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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Dr. Seuss’ Birthday today! Celebrate!

Today, March 2nd, is the birthday of writer Theodor Geisel, known to generations of young readers as Dr. Seuss. In his honor, it has been declared Read Across America Day by the National Education Assn. This is the 14th year that thousands of participating schools, libraries and community centers will celebrate the day by reading together.

I found out that Washington, D.C., will celebrate Read Across America Day with First Lady Michelle Obama reading “Green Eggs and Ham” at the Library of Congress at 11 a.m. She’ll be joined by actress Jessica Alba, Super Bowl champ Donald Driver, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and others.

Shall we say today is “Seuss-er-ific”?

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Jellybeans: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

For this week’s premier “Store Spotlight,” we interview store owner and child guru, Meghan Chambers, and got the scoop on her holiday festivities, traditions, and the best-of-the-best baby and kid gifts from her store, Jellybeans located in Springfield, Missouri. Read more and find out about her super cool tips and favorite festive outfits.

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

1.      What a sweet name, where did the name Jellybeans come from? What was the inspiration behind the name?
Meghan: 
Our name came from a close family member and it really stems from a sweet childhood memory!

2.      Describe the neighborhood where your store is located in Springfield, Missouri. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Meghan: The store is located mid-town in a quaint shopping center across from the mall. The center has several unique shops in it, which makes our location a great place for us to be. We actually opened up shop here in The Brentwood Center 16 years ago. Through trials at other locations, we have now gone full circle, and are happy to be back.

3.      What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials a busy, working new mom or dad should buy to make her life easier from your store?
Meghan: That’s easy!

1. The Nap Nanny – This plush sleep lounge was created to help moms, dads, and baby sleep through the night. It is a must have for anybody with a newborn.
2. Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets are absolutely a must. Whether you swaddle or not there are numerous uses for these lightweight blankets. The soft fabrication makes it easy to pack and go and snuggle your baby tight.
3. And last, but not least, Le Top clothing of course! The creative designers produce new and innovative pieces each season that allow us to grow with the brand.

4.      Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Meghan: One thing I swore I would never do when I had kids was “count to three” in public or say “go to TIME-OUT!” There is nothing worse than hearing a parent say “one……two……three……?” and still nothing!

5.      The holidays are around the corner – what are your top 5 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for the holidays at your store?
Meghan:

• Greentoys – They are various trucks, boats, tea sets, etc. made from recycled milk jugs. Thinking “green” with play time has never been so easy.
• Books to Bed – With all the rage of Fancy Nancy, you get a book and matching PJ set. A great Christmas Eve gift for the little ones!
• Football and Sports Onesies. Before we know it Superbowl will be here and every member of the family needs to cheer on their team.
• Elf on a shelf – This fun tradition creates a game for the whole family while counting down the days til Christmas!
• Sophie Giraffe – This is the best teether toy out there. The color palette and soft material used in the design make it easy for the baby to grasp and recognize. Once your baby has one, they will not let it go.

6.      What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? Whether it be decorating the Christmas tree to eating peppermint bark to lighting the menorah candles to baking in the kitchen, etc…
Meghan: Every Christmas Eve my parents have family and friends over to their house. It is so low-key, but makes you realize how important family is. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without family, food, and holiday traditions!

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

7.      You recently had a grand re-opening for your store – tell us what’s on your agenda for the holidays for your store? Any special events or fun holiday traditions that you have planned at your store?
Meghan:  We will be having a trunk show, a few open houses, drawings, and a Moms-Night-Out event the first week of December where the entire Brentwood Center will be involved.  This particular night gives moms a chance to shop “kid free” and allows them to enjoy fun holiday festivities with girlfriends. We have festivities planned for the entire holiday season.

8.      Tell us your best parenting tip you know or would want to give to a new parent.
Meghan: Don’t start the habit of putting your child in bed with you. You think to yourself…”I’ll just let them lay down with me for a minute and then I will put them in their bed” …Next thing you know it’s 7:00 am, the alarms going off and yep, you realize you just created a monster. All it takes is that one time of sleeping with mom and dad and they are hooked!

9.      What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Meghan: We love it all, but if we had to narrow it down, the matching Reindeer Games boy’s coverall and little girl’s dress.  Perfect for Christmas pictures. Simple and sweet!

