Little Monkey Fashion!!!!

Once upon a time when I didn't research on the Internet and had so much time on my hands I did not know about "clothing brands" other than the big names in department stores. I loved anything Target, and I still do, BUT now I'm catching myself notice different brands (boutique brands) when I see them on little ones and in boutiques. To see them in person is so much better than to run into them on line. I never meant to be into this stuff it just kind of happened. Like the different strollers and shoe brands-they're catchy especially when you're researching brands over and over again. I do it to see what the company is up to, where they're going through media coverage and so forth. I also love to see the development of their web sites. So blah blah blah on to my point for this posting.

I came across a clothing brand that is so nice and reasonably priced, at least for special occasions. TEA Clothing is absolutely beautiful. Don't tell her but I purchased a really pretty Dress for my daughter's upcoming birthday and I know she'll love it. Tea prides themselves in designing clothing inspired by celebrating the beauty found in cultures around the world. I absolutely love that about them. The dress I bought was a Mexico piece. I can't find it online at all but I'll add a picture once I give it to her to show you how pretty it is.

Check Tea out.

That's a fashion bit for your little monkey.

Business

I've been thinking about this blog thing and where exactly it fits in with my business and life. I mean do people really care that I have anything on my mind? Do people want to read my life challenges, although I haven't really been posting too many of those colorful events lately? Do people want to read about my little monkeys and my gorilla husband? Do they want to read about the road I'm traveling with my business, my triumphs, my up and downs, what makes me happy and sad and that I really do cry because I'm an emotional wreck plus sleep deprived? Well, maybe you do. So, I decided I'm going to take you on a little journey with me through it all.
Okay, so if you've been reading this blog then you realize I'm not so great at writing. Here's a little secret, I often come back on this blog and re-read everything and then correct my mistakes, clarify what I'm trying to say and correct misspelled words because this darn spell check is lousy. So forgive my writing and that's the end of that.

On with my new journey

Evie

Picked up!

Mommy's Little Monkey was picked up by a cute and posh boutique! My Little Sprout located here in Chula Vista. The Shops at San Miguel Ranch to be exact, has picked up clothing and The Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain by Mommy's Little Monkey.
I'm thrilled! After preparing my presentation I was a bit nervous and hesitated to go to the boutique. You see, I'm a bit shy when it comes to this business stuff. Maybe it's the fear of rejection I have haunting me. I'll have to get over that.
This was a new experience for me. I had sincerely contacted Java Mama's owner complimenting her on her great idea for her wonderful and much needed mommy coffee shop/hangout and she responded with an invitation to pick up my line of products. That was thrilling but this was a actual knock on the door "Hello would you like to buy some cookies" ordeal, and she bought some! I mean I won't compare my stuff with cookies because, you know, they're not cookies. I'm just so happy to finally be walking the road of having my products liked and recognized.........I guess finally making this (my dreams) a reality.
After the presentation was over we talked a bit about business and our aspirations. When she finally made her decision I went to my car to get my products, checked the time and freaked! I had to go pick up my two little monkeys from preschool. WOW, I had 20 minutes to get to the other side of town and had to let her know that I needed to go. I'm so thankful she understood and that my very good friend stayed with the monkeys until I got there.
I returned later to finish the order and I was off. Now, maybe being sleep deprived and exhausted from the roller coaster of emotions I had experienced earlier that day made me exhausted but I still drove to my best friend's house to take pictures of her and her little monkey with the Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain on to add on to the website and then realized it was nearly 8:00pm once we were through. This meant that I really didn't see the kids all day and I wanted to get home to them plus tell them the great news. I talked a bit with them and then put them to bed, found my way to the couch and I was out by 9:00PM. The next day I was pretty beat. Well, I guess I'll stop whining and express my excitement on this great experience. WHEE!!!!

Happy I'm spreading the news on my business.
Happy I'm being picked up by boutiques.
Exhausted and a bit fuzzy headed while doing it all.
Loving the journey.

Evie

Happy Mother's Day !!!

