The Green Onion Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

We interviewed boutique owner, Elliesha Villanueva, of The Green Onion Children’s Boutique in Brooklyn, New York. Elliesha gives us the lowdown on Halloween happenings in the Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens neighborhood, her views on growing up in the community and the perfect take-me-home gift for baby. Read more to discover more about The Green Onion!

 

The Green Onion

274 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718.246.2804

 CHECK-IN and JOIN 
The Green Onion’s Facebook
page and click HERE

 

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own boutique?
Having my own business has always been a dream I wanted to pursue. The Green Onion was originally founded and opened in 1998, and I had the opportunity to purchase this successful existing children’s boutique in 2008 and I love it!

2.    How did you come up with the name?
The name was already conceived, and I kept it because it stood out, and people always remembered us because of our name.

Inside the Green Onion

3.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your boutique for fall, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Halloween?
Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens is a great neighborhood to raise a family – we have an amazing community! We normally open for Halloween and give out candy. Cobble Hill Park and Carroll Park both have separate parades. Prospect Park, which is located in Park Slope, is one of our nearby neighborhoods that has a ton of events during the weekend leading up to Halloween.

4.    Please tell us 1 fun Halloween tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers?
I grew up in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, and being an urban child during the early 80’s in New York was a different experience than it is now, but our tradition was to keep the “trick a treating “ within our local small business community. I have fond memories of Halloween in my neighborhood!!!

5.     What is one fun way to decorate a pumpkin or your home for Halloween?
My Husband and I love to fill our home with the scent of cinnamon and we also love to decorate our windows at home and in the store!

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
We have not started our own family yet, but my husband and I have sworn to never let our children create a habit of sleeping in our beds.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Brooklyn, New York. Did you grow up in the local area?
I grew up in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, New York and it is and was a great neighborhood to grow up in. Downtown Brooklyn is socially and culturally diverse. Those who don’t know Brooklyn tend to think of it as a middle & lower class dormitory suburb of Manhattan. That’s not the image most New Yorkers have nowadays. Like Manhattan, its smaller cousin in terms of population (2.5 million versus 1.5 million), it has always been a borough of many neighborhoods, some rich, some poor and many solid middle-class. The challenge for the coming years will be to manage Brooklyn’s growth and maintain its cultural diversity.

8.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
From Le Top we love the layette bunting (or what Le Top calls a “snugglebag” that also comes in blue and pink) in mint green! It has been one of our best sellers since fall 2010. We love it because it’s a great take-me-home piece and a fabulous gift for a new baby. Our other favorite are the knit sweaters from Rabbitmoon. 

rabbitmoon "anjou" color-blocked sweater dress

The Green Onion

274 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718.246.2804

CHECK-IN and JOIN 
The Green Onion’s Facebook
page and click HERE 

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Belli Bambini Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

We spoke with storeowner, Melissa Delancy, this week about her over the top adorable and great to shop in boutique in Southern Pines, North Carolina. She gave us the scoop on how she started her store, where the best local family hangouts are these days, as well as her top Le Top boys and girls collections this season for your kiddo. Did we mention she gives a special discount if you dress up for Halloween and come to her store? Go get your costumes soon! 🙂 Read more below about one of our favorite Le Top boutique retailers – Belli Bambini.

Belli Bambini

118 Northwest Broad Street
Southern Pines, NC 28387
910.692.6926

CHECK-IN and JOIN Belli Bambini’s Facebook pageand click HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own boutique?
Melissa:  I started working in the children’s industry at Gap Kids when I started college. It was a very hard, exhausting, and rewarding job. After the long hours. I swore I would never work retail again. But I went on to work at private boutiques and fell in  love …22 years later here I am, and still loving it.

Le Top Fall 2011 "Zoo Kazoo" collection

2.    How did you come up with the name?
Melissa:  Decisions can be my worst enemy. I had at least 40 names to choose from and my husband finally told me I had until the end of  the day. I wanted something sweet that was about both boys and girls. That’s why we are called Belli and not Bella. 

