Spice it Up!

If you read the previous post, you will note my organizational-tendencies! Don't laugh, I know this doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of my posts, but the above picture could be the all-time best kitchen organization tool - ever. It is simple, yet genius. This rack slides into your drawer and holds up to 36 spice containers. It expands to fit the size of your drawer (up to 23" wide). The spices sit upright at an angle, so they are easy to read and they don't slide all over the place. Since this gizmo sits in a drawer, you can close the drawer and not have to look at the spices, unlike those circular countertop racks. Not that I don't like those, but if I can I have an uncluttered countertop, it's that much better!

De-cluttering the Diaper Bag

Anything that has to do with organization, I love! For me, organization is key to keeping my head screwed on straight and felling "together"... even in the diaper bag. These Diaper Bag Organizer Pouches by Sugar Booger are perfect. They separate Clean from Dirty and Snacks from anything else you want to put in these handy zipped bags. That onesie that Junior just regurgitated his afternoon bottle all over - no problem. Toss it in the dirty bag, and voila out from the clean bag comes a fresh onesie. Don't worry about the bags getting nasty and smelly. You can pop them into the washing machine (cold cycle) and hang them to dry. My only complaint is I would like to see another 1 or 2 "extra" bags in the bunch and more vibrant colors.

Life is Good, isn't it?

Don't get me wrong. I love, love, love my own line of clothing (that's a given), but do you ever see something and think, "Man, I wish I would have thought of that!"? Every time I see a Life is good® shirt, that is what goes through my head.
I know we have all heard of this company. These clothes aren't exactly a "find," but they are amazing. Every year, they just keep getting more clever. And what better saying than, Life is good! It's a clear, positive message without being too hokey, and the designs always put a smile on my face. My favorite men's shirt shows a pair of boots and says, "Not all who wander are lost."
I always love a good success story, and the story about the two brothers behind Life is good® is a fun read. Most importantly, they give back. They make sure life is good for kids who face unfair challenges by throwing festivals and contributing the money to charities.

Kiehls

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer is heaven! It is not heavy, greasy, or smelly. At $29.50 for a 4.2 fl. oz. bottle, this may seem a bit spendy. It's not. This bottle is a good size and a little moisturizer goes a long way. In fact, the bottle lasts almost a year for me. It's always nice to try out skin care products before actually buying them. Look at the Store Locator page for a retailer near you. The company has been around 150 years, so you know they've had time to get it right!

Strongest Dad in the World

My aunt forwarded an email to me today. It was an article by Rick Reilly from Sports Illustrated titled, "Strongest Dad in the World." You may have seen it. It has made it's way around the internet since Rick wrote it more than a year ago on 6/15/05. The article and video are so moving, I immediately wanted to post it.

The cleanest copy of the article I have found (no ads covering the pages) is here, though you can find it all over the internet. In a nutshell, Dick Hoyt has a son, Rick, who was born with his ambilical cord strangling his neck. It caused severe disabilities. Today Dick and Rick run marathons and participate in triatholons. That's all I'm going to give away. It's an amazing story - one of those that puts life in perspective.

Once you finish the article, you must watch the video. Grab some kleenex and prepare for a few tears.

If you want to learn more about the Hoyt family, they have a website, Team Hoyt.

The message of Team Hoyt is that everybody should be included in everyday life.

Greetings Friends and Family

Once you get over the irresistible name Peanut Butter Kisses, you will see a ton of original styles for baby announcements, thank you notes, holiday wishes, baptism invites, and change of address cards. I can't believe how innovative and sweet these cards are. For the quality custom work Angela provides, the prices are very reasonable. Check them out and keep them in mind for the holidays!

Boutique Mom

The ever-trendy Boutique Mom thought enough of the Emily Allyn products to feature us on their blog today!

Jelly Cool Cat

These furry creatures by Jellycat are easy to love. They provide a soft, bendable, secure, cuddle toy for toddlers. Once you feel these little guys, you will know why your toddler will want to take it everywhere! We own this frog and the puppy/mut. Jellycat offers so many selections which are adorable, it is hard to choose only one. How can you resist those frog eyes? The best prices along with the best selection I have found is here. But you can find these animals almost anywhere.

It's What's on the inside that Counts

Sure, we all love to see the little blue box from Tiffany, but what about the little red box from Red Envelope? I tend to forget about this store and I'm always delighted when I remember it. The gifts found online are creative and unique.

The gifts are endless, but for the those who enjoy to give or use wine accessories, I've found the following very handy items. For one, there's the Steady Sticks for your beverages. What a useful idea! I've seen people use these while having some outdoor fun, like playing bocce ball or lawn bowling.