I want to wish all mommies a very happy day on Sunday. May it be filled with many cards from your little monkeys, macaroni necklaces and kisses. Here's a beautiful poem written that touched my heart for moms.

Women have strengths that amaze us.

They carry children, they carry hardships,

they carry burdens but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without new shoes so their children can have them.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They have sorrow at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!

Women do more than just give birth.

They bring joy and hope.

They give compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

-Author Unknown

Evie

The Mommy Test

This was sent to me today and I wanted to post it on here so that other mommies can smile and laugh.

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that. "Why?" my daughter asked. "Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Mommy, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart." I was thinking quickly. "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information."OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy." "Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face.

When you're finished laughing, send this to a Mom.

The New Simple and Sweet line has arrived to Mommy's Little Monkey!

Mommy's Little Monkey has a new line of nursing covers! Introducing The Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain ! The site still needs a bit of photo fixing but let me give you all of the details on this new cover.

The Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain is similar to The Nursing Curtain but it lacks the extra piece of material (the valance) along the front chest area. It comes in all the same new prints as the Nursing Curtain and is embellished with ribbon to accentuate the colors in the fabric. This is a great addition to Mommy's Little Monkey and we are excited to have it finally added to the site.

Check it out and pass on the word to your nursing friends and family.

Evie

QVC/Oprah's Search for the next BIG Idea!

Tune in Thursday to the Oprah Winfrey Show. The audience will choose the next BIG idea to be on QVC and sell their products. More than 6,000 people applied and interviewed for the spot with QVC judges and only a couple were selected to be there. We went, were not chosen but we were interviewed by Oprah's film crew and hopefully we made a little spot on the opening intro. to her show. I'll be watching but even if we did not make it on the show we still had a blast going and being a part of the whole thing.

Tune in this Thursday, May 3rd!

Cinco De Mayo was a great success!

Mommy's Little Monkey turned 1 and returned to the Cinco de Mayo celebration! So many people recognized us and congratulated us on our success. It was really rewarding to have returning customers come up to me and tell me how much they loved my product, read the blog and appreciated my business. It was also wonderful to have excited people come up to me and discover my business, complimenting me on my products. It was so motivating!

I want to thank each person who was there and browsed, purchased or simply took a card wanting to spread the news on my business. :-) Thanks!

!Fiesta!

This week I'll be working like a Crazy Lady trying to get things done for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration here in my town. It's this Sunday, April 29th. A bit before Cinco de Mayo but it's all good. That means that Mommy's Little Monkey is turing 1!

Yes, we launched last year the exact same weekend. I'll definitley be celebrating after it's done with my favorite fiesta drink, a Margarita!

Cheers

Salud

Evie

Lumps

Tonight I was visiting fellow blogger sites. Motivated to spread the news on a topic posted on Mama Knows Breast- Breastfeeding Cuts Breast Cancer Risk, I wanted to give you the link so that you may educate yourself on this new Research Story.
Andi has a friend who is currently journaling her journey with breast cancer. Her journal includes when she finds out she has cancer, battling the Chemotherapy to loosing her precious hair. The way she handles each step is so heart moving.
Just as Kelly found a lump while nursing her little one , I too had/have a lump in my left breast that I found while nursing my first child eight years ago. I was immediately concerned about this lump. I went several times to the doctor for this lump in my breast but each time I was told that it was not common for a 23 year old, breastfeeding woman to have cancer. I was also told my breasts were/are fibrous and that I should not worry. For a while I've ignored the concern for this lump but I have been checking in from time to time just to see if it has grown. Again, I'm concerned. So far she has stayed the same size but getting checked would probably be the best thing to do, don't you think?
This story has motivated me to go back to my doctor to get it checked out again. Having lived with Alopecia as a child my worst fear is loosing my hair, as it is I don't have eyebrows because of it so when I was little being bald and eyebrowless, many people always asked my mom if I had cancer. Does this sound shallow or what? I mean who cares about this-Hair loss? Overall the average person would primarily think of CANCER first, but me HAIR LOSS! After reading Kelly's story I am humbled and feel ashamed for these emotions. Her strength-inspirational, her personality through all she has journaled-motivating, my prayers go out to Kelly and her family.
I am so glad I read this tonight and promise to make my appointment tomorrow to see my doctor on this lump in my breast. I also ask for you to spread the news on cancer and the connection of breastfeeding reducing the risk in women.

