Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Mat Kearney -- Young Love CD Review


Mat Kearney's third album, Young Love, hit stores last week debuting on the #1 spot on iTunes Album and Rock charts and is currently sitting at #5!
Propelled by the sunny handclap and catchy hook of hit single "Hey Mama", Young Love is quickly making listeners fall for Mat all over again. Check out the video for "Hey Mama" here. And check out his really cool thinglink widget here.

If you aren't familiar with Mat's music you've probably heard some of his previous hits on your favorite TV shows. Past songs have appeared on 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows. Mat's been winning over crowds on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray.








Young Love Track Listing:



1 Hey Mama
2 Ships In The Night
3 Count On Me
4 Sooner Or Later
5 Chasing The Light
6 Learning To Love Again
7 Down
8 She Got The Honey
9 Young Dumb And In Love
10 Rochester
11 Seventeen




Mat on Tour This Fall

 
Mat is hitting the road in September playing nearly 40 shows in US and Canada. Tickets on sale now.


9/14 Jacksonville, FL Murray Hill
9/16 Charleston, SC Music Farm
9/17 Athens, GA GA Theater
9/18 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
9/20 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater
9/23 Louisville, KY Headliners
9/24 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
9/25 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
9/27 Interlochen, MI Corson Aud
9/29 Urbana, IL Canopy Club
9/30 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
10/1 Des Moines, IA People's Court
10/2 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
10/4 Bloomington, IN Bluebird
10/5 St Louis, MO The Pageant
10/7 Oxford, MS The Lyric
10/8 Pine Mountain, GA Callaway Gardens
10/9 Birmingham, AL Workplay Theatre
10/20 Nashville, TN Cannery
10/23 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
10/24 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head
10/25 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
10/27 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
10/28 New York, NY Webster Hall
10/29 Philadelphia, PA Theater of Living Arts
10/30 Albany, NY Northern Lights
11/1 Northampton, MA Pearl Street
11/2 New Haven, CT Toad's Place
11/4 Boston, MA House of Blues
11/5 Portland, ME State Theatre
11/6 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
11/8 Montreal, QC Petite Campus
11/9 Toronto, ON Opera House
11/11 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
11/12 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
11/13 Detroit, MI St. Andrews
11/15 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
11/17 Chicago, IL House of Blues
11/19 Madison, WI The Majestic
11/20 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue



Useful Mat Kearney Links:

Mat Kearney Website

Mat Kearney Widget

Mat's iTunes Page

Mat's Facebook Page



My Review:

I was so excited when I found out that I would be able to review Mat Kearney's new CD, Young Love care of One2One Network.  I have been a fan of Mat's for years, and was eagerly awaiting his new release.  And, with the hurricane this past weekend, I was able to listen to the entire CD when I had to leave CT and drive to MA to stay with family while I don't  have power for the next week.  Seconds after popping the CD in the CD player, I began to hear Hey Mama, and the stress I was feeling melted away.  I fell in love with this song, as well as all the other tracks.  Since listening to the CD the other night, I haven't been able to stop listening to the CD when I have been in the car.  And, with another trip to check on my home in CT today, and to clean out my fridge there, I was able to listen to the CD again, on the way down and back.  Even my 1 yr. old Savannah was dancing and grooving in her car seat.  I think Mat has another fan on his hands!

If you haven't heard Mat's music, you are missing out.  Check out Hey Mama just to get a taste of Mat's music style.  I bet after you watch his You Tube video you too will be hooked and will be heading to iTunes or your local store to pick up his CD.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of “Young Love” for the purpose of this review, from One2One Network. However, the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
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Monday, August 29, 2011

Spotlight on Mommy -- Priska Diaz of Bittylab -- Creator of the BARE Air-Free Baby Bottle





This week's Spotlight Mommy is Priska Diaz, the creator of BARE air-free baby bottle. Even though her product will not be available until the end of this year, I wanted to share Priska's inspirational story with you.  And, with anothr daughter on the way, I will definitely be picking up her bottle to help alleviate colic with our new daughter.  If she will be anything like Savannah, this bottle will come in handy. 


