Where has the month gone?!Posted: January 30, 2008 at 6:06 pm | byFiled under: Adventures in Mommahood, About Me Nope I haven’t officially dropped off the planet but it sure feels like it! I have been in the black hole of space and time known as ”Briggs is sick and is permanently attached to my arms”. I have to say that I actually don’t mind it when he is a bit clingy because he has always been so independent that it is nice to have the extra hugs and cuddles with him. With that said, I am ready to start things back to normal ..whatever that is :) My first step is an actual NIGHT OUT with a girl friend! I am headed to a Mom’s Night out event in my neighborhood and can hardly wait. It is a group of Moms who all have sons and I am looking forward to getting to know them. My friend Janet will be there..who I have basically known forever but never get to see. It has been months since I have gone out with friends - sans baby. As I write this I have to laugh at myself a little. In fact, I am laughing a bit at my friend AND I. See, it is a miracle we are even friends because when we met - and until the last year or so - we didn’t really have a lot of GIRL friends. In fact, I am not sure we even LIKED other girls. Let alone SAHM’s that went to pedi party’s and card making events. See, other girls just were not really our speed..we were in sales (mostly men), were not sure we would ever have kids, and didn’t really understand people who DID have kids! So, we worked a lot and then Happy Houred after with our co-workers and significant others. Not a lot of gals around. Now, here we are. Momma’s of boys. Stay at home Moms who go to play dates and “mom’s night out events”…and it couldnt fit better! In fact, I would never have imagined just how right this new path for me is. Funny how life turns out. I have learned just how important having other women in your life is. How valuable honest and caring relationships can lift you up, and how much of a relief it is to know you are not alone in your adventures of every day momma-hood! So go reach out to your girlfriend you have not called recently and make a date to grab a glass or wine or work out together..do it NOW..it will feel great! Have an amazing day! Erin Mommahood..both feet in.Posted: January 16, 2008 at 12:56 pm | byFiled under: Adventures in Mommahood, About Me Ok. NOW I get it - at least a little bit more! I have just run into another one of those moments in life when I know that Mommahood has somehow changed my very molecular being. My son..threw up for the first time yesterday..EVERYWHERE! Without even flinching or missing a beat I scooped him up in my arms to comfort him, completely ignoring the fact that I was now also COVERED in throw up. WHAT?! I didn’t see that coming! The first site of someone getting sick and I ran for the next room! But to be honest it makes me happy because I never understood it when people would tell me “your life will change..but for the better” I didn’t get it. Now I do..a little bit more. To all my readers..have an amazing day and enjoy the journey…even if it is filled with upset tummys! Warmest Wishes, Erin Blue Dress Press - Stationary to impress!Posted: January 15, 2008 at 2:07 pm | byFiled under: Cool Product Reviews Yes..you can find announcements and photo cards at about a zillion places online these days. I get that. BUT You don’t often have the chance to get amazing and unique announcement/cards WHILE supporting two Moms following their dreams! These two cousins - close as sisters - started this awesome company last year. Their 2 styles are perfectly matched; Kelly tends to be a bit edgy while Sara is a bit more classic in style. Yep, Blue Dress Press specializes in the unique. Your announcements, invitations and correspondance won’t look like the same stuff everyone else is sending out! Right now Blue Dress Press offers Baby announcements and thank you cards, Holiday Cards and Return Address Stickers. They will be adding more offerings this year including invitations, weddings, special occasion and more grown up styles. SO..go check them out at www.bluedresspress.com! You will be happy I told you so!
Erin Got Latte?,ttyl ;) and no hablo are here!Posted: January 9, 2008 at 12:16 pm | byFiled under: Cool Product Reviews Our new sayings are here and they are awesome! More of a good thing is our motto so we have also expanded our color selection for our fav designs. I hope you love them as much as we do!