Evie

EARTH DAY

This Sunday, April 22ND, marks EARTH DAY. Celebrate with all responsible parents and people who want a better future for their children and generations of future family by supporting "The Sky Belongs To All of Us" http://earthday.net/sky3/.


Since I've become a mother pollution and becoming "Green" has been a priority. I continue to teach my children and incorporate Green living into my everyday activities including while running my business. Doing just a couple of things can help our environment. We can make a difference little steps at a time.


Learn about little things you can do to help here http://www.earthday.net/involved/envtips/default.aspx .





Evie

My Monkey Man turns three and Starts School in the same week!

Monkey man just turned three Sunday and we celebrated by removing his little horns in his much anticipated baptism. Yes! Finally maybe we'll see a halo start to appear. So far I haven't been able to see a thing around his head, maybe it takes some time.
The family came over and we had a small celebration combining his birthday in there as well. He's been into Monster Jam lately and so we ended up getting him a Monster Jam cake. For any of you who don't know what the heck Monster Jam is then let me explain. It's when these ginormous vehicles that sit on metal frames crash into each other and destroy various objects in their paths. They fall apart sometimes and make very loud noise while doing their destruction. Daddies love it, at least my hubby does.
If you live in a boy world you probably know all about it. I came from princess dress up, tiaras and wands with my two first monkey princesses to a world of Tonka trucks, Monster Jam and this great cartoon I have to tell you about, "Bigfoot Presents" on Discovery Kids. This great show can keep my monkey man occupied for a long time, he loves it! If I need to clean or get some lunch together I know exactly what to put on the tube feeling confident he's not destroying anything or hurting himself.
Well, he ended up getting a great lunchbox for his birthday from my brother and sister-in-law and monkey man is crazy about it. Today he woke up excited that he was starting school. We dressed him and then he and his sisters went to the kitchen to get ready for breakfast. When he knew it was time to get his snack together he scambled for his big Fire engine lunch box and made sure he was right there watching all that was placed inside it. Then he held on tight to it and would not put it down.
When it was time to take him and his sister to school I didn't think I would get emotional BUT I did. I felt confident his sister would be fine because she currently is in pre-school and is attending this new one with monkey man to help with the transition. When it was time to leave him I was taken over by many emotions. I just watched my last baby sitting at the play dough table sculpting away. He never really looked up at me or F . We said goodbye to the both of them and turned to walk away then he yelled "mommy I want a hug" then asked F for one too. We said good bye again and then off we went. I started tearing up and walking to the car the tears came down.
I'm happy that they're in school but it's a new little chapter in my life. I'm a scared it's all happening too fast yet I kind of asked for time to speed forward during my challenging moments with them. Now, it sits here in my lap and I want to rewind time and hold them in my arms again and change diapers......okay maybe not that part. I have to just take it in and see what lies ahead. More time for my business but the down side of it all is I now have six hours a week to myself so I have no more excuses for a dirty house :-(

Man!!!! Now you know what I did today-cleaned!

Evie

Peace


Although I am almost always a little delayed in my posting I wanted to get on and post my sincere condolences to all the families who lost a loved one during the awful attack at Virginia Tech. University yesterday. I also want to mention that not all students are "young"(18 yrs), single and without children. I was a mother while attending UCSD.
To all the victims may they rest in peace but for any children who lost a mommy or daddy in yesterday's attack, my prayers are also with you in this time of grieving and healing.

Evie

Two Months!

