Inspirational thought

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.-Mark Twain

Quick Breakfast Treat

You might have noticed I'm a huge fan of the Barefoot Contessa. I love the simplicity of her delicious recipes. Here's another yummy creation of Ina Garten's, a Sunrise Smoothie.

New wovens now available!

We've added three new wovens, Roller Coaster, Star Paisley and Oxford Stripe to the website this week. Be one of the first to customize your little one's wardrobe with these fabulous new prints!

Connections: Blue Sky Papers

Our featured Connection today is Courtney Bartik of Blue Sky Papers. A mutual dear friend of ours introduced us after listening to us talk to her about similar local manufacturing and small business marketing issues. I am very grateful to have friends such as Courtney to discuss all the start up challenges that we entrepreneurs face.

Here's what Courtney has to share with us about her personalized keepsake business.

1. Describe your product/service?
Blue Sky Papers is a company that hand-makes, high-quality keepsake books and guest books. We sell themed kits, where everything needed is included, such as baby shower keepsake books, baby memory books, legacy books and wedding guest books. We also provide custom services.

2. Why did you create it?
My flagship keepsake book, and the reason to be, is the baby shower keepsake book. I created this gift for a dear friend for her baby shower. I wanted something original, that would set the day apart from all others and would be meaningful. And the baby shower keepsake was born!

3. Why do you produce locally (made in the USA)?
I do this because I believe in the US. I try to live by my values and I am proud to make product here in the US. I would not be proud selling out to China what I could do here - have local people and businesses support each other. Keep in mind that this decision is tough because in the novelty market, where the majority of the manufacturers make overseas, the competition is fierce. It is a decision I face on a regular basis, but it is the one that is closest to my heart.

4. What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my accomplishments in such a short period of time. I am proud of my contribution in creating joy and meaning in the lives of others. I have a page on my web dedicated to the stories people have shared where my products have touched them. The great testimonials of how my product heightened their special day LITERALLY make my day. THIS is why I do what I do.

5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?
Oh, my! There are so many directions I could take my company. I am really focused on Internet business right now - it is almost the only way I can stay in business - selling direct to the customer. I can't wait to get back to product creation! I have a bunch of ideas up my sleeve. I am going to try to license some of them to other large companies with distribution channels as I feel that mine is limited. And with all the knock-offs, I can't afford to put out an original idea without the sales channels to push the product.

Thanks for sharing with us Courtney!

Kind Words from Simple

Many thanks to Simple for their review of Hand Picked Pumpkin posted below.

"hand picked pumpkin was great to work with. I love how you get to design your own clothes. They have fantastic designs and colors to chose from. So modern and funky! I love earth tones and bright colores together. I love all one piece outfits with snaps at the bottom....so I wanted to try out the Long Sleeve Lap Playsuit and I chose Chocolate Brown (my favorite) for the knit part of the body, and the cuffs and neck part are outlined chocolate stripe. Just simply adorable. The fabric is so soft and cuddly. I have not seen a company that does this. Where you pick the design, style, fabric, and colors of your whole outfit. So you will always get what you want.
BUY IT: Long Sleeve Lap Playsuit for $58. They have MANY other fantastic clothing items that you will just love. Go start creating our outfit today."

Inspirational thought

You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.
- Mary Tyler Moore

Babyplays: Netflix for toys

A friend recently passed along a link to Babyplays and I thought it was worth posting. It appears this site works similar to Netflix. You select a plan that works for you and your child, use the toys as long as you like and then exchange them for the next grouping. As "toy management" sometimes feels like a full job duty around our house I thought this plan had some real value.