Also, have an idea that would be perfect on a paci? We love hearing from our customers so just drop us a line! E (0)commentsIt’s Snowing!Posted: January 8, 2008 at 1:14 pm | byFiled under: Adventures in Mommahood Ok, this is not a product review or a nugget of advice that I feel compelled to share. Just a bit of insight in to our lives here at Lots 2 Say.. It is snowing outside which is always a nice change from the rain here in Seattle! The gentle hum of our house is not so gentle to any “non momma” ears. The dryer is running, Baby Einstein is on in the background, and Briggs is carrying on a conversation with the dog..who is trying to ignore us all. Briggs is playing with the baby gate (he is always so much happier with the simple things than the toys!) and I am tapping away at my computer as I prepare to launch our new sayings. This business is such a happy change from my days in corporate america. We aren’t going to have to deal with traffic in the snow - just maybe to go for a walk if it stops for a bit. I can laugh with Briggs while formatting pictures of our new binks. Snack breaks are no longer a rushed double latte but “Cheddar Bunnies” and milk. Office politics are more about “sweety keep your socks ON” vs. who did what at Happy Hour last night. It is wonderful. So, thank you to everyone who continues to support our family in this adventure. You have given me the best blessing in the world. The chance to be with my son, run my home and start our dream. Now..let’s go play in the snow! (0)commentsStarting the year right with Baby Day Luxe!Posted: January 6, 2008 at 5:40 pm | byFiled under: Nice things happen, About Me To kick off 2008 Lots 2 Say Baby was lucky enough to be able to take part in “Baby Day Luxe” at the Providence Regina House in Seattle. This Food and Clothing Bank serves their community every week by providing them much needed food and clothing. Carol over at Baby Chaleco came up with the great idea of getting boutique children’s companies to donate their products and give this community some fantastic products! I can tell you that I had a blast! Sari Crevin (Sippi Grip) and I helped parents pick out donated clothing and had a chance to meet all the adorable babies and their parents. I also had the chance to meet Jennifer from Satsuma Designs. It is always so much fun to meet other wonderful women following their dreams ~especially at such a great event! It was definitely an amazing way to start 08! The entire press release is below and I encourage you to read all about the other fantastic companies that got the chance to participate! Warmest New Year Wishes, Erin Baby Day Luxe: A Charitable Twist on a Growing Trend
Seattle, WA In Hollywood, the start of the year means the Golden Globes, and along with them, the glamorous giveaway parties where celebrity and commerce intersect, as famous people are given free luxury goods in a quest for publicity. Here in the Pacific Northwest, a group of baby-product companies plans to start 2008 with a heartwarming twist on one aspect of this trend: the parties for rich and famous parents to give away luxury baby products that the PR-pro party organizers hope will end up on magazine covers.
In Seattle on Jan. 5, 2008, there will be a big party. Just like in Hollywood, lots of parents will show up with their adorable babies, and lots of luxury baby goods will be given away. But in this case, the recipients will be the clients of the Providence Regina House food and clothing bank in the South Park neighborhood.
The party will start early, at 9:30 am, and the doors will stay open through noon. Along with balloons, music, and of course, luxury baby products, essentials such as diapers, formula, and food will also be given away. The idea is to provide an extra treat for babies that get too few of them.
It all started when Paige Collins, the manager of the Providence Regina House, talked to her neighbor Carol Schiller, the founder of Baby Chaleco, about Baby Day.
³Our regular Baby Day is held the first Saturday of each month to benefit the clients of the Providence Regina House community Clothing and Food bank. This event is well known in the community and many, many families come to receive packages of baby food, formula, diapers and clothing. Normally, the items are donated through community collections or purchased with funds raised by the Providence Regina House,² explains Collins.
Schiller, who had recently been invited to participate in the baby giveaway suite at the Golden Globe awards in Hollywood, was inspired by the coincidence.
³It’s no secret that celebrities can well afford to buy whatever their babies need. I immediately thought, how much better to be part of a giveaway bash for families in need, rather than for celebrities,² recalls Schiller.
Schiller and Collins decided to create Baby Day Luxe: a fancier version of the regular Baby Day. Pacific Northwest companies will donate products with a normally unaffordable bit of luxury to babies whose families struggle just to get by.
Schiller used her contacts in the baby business to reach out to other local manufacturers, and the list of enthusiastic contributors quickly grew.