Here is more information about this amazing invention:


"BARE™ is the first to market air-free baby bottle that mimics mother’s breast entirely–not just the nipple– from shapes & texture to movement, storage and delivery of milk. With air-plug™technology that works similar to a syringe, BARE dispenses100% air-free contents to baby to help prevent gas/colic.Perfe-latch™nipple extends upon suction to emulate mechanics of breastfeeding, to prevent nipple confusion."


And, now on to my interview with this amazing mommy.  Enjoy!


Name: Priska Diaz
Company Name/Product/Service: BARE air-free baby bottles by Bittylab
Company Location: New York, NY
Company Website: http://www.bittylab.com
Twitter Handle: @Bittylab
Age of Company: 1 year
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: "Frustration is the mother of innovation" 
Favorite Book: "The Tipping Point"


         Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your
         hobbies? Etc.


I'm Priska, mom of Carlton and Adriana 3 and 2 respectively. I like traveling, although with kids is very hard but we do it any way. 
Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?
When I gave birth to Carlton, my first son, I had already decided he'll be 100% breastfed, 3 days later I introduced sips of water to satisfy a dryness in his mouth. At the 7-day visit, the pediatrician told us Carlton was loosing weight, his dry mouth was a sign of poor nutrition and I must supplement with formula. Reluctantly, I became a combo mom and found that every time I bottle fed Carlton I turned him into a bag of gas leading to frustration and sleepless nights for the 3 of us. That's when the designer in me took over & invented a baby bottle that functioned & felt like the breast to dispense air-free milk. "My breasts don't have air-vents, why should baby bottles?" was the question that started it all.
What is a typical work day like?
I drop the kids at my mother's house where a baby sitter watches them  and go to my day time job (part time) in Manhattan. Later in the afternoon I get home and pick up where I left off the day before to get BARE air-free out the door while food is on the stove. When kids comeback at around 5pm, I feed them, play with them a little while Daddy has dinner. Then Daddy takes them out to the park or play ground, local zoo, etc. and I do more work while I eat dinner. Later they comeback when it's time to go to bed.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 
The biggest challenge is to raise enough funds to start production. It's a job on itself to prepare business plan, presentation, finances, etc. to even achieve an introduction to an investor or group of investors. Learning the right communication of your product is very important for a pitch or presentation about your product. The internet is a great tool but one always have to check the sources, since not everything we read has a backed foundation. 
          What did you do in your past work life?
I studied Graphic Design and worked for several magazines and Ad agencies for almost 10 years. Bored with the 2D world, I went back to school and in 2003, I received a Masters Degree in Communications and Packaging Design which opened doors to world class companies in the beauty industry like L'Oreal and Avon where I gained tremendous experience for over 8 years.  3 years ago, I became a mom, Oh boy! it turned my world upside down. Like the 56% of moms, I felt neglected by the poor choice and badly designed products available, It's when I decided it was time to turn my attention to the baby industry and design products for mom & baby.
I've designed for big and small companies, big and small campaigns that included corporate identity to product design to packaging, marketing and promotional including environmental and interior design for trade shows, etc. On September 23-26 Bittylab will present BARE air-free at the ABC Kids Expo in Kentucky, so there's a lot of design work I'll be doing for the next few weeks.

What have been some of your major successes?
As a designer, my success was to be recognized within the industry on a regional, national and international level. As a mom, balancing a life with 2 children that are only 13 months a part is really an achievement. How do moms with twins do it?
What have been some of your major challenges?
As a new mom, learning how to take care of baby with the wrong tools can be nearly impossible and a contributor a post-partum depression. I wish a bottle like BARE would be around when I went thru days and days of sleep depravation. 
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Looking at our children growing so fast, it seems like yesterday when I had them in my arms trying to breastfeed them. Wishing to see them grow to become successful individual is enough to get me going, It's even a motivation to even have another one!
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Allocating time slots for each task and sticking to it. When it's time to work, I work. When it's time to play, I play.
What is next for your business?
Bare air-free will launch in January 2012 in major retailers across the USA, my challenge is to inform moms of this wonderful tool so that they can take advantage —and have some sanity— of this product as soon as it's available. Continuing the growth in the BARE family with other products, is also in the pipeline of innovation.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
          Creating a business plan is very important, even if it's not done to perfection it gives you material to 
          build on it. It makes life easier.
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Sunday, August 28, 2011

My Medela/MommyParties Experience Even Hurricane Irene Couldn't Stop!