There's also the Wine Tasting Kit. It comes with everything you need to throw a fun wine tasting party. If you are like me and cannot distinguish between the smell of chocolate and the smell of grass, you will still have a ball trying to guess. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about the aromas of wine!

UrbanBaby.com

I just received an email from UrbanBaby Everywhere (newsletter) announcing they will be sending out their free newsletter daily instead of weekly. What great news! They have a team of people who report on the best finds for babies. Chances are you will hear about new and trendy products here first. To get a taste for the articles, check out the archived section.

In addition to the UrbanBaby Everywhere, they also have their newsletter broken down by regions (Austin, Boston, Chicago, LA, NY, SF, and Seattle). If you don't see your metropolitan city on the list (like I don't see the Twin Cities), not to worry. They have a coming soon section with a ton of big cities listed. I guess I'll have to be patient (not one of my stronger traits).

The website and newsletter are great resources for parents. Sign up for their newsletter today and see for yourself!

Move over First Aid Kit

Here comes a Roadside Emergency Kit by Safety Girl that is way more hip than the old white and red box. This kit has everything, and I mean everything you could need in a roadside emergency. The kit includes the necessary blanket, first aid supplies, and directions on how to change a tire. However, where many emergency kits forget the essentials, the Safety Girl kit includes it all - a little chocolate, purified water, breath freshener (you never know who might stop to help you), and a nail file. Hey, sometimes a girl just needs these things. It's actually quite astonishing all of the things included in the Emergency Kit. You must see for yourself!

Now, THIS would be a creative gift!

Ladies Who Launch (not Lunch)!

Well, OK, it's fun to Lunch too, but I'm talking about one of the fastest growing networking opportunities out there. Ladies Who Launch is for every woman who is launching a business, has an idea to pursue, or a goal to accomplish. I signed up for the Incubator - a consecutive four week "course" that focuses on you and your ideas, projects, and business aspirations. During the Incubator you will gain powerful momentum toward your purpose for being there. The energy in this group is amazing. It was founded by Beth Schoenfeldt and Victoria Colligan, two incredibly well-connected women living in New York, and two women who want to make a difference in other women's lives. After the Incubator, I joined the On-going program. If you do the Incubator, I think you must do the On-going meetings. It's what the program is all about - connecting people. New people join the group every month, so you are constantly meeting new people.

I'll be the first to admit, the website is a little confusing. However, they are working on it, and it is no reflection on how remarkable this group is and the possibilities that are at your fingertips. I can't say enough good things about this program. Every time I meet with these ladies I am re-energized!

Tirza Baby

A store so luxurious, I couldn't keep my hands off the clothes and blankets! They use about the softest materials I've ever touched and the colors are incredible. The shades of blue, green, pink, and brown are soft on the eyes and cute as a button on baby. I'm lucky because their only store (to date) is here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, but you are lucky because you can buy the Tirza Baby items online! I also can't say enough about the owners. They are kind, helpful, and excited about their products. And they should be, they have a created a line that is timeless and beautiful.

(Side note: I put the Emily Allyn Sweet Pea up to the Tirza Baby green cardigan and it looked adorable!)

Have Your Kids "Wrapped Around Your Finger"

A new twist on the Mommy jewelry, the Mother rings, by Nelle and Lizzy.

They also offer rings for Grandmothers, Friendship, Marriage/Commitment, Milestones, Siblings, and more. All rings are Sterling Silver and stamped with the .925 mark of silver. You can add this item to your Christmas wish list!

"Boomalacka, Boomalacka, Whack, Whack, Whack"

That's the sound Ankylosaurus makes while drumming on his hard-shelled back in Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields & Scott Nash (Illustrator). This is another book I can read again and again. At points it's a even a little challenging to the tongue! It's fast moving and interesting - you may even feel like shakin' a little booty while reading. Here's a little taste for the beginning of the book.

"Word went out 'cross prehistoric slime: 'Hey dinosaurs, it's rock
'n' roll time! Slick back your scales and get ready to romp on Saturday
night at the Dinosaur Stomp!'"

Sevens on Sale!

I was one of those people who (once realizing the expense of children) could not pull myself to spend more than $80 on a pair of jeans. But indulge me for a moment while I share my "Sevens" story.

A couple of years ago my friends would talk about "Seven" and "Citizen" jeans, and they were on all the Hollywood stars. About a year ago, I was walking around aimlessly in Nordstrom. I was by myself (which is a rare occasion since I'm usually toting my boys around with me), so I took my sweet old time. I was in the jeans department and thought, "Oh cripes, I'm just going to see what all of the fuss is about." I grabbed a couple of Seven for All Mankind jeans and headed into the dressing room.

