Happy Hats

One of my very favorite pastimes in the Winter months is looking at all of the cute babies in fun hats. It is truly nothing short of adorable. The best part is they never complain – any hat, any style, any color. Truth be told, the toddler years are perfect for living out our fashion fantasies on these little unsuspecting people who are none the wiser to our need to have the cutest, most fashionable hats in town. Completely unaware that the stroll in the park is really our “fashion runway” and they are on display for all the world to see.

Next time you take that stroll, do it right with a Lexy Lu Designs original from mother of two, Christi Smethurst. Her hats are made from the softest fleece and have ribbons sprouting out of the top. They are both fun and functional. It doesn’t get any more precious than that. There are a lot of adorable hats out there but Christi felt that she could do it better and I think she was right. Upon making her first hat for her daughter, people stopped her on the street and that’s when Lexy Lu Designs took on a life of its own.

Let’s find out more about this hat making mama…

PP: How did you come up with this adorable hat design? How long have you been in business?

CS: I wanted a cute but warm hat for my daughter.  I bought a great hot pink fleece and mixed and matched some ribbons.  It was fun but I had no intention of going into business.  Everywhere we went people stopped me to comment.  A local store asked me to bring in some samples and an ordering form.  Of course I had nothing…so I spent a day working feverishly to come up with everything including a name.  It was a couple of days before my daughter Lexy’s first birthday, thus the name Lexy Lu Designs.  It has been 3 years since I made the first hat for Lexy and it will be 3 years that I started the biz in January.

PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

CS: I would have waited to start until the kids were older!  Juggling pre-school, regular school, activities, and work keeps me very busy.  Seriously, I would not change anything.  I have learned from all of my mistakes and successes.

PP: If you had to pick one piece of advice to give to another mom wanting to start a business, what would it be?

CS: Have fun doing it.  If you don’t love what you are doing it is hard to jump in feet first.

PP: Which celebrity would you like to have lunch with?

CS: Not sure there is a celebrity I would like to have lunch with.  Lunch with my husband and no kids sounds kind of nice though…..

PP: What has been your best business moment so far?  Your worst?

CS: Best moment was the first year of selling hats and seeing one of my hats on a toddler I did not know walking in the city.  Worst moments are the nights I receive frantic calls for hats.  Vendors have been at holiday shopping shows and sold out of hats on the preview nights.  They want me to ship 100 hats the next day…..I have been up until 2am more than once.  I find it hard to say no!

PP: What is your magic secret to balancing it all?

CS: A magic secret to balance everything….you  could make a mint selling that!  I guess I take it day by day.  Some days are busy, some are crazy, some are fun!  I always have a  to do list handy so nothing falls through the cracks.

PP: Who are you? Vanilla or Chocolate? Books or Movies? Blackberry or Iphone? Martini or Wine?

CS: I am your average mom.  I like vanilla, books, blackberry.  Martinis for nights out and wine for evenings at home.

PP: If you could pack a bag and live in any city, where would you go?

CS: Can I keep moving city to city?  Sounds like fun.  If I could live in any city…..I’d probably choose Salzburg.  Love the smallness of it and the history.  But I love living just outside Washington, DC.  SO much to do and see in Washington.  Always fun to head in either with the kids or without!

Lexy Lu hats are reasonably priced and Christi offers over a dozen different styles and you can even add jacquard ribbon to create your own design if you want to. Christi recently added summer bucket hats to her line and they are adorable too! So bundle up the kids and take Lexy Lu on your next stroll through the park… WORK IT! WORK IT!

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

A Heavenly Hostess with the Mostest

I love a party. I really do, and I have them often. I love to entertain and to go over the top. My friends poke fun but they are the first to RSVP the very day they get my handmade themed invitation. I literally start planning my Holiday Soiree the day after my Summer Bash is over. I always pick out a great sassy outfit and I literally don’t get dressed until the first guest rings the bell. You see, I cook and therefore I make a mess. Well, Cynthia Wadell, owner and designer of Heavenly Hostess is literally the answer to my prayers. Ahhhh!

