Author: Janet Gray Muniz

Janet Gray MunizCREATIVE WRITING BY REQUEST - I'm an award-winning professional writer known for informative articles, inspiring blog posts and effective video content. Visit SagelandCreative.com to learn more.
Janet Gray Muniz's avatar
Video

ZAIKAMOYA


Introducing the Fall/Winter 2014 collection.

Recently spotted at ENK Children’s Club in March, ZAIKAMOYA is a children’s apparel line that appeals to the minimalist.

Pure, Versatile, Essential. Crafted in small editions, the clean, simple designs are made from high-quality, durable, natural fabrics like organic cotton in neutral tones. This first collection is ideal for children from newborn to age four. The brand plans to expand for other ages.

Kasia Pysiak is the person behind the Brooklyn, NY-based company, which takes its name from the soft, cuddly bunny (“zaikamoya” means “my bunny” in Russian). Some styles are appropriate for both girls and boys, and the soothing color palette is a favorite among parents, who wish the clothes came in adult sizes.

GirlzNDollz


040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_LogoThe New Jersey-based company launches two new doll collections.

As a first generation teen emigrating from the Caribbean, Jessie Saint-Hubert has worked for over 15 years in the U.S. developing plush for well-known companies. Now, her lifelong passion for dolls inspired the launch her own business, GirlzNDollz™ –with her daughter, who shares Jessie’s passion for dolls and playing dress up. Each of the dolls emulates the best characteristics of their friends and family; they are soft, cuddly, diverse and loveable! And together, the mother-and-daughter duo helped create all the outfits and accessories.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_03GirlzNDollz launches with the introduction of  Lil’Totz™ and Just2Girlz™, dolls with sweet bios that allow girls to discover who they are and unleash the potential of who they can become. These unique and adorable collections allow for each girl’s own imagination and compassion to open up their world and teach them to accept one another as they are.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_04The GirlzNDollz Collection

The soft and cuddly rag dolls are based on real-life characters that all girls can identify with. Lil’Totz is a collection for ages 3+ while Just2Girlz is perfect for children 5+.  The collection’s size grows with the girls as they mature from toddlers to tweens –they’ll want to collect them, play with them and love them! Each doll collection also has a beautiful dollhouse just their size. The entire line meets all current CPSIA regulations and ASTM-F963 toy safety standards.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_06You’ll Love What We Stand For!

GirlzNDollz celebrates everything there is about being a girl! Empowerment starts at an early age, and the GirlzNDollz brand grows with your child as they learn through play about life’s unlimited possibilities. The company’s mantra is, “I am me!” emphasizing quality, value and uniqueness.

Available at online doll store GirlzNDollz.com.

Silikids®


An all-new product line of safe, modern silicone accessories for kids

032614_Silikids_08Founded in 2006 by Stacey Feeley and Giuliana Schwab, Traverse City, MI-based Silikids the first mom-founded brand of products that are toxin- free, hypoallergenic and made entirely out of silicone. A pioneer in the children’s market, the company has just introduced an expanded line of innovative feeding products.

Our new offerings are a direct result of our talking with parents over the past year to create a cohesive line of stylish, functional and eco-friendly Silikids products they want and need.

New Silikids products now available in stores include Siliskin® Sippy 8oz., a  Siliskin® Top, Silimap, Silibib® and Siliskin® glasses.  A Siliskin® Bowl, Silispoons and Silibags (snack bags) will be available sometime in April/May.

New Silikids products include:

Silibib, with a new ergonomic design that allows for it to lie flat. The bib includes a hidden pocket that easily flips forward for use. Soft, comfortable for baby, hypoallergenic, easy to wipe off and dishwasher safe.

Siliskin® Bowl, ideal for young children starting solid foods. The sectioned bowl suggests proper portions of the four food groups.

Silispoon, designed to encourage independent eating habits, it features a textured handle and wide spatula style head to make it easy to scoop up food.

Silibags, translucent silicone reusable sandwich/snack bags that make it easy to see what is inside. Embedded closure keeps bag sealed shut.

The Silikids collection is available at specialty juvenile products stores nationwide including Giggle and online at 2modern.com, diapers.com, amazon.com and at the newly redesigned www.silikids.com.

Culver Cutie Tutu Bags


Tote bags with so much personality, you’ll want to get one just for the fun of it!

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_03Macon, GA-based Culver Cutie Boutique makes what owner/founder/designer Shelila Culver calls “Unique & Sassy” tutu bags –tote bags decorated with a darling dance-inspired look and roomy enough to fit any little ballerina’s dance shoes, a change of clothes and all her recital necessities, hair bits and pieces, water and other accessories while providing dancing divas with a show-stopping style at the studio.

Our tutu tote bags are a go-to essential for any young dancer and a favorite of celebrity ‘ballerina’ Suri Cruise, who was recently spotted with our black and hot pink tutu bag.”

