Feeling a Little Fruity

What, fruit in a bag? And it's not those artificially flavored kid-snacks? And there's no sugar? And it's not 100+ calories? Somebody pinch me. I must be dreaming.

No pinch? So, it's true? Stretch Island Fruit Co. makes mouth watering, artificially-free, all natural, sugar-free fruit snacks that are only 45 calories? Yes! And some are even USDA certified organic.

For those who have diabetes, these little snacks can fit into your diabetic diet. And for those who are lactose intolerant or have celiac disease (a gluten intolerance), these snacks can fit into your diet too. Some of these snacks are even Kosher. However, if you have questions you should always consult your doctor.

This company has been together since 1976 and they have definite values of being optimistic, socially conscious, simple, and healthy.

It's not easy to carry fresh raspberries in your pocket for a quick snack. So, it doesn't get any better than these delicious on-the-go bite-sized treats. They can also be purchased on Amazon.

Where Art Thou Romeo?

Mother's Day is coming up in about 3 weeks. How are you going to let your man know what you want? Will you dog-ear pages in a catalog and sheepishly put the catalogs on his nightstand? Will you put your best friend up to asking him what he's going to do and have her discretely offer a few better suggestions? Do you just buy something for yourself, wrap it up, and open it in front of him thanking him for the gift you really wanted? Or do you keep your mouth shut and secretly wish he had some kind of imagination and recollection of all the hints you've been dropping to actually pick out a gift for you by himself... and then you are disappointed? If any one of these scenarios is true, you need Romeo and Juliet to lend you a hand.

Romeo and Juliet, a classic. But sometimes a classic needs a little updating, a little facelift. RomeoShops is a store for all women out there who need to give their man a little "hint" about how to buy gifts. The store was created with the concept that men just don't know how to shop for their girlfriend/wife... and RomeoShops is here to help.

The website shows some fabulous gifts, some luxurious, some practical.
Swarovski Maison Necklace
Lavender Heat Wrap
Candy Stripe Corset PJ's
Wine Tasting Party Kit
Desperate Housewives Video Game
And much, much more.

What is also really great about this website is the Date Reminder System and the Gift Finder. Sign your man up for the Date Reminder System and he'll never have an excuse to have missed a holiday! Show him the gift finder system where he answers 5 questions about you. The answers to those questions lead him to a page with gift suggestions - clever!

Ladies, if you are ever feeling stumped on a gift for your man, now there is JulietShops. Same concept, but it's just for us! However, I'll remind you of this site closer to Father's Day.

Lastly, if you are lucky enough to live in the Twin Cities area, you can check out The Romeo and Juliet Shop in downtown Minneapolis. They are located on 5th and Nicollet Mall in the Gaviidae Commons, first floor. The space is amazing with even more gifts from which to choose.

Oldie but Goodie

Sunday night my husband and I watched Saturday Night Fever. If we weren't laughing at the uber cool dance moves of John Travolta, we were laughing at his "Don't mess with the hair" attitude! Even with the belly laughs, we were still groovin' to the music. I don't think the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack will ever get old. Amazon sells it for only $14.97.

If you can't get enough of the disco era, Amazon also sells Pure Disco with more classics to add to your music library.

While Saturday Night Fever might not be a new sensation, it is amazing how the music is as popular as ever. I would love to see an interview with John Travolta asking him about this movie, Grease, and Welcome Back, Kotter (Vinnie Barbarino, man)! What does he remember about those days and those characters?

Flip Flop

Everybody loves a good stylish flip flop. So, how does one make the flip flop even better? One makes it edible! Yes, make your own flip flop and then eat it all yourself or share it with your friends. BHG.com has the recipe for making your very own Flip Flop Cake, but I say make it to your liking. If chocolate cake with buttercream frosting and ju ju candy is your thing, then that should be your style of edible flip flops.

What better cake could you show up with to a party? The flip flop cake screams a fun, casual party. And at this time of year, seeing flip flops is like seeing palm trees. For those of you in the north-eastern part of the country, this sight would be a glorious sight as opposed to the mounds of white flakes you seem to keep encountering.

Flop on down to the store, pick up the ingredients, and wow your friends with your Martha-like talents. It is definitely a good thing!

Mr. Boden

Johnnie Boden. Very UK. Very mod. Very tasteful. And now very 11% savings and free shipping!
Check out some of these cute styles. They cater to women, men, and kids.

Womens Washed Jersey Jacket.
Womens Chic Contrast Coat.
Womens Halterneck Dress.
Mens Tipped Sweatshirt.
Mens Cotton V-neck.
Girls Fun Applique Dress.
Boys Fisherman Hat.

One Step At a Time

This is the most amazing thing I've come across in a long, long time. As an entrepreneur one of my goals is to find ways to give back. Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes, has certainly found an inspiring and innovative way to give back.

Short story version: Blake was in Argentina where he bought a pair of comfortable Argentine shoes. Before leaving he observed the children he saw in villages - they didn't wear or own shoes. The result? Their feet were terribly beat up from walking miles each day to get water for their families. Then, the ultimate idea struck Blake. He was going to make a similar version of this Argentine shoe he purchased and for every pair he sold, he would donate one pair to a child.

I've never seen a more generous donation program from a small business. It is truly inspiring. It makes me wonder if I could do a similar program with Emily Allyn. I am seriously going to look into it. The big question, how to find the people who would pay $30+ for a onesie or toddler shirt? Even though the customer would be donating another onesie or shirt to a child-in-need, I would need to find the market. Would you buy it?

If this story intrigues you, go to the TOMS shoes website and read more. Heck, maybe even buy a pair! Plus there are interesting YouTube videos.

As our friends at the GAP for Product (RED) asked, "Can a T-shirt change the world?" - I ask you, Can shoes change the world? These can.

B.F.

No, not best friends. We are talking about Basic French. When it comes to gifts, you don't get more creative than this website (also a store in N.Y.). Many of these items you won't see in your neighborhood gift store - which is why we like it!

They carry a little bit of everything from housewares to toys and more. The above hand-crocheted car is a rattle. Adorable.
With Moulin Roty’s Grande Famille, you can choose a cute lamb, bunny, cat or mouse simple stuffed animal.
Why buy a boring white mercury thermometer when you could own a mercuryless, colorful, indoor/outdoor thermometer?
Looking for some brightly colored Square Bathmats? These would be perfect.
Can't get enough of the Toile look? Try these Toile Notebooks.

You get the point. Interesting, fun, unusual gifts you won't find around the corner.

This Is No April Fools

Emily Allyn has added a little "green" to the clothing line. We are excited to announce the addition of organic onesies to our products! To celebrate, we have slashed the "green" prices.

Our customers have been asking for organic clothing. We listened and we delivered. You now have a choice - to be green or not to be green... that is the question. (Kermit the Frog would say, "Go Green!")

Stop by Emily Allyn and see the organic line for yourself. Plus don't forget to check out all of the specials we have going on - it is crazy around here!

• All of our long sleeves are priced to sell
• All of our Pumpkin and Snowflake clothes are reduced even more
• Check out our overstock sale page
• Plus, we still have a few pants left to give away. Spend $40 or more and receive a free pair of pants. For more details, visit the homepage and click the "We are giving away pants!" link.