The Itsabelly Blog

Exciting News - Itsabelly's Rebirth!

We're proud to announce that on June 27, 2008 Itsabelly gave birth to a rebranded website!  The company is the first "green" international business to provide baby planners and baby concierge services to pregnant and parenting families everywhere.  Itsabelly is growing and great opportunities are abound - we now have a location in Toronto, Canada headed up by Rishma Lalani.  We're are thrilled to have Rishma join the Itsabelly family.  Additionally, Jennifer Lo Prete will continue to be our savvy Marketing Mama keeping the great buzz going about Itsabelly.  Last but not least, Kelly Oswald, our New Parent Educator Mama will focus on providing excellent parenting resources. 

With a streamlined focus on 3 new categories of service "Itsabelly, Itsababy and Itsaparent" will help new parents in all of their pre, post and beyond newborn needs.  From registry completion, green baby 101, baby proofing, new parent education  to nanny/childcare sourcing Itsabelly is your one stop resource for baby.  Itsabelly even offers an on-line store filled with non-toxic, organic baby and mama products free of phthalates, parabens and 1, 4 Dioxane so shopping is right at your finger tips!  And we can't forget to mention that we offer delicious and all natural Bellybars - chocolate craving anyone?

Itsabelly is also focused on helping baby planners everywhere with their entrepreneurial endeavors.  If you want to be a baby planner or have started your own baby planning business Itsabelly is THE go to resource for growing your business.  The National Baby Planner Association headed up by Itsabelly's founder can also provide a strong network and support from professional baby planners wanting to offer the best customer service abiding by the highest of standards.

So, check our new site out and let us know what you think.  More exciting news to follow on Itsabelly's growth in Canada, the summer release of our new book and our renewed focus in helping provide services that put the right tools in your parenting tool box helping ease the transition into parenthood - making life just a little bit sweeter with baby!

Thanks to all of our wonderful Itsabelly supporters who continue to help our company grow, you rock!

Look Mommy a Red Pony!

 I've been wanting to post about this really cute on-line toy store that I found while poking around the internet a few months ago.  Finally, I can share my discovery with you...called Nico and Zoe.  Nico and Zoe carry unique and artisan made toys that you can't find at your local big box toy store.  And if your sick of all of the recalls and plastic junk your kids are exposed to Nico and Zoe is definitely a place that will make you wish you were 2 years old again!

 I bought a few items for Isabella (Sudoku Set (cute wooden animal game pieces) and Primer Pak (lacing, puzzle pieces - great learning toys!) and some items she won't be ready for until she's 3 but I had to have them.  I think it was more for me to play with than her, I admit it!

The cool little Rody Pony is a great toy that any child would fall in love with, awesome for balance and coordination - a popular pick for many parents wanting to give their toddler something fun and different!

The Winners!

First of all, if you're reading this today Happy 4th!  I wanted to send out a note announcing Itsabelly's winners of the iPod Shuffle and Earth Mama Angel Baby "I Love My Mama" gift set contests.  I know, I know... I'm totally tardy and I apologize but with a new book soon to be released, a new website and company growth with Rishma as our new baby planner in Toronto, Canada  - I've been just a little bit busy these past few months :)  I'm happy to announce that our winners reach over into international territory, yahoo!

So, without further a due our lucky winners were:

Sonia Sousa of Barrigas & Bebes in Portugal won the yummy Earth Mama Angel Baby gift set.

Sonia is a Doula and Childbirth Educator. Barrigas & Bebés translates into Tummys & Babies in English, cute!  She's also an Infant Massage Instructor and loves to work with pregnant couples and parenting families.

Ellen Davis in Florida won the cool iPod Shuffle.

CONGRATS ladies and thank you for supporting Itsabelly Baby Concierge!

Home Office Distractions: 4 Tips to Overcome Them

I shared with my friend Brandie that its been a definite challenge to work from home because my office sits right infront of my master bedroom and 30 feet away from the FRIDGE!  So, I thought for those of you who are home based entreprenuers you're probably going through the same challenges - distractions!  I wanted to share some great tips written by my friend Brandie Kajino over at the The Home Office Organizer.  She's a wealth of knowledge and can help you get your home office in top notch shape so check her out.  Thanks for the tips Brandie!

Written By Brandie Kajino

I was having a conversation with a teacher the other day, and she asked me about what I do. When we got to the part where I told her I worked from home, she mentioned that she was not the type who could work from home. She then explained how the laundry, cleaning and other errands and tasks would call her name from other rooms while she tried to work.

