Innie or Outie?

Versatility at its best.

You are on your way out the door heading to preschool when you notice a spot on your daughter's outfit. "I don't have time for this," you utter in madness. However, if your daughter is wearing Innies 'n Outies, there is no problem; it's a quick fix. Just whip the outfit off, turn it inside out (or right side in) and voila, you have yourself a brand new, clean outfit! Your daughter will be amazed thinking her mom knows magic. And you will be on your way in no time - instead of digging through the dryer for clean, matching clothes.

The style of the clothes and the fabrics they use are absolutely darling - even for boys. When form meets function, it doesn't get much cuter than the Sandia collection for girls.

The prices are very reasonable considering it's really a 2-for-1 deal!

Especially for Emily Allyn readers, the owners of Innies 'n Outies have extended a generous offer of 30% off your first order! Just enter "emilyallyn30" at checkout.

Enjoy!

Little Love

It is here!

The Emily Allyn Little Love is available now to order online.

The plaid heart is adorable enough to wear year-around. It "says" Valentine's day, but it doesn't scream Valentine's day!

Plus, stay tuned to our home page because within the next few days we will be starting a special. We will be giving away baby pants. Yes, free pants! Details will be on the website when the special starts. Don't hesitate. When the pants are gone, the special is over.

Mess Saver

You are at a friend's house for a play date. Little one is crying for some food. You pull out the applesauce and spoon and... uh oh you forgot the bib. But you don't sweat it because you have your handy dandy Kipiis Bib Clip.

Just in case you haven't heard of these yet, you need to know about it. And if you have heard of them, it's just a friendly reminder of how simple and smart this product is. The Bib Clip turns virtually anything into a bib - a towel, a burp cloth, a napkin, or what ever is close. It works like the bib at the dentist with those clips on either end. Like I said, simple and smart. Not to mention they have cool colors and a trendy look to them.

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's 40!

My sister-in-law turns 40 today! I don't think she's too happy about it, but 40 can be exciting. After all, every where you turn people say 40 is the new 30, right? I hope it's true and not just a bunch of people wanting to feel younger!

I had the hardest time thinking up a non-cheesy 40th birthday gift (i.e. a bottle of Exlax), so I thought about passing along some ideas I discovered. And really these could be for many milestone birthdays.

Birthday Gift DVDs - a 30 minute DVD with original newsreel video of news, world events, sports, and entertainment from that year.

Birthday Newspaper - What happened on the exact day the birthday person was born? Here you can find actual newspapers from that day, not copies.

40 lottery tickets

Gift certificate to a spa.

CD with favorite songs from year she/he was born or from childhood. You could buy one or make one yourself.

If you are somewhat crafty, have everyone make a page for a scrap book and put it together. It's actually quite easy because everyone else is doing most of the work. You just have to worry about the cover and your own page... and organizing it, I guess.

I finally settled on a home accent piece of art that reads: Enjoy the Journey - Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.

Happy 40th!

Too Many Stuffed Animals?

The scenario goes something like this: you are helping your child pick up her room one day and realize just how many stuffed animals she has. It's unbelievable. Where did she accumulate all of these? There's enough here to fill a huge garbage bag! You are liking the garbage bag idea when you see your child lining up all her stuffed animals on her bed. She is talking to them and using her imagination. "Ok," you think, "it's better than T.V. But what are going to do with all of these things?"

Answer: Boon. This company has been getting more play lately in the media than the president! However, when you check out their website, you will quickly know why. They deserve the positive press for their incredibly innovative ideas. They are one of those companies that sets the standards and says to other companies, "HA, try and outdo that idea."

One of these inventions is their Animal Bag. It doubles as storage for the stuffed animals and a fun place to sit. It reminds me of a bean bag. Depending on the amount of stuffed animals she actually has acquired, there are three different sizes.

Practical, handy, and fun.

Popcorn - 21st Century Style

Is it for a doll? Is it for an adult? What is it?!!? If you guessed an adult, you would be correct.

Magic Scarf makes these Popcorn style shirts. When I saw the shirt I couldn't help but laugh. There is absolutely no way that is going to fit me, I thought. I don't say this very often, but I was wrong. Dead wrong. It does fit. In fact, it fits quite well. How that little thing stretches to fit people is amazing... and flattering! They make lots of styles and offer many colors and prints. I thought this ruffled cardigan was also cute.

