Timing

I am working on the new packaging of my Disaster Kit. I want to make a few different mock-ups with sizes and colors. I came to the conclusion(with help from my supporters: Joe, Kristina & Maria)and that I would like to hold a focus group to go over all the aspects. I still question a few things that may go in the kit and have too many choices for packaging. Plus, I figure this will help get the word out.
I figured I would enlist the help of a few mommies I know and have them lead a group of their other mommy friends (mommy groups) and discuss:
*Price point for buying as a baby shower gift
*Included items usefulness
*Disposable verses cloth for some items
*Labeled boxed versus printed on box
*List of items inside box versus on rear of box
*Would you buy this as a gift or for self?

Any other suggestions for questions?

I want the focus groups to include new mommies, seasoned toddler mommies and mommies to be. I was thinking of asking friends to host this group here in the Bay Area, and a few around the nation. The Group would need to recorder so I could gather the information- but I wouldn't be there.

I need to come up with a gift for mommies who participate. I would limit the groups- especially since I would be asking friends to host in their home.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, the title. I have to sew a few items and my boys are busy being boys who won't need my attention. My toddler tries to sit on my lap when I sew- and that doesn't work! Outside it is rainy and the wind is so strong I'm sure it could pick up my kids. So trying to contain them means I need to be with them at all times. I already tried to use the restroom today (alone that is) and as soon as I shut the door it sounded as if a riot had ensued. How am I going to get in my 3 projects today? I can't stop thinking long enough to start acting- or stop managing kids.



Anymore suggestions?

Vacation

So, deciding to tag along with my husband for work was a little more complicated then usual. The rain just wouldn't let up and that narrowed our activities a bit. We were in L.A. and yes we did go to Disneyland, in the rain, until it started creating little pools of water in our ponchos while seated on the rides.
However, we did get to go to a few great indoor activities for the kids. All in all it was a good trip- just not exactly the way I had first imagined.
Over the course of the week we were gone one of the products I sell, BabbaCo. carseat covers, was featured on Rachel Ray's talk show. Lucky for me Lizzy's Busy Baby Products was featured on BabbaCo.'s site as store of the month so we got a little bit of action. This was a nice surprise and definitely a boost to the slow January sales.
Unfortunately, I did not change my settings (email,website,phone) to acknowledge a time of business delay or out of office. This trip was short and somewhat close to home but, in the future I will need to teach some of LBBP's supporters how to handle shipping and go over our products storage. Having another person help out every now and then would be nice!

Today I met with another local mommy who is a designer/crafter of wonderful pieces of housewares and babywares in the eco world. Sam is the founder of inkloredesign.com and a busy mommy. She took time out to chat about the world of handcrafting and selling online. She has had her shop about twice as long as I have had and was nice enough to share some pretty good business tidbits.
I love her hydrangea print items-yes, because they are my favorite flower- and her designs are simply and beautiful.
Check them out at inklore

Another Great site

Ksleepy has some amazing nightlights.
Her cupcake night lights are an adorable touch to your little ones room.
I am having 1 specially made for my sisters dorm room- no age limits here- in a zebra print. I'll post that pick when it comes.
Check out the site-they are cute, they are hand made by a mommy and for us Bay Area people it's local. The cost $20-take a look. *She also makes great robot night lights.

7AM and already dealing with it...

7am I have an email from one of the companies I sell and use for my kit. An email I was not at all happy with-a note of competition is what it was. And as if to add a little more the company then tried to get me to buy and sell their version that is not coming out before mine. Hmmm, why? This is my thing- my eco kit- why would I want to sell yours?
After a few hours I continued the conversation with them and, well it is better than it started. But, of course we are not done. Maybe, I was thinking it was worse than what I first suspected. But, I know 7am is way to early to hear that a new competitor has popped up after I announced my news to them. Yes, I could be coincidence, that still doesn't change how I felt. This part of small business I don't like. I lack the big name to move at a faster pace but not the bite to keep up and get my product and name out there. So, I will press forward.
I am trying to avoid the details-

On a positive note- I posted a new picture of a go kit with a new interior idea (instead of elastic I used the coordinating fabric) and I got a sale off that post. I was placed with the new interior but I guess so are others and that makes me feel very good! Now, I just need to finish the one R ordered and I will post a few pictures of that one.

Contest Winner!!!

To see if you won tune in to our facebook fan page. I finally got it to work but this was the only way. Check it out!

Winners!

Hey folks- the video clips are being tranfferred but are taking forever. The winners are picked - it's just taking a bit.