3.    Fall is in the air and Charlotte Magazine mentions you are a store for posh tots! You definitely are on the local style radar – what are 3 staples you can tell parents to buy from your store for when transitioning their kids’ wardrobe from summer threads to warm clothes for the fall?
Melissa:  Everyone must have a pair of TOMS, plus every shoes you buy, TOMS donates a pair to someone in need of shoes! Jeggings! Denim and colors…a great way to pair with an assortment of tops. Le Top red and white styles…perfect for Christmas and Valentines Day!

4.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your boutique for fall, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Halloween next month?
Melissa:  Halloween we will dress up and if you dress up we will give you 15% off any regular price item. 

5.   Please tell us 1 fun Halloween tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers?
Melissa:  As a child I loved to dress up, but I didn’t like to ask for candy, because I didn’t feel it was appropriate. But I loved and still love to hand out candy and tell all the trick-or-treaters how adorable they are. Funny thing is my middle child has always been the same way. 

6.    What is one fun way to decorate a pumpkin or your home for Halloween?
Melissa:  We, or shall I say my husband, traces and cuts our pumpkins. He is very precise. 🙂

7.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Melissa:  I swore I would never make my kids wear something they didn’t like, especially dresses! I hated to wear dresses and every Sunday my parents made me wear one to church. I wanted pants like my brother…guess what I lied! I must approve the attire. 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that has made your day working at your store.
Melissa:  It’s too hard to pick just one “aha” moment, but I must say its such a pleasure when a couple goes to the doctor to be told they are expecting a little miracle. Their first stop being Belli Bambini, either as a way of celebrating, or as a gift they give to their parents to tell them they are going to be grandparents. While I feel all children are so special, another “aha” moment is to see the smile of a mother-to-be who is awaiting for the birth mother(adoption) to give birth to their baby. What a blessing!

9.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Did you grow up in the local area?
Melissa:  I was raised in San Antonio, Texas. My husband serves in the military which is what brought us to Southern Pines. Southern Pines is a beautiful little town. The train house and railroad tracks divide the shopping street into two sides. The best way to describe it is its “like living in Mayberry.” Plenty of unique boutiques, tasty restaurants, parks where you will see families walking their dogs, strolling their babies and eating an ice cream cones.   

10.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Melissa:  Grab a bench, sit and enjoy the view. If you need more, we do have 27 golf courses and we are in horse country. 

11.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Melissa:  I love the Le Top “Zoo Kazoo” Collection  and for girls its the “Cute Cookie” Collection! 

Belli Bambini

118 Northwest Broad Street
Southern Pines, SC 28387
910.692.6926

CLICK HERE to CHECK OUT Belli Bambini on Facebook

Le Top Fall 2011 "Cute Cookie" Collection

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Mama Bear’s Childrens Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

We interviewed New Jersey children’s boutique guru and fashion expert, Tiffany Patch, from Mama Bear’s Childrens Boutique – one of the BEST kids specialty stores on the East Coast – for this week’s Premier Store Spotlight.  She gave us the inside scoop on working as a family business, how their logo came about, their AMAZING sales going on right now for fall, a charity the store strongly supports (and so should you!), as well as the local family hangouts for your family and kids. Read more to find out!

Mama Bear’s Childrens Boutique

8 Village Center Drive
Beckett Village
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
856.467.6100

Go to www.mamabearschildrensboutique.com for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN  Mama Bear’s Children’s Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

Want to send Mama Bear a tweet?  Become a Twitter fan HERE

 

1.    What is the inspiration behind your store’s name?
Tiffany:  We are a mother/daughter business and thought Mama Bears are warm and loving. We opened our store the week after my son was born. We used a picture from his baby book as the inspiration for our first sign. It was a mama bear reading to her baby bears. Hard to believe it’s been almost 17 years. My son now helps out in the business and has been involved with our buying since he was old enough to make decisions.

2.   Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your store as summer comes to an end, especially the fun deals we can expect.
Tiffany:  We are currently having a 20-75% off fall and summer dress sale, 20% off all summer clothing, and always have a 50% off rack in the back of our store. We also offer special Facebook only promotions.

Le Top "Under Contruction" Collection double sleeve fire truck shirt and french terry pant

3.    Back-to-school is just around the corner – what are 3 trends you can tell parents to look for when buying their kids’ wardrobe?
Tiffany:  For girls the animal print trend is still a big one for us and mommies seem to want colors other than pink. Big blingy headbands are selling like wildfire and are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. For the boys, our customers are getting a little more adventurous with color, but it still has to be masculine. Anything with dogs, motorcycles or construction equipment is always popular. 

