Great December Shopping Events

Hello all!

just a quick note to tell everyone that I'll be - for babyburrito - at two of Canada's best shows.

The first one is in Ottawa and is Saturday the 5th of December. It's the Tart's 'N Crafts show during the winter edition of Ladyfest.

The other show is Souk@SAT which is in Montreal between December 11th to the 13th. This is more of an event than a show, and it brings in great designers from the Montreal area.

So I'll be there for both shows and I'm hoping to see a lot of you there as well.

We'll have some great specials on site as well.

Lianne

PJ Design Contest!!!!

Hello all,

I'm having a hard time coming up with a Christmas theme for my new line of X-Mas PJs (organic cotton/bamboo blend). The fabric is red (duh) and the sleepers look like the photo below:
So I figured I'd open a contest to all the great graphic designers out there; do a little bit of crowdsourcing :-). The winner will get a PJ with their design on it.

The contest ends October 5th 2009.

Send your submissions to info@babyburrito.ca.

Good luck to all

My son's jungle themed bedroom-phase I

I hate white walls- or rather I like colour and after living in our new house for two years it was way past time to do my son's all white room. Being pregnant probably has something to do with it too. Why is it when we are pregnant we HAVE to do all these do or die projects before the birth. I am not alone- you know who you are. You should see my to do list of last minute projects I hope to accomplish before the birth of my next son.

Note to parents planning to paint their child's room- never ask them what they would like painted on their walls. Sadly I did not heed my own advice as I did ask my son and guess what I am painting? A jungle theme with a pirate captain in a ship-aka my son and to also include an island of friendly dinosaurs. So two weeks into it this is where i am at and I am in negotiations with my three year old to leave out the dinosaurs and put in the wild things from "Where the wild things are". I feel more confident in my ability to paint the wild things over the dinosaurs and a great book.

So here are the first peeks of the jungle room. Considering I have not painted in ohhhh four years I was pleasantly surprised.

My new japanese slings are in...finally

The funny thing about this great new sling having center stage is that they are the slings on my packaging-that without my knowing became very, very, very back ordered. So this is the first time they are available and I must say they are my favorites.


This fabric reminds me of fabrics I saw in Japan on my many travels. I used to pick up a variety of handkerchiefs because the fabrics they use are so beautiful. The Japanese have a way of weaving that seems to be really a style of their own.
Well enough about Japan- you should go- my latest addition of fabric for my pouch style sling will keep even the chicest gal ahead of the curve. not only is carrying your baby easy, it really helps promote a bond with your child that helps nurture a confidence and interaction with the world around them.
If ever you have question regarding babywearing I am more than happy to answer any and all questions because I believe in it that much. Yadda yadda I know. If you want to try one of my slings out to see if it is right for you I am in two lending libraries in Montreal. One is through Calins et Popotin and the other is through emporte moi. It is important to try many different carriers to find the right one for you.
All I know is I wanted minimum fuss (no tying or buckles) and something that would be fashionable (reversible) and not too granola. Sizing goes with your t-shirt size. Easy,easy,easy.

So without further ado here is the latest and greatest babyburrito sling. We are also offering free shipping over all orders of $50 so enjoy. Please send me some photo's too of you and your baby- would love to start a babyburrito ablum.

Welcome Flo Urbain and Literie Tou Dou

It has been a while, busy, busy, busy. Wanted to introduce you to two stores you may or may not know of who now carry some of the babyburrito collection. Flo Urbain, going into its first year, they offer cool duds and furniture for your hip offspring. A little known gem as it is off the beaten path. But holy, holy, finally a cool store on the south shore with a worldly appeal and willing to take some risks. Need a great gift that will be something you would never find at Toys R Us, or their own in house modern furniture designs might make you rethink your kiddie's room. The staff of fully bilingual folks are very enthusiastic and eager to help you find exactly what you are looking for. So don't waste your time with all those vanilla (one was mentioned earlier) stores go to this destination, well worth the trip to the south shore.

Another great boutique is Literie Tou Dou, run by Anne, the designer, shop owner, sewer, and go-to cheerful gal. This shop is found on Van Horne and once you enter this moderately sized shop you are first blown away by all the great and never before seen fabrics. I would know I research fabric incessantly and have no idea how she found all these amazing and mostly European fabric companies. Anne picks out other objects that catches her eye- here you will find some dolls from Raplapla- pillows by mayukori- eeshh so many things I have never seen elsewhere and her price point is from very affordable to the higher price point if you are looking for custom literie for your baby/child's bedroom. I highly recommend you visit this store before you buy some bedding for your child, because I can tell you from experience I bought something from one of those big box stores, paid a lot of $$$, and really it is nothing special: some crocodiles and monkey's...I was having a cutesy moment I guess. Go crazy creative and visit Anne she will work with you on designing something completely individual to fit your personal style.

