Fresh New Faces...lots of changes.

So far 2009 has brought many changes to the baby/child product industry. We've seen wonderful companies like Posh Tots ( who was purchased just over a year ago by etoys) file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We've seen how the CPSIA law is affecting many small businesses and putting some in financial distress to pay for lead and pthalate testing. It's been a tough start but there are some bright spots!
There's an adorable website , http://www.happychickadee.com , that sells a very select assortment of baby and toddler clothing and gifts. They are selling alot of their old inventory at 65% off in order to clear out merchandise that hasn't had to be tested before the CPSIA law goes into effect on 2/10/09 so hurry on over and get the cutest baby gift or a great deal on some beautiful boutique clothing for your little one.
Another change that's coming. For those who are thinking about giving Arbonne products ( http://www.arbonne.com ) a try, do it before Feb. 1, 2009. There are changes to the structuring where those who become consultants ( and you don't even have to sell the products!) currently receive a 35% discount on all products. In Feb., it changes to 20%. Those who already have the 35% discount will always get to keep it so if you haven't tried this phenomenal line of skin care and cosmetics, now is the time to do it! If you order online, tell them Kelly Mosteller is your consultant ID# 16690023. Her phone#215-646-4676. I'm not a fan of the home party biz but Arbonne products do what they say and I'm a tough sell. Love them!

New Year, New Questions

Well, it's January 3rd and I've been reading alot about the new CPSIA law that was enacted with the intention of preventing lead and other harmful substances from reaching the mouths of kids and babies. While this sounds like a great idea, the law is about to put alot of small businesses in a very unfair and tough position. Every product that is intended for use by a child under 12 years old, must be tested by a Consumer Product Safety Commission accredidated lab for potentially harmful substances or pieces beginning February 1, 2009. This includes children's clothing, furniture. toys and baby products. While I think it's a great idea to test products for harmful substances, there's no way that a children's clothing company can possibly have their garments tested at a price tag of $500 each! Lead can't even tranfer from fabric on to the skin. Has anyone died from lead in fabric? I'm still waiting for an answer from the CPSC about whether or not I am even included in this as my products are meant for parents to use but potentially can be given to their children anytime before age 12 to handle. For many small toy companies, even those who make 100% natural wood toys!, this may be too much of a cost to incur to make staying in business worthwhile. Let me know your toughts on this. Is the law too far overreaching or is it fine to force businesses who can't afford the testing OOB?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Yes, it's cold season. I am starting to get a cold. It happens every year around Thanksgiving. I get stressed out over holiday orders and then I don't sleep at night and then I get sick. I should know better by now.

On a happier note, I'm looking forward to a product review in HybridMoms Magazine this December. Also, I will be featured as the "Swanky Mom of the Week" on http://www.swankymoms.com . It's one of my favorite sites to visit to see what other moms like me are cooking up.

We continue to donate 10% of our proceeds to Philabundance in hopes of helping to feed the hungry this season. Visit their website at http://www.philabundance.org . It's a wonderful organization doing really good work on a minimal amount of money.

It's only 6:40 PM but I think I'm done for the day. Nighty-night.

We all need some humor

Ok, one of our newest retailers, http://www.buzzworthygifts.com/ has one of the funniest products I've seen in awhile for new moms. It's a book called Porn for New Moms....yes you read it right Porn for New Moms. It's photos of hot men doing things like changing a diaper or getting up in the middle of the night for a feeding. All things new moms would LOVE their husbands to do. I'm ordering a copy for my sister-in-law's baby shower. It's too, too funny and we can all use a good laugh.

Time of Change

Well, it's November already. A time of year that begins a faster pace for those of us in the retail industry. Although our economy is suffering, there's always a desire to get a special gift for someone. November is also my son's birthday month so I've been searching as well for that perfect gift for a 9 year old. Somehow I think it will have something to do with Pokemon.

It is also just 2 days from the presidential election. Although my husband and I are on opposite sides, we can both agree that a change will be good for the country. These next few years will be tough ones and I don't expect any miracles to happen, but I hope that we all become kinder to one another and help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Everyone has something they can give to others in need. Whether it's time, food, clothing, shelter or just being a friend to someone; we all have gifts to share with the world.

My favorite charity is Philabundance. They provide food pantries across Eastern PA with much needed food for those who can not afford groceries. For some, this is the only option available for food. This year, food donations are critically low and they are in need of donations and money. You can visit their website at http://www.philabundance.org to make a donation or learn how to hold a food drive.

With the holidays approaching, let's all agree on one thing; do something kind for someone less fortunate. It's a gift that can really make a change in someone's life.

They're Here!

Today we launched our 2 new products, the keepsake box and the photo frame at www.staciedaledesigns.com . I've been wanting to offer a smaller version of our popular keepsake chests for quite some time and have finally found a way to get it done! I hope you all enjoy the new boxes and frames and as always, if you have an idea of a custom design you would like, just let me know and I'll do my best to accomodate. I want to thank Pam Long at Long Consulting for all of her wonderful advice and hard work on my website. You can find her at http://www.longcsi.com .
Also today, I received a copy of HybridMom magazine with our business listed among many other wonderful mom-owned businesses. It's always great to be a part of a larger community of people with similar goals. Visit www.hybridmom.com to see what they're all about!

Copycats

Well today I think I've seen someone I used to know hit a new low. From time to time I like to browse competitor websites just to see what else is out in the market in comparison to what I'm doing. Today, I saw a company introduce a new product that is an exact copy of another well-known product in the baby market. Now, I don't know for certain that the other company isn't OK with this, but I'd find it highly unusual. I won't name names but let's just say this person has been accused of this before so why go down that road again?

Maybe I'm making too much of it? I know there are other artists out there doing keepsake boxes like me, but I hope mine are unique enough to stand on their own. I have even once had the misfortune of unknowingly painting a wall hanging for a customer (back in the day when I owned my own little store) that was similar to one out in the market and I got called on it and rightfully so. But to knowingly copy another company's product and market it as your own seems ruthless. But perhaps that is their mantra. All I can say is,what goes around, comes around.