What a crazy week?  Not only was I preparing for Hurricane Irene to hit CT, but I was also prepping and planning my MommyParties care of Medela for Friday evening.  I couldn't wait to have all my girlfriends over, many who were either pregnant or recently gave birth, to celebrate our growing families.  In addition, I was selected as a MommyParties host to share information on Medela and their breastfeeding products with my girlfriends.  And, as an added bonus, one lucky guest would go home with a gift pack valued at over $350 worth of Medela products, including the new Medela Pump in Style Advanced On-the-Go Tote, plus breastmilk and steam bags, as well as wipes, bra pads, Tender Care Lanolin and hydrogel pads.

At first, I wasn't sure if the party would happen, as I watched the weather reports and knew everyone was also preparing for the impending storm -- but, my girlfriends really needed a night out, and were also looking forward to our little party.


I couldn't believe the prize pack and goody bags Medela and MommyParties set for everyone,  and I was eager to share them with my friends.  Because many of us were expecting or recently had our second plus child, I ended up making this party a mini-shower for everyone.  We played baby shower games, gushed about our children, showed off our precious bundles through photobooks and just laughed and enjoyed each others company, minus the children (and husbands).  We had light appetizers and mocktails and even fit in some karoke and dancing.  I have to say, we all enjoyed ourselves, even the few of us who recently had a baby or were getting ready to burst.

If you are an expectant mom or new mom who is breastfeeding, you should really check out the Medela website and all they have to offer.  I just love their breast pumps and supplies, and will be using them with the arrival of our second daughter in early November.

Thanks again Medela and MommyParties for letting my girlfriends and I have an excuse to get together and have a little girl time.

I would have added photos, but I am currently out of state, staying with family, as we have lost power for the next 2-3 days.  Gotta love New England weather!!!!

Disclosure:  I was selected as a party host for MommyParties Medela party, as was sent product samples and a giveaway, in order to try out and share Medela products with my friends.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Monday, August 22, 2011

Spotlight on Mommy -- Lindsay Harris of Glow Baby





This week's Spotlight Mom is Lindsay Harris of Glow Baby.  I just fell in love with Lindsay's baby journals and wanted to share her products and stories with you.  

The first product that Lindsay created and sold was her Baby’s First Journal.  This journal is the perfect resource for parents to bring with to doctors appointments, to show and document accurate feedings, weight, etc, as it relates to their babies.  This journal would have come in handy with Savannah, as she was diagnosed with peloric stenosis at 1 month, and I had to accurately document how much formula she was taking in and, how often she peed and pooped (including the consistency and weight of the diapers) and how many times she vomited.  I had so many small sheets of paper and lists going, it was hard at times to keep track, and I would spend over an hour the night before a doctor's visit just compiling all the information from these scattered sheets into one document.  Thanks to Lindsay and her journals, you don't have to be scattered like I was when it comes to documenting important information as it relates to your baby.  Just look at the features of her Baby's First Journal, as an example.  In addition to this journal, she offers other journals for tracking feeding, as well as gift baskets and more. 

Features:

•5.5”x7.5” Journal – fits in diaper bag or purse

•3 months of logging pages to track baby’s feeding, diapering and sleeping
•Log both breastfeeding and bottle feeding
•Space to track vitamins, baths and special moments
•Easy to use and portable
•Includes a sample page for suggested use, growth log, and contacts page for important numbers
•Coil bound to lay flat for easy use
•Assists in developing a schedule for baby
•Useful in the early days to ensure baby is eating enough
•Handy for pediatrician visits
•Helpful for babysitters
•Made with Acid free paper with post consumer waste content 


As an added bonus, each page has an area for jotting down notes to help remember those special moments during the first few months of your child’s life.


Sample Page of Journal

Glow Baby journals would make great baby shower gifts or gifts for a new mom.  Below is my Spotlight on Mommy interview with the creator of these wonderful baby journals, Lindsay Harris.  Enjoy!