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Tiffany:  I swore I would never put my son in a gown. He lived in the gowns for at least the first two weeks when he came home from the hospital. We love Le Top’s gowns, especially the converter gowns. They are practical and cute.

5.    What children’s charity do you most believe in and would love to support?
Tiffany:  Alex’s Lemonade Stand. We have participated in Lemonade days in the past. There is a very special boy in our community we honor. His name is Mario. He has inoperable brain tumors that are treated by chemotherapy. We met him when he and his mom volunteered to help our lemonade stand. The community really comes together to raise money to find a cure for pediatric cancer. We also donate to many other charities related to pediatric illnesses and donate some of our clothing to organizations that help foster families.

6.    Please tell us 1 easy tip or snack/meal for a child’s back-to-school lunchbox?
Tiffany:  For a break from the boring old peanut butter and jelly sandwich, try a peanut butter and nutella sandwich instead. For the mommy’s put a dollop in your morning coffee.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Swedesboro, NJ. Did you grow up in any of the local area?
Tiffany:  We are lifelong South Jersey girls. Our store is in a suburban area that is considered one of the fastest growing on the East Coast. It’s an area with lots of young families. The area surrounding our store was mostly farmland ten years ago. Now we have new businesses and lots of beautiful new homes.
 

rabbitmoon's "Harmony" Collection sweater dress

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made  your day working at your store.
Tiffany:  There are so many special moments with our wonderful customers every day. Whether it is finding the special outfit to bring a baby home from the hospital, working with a customer to find the perfect Christening gown/suit, choosing a birthday outfit or helping a bride with flower girl dresses/boys suits. I am blessed to have a job that I love so much. We have a special bulletin board by our front door where we post pictures of our customer’s children in our clothing. It makes my day whenever our customers bring a picture or post a picture on our Facebook page. I have to say we have the cutest customers.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Tiffany:  I asked my son that question since our business is a family affair. He said Dave and Busters. We have been taking him there since he was two-years-old. It was our tradition to go to the Philadelphia market to meet with the sales reps to buy for the store. If he was well behaved, we would go play afterward at Dave and Busters. With fall coming, we also have farms in the area where families can pick their own pumpkins, go on hayrides and corn mazes.

Le Top "My Best Friend - Boys" Collection stripe shirt and pant

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 Collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Tiffany:  That was a tough choice. Both lines are fabulous as always. I love the My Best Friend collection from Le Top because I am a sucker for anything with dogs and so few companies do brother sister. I also love the rough and tough manly Under Construction group. If I had to pick my  favorite, I would say it’s Harmony from the rabbitmoon Collection. I love the unique color combination and bold prints. Our customers love that they are fashionable and still buttery soft.

8 Village Center Drive
Beckett Village
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
856.467.6100

For more information go to
www.mamabearschildrensboutique.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN
Mama Bear’s Children’s Boutique
Facebook page and click HERE

Want to  send Mama Bear a tweet? Become a Twitter fan HERE 

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Kids’ Ketch: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

This week we travelled to Lewes, Delaware to interview one of the cutest children’s boutiques we know – Kids’ Ketch! Owner, Teresa Ford, gave us the inside scoop on what “ketch” means in sailing, their upcoming event for the Italian Fun Fest, back-to-school trends, the fabulous local hangouts for families, and a fun tidbit to leave in your kiddo’s paper bag lunch to make their day! Read more and discover fun facts about Kids’ Ketch boutique!

KIDS’ KETCH
132 Second Street
Lewes, DE 19958
302.645.8448

or go to www.kidsketch.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN Kids’ Ketch Facebook page and click HERE

1.    What is the inspiration behind your store’s name? Give us 3 fun facts about your store that a typical customer wouldn’t know.
Teresa: We are located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, so I wanted to have a name related to the sea and to children. A “ketch” is a two-masted sailboat and when I combined that with “kids” I liked the sound of it.  As for 3 fun facts a typical customer wouldn’t know:

1. We started as a small store in 1990 with just 450 sq. ft.  After two moves, we are in our spot today, with 3,700 sq. ft, which is the only way a lot of people have ever seen us. We’ve been in this location since 1998.
2. My two children have both worked here, my son still does, my mother who is 90 years old continues to work here, and my two nieces have worked here. So it has really been a family affair.
3. We have a large fish tank in our store that the children love, and my husband, who is the mayor in this town, takes care of it. When people ask who takes care of our fish tank, we tell them “The Mayor does!”

