Confused about how to handle the SUN and what types of suntan lotion to use during the spring/summer seasons? Read the article, that is both informative and surprising.

Good luck and have a safe and nice weekend!

Do you like earning money for doing nothing? Well, I do!…actually, you DO have to do something, SHOP, but who doesn’t? I personally LOVE shopping online for my kids shoes (many stores now have FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURNS) and also for personalized gifts for friends and family.

There is an amazing Referal site, called Ebates.com You go there FIRST before you shop and choose from 1,000’s of stores (many popular ones, such as Gap, The Children’s Place, Nordstroms, Target, Macy’s, LandsEnd, Juicy Couture, BlueNile, Shoebuy.com and many more!). Today is the 13th anniversary, so MANY of the stores are offering you 13% cash back which is WAY more than usual! So, I have already shopped two stores tonight and earned good cash back. There is no risk, no cost sign up, just checks in the mail every three months when you have earned a minimum amount. It is so easy. FREE MONEY!!!!

Plus, for every friend or family member YOU get to sign up, once they have made their first purchase, you can earn $5.00. So, the more you refer, the more you make…It is terrific. Personally, I have no idea how not everyone uses it. There are TV commercials about it, etc. I even told my close friend about it today, who shops online a LOT and she was so excited to learn about it and now I got a referal…come and share in the “wealth”, pun intended. :)

PLEASE use the above link to get started. Happy Shopping to all and to all goodnight! Ironically, my next BIG FAT CHECK as they call it, is being sent out tomorrow on the 15th, how cool is that? I can’t wait!!!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching….are you looking for a very special gift? Look no further than, Purple Leaves, Red Cherries “A Gift for Mothers with Short Stories, Journal & Toolkit” written by Tania Elfersy & Andrea Katzman and illustrated by Nomi Melul Ohad (an Israeli artist).

I have a friend who met a wonderful individual while networking. We all know how important and effective networking can be. Anyway, she said this woman Tania just co-published a book for Mothers by Mothers called “Purple Leaves, Red Cherries” and she instantly thought this could be a good fit for my online baby gifts and accessories boutique. Although, I don’t sell books in general, I was intrigued and after being in touch with Tania, I decided I was eager to learn more about this book. Just the name alone got me interested.

This is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book which is so special for many reasons. This book is honest, real and funny. While reading it, sometimes I could relate to some of the things that the moms wrote about and other times, not. But, each time, I could feel the pain and love of their flowing words. Eloquently and sometimes poetically, these women expressed their feelings in a way that we often feel but don’t say.

It was also an easy read and at times, I did not want to put it down. It was also inspiring. Reading a book of stories from moms all over that go through the same experiences yet also have very different perspectives on motherhood. We all go through frustrating times when we almost wish we didn’t have the kids at that moment, because they are driving us nuts, but then, in the same breath, we are so grateful for all that they have brought to our lives too. I enjoyed reading about these women, partly because I happen to enjoy non fiction, but also because some were not afraid to write about what many of us are afraid to admit.  It is also calming reading some of these stories quietly at night when you are frazzled and have finally got the little one/s to sleep. It is well written, clear and the most fun, is that it also comes with journal pages where you can create your own stories and words of wisdom to keep forever. How fun to be able to look back at what you wrote some day when you are older, even perhaps when you become a grandmother some day.

There is also a review of their book on the COOL MOM PICKS website: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2012/02/a_special_book_for_a_mamas_spe.php

They review all things for babies, moms, etc. It is a fabulous review and they are a great site too. Check it out!

This would make a perfect Mother’s Day Gift for yourself, your sister, daughter, aunt, a new mom, etc. This book is basically divided into 3 sections:

1. 48 short stories from different moms on how they are handling motherhood, relationships, work expectations, even their sex lives and more.

2. A journal where you can actually document your own experiences.

3. A toolkit filled with practical suggestions and activities for each mom to help better their life and deal with motherhood and all the implications of it.

Take a look at their website,  http://purpleleavesredcherries.com/buy-now-fro-the-publisher/where you can purchase this great book online.

*Also, if I get an interest of at least five customers who would like to purchase Purple Leaves, Red Cherries, I can order them directly. (It could take up to a week). Let me know.  info@startingoutsmall.com

Thanks!

Rebecca Barkai/CEO

StartingOutSmall, LLC.

info@startingoutsmall.com

www.startingoutsmall.com

Sorry, folks! I know I have been away for TOO LONG, but I am back now and hopefully will get back on track with my blog and business. I honestly don’t know how so many of you keep it up on a daily or even weekly basis. Life always seems to get in the way of my blogging. It really shouldn’t though, right? I am impressed and proud of you all, hopefully you will be an inspiration for me to find the time as well.  Enough said, let’s move on!

I have EXCITING news! I have finally added a TOY to the website: Splashimals. They are terrific! What are they you ask? Well, I will tell you. It is a new bath toy and it is making a real splash into the baby products market. It is wonderful! I discovered it at the Javitz Center’s recent Toy Show (NYIGF). I literally “fell in love” with this toy.  Having an education background and being an early childhood teacher for many years, purchasing toys that have an educational component is almost second nature to me, especially when it comes to my own kids. Therefore, I bought a sample to try out with my youngest child who recently turned 3. I don’t know about you guys, but often, my daughter does not want to take a bath, for a while it was exciting for her, but now with the beautiful weather and daylight savings time, I think she would much prefer to be play outside than to worry about getting clean. That being said, it has become MUCH easier now, with this great tub toy.  It is so much fun, I enjoy “playing” it with her, sometimes I am not sure who has more fun, my kids or I?

Here is a picture of what it looks like: It is made by a company called Miliwik.

Above, is an example of a child combining the front of a CAMEL with the end of a FISH to combine and create a “new” animal called “cash”.  It is a very creative game and fun for not only your child but even the bigger kids in the family too.

Here is information on the SPLASHIMALS:

Product Features:

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Recommended for ages:2-11 years old

There are 4 stages of learning that goes on with Splashimals:

Stage 1: Baby Zoologist:

This is for toddlers 2 and under. Animal recognition.

Stage 2:Beginner Zoologist:

This is for toddlers ages 2-3. Mixing cards up to create animals.

Stage 3:Intermediate Zoologist:

This is for toddlers ages 3-4. The game of Memory.

Stage 4:Experienced Zoologist:

This is for children ages 5+. Mix the cards up to create new animals while also practicing reading skills when creating the new animal names.

Your baby/toddlers will have hours of great fun with over 225 different animal combinations they can create! Parents will be thrilled because we all know, “if our kids are happy campers” we are happy campers, right?”  They are free from BPA, PVC, Formamide, and meet all CPSC regulations.What are you waiting for? Come and get this toy for your child/ren, friends, etc. They make great gifts at just $14.99. We ship usually next day.