Mama Kanga



Do you baby wear? I think we all eventually do weather it's with a pouch, sling, carrier or our plain ole arms because that's what babies want right? It soothes and calms them just to be on us or in our arms. So the best inventions ever are the solutions solvers to this problem of never being able to put your little monkey down, the pouch, sling, and carriers of all sorts out there.
The next give away that Steph at Adventures in Babywearing is doing is $75.00 towards products at Mama Kanga. While I absolutely love the look of the Sling Ring Slings, I have a horrible back and know this pretty baby would just put me on the floor for days so I would stick with the Cat Bird Mei Tai hoping that this helps distribute weight evenly (it's really cute too).
Check out Mama Kanga for all of their really nice babywearing products and also check out how to win this gift certificate for yourself on Adventures in Babywearing !

Evie

Business Advising

Today I had an appointment with a business advisor. What a great experience. I'm a year into this official business stuff an I've taken business courses, I've read business books (especially those geared towards women) but I've lacked the business mentoring from a professional.

It started off great. He really knew his stuff and really liked my invention, my clothing, my ideas and mission. I did get a bit nervous when the topic on "Business Funding" came up because I hate thinking about credit or owing money to anyone BUT I'm figuring that many have succeeded with this form of assistance. It's still up in the air and there is so much to research and plan.

Boutique Scouting

This week I've been off to a few more boutiques and I have an appointment with a couple more. I was accepted into one, which is owned by two really nice women. They complimented me on my business and product which made me feel really great. Another boutique owner is planning on ordering some covers. I also have my fingers crossed for my appointment at a local hospital boutique. We'll see and I'll keep you posted. I'll be updating my retail locations soon.

Evie

Diary of a Mom to Be

For any of you who would love to follow the pregnancy of a mommy to be then follow me to Chic Blvd.'s season 2 of Diary of a Mom to Be.

Her name is Alli and her little one is due very soon, September to be exact. She's expecting a boy and Mommy's Little Monkey is proud to gift her with a Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain plus clothing for her little one. Check out her blog and look forward to your own pregnancy or simply reminisce about your recent pregnancy/pregnancies. Also check out the great products she receives along the way.

Evie

SHOES

fit for a little Monkey!!!!!

Having three monkeys means I am always on the search for new shoes. Growth spurts plus little monkeys that "drag" their feet everywhere they go equals shoe shopping every couple of weeks, it seems like. I know that if it were possible they would walk barefoot every second that they could but because they can't I'm happy to have come across some cute thick soled shoes that look like they can take some good ware. Stephanie at Adventures in Baby Wearing actually posted a contest on her site to win a gift certificate for some Vincent shoes so hurry up and check her site out for all the info.

Vincent shoes are stylish, cute and the best thing for me is that they are available in large sizes for my older monkeys. My favorite pair for "Monkey Man" are COOL. For my "little Monkey Princess" I prefer Sanna, although I know she would live in the Princessa if she could. For my "big Monkey Princess" I really like the Tanja's and I know she would really like these too. By the way, did I mention that they offer large sizes for older children? If you have older children in larger sizes you'll probably really appreciate this as well. The larger their feet grow the harder it is to find sweet and age appropriate styles.

Hip Hip Hooray for Vincent shoes!

What about Mommy?

A little fashion plus comfort after giving birth is a necessity. Although I'm not a walking model of fashion (to tell you the truth I'm often seen in work out clothing) I can't help but hope someday I will be fashionable :-)

I can say that I clean up pretty well though..haha. So on to the topic. I do feel it is a very neglected subject-new mommies and fitting fashions. This is a crucial time, a sensitive time and often the time we feel our frumpiest. This is a time that nothing fits and we find out that most won't for a while. We get stuck in maternity clothing and never ending roller coaster of emotions. Do we go for a walk? Should I eat that? Why am I not loosing this darn weight? Will those pre-pregnancy pants fit yet? Why am I not loosing the weight, I'm nursing that baby like crazy and feel like a dairy cow!

Okay, I am determined and on a mission to help those women out there, including myself (because one day I may go through this again) to find fashionable clothing that will help during a woman's transition into motherhood. We all know how many emotional and physical changes we can go through and having comfortable, well fitting clothes (not maternity clothing) will help in this department.

