The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

Handmade Treasures From My Treasure Box

If you're like me, you're often stuck when it comes to gift buying.  Though I'm a master baby gift giver, every Mother's Day I face the same issue.  When it comes time to buy a little something for a friend, I can never come up with anything.  Well, the creator of My Treasure Box, Sarit, has this problem covered.  Offering custom and pre-made scrapbook/albums, you can now give a gift that is thoughtful and personal.

Each scrapbook is a one-of-a kind, and vary in size including 4”x6”, 6”x6” mini scrapbooks, 5” round scrapbook in a tin can; or the sturdier, fabric albums in 8”x8” and 12”x12”.  They are even made from archival safe and non-fading materials in order to preserve your memories reliably.  There are over a dozen categories to suit any occasion from baby photo albums, to one specifically for holiday mementos and even one for your Valentine or pet!  Sarit generously sent me a mini Mother album to check out,  and I must say, I was impressed.  A bit of a crafter myself, I love the idea of having the designated spaces for my pictures all labeled and laid out for me, while I just have to select and adhere them to the double-sided tape provided on the album pages.  It's embellished with adorable details and is just the right size to preserve a special time.  My Treasure Box also offers scrapbooking kits for those do-it-yourself types. 

If you have a gift to buy, now is the perfect time to choose something from this great line.  My Treasure Box is offering 40% off any order over $40.  Just enter promo code "FRIENDS" at checkout.

Win it!  Sarit has generously agreed to give away one scrapbook from the Mother, Father, or mini-album kits valued under $40.  Just check out this e-store and come back here to tell us what your choice is.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  The contest will run until Friday, July 25th.  Remember comments count!  

A WAHM Feature on ME!!

Though I blush as I write this, I'm super proud to say that I've been featured on today's edition of The WAHM Spot!  The WAHM Spot spotlights a different work-at-home-mom but more than that, it offers info on how to become a WAHM, including resources and info on how other WAHMs got started in their businesses and how they juggle work and family at home.  Another wonderful aspect of the WAHM Spot is their The Spot Resource Page, which consists essentially of tools to help and guide you as you build and grow your business!  Check it out!

 

A Lady and Her Baby

I'm promoting a baby website this week.  But before you scratch your head and wonder why I would do such a foolish thing when I am the owner of a baby e-boutique myself, consider the age-old philosophy - karma.  I'm a true believer.

That said, I recently ran into an adorable website called A Lady and Her Baby and was proud to be able to say that I have some stiff competition out there in webstore-land!  A Lady and Her Baby, owned by Jennifer, carries everything needed to welcome a new baby, from onesies and blankets to burp cloths and bibs.  A great offering is the preemie size, not a feature found on all baby websites.  Her sizes go all the way up to 2T.  Another cool aspect is her wide array of slings and wraps - perfect for any baby-wearing Mamas!

Jennifer was gracious enough to send an adorable t-shirt and shorts set by Zutano so we could road-test one of her wonderful items.  Suffice to say, Zutano makes fabulous clothing - so soft on baby's precious skin, and cute as can be as well.  Simple and easy to wear, Baby S. loves her new duds!  (Tip: If you're ordering this set, know that Zutano runs big or at least true to size).

Your baby can style in a set by Zutano too!  The Daily Grind is giving away one outfit in your choice of style (Zinnia or Fish) and your choice of size (6-12, 12-18, or 18-24) courtesy of A Lady and Her Baby.  Jennifer has also offered 15% off and free shipping on any of the Pediped shoes for 3 runner-ups - only readers who indicate in their comments that this is of interest to them will qualify for this offer.  To enter, visit A Lady and Her Baby and come back here to tell us which is your favorite item in the store.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  And remember people, comments count!  Winner will be drawn on Friday, July 11th. 

See something you'd like to buy now?  Get free shipping with promo code TDG7.

       

Go Gaga or Go Home!!

 They're the age old questions for parents-to-be everywhere - how many onesies to buy, what brand of stroller to pick, which bouncy seat to choose.  But perhaps the most significant (and personal) choice of all - the ever-important DIAPER BAG. 