Name:  Lindsay Harris
Company Name/Product/Service: Glow Baby
Company Location: On the web
Company Website:  www.glowbaby.com
Twitter Handle: @lindsayGlowbaby
Age of Company:  2 yrs.
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: I’ve never been able to remember quotes.  That’s why I always write things down Smile
Favorite Book:  A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving.  



Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

I am a very busy mom of two daughters.  Ainsley 4 1/2 and will be starting kindergarten in September.  Juliet is 2 1/2 and a comedienne.  If my spare time (a very rare occurrence) I love to read and knit.  I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 8 years and we currently live in Toronto, Ontario.

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?  

I started Glow Baby after a lot of soul searching.  I really did not want to go back to work after the birth of my two girls and had always wanted to run my own business.  When I was faced with going back after the birth of Juliet, I sat down and made a list of possible business ideas.  They say you should write what you know, so I figured I should apply this to any business venture I chose.  I realized my strengths were organization and my passion was my children so I wanted to merge the two together and come up with my business.  I had toyed with creating Baby’s First Journal previously, but didn’t have the push to get me started until I was faced with going back to work so the stars aligned and I created Glow Baby and published our first product: Baby’s First Journal.

What is a typical work day like? 


My typical days is pretty chaotic.  I generally wake up, check my emails, get the girls ready for nursery school/camp.  Take them to their activity.  Race home, work, then go pick the girls up and feed them lunch.  When Juliet goes down for her nap around 2, I usually work for another hour while Ainsley plays or watches tv.  Then we have playtime.  I make dinner, eat dinner and then my husband has time to play with the girls while I work again until just before bedtime when we do our bedtime routine.  I could then work again but I really try to have some time to myself at this point and relax.  I do sometimes have help in the afternoons in which case I can work longer.  My days are full and I am never bored.  It can get a bit much sometimes when my work demands and family demands get to be too much but over-all I am able to use my organizational skills to good use and manage to be able to fit everything in.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

I think the biggest struggle is the uphill battle.  Not knowing where to go for help and how to do things the quick and easy way is tough.  The learning curve is steep but as you wade through the challenges, things start to become easier as you learn where to go for advice.

What did you do in your past work life?  

I worked in Recruiting for a bank.

What have been some of your major successes?  

My major success has been getting this business off the ground when Juliet was 3 months old and Ainsley was 2.  I think that the process of taking an idea and turning it into a reality is a huge success.  I have had many successes along the way and be they small or major, they all feel as rewarding.

What have been some of your major challenges?  

Definitely finding time to work on the business is the biggest challenge.  There is always something to be done and so much more that I wish I had time to do.  I have had to accept the time limitations that I do have and realize that Glow Baby will not be where I want it to be as quickly as I want it.  I have realized that I need to be happy with what I have accomplished so far.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going? 

I realize that there will always be bad days and good days and that I just have to make it through the bad day and a good day will be around the corner.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?  

I developed the Organized Family Calendar to help me balance.  This calendar allows me to keep track of everyone’s schedule plus my work schedule and childcare.  If it’s written down on a master calendar I am able to see the windows of time that I have for work as well as time for my family.  If it’s not written down, it doesn’t get done.

What is next for your business?  

We are heading down to Kentucky in September for the ABC Kids Expo and hope to get our products into more stores.  We are also working on new products to help busy families stay organized.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business? 

I think the best advice is to talk with other mompreneurs.  In general, most of the mompreneurs I have met will be candid with me about the realities of starting a business.  It is great to get their perspective and advice if you are struggling or are unsure. 
Read more »

Thursday, August 18, 2011

World of Ink August '11 Virtual Tour -- Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey




Publisher: Createspace / Bright Girl Publishing, Inc (self-pub)
ISBN Number(s): 1461006767
Publication Date(s): 03/02/11


Summary:

In her debut book, Not FAT Because I Wanna Be, LaNiyah details the struggle of Jessica, a fictional girl who has an underlying medical issue that causes her to gain weight. Bullied by her peers, Jessica learns to accept her body and eventually opens up about her condition to her classmates.