Let's start the day we deliver. Cute post partum lounge wear is a great start. I remember watching when Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) from FRIENDS had her baby on the show and I absolutely loved what she wore when her Friends came into the room to see her and her baby for the first time. Rachel was in a shelf bra Cami, a hoodie and what I could imagine were some cotton cute pants. When I had my third baby I made sure to go out and find this type of clothing for my post partum resting. I felt so good when I received compliments from my nurses. Thanks Rachel ( or more like the fashion stylists for the show)!!!! Here's some cute stuff I found and at reasonable prices for your recovery. A pair of drawstring lounge pants, a tank top or Cami allows easy access to baby during nursing time, and a thin hoodie is a plus during your stay especially when that air conditioner kicks in. Don't forget a pair of slippers ( make sure to pamper yourself with a pedicure before labor. Whether it's professionally, hubby or best friend doing it for you).

Now a great "Leaving the Hospital outfit" would be nice too. This would be the outfit you go home in and later can accept visiting Friends and family or run quick errands in. Make sure clothing afterwards is as loose as you would like but shorter than maternity clothing. Drawstring or elastic fashions will at least help your emotional transition and will help you physically transition back into to your pre-pregnancy clothing.

Cheers to motherhood, because it's beautiful and so are you!

Sun+Skin= A Painful Burn

The sun is officially here and it's the time of year we welcome it and all the fun that tags along. The beach, swimming parties, camping vacations, and not to mention amusement park visits are all coupled with bathing suits and barely there fashions exposing hidden skin we're so ready to drench in the sun.

I have to admit I am very ready to relax and soak in some rays. After the recent teaser,Memorial day weekend, I am very excited to start summer and have a little fun. So I wanted to mention SUNBLOCK!

What age is an appropriate age to lather those kiddos in protection? I just so happened to apply some on my first monkey princess when she was 7 months old (one month older then the recommended age) and she had a painful reaction. Her skin turned red and her eyes teared up. I felt like a horrible mommy after it occurred but just wanted to protect my baby's skin. After a quick washing off with mild soap she was all better and we made sure to place a good floppy hat on her head.

Researching the topic a bit I found this article on Sunblock and babies. Best bet is to just keep baby covered and a hat on. Their tiny body and sensitive skin may just not be ready for the chemical filled sunblocks a larger body can handle.

When protecting an older child (6 months and older) make sure to use a high SPF. Here's a natural brand of sun protection I found. Combine this with a great hat and you're set, but remember to reapply sunblock every 3-4 hours and keep little one out of the sun during high sun ray hours (12-4pm).

For Mommy and Daddy try Clarins sun protection (just mentioned on Oprah) and for hat protection (something I've been recently searching for) Hat attack offers a great floppy hat for women and for men check these out. A pair of cute sunglasses and good hair conditioner for mommy and you're set! Oh, make sure to protect your hair and scalp, especially those hair partings on your scalp, they will burn. Believe me, it's happened a couple of times to me and it's pretty painful not to mention embarrassing once your scalp starts peeling

:-( Gross.

Happy sun fun

Evie

Diaper Bags

Diaper bags are what saves a mommy's life! You can place your baby's whole wardrobe in some bags and place just a couple of things in others. Well, I went in search for a cute diaper bag that would double as a stylish purse during and after baby packing days. I fell in love with........drum roll please!

Mia Bossi ! A little pricey but it's the same amount many women are spending on their own bags these days. Mia Bossi bags have compartments for all the many things we carry with us keeping it all organized and pile free. No more digging! (At least for the first couple of uses). After you're done with baby carrying check out how you can change the interior insert to a computer bag! Too cool working mommy!

Here are some other cool and stylish diaper bags. Caden Lane, now this one is too cute and pretty. I love the pink trim. Chocolate brown with pink lining, now that Mommy's Little Monkeys signature colors.

For more cute diaper styles check out Caden Lane's Backpack, The blossom Diaper Bag by POSH, and The Sam Hobo bag (in style, functional and no one knows it's a diaper bag).

May I also add that all of these bags will fit my wonderful Nursing Curtain or Simple and Sweet Nursing Curtain! Just had to mention that little piece of info. ;-)

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