At Heavenly Hostess you will find BEAUTIFUL aprons for any occasion including cotton for everyday use. The cocktail aprons are just like the ones that were worn in the 50s and they are made from gorgeous fabrics such as embellished tulle, crepe satin, sequined lace and more. If you don’t feel sassy in one of these, give it up. Her halter aprons, inspired by vintage fabrics, are shaped to make any woman feel like a woman, they are so figure flattering that you’ll want to wear it all the time. Sure, you can wear it to the grocery store, just tote around a spatula and no one will be the wiser. There are also some Mommy & Me sets available. Too cute. Maybe you are in need of a hostess gift – Heavenly Hostess aprons come lovingly packaged in a luxurious signature keepsake box. Believe me when I tell you, if you are in the market for an apron, Heavenly Hostess can answer your prayers too.

Let’s find out more about this apron designing mama…

PP: How did you come up with the concept for this business idea?  How long have you been in business?

CW: This business began through my realization that my product did not exist in the marketplace. You couldn’t buy vintage and beautiful aprons. Nobody was doing what I do. The idea came from my love of entertaining, cooking, and love of aprons. Three years ago I walked away from 30 plus years in the electronics industry to follow my dream.

PP:  If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

CW: I would have invested more in PR. I was nervous and didn’t trust anyone and I did it all myself. I now know that what you do in the beginning forms where you end up.

PP: What or who inspires you?

CW: Art, nature, and fabrics. I am out of control when the new fabrics are released. I often find inspiration from things that are not fabric but give me an idea for an apron design like a lampshade at a flea market.

PP: What has been your best business moment thus far?

CW: The letters and emails showing support from women all over the world who love my products. I also had the opportunity to work with Patti Labelle who wanted to wear a fabulous vintage apron for her cookbook. She told me how at this point in her life, not much makes her really happy and that my apron made her happy. She also left me a personal voicemail saying that I had a fantastic career ahead as a designer. That was a keeper!

PP: What has been your worst business moment thus far?

CW: Being the boss is difficult and having to part ways with people.

PP:  If you didn’t have a care in the world, how would you spend your day?

CW: Lounging, reading a good book and snacking on chocolate.

PP: Who are you?  Red or White?  Vanilla or chocolate?  Lipstick or Lip Gloss? Heels or Flats?

CW: Red. Chocolate. Lipstick. Heels.

PP: What is your tried and true secret for balancing it all?

CW: Prayer and really relying on my husband and family for support.

Heavenly Hostess is committed to contributing to charitable causes. Cynthia’s company credo is Serve with Grace and she is living it every day. If you are anywhere near Orange, CA, you can stop in to visit Cynthia in her retail boutique on Glassell Street or check out her line at www.heavenlyhostess.com

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

I heart Jack’s Harvest

Do you have one of those friends that makes everything from scratch, always makes the perfect cookies and can whip up a gourmet meal out of yesterday’s leftovers with the blink of an eye? You know the one, and we all love going to playdates at her house. Well, Connie Pope, has a friend like that too, Heather Schoenrock. These two friends started a company called Jack’s Harvest and together they are making a household name for themselves. They took Heather’s recipes for organic baby food and have created a fabulous line of heart shaped frozen baby food with flavors such as Yummy Bunny Carrots, Tango with Mango and Blueberrytastic Banana. What more could you ask for? It tastes great, the babies are loving it, it’s healthy and it’s all pretty darn cute if I must say so myself.

I had a few questions for these baby food making mamas and here’s what they had to say…

PP: How did you come up with the concept behind Jack’s Harvest? How long have you been in business?

HS: When my first daughter Lucy was born in 1999, she was sick all the time. We took her to numerous doctors and couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I started doing research and decided to make her baby food from organic produce, which back then was not easy to find. I’ve always loved to cook so it was fun for me to experiment and try new things. I would add herbs and spices, like mint and cinnamon, to make it taste good and add health benefits. As I saw her health improve and continued to read more studies on the effects of pesticides, fertilizers and hormones on our children’s bodies, I became a passionate believer in the organic movement. When my second daughter Sadie and my son Jack came along I made their organic baby food, too.

CP: We would get together for playdates and Heather would bring the most amazing, fresh, homemade organic baby food for her son Jack to eat. She would bring extra for my son, Avery, who is a month younger than Jack. I don’t even like to cook dinner, so the idea of making my own baby food didn’t appeal to me, but I could tell the difference from jarred food in the way Heather’s looked, tasted – even smelled, and I knew that was what I wanted to feed Avery. I offered to pay her to make her delicious organic baby food for me, and then when our friends found out, they asked Heather if she would make baby food for them too. When friends of friends started calling, we knew there was a need in the marketplace.