Totes, backpacks, shoulder bags.  There are many to choose from.  But none offer the style and functionality of the Slide by Go Gaga.  This bag is COOL!  Designed with a sling-type strap, the Slide takes the weight of those diapers, wipes and everything else you can shove in your bag, off your shoulders and evenly distributes it across your back.  Founder and designer Jill Cartwright believes new parents sacrifice enough for their new little bundles of joy, physical comfort and personal style should not be included. 

Speaking of style, these bags are great looking!  They're rugged, durable and don't SCREAM diaper bag.  Even dads are loving them (Tori Spelling's husband grabbed one in time for the arrival of their new daughter!).  According to Jill, some people even ditch the included changing mat and wipes case and use the Slide as a yoga bag or a laptop tote.  It's easy to see why - this is truly a revolutionary concept.  And at $95.00, it's affordable as well. 

Another very cool thing about Go Gaga is that they understand if you have a bag you already love.  But if that favorite bag weighs you down, get a taste of Go Gaga's technology by buying an Urban Sherpa Strap and attaching it to your fave. 

Best part of all - Go Gaga is offering a Slide bag in crimson to one of our very lucky readers.  All you have to do is visit Go Gaga's website and come back here to tell us which is your favorite color Slide.  Next (because this is SUCH a great prize there's a bit of a catch!), just blog about our giveaway here at The Daily Grind (leave a link in your comments please).  A winner will be chosen on Friday, June 27th.  Contest is open to US residents only, duplicate entries will be disqualified.

And the winner is...

Congrats to Britt on winning the Yummy Mummy Brownies!  She chose caramel nougat.  Still salivating from the looks of those treats?  Visit Yummy Mummy and place an order, you won't be sorry.

Tip - btw, from one avid brownie eater to another, if you nuke these babies for a few seconds, you'll increase their YUM factor even more!!  Enjoy!

Are you a Yummy Mummy?

Remember a few months back when I wrote about brownies that were too good to keep to myself?  Well, I STILL think these brownies were too good to keep to myself so after a few more (ahem) brushes with these treats, I asked Melissa, owner of Yummy Mummy Brownies, if she'd care to share her goodies with The Daily Grind readers.  Too sweet herself, Melissa obliged.    

A yummy mummy herself - to TRIPLETS!!! - Melissa comes from a long line of bakers.  So she knows one good treat from the next.  From a long line of non-bakers myself, I know a good treat from the next as well and that's why I say if you treat yourself to nothing else today, get yourself some mint patty brownies.  Yummy Mummy Brownies are baked to order and are sold 6 to a box (they are HUGE) for $15.00.  Throw in some cute apparel(I ordered a tee for my toddler that says "Got Chocolate") and you can even call it a gift for a new mummy! 

What are you waiting for - visit Yummy MummyNOW and get yourself some treats!!   

Want to win it?  Check out Melissa's web-store and come back here to let us know what your favorite flavor is.  Blog it for a second entry.  We'll announce a lucky winner on Friday, June 20^th.

Be Fabulous North of Boston!

Come check out this event on Thursday night, it looks like it's going to be so much fun AND we'll be there with our Alex Casey Baby line!

Are You "Hip" Enough? Win it!

We've all been there.  You get dressed and find yourself feeling sorta hot after sliding into your favorite jeans and throwing on a little tee.  You're even sporting that sexy new thong you picked up at yesterday's sale.  You sit down to throw on some shoes before heading out and glimpse yourself in the mirror.  ACK!!  PLUMBER BUTT!!!  Like I said, we've all been there.

Two smart ladies have come up with a solution.  They invented Hip-T, a band of material you layer under your tee and wear on your hips to "cover your assets."  How smart is that?

The Hip-T is a fashion statement, since the layered look is in.  Not only that, but the garment comes in a bunch of different colors and sizes.  You can get a basic solid color or spice it up with lace trim.  Either way, you'll avoid any wardrobe malfunctions while also sucking in the dreaded muffin top so many of us ('specially Mommy's!) unfortunately sport. 

I'm also thinking these might be helpful for those early stages of pregnancy when your shirts are becoming that wee bit short over a bulging belly.  A Hip-T would definitely help make your regular tee's last a bit longer before making the switch.