Our new M&D toys

Melissa and Doug new items for Lizzy's Busy Baby January 2010

Melissa & Doug

I reordered some Melissa & Doug puzzles that I was out of plus ordered a few new ones. In addition I ordered Birthday Party & Cupcake sets (like the cutting foods ones we already have). I faxed in my order to have them call me back and need to make some changes. Not, a big surprise since the stamp incident that occurred months ago.
(Stamps I didn't order- I ended up with and can't return until, February at least, 6 months after I received them...hmmm).
the change was to help with shipping-double my number of cutting toys- fine since I didn't order many not an issue. I took off 2 sets(I hope to order them in the spring)and doubled the cucpcake and birthday party sets- except she doubled the puzzles, and birthday sets and left the cupcake set. Oops!
I try to keep my numbers somewhat low so I have roomh for my stock and they ship really quickly so I don't EVERY worry about running out. Don't know where I'm going to put all the puzzles!
I like Melissa & Doug toys because the they are made of wood, non-toxic paint and are hand crafted. Things that make the world a little better. But, getting what I ordered seems to be an issue that I will get tired of dealing with soon.

And the printers said:

Sorry but we don't think our boxes are a good fit for product. We feel you need a thicker box than what we can make for you.
Shoot!
Set back round 2
They were the most eco-friendly out there and have a quick turn around.
Of course the call came after I had spoken with Kristina of 'Kewingcreative' about helping me create a mock up the printing I want on it, since she is the designer of my logo and blog.
I am still going to find a box I like and create a mock up and then take that to printers. It might be easier that way.
Set back round 2

Wednesday Contest

I'm giving away 1 Green Sprouts Eco- divided plate and utensil set.
Lizzy’s Busy Baby Products is giving away 1 set of eco dishes & utensils.

BPA, PVC, Phthalate and Petroleum Free

The Green Sprouts Divided Plate by iPlay is made from EcolGreen bio-Polymer (NatureWorks®), a cornstarch-based eco-friendly plastic.
• No synthetic or toxic materials
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Not dishwasher safe; hand wash with warm soapy water (do not soak in water)

NOTE: Because this product is made with cornstarch, exposing it to temperatures above 140F or below -4F will negatively affect the integrity of the product. Do not use boiling water, dishwasher, microwave, or a sterilizer to clean this product. Simply surface wash with mild soap and warm (below 140F) water. Otherwise, if these care instructions are not followed, product will be damaged and must be disposed of.


Enter to win by:
Becoming a fan of Lizzy’s Busy Baby on Facebook on commenting on the contest
Becoming a follower on twitter and tweet about the contest and mention Lizzy’s Busy Baby Products contest
Becoming a follower of Lizzy’s Busy Baby blog and commenting on the contest
Becoming a fan and commenting on A Mom’s Impression Blog
Becoming a follower on twitter and tweet about the contest with the mention of amomsimpression

Contest begins Wednesday, January 06, 2010 and ends Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 3:00pm PST. I winner will be drawn and you can tune in Sunday at 3:30pm PST to watch a YouTube clip of the drawing @http://www.lizzysbusybaby.com or here!

Project

Was sewing with the machine they gave me as a replacement to the one that was broken. It seems to be a refurbished model- this is day 3 of using it and already the plastic bobbin door is broken making it incredible hard to sew with fabric coming towards you.
The handle to carry the machine was stuck and I had to use 2 different tools to coax it out and it still doesn't go up and down like it should. It's just to stiff.
So, I figure I'll just use it until a massive piece breaks- take it back and then upgrade. Until then I sew in frustration.
Towards the end of a project E, came out his room, awake from his nap and started talking about watching a show. Then sat down on the couch and laid his head on a pillow to ask me : "when you are done with your Lizzy's Busy Baby Project will you make a Lizzy's Busy Baby Project for me and Daddy?" The rest of the conversation goes as such:

I then went back and made a bib, organic french terry bib with organic fabric accents. moments later J. woke up and that was the end of sewing for the day, maybe round 2 after the boys go to bed.

Starbucks Gift Card Give Away!

Enter now.
There will only be 1 winner-shouldn't it be you?
Tell me the reason your busy baby has made you coffee dependent.

Tired

Spent most of last night firing off emails to companies to get the ball rolling on manufacturing my product- I use the 'manufacturing' in a very liberal sense since I am the one putting it together. I should really get started on the sewing- I only need to make 1,000 organic blankets and washcloths. That should be no problem. Cut, sew, add tag-should just FOREVER to complete.
Now, I am waiting for responses,calls something. And am not sewing--hmmm that might be an issue!
I need to make a few things to send off this week- 2 go-go kits, 1 Bosom Buddy.
Shipping so far this week includes items to bloggers, an item to my mother in law, and a baby gift.
I need to order more M&D toys today- replenish the puzzle stock and add a few more.
I'm sending an order with my husband next week,sure hope she orders items I have in stock.
And post my first contest. I hope that goes well!
We shall see.

Check us out!

You know I love BabbaCo.'s carseat covers. I needed 1 one my boys were in the their infant car seats. As exciting is the fact that Jessica is just weeks away from being a mommy of 2 and has her creations made here in the USA.
Back when we met and I purchased BabbaCo. Lizzy's Busy Baby was interviewed. We are now January's featured store:). Check out our interview @ BabbaCo. and check out our stock of BabbaCo. fleece carseat covers. All January we are offering free shipping and a free organic french terry baby bib with your BabbaCo. carseat cover order.