HS & CP: We came up with the idea after our fateful playdate in late 2006. It took about a year to find a kitchen and get our certifications. We officially launched with our online shopping cart in January of 2008 and by September we were in all the metro Atlanta Whole Foods Markets.

PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

HS & CP: Honestly, if we knew then, what we know now, we might not have started Jack’s Harvest. We always joke that our next business will be t-shirts. They are not perishable, easy to ship, and we can outsource. The fact is, we didn’t choose this company – it chose us.

PP: How do you balance the partnership? The friendship?

HS & CP: It’s like a marriage. Communication is key - and you have to have a sense of humor. We know people say never go into business with a friend, but frankly, we can’t imagine going into business with anyone else. As far as our partnership and friendship, it’s seamless. We’re friends that work together.

PP: What is the one thing that absolutely has to be part of your Thanksgiving feast?

HS: My homemade pumpkin pie with fresh maple whipped cream. My daughter Sadie helps me make it and it’s become our special tradition.

CP: Well, I don’t cook, so I order my organic turkey precooked from Whole Foods. All I have to do is warm it up and it makes the house smell like I’ve been cooking all day.

PP: How many hours do you sleep each night?

HS & CP: 6 hours. (As long as no one has nightmares, then it’s 5.)

PP: What is your favorite read?

HS: Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

CP: Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

HS & CP: OK, we’ll admit it, we’re also huge fans of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.

PP: Who are you? Heels or Flats? Vanilla or Chocolate? SUV or Minivan? Butter Cream or Whipped Cream? Martini or Wine?

HS: Heels – except in kitchen then its sneakers. Vanilla. Minivan. Butter Cream – preferably on top of a cupcake. Mango Margarita made with Jack’s Harvest Tango with Mango.

CP: Flats - I’m totally addicted to my Uggs! Chocolate. SUV. Butter Cream – preferably on top of a cupcake. Bellini made with Jack’s Harvest Papplesauce.

PP: What are you most thankful for?

HS & CP: Supportive, patient husbands; beautiful, healthy (not so patient) children; amazing family and friends; and, of course, our fantastic Jack’s Harvest parents and babies

Jack’s Harvest uses only the best quality seasonal organic produce, hand selected from local farmer’s markets by Jack’s mom, Heather. All of Jack’s Harvest offerings are prepared in a pristine certified organic kitchen. Get some for your baby at www.jacksharvest.com because your baby has good taste!

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

Deal Finding Diva

20% off, 30% off, 50% off, OH MY!! I am forever on the lookout for the “big get” and am totally guilty of buying something simply because it is on sale. I find it exciting. It’s the thrill of the chase. When I see a sign that says “50% off” it’s like the Holy Grail for me.

As moms, we typically put the rest of our family’s needs in front of our own so when we do have a moment to do a little shopping, it’s always nice to find a guilt free bargain and treat ourselves. Being chic and fabulous takes work and dedication. If only we were able to find out about where those deals are ahead of time. Can you imagine the time you would save, not to mention the money? Well, who better to ask about bargains than the deal finding Diva herself, Nina Sutton. Nina is the mom of two and creator of DealsforDivas.com, a website completely devoted to finding beauty and fashion bargains. The site also offers discount coupons and covers it all, from Pampers to Prada. Talk about a one-stop-shop.

Having spent 10 years in the beauty and fashion industry, Nina started the website after having her first baby. She realized that she needed to save money, but did not want to sacrifice her love for fashion and beauty products. She also realized how limited her time was as a new mom and she wanted to provide a service that could help other busy women as well. Nina’s book “The Chic Mom’s Guide to Feeling Fabulous” is all about the practical approach to feeling fabulous after the Stork has arrived and beyond. Couldn’t we all tap into some of that?

Time to find out more about this Thrifty Mama…

PP: Why did you decide to start a website for finding deals? How long have you been in business?

NS: I started this site after I had my first baby in 2006. I started it because I found that I needed to really save money on the things I love – beauty and fashion – so I thought probably other women could use the help too!

PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

NS: Wow, that is a tough question. I feel that I learned from all of the mistakes – and it was a process. I probably would have incorporated the blog at an earlier time, but I have no regrets on the path of the website.

