Tote and Tee

Just added a couple new tees for girls!

Thanks to my pal Erin at Pink Alligator Designs for the fun pictures:)

(she does the cutest crochet hats for kids! Gotta check them out!)

And the WINNER of the “post on my blog and make me feel special”  contest is Beth Dahl!

I am emailing you now to find out what tee you would like:)

Yep, this is a bribe.

I am having fun with my blog and hoping that more of you will stop in and see what I have going on.  I am not uber interesting but thought it would be fun to get to know the gal behind all these tees.

So get cozy, cruise around and leave a comment anywhere on my blog by Sept. 1st.  I will draw a name from all those that post and give the winner one initial tee (that’s posted on my site) of your choice.

You can post something here, let me know what you think of my newly organized Tee Shop!

Or here…where we did a super duper cute new craft.

Or comment everywhere…just because it would make my day;)

1. Today is my 33rd birthday!

2. It’s the 1st day of school!

3.  My sweet husband had to leave today on a business trip but he still made me feel special for my bday:)

4. He gave me a load of lottery tickets (won $18 so far!) and a certificate for a pedicure…woohoo!

5. Happy that I got fun musical cards from the girls

6. Even happier that one of them was an Anniversary card

7. And the other said something about me being old.

8. Because no matter what card they picked out…it would be my favorite!

9. Not thrilled Alex had to leave today but so happy he has a job and I am able to stay home with our girls.

10. We all woke up in plenty of time to get ready and not be rushed today (crossing my fingers for lots more days like that!)

11. And of course that means Mom gets to take lots of 1st day of school pictures!

12. Happy for a picture with my girls…

13. And one with my hubby and the girls…

14. For this sweet girl that’s in 5th grade now, making this the 8th year (including preschool) that I have taken her to her 1st day of school.

15.  Happy she ditched me the moment we went near the school gate because that means she is confident, excited for school and independent.  (…thinking of the positives here!!)

16.  Extra happy that her goal for the year is to get straight A’s.

17.  And happy about this little peanut that is now in 1st grade.  (when did that happen???)

18. Happy for her that her little love interest is in her class…even though she almost choked on her Jolly Rancher when she found out.

19. And that when I took her to her class she was still a little bit shy but sat down in her chair and didn’t come running after me multiple times like she did last year.

20.  Happy the girls go to a great school.

21. And that Abby got a “fashionable” teacher…because she loves to notice things on pretty teachers like how pretty they dress and how they do their hair and make-up. (secretly afraid of what she might say if she has an “unfashionable” teacher! haha…yes these are conversations we have!)

22.  Happy that even though Abby was mostly faking the “I love my sister so much look” that she still makes it look like it so  10 years from now I will get all warm inside when I see this picture…

23. Happy that my mom is driving 4 hours to hang out with me for a few days!

24.  And for all the phone calls and text messages from my friends and families.

25.  And the oodles of birthday wishes from all my wonderful friends on Facebook! (Really loving this!)

26. Happy that I have 7 hours of ME time – 5 days a week – starting today!

27.  Oddly enough, happy to spend 90 minutes taking my time in the grocery store by myself today

28. And saving 90 dollars on my bill!

29.  Oh, happy that my neighbor called and invited me to a birthday lunch!

30.  I turned her down because I was going to pick up the house a bit before my mom got here…but  happy that I decided to write this instead because it’s my birthday and my mom loves me even if my house needs vacuuming.

31. Happy that the phrases “I heart Chocolate Creme Pie” and “Death by Chocolate” are on my menu plan for this evening.

32.  And happy that I found the “light” version of  “Death by Chocolate” because…well…I guess just because it makes me giggle.

33.  And happy that I could easily think of 33 things to be happy about!

It’s been another great year here for me with Tote and Tee. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 5 years and I am so lucky to say that some of my amazing customers from the beginning are still hanging with me! Makes me a little weepy actually!

There are going to be lots of new changes in 2009 within the children’s industry with the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). I haven’t figured out how I am going to work my business after it goes into effect on February 10th, but I am sure things will be changing. If you aren’t familiar with CPSIA, basically it was passed to protect our children against harmful toys and other products. Sounds good right? Well, the way the law was written ALL products for children ages 12 and under are required to be tested in a lab (I hear there are only 15 certified labs in the WHOLE country). The thing that really sucks, my products DON’T contain lead (I had one of my sweatshirts tested, not official…but tested) but in order to save my butt I still need to have them officially tested which means WAY more money then I can afford and just not possible for my style of business. I like to make few of a kind tees, you want a pink tee with red dots? Sure, I will do it! But once the CPSIA is implemented, I would have to send that tee off to be tested in a lab before I could legally sell it (or even give it away!) Doesn’t seem right, does it?