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your store this  summer, especially the fun deals we can expect.
Teresa:  On Friday, September 23rd, our downtown businesses are having an Italian Fun Fest where the street will be closed to cars, and we will celebrate all things Italian. In our store, we will feature Quercetti toys, which are made in Italy. We’ll raffle off a Bocce set, and have a fountain set up in the street where kids can make a wish and throw in a coin. The proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Delaware.

(left to right) Teresa Ford, store owner, Mayor Jim Ford, Drew Laroche, and Karin Evick, store manager, celebrating the Best of Delaware award for children's clothing store in 2010.

3.    Back-to-school is just around the corner – what are 3 trends you can tell parents to look for when buying their kids’ wardrobe?
Teresa:  Back-to-school trends I love are:

• The deep rich colors and mix of textures this fall
• The mix of prints, especially in girls clothes that have cute tops and dresses, with leggings of a coordinating different print
• Appliquéd flowers that create a 3-dimensional look on garments

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
Please share!
Teresa:  One thing I swore I would not do is spoil kids or grandkids by giving them too much from my store.  All I needed to do was think of the kids that don’t have much, and realize that kids can get by with less than you think. I think I followed that rule with my children, but I don’t have grandchildren yet, and I bet that will be more difficult! 

5.    If you could pick one item to pack in a paper bag lunch for your kid, what would it be?
Teresa:  The one item I would put in a paper bay lunch is a note or funny picture that would make them smile.

6.    Give us your must-have essential for a boy and a girl’s back-to-school wardrobe from your store.
Teresa:  A must-have essential is a vibrant, colourful tunic top with fun contrasting leggings.

7.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Lewes, Delaware. Did you grow up in
any of the local area?
Teresa:  Our store is located on an old-fashioned “main street” with small boutiques and restaurants. Shoppers often see their friends and neighbours while strolling the area. The town was founded in 1631, so many of the buildings are historic architecture. One block over is the canal where many boats are docked, and walk a couple more blocks and you’re at the beach! 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Teresa:  The special moments that come to mind are when I get to interact with the children and they let their guard down and allow me into their world. This often happens when they are playing in our play area that has a train table and kitchen set up, or when they let me teach them a new game they enjoy playing. Special events allow us to interact with the kids more than usual, and I  guess it’s my latent “school teacher” genes I inherited from my mother that make it so much fun.

 9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Teresa:  The best place to go – the Beach! We have the best beaches here, plus the Cape Henlopen State Park with it’s rolling sand dunes. We  have a wonderful Canalfront Park with playground, and the best places to get ice cream – like Kings Homemade Ice Cream, the Dairy Queen, and Two Dips.

Le Top "Cute Cookie" Corduroy Dress & Footless Stripe Tights

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Teresa: My favorite Fall 2011 Collection – Cute Cookie by Le Top for its vibrant colors, mixture of textures, and easy-to-wear styles.

KIDS’ KETCH
132 Second Street
Lewes, DE 19958
302.645.8448

or go to
www.kidsketch.com
for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN
Kids’ Ketch Facebook page
and click HERE

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Baby Bundles: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Gear up, because back-to-school is around the corner, and if there is one store you can use as your “one-stop shop”…it’s Baby Bundles! They have two fabulous locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky – double the fashion, and double the fun. We spoke with co-owners and kids fashion gurus: Sherri, Margaret and Marie to get the low-down on children’s warm-weather fashion, upcoming deals at their stores and the “do’s” and “don’ts” in dressing the most fashionable baby and kiddo.

 Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

Baby Bundles in Knoxville

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your two children’s clothing stores – how long have each been open and do they cater to different clientele?
Baby Bundles:  Baby Bundles was started in Knoxville, Tennessee ten years ago by Sherri. Sherri wanted a store that would offer a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience for parents looking for specialty items. In 2010, Sherri partnered with Baby Bundles Manager, Margaret and her sister Marie to open Baby Bundles in Lexington, Kentucky. Both stores offer traditional and trendy children’s apparel. While the stores are in different locations, the spirit of the clientele remains essentially the same. Our customers range from new parents to grandparents looking for a local shopping experience from a knowledgeable sales staff, whose primary goal is to assist them in selecting merchandise that reflects their child’s unique style and spirit.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your two stores and e-boutique this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Baby Bundles:  As we wind down summer, Baby Bundles Lexington will be hosting our “One is Fun” First Birthday Party. The event will feature an Alex’s Lemonade Stand hosted by local pre-school students, a petting zoo and visit from local horse hero, Lash, who has recently been made into a plush doll. We will follow that event with a visit with silhouette artist Clay Rice in October.

3.    What are this season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing in Kentucky? Tell us the 3 “do’s” and 3 “don’ts” in kid clothing style.
Baby Bundles: 

Do’s…

1. Accessorize…a great hair bow, headband or cute tights can make the outfit. 
2. Invest in a pair of Monkey Bar Buddies to go with your Le Top dress. The underwear covers come in great colors and are perfect for back to school. 
3. Let your child have voice in which outfits to purchase…you are never too young to take pride in how you look. 

Don’ts…

1. Don’t dress your child above their age. As we tell our customers, “Children are only small for a short period time.” Celebrate childhood by selecting age appropriate clothing.
2. Don’t be afraid to purchase brother and sister matching outfits. Le Top has cute designs that our customers with siblings love.
3. Don’t forget to purchase a white sweater. This simple purchase can help your child’s wardrobe transition into different seasons.

Baby Bundles in Lexington

4.    Why did you pick the name Baby Bundles for your stores?
Baby Bundles:  The original concept was to offer a one-stop shop where parents could buy a variety of specialty store items for their children. The word bundles seemed to work with the original mission and then baby seemed to be a natural fit. 

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Baby Bundles:  We can’t really think of anything. I guess all three of us just gave up hope of controlling every situation and just decided to enjoy the ride.

6.    Describe the neighborhoods of each of your store locations. Did you grow up in any of the 2 local areas?
Baby Bundles:  The Knoxville store is located in the West Town Mall, Knoxville’s premier shopping center. The Lexington store is located in the Mall at Lexington Green, which primarily caters to locally owned boutiques and businesses. Sherri grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and Margaret and Marie grew up just outside of Lexington. Marie still resides in Kentucky. 

7.    What would you say are the top 3 requested clothing and/or accessory items requested from your store this summer?
Baby Bundles:

• Texture was a primary concern of customers this summer. Soft knits from Le Top were great sellers because of they feel great and are easy to care for. 
• Le Top bathing suits with matching cover-ups
• Big Sister and Little Sister outfits that compliment without matching exactly. 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Baby Bundles:  Having to name just one is hard. Perhaps the most memorable was when a Knoxville customer who traveled regularly from Eastern Kentucky to shop learned that we were opening a store in Lexington. She was so excited that she starting jumping up and down and waving her hands like the head cheerleader on game day!

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" swim trunk, shirt and anchor cover-up

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Baby Bundles:  When in Knoxville, stop by and ride the train that travels around the West Town Mall. When in Lexington, a stop by Fro Joes for fresh frozen yogurt, feed the ducks at our big pond, or visit Shilito Park that is just down the street.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Baby Bundles: Our favorite was the Ship Ahoy! Collection. It was ideal for boys and girls from newborn through size 6. Whether land locked or beach bound just looking at it made us think of the perfect summer day!

Baby Bundles Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

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P. Cottontail & Company: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We interviewed super chic boutique owner, Sandra Murphy, of P. Cottontail & Company located in Half Moon Bay, California to find out “what’s hot” and “what’s not” for kids clothes this summer. She gives also gives us the inside scoop on her store events and super sales to look out for, as well as the best hangouts in the store’s area. Read more to find out about her fashion tips and the best beach gear this summer that you can’t live without!

P. Cottontail & Company
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200 

Check-in and join P. Cottontail & Company’s
Facebook page and click HERE 

1.    What was your inspiration/ behind opening your children’s clothing store – P. Cottontail & Company?
Sandra: I really did not have a single inspiration — being in the garment industry my entire career — and the kids business for a large part of that…it was a natural progression.  