PP: If you had to pick one piece of advice out of your book for Chic Moms, what is the one tip that we can’t live without?

NS: I think the easiest tip is to put lipgloss on before leaving the house! I swear, so many women who have read the book said that is one tip that is so simple, but it makes you feel pretty and you leave feeling good, not frumpy.

PP: Which celebrity would you like to share a plane ride with?

NS: Angelina Jolie! I think she is very dynamic and obviously enjoys motherhood.

PP: What magic piece of advice would you give to another mom wanting to start a business?

NS: Really think about when and how you will be able to work – is it during nap time? Do you have a sitter that helps you? You need a set separate area away from your children, so that you are either 100% on work, or 100% on children.

PP: Tell us about your best “get”? And, how much did you pay for it?

NS: Hmm, so many! I swear by Revitalash – and I got it for 20 percent off – and it was worth every penny!

PP: Who are you? Vanilla or Chocolate? Books or Movies? Blackberry or Iphone? Martini or Wine?

NS: Chocolate. Books. Blackberry. Wine (and Patron Silver!)

PP: If you didn’t have a care in the world, how would you spend your day?

NS: I would run, do a hard yoga class, swim in the ocean and then get all dolled up for a fabulous party. Or, even better – I would play with my kids at the beach all day!

I have to honestly say that I am a big fan of Nina’s… she’s a girl after my own heart. Check out www.dealsfordivas.com and get a copy of her book at www.amazon.com. Now, go and be the fabulous mama you know you are!

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

She’s Crafty, She’s Outta Sight

When I stop and think of what I learned from my grandmothers, I come up with two things.  My Grandma taught me how to get every last drop out of a tube of lipstick.  She’d use the tip of her pinky to dig into the tube and get every cent worth of red color that Maybelline was putting out.  My Nani was all about taking the Sweet n Low from the diner ‘for later’ and she even carried a special zip loc to keep it fresh in her bag.  Needless to say, I don’t wear red lipstick (well OK, on occasion) or use Sweet n Low.

Lucky for Jill Chuckas, Owner and Creator of Crafty Baby, her Nana K. had a bit more to offer.  She was actually the one who inspired Jill’s love of sewing at the early age of 4.   It was when Jill became pregnant with her first that she saw a need in the market for classic, durable, fabric crafted products for children.  Crafty Baby is a complete family affair with Jill, her husband, and three children all helping the company to succeed.  The kids even pick out fabrics that they like and field test products.  It doesn’t get any better than having a sampling of your demographic underfoot 24/7.

My two favorite picks from Jill’s repertoire are the Clutch Balls and the Nap Pack.  Clutch Balls are made from fun fabrics and are divided into 4 sections for easy gripping. This ball is a soft and durable toy with light jingle bells hidden inside.  Perfect for eating, grabbing, throwing at siblings or even the furniture.  And then it goes right in the washer and dryer.

The Nap Pack is her best seller and the reason is obvious.  It is perfect for any child who may have a nap or rest time at preschool, kindergarten, daycare or is just a car sleeper.  It is made of warm and cozy fleece and is a blanket with a pillow attached that rolls up and secures with Velcro.  Easy enough for a child to do on his or her own and snuggly as all get out. It is perfect for a nap on the move.

Now that you know my favorites from Crafty Baby, how about a little Q & A with this Crafty Mama…

PP: How did you come up with the concept for this business idea?  How long have you been in business?

JC:  I had always been a seamstress and used to make my own clothes for business and formal occasions.  I started making Christmas stockings for family and then I got pregnant.  It seemed like a natural progression to make children’s products.  I’ve been in business for 10 years.

PP:  If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

JC:  I would have had a concrete business plan, trademarked my name right away and borrowed money to patent one of my products.

PP: What is your favorite color?

JC: Purple and green (sorry – can’t seem to pick  J )

PP: What has been your best business moment thus far?

JC:  Receiving a large order from the National Zoo in DC – I was so excited to have my products in such an amazing place

PP: What has been your worst business moment thus far?

JC:  Arriving at a huge trade show, far from home, having invested tons of money and lots of time and seeing that my entire booth display had arrived very damaged.  If my husband had not been with me to rebuild everything he could, I would have just sat on the floor and cried.

