Pull-ups to the Rescue

My 4-year-old and I recently went to our local retailer to purchase some nighttime diapers. Yes, she still uses them at night. We’ve tried to reduce fluid intake and have her get up at night to use the potty, but it hasn’t worked out yet. Anyway, our retailer was out of her size, so I ran the idea of pull-ups by her. We tried these before and she couldn’t stand them (didn’t like the feel, the girly prints, or the fact they were like underwear), but that was before she knew they had pull-ups with Diego ‘the animal rescuer’ on them.

Though I was happy about her interest in the pull-ups, I was concerned that they would be padded for boys, not girls. Since I couldn’t find anything on the box stating that they were specific to gender (except for the boys on the box wearing them) and the store representative told me they were all padded the same, I went for it. I have to say, it is making my life easier. Now Lilah is happy to put on her pull-ups when she puts on her jammies (since they are like underpants, not diapers). This means we haven’t had any night time accidents from me forgetting to put her diapers on before bed. I used to forget sometimes if she was already under the covers when I went in to read her a book. She has also been more receptive to using the “potty” just before bed for some reason which means we are one step closer to using nothing at all. The lesson I learned is just because it didn’t work in the past, doesn’t mean it won’t work now OR if at first you don’t succeed, wait, and then try another way. Go Diego Go 🙂

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Southern Children: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

This week we had the true pleasure of sitting down with Southern Children boutique owner, Susan Broom, to ask her about the cutest boutique in Columbia, South Carolina and discover her secrets to 22 years of business. She gives us memorable moments, funny children’s comments and the low-down on her 22 year anniversary event this Sunday, February 20th – go visit the store! Read more to find out about this very special children’s store.

Southern Children
9003-7 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
803.736.2753
http://www.southernchildren.com/
Monday-Saturday: 10:00-5:30 EST 

Join Southern Children’s Facebook page and click HERE.

1.      What was the inspiration behind the name Southern Children?
Susan: In selecting a name for my store, I considered the type of clothing I wanted to carry, and sought a name that would represent my interest in that preferred style and niche. I wanted the name to evoke the feeling of traditional, classical, timeless and conservative styling for children. I sat down one evening with a notebook and pen, and I brainstormed twenty possible names for my store. Southern Children was my seventh name on my list. I made this name up myself, and I was so proud of it. I liked its sound and the warm feeling of traditional style it evoked. 

2.      Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Columbia, South Carolina. What made you pick this location?
Susan: Southern Children is located in the northeast section of Columbia, South Carolina. At one time, Columbia Northeast was ranked as one of the top 10 fastest growing communities in the United States. Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and is centrally located within the state. I have lived in Columbia Northeast throughout my married life of nearly 32 years. I selected the site for my store because it was a new shopping center that had opened in the area, and it was a very attractive strip center with its building, grounds and landscaping.  There was very little new retail development in our area at the time, 22 years ago. The closest children’s boutique in the area at that time was 15 to 20 minutes away from our strip center. I can make the drive to my store from my home in typically seven minutes, unless there is heavy traffic, which is so convenient for me.

3.      It’s about that time to start packing up some of the old winter items and cleaning out the closet for spring clothes for your little one. What are 3 spring must-have items that are in your store?
Susan: Three spring must-have items that are in my store are something from Le Top’s “Sunny Ducky” collection, a cute pair of sandals, and a matching hairbow from either Wee Ones or Bibbity Bobbity Bows. For boys, something from Le Top’s “Sunny Ducky” collection, a pair of blue and white seersucker (or solid white) pants or shorts from either Bailey Boys or E-Land American Classic, and a pair of white shoes or two-tone saddle oxford shoes would be spring must-have items from our store.

4.      There are plenty of blooper funny moments being around children and mom’s all day in your store – tell us something funny a child has said that made you giggle.
Susan: One episode in particular stands out in my memory that was funny to me.  I had a very young and articulate little girl in the store. She was quite expressive and interactive. I was enjoying listening to her talk and found that she was exceptionally intelligent for her young age. I said to her, after being quite amazed at her vocabulary and statements, “You are SO SMART!”  With that being said, she balled up her little fists by her side, stomped her foot, and said to me in a very furious and argumentative tone, “I am NOT SMART!” I thought I would die laughing! She did not understand that I had paid her a compliment and thought I had, instead, insulted her. I just laughed, shrugged my shoulders, and said, “Okay!”  The little girl’s mother giggled!