For those of you that know a little bit about my business, it’s JUST me. I work from my cozy workroom at home. My grandma helps me a lot with cutting and things like that. But we are Small…like a tiny business. I LOVE what I do, I really do. I love the relationship that I have built with my old customers and I am always excited when I get new customers! I am hoping that the law is changed a bit to make it possible for small children’s businesses to stay in business.

If this is new info for you, pop on over to this great article on Boutique Cafe for more info. It has great links on petitions you can sign and tons more info, probably explains it a lot better than I can too! (remember…I just like to sew, bring you fun new things and have sales…all this legal talk is totally not fun for me!)

Ok, enough about that…it’s starting to give me a headache! What I came here to say is…SALE! Big one! It’s the Year End sale and everything is 40% off!

Hi! I am here to share with you my favorite new thing. Twitter. Have you heard of it? If you haven’t then you are probably looking at me(your screen) funny. If you have, maybe you already know how cool it is!

Twitter is hmm, how do you explain it. Basically you sign up for an account there and you start following people you are interested in. You will see everything the people that you follow say and everyone that follows you, will see what you say. The fun thing about this is you only get 140 characters per “tweet” so it’s a quick way to do a little chit chat.

I have found that it’s a great way to socialize while I am still busy doing work. I work from home and don’t have much interaction with anyone other than oh my hubby, kids, grandma, UPS man…you get the drift. I can’t remember when I signed up but in that short time(some months) I have managed to find over 1000 amazing people to follow! Everyone from fellow business owners, old friends, bloggers, PR folks and I am even following Shaq and Lance Armstrong!

One amazing group of women that I am jazzed to be connected with now through Twitter are the following list…they all own online Children’s stores and you can find them on Twitter! If you are on Twitter or just signed up, you might want to check out this fabu group of ladies and follow them. If you aren’t on Twitter, you should click around on the website links and maybe you will discover a new store or 2 to shop at!

@MyPreciousKid - www.mypreciouskid.com

@lovebugclothing – www.lovebugclothing.com 20% off 1st order with code FIRST

@bizziemommy – www.lalababyboutique.com

@tresfun – www.littleedesigns.etsy.com

@SuperMomz – www.supermomz.com

@mumby – www.mabel.ca

@fabrichound – www.sweetgirlboutique.com

@funfelt – www.funfelt.com

@twinklingtees – www.twinklingtees.com

@Babology – www.babology.com

@Momdot – www.bambinaballerina.com

@vusova – www.vusova.etsy.com

@katjapresnal – www.skimbaco.com

@jaybirddesigns – www.jaybird-designs.com & www.mypinkzebraboutique.com

@princesstimetoy – www.princesstimetoys.com

@isewcute – isewcute.etsy.com

@divineclothing – www.divinelittleduds.com

@alexcaseybaby – www.alexcaseybaby.com

@emihill – www.georgietees.com

@pitterpatte – www.pitterpattercreations.com

@polkadotpatch – www.polkadotpatch.com

@bfmwear – www.bfmwear.com

@SweetDreamsDes – www.sweet-dreams-designs.net

@babyfabulous – www.babyfabulous.com

@katjapresnal – www.skimbaco.com

@hippostoes – www.hippostoes.com

@PMKU - www.happypandababy.com

@jussar – www.jusshardesigns.com

@monkeytoeshoes – www.monkey-toes.com

@oopdoo – www.oopdoohug.com

@momfluential – www.francie-pants.com

@fundoodies123 – www.fundoodies.com

@bamdesigns – www.bamdesigns.etsy.com

@marinasmom – www.myprincesscloset.com

@loveseptember – www.loveseptember.etsy.com

@zadyball – www.zadyball.com

@OnTray2Go – www.ontray2go.com

@glamajama – www.glamajama.com

@ashleeallen – www.nonnyandboo.com

@moomettesgram – www.moomettesmagnificents.com

@thatrobguy – www.thatbabydvd.com

@blessednest – www.blessednest.com

@africanABC – www.africanabc.com

I started this list awhile ago and have made many new connections since then. If you are a “Children’s Store owner that Twitters” just leave a comment here or DM me on Twitter and I will add you! (If we are BFF’s and I didn’t add your twitter name, don’t feel bad…I am lacking a few brain cells for now while I get through the holiday rush, just let me know!)

