Etsy Showcase day ,new items, good days

WooHoo! Today is our childrens showcase on etsy.
I am so excited!!!!
There are items on there that are not currently on our regular business site. For example our tshirt bags, fabric covered picture frame and cherry tote bag. I had so much fun making all of these items. I have so many more frames and bags to make - all the ideas are floating around in my mind and making it quite difficult to focus on the kids and homework.


I am optimistic about our store being promoted today.
I have already lined up a second showcase day for our bags and pouches.
Why etsy you might ask? Because, I am addicted to it! I love it!


www.etsy.com/shop/lizzysbusybaby

The kitchens in our neighborhood lack space. So when we moved in- thinking we weren't going to be here long we add an 'island,' really it is a workbench. And we have been here a long time! I am on the march to make the rear a play center for the kids. 1 chalkboard side and 1 magnetic side. This is the chalkboard side so far. I need to frame each side and put some sort of bottom barrier/chalk and magnet holder on the bottom. So far I think the little one really enjoys the new works of the 'island.'

The idea to do something to he back came from my mom who has been bugging me to make it look for attractive, especially since we enjoy entertaining. At a friends house, you might now her as Olive and Love she takes design and passion to a new level and actually does what she is inspired to do. In her daughters room she has a magnetic wall up. I think she got it from Ikea, but the point is it makes a fun little learning center. I get ideas from everywhere, and that was my source of inspiration.

My kids are always hovering while I'm in the kitchen. They either go off after a minute and play in the backyard, where I can still hear and see them or they stay under my feet and annoy me. Currently they have an activity center on the refrigerator door. Obviously, that doesn't work well while cooking/preparing.

Stage 1 is finished and her are some photos.
The boys helping me paint with the acrylic 'chalkboard' paint (Made by the same company that makes Mod Podge).


The finished chalkboard.

Tot Tote

I may make the Naturally: Diaper Disaster Kit for little ones but no counterpart for toddlers. And age I really should have something for. This is a time when mommies are more willing to leave the diaper bag behind but still want to keep necessities handy. I wasn't looking in that direction, even when I came up the go-go kit. The go-go kit is just a shrunken version for your purse- a mini diaper bag if you will.
Recently, a friend and reoccurring customers asked me to customize a Naturally kit for her car. Her child is turning 3. No problem!


The tot tote includes an organic toddler tshirt, eco pull on diapers, eco wipes, biodegradable disposable toddler toilet seat covers, biodegradable diaper disposal bags, Boogie Wipes, Clean Well alcohol free hand sanitizer spray, biodegradable coloring placemats, 2 crayons, spf 30 sunscreen, lotion, latex-free bandages and alcohol wipes (for cleaning wounds). This kit has it all.

As usual I am always working on the packaging. But, for now this is where we are. The best part of the Naturally: Tot Tote is the price. $32.95 Better price point, better age range, and I think a great gift for families with a toddler and baby, or preschooler and toddler.

Summer plans

LBBP has a few summer plans of its own. I really wish I had enrolled the boys in some activity in which they would be busy for a few hours every other day without me, in a safe and inexpensive environment. But, I don't think that exists for little ones.

The big push this week is the launch of a new advertising campaign on Bay Area Parent Online Parenting Expo. Although I am not sure if they are going to get many onlookers however, the ad runs for 6 months and I need all I can get. I cannot miss getting in on their success. It is a risk I just have to chance.

June 22nd we have our showcase on Etsy. I am trying to get as many items in my shop as possible. Which means new items have to be thought through, mocked up then made for sale. Yikes! This day is quickly approaching.

1 Day before then my Introduction to Business class begins. After reading the course syllables I think I may have taken this class as an undergrad, but I am sure a refresher wouldn't hurt.

July, I will be hosting a summer sale to try and rid myself of a company I know longer want to work with or purchase from. Let's just say big business shouldn't practice staying profitable by taking advantage of those of use who are trying to keep our eyes above water.

The following weeks will consist of lots of reading and homework, working on other ads and sewing.

I need to make myself an weekly chart of items to get done. Rarely does having 1 thing to do actually mean doing 1 thing. There is usually the planning, the drafting, the execution, the advertising, the money management and the TIME!

Maybe I can train the kids to be my assistants.

Summer is busy, and feels even busier when I think about the beach calling my name just and when I hear the family playing in the slip and slide. But, hopefully the outcome will be worth it.

Our shipping policy has changed

I changed LBBP shipping for everyone. Orders of $25 + will get free shipping. LBBP will choose whether is goes out via USPS, Priority USPS or Federal Express Local San Jose, Ca residents can have a special local drop off when choosen in the delivery option. $4.50 and we drop off your order to your door in a free tote bag(made from scrap fabrics or newspaper).
Lastly, we are reintroducing our Playdate/Products pickup. Bring you little ones and stay and play or just pick up your order and go it's up to you. A fun way to get your items without paying for shipping.
our first Playdate/Product pickup will be this Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 10-10:30am at Santana Row, at the Park near Starbucks. You get your items in a free tote plus, if you are interested there is their Farmer's Market starting at 11am. A great way to start out your Sunday.

California Baby article- yes we sell that!

Your child's sunscreen

Boys room redo

The boys are growing up so quickly it is hard to keep up! Lately my oldest has been into space. Of course what my big one likes my little one follows suit. In this case, since my boys share a room, it is convenient. So, I decided to change their more 'babyish' room into a space & space robot room. My husband was a little lee than thrilled with my idea. All he can think of is the money behind redecorating a room. This left me with some figuring out that needed to be done- I need to redecorate their room in a space/space robot in a inexpensive way, that in interesting for a toddler and preschooler, without painting the walls (as per my lease). Yikes!
I have purchased a piece of art and new area rug from Target for less than $25 each. No my husband was not happy with that- he really didn't want me to spend ANY money.
We also found a poster at the Children's Museum- $19 wasn't cheap but I couldn't get a better price on posters.com so I went with it. I still hangs unframed, but it is laminated.
I made a robot out of wine corks and scrapbook paper that was a hit and cost roughly 55cents!
I ordered robot pillow fabric- had them printed on organic fabric and I stuffed them with organic cotton filling. I made the two largest and still need to make the 2 smaller. Luckily for me the artist is allowing me to sew, stuff and sell the robot pillows on my site. *I am super excited about this! The only preschool items I will have on my site will be themed from my boys room. How can my husband complain about that- it's fun!

I found 4 pieces of scrapbook paper that I am using as art for their wall- I hung them but they need more. They are frameless now- so I think I will back them on cork board and glue on shoe laces or ribbon around the edges to create a frame.
I had a set of mini corkboard- one I transformed into a mini memory board with a mini space invaders fabric I had printed on organic cotton fabric. *Another one for the store!

My friend is making a custom robot nightlight for the room. Her shop is located @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/ksleepy. She fuses these glass nightlights and they are so neat! *Another one for the shop!

This room is going to be spacetacular when it is finished! That, though will take a little but more time. I will keep you updated.