Jennifer Porter, co-founder of Satsuma Designs explains, ³We were thrilled when Carol approached us. Many of us have seen the sheer volume of Œproduct¹ that companies are willing to bestow on celebrities. Baby Day Luxe gives us a chance to put Œproduct¹ into deserving hands.²
Ultimately, the list of contributing companies reached eight: Baby Chaleco (bibs); Baby Star (apparel and accessories); Egg Press (custom printing); Lots 2 Say - Baby (pacifiers); Picaflor (knit apparel); Satsuma Designs (organic blankets); See Kai Run (footwear); Sippigrip (sippy cup holders).
With such a strong start, Collins and Schiller hope to turn Baby Day Luxe into an annual event. Considering the enthusiastic response of current participants, that looks like a good bet.
Cause Haun, Owner of See Kai Run comments, ³I was excited to have an opportunity to create excitement and buzz for a more satisfying event. I feel many more will participate as Baby Day Luxe gains exposure.²
Baby Day Luxe will be held at the South Park Neighborhood Center, located at 8201 10th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98108 from 9:30 to noon. For more information, contact Carol Schiller at 425-260-1008, cschiller@babychaleco.com, or Paige Collins at 206-763-9204 paige.collins@providence.org.
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Providence Regina House, a ministry of Providence Health and Services, has been serving those in need in the Seattle area since 1963. The roots of this ministry began as a response by Sister Mary Regina Bomber and the Sisters of Providence to the poor who sought food by knocking at the kitchen door of Providence Seattle Medical Center in the Central district. Originally known as the ‘House of the Poor,’ the name was changed upon Sister Regina’s death to honor her great work and dedication.
Baby Chaleco designs and manufactures stylish baby tops with waterproof bib performance built right in. Located in Bellevue, WA, Baby Chaleco is a mom-owned and operated business inspired by founder Carol Schiller’s desire to create an attractive baby bib that would keep her champion drooling son dry all day. Baby Chaleco bibs are made in Washington and are now available on the Web and at fine baby boutiques around the United States. For more information about Baby Chaleco LLC please visit www.babychaleco.com.
baby star is devoted to creating high-quality baby products for the design-savvy parent and the texture-loving child. born out of the desire to balance style and functionality, baby star strives to create essential items for both baby and parent in a clean, simple and modern way. all of the key baby star essentials are made out of combinations of 100% cotton and formaldehyde-free fabrics. visit www.babystar.com to learn more.
Egg Press was founded in 1999 by Tess Darrow, an ex-corporate graphic designer with a love of textiles and letterpress printing. The company employs a dozen amazing people and has seven vintage letterpresses in operation. We combine elements old and new - our vibrant geometric patterns and sweet animal and botanical designs are inspired by simple, modern and vintage imagery. Egg Press products have been featured on Martha Stewart Living Television, and in magazines such as Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, O, In Style, and more.
Based in Snoqualmie, Washington, Lots 2 Say Baby provides designer pacifiers for stylish babies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Chief Momma Erin Wilson’s designs are all made in the USA from the highest quality materials, are available in multiple colors and sassy sayings, and may be viewed at www.lots2saybaby.com
Picaflor offers comfortable, daily wear for children sized preemie to 8 years old. Our collections are 100% natural fiber, hypo-allergenic and easy care. Picaflor is based in Portland, OR and all of our production is in Peru. We employ fair trade ethics and work closely with our co-op of women knitters. For more information, please visit our website at www.picaflorkids.com <http://www.picaflorkids.com> .
Satsuma Designs produces all natural, bamboo-spun and eco-friendly products for baby and home. Satsuma Designs is proud to support Providence Regina House with our donation of 100% bamboo swaddling blankets for families in need. Please visit www.SatsumaDesigns.com.
See Kai Run is a family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington. The idea was born when owner Cause Haun was on a quest for the perfect first pair of shoes for her son, Kai. Unable to find shoes in fun styles that still promoted the healthy development of little feet, Cause and her husband created their own line of shoes that satisfied all of these needs. In just two and a half years, See Kai Run has seen sales expand from a few boutiques, mostly in the Seattle area, to stores all around the country and worldwide. See Kai Run shoes fit children from six months to three years. Please visit www.seekairun.com for additional information. Retail price starts at $34.