Butterfly Kisses

We've all given our kids butterfly kisses (where you "kiss" your child on his/her cheek with your eyelashes). And in one way or another, we have all been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly.

"What is she getting at?" you are thinking. Where is the connection between butterfly kisses and cancer? The connection is found in a new book written by Ellen McVicker and illustrated by Nanci Hersh, titled Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings - When someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids.

When Nanci was diagnosed with breast cancer she did not know how to explain this discovery to her sons. Her cousin, Ellen, who has worked with children, parents, and educators for years wrote a story for Nanci to help her explain cancer in general. Nanci then added her special touch to the story by adding beautifully illustrated pictures. The pictures are soft like watercolors. Soft like the voice you might use when trying to explain cancer to a child. The result became Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings.

The website doesn't stop at promoting their much-needed book. It also provides some information and resources:

• Talking through the pages of the book
• People I can talk to list
• Journal Sheets
• and other links for talking to a child about cancer

One word. Amazing, of course.

The Nursing Days

In the last few days, we've covered some funny maternity shirts, feminine delivery gowns, and now we are onto the days after the big delivery day... the nursing days.
Remember the days of having to wear big uncomfortable bras stuffed with nursing pads to bed? No longer. Aimee Nursing Gowns has found a classy way to give nursing moms some fashionable, comfortable, and functional nightwear. And they have now started a daywear or casual wear line including a top and pants. Smart move! The gowns are priced right at only $39.95. Choose from a half dozen colors!

Happy nursing... and sleeping...

On the Big Day

Be prepared.

When you go to the hospital on the big day, you'll want to be prepared. After all, you've been looking forward to this day for at least nine months. Feeling like you are about to burst, literally, you will also want to feel good, which means looking good. So instead of getting to the hospital, stripping down to your birthday suit and sporting a "sweet" hospital gown, why not slip into a stylish delivery gown? One that is your own!

Dear Johnnies sells cute gowns that are "hospital staff friendly" (in other words, the nurses and doctors won't grown when you insist on wearing your own gown). In fact, it looks similar to a hospital gown, except it is:

a) yours

b) stylish with attractive designs

c) new

d) feminine
e) a little more form fitting (as opposed to feeling like you threw on a tent for the occasion)

After the big birth, don't forget about the camera(s) flashing or the movie camera starring you in the face. Even if you feel a bit gross, you won't look gross in the Dear Johnnie gown!

Baby Fat

For those of you who kicked off the new year by getting pregnant - have I got a shirt for you! I'm a sucker for funny maternity clothing. It's a time in your life when you need a few good laughs.

Lucky Lou carries some maternity shirts that are a riot. One of my favorites is the one pictured above, does this baby make me look fat? Another one that is sure to put a smile on your face is Designated Driver. Ahhh... it's so true isn't it? And the shirt they made especially for me is the, I'm really an A cup!

Amazing Moms

Do I think I am an amazing mom? That's easy. No!
However, I just might be viewed as an amazing mom after visiting the Amazing Moms website. One of my boys has a birthday coming up. He is into Star Wars these days. When I went to the site to find ideas for the party, I was amazed. There are some super suggestions and they are new suggestions - not just the old variations of musical chairs, pop the balloon, and drop the pin in the bucket.

But there's more to being an amazing mom than throwing an awesome party. Amazing Moms also gives ideas for family fun, arts and crafts, recipes for kids, (I love this one) boredom busters, and many, many more things to check out. When you are "done" with the same old routine, try some of the fun suggestions on the site. It will definitely change up your day!

Now that I've earned the title, Amazing Mom, I should probably work on the Amazing Wife title... maybe next year!

"Love" Emily Allyn

I have been working hard on a new design in time for Valentine's Day. The caption will be one of these three: Love, Little Love, or My Love
I'm waiting to see what looks best with our final design. So far it is very cute!
The Love shirts should be available to order online beginning January 23rd - plenty of time before the big day. I also made sure it will be a design your "Little Love" can wear year-around, not just in February - big plus!
I can't wait for everyone to see it! Keep your eyes peeled, Emily Allyn will display the design once it is complete. (Hint: soon!)