Jellybeans
2646 South Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65804
http://www.jellybeansinc.com/

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Red Ribbon Week: Dress Up Day

Last week (Oct. 23rd – 31st, 2010) Red Ribbon Week was celebrated at many schools across the nation. Red Ribbon Week is a way for people and communities to come together and take a stand against substance abuse and saying “NO to Drugs!” This year, the national campaign asked students to “dress up” each day of the week to show their support and unity of being drug-free.

One of the dress up days was “Clash Day” where students were asked to wear items of clothing that do not go together. My daughter was very excited about this particular theme and couldn’t wait to pick out what she was going to wear. She opened her closet and pulled out every LeTop ensemble she had. This is what she came up with:

Blouse from the 2010 Dottie Scotties fall/winter collection; Skirt from the 2009 fall/winter Enchanted collection; and Tights from the 2010 Lavender's Blue fall/winter collection

She may be “clashing” but I still think she looks adorable!

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World Series Fever! Go Giants!

For those of you who may not know Le Top is located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.  Things are pretty exciting around here right now – our home team is in the World Series!  Today was “Giants Day” in the office – with an explosion of Orange and Black clothing – Orange Cupcakes and Cookies and the low hum of dedicated sports fans discussing the series.  We snapped some photos – so the world will know where we stand:

GO GIANTS!!!

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Summer Fun on a Budget

If you’re like me and just don’t have the funds to go to Disneyland, Hawaii or even day camp, there is still many enjoyable activities you can do with your children all for FREE!

KIDS LOVE PARKS!

My children could spend hours at the park. They love to run around and get dirty. They never seem to get tired. Our park has a giant sand box. The kids love to bring their beach toys and build sand castles. Some parks have a water play area so when it’s sunny and hot, get the kids in their bathing suits and cool off. (TIP: Don’t go everyday, but maybe once or twice a week just to keep it exciting.)

CHECK OUR YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Keep your child busy by visiting the library. You can even get your child his/her own library card and teach them how to be responsible and accountable for books they borrow from the library.  Does your local library have a summer reading program? If so, sign them up (it’s free) and they can even win prizes. Best of all, you can listen to them become fluent with each passing day. Also, you may want to find out if your library has any upcoming summer events. Each week our library has free performances all summer long. We’ve seen Python Ron who fascinated us with his reptiles, Magic Dan who inspired us with his tricks, and a shadow puppet show that opened our imagination!

BACKYARD BUBBLES

I know I’m guilty of being too lazy and too hot to go outside, but sometimes the smallest things give children the biggest smiles. I bet you have a bottle of bubbles somewhere in the house. (There’s always some bubbles inside every birthday goody bag we get!) Spend a few minutes outside just blowing bubbles and watching your kids try to catch and pop them. It’s good exercise for all!

ART GALLERIES

Visit a nearby art gallery. It’s usually free to go in and browse. You can teach your child art appreciation, and we can learn a lot about our children, too. Ask them open-ended questions like, “How does this picture make you feel?” or “What kind of materials do you think the artist used?” For younger children, you can ask, “Let’s count how many colors the artist used.”

There’s still a couple more weeks of summer left. Make the most of it without spending a dime!

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Good Grief! A Thousand Pound Pumpkin???

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area October marks the time of year when you begin to notice changes in temperature and leaves turning from a beautiful green to a more dramatic orange-yellow. Halloween is just a few weeks away and there is excitement in the air as boys and girls decide which all-important costume they will choose. For one Northern California town October marks the time of year when the final preparations are made for their very well known festival.

Pumpkins Galore at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

Half Moon Bay California, located just 30 miles south of San Francisco, is celebrating their 39^th annual Art & Pumpkin Festival from October 17^th through October 18^th.  This festival began in 1971 when a newly formed civic organization, The Main Street Beautification Committee, was founded to raise funds to revitalize Main Street in the charming Half Moon Bay downtown shopping district. The committee, realizing that pumpkin patches surrounded the area, decided to incorporate an old-fashioned downtown festival into many visitor’s annual trek to pick out their Halloween pumpkins from this well known home of superior pumpkin growers.  38 years later the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival attracts thousands of people from all over the Bay Area and beyond, and is still committing the proceeds to revitalizing the downtown area and contributing to the town’s civic causes.

The kickoff for the festival is HUGE – literally!  Today, Columbus Day, Monday October 12^th it begins with the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a $20,000 prize at stake!  Pumpkins weighing in at more than 1,000 pounds are brought in every year by proud growers and their families.  The following weekend of October 17^th through October 18^th pumpkin lovers flock to this charming ocean front town to celebrate the season of ‘orange!’