2.    Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store this coming summer and fun deals we can expect. Sandra: Our special events this summer?…On July 4th we have an old fashion hometown parade. We will be handing out flags to all of our kids. Also our BIG end of season sale will start in mid-July. Of course, do not forget THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in October. Please visit us early for all things pumpkin AND the best costumes ever.  

3.    What are this season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing? Tell us the 3 “do’s” and 3 “don’ts” in kid clothing style.
Sandra: Do’s and Don’ts…

• Do go for all things comfy and soft — babies and kids both can develop sensory issues at an early age give them all the help you can.
• Do go for the accessories — it makes the outfit — boys love hats and cool shoes, girls love purses just like mom.
• Do go for lots of great dress up clothes, it’s not just for b-day parties, and not just for girls!
• Don’t ever buy any garment that even LOOKS itchy — this is especially important in dressy dresses — also tags inside the garment — many
  of the moms ask us to remove them after they purchase the outfit because they bother the kids so much.
• Don’t ever go for anything tight or restrictive — kids need to be kids.

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Sandra: I never had anything I swore I would never do — I’m a firm believer in “never say never.” I have one daughter — one amazing daughter — and being in the apparel industry, she was exposed to all types of clothing and styles and is quite the diva.

5.    Describe the neighborhood of Half Moon Bay, California where your store is located. Did you grow up in the local area?
Sandra: Half Moon Bay is a coast side town about 20 minutes south of San Francisco — the ocean is a big attraction for families — there are also tide pools at The Fitzgereld Marine Reserve where kids get a real hands-on experience.  

6.    What are your top 3 best selling beach gear items that you would suggest as the perfect “go-to” items for a family on vacation?
Sandra: Top 3 items for beach gear — SUN SCREEN – a sun hat with a large brim and sunglasses – I’m very big on sun protection — start you kids early. 

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Sandra: Hands down favorite moment in the store is when one of my favorite little girls came in, sat down on the floor, opened her piggy bank–dumped out all the pennies–and asked me if she had enough money to buy the horse outfit!! 

Le Top "Flutterbye Butterfly" Hooded Zip Front Coverup and Bikini

8.    What swimwear or cover-up piece from Le Top or rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection?
Sandra: My summer swimwear collection favorite piece…is the pink zip front cover-up from the Le Top “Flutterbye Butterfly” Collection – I also love the bikini-don’t forget the sun hat!  

P. Cottontail & Company
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200

Check-in and join
P. Cottontail & Company’s
Facebook page and click HERE

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Back to School Help for Disadvantaged Children

The past couple of years Le Top employees have supported a program near and dear to our hearts through Volunteers of America, called Operation Backpack. The program collects necessary back-to-school supplies and disburses them to Greater Sacramento, CA area homeless and disadvantaged families, as well as agencies and school districts. I know summer has just started but the new school year is fast approaching and these children are lacking the basics to start school off on the right track. Operation Backpack is accepting filled backpacks or supplies from July 8-22, 2011. If you or a group you are involved in would like to donate or participate see how you do it below (taken from the Volunteers of America website.)

Give Back. Give a Pack.

1. Individuals

• Pick a school supply list.
• Purchase a new backpack filled with school supplies according to the grade level of your choice.
• Securely tag the backpack with the school supply list and bring to one of the participating drop-off locations between July 8 and 22.

2. Groups – Join the 100 Pack!

• The 100 Pack celebrates Volunteers of America’s 100th anniversary of providing human services in Greater Sacramento. By joining today, your group commits to sponsoring its very own Operation Backpack drive, and collecting as many new backpacks and school supplies as possible.
• Introduce your personal network of friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and social groups to Operation Backpack and start today!

Volunteer

• Volunteers are crucial to the success of Operation Backpack. Starting in late-June, and continuing through the first week of August, volunteers are needed to fulfill a variety of roles, including: Runners; Sorters; and Pick-a-Pack Day Event Assistants.
• For more details and to sign up, please visit the Operation Backpack Volunteer page.

Support Kids Now!

