Sweet Spring Style...

The thing I love about spring for little girls, ok - and me too, spring dresses, short sleeved t's in bright colors, shorts, no jackets, etc, etc, I could go on all day. These days with a new baby in tow, I don't get out much, but when I do I'm seeing tons of adorable matches to Monkey-Toes. I've decided that when I see these complimentary pieces I will snap a pic and show you, especially when it's a steal! So here goes - the first finds are at Target - and at the amazing price of $6!

Both dresses are the Circo brand from Target. Instantly, when I saw the precious multi-colored stripe dress, I thought of the Flutterflies.

Not into the stripes? Target had plenty of solids to choose from too. I chose the pink ruffle dress (of course) and thought the Flutteflies Mary Janes would add that touch of whimsy and color to spruce it up.

And get this...only $6 each! Both the dresses and the shoes could take any little princess through the summer in style...Sweet style that is!

See something while you're out and about? You can email the pic to info (at) monkey-toes (dot) com and I will share it with our friends!

Whatever is a Pregg-o to wear?

This will be my very first year pregnant for Halloween. Well I was pregnant in past Halloweens, but didn't have kids old enough to care. I have been racking my brain thinking of unique costumes for pregnant women. I know there are many of you out there that are having the same dilemma. Even if you aren't going to a Halloween party, you may be helping out with your kiddos at their school party, answering the door for trick-or-treaters or just need something cute (but not too cute) and comfortable for the office - bummer, no naughty nurse costume this year for a waistline that's expanding (and if you are that daring, I applaud you!).

I am slightly sad because I found out that my husband is going to be working on Halloween this year :(. But it doesn't stop me from thinking of wild and crazy costumes anyway. I've explored the internet for fun ideas. Feel free to share your ideas too!

(No more fitted costumes this year... Last year my husband and I went as a Cougar and a Boy Scout. I think something more conservative this year is appropriate.)

Bella B Maternity has an adorable Pumpkin Pooch maternity tee shirt that would be perfect paired with black leggings and ballet flats. This would be a comfy costume for answering the door, or heading out to volunteer at the kiddos school. And it's on SALE for only $25.

One idea that was pointed out to me was pretty original. Simply take a white maternity tee, cut a piece of yellow felt into a circle and slap it on the belly area. Go as a fried egg. Your hubby could even dress in all brown and be a slice of bacon. Easy, and cheap too!

There are always the funny costumes and probably not appropriate for the elementary school costume party - pregnant nun, white trash, Angelina Jolie. If you are really daring (and you or someone you know have some artistic ability) and want to put the belly out there for all to see, you can have someone paint on it. Paint a beach ball on your belly (wear a bikini, brrr), fishbowl (with a cat costume), basketball (wear a sports uniform), watermelon (paired with overalls). The ideas are endless. Just think of two things that go together - and voila, you've got yourself a costume.

I'd love to see what you come up with for your costume this year.

For the kids, this week, I couldn't resist this little outfit from Hanna Anderssen. It's perfect for the entire month of October, especially when donned with our Playful Pumpkins shoes!

Searching for the perfect costume...

Rose has decided that this year, she is going to be the winner of a beauty pageant - EASY. Ella wants to be water fairy - I have no idea what "water fairy" means.

Rose has this idea from watching too much Toddlers & Tiara's (ok, I admit, I have complete control of the remote and do secretly like this show too). She wants a big poofy dress with tons of sparkles, BIG Marilyn Monroe hair, a sparkly sash, and a giant tiara. She'd probably like her own personal spray tan session too. (not gonna happen, kiddo) This should be pretty simple considering we've got a dress in her closet from her latest duty as flower girl in my Aunt's wedding. I've got the Aqua Net, a teasing comb, and some major big hair experience from the 80's and 90's. I will plan to make a sash with 3" satin ribbon and some glitter glue. The only thing I will be on the hunt for is the head-tipping tiara.

Ah, and for Ella - I simply need to figure out what the heck she is talking about so I can start dreaming up her creative costume too! I will let you know what I find out about it.

For business purposes (I do work occasionally), I have scoured the internet for fun costumes to match some of Monkey-Toes designs and came up with the cutest stuff this week. In fact, one of the costumes is only $3.99!

This costume is from OldNavy.com . It is $22.50 and runs in sizes 0-5t. It is so freakin cute with our LUV Bugs mary janes. It's as if they were made for each other. I was thrilled when I came across it.

Living in Denver my entire life, I have to think about the warmth of a costume too - the weather in Colorado will be perfect until Halloween night and then BOOM - hit with a blizzard. It never fails. This costume actually looks like it would keep your kiddo warm. You could probably even throw a coat underneath it. PERFECT!


Now, this one to my right here is the doozie of a find! The Vampire costume from Gymboree.com is only $3.99! No it's not a typ-o, it's TRUE-O! Looks like it is on clearance down from almost $40! And paired with our Crazy Counts - isn't it adorable?? And such a simple costume too - your little blood sucker could wear simple black pants and pretty much any type of shirt under that cape.

Find something else that matches Monkey-Toes? Send me a note...maybe, just maybe, I'll post it!

See...I didn't forget about you...