PP:  What magic piece of advice would you give to a fellow mom thinking about starting a business?

JC:  Not sure if it’s “magic” advice, but I always tell people to find what you are passionate about and go for it.  Don’t let the worries and what ifs keep you from trying something new.

PP: Who are you?  Wine or soda?  Vanilla or chocolate?  Blonde or brunette?  From scratch or from a box?

JC:  Beer, usually – preferably Corona.  Chocolate, except for ice cream.  Brunette.  Generally from scratch – I am a crafter, after all.

PP: What is your tried and true secret for balancing it all?

JC:  There’s a tried and true secret?   Please pass it on.  I’m still working on that balancing act!  Sleep deprived, anyone?

If you are in the market for some classic, fabric crafted items, visit www.craftybaby.com and see what Jill has been up to.

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

Funky, Fabulous, and One-of-a-Kind

How cool would it be if you could take a piece of yesterday, a part of tomorrow, all the dreams you had as a kid, add a little bling, some funk and fabulousness, and… Viola! You end up making those dreams come true. That is exactly what Jessica Wiswall, Founder and Designer of My Vintage Baby did. This Mama in the Biz is living her dream through her children’s clothing and accessories business and doing it quite well.

My Vintage Baby began at Jessica’s dining room table, like many mom owned businesses do. As word spread and the moms were loving her unique, one-of-a-kind designs Jessica knew that she was on to something. She now offers several different lines. Her couture line is “Collections by Jessica” which is inspired by vintage materials creating a one-of-a-kind look. She uses reproduction feed sacks, hankies, chenille, aprons, and tablecloths to embellish the clothing. Yes, I said feed sacks. There are also several other collections that do not focus on vintage inspiration but offer glitz and glam. In Spring/Summer 2008, My Vintage Baby introduced a boys line to the collection, “J”. And let me tell you, I am one boy mama who loves this fun and funky line of boys playwear. Adorable.

Now that you know a little about the company, time for a little Q&A with this vintage lovin’ mama…

PP:  How did you come up with the name and brand for your business?  How long have you been in business?

JW: I actually started the business with vintage room décor. Most people don’t know that. I was designing children’s vintage room décor and the name just fit. I quickly realized, however that my passion was clothing and that was what sells.

PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

JW: Cloned Myself.

PP: Who is the one celebrity that you would want to have lunch with? why?

JW: Oprah- she has such marketing power that could do wonders for My Vintage Baby.

PP: What has been your best business moment thus far?

JW: Probably winning the Earnie Award for Design Excellence in 2T-6x girls Sportswear in 2007. Being selected out of all the brands out there and recognized was such an honor. One of the most exciting moments was being at the Boom Boom Room Golden Globes Gifting Suite and getting to personally give our diaper bags to celebrities like Angie Harmon and Grey’s Anatomy’s Chandra Wilson.

PP: What magic piece of advice would you give to a fellow mom thinking about starting a business?

JW: A few things. Be ready to work 24/7- there are no breaks. Remember your family. Have a financial plan make sure you live by it.

PP:  Who are you?  Vanilla or chocolate?  Martini or beer?  Heels or flats?  Minivan or SUV?

JW: Hmmm…. That’s tough. Chocolate, definitely. Martini or beer? Can I choose a margarita? Heels or flats? I prefer Uggs… where do they fall? Definitely an SUV, hands down.

PP: What or who inspires you?

JW: My daughter was my original inspiration…today inspiration for me can come from anywhere- that’s what keeps it exciting.

PP:  If you had three wishes, what would the first one be?

JW: To find the cure for diabetes; my 9 yr old son and my husband both have Juvenile Diabetes- I pray that my daughter and new baby boy don’t get it as well. That is my serious wish. A fun wish is that I will open my People Magazine and will find a picture of Suri Cruise or Shiloh Jolie-Pitt wearing My Vintage Baby!

I am a big fan of My Vintage Baby and Jessica’s collections are fantastic. I am one of those girls that will see an old bedspread or a quilt and think to myself, “wow, that would make a great something”. Jessica knew what that something was and three years later, she is no longer at her dining room table but in her corporate office in McKinney, Texas creating lines that truly inspire. Well done, Jessica!

You can check out Jessica’s collections at www.myvintagebaby.com and be sure to find a store near you!

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

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