• Don’t have time to shop or volunteer, but still want to make a difference? Visit the online donation page to make a contribution today!

For additional information on Operation Backpack, please see the list of supporting pages to the left, or contact them at OperationBackpack@voa-sac.org, or 916.442.3691.

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Fava Bean Love – A Simple Recipe & How to Grow Beans in a jar with your Kids!

Tonight I am having my first dinner party in my new apartment  – yay and yay! I decided to get crazy and put some labor into making a side dish of fava beans. They are so simple and very in season right now. The worst part? Peeling the beans out of their shell. That’s when I thought (not like slave labor), that it would be really fun to have a kid help me shell beans and teach your child/niece/nephew/grandchild the inner workings of a bean! So it will be a tasty snack and neat to see what the inside of a bean looks like for kids!

Fava beans have a brief season and are the national food of Egypt. I mentioned that favas are a labor of love, and here’s why: Fava beans come in a rather large pod (6 inches or so), which only contains about 3-4 beans per pod. They must be removed from the pod (not as simple as shelling peas), blanched, and then shelled again – favas have a secondary husk, which must be removed before eating. But! Without further ado, here’s a little tutorial. I hope it makes sense without pictures.

Fava Beans with Olive Oil and Parmesan
– Serves 2 as a little snack

• 1 pound fava bean pods
• Favas removed from pods (further description of husking follows; removing them from the pods should be self-explanatory)
• Really good extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Good Parmesan

DIRECTIONS:
Place the favas in boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Rinse in cold water and begin the second shelling. Of course, as with all tedious things, there’s an easy way: (for a right-handed person) take the fava bean in your left hand, between thumb and forefinger, “belly” (hollow, scooped out side) up, with the sprout end (sometimes has a black striped) towards your right hand. With your right hand, hold a small paring knife perpendicular to the bean, cut horizontally across the sprout end, making a tiny slit. Squeeze the bean out of the husk; it should pop right out. Repeat, ad nauseum, remembering the whole time how delicious favas are and how much you are going to enjoy them.

Bring another pot of water to a boil and salt liberally. Add the husked beans and boil for another 2 minutes. Rinse the beans lightly in cold water and
drain well. Place on plates and drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add just a few tiny grates of Parmesan.

Eat, savoring bean by bean, enjoying the fruits of your labor.

How to Grow Beans with your Kids @ Home in a Jar: 

Steps:

1. Fill the cup with 2 inches of water
2. Drop the two beans in the cup of water
3. Leave the beans to soak overnight
4. The following day, drain/empty the water from cup and take the beans out of the cup
5. Fill the test tubes just over half way with the potting soil and place each bean inside the test tubes and fill the jar with more soil
6. Place the test tubes in a well light and warm spot and be sure to water them every day.
7. Watch the beans. They will begin to swell, then split. Then a small root will grow out of the bottom of the bean, reaching for the bottom of the jar. Soon, a small shoot will grow out of the top of the bean, reaching towards the top of the jar. When the temperature outside is warm enough, transfer the plants to your outside garden.
8. Keep a close watch each day as you will be able to see how quickly the plants will grow.
9. Have your children write a report, keep charts or color pictures–whatever they can do–to record this experiment.

Note:  Use a jar, clear plastic cups or a clear plastic container and plant the beans by the sides of the container so that you can watch the beans grow by looking through the clear container.

Did you know that plants need water to live?  As well as absorbing water from the atmosphere (air) through their leaves, they suck water up through their stems.

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Growing Herbs with Kids!

Rabbitmoon "Geranium" Smocked Baby Doll Dress

Watching plants grow is a learning experience for children. Planting an herb garden with your child can help her understand where her food comes from and develop an appreciation for growing plants and gardening. Many herbs are easy to grow, making them a perfect introduction to gardening for kids. With summer here and plenty of sun, you might consider growing all you need to make your cooking sing in your own garden or backyard. Herbs don’t need much space and you don’t need to be a green-fingered wizard, either. You don’t even need a garden! In fact, you can start with a few pots on a windowsill or in a small sunny corner. When the plants are mature, you can all enjoy sampling the herbs you grew together.

The easiest herbs to grow are mustard and cress (and they go well in lunchtime egg mayonnaise or roast beef sandwiches!).