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_02Made in the USA. Unique & Sassy Tutu Bags and Backpacks come in four different styles, all made from a durable poly/cotton blend fabric, with sturdy handles, ribbon accents, roomy pockets and Tulle tutu/reinforced bottoms. They make perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays, sleepovers, pageants or ballet/dance class. They are so unique and cute, I’d give them just for fun!

“Our multiple styles let you pick out the perfect tote that expresses her individual style,” Shelila says.

Available at retail stores across the country or directly from the Culver Cutie website at www.culvercutie.com. Boutique volume pricing is available; contact  info@culvercutie.com for details.

Monnalisa


Spring/Summer 2014 collection from Italy’s own Monnalisa.

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_14Monnalisa captures a lively creative spirit

Bold, colorful, cool and collected

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_13Monnalisa SpA is a world leader in distinctive clothing and accessories for children.

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_10

Flagship stores in Milan … Florence … Arezzo … Rome … Catania … NewYork … Sydney … Baku
Available in over 50 countries

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_17

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_16Chairman of the Board Piero Iacomoni and Creative Director Barbara Bertocci founded Monnalisa SpA in 1968 –

030614_CRTPost_Monnalisa_19now called a “star-shaped group”- five connected companies, all located in Arezzo, in the heart of Italy

Monnalisa recently awarded the Label of the Year by the European Kids Fashion Awards

Bellissimo!

Kissy Kissy For Fall ’14


030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-04_resizedThe beloved baby brand launches a new line of pajamas.

Tatiana and Company is the first U.S. company to establish a Peruvian Pima cotton line for children in the U.S. kids market –Kissy Kissy, a wonderful collection of Peruvian Pima cotton layette with a traditional look, and its style and signature designs have set industry standards.

In addition to new themes, Kissy Kissy’s collection for Fall 2014 is launching a new line of pajamas, which feature a snug fit.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-03_resized“When you think about a child’s first two years, it’s amazing how much they develop and learn just through common daily sights and interactions. That’s why this season Kissy Kissy is offering a curated selection of prints that celebrate everyday wonders as seen through baby’s curious, impressionable eyes,” says founder and owner Roxana Castillo. “This combined with our ongoing commitment to exceeding moms’ expectations for quality and comfort makes it a very special collection indeed.”

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-02_resizedTimeless Style, Signature Peruvian Pima Softness. From wardrobe essentials to dressy options, find sweet looks in the Kissy Kissy line; bolder statements from Kissy Kissy’s Qt-Qt; christening apparel in Besos by Kissy Kissy; and embroidered, smocked garments from Kissy Kissy Premier.

For girls, hearts inspire devotion, ballerinas exude grace, sweet treats tempt, animals thrill and delight, and flowers bloom. The line also charms with little extras like ruffle hems and tushies, smocked bodices, scalloped necklines and floral fabric accents. The boys’ prints feature bustling city streets, courageous law officers, far-off planets, frolicking puppies, classic cars and endless construction. Contrast stitching, color blocking, rolled hems, hang-down sleeves, raglan silhouettes and kangaroo pockets provide additional visual interest.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-01_resizedFor those looking for unisex options, the line offers neutral creams as well as bold primaries and sunny yellows with animal, toy, teddy bear and sweet pea graphics. Both fabric and pattern mixing up the sophistication level throughout while embroidery details provide a subtle bit of whimsy. Pieces with all-over stripes, dots and stars coordinate with individual groupings while a windowpane check pattern intermixes with several boys’ themes. Silhouettes include rompers, footies, playsuits, pants sets, gowns, A-line dresses, drop-waist dresses, swing tops and bishops bodies. The collection features sumptuous velours, chic knits and quilted textures on cozy hats, cardigans, blankets and buntings. Sizes run from preemie through 4T.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-05_resizedKissy Kissy is carried in the finest department stores and specialty boutiques around the world and has a strong celebrity fan base that includes Katie Holmes, Molly Sims, Celine Dion, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields and Alyson Hannigan.

Noreen Kidwai Boys Collection


030414_CRTPost_noreenkidwai_03A personal passion for style inspires the launch of a clothing collection for baby boys.

When it comes to making an impression, Noreen Kidwai loves to put her best foot forward, especially with what she wears. She also considers herself a style-obsessed mom. “My passion for fashion extends to my little Baby Z as well,” she writes on her blog. “After all, he’s a reflection of me in many ways and I can’t help but don some trendy clothes on him to bring his personality to life. Picking the best outfit for him is a pure sport.”

In a bold, chic début collection, Noreen has gone one step further, creating the limited-edition Noreen Kidwai line of clothing for baby boys under two years.

Made in the USA. The exclusive collection offers sophisticated, effortless pieces, made of the finest fabrics and produced locally in the USA.

Something bold, chic and sophisticated to express their style. Because let’s face it, boys have a personality, too! And for me, style is about expressing yourself.