LaNiyah is not only speaking to other children through her book, but has become an advocate for anti‐bullying organizations.

With a message that words can hurt and that not all weight gain is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, LaNiyah hopes her book will enlighten and entertain her young readers.

My Review:


I have to first congratulate LaNiyah on her first book.  What a courageous young girl, to experience and go through so much and want to write about it.  This is the first book I have seen on the market that deals with weight gain/loss that results from medications and medical issues in children.  Now, families can pick up this book and share with their children and classrooms to teach young children about not judging people for what they look like on the outside and not to make fun of people for their appearance, as there may be an underlying reason why they look the way they do.

Growing up, I dealt with various medical issues and different medications either made me gain or lose weight.  I didn't want to share my conditions with everyone, but had to deal with teasing and pointing in school.  Children can be cruel sometimes when you are young, and children who are being teased don't know how to handle it.  Now, they can feel confident in their own skins thanks to LaNiyah and her book.  This easy to read book is geared towards children 6+ and follows a young girl named Jessica as she deals with teasing and bullying because of her weight, caused by medical conditions.  Jessica eventually learns that it is what is on the inside that is most important and she begins to accept her outside appearance.  And, slowly she gains confidence in sharing her story with classmates, which helps them see that she is not different from them, even though she may look different on the outside.

What a powerful book by such a talented and young author.  If you have a child who is battling weight issues due to medical conditions, or just want to share a book with your children to help teach them not make fun of or bully other children because of their appearance, then you must pick up this book today.   This would also make a great classroom read if you are teacher.  It will allow for great discussion in the classroom, as well as with parent and child at home.

Again, great job, LaNiyah.  I wish you much success in the future as a bestselling author!!!!


About the Author:


LaNiyah Bailey is a 6‐year‐old author with a message for children like her – just because you are bigger than other kid, that doesn’t mean that people have the right to bully you.

Don't forget to check out these other sites for more information on LaNiyah and her book:

Author Website: www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com
Blog Address: www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com
Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaNiyah-Bailey/204815272870647


Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal Review and Giveaway


 
Closed. 

And, the winner is:  Kimberly


The wait is over - brand new Fiber One 80 Calories cereal is on store shelves now! Each crunchy wheat and corn puff square in every bowl of Fiber One 80 Calories cereal has a light honey flavor - a delicious way to start your day. Fiber helps satisfy your hunger and helps you feel full, making it a great tool to help manage your weight.


  • With 40 percent of the Daily Value of fiber in one 80 calorie serving, Fiber One 80 Calories cereal can help curb your hunger, which can help you stick to your weight loss plan.
  • With great-tasting Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, there is a new breakfast option that helps you feel satisfied without sacrificing flavor!
Are you hungry yet? If so, look for new Fiber One 80 Calories cereal on grocer´s shelves now! Visit http://bit.ly/FiberOne for great information on healthy living and coupons for new products. Also, be sure to check out the Fiber One Facebook page and get involved in the conversation. 


My Thoughts:

Thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark, I was sent a sample of Fiber One 80 Calories cereal to try with my family.  Since having our first daughter, I have been on the lookout for more healthy meal choices, including cereal options.  Being a busy mom on the go, I find myself standing and eating, or grabbing less than healthy foods when I am in a rush.  But, thanks to Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, I can enjoy a wholesome breakfast while I feed my daughter her breakfast each morning.  Having tried other Fiber One cereals in the past, I was reluctant at first to try this new cereal.  Previous cereals tasted like cardboard or had no real taste.  But, with a free sample and the need for a bowl of cereal one morning, I gave Fiber One 80 Calories a try.  I was pleasantly surprised at how the cereal tasted.  With a touch of honey and cinnamon, I was amazed at how a healthy cereal could actually taste so good.  And, unlike other sugary cereals on the market, Fiber One 80 Calories cereal was not heavy, and left me satisfied. I didn't feel guilty for having a bowl (or two), which is always good when you are trying to watch your waistline.  I have even found myself grabbing a handful as a snack or filling a small cup and adding milk or soy milk as a quick pick-me-up or lunch on the run.