Tips!!! 
Take several empty egg cartons and fill the hollows where the eggs sat with cotton wool. Sprinkle on mustard and cress seeds and water gently. Place in a sunny spot and the seeds should germinate in about a week. Keep the cotton wool moist while the herbs are growing. Harvest with kitchen scissors when the plants are 4-5cm tall and add to egg mayonnaise, potato salad or roast beef sandwiches.

Step 1
Decide whether to plant your herb garden in indoor pots, outdoor containers or directly in your garden. Start with thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil and chives, recommends the University of Rhode Island. Plant indoors only if you have a window that provides at least six hours of sunlight every day or if you have access to a grow light.

Step 2
Sit down with your child and open the seed packets or look at the seedlings. Explain to him that the seeds are the brain of the plant. Purchase rosemary and chives as seedlings for better success.

Step 3
Amend your outdoor soil by working an organic fertilizer such as compost or soil mix into your garden with a trowel. Spoon potting soil into your containers, making certain the pots have drainage holes. Explain to your child that the soil amendments give your herbs the necessary nutrients.

Step 4
Have your child to sprinkle the seeds directly on top of the garden soil or into containers, following the planting directions for spacing. Be generous when planting herbs from seed to allow for inevitable seed loss. Lightly cover the newly planted seeds with soil. Tell your child to mark the row with a stake or plastic spoon.

Step 5
Dig a shallow hole in the soil for the purchased seedlings. Loosen the plant from its container. Give the plant to your child and help her set it into the prepared hole. Place the top of the root ball level with the top of the soil. Ask your child to push soil around the plant, packing it firmly so the seedling does not move.

Step 6
Water the new plants and seeds immediately. Water outdoor plants frequently in dry weather. Ask your child to water your indoor plants with a watering can. Watch for the seeds to push a tiny green stalk and leaf through the soil and look for new growth on the seedlings.

Step 7
Fertilize your plants using an organic herb fertilizer. Show your child how to thin the new plants by gently pulling out the smallest plants. Watch for insects, advises Utah State University, even though herbs usually attract fewer insects.

Step 8
Use the fresh herbs in recipes you and your child make. Pinch leaves directly off the mature plants and sprinkle on salads, in sauces or casserole dishes. Involve your child by asking him to get the herbs from your herb garden before you begin cooking.

Have fun!

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Help Joplin, Missouri Tornado Victims

A man carries a young girl who was rescued after being trapped with her mother in their home (Image by AP)

Family is about coming together and helping one another. As many of you know, there were massive and devastating tornadoes that hit families and residents very early this morning Joplin, Missouri. Le Top family sends our thoughts and prayers to those affected by this unfortunate and terrible disaster.

Much of the city’s south side was leveled, with churches, schools, businesses and homes reduced to ruins.

Fire chief Mitch Randles estimated that 25 to 30% of the city was damaged, and said his own home was among the buildings destroyed as the twister swept through this city of about 50,000 people some 160 miles south of Kansas City.

Find ways to help the families of Joplin, Missouri below

St. John’s has been updating its Facebook page through since the storm hit.

And another Facebook page has been established to help located people in the area.

Emergency officials are asking sightseers to stay away from the area while the damage is assessed. To volunteer, call 1-800-427-4626 or click here.

The Red Cross says volunteers are being mobilized and a shelter has been set up at Missouri Southern State College at 3950 E. Newman Road in Joplin at the Leggett & Platt Ath Center.

To locate a loved one, or report yourself safe and well, click here.  

For nurses or doctors looking to help, call (417) 832-9500 for the Greater Ozarks chapter of the Red Cross.

Health professionals are also encouraged to register to volunteer through the Show-Me Response website.  

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking all first responders to go to Joplin to a command post at 34th & Main.

Click here for a list of Red Cross shelters.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call 211.

The United Way’s 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri. In areas where the 211 number is not operational, citizens can call 1-800-427-4626.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is in need of type “O” blood. If you’d like to donate, click here for a list of donation sites.

Weather and emergency information also are available on the state of Missouri’s website, MO.gov.

Senator Roy blunt is also urging everyone to proceed safely and use extra precautions. He says to call his office (417) 877-7814 for help.

And another Facebook page has been established to help link pets with their owners.

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