My best friend is two months post partum! Her Little monkey is so beautiful and is now staying awake longer and is more alert. I went over to visit the other night and somehow received diaper duty the minute I got there. I remember those days and actually miss them. I was so happy to have diaper duty. His mommy put his little mobile on and he cooed as I changed him. I couldn't stop holding him and loving him. I really miss the baby days.
BFF is doing so good too. Her transition into mommyhood has been quite a big one but she 's doing so good and is glowing. I actually remember not feeling very natural when I became a mommy and it was a huge challenge for me. Some days were great and I felt good about the whole new life I had and other days I felt like I was surely going to fail at this new job. I still have those days but most days I surrender to the fact that I'm going to mess them up no matter what! :-)
Really though, I love my job as a mommy and with time and more children you gain confidence and get the hang of it, I did.
To babies, they make us the mommies who we are and turn us into women we never thought we could be!

Moving To Texas!!!

No, I'm not moving to Texas at this very minute but my husband, F, came home from work the other day suggesting that we pick up and move there. What the heck is there in Texas for us? I mean no offense to anyone who lives in Texas, I'm sure it's great but we were both born and raised here in SD and have so much family here that I could not imagine leaving to a state where we have no one. I guess it comes down to the kids and what we will and can offer them in the future. Although he's concerned with these little monkeys who are growing up so fast I can't help but worry that we'll take them out there and once they're grown will be drawn back home to California where all of their family is, leaving us alone in a hot hell.
After discussing it with him a bit I do understand his emotions and so I decided to take a little trip with him to hell (I only mean the heat)to check it out. Austin to be exact is where we're headed to visit in one month.
To be continued.........

Spring Break !

So last week was spring break. It seems like I used to look so forward to it. To mornings I could sleep in and not have to rush around making coffee and watching it simmer and then turn cold as I pass it several times while getting the kids ready for school. To late nights watching movies and playing games or reading books with the kids. This year though, I looked forward to it but it was very fast and we still rushed around not to mention I never had a good cup of hot coffee.

We played at the park and had a picnic. The kids ran, rode scooters and played at the playground. We went to the Zoo and also visited the beach. It was nice and I took a break from working the whole week just to dedicate time to the kids.

Cheers to Spring!

Mommy's Little Monkey went to Oprah's Search for the Next Big Idea!!!!

Monday was an exciting day for me! I traveled north to Downtown L.A. to enter Oprah's Search for the Next Big Idea! It was so great. I started off the week a nervous wreck. With some motivation, simple mentoring and conversation with a close family friend and fellow inventor he really calmed my nerves where I was able to carry on the week in peace. As Monday approached I prepared and was on my way with confidence and faith that I had a chance at this contest that QVC and Harpo productions partnered up and had set up. I had a 4PM schedule appointment. We (my motivating team and emotional support from the birth of my creation and start of my business, cousin and sister-in-law) made it just in time and arrived a bit nervous yet excited. We signed waivers, just in case we were video taped by Oprah's cameras and then entered the room where many people were waiting to be discovered. Once I realized that there were so many people and that the interview process was nothing like American Idol I was relieved and a wave of confidence set in.
I then went to check in and once in line waiting we said a little prayer and off I was escorted to a table to display my product. I displayed the two products the best that I could and was ready for the interview to begin. A judge, Kim, came over and introduced herself and I then introduced myself and it began. I presented my creations to her and she asked me a couple of questions like what it was made of and if it was machine washable, if I had a patent and what they were priced at. It was a painless process and then I was done. I was very pleased with the experience but one thing I did notice was how these professional purchasing QVC judges showed absolutely no emotion. They simply asked their questions and were then on their way. I really noticed this while I waited. I love to read people too and I could not see any emotion in the two I studied. They must send them through many training courses or poker classes to teach them this skill!
When I was packed up and walking away the girls met me and they started asking me questions. We were then approached by Oprah's camera crew and they asked to interview us! WOW, this was too exciting for me. I said yes and they started asking me questions about the process and if I thought I would be chosen. What was I supposed to say? "oh yeah, I'm getting a call back for sure" NO! I did not say that, I simply said it was great and that the experience was wonderful. My judge was very nice and she made it very painless. I also said I was hopeful of the outcome. THEN.......I had to take advantage of the exposure. I asked if they wanted to see my product ;-) I HAD TO! The crew glanced at each other as if they had never been asked the question before, nodded at each other and kept filming. I took out my Nursing Curtain and informed them of what it was and what it did. The woman who approached me, who was most likely the one in charge whispered that she was nursing. We finished up and I then gave her one!!!!!! One of Oprah's people has one of my creations!!!!
Overall it was such a great experience and I'm really happy I did it. I'll receive the results by April 27th.
Keep your fingers crossed for me,
Evie