Oh, and if you want to find me and follow my ramblings you can do that at http://www.twitter.com/toteandtee

Join us Friday, November 21^st at 9:00p.m EST on Twitter for the Tote and Tee SiteWarming Party hosted by @ResourcefulMom.  For one hour we’ll tweet with a panel of expert moms who are raising their businesses while they raise their families, all from the comfort of their own homes!  And what’s a party without a Goody Bag?  Everyone wins when they shop using the contest coupon code: TWITTER, which is good for 20%, even on sale items!  Enter here to win the following fabulous good bag prizes.  The more you enter, the greater your chance of winning!

How to Enter:

Option 1: Subscribe to the Tote and Tee Blog right here!  Tote and Tee’s blog is the place to learn about sales and new products.  Subscribe to the blog’s RSS Feed and never miss the top Tote and Tee news!

Option 2: Register on the Tote and Tee main page for an account.  Once you’ve registered, you’re not only eligible to win a Goody Bag prize, but you’re also eligible to win a monthly  giveaway as long as you don’t unsubscribe!

Option 3: Stumble this blog post! 

Option 4: Blog about this contest on your own site.

Once you’ve completed one or more of the steps to enter, be sure to comment to this post so that we know!  And please remember to include a way to contact you when you win.

And what can you win?  How about:

1.       Mead Writing Fundamentals Stage 1 Gift Pack – over $30 value – three winners!  These wonderful new learning products by Mead reach children during the pre-writing age and help them develop the skills they need to find success as they learn to print.  Activities include cutting, coloring, tracing, and stenciling, all presented in a way that creates an interest in learning.  These products are not only innovative, but they are also educational and fun.

2.       Sweet Girl Boutique – $50 Gift Card Sweet Girl Boutique is the place on the web to find adorable clothes, gifts, and accessories for children ages newborn to eight years.  There are new items daily and with categories like “Crafty Stuff” and “Frills and Fluff,” you’re sure to find something cute and fun for your little one!

3.       Hooked on Phonics Pre-School Learning Kit ($100 value!!) – This learning kit from the trusted team at Hooked on Phonics reaches our children at a critical stage – pre-reading.  Created for ages 3 to 4, this kit includes alphabet cards that get kids up and moving while learning their letters (both uppercase and lowercase), rewards charts, three workbooks that help children learn the alphabet and its sounds, My Hooked on Phonics Dictionary, three story books that reiterate phonetics, and CD’s with fun letter recognition games for your computer!

4.       Notecards from Vertical Printing and Graphics – Be sure to browse the beautifully designed and printed products from our friend on Twitter, @VPG_Printing.  One lucky winner will enjoy a set of free notecards!

5.       Child ID Bracelet from Chicks and Cubs - $8.00 value (and yet priceless) Children, especially toddlers, can get away from us so quickly.  Luckily, Cynthia at Chicks and Cubs offers Child Safety ID inside bracelets. These soft, cloth bracelets fit safely on your child’s wrist and enclose their ID information. The average speaking two year old can only be understood 50% of the time. If your child gets separated from you in a large crowd, what is the chance that he or she will be able to communicate enough information to get them safely back to you? With this very visible bracelet, your child will be safely returned to your arms in no time.

6.       $25 Gift Card from NOVICA – $25 Gift Card to NOVICA - unique gifts created by master artists from around the world. This holiday give a truly unique gift by shopping at http://www.novica.com/, an online world market associated with The National Geographic Society. You can search by region of the globe, type of product (Home Decor, Jewelry & Apparel, Paintings), gift finder, and customer favorites. If a truly unique gift such as those available at NOVICA still won’t please that tough customer on your holiday shopping list, why not get them a gift certificate and let them choose their own global treasure?

7.       $25 Gift Card from Hippos Toes - unique and whimsical fashions for children Carole and the wonderful people at Hippos Toes Boutique offer the best in fair trade clothing made by moms for moms. The gorgeous cotton knits and blends provide beauty with comfort, style with quality. Hippos Toes features the upscale Bug Zoo line of children’s clothing with separates to mix and match to create a beautiful wardrobe for your little one.

8.       Gift package from Anita Hampl of Send Out Cards - $50 value – Anita Hampl from Send Out Cards has offered a wonderful package! Give three loved ones the joy of receiving a beautiful card that you are able to customize online! And do you want to make it even sweeter? Anita will add a decadent chocolate brownie to each of the three cards and try make your friend or family member’s day. So send a H.U.G. – Heartfelt Unexpected Greeting.