More importantly both these two stores strive to bring locally made merchandise, be it made in Quebec or Canada- love that. So of course I want to tell you all to check out these two stores and see first hand how great they really are.

Calins et Popotin

Had a great day today, partly in thanks to the lovely words Veronique and Amelie had to say about my little collection. It was my first time in their store Calins et Popotin on Beaubien in Montreal, go take a peek. I was impressed with their cool variety of baby goodies and accessories. Who knew they made skull soothers?

They also offer babywearing classes which I think is such a great idea and have a lending library of carriers. So people can find the right carrier for them, with less risk in getting one they wouldn't use. They also carry our slings, so feel free to try on different models to find the one that is right for you.

I wanted to welcome them to the babyburrito fold, so welcome Veronique and Amelie of Calins et Popotin.

cheers,
L.

Tiny Tot Company launch

Just wanted to say break a leg to Sylvana who is launching her new company web site, tiny tot company this week. Love her logo. Go show some support for another great woman taking life by the horns! (I am so full of cliches-and I usually get them wrong too) You can also find my minkie blankets and changing pads on her great web site. Love the entrepreneurial spirit.

My Mom who always inspires me

Well one cannot talk about other moms and forget her own. Mine is one whom you love at first sight and she will have you laughing within the first few minutes of meeting her. you can always place her laugh across a room and she makes a wicked cheesecake. She keeps me on my toes, I like to procrastinate, frequently, and always has an ear for me when I need that mom word of advice.

I never realized how good I had it till I was a mother too and saw just how together my mom had and has it. A career women, soccer mom and crafty all around person, she made it all look so easy. Still does.

My mom is truly my best friend and the person I admire most on this planet. She always finds humor in everything she does. If I can be half the woman she is I'll be doing good. Laugh!!laugh!!laugh!!

Mom taught me well.

Love you mom,
xox

Mom entrepreneurs that inspire me part II

Someone new to me - well rather I knew of her through several forms of six degrees of separation, is Ilana (mom of two) joint owner/creator of Apple Cheeks (cloth diapers) or perhaps you know her store Azure Wraps, part of Montreal's very successful "Maman, Bébé et Café".

I thought I was busy with my business and working but then I think of Ilana ,who shares Azure Wraps with her business partner Amy (mom too). These two gals do it all and I watch in wonder and take notes. I am sure we will see their company follow in the footsteps of the Robeez company, but for now I happily can ask them my newbie questions and they generously offer advice and ideas.

One cannot talk about Azure Wraps and not mention Maman, Bébé et Café, the innovative cafe for moms to gather, shop, eat, dance and mingle. Naomi's business has been emulated all over town and perhaps even further, but there can only be one original. Did I mention she has three kids.

One mom who was integral to helping me out when I moved back to Quebec from Vancouver was Josee St Amand, of Lily&colo. Trying to find all new sources is tough, and I was simply given her name one day, called her up and she hasn't stopped sharing and giving advice since then. Her business, of hip, practical bags for on the go, has really takien off. So if you want another fashionable yet Eco friendly option to carrying your groceries go check out her on line store.

So when I have one of those days when their is just not enough hours in the day, I take a deep breath and do what I can with passion and get inspiration from some of these local ladies, who yes work hard and are mothers, whether they know it or not they keep me on track and motivate me to think bigger and surpass the proverbial glass ceiling. Take a look at this great city - or wherever you may be. The knowledge and friends you can gather at your very fingertips is truly inspiring.

Happy Mother's day all

thanks ladies,

Mother entrepreneurs that inspire me

Well I thought for this mother's day I would talk about some people who have happily entered my life some through my business and some through nature (my mom).

Two gals I admire for their chutzpah in business and ecological values, are Nahani and Ingrid of Le Nid de la Cigognne.

A store that carries organic products and/or local made products. They opened their store this past year and were the first store to take on the babyburrito fant-a-bulous line. Shameless plug. We have grown a lot together this past year and they continue to encourage me to not only maintain my made in Canada principles but always love my choices in fabrics. Did I mention they are also moms too. They do do it all. If you are looking for a great eco friendly or locally made baby gift this is the one stop shopping experience for you.

Here is another mom/entrepreneur/buyer/pregnant lady, Amy from Faon on St. Denis Street, is one of those people whom you meet and you feel like you have known forever.

Amy has this great store on a hip street in Montreal that not only has fashion forward clothes for little lassies but also has a great selection for the lads too. Someone who takes chances which is a refreshing change. Looking for something out of the ordinary that you won't want to pass on to your friends, try Faon on st Denis.

