Sunday, September 09, 2007

v 3 issue 7: Do-It-Yourself



Do It Yourself
For your little one who is quickly becoming a big kid, these products can turn a lazy day into a fun experience. These product allows you and your child to create your own custom clothing, flash cards, invites and more.

Cover by Shannon Stewart





Do-It-Yourself Gifts
tot trends weekly

1. PeaceMonkey DIY t-shirt kits come with a chalkboard silkscreened tee and a non-toxic permanent marker, and your kids provide the art. Let your little monkey show off their creative side with a trip to Peace Monkey.

2. Baby's learning experience gets personal with smart and sweet Goosie Cards. Simply visit GoosieCards.com to create flash cards for baby using your own photos and text; all flash cards teach baby about the big world, but Goosie Cards teach baby about his world. Save 15% with code tottrendsweekly at checkout.

3. The Eco-Me Baby Kit is 100% natural and allows you to make your own natural Baby Room Spray, Baby Clean Wipes and Baby Diaper Freshener. We love the sweet and delicate scent of Eco-Me's Lavendar, Chamomile and Mandarin Orange essential oil mix.

4. If your toddler just put another notch in their belt for learning to dress themselves, then it's the perfect time to treat them to a super-cute Myself Belt. Myself Belts are so easy to use that even toddlers can fasten them with just one hand.

5. Its only natural that kids like cookies, and with the help of Kids Central Kitchen, they can love natural, whole grain cookies they make themselves! Kids Central Kitchen mixes are free from trans fats, hydrogenated oils, refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. They are full of great taste, and simple recipes even younger kids can follow. We love the Slam Dunker Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix; just add water, butter and applesauce for delicious cookies with 3g of fiber!

6. Do-it-yourself cards are as easy as pie thanks to The Card Bakery at Peppers and Pollywogs. The Card Bakery offers professionally designed cards that you personalize, download, and print at home!

7. Here's a colorful idea for teaching kids the etiquette of sending thank you notes and cards: let them do it themselves with Color n' Kids cards by Stubby Pencil Studio. Available as single cards (for only $.95 including envelope!), or in sets of 6 (assorted designs, with envelopes included), color n' kids offers cards for every occasion.



This Week's Mom Tips

tot trends weeklyCleaning Tip: Found magic marker on the couch? Try Hair spray to remove magic marker from surfaces.

Green Tip: Wash clothes in cold water…Using cold water saves a significant amount of energy. Clothes last longer and colors stay brighter. Line drying clothes saves even more energy.

Organizing Tip: This sounds very simple, but not many moms hang up their keys…lost time by searching for keys (not to mention the frustration!) could be spent playing with your kids or organizing the junk drawer. Find a stylish hook to hang near the door and save the last minute frantic run around.

Time Saving Tip: Plan your meals in advance! By planning your meals for the week you will save time and money at the grocery store. Not to mention the stress of coming up with a meal on the spot. Also save time by avoiding the grocery store during peak shopping times (11a-1p and 5-7p). You may want to even consider grocery delivery, it’s not as expensive as you think when you consider gas expense.


Our Interview with the owner of Woobee Kids
What inspired you to start your business?
tot trends weeklyThere were many inspirations behind Woobee Kids, but by far the most important one was my first born Ava. We live in Seattle and being an outdoor enthusiasts wanted to take Ava outside all year around. I searched everywhere for a blanket that was water resistant, multi-functional, and incorporate the amazing fabrics and colors that are available today in the children’s industry. When I could not find it I designed one and parents reactions were amazing.

How do you manage juggling being a mom/wife/entrepreneur?
It am often overwhelmed doing it all. The only way I "manage" this crazy life choice is by having a super supportive husband, a high capacity for chaos, and I choose moments of harmony over the pressure to find balance.

What is your greatest success professionally?
I have enjoyed wonderful success in under two years. I do consider the greatest success making it through the first year of Woobee Kids. I was so naive. Designing a great product is one thing, running a company is whole different story. I have had to be open to learning an amazing amount in a very short time.

What has been your most difficult challenge?
Allowing my house be dirty and not volunteering at my daughters pre-school. When I chose to start Woobee Kids so I could be available for my girls I had this "ultimate mom" vision strong in my head. Letting that vision go so I could run a growing company was very difficult and took a lot of soul searching.

What is unique or special about your business that gives it an edge over your competitors?

Mom designed Woobee Kids bibs, burps, and blankets are unique in everyway. A combination of water resistant nylon backing and luxurious cozy front material create durable, easy to clean products that parents will use everyday. The Woobee blanket combines those technical and luxury fabrics with an innovative tie design that allows you to attach it to strollers, front packs, car seats, and everything else you can think of.

What is your favorite quote?
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein

What did it take to get your business up and running?
Belief in my products, bravery, the kindness of other mothers in business, and coffee.

What advice would you give a mom who wants to start her own business?
Do the business plan (even though it can be scary) and make sure your price point is supporting a business, not a hobby.

How did you finance your company?
I cringe typing this...credit cards and the kindness of family. I do not however recommend the credit card route.


Heather Correa is the owner of Woobee Kids; shop at WoobeeKids.com