I owe you major apologies. Life has been pretty crazy - in a nutshell - house shopping, during the holiday season, kids crying because they have to move schools, renting out our current home, trying to get work done in my oh so much spare time, found a house, wrote a contract - YAY!, had a surprise party for my wonderful hubby (happy birthday babe!), just upped and decided to rescue a dog, still trying to work amongst Oprah replaying THE episode and getting slammed with the marketing and order fulfillment that goes along with that kind of exposure, kids crying about moving schools, again, but excited for the dog, Christmas shopping, packing, new TV shopping, new furniture shopping, holiday decorating, etc, etc, etc.. I am waiting for the moment when my head literally whizzes off into the sky because it is spinning so much (did you catch that visual, it's not pretty). So I am sorry, and thank you for your forgiveness.

When thinking about all of the things you need to just start a business it's easy to get overwhelmed. It is a busy time, but you think there will be a light at the end of the tunnel - "once it's up and running". I'm sorry I have to be the one to bust your happy-go-lucky small business bubble. But I have to tell you that if you have the slightest twinge that in a year or so after opening the doors, you'll be sitting back, in your cush chair, looking at your bank account online and watching the numbers grow - you really are C-R-A-Z-Y. The chaos doesn't quit, there is always something to do! (but if you have found someone that has made this type of success, please pass along my info, hook me up, I'd love to know their overnight success story!)

Our first small business question comes from Shanea (yay Shanea, you won some socks!)

"My question has to do with manufacturing. I have an idea for baby socks but I don't know where or how to have them made. How do you work with someone until the product is just as you imagined? Help! Any thoughts or knowledge is much appreciated."

Thank you for your question! Of course, you can travel to China and make friends with the manufacturing plants, but let's face it, who has that kind of time/money? Many companies use what is called a "Sourcing Agent" for overseas manufacturing. (and I actually know one here in Denver, and highly recommend him, email me for details). This agent will charge a percentage of your invoice from China, or something to that effect just based on what you negotiate . He will (or a contact in the country of the factories) seek the correct factory for your products, generate a relationship, negotiate your pricing and minimums, oversee your products being made, and will help to coordinate getting the product shipped to you. This really is an invaluable service for someone who is new to manufacturing. There are a bunch of pitfalls and logistics when manufacturing and bringing product back to the good ol US of A. You want to know that the factory you are wiring thousands of dollars to is not going to close up overnight or take the money and run, you also want to know that they know that they are doing what they are supposed to.

Please note, everyone who is launching new or has existing products for kids needs to know about this - The CPSIA is implementing new standards and testing on ALL children's products. Read more about the new Mandatory 3rd Party Testing laws which will be implemented Feb 2009 here.

Hopefully that answered your question, and if not, well, write back and I will hunt down more info for you! I don't like to brag, but I know people...:)

Anyone have any stories to share on this topic? We are an open forum and glad to take comments or answer questions! And if we use your question - you win FREE stuff!

W-Hat Fun!

You just HAVE to see what we are working on over here at M-T headquarters (this is a sneak peek). Matching hats by Lollitops USA! These little hats fit the teeny-tiniest little peanuts up to tweens. But the fun doesn't stop there because you can actually cinch these hats up to make a purse as well. Lollitops is the brainchild of Kim Spaan (mom of 3) who, on a mission to find a cute hat for her kiddo, found blah instead. (Sounds like the story of every entrepreneur, right?). The idea went even further when someone asked if they were purses - Viola! A hat that can be used two ways - how fun.

The entire collection of Lollitops USA can be seen on their website - www.lollitopsUSA.com, the sets can be purchased on our Monkey-Toes site - soon.

Whaddya think?


And check out this little tidbit...Allison Sweeney's Mama Bird/Baby bird themed baby shower which benefited St Jude Children's Hospital. She was caught red handed (ok, we actually gifted these goods to her :)) with our LUV bug gift set . It's great to see her helping out such a great cause. Looks like she received a TON of fun stuff - oh, to be a celeb!
image courtesy of Hot Moms Club and Eric Blackmon Photography

just shy of a year later...i write again. i think this blogging thing has been like scrapbooking for me - an overwhelming task and i have no idea where to start. so i am posting for our Halloween Costume Contest.

we have the best contest EVER! when your kiddo takes the gold (we are thinking positive for everyone here, you're welcome) they have the chance at $25, $50 or $100 in our online store! that's insane!!! (i know that's what you are thinking) maybe we are, but we LOVE our customers and the kiddos who love our shoes.

here are the details -

All entries must be wearing a costume and Monkey-Toes.

Entries must be sent to info@monkey-toes.com by midnight (EST) Nov 10 and include the following information –

• Permission to use the digital image


• Digital image


• Parent's name


• Email


• Phone


• Child's name


• Child's age
  

Everyone is a winner! $5 coupon for any Monkey-Toes.com products - for all entries (you must have a complete entry though)

Prizes for the top 3 selections – 3rd place - $25 gift certificate for Monkey-Toes.com, 2nd place - $50 gift certificate for Monkey-Toes.com, 3rd place - $100 gift certificate for Monkey-Toes.com

Monkey-Toes and MomToBeDepot.com’s Lauri Harrison will be judging all entries. Winners will be notified by Friday November 14, 2008
In the meantime, shop online and receive free shipping from now until Halloween (October 31) – “HBLOG10”

toodles!

Log me in...

this is my very first posting ever. i'd love to know what you all want to hear about or have me share. some of you may or may not know the story of Monkey-Toes (http://www.monkey-toes.com/), my shoe and sock company. ask me anything! i am completely candid and have a really hard time sensoring myself, so shoot!

talk amongst yourselves, i'll give you a topic...

What do you honestly think about our new products? what more/less would you like to see? share anything about yourself too, what did you have for dinner last night? what are you doing now? i'd like to know more about you too.