030414_CRTPost_noreenkidwai_01Noreen is a working mom, wife, designer and full-time advocate of expressing life through style. Her goal is to help other women stay true to their lifestyle with young kids, “since our children are a reflection of who we are,” she says. Noreen’s innate sense of style gave birth to a fun clothing collection that makes a fabulous first impression for little boys, all lovingly made using the finest of Italian wool as well as European and locally-sourced fabrics.

The full collection is available online at www.noreenkidwai.com.

Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste


021314_JacknJill_ToothPasteNatural, safe-to-swallow toothpaste for babies, toddlers & children.

Every year, February is proclaimed National Children’s Dental Health Month by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, especially for the kiddies.

Jack N’ Jill is a company that’s been in the kids oral hygiene business since 1949. First made in Australia, this family business makes natural toothpaste for kids with organic flavors and calendula, a plant extract with powerful anti-inflammatory properties good for young teeth and gums. Jack N’ Jill is now available in the USA and the UK.

021314_JacknJill_ToothBrushAs parents, it’s easy to get frustrated by the lack of natural choices for kids’ first toothpaste as well as tooth brushes and accessories. The Jack N’ Jill family uses its experience in  pharmacy to formulate good-tasting toothpaste that’s the safest for children, especially because they have a tendency to swallow it, rather than spit it out!

021314_JacknJill_RinseCupJack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste is made with certified organic natural flavors and certified organic/biodynamic calendula officinalis extract, to soothe gums. Other goodness includes:

  • Suitable from 6 months
  • Rich in Xylitol
  • Fluoride Free, Sugar Free, Color Free, SLS Free
  • No Preservatives
  • Safety Seal, Easy Open Flip Top Cap
  • BPA Free
  • Minimal Recyclable Packaging
  • Made in Australia

In addition, the company has designed and manufactured kids toothbrushes and rinse cups –even finger brushes- that biodegradable, recyclable and cute, too. Available online and at Amazon.com.

At Jack N’ Jill we believe that businesses have an obligation to the environment, that’s why we have formulated an all natural, hypoallergenic toothpaste with organic ingredients, and designed our packaging to be minimal, recyclable and BPA Free.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Video

Totally New Rock The Locks


A fresh, fun and fabulous range of organic hair care products specially designed by moms for kids.

Made in the USA. Here’s a great find just in time for Valentine’s Day: Rock The Locks hair care products for kids is the brainchild of moms and friends Joie McKim and Lori Derr, who want safe, natural products for their kids. Only problem is, they’re either hard to find or outrageously priced out for most working moms. But no more. Rock The Locks is all-spray, organic, natural hair care for kids, in fruity scents and packaged in colorful containers that make hairdos fun again!

021214_RockTheLocks_01

No Aerosol Here. All Rock The Locks products use a patent-pending spray technology that’s safe and ozone-friendly and brand new. The quick, one-hand application technique is fun and easy, too.

Why it ROCKS …

        • Organic and natural
        • No harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients
        • No dyes, arsenic or aerosol

Lori combined her 27-year experience in the hair industry with Joie’s eight-year experience in the retail industry to create Rock the Locks. The Pennsylvania-based team worked with a local company to develop the product line, including kid-approved fragrances, pediatrician-approved ingredients and the new patent spray technology. Parents love the easy application and the safe, natural, organic ingredients -and kids of all ages love the fun smells and colors.

Wholesale Now. “The mom-invented Rock The Locks hair care line is so new you won’t have seen it at any trade shows,”  Martha Wright, executive director of sales and marketing tells me. Salons, retailers and distributors can email sales@RockTheLocks.com directly for a wholesale price list. Visit this Rock The Locks web page for current availability in-store.

Love Letter from Good For Your Girls


So nice! Especially for Valentine’s Day!

Dear Children’s Retail Today,

I have to tell you the amazing thing that happened writing this e-mail.

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Call me a big mush (because I am) but I think we should celebrate it once a month. Life gets so crazy that we sometimes forget it’s the little things that matter.

Because Friday is Valentine’s Day, I wanted to send you an e-mail to let you know just how much I appreciate that you have helped me spread the word about Good For You Girls in the past. What happened left me humble and so appreciative. You see, I don’t have a fancy PR firm or a Social Media specialist. It’s just me compiling my lists of contacts and let’s just say it has been a while since I updated it. So Friday I set out to go through every single e-mail. Your words of encouragement and appreciation for my little company blew me away.

Keeping a company afloat can be tough, the hours are long, and many times you feel like you’re absolutely insane for trying. But your kind words made me feel so loved I can’t even begin to tell you. So what started out as a love letter to you actually felt like I was receiving an enormous, and much needed hug.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart! Good For You Girls has been my passion for the last five years and it’s folks like you that have helped bring awareness to our mission to keep girls away from chemicals and give moms a company they can trust.

Help me spread the love and feel free to share the following promotion with your followers if you can.

Thank you again for all the love letters.
Best!
Kim

Kim Grustas, Good For You Girls Natural Skincare

021114_GoofForYouGirls_02