You can buy this great accessory for $19.95 each at Hip-T.  Want to win one?  Go check out Hip-T's shop, and let us know which color, style and size you'd choose should you be the lucky winner.  We'll announce it on Friday, June 13^th.  Blog it for a second entry!!

Go!

PSSST!  These are the same ladies you saw on The Big Idea a few weeks ago!!

Ladies Who Launch Spring Event

On Wednesday night, I ventured out of suburbia and into Boston to attend the Ladies Who Launch Spring Into Action event.  I've been meaning to get involved with this seemingly fabulous organization for some time now on the recommendations of others.  LWL is essentially a platform for meeting other women entrepreneurs while exchanging ideas and offering support through groups, events and online. 

The evening started out GREAT as I was carded upon entering the club where it was being held.  Having left the house with nothing but a cell phone, the ubiquitous 'Berry and some cash, after being quizzed on the year I was born, I was ushered inside.  One $12 beverage, one $15 chair-massage and too much guacamole later, the panelists took the stage in a pretty informal way.  They consisted of a 24-year-old CEO of a weekly calendar & city guide to Boston, the owner of a mobile spa and the owner of a mobile boutique, a former lawyer who made a business of helping kids get into college, and the owner of a PR firm specializing in celebrity product placement.  It was a really interesting group who had a lot to offer.  So here's what I got out of it:

• If someone tells you that you can't do it, work harder to find a way that you can.  Be unconventional (I LOVE that word).
• Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?
• Business plan shmisness plan.  As long as you know what your goals are, forget it.  (unless you are seeking investors)
• Just because we're women with an idea does NOT mean it's a "hobby."
• Before going to the next level, check in with your gut.  Listen to it.
• I really want a pair of red shoes (two of the panelists were sporting red shoes and they looked awesome).

These ladies inspired me to call a meeting of my board of directors.  So I sat down with myself and decided the following:

• I need to find a way to tweak my business model without tweaking my business per se. 
• I need to spend WAY more time branding.  It's all about branding!!
• I need to spend more money in some places and less in others.
• I need to take more risks.

In an effort to start on my branding campaign, I signed myself up for the next In Full Force event and called my favorite employee (my mom) to recruit her for June 12th.  I have loads more work to do and the next few weeks will be spent as such.

In all, an evening well spent.  The panelists were inspiring and funny at times, and relatable.  I want to be that 24-year-old running a business and delegating to her employees.  I want to be that veteran entrepreneur who had enough vision to turn her experience in media into a product placement venture.  I can relate to that mom who runs her own business all day and comes home to her family and the needs that have to be met there.  I understand that it's tough to get gigs for a shopping event just as it is for the woman who has a mobile boutique.

And did I mention the hot red shoes?

Karma

Did you see the contest we're running below?  A fellow e-store owner, Skimbaco, is giving away a pair of Suri's ladybug shoes, as seen on Oprah.  She's giving them away and they're from her store and I'm helping her give them away.  And yes, I'm an e-store owner too.  And yes, that does make us "competitors", I guess. 

After posting the contest yesterday I received a bunch of emails.  Some were from people entering the contest, others were from bloggers and site-owners agreeing to promote the contest for me.  And a few were from people wondering why I wanted to hold this contest.  After all, I did post multiple links back to Skimbaco's site, and she does sell all kinds of baby stuff.  Just like me.  Just like Alex Casey Baby.

The reason is simple.  I'm doing it because I am an e-store owner too, not in spite of this fact.

I feel so strongly about a woman's choice to work inside the home.  While I admire stay-at-home-moms (hardest job in the world, hands down), I can relate to the mom who makes her office within the confines of her house so she can be with her children and earn a living simultaneously.  In my case and in the case of Skimbaco, we own our own companies.  There is SO MUCH that goes into owning your own including the crazy hours (NOT office hours), the cash, the worry, the amount of work, and the constant PR outreach, to name just a few.  This experience has truly taught me the value of a dollar, since I know just how hard I have to work to earn one.  Based on the fact that Skimbaco and I have the same job, I see us as peers, as allies, as colleagues as opposed to the competition.  I hope she feels this way about me.

So this is why I decided to help promote Skimbaco's good fortune even though I am an e-store owner too.

That, and I also believe in good karma.  :)