For See Kai Run media inquiries, please contact Julie Dodobara at 888.524.7463 or Julie@seekairun.com
BooginHead LLC. is the creator of the SippiGrip product. SippiGrip is a mom invented product that prevents your child’s cup, bottle or toy from falling to the floor and getting lost or dirty. It is a great ‘on the go’ and germ prevention product that has a unique grip material to create a strong hold on any cup or bottle. It is adjustable in length, washable, durable and non toxic and is available in a variety of colors.
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Baby Chaleco LLC 12819 SE 38th Street #41 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-260-1008/ FAX: 425-644-7041
Providence Regina House 8201 10th Ave S. #6 Seattle, WA 98108 TEL: 206-763-9204
(0)comments Travel advice - 20 flights and counting.Posted: January 4, 2008 at 10:37 am | byFiled under: Adventures in Mommahood I am BACK! I don’t know HOW an entire month has gone by with out a peep from me. I mean..I have lots to say (always! The last month has been SO much fun. I decided to take the month off from the business and really focus on making Briggs’ Christmas a lot of fun AND relaxing. I was pretty good about not getting too overwhelmed..at least until the days running up until our vacation. Then all bets were off! We headed to DC and then to Disney World and for some reason I just couldn’t get my sleep deprived head wrapped around packing for two very different climates in one trip let alone one suitcase! SO 5 suitcases later and 3 carry ons we were headed to the airport. Briggs was an absolute peach. He has now been on 20 flights this year so we have discovered a few really key points. 1. Chill out..things are going to happen. Babies cry, poop, puke and cry..(worth mentioning twice!) Get over it. The vast majority of people actually don’t mind it. They are either Moms who frankly can tune the whole thing out after years of their own experience or business traveleres who either like the reminder of the family they miss at home OR have those nifty BOSE earphones that block out sound all around them. You are covered either way. 2. Bring ear plugs. For those folks who don’t fit either of the above descriptions there are always ear plugs. We always travel with at least 10 pairs to offer to anyone in our vicinity. People rarely take you up on it..but they are so touched that you offered that they immeidiatly forgive any fussiness and become your new best friend. People like it when you remember what it was like before life became all about our little ones. The appreciate the gesture immensely. 3. We typically have the aisle and middle seats when travelling. The poor guy at the window is stuck. He can’t get up when B is sleeping (though one obvious mountain climber guy actually climbed OVER us on Tuesday!) He is put through all sorts of torture from crying to hands in his orange juice (another high moment from this recent trip). For pete’s sake..BUY THE GUY A DRINK! We always offer it and again people really appreciate it. Also, if the flight has been long and hard..they will take you up on it. If they don’t drink..offer to get them a DVD player that the airlines often rent or a bite to eat. The point is to spread a little love. Trust me it works. 4. Chill out. Ok, this is the same as #1 but I have to tell you that 2 and 3 don’t work if you are uptight or even worse..fake. People are always happy to help if you are nice and show them a little respect in return. 5. Lines are for singletons. Don’t quote me on this because all airports are different BUT I can tell you that we never wait in customs or security lines. Scope the situation and see if they have a wheel chair line or head to the first class line. We have done both and gone through just fine. The key is to be nice and act like you have done it a million times. It does get easier when you actually HAVE done it a lot but just put a big smile on and be genuine. People want to help you. The only exception I have found in a whole year of travelling with B is orlando. I guess they figure that everyone is with kids and you should just get in line..so we did and it was fine. Well, that is it for now. It is just after 6am and B has gone down for his nap. Yep, the last thing you have to know is that it typically takes 1 day per time zone to get the kids back on track. B typically wakes up at 7am. Yesterday it was 4am (7am EST) and today was 5am so there is progress. Just be patient and know it will all be over in a few days. It took me 4 trips to learn this! I hope you are enjoying your own adventure in Mommahood! Erin |
) but just the time factor was a bit lacking. I guess I better get used to it because I only think it gets crazier!