5.      What would people be surprised to learn about your store?
Susan:  I had wanted for years to own a retail specialty store, and I decided to open a children’s clothing boutique seeing the need for one in our community. I opened the store when Amy (my daughter) was six-years-old. From a very young age, Amy took great pleasure in attending the market shows with me. She was always a hit with the sales representatives, particularly when she would “like” their merchandise or wear their clothing to the market shows. On the rare occasions that Amy could not attend a market show, the sales representatives would all want to know why she wasn’t with me and ask half a dozen questions about her. Amy joined my staff in 2004 as an employee and has been my right hand and rock. We really enjoy working together. It was never intended that Amy would work at my store. In 2004, while Amy was still in college, I was short of employees and Amy stepped up to fill in. She’s never left! So, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Amy manages Southern Children and is the web designer and webmaster for our store’s website. Amy is definitely the best thing that has ever happened to Southern Children!

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With Child Maternity Boutique: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We are super excited to have interviewed children’s boutique owner, Tarra Brotz, of With Child Maternity in Kohler, Wisconsin this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight”. She gives us her insight into the re-opening of her boutique, Facebook give aways, her upcoming kick off event, and her best parenting advice. Read more to find out about the chicest boutique in Kohler, Wisconsin!

With Child Maternity
and Baby Boutique
795E Woodlake Road
Kohler, WI 53044
920.287.7611
www.withchildmaternity.com

Join them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name With Child Maternity?
Tarra: We wanted something elegant, yet descriptive so people would know what to expect when they came through the door.

2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Kohler, Wisconsin.
Tara: Kohler is a small village of 2,000 residents. Some people call it Pleasantville! It’s a wonderful, tight-knit, safe community ~ wonderful for raising children. And, we have a lot of tourism because of our 5-Diamond resort and golf courses!

3.    Winter storms have been hitting the nation – for any new mom – what would be 3 essential wardrobe items and 3 must-haves for a new baby to keep him or her toasty?
Tarra: For mom, a nursing pajama set is essential. It’s cozy, comfy, and looks cute if someone visits without warning! For baby, swaddling blankets are a must! Hats are cute and functional too 🙂

4.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the local Kohler, WI area?
Tarra: For the kids and I, it’s the many parks in our village. For adults, the Horse & Plow at the American Club is always the meeting point!

5.    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What is something sweet you do for your kids or grandkids to show them you love them.
Tarra: Lots and lots of kisses! And wonderful gifts, of course! We recommend the Twilight Ladybug and Twilight Turtle ~ so cute!

6.    Surviving yet another winter day in the mid-west, what would be your snow day recommended activity – inside or out?
Tarra: Going to the local children’s’ museum is always a fun way to burn off energy! It’s great for moms, too, because we get to chat.

7.    You recently re-opened your store and will be having a big grand opening next month in March. Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store and fun deals we can expect.
Tarra: The grand re-opening will kick off with a book signing by the “Cooking Mom” by Amy Hanten. We will be giving away lots of our brand new items and encouraging people to “like” us on Facebook for addition giveaways.

Le Top School of Fun romper

8.     Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Tarra: Never wake a sleeping baby!

9. What is the hottest trend for kids clothes and toys right now?Tarra: Bright colors! Lots of funky colors together too! 

10. What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring 2011 or Fall collection?
Tarra: We loved the Le Top lime striped School of Fun romper!  So did our customers, because they are gone!!

With Child Maternity and Baby Boutique
795E Woodlake Road
Kohler, WI 53044
920.287.7611
www.withchildmaternity.com

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Doodlebugs: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT

Doodle, doodle, doo! We are thrilled to have interviewed children’s boutique extraordinaire, Ginger Gray, owner of Doodlebugs in Georgetown, South Carolina this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight”. She gives us the scoop on snow on the beach in South Carolina this winter, upcoming trunk shows, the “tutu craze,” and how to transition your holiday red clothing to a very special Valentine’s Day outfit! Read more to find out about the best boutique in Georgetown, South Carolina!

Doodlebugs
721 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843.546.6858
http://www.doodlebugschild.com

Join Doodlebugs on Facebook and click HERE

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name Doodlebugs?
Ginger: Doodlebug was the nickname that I had for my daughter when she was 6-years-old, which was the same time that I purchased my store.