I must admit I don’t have this problem (several years of practice and lack of a housekeeper), but I do get this question a lot. So, how can you stay focused in your home office and get stuff done? Here’s a few tips:

1. Use your distractions as breaks: If you were in a cubicle or office outside your home, no doubt you would take a trip to the water cooler or a break outside. So, do the same in your home office. Put in a load of laundry, change the sheets, talk to a neighbor (maybe they work from home too), check the mail or go pull some weeds. You might think of your multi-million dollar idea while washing your socks!
2. Set a time limit: If you choose to do something around the house, be sure you are accountable. Setting a timer or scheduling a conference call will keep you accountable and less likely to get completely off track.
3. Hire help: If you simply don’t have the time (or patience) to do your household chores, consider hiring someone to come in a vacuum or do the laundry for you. If it nags on your brain, you will know it’s getting done and you concentrate on other things.
4. Talk a walk: Talk a walk and clear your head. Did you know that Ralph Waldo Emerson and some other great authors and thinkers were walkers? So, strap on your running/walking shoes and get some fresh air. I’ll bet that little “fold the laundry” voice will be harder to hear two blocks away.

Do you have a way you stay focused and get things done in your office? Do share!

Has Your Child Inspired You to Become an Entrepreneur? Check out Rain Frog Boutique.

Like I said before I love finding women who are inspired to create their own businesses and really follow through with it. Mainly because I know it's a tough job being a mom, wife and business owner all at the same time. I live this challenge every day and it's exhausting but worth it when you are doing something you truly enjoy.  You just have to remember to sleep in between!!

Karen Spaeder was inspired by her young son after he recited the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end, he innocently replaced the traditional words, saying instead, “with liberty and justice for frogs.” She didn’t correct him but instead decided to create a business selling a beautiful line of bamboo and organic cotton clothing (for women, men & babies) along with luxury organic spa items called Rain Frog Boutique.  She was able to do two good things in one; follow her ambition and help preserve our planet.  Props to Karen!

I had the privilege of being able to try out her comfortable tee made of bamboo and  organic cotton.  It felt oh-so soft on my skin and it was in one of my favorite colors cherry red!  The really cool thing was that the tee features natural UV protection, moisture wicking properations and thermal regulation.  It also included a cool stitched-on frog embroidery and came with a real bamboo hanger. It is made with 70 percent bamboo, 30 percent organic cotton.

You can see all of Karen's products at Rain Frog Boutique.  An extra treat you might want to check out is the store's current sale.  You can get a hip bamboo tee in cherry red to wear with your shorts this summer!  She's also added some really hip chocolate brown tees. I'm going to have to do some shopping! 

Introducing Your Newborn to the Furry Family Members

The Pacific Northwest is full of animal lovers, which reminds me just how many families include animals.  We have two yellow labs that have become Isabella's favorite playmates.  As a new parent I was interested in learning how I could make the transition into life with our newborn easier on our furry friends.  So, here are some tips to help you.

Introducing your new baby to your current children takes planning and research, but don’t forget about your furry family members.  There is a lot that can be done to help ensure the whole family enjoys this event to the fullest.  Below you can find a condensed list of the recommendations for things you can do before the baby arrives from the Humane Society that is echoed by parenthood.com.

* Get your pet accustomed to spending less time with you.  Because your new baby will demand a lot of time and energy, you won’t be able to spend as much time with your pet.  A sudden, drastic decrease in attention coupled with frequent scolding of your pet after the baby comes home will likely stress your pet.

* Ensure your pet has a close relationship with a family member besides the mother-to-be. That way, the pet can still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with the baby.

* Ensure your pets are current with their yearly exams, vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered.  Sterilization is particularly important because it tends to result in a calmer pet with less reproductive health issues.

* Consult with your veterinarian and pediatrician to resolve any concerns you have around your pets and the baby.  Resolving these problems early will ease your mind and smooth the transition.
 
* Ensure you have good control of your canine companion. Consider enrolling in an obedience training class with your dog if you have any specific issues or need better behavior.  Get help from an animal behavior specialist for any of the more difficult issues, for example a pet exhibiting fear and/or anxiety.

* Train your pet to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite him on your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.

* Trim your pet’s nails regularly to minimize potential scratching.

* Ask friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Remember to supervise all pet and infant interactions.

* Familiarize your pet with baby-related noises. For instance, play recordings of a baby crying or turn on the mechanical infant swing. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.

* Apply double-stick tape to the furniture to discourage your pet from jumping on the baby’s crib and changing table.

* Block the entrance to the baby’s room with a sturdy, removable gate high enough to keep your pet from jumping over it. By doing this, you will teach your pet that the baby’s room is off limits.

* Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby’s name regularly if you’ve selected one.

* Have your pet sniff baby's blanket and toys so she becomes familiar with these new smells.

* Plan ahead and make sure your pet is cared for properly while you’re at the birthing center.

* Carry around a swaddled baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing.