9.       Heart of a Mother – The Heart series of books by Sheryl Rousch are a fabulous gift idea for the women in your life. Informative and inspirational, they tap into the many aspects of a woman’s life. Because the book is divided into small, easily consumed sections, I found them to make wonderful bed time reading. If you’re looking for inspiration in the quiet hours of the morning, turn to some of your favorite stories from other women who can relate.  This makes the perfect gift for any mother this holiday season!

10.   Mighty Miracle Mist - Good Behavior in a Bottle! – from Helpful Hallie’s – value $16.90 Helpful Hallie’s provides moms with a magic feather of sorts. These cute little bottles of unscented, hypo-allergenic spray with tiny “magic stars” give your little ones the extra courage they need to push through frustrating situations, tackle that sad moment of separation at bedtime, take a deep breath and use a calmer voice, even share with a sibling – all by helping them to rely on their own strengths. Learn more!

11.   Kubit2Me Lil’ Scholars Edition – a fabulous game for the whole family Kubit2Me is a game unlike any other I have seen or played.  Resourceful Mommy’s family enjoys the Lil’ Scholars Edition so much that she featured this game in one of her Top Holiday Gifts posts this year. One of the best features of this game is the endless playing possibilities. Her family particularly enjoys playing with the bonus box of “parts of the body.” There is nothing more fun than having each family member chose a part of the body and explain the ways in which we use it.  Kubit2Me is a great way to increase communication within your family!

12.   GRiPPiES Two Pack! GRiPPiES tout themselves rightfully as “the ‘no-slip’ solution for tights, gloves, and socks!”  Resourceful Mommy has enjoyed both the stick-on version as well as the iron-on version to create safe, warm tights for her daughter.  By finding a solution to the slippery sock problem, you’re able to continue your clean “no shoes in the house” policy, but without the fear of your children falling!

13.   AND of course! A $50 Gift Card to Tote and Tee!!!!

Also be sure to follow @toteandtee on Twitter!

Hello! This week just FLEW by! I can’t believe it’s already Friday. Lots of buzz about Tote and Tee this week and some GREAT giveaways on the web! Be sure to enter for some free Tote and Tee cash!

Peppers and Pollywogs is a website that gives you great party ideas for kids. They do giveaways there all the time for birthday-ish items and we are the featured giveaway this week! You can win a $50 Gift Certificate, be sure to enter by Oct. 19th.

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I am so tickled with the super review over at Baby Luxe {daily}! Make sure you read the whole write up on that one because there is a COUPON CODE for Tote and Tee…love those! They are giving away a $50 Gift Certificate too!

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Another great giveaway is over at Mogul Baby. Mogul Baby just launched this week and they are giving away lots of fun stuff, so check out mine and other giveaways while you are over there. They are giving away a $30 Tote and Tee Gift Certificate.

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Oh and for all you Twitter folks, there is a party tonight(Friday, Oct. 17) and there will be YET another giveaway! (am I crazy? nah, just like to share the love and spread the word about Tote and Tee!) The super fun Amy of Resourceful Mom is throwing a little blog warming party chock full of fun prizes! You can get some info here about how it works. And you can check out the prizes here.

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And one last one I want to share. (I think this is last if anyone knows of something I missed…feel free to let me know!) This one is actually an auction and it’s for a good cause. Samantha at a glimpse into my world emailed me a few days ago to tell me about this family and their sweet daughter Zoe and I had to help. I donated a $40 Gift Certificate for the cause and it’s been auctioned off on her blog. Right now the bidding is at $46. Check it out and if you want to contribute put your bid in, you will be helping a family in need and getting some Tote and Tee goods while you are at it. Here is more info about what Samantha wrote about Zoe.

Whew! See, told you it’s been busy. Stay tuned for some fun new items, hopefully I will get them posted today. I have a ton of things to ship out to you wonderful customers today, so once I get everything wrapped up I will start posting!

I was just working on my shirts today and I thought I would give you a little peek at what it looks like in thee ol’ Tee shop! All the letters have been cut for the week, I then lay them out to sort by pattern so they are easy to find when I need to prep the shirt. Next step, stick the letter on and sew! These all should ship by tomorrow.

Oh, and of course my fuel is pictured…Diet Coke. It keeps me going!

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