I always like happenstance meetings and I had one at the Salon Maternite this year when I happily met Isabelle of bébé d'abord.

A massage therapist who not only has a little one of her own but is expecting another one soon too. I find it fascinating women who do it all- an d with passion, and this woman has that in spades. So if you are looking for a massage, pregnant or not she is your gal.

Summer hats pandemonium

Good news: we are almost sold out of our hats. Bad news: the fabric has been discontinued after only four months. Ugggh.

So I went back to my trusty fabric store (dangerous place for me) this week and pulled up some great finds. I even succumbed and picked up some pink print mixed with browns, for all those who have been asking for pink, I do listen. It would seem there is a trend in dressing girls in pink. Who knew?

So we'll have a nice assortment of browns, stripes mixed with blues and yellows, celadon blue dots and yes the perennial pink. I hope it will be as successful as the first launch of our summer hats. Mental note for next year, make more hats and buy more fabric for repeats. Learning fast.

Since being back from our trip to Barcelona things have been happily hectic. We welcomed a some new, great stores to the babyburrito fold and I am preparing to do Ottawa's Ladyfest this coming mother's day weekend. So if you are in the Ottawa area please come and say hello or take away some babyburrito limited editions summer hats. ;-)

I am also on Twitter too, which has become my newest obsession. I really love talking to people from all over and finding out we are all truly in this together. Ben Lee sang a song about that, and it is too true. Cheesy I know, but you should try it.

and the winner is....

Well our Salon's contest was a great success 100s of people participated. Sadly only one can win!

As verified by our in-house accounting firm of Munchkin & Monkey Associates (proof below)



The winner is: Stefanie Gagne

Congrats!

And thank you all for participating

Salon de Maternite et Paternite

Good Morning all, Bon Matin

Babyburrito's launch was a great success. People came out in hoards, regardless of what the economists are saying- there is a serious baby boom here in Quebec that is keeping the economy quite happy. Thank you for everyone who stopped by and said hello or took away a little babyburrito with them. The reaction to my company keeping products made here in Quebec was very welcoming and encouraging. It is impossible to compete with products made in China- not that I can or want to.

I will be posting the winner of the contest by weeks end and will also be sending out coupons towards an online purchase for all those participants who signed up as a thank you. No minimum purchase necessary. :-)

Once again my slings were a great success. I love that they are easy to use yet offer a stylish option for parents who want to keep their fashionable edge. The summer hats earned a honourable mention as did the organic sleep sacks and receiving blankets with silk screening.

I will post some pictures soon, but for now I am just catching up on some one on one with my son who did not see much of me over the last four days. We're doing matching tattoos as I write this.

Going The Extra Mile

I have to share a really great experience I recently had of someone going over and beyond my expectations. It seems small but when you are developing a business and have time issues and are trying to get marketing, production, packaging, web sites and catalogs all done withing a short amount of time, it can sometimes feel daunting. So when someone helps you out and exceeds expectations I think praise is needed. I love to get compliments so I assume other people do too.

While I am revamping my packaging needs for my slings. Janice and Viola of Kwik Kopy were so great with giving me options in different price brackets and taking time to show me exactly how each sample would look. It seems small but I find so often people don't take the time anymore and when you are starting a business any mistakes that can be missed is huge for a small run business like my own.

So if you are in Montreal and need someone to help you out in printing I highly recommend this company for personal service that is so lacking in this day and age.

Early Easter Hunt Is On

Good morning everyone. Typical spring day; gloomy, wet but warm. I like.

Well just wanted to let you all know we are having a contest to win one of our new organic cotton/bamboo swaddling blankets. Write us a sales pitch and whoever has the best one wins.

We will pick the winner April 11th 2009.

Good Luck.

May the best pitch win.

Cheers,
Lianne

Tanya Zaleski Photographer Extraordinaire

Here are some of the shots from the photo shoot-let's just say working with toddlers and infants around nap time and snack time can been challenging. Kudos to Tanya who does this for a living. Hope you like our little tea party for Spring.Thanks to the two great moms for displacing themselves on this rainy day.





Above is Melissa and my sling muse and super awesome baby boy-name excluded for privacy- call him doe eyes. Here are the shots from the shoots-let me know what you all think. Need to make some posters this week.
A keeper for sure.

You may start seeing this cutie pie more and more on my site- he is my new muse and happy go lucky lil boy. Melissa you are a lucky girl to have such a sweetie.






Here are the other two little munchkins who had a great time, especially when the oatmeal cookies came out. Lost count at five cookies.