Otto and this Halloween's Great Pumpkin

The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is not limited to big orange vegetables!  It features live music and entertainment on three stages – ranging from pop reggae to classic and Celtic rock. Of course what would a festival be without food?  You will find every tempting pumpkin-infused treat imaginable – and then some!  Halloween is just around the corner, as is a very scary Haunted House!  Not into scary things?  There are other activities for the little ones, including amusement rides, a 24-foot climbing wall, pumpkin carving, pie eating contests, face painting and so much more!

The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival has become a tradition for many families and friends.  It is a great place to come together and enjoy one of California’s oldest, biggest and most popular festivals.  Good Grief!  Don’t miss out!

For more information visit www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/#

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Is that P Cottontail Peeking through the Pumpkin Patch?

P Cottontail's Historic Downtown Store Front

Nestled away in the quaint ocean-side town of Half Moon Bay you can find the home of P Cottontail…yes, look… right there in the historic Main Street shopping district!  Not a bunny…but a darling children’s boutique that will soon be celebrating its 25th anniversary as part of this unique community.  Half Moon Bay, founded in the 1840’s was the first settlement in San Mateo County California, around 30 miles south of San Francisco.  The beautiful locale, a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean boasts postcard perfect vistas that include whale watching, acres of flowers, 2 lighthouses, redwood preserves, wineries, golf courses, luxury hotels and charming inns and a historic Main Street with unique shops.  This is where we find Peter Cottontail’s ‘home’ – not situated next to Mr. McGregor’s garden, but rather in a vacation ‘destination’ for lucky residents and tourists alike.

Sandra Murphy took over P Cottontail & Co a few years ago, but had known of the unique children’s boutique for years and “Really wanted it!”  She loves seeing the little babies that come into the store grow up and says “They are like my own little family!”  When asked what was the key to her success the answer was simple, yet succinct, “Very, Very, Very hard work!”  Sandra remembers that a friend once told her “Remember the first word in Specialty Store is ‘Special’ – and I have always tried to remember that!”  The area locals love merchandise that reflects the community – especially the horse lovers and world class surfers that frequent the store.  A local customer commented:

Stocked up on Le Top Halloween costumes

“I have always found this store to have the kind of clothing that makes shopping local a unique experience. Informative, attentive and friendly service, plus you actually get to deal with the same person the next time. The last time we went in, the sales person remembered my son’s name. He was thrilled and I was impressed.”

Sandra’s customers have even included some celebrities that stay in the beautiful Ritz Carlton nearby – including Angie Harmon and Brad Pitt!  Of course she stocks up with appealing and distinctive items at this time of year in preparation for the scores of tourists that will soon arrive…as she gears up for Half Moon Bay’s well known Art and Pumpkin Festival! (Check back on Monday to see more about this) 

Sandra’s good friends and family all pitch in to help at P Cottontail for this amazing community event – so popular that it attracts tourists from all over!  She is stocked up with lots of Halloween costumes – ready for all the festivities.  They have a costume parade, and as Sandra says, “Pumpkin Everything!” – including the weigh-in for the biggest pumpkin, pumpkin carving, pumpkin muffins, cookies and pancakes and lots of fun!

If you are a fan of the ‘Great Pumpkin’ – or just want to have a beautiful and relaxing break – make a visit to Half Moon Bay.  Stop in and say hello to Sandra, she is really fun!  After all, she’s the one that quotes “I LOVE Le Top!”

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

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Imagine…John Lennon or Harry Potter???

Last Sunday my daughter Lilah and I abandoned our football-watching dad/husband and met up with friends to do the ‘Solano Stroll’ in Berkeley.  It’s a big deal around here as people young and old flock to this huge street festival filled with folk dancers and performers, a petting zoo, local bands, art cars, a giant slide, food booths, magicians, face painters, carnival games, arts and crafters, and every T-shirt booth you could imagine.  Really fun!

Lilah and I wandered into a booth selling black, screen-printed T-shirts. I decided to let Lilah choose whichever shirt she wanted as a gift. She walked directly over to a tee with a purple screen of John Lennon. I was pleased with her choice and mentioned that fact to the vendor. He said “To you and me that is John Lennon, but to the kids it’s Harry Potter!”  It took me a moment to realize that it did look like Harry Potter!  I don’t think that Lilah even knows who Harry Potter is, but I will never again be able to see John Lennon’s image the same way!  Oh the ‘magic’ of growing older!

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