Baby Colors? Add Green to Classic Pink & Blue...Front Page Headlines for Itsabelly

Last week was a wonderful week for press related activity when Itsabelly landed on the front page of The Oregonian's "How We Live" section of the newspaper in the article "Baby Colors?  Add green to classic pink and blue" written by freelance writer Emily Puro.  Thanks Emily!!
 

We also aired on Fox12 BetterTV sharing tips on how to Create an Organic Nursery.  We're so excited to see our Itsabelly brand continue to grow and great interest in such an important topic of "going green with baby".  Itsabelly believes that there are two very important reasons to go green even in the smallest of ways and those are to protect our babies and our planet.  We are so happy our message is getting heard on front page headlines!

Itsabelly Making it into International Headlines, Hooray!

We're truly excited to share with you that Itsabelly has made it into international headlines!  Our latest piece of press was on April 21st in the world renowned Springwise newsletter.  Calling us the "Baby Concierge Service with an Eco Twist"...a total surprise to us and since then our web and blog statistics have gone through the roof!! 

So, if you're sending in an inquiry and we don't get back to you right away you'll know why :) but no worries you'll hear back from us,we promise.

One word describes how we feel about Springwise's feature, "hooray"!  Thank you to Nancy Grossman of Back Channel Press who submitted our story and to Springwise's editor.

Two Cool Giveaways Right Here on Itsabelly!

Just a quick post to let you know Itsabelly's lucky iPod Shuffle winner will be announced shortly so stay tuned. 

Additionally, we're hosting one more giveaway contest to win Earth Mama Angel Baby's "I Love My Mama" gift set valued at almost $50.  You can enter until May 7th, 12:00 am PST by commenting on this blog, signing up for our blog through Feedblitz in the right hand corner of this page or signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of our home page here.  If you haven't already entered you have up to 3 chances to enter your name into our drawing as noted above.

So, what are you waiting for?!  You may win something really nice for the special mom or friend in your life just in time for Mother's Day!  Prize will be shipped to the winner on May 8th to arrive just in time.

Give the Gift of Reading - Check out The Gifted Grasshopper

When I first found The Gifted Grasshopper I was impressed with the organization of their website and totally enamored by their product.  I love books and I especially love books that make my little one's face glow after she flips through the pages and points to the pictures. 

The Gifted Grasshopper is a perfect way to send that special gift of reading to a child if you're a parent, grandparent, relative or friend looking for something educational.  The books can be gift wrapped with a cute stuffed grasshopper and placed in a re-usable book bag for your child to carry his favorite books in.  You can find books for baby through third grade from a hand picked selection of wonderful children's literature.  Customized book bags, gift certificates and even party favor gift bags starting at $7.99 are available.  Gifts under $30 may also fit your needs.  This company was created by two former first grade teachers so you know they'll have your little one's interests at heart!  The Gifted Grasshopper definitely gets a thumbs up from Itsabelly!

Our Special Announcement to Honor Earth Day!

             

Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby is the first book to provide a simple resource for evaluating eco-friendly baby gear and to learn more about organic and natural family living. We offer mom-tested product reviews and tips to raising a healthy baby and creating a happy planet. The founders of Under the Nile, gDiapers, TheSoftLanding.com and Earth Mama Angel Baby provide insight on why choosing organic and natural baby products is important to creating a healthier lifestyle. Going Green with Baby features personal product recommendations from eco-minded moms Jennifer Lo Prete and Melissa Moog. Jennifer is a writer and mother of two that has long practiced green living. Melissa is mom to a toddler, writer and the founder of Itsabelly Baby Concierge, a premier baby planning agency that specializes in going green with baby.

Going Green with Baby will be released in the Summer of 2008. To pre-order your copy, please send us an email to info@itsa-belly.com or call us at (503)799-5719 with your name and contact information. We will contact you when the book is available for purchase. Wholesale inquiries are also welcome.

A Peek Inside...

• Plan your baby registry with the best mom-tested reviews of over 300 eco-friendly baby products. We cover all your baby’s needs from slings to strollers, non-toxic bottles to safe skin care products, organic baby clothes to eco-friendly diapers and sustainable nursery furniture.
           
• Learn why going green with baby is important for a healthy baby and happy planet. Our panel of eco experts weighs in on the importance of organic apparel, sustainable wood, non-toxic feeding products and natural skin care products.
           
• Discover our simple eco-mom tips to raising a healthy baby and protecting our planet.
           
• Decipher the meaning and standards behind eco-labels. What does organic mean anyway? We make your trip to the store easier with a useful guide to common eco-labels and organic certification standards.
           
• Gain valuable tips on going green on a budget. From our own experience, it may not be financially feasible to turn your household completely organic. We give you tips on how you can make green choices that are right for your family.