MAMALICIOUS!!!!

Check out my new fabric selections! http://www.mommyslittlemonkey.com/

We changed out the old and came in with some new and very cute prints including Mamalicious Blue and Pink. I love them!!

Soon to be added to the collection is The Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain which is almost the same but much simpler. This cover lacks the valance and has a cute pocket in the front to hold all your nursing and non-nurisng needs.

Visit us to see what's new!

Helping the New Breastfeeding Mommy


My best friend had her baby on February 11Th. I went to her baby shower the day prior and she had asked me what contractions felt like. I explained a bit and then she said she felt cramping. The day went on and just by glancing at her you could tell she was experiencing discomfort. With my own experience this could go on for days. I left a little later and told her to call me the next day.
She was scheduled to have a Cesarean due to the baby being breached later that week but Sunday, Feb. 11Th, was the his natural birthday. Her water broke very early that morning and once at the hospital they got ready for her and performed the surgery. I missed it all because I was at a baptism and forgot my purse at home! I cried a lot that day. He's beautiful and now officially a month old.
Although I missed the birth I did make it to the hospital later that day and stayed a while with her and her family. When I arrived the baby was in the nursery. When she started to worry a bit about the length of time he had been gone she decided to call her nurse and told them to bring her the baby. They listened to her wishes.....a good thing! When he was rolled into the room he came in bundled like a little burrito. Just beautiful, it actually made me feel like having another one but I think three is good right now :-)
She decided to start nursing him again but he was very sleepy. By the time I left his suction was growing stronger. She asked me when I would be back and I told her I would be back in the morning. This pushed me to go home and read up on Cesarean births and related issues on breastfeeding.
The next day they were both doing very good and his suction was better than the day before. He was very sleepy but expected from a Cesarean baby. His latch on was good too and she was making sure to latch the baby on correctly by making sure he opened wide and placed her finger in there and retired if it was a bad latch. This woman is the poster mama for breastfeeding and I made sure to tell her too. I'm just a little jealous :-)
Once she was home and after going to her first pediatric visit the doctor informed her that the baby need to latch better, that her had lost a lot and that he was jaundiced. This was something I had experienced with my first baby as well. It scared her a bit and she made appointments with a lactation consultant that helped her with her issues.
One thing that also helped her through her breastfeeding challenges was the La Leche Book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding". This is a great book and I recommend it to all expectant mommies that are very adamant to breastfeed.
She is now almost 5 weeks postpartum and doing great. I told her my own secret of counting down each day when it gets challenging. 5 weeks has gone by very fast for me but I know when you're the one transitioning it can be hard. Counting down helps you to pat yourself on the back and realize hat you are one day more into giving the very best nutrition to your baby.

Until next time,
Evie

Missing Blogger!!!

I am very sorry that I have not posted anything in a while! I'm not missing...I'm here just very busy.
My best friend had her little monkey in February and I did do a lot of breastfeeding review and helped her out when I could (this topic needs it's own post). I've also been busy with the family, organizing the house, and of course the business.
My birthday just passed on the 13Th! I am now officially a year older :-) I'm proud and very accepting of aging, don't get me wrong, but this year I was a little blue. I 'm guessing it was the cold I came down which attacked me when I woke up that morning.
Anyhow, everything is going good. Now on to some Mommy issues.
Evie