I am so happy that I tried Fiber One 80 Calories and will continue to enjoy this cereal and other flavors in markets.  And, when friends and family ask for food suggestions, I will definitely be telling them about my positive experience with Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, and other products, like snack bars, etc. from Fiber One.

----GIVEAWAY---

One lucky Inspired by Savannah  reader will win a Fiber One 80 Calories Prize Pack, thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark.  Look at what is included in the prize pack below:



    Your prize pack will contain:
  • 1 box of Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal
  • 1 sensor pedometer with USB connector to chart walking progress
  • 1 neoprene iPod/smartphone holder with armstrap


MANDATORY ENTRY:
To enter, you need to be a GFC follower and leave a comment below letting me know why you want to win this prize pack. 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 3 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win a Fiber One 80 Calories Prize Pack @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 8/29)

7) Like Fiber One on Facebook (1 entry)

8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (2 entries)

9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)


Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on August 29, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.

Disclosure:  Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. The views above are mine and mine alone.

 
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Monday, August 15, 2011

Spotlight on Mommy -- Jill Chuckas of Crafty Baby



Do you love to sew or are into crafting?  Do you have a particular project or gift you like to create and give to people?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, why not consider putting your skills to use to make you money.  Jill Chuckas, our Spotlight Mommy this week, has always loved to sew.  She took her passion and love of sewing and turned it into a successful business -- Crafty Baby.  Jill creates fun and functional creations for children.  She handcrafts children’s accessories including Nap Packs (all in one blanket with attached pillow), clutch balls, bibs, changing pads, toddler pillow cases, art smocks, chenille blankets, nappies (17 inch square satin trimmed blankets) and blanket pillows.  Head on over to her website to see some of her unique and beautiful creations.

In the meantime, enjoy my interview with Jill. Maybe she will spark that entrepreneurial fire in you to try your hand at making money off of your skills and passion.

Enjoy!



Name:  Jill Chuckas

Company Name/Product/Service:  Crafty Baby ®

Company Location:  Stamford, CT

Company Website: 
www.craftybaby.com

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafty-Baby/186519525246

Twitter Handle: @craftybaby

Age of Company:  12 years

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Favorite Book: The Sneetches – Dr. Suess

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.  

Well, I have 3 children – Alexander, age 12, Nicholas, age 10 and Hannah, age 6.  Obviously, I love to sew.  I also enjoy yoga, listening to music and watching the kids baseball games.  I am passionate about children’s issues and have worked previously as a school social worker and am currently employed part time as a special education advocate, in addition to running my own business.

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about? 


I’ve always sewn.  It is what I have done over the years to create things I needed, bring me inspiration and relax me when I am tense.  I was pregnant with my first child and, simply stated, I needed some things.  I went to the stores, but I just didn’t find what I wanted or needed in every category.  So, I started to sew.  Little by little, I started to create more things, try them out on my growing family and give them to my friends.  The business just seemed like the next natural thing.

What is a typical work day like? 

There is no such thing as a typical work day!  I get up, get the kids to school and then decide which of the hundred things on my list have to be completed immediately.  Sometimes I sew items, sometimes I ship orders out.  I also do all the advertising, book keeping, etc. for the business.  And, now that I am also working part time as a special education advocate, I am also traveling to schools throughout my area supporting parents in advocating for appropriate programs for their children with special needs.  Busy, busy days!

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?  

Knowing where to put the most time, effort and money.  I made a lot of decisions in the hopes to get “noticed”.  I now realize that slow and steady can be a very good thing.

What did you do in your past work life?  

I was a school social worker.

What have been some of your major successes?  

I’ve had some great press over the years and met some wonderful people.  I haven’t had that big story done on me or my business as of yet, but the people who use and gift my line are devoted and so supportive of the work I create and share.

What have been some of your major challenges?  

The biggest challenge by far has been understanding, complying and ultimately, fighting to change the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).  This well intended piece of legislation meant to regulate large multi-billion dollar companies that broke the country’s trust, left no flexibility for small businesses like mine.  The law treats my company just like Mattel.  I’ve worked for the last 2 ½ years as a Board (and founding) member of the Handmade Toy Alliance (www.handmadetoyalliance.org <http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/>) to make common sense changes to this law.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?  