Emily Allyn

Emily Allyn is Turning Green!

Let's face it, whether you believe in Global Warming or not, something needs to be done about the pollutants that fill our air and the chemicals put into everything you and I buy. I think we probably all agree on that. I'm not going to pretend I am an expert on these topics, but this New Years Resolution for Emily Allyn is to open our eyes a little more and take some action. I am committing our company to be more eco-friendly this year.

One major step we will be taking is to start carrying organic onesies and shirts! With Spring coming in a few months and everything turning back to their wonderful shades of green, we thought it would be the perfect time to grow our own little green-line! Heck, we might even start before Spring in hopes our "green dance" will bring an early Spring.

So, look for our organic onesies and shirts. I know many, many of you will be very happy with this news. I have been asked by loads of people if I carry organic clothing. Now I can tell them it's coming!

Ask for it and it will come.

Emily Allyn

New Years Resolution #3

I am going to keep up with my yoga and/or pilates this year, dammit... if it kills me. And in order to help me I've found a few fun things to buy.

Title Nine (T9) offers lots of stylin' athletic apparel. And better yet, most of it's on sale - the winter clothing anyway.

1. I'll need a bag to throw some clothes in when I go to the studio. I like this one in the brown and pink.
2. Since some days I think of myself as a superstar... ok, maybe not. But if you do, this shirt would be perfect for you. The other available colors seem more appealing.
3. This pullover looks just plain comfy.
4. They even sell my favorite Life Is Good shirts. They are on sale for only $15 (normally $24). Now that's what I call a deal.
5. And for the days when I think, "Awww, screw it. I'm too tired," they have a lounge set. The pants look a little tacky, but you could put the shirt with your own sweats.
6. For those lucky enough to be hitting some warm, swimming weather some time soon, check out their swimwear - especially the super cute board shorts.

And lastly, I will need a bag for my yoga mat (my kids ripped out the zipper in my current one). I found this bag at Wai Lana. What I love about this bag is the pockets! I never see mat bags with pockets. It's perfect for water, your gym card, a little cash, or what ever you may need a pocket for. Then you don't have to haul your entire purse! And if you need a mat to go in the bag, they sell extra thick mats. Extra thick mats is where it's at! But if you are worried about the planet, they also sell an eco-friendly mat.

New Years Resolution #2

Double check our donation organization list. Make sure it is up-to-date. Add any new organizations we would like to give to this year.

Every one of us is touched by cancer. Whether it is directly or indirectly, it affects all of us. Chantal Cookware is the only housewares manufacturer to have teamed up with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to offer some ceramic items featuring the Livestrong logo. Each piece specifies it's donation amount to the foundation. All pieces are the signature yellow from the Livestrong wristband.

You can choose from:

Enamel Loop Teakettle

Snack Bowls Set/4

Pouring Bowl

Snack Plates Set/4

Extra Large Plate

Short & Stout Mug

Latte Mug

Tea Mug w/ Infuser

Tea Pot

Obviously, if you are a tea-hound, you are sure to find something for yourself! If you are not into tea that much, you can surely use a serving plate or some bowls. In the way of gift-giving, anyone would love to receive this as a gift. If your gift-receiver doesn't appreciate the symbolism, you may officially call him/her the Grinch because he/she has a heart that is "two sizes too small"!

New Years Resolution #1

I promise to do a better job with my baby books this year.

Anyone who has this same resolution now has a pretty cool tool to help them out. It's called Picaboo! If you're not exactly the scrapbooking type - this tool is definitely your god-send. If you do like scrapbooking, this is just another tool you can try.

The software is free to download. Once downloaded, you create a book by choosing different backgrounds (there are thousands to choose from online) and photo layouts. Then you add your text/captions. And for those who are a bit creatively-challenged, Picaboo has an idea center to get your creative juices flowing (or simply copy someone else's layout)!

Once everything is in place and you are happy with your piece of art, you can buy your creation. You decide what size book to purchase, the color of the photo album, and the cover fabrics (textured, glossy, linen, suede, leather, or metallic). Books start at just $9.99.

Now there's no excuse not do accomplish resolution #1!