Here is the sleep sack on my little 15 month old model-let's call him speedie- the sleep sack is versatile as your child grows and can be rolled up onto the waist like an elastic waist band pant, allowing your child to motor around freely.







I can touch my toes mom!!!
Who you lookin at? Love our new sleep sacks- so roomy so no toes will pop out. Bamboo is such a great fabric, keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in cooler temperatures. auto regulating. It also wicks away moisture and offers UV protection.

Here is the original babyburrito- he is getting to be such a big boy. Time for another lil babyburrito.

Stay tuned as I update this crazy week before my next big show for Salon Maternite- should be fun.
cheers,
lianne head honcho

babyburrito Organics have arrived

Before I talk about my new collection I need to share with you a new furniture designer who will be seen at a local shop near you in the future. I don't know about most of you, but I have recently started shopping for a new kitchen table, I did the whole IKEA thing when i moved out 16 years ago and now I want quality, cool design and something that will last. I have a list of things I am looking for, like reclaimed wood, local, no laminates or pressed wood and has to last longer than five years. Well I have come up empty until I saw this designer's latest work. All his designs are originals (with taste running from the 1930's to ultra modern) and he does try to use as much reclaimed wood as he can get his hands on (so if you know of any studios/ companies that just throw out their scraps let him know). He was recently featured in an American magazine's website called FineWoodworking; a furniture designers mecca for up and coming designers. So please check him out as he does mostly custom work.

Did I also mention he is my little brother, Jason Hogan.

I promised my new collection for February and I am happy to give you all a little peek at what will soon be appearing on my web site. I am over the moon happy with how everything turned out.

It was my first time working with a local company of seamstresses and I can be a "little picky" when it comes to quality, so when I first saw the items coming out of the boxes I was:

• A) very happy
• B) very, very happy.

Wish my son was still small enough to wear my organic cotton bamboo sleep sacques. The fabric I chose - bamboo-cotton blend - will become more like cashmere the more you wash and dry it, not to mention bamboo's natural wicking abilities which will help babies regulate their temperature and humidity. I chose to do sacques as I found that with my little guy I was constantly buying pyjamas (every week for the first two months) because his feet were huge and did not match the size of the pyjama for his age group. So this design eliminates that problem and the sizing actually allows the baby to wear it longer.

Here are some shots I took of some of my new collection of change pads, sleep sacques with matching receiving blankets and my new line of baby lounge wear of kimonos. Sizes run from 6 months to 4 years for the kimonos, but I will be adding the sizes to 6 years so I can selfishly have my son wear them for a few more years. I want my son to be a big burrito in the school yard.












I have so much to say in this blog that I will be cramming several blogs into this one, so stay with me I promise it will be worth it.

Many thanks go out to the organizer of girl geek dinners last tuesday night. I had the pleasure of meeting Tanya who organizes these really engaging cool soirees for local entrepreneurs. Hosted at maman bébé et café, I finally had the chance to meet Naomi Goldapple (I say finally because our husbands work together - small world), the owner of this innovative mom/dad destination (her business is geared for parents that want to connect with other parents in a setting that is both fun and relaxing). Whether you go for the food, the shopping, the spa or some of the fun classes offered for parents and babies, there is something there for everyone. For a little retail therapy check out Azure Wraps located in her store. They carry these awesome cloth diapers called apple cheeks, offered in almost every colour under the rainbow.

Met Kim Vallée who is one of Montreal's most successful bloggers about lifestyle and trends. Her site is soo great that you'll have to prepare yourself to want to redecorate your house to mimic what she finds for you all over North America. Martha Stewart with an edge and way more appeal. She generously just blogged about my line babyburrito which in turn created a spike in traffic for my site. So big thank you for that. babyburrito can now stamp Italy into its passport (we had a sale to Venice).

Had the chance to reacquaint with old friends too, Josée St-Amand who created a great line of stylish eco friendly bags called Lily&colo. She's has also been instrumental in helping me find many sources when I moved back here from Vancouver. Forget those bags the stores try to sell you, these ones you'll actually want to bring with you to shop.

New Batch of Slings

It has been a little while since I last posted so here is what I have been working on in my little sweatshop. This is my third batch of slings that I have sent out in the last two weeks (which can be found at Bure et Linon), and the first chance I have had to take some shots of them. It has been a crazy few weeks, emails ( as well as laundry and snow) have piled up and sewing has taken priority. Which is fine by me, I like the view from my machine. Maybe I will get a chance to tackle both those other piles this week.


Stay tuned as I will be posting in a few weeks, my new babyburrito spring collection 2009. To which will include my new organic line of sleepwear and receiving blankets with silk screening, as well as my perennial blankets, change pads and slings. I hope you will like my new choices in fabrics. Took some risks, so we'll see...