I pulled on those pants and I was instantly hooked. I seriously couldn't believe it! They were the most comfortable pair of jeans I had ever tried on. The biggest plus, it only took me about 10 minutes to decide on them - not the usual hour and 25-pair-later scenario. The jeans actually move with you, they give (more than normal "stretch" jeans), and they look good. Not to mention, you can think you look like all the stars! Now I just need to find a purse I love as much...

If you still are not convinced that you want to spend more than $80 on jeans, I found these Sevens on sale at Nordstrom (only $78.90)!

Ask, Then Touch

Why is it that people like to touch a pregnant women's belly? As a result, how many pregnant women would love to shout this at the top of their lungs? Now you don't have to. The clever maternity tees by Due and Sprout say it for you, "Ask, Then Touch." I think I can speak for a million pregnant moms when I say, "Thank you Due and Sprout!"

Other clever sayings that have sprouted from this company are: "not finding out," "yes, I'm pregnant,"twins," and more.

For Your Little Pumpkin

Emily Allyn is ready for Fall with our adorable, unique Pumpkin tees! Many people have asked when our long sleeve shirts will be available. The answer is this week! Yessiree, the brisk autumn season is fast approaching and it's time to start thinking about cozy, comfy clothes.

Sizes range from 3-6 months up to 6T. The shirts are made of 100% combed cotton and are incredibly soft. The designs on the front are what make our shirts stand out from other shirts. We use a printing application where the ink is embedded into the shirt. And unlike screen printing, this ink will last through many, many washings. Plus, it is so smooth you can't even feel it on the shirt - perfect for babies!

And don't forget to check out our SALE items.

Sneak Peak

Here is your first look at Silly Goose... a sneak peak, if you will, because this picture isn't even on the Emily Allyn website yet. How Silly is that?
For the many emails I have received asking, "When is Silly Goose going to be available?" Your time is here. Silly Goose will be available to order online by September 13th in our long sleeve style shirts.

"Jack, from the backseat, said to his Dad...

...this car is OK. This car is not bad. But it's just a car. Nothing great. Nothing grand. It's nothing at all like the car I have planned."

Recently, my father bought a book for my boys. It has become one of my favorite books EVER! The book is, If I Built a Car, by Chris Van Dusen. I am in complete awe of the incredibly colorful pictures that fill this book. You also get a little taste of the 50's era with the clothes, the hair, the food, the houses. The rhyming flows off the tongue, and I find it so clever and fun to read. It is one of those books that I can actually read every night and not get sick of it... so far!

Crabby Cakes

How cute would these Robeez shoes look with the Emily Allyn Crabby Cakes onesie or tee?!!? I think the pair would be a fabulous match.

I have had customers ask me, "Don't some people get offended when they receive Crabby Cakes as a gift?" I say, "I'm sure there is 'someone' out there who would be offended, but I haven't run into that person yet. By the time most babies are 3 months or 6 months, there are days when every parent needs one of these shirts to laugh and lighten the day!"

If your head has been buried in the sand with the crab and you haven't heard of Robeez, you need to look into buying some of these brilliant shoes. They are soft-soled, comfy shoes that are pretty hard for your little Crabby Cakes to kick off when in "one of those moods."

Baby Food 101

We've all been there - "when can I start feeding my baby bananas? Crackers? Diced apples?" Even with my second child I couldn't remember all of this information - though I was a bit more relaxed about it! The Baby Bistro Box can help answer some of these questions. It provides up-to-date nutritional information, shopping tips, recipe ideas, and prenatal suggestions for the first twelve months of baby's life. And if you would like suggestions for years 1-3, there is the Toddler Bistro Box. With a little bigger appetite comes a little more information, like easy recipes, shopping tips, nutrient and supplement needs, toddler personality tendencies, and creative activities.

Dear Jane

With email, writing notes has seemed to go by the wayside. But when you see the stationery designed by Lauren Goessling you will be reminded of what a hand-cramp is because you will be writing so many notes to your friends and family! And think how fun it is when you receive a hand-written note these days. There are many darling designs for adults, girls, and boys. Lauren also has a wedding and baby line coming soon.


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Awards!

I'd like to start off my new blog by sharing some wonderful recognition for Emily Allyn!

We received the StyleBakery "Designers on the Rise" Award for Best Baby Designer. I can't tell you how thrilled we were when we found out! StyleBakery is one of the web's leading sources in finding trendy clothes and sharing fashion secrets. Click here to read the article.

We also received an ecstatic review from SheFindsMom. Many of you have probably heard of this website. If you haven't, you should! They too have a blog. Click here to read the review where they rave about our products saying, "the shirts feel like butter!"

I hope you find this blog fun, interesting, time-saving, helpful, and most of all... Amazing!