Good question – I guess it all comes down to the greater good.  Knowing that I create my product line with the utmost attention to safety and that there is a way to find a balance.  Actually, with every bad day, it’s just important to remember that balance will come and to just take a deep breathe.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?  

There really is no secret.  Every day brings forth new challenges.  It all about supporting each other, loving those around us and trying to make things better.

What is next for your business?  

Well, this year I’ve actually decided to back away from the business a bit.  Last year, I participated in 16 regional craft shows.  That was traveling 16 week-ends out of the year – valuable time away from my family.  Not to mention creating inventory that I wasn’t always sure would sell.  So, this year is a time for reflection and change.  A step back to see what is next with Crafty Baby.  It’s been a huge part of who I am for a long time.  I’ve only signed up for 6 events this year and I’m planning on focusing on internet sales.  We’ll see what the next phase brings soon enough.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business? 

Breathe – follow what makes you happy and listen to what others share with you.  Don’t let people dissuade you from following a dream.  And, by all means, ask for help! J
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Friday, August 12, 2011

Feature Friday -- Bobee Diaper Changing Station - Review and Giveaway

 
Closed.

And, the winner is: Yuukiimi


 

This past Monday I spotlighted the creator of the Bobee diaper changing station, Stacy Harfert.  If you missed her spotlight post, click here to read it now.  



I can't stop raving about this great invention that any mom would be glad to have.  Being a first time mom myself, I have been learning as I go as to what works and what doesn't with baby products out on the market, and what a mom really needs.  One headache that I deal with daily is changing time.  We recently moved the changing station into our bedroom, to make it easier on me, not having to go up and down 2-3 flights of stairs to change Savannah, while pregnant.  I kept getting winded, and by the time I got upstairs into her nursery, the dreading changing time was only made worse by a fussy daughter with a diaper rash.  But, not anymore.  Last week we installed the Bobee diaper changing station above the changing table in our bedroom, and it has made all the difference.  I don't have Savannah kicking the box of wipes or stack of diapers off the table while I am trying to change her.  And, I have more room to lay out her diaper creams, changing pad liners, etc.  I couldn't believe how neat and tidy the area looked, just by using the Bobee diaper changing station.


In regards to installation, this was a breeze as well.  With only a few screws to secure the diaper station to the wall, we were done in minutes.  This is always a plus, as my husband doesn't call himself a handyman.  And, after the Bobee is secure to the wall, you simply slip the cover off and add your diapers and wipes.  It is that easy!  Just watch this video to see for yourself.


Have you been thinking about your changing station while reading this post and how to make your life and diaper changing so much easier?  If so, then you must check out Stacy's Bobee diaper changing station for yourself.  You will be glad you did!  

Another special feature of the Bobee is that you can customize the diaper changing station to your own color preferences with the five decal colors available to mix and match, remove and reposition, including blue, pink, yellow, green and brown.



Look how I decorated my Bobee --  I have to say, I am not that artsy, but it came out nice!


Thanks to Stacy and her invention of the Bobee diaper changing station, I don't dread diaper changes anymore!!!!
 

---Buy Now---



Stacy has graciously offered to give all Inspired by Savannah readers $10 off their orders.  Simply use coupon code, "FRIENDS11" at checkout to receive this great deal.  And, at only $39.99 (before discount), this is a must for any mom (new, mom-to-be, etc.).  It also makes a great baby shower gift or gift for someone who runs a day care!  Click here to order now.

---Win It---



One lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win their very own Bobee diaper changing station.  To entry, simply complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure to include your email address with each entry, so that I can contact you if you win.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

If you won this giveaway, who would the Bobee diaper changing station be for?  Yourself, a friend, etc.?



EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 3 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win a Bobee Diaper Changing Station @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 8/29)

7) Like Stacy's FB page and leave a comment letting her know Inspired by Savannah sent you.  Make sure to include the url to this post/giveaway in your comment (2 entries)

8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (2 entries)

9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)
10) Follow Bobee Inc. on Twitter ( 1 entry)


Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on August 29, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.


Disclosure:  I was sent a Bobee in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.


      

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