2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Georgetown, South Carolina. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Ginger: Our store is located on the water in the downtown Historic District of Georgetown, which was the center of the business district as I was growing up. Now, as some of the bigger businesses have moved out of this central location, it has become a quaint and charming area for tourists and locals to travel, shop and dine.

Growing up in a small town, I always longed to move away to a “big city,” but now that I am older and have children of my own, I realize just how much I love living and raising a family in a small town.

3.    Winter storms have been hitting the nation – for any new mom – what would be 3 essential wardrobe items and 3 must-haves for their new baby.
Ginger: Living on the coast we are normally not accustomed to needing the heavy coats or warm clothing that we have needed this year (Brr!).  Every year we are wishing for “just” a snow flurry, and it has snowed three times in the last year here!   

3 essential wardrobe items:

1. Le Top’s velour outfits because they are warm enough for the cold days but not too heavy for when it is just a little chilly out. 
2. Turtlenecks and tights
3. An awesome and stylish winter coat

3 must-haves for their new baby:

1. Muslin blankets for swaddling are great
2. Some type of soft lovie or blankie for them to become attached to
3. Convertible gowns are wonderful for those middle of the night diaper changes

4.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the local Georgetown area?
Ginger: The beach, the beach and the beach! We are only a few minutes away and there is nothing more relaxing than sticking your toes in the sand with a good book and the sun shining down on your face.  Having grown up on the coast, it would be very hard for me to not live near the water.

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Ginger: Say, “Because I said so,” to my kids, but sometimes there is just no other answer!

6.    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Sweethearts, flowers, chocolate and all, would you dress your little girl or boy in for Valentine’s Day?
Ginger: My daughter is 14-years-old and my son is 11-years-old and what I wouldn’t give to be able to still dress them in all of the adorable clothes that we sell! But because Valentine ’s Day is normally in between seasons and Fall merchandise is usually picked over by that point, many of our customers like to purchase an extra dress or outfit for Christmas that can be converted into a Valentine’s outfit as well.  We always like to throw out suggestions on how they can change a button from green to white to transition into Valentine’s Day. We have also sold a few Spring pieces from the Heart’s Delight Collection by Le Top for Valentine’s Day.

7.    With the winter weather in the air – what would be your favorite rainy day recommended activity?
Ginger: Our family loves to rent movies or play board games on a rainy day.

8.    Any special events that you have planned at your store for the next few months?
Ginger: We have a trunk show scheduled later this month and we are participating in a local fashion show in March. We are also excited about some new items that we will be adding to our product selection in the next few months.

9.    Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Ginger: I think that the best advice I could give is to enjoy every single minute while they are young. My mom would always tell me just how fast time would fly by and I never quite understood until now. When our children are small we are so ready for them to move on to the next phase (walking, talking, potty training, etc). While it is nice not to have to worry about late night feedings and changing diapers, I would surely love to go back a few years and be able to relive and cherish it all over.

10.    What is the hottest trend for kids clothes and toys right now?
Ginger: It seems that tutus are a big hit right now, especially for more than just dress-up. They are perfect for birthday parties, holidays or to just make an outfit more fun. 

11.    What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring 2011 or Fall 2010 collection?
Ginger: I look forward every year to see what new inspiration Le Top has for their duck group. It is probably one of my favorites.

Doodlebugs
721 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843.546.6858
http://www.doodlebugschild.com/

Join Doodlebugs on Facebook and click HERE

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Milk and Honey Kids Children’s Boutique: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Sweet and adorable – two words to describe the Store Manager of Milk and Honey Kids children’s boutique, Barbara Ballard whom we interviewed this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight.” We couldn’t get enough of Barbara’s tips for the winter, especially with two store located in chilly Pennsylvania! From the Crayola factory to must-have winter items to her parenting tips – this store is worth visiting and worth reading about. Read below to find out more about Milk and Honey Kids stores.

This post has been moved to our website. To view the full post go to http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=15494

TO CHECK OUT LE TOP BABY AND CHILDREN’S CLOTHING CLICK HERE

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Giggles Children’s Clothing: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We sat down with inspiration and children’s boutique guru, Anne Richter, owner Giggles Children’s Clothing store in Woodstock, Vermont to get the inside scoop on her store and her funny parenthood tales.  From stories about cutting clothing ads out of the newspaper as a child to her best parenting tip to holiday must haves and her charity work with children – Anne’s store is the go-to for any parent. Read more to discover one of Le Top’s very favorite children’s boutiques.

This post has been moved to our website. To view the full post go to: http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=14122

 

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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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