bath poof, rattles, and jewels...Babeez luxury bath products for baby are tucked in the flower pot at the base.  Doesn't get much cuter & ORIGINAL than that! 

In case you're not the baby shower topiary type or are looking to test-drive the products, they've got full-size and travel gift sets packaged in cute little travel bags!   For all you family business fans, check them out at www.mybabeez.com

Light Up Your Memories

Owner, Stepanie Wetzel, is a self described "lighting nut".  We love that!  Her night light is a fabulous gift idea for a loved one....or a treat for you!   Simply use one of your favorite photos....and you have an instant, everyday treasure.  The baby photo ideas are terrific and we also love the example showing a beloved pet or fav vacation location!

How Photo Night Light Works:  The photo night light is perfect for any cherished photo, as an original gift idea or as a memorable present to yourself. Whether it's a photo of the grandkids, a photo of your significant other, best friends, your wedding, your pets, the family during a favorite trip, a loved one that passed away or even your kids art work, your personalized night light will bring enjoyment for years to come. And sized generously at 3.5 x 4.5, you´ll appreciate every nuance of your glowing photograph.

A little more about Photo Night Light business:
The business concept is simple: create a quality product that will make people happy and we would want for ourselves, employ good people and pay them well, listen to our customer's ideas and requests, and keep growing and improving.

We are based in a small mountain community in California called Frazier Park. We also like to take trips, find new and exciting emerging artists and hand pick photos and art work for our upcoming catalog. 

Learn more about them by visiting their website today - click here

Special Coupon

One of our favorite baby decor sites, Artistic Sensations, has offered our readers a special coupon good for 10% off everything on their website with the coupon code:  BLOG . You'll find darling crib and children's bedding and room decor accessories in a wide range of prices.  My favorite part is that they sell many of the fancy crib bedding pieces a la carte, so you are able to mix and max or collect a few pieces if you can't quite spring for the whole set!

Enjoy & check out the family-owned business, www.ArtisticSensations.com today!

Baby Emi Jewelry

A new southern California business located in Aliso Viejo.  This darling website features glamour for the pint-sized people.  Baby Emi Jewelry personally handcrafts beautiful and stylish bracelets for baby and the whole family!  And, being a family owned business, it allows owner Debbie Savage to do what she loves, while staying at home with Baby Emi!

Read more about them at:  http://www.babyemijewelry.com/aboutus

Style & Grace....

Looking for one of those gorgeous photo birth announcements for your little bundle of joy that doesn't cut into the little guy's college fund?  Enter Grace Announcements .  Lindsay Brewda started Grace Announcements just 8 months ago after developing her skills and sources creating great photo cards for own son.  She, like the rest of us, just wasn't impressed by what she got from the local Wal-Mart and wanted to create her own announcements and holiday cards that reflected her understated and sophisticated taste. 

Here's a peak at what Lindsay has to say about her blossoming family business:

As a mother myself, I understand the difficulty in trying to find the perfect way to share your special bundle of joy with the world. When my first baby arrived I searched everywhere for the perfect way to show him off. I took my many years of design experience in logo and web design to develop Grace Announcements.

I realized how hard it was to find something as truly unique as my baby. I just was not interested in the cookie cutter designs that every photo finisher offered. So I put my best foot forward and created my first design. Now many footsteps later, I am proud to say I have been a small part of one of life's most memorable events for my clients."

With baby announcements starting at just $1.25, you won't bust the piggy bank, but will have that elegant, sophisticated announcement you've been dreaming of.  I've posted a few of my personal favorite designs.  Check out the whole collection at www.GraceAnnouncements.com

Sticky Prints!

I recently discovered Sticky Prints, an adorable & innovative company creating magnetic photo frames for the fridge.  Not the plain old plastic, or the cheesy-cheapy kind...These are hip & modern magnetic frames that come in coordinated sets or can be completely customized for your precious baby.  Sure they look fabulous on the fridge, but they're also a great way for Mom & Dad to post their baby's photos on the file cabinet as they return to work.  A set of three makes a great gift for new parents, friends or yourself, especially at the reasonable price of $16.25 for 3!

Sticky Prints creator, Cynthia Smith is a "certified work-at-home mom" and businesswomen.  Just what I like to see when a fabulous new product hits the scene.  As a mom herself, Cynthia knows how much fun it is to display new photos of family & friends (especially your own children).  She also knows how tacky & cluttered a surface can become when filled with photos.  Sticky prints provides that clean & stylish esthetic we're all striving for in the home & office while allowing us to indulge in our passion for fabulous photographs. 

A darling baby shower gift (or at least an addition to a fabulous blanket from Polka Dot Whale) is the custom baby frames by Sticky Prints, starting at just $10 each!  Support one of my favorite Mom-Owned businesses and visit www.StickyPrints.com today!  Use our exclusive coupon code: babyfashion for 10% off your first order!

Artistic Sensations

We recently discovered Artistic Sensations, a family business, mother-owned and operated with quality products and furnishings at the right price. The goal of Artistic Sensations is to help you outfit that special nursery or bedroom with unique, high-quality  linens and furniture. Just like Polka Dot Whale, Aritistic Sensation's products are not mass-produced for the mass market.  Their nursery and children's room decor items are charming and whimsical for those with discriminating tastes in children's design. Being a family-owned business, Artistic Sensations prides itself on superior customer service with personal attention to each and every order.  I'm proud to share a little bit of Artistic Sensation's business story as the first installment in my new "Family Business" blogging category!

From Kim Gellman - Owner, Artistic Sensations

"........So how many times have I been asked, "How did you get into this business"? Artistic Sensations, "the one-stop-shop to create your child's dream room" began in the early 90's by me, Kim Gellman, an at-home mother of two young boys, when I realized that creating the "perfect" kid's dream room was not at all as easy as I had imagined. So, in 1996, Artistic Sensations was born to fulfill the needs of all those parents who desire unique, customized, high quality furniture, bedding, accessories and gift items for their infants and young children. I chose an online presence first to offer as many parents as possible regardless of geographic location, the opportunity to decorate with unique style and have fun with their kids rooms. As we all know, busy parents rarely have the opportunity to frequent specialty stores.  Our limited free time, which usually occurs after the kids go to bed or before they wake up in the morning, doesn't coincide with retail store hours. !!!  Our store offers hundreds of unique specialty items from dozens  of top designers around the country. All of our products are personally chosen by experienced parents and tested for safety and durability. We don't sell anything we wouldn't buy for our own children........"

Check them out online today at:  Artistic Sensations

Family Owned Businesses

I'm introducing a new category to the Baby Fashion Blog that I'll call "Family Businesses".  What I would like to briefly highlight in this section is new baby and children businesses that I find out about.  Through the lens of my own business, I absolutely have come to appreciate small family owned businesses.  Most of the business that I have discovered recently are drivenby mommies or women as a means for them to work from home and support their family.  In this section, I'd like to share their business stories.  As we all know, these are the type of businesses that are central to not only our economy, but need our individual support and patronage the most! 

All the best and continued success to all the businesses that are in this section!  If you are a new woman owned (or family owned) business, please email me at babyfashionblog@yahoo.com for feature/review consideration!