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.
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KanDi Jewelry


101613_KanDiJewelry_candybraceletWho says you can’t have your candy and wear it too!? 

KanDi Jewelry is a very fun line of jewelry for girls, tweens and teens. The New York-based company designs and manufactures bracelets, necklaces, earrings and hair ties that resemble kids’ favorite candy treats, only this modern version of candy jewelry is just for stylish show.

Once upon a time, it was okay to eat candy necklaces and lick sticky ring pops. But unfortunately when you hit a certain age, sucking on jewelry is just not cool anymore.

101613_KanDiJewelry_jawbreakernecklaceCandy necklaces were all the rage when I was young, but once you ate the candy, the jewelry was all gone! From candy necklaces to gummy bears and jawbreakers, the new KanDi’s  are fun, colorful, stylish … and irresistible.

101613_KanDiJewelry_hairtiesEye Candy. Candy fiend Dani Kates dreamed up KanDi Jewelry for all the little girls who grow up, but never outgrow their love of candy –just like her. Dani’s original diamond KanDi necklace became such a hit that celebrities such as Lauren Graham, Kristen Bell, Fergie, Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Hayden Panettiere and others were seen wearing it.

“After just a year and a half, we are available in over 150 children’s boutiques and candy stores throughout the U.S. and Canada -and we are growing every day,” Dani tells me.

Plus, KanDi Jewelry’s full range of candy-inspired pieces are so affordable, no one can have just one!

  • 101613_KanDiJewelry_gummibearsChildren’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Clever Relish


Solving life’s parenting problems with panache.

101513_CleverRelish_jillThrough partnership with the undiscovered genius of parents across America, we will deliver smart products that dress up your life while empowering the growth of strong families.

The CleverRelish™ company is the brainchild of Jill Carreiro, an engineer, salesperson, lifelong tinkerer and clever Mom of four children –which means Jill has endured nearly six straight years of diaper changes looking at that same ugly plastic baby wipes tub with every change.

Total inspiration for improvement, don’t you think?

101513_CleverRelish_WipesWrapsPatent Pending, Made in the USA. One day Jill realized, why can’t baby wipes tubs simply become part of the décor?! And with this “aha” moment, she started development on her first CleverRelish product, a simple, elegant solution to add style to your life.

101513_CleverRelish_01As the world’s first interchangeable decorative cover available, WipesWraps™ by CleverRelish™ transform unsightly baby wipe tubs into pretty room accessories, an inventive, quick-fix that stretches on to dress up any environment.

Massachusetts-based CleverRelish recently shipped 2,500 units of WipesWraps exceeding its initial goal –and for a small, privately-owned and entrepreneurial business, this is a fantastic accomplishment!

“The commitment to our mission of building this business and innovating new products is unwavering,” Jill says. “As a mother and business woman, I understand our customers, which shows in the design of our flagship product line that has people desiring the unexpected and purchasing products that have the ability to turn something boring into something fun.”

101513_CleverRelish_02Celebrity Fave. Hollywood Moms from Jennifer Garner to Kate Hudson rave about their new fave accessory, and with more than 4,000 social media followers, the company is receiving accolades from customers -and media- around the world.

Have a Clever Idea of your own? “CleverRelish prides itself on being an advocate for entrepreneurs thinking outside the box and strong women everywhere taking risks to make a difference for themselves, their families and the world around them,” Jill says. “We vow to support other small and local businesses, advocate for their success and recognize their brilliance and ingenious efforts, which provide inspiration and motivation to the growth and perseverance of CleverRelish every day.”

If you’re a clever inventor with a cool idea for kids or the home, tell Jill about it by emailing idea@cleverrelish.com.

ZooBooKoo Cube Books


101013_GearedForImagination_CubeBooks_05A simple toy that engages and educates through play.

Popular toy company Geared for Imagination just introduced its newest educational toy- ZooBooKoo Cube Books.

The more you turn – the more you learn!

101013_GearedForImagination_CubeBooks_06Remember the Rubic’s Cube? Well, these books’ll make it fun for your kids to learn, in much the same way. Designed in the United Kingdom, Cube Books engage kids with knowledgeable info and detailed illustrations packaged in a unique way –by folding and unfolding parts of the cube, revealing the secrets inside.

Cube Books are available in four subjects – the Human Body, Planets, Spelling and Multiplication Tables.

101013_GearedForImagination_CubeBooks_01Ohio-based Geared for Imagination creates and distributes of high-quality products “Driven by Design, Powered by Play.” Founded in 2009 by dads Ryan Hamilton and Bret Faber, the company recently launched a Retailer Resource Site for wholesale that includes online ordering, virtual catalog, downloadable pictures, videos, catalogs and more!

HitStory Kids App


100913_HitstoryKids_03The only history app for toddlers!

HitStory Kids is a new educational app created especially for toddlers, guiding them in a fun and interactive way through iconic episodes of American history.

Like Magic! The free app, now available for iPhone and iPad, is narrated by Peekaboo Peet, a friendly and curious hedgehog who takes children on a journey, introducing them to characters, objects and symbols linked to historical facts.

100913_HitstoryKids_04A True Explorer. Toddlers love finding Peet in vessels, carts, beneath the sand, playing with monkeys and other unexpected situations that ultimately teach them about American history.

The fun in HitStory Kids comes in many ways: the cute, the funny, the scary and the amazing characters; tons of interactivity waiting to be discovered; the music and the ‘mission accomplished’ buzz the child feels when he or she reaches the final destination on the last screen.

100913_HitstoryKids_01Celebrate Columbus Day. The first HitStory Kids episode, Columbus Sails, was just released in time to celebrate Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October (the 14th).

The only history app for toddlers, HitStory Kids is created by a group of passionate historians to teach toddlers about American history, culture, the values and beliefs that are important in the making of American society. Visit http://www.hitstorykids.com to download the app and learn more.

  • Thank you, Adrienne Dorsey of Magnolia PR for introducing me! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Pendleton Woolen Mills


100813_Pendleton_150YearsLogoHappy Birthday to the iconic brand of classic American style.

Recognized all over the world as a symbol of authentic American heritage and craftsmanship, Pendleton is celebrating 150 years of weaving fabric in the Pacific Northwest this year.

100813_Pendleton_BigDipperCribBlanketMade in the USA. With six generations of family ownership since 1863, the company owns and operates two of America’s remaining woolen mills, attending to them with the love and respect they deserve with state-of-the-art looms and eco‐friendly technology.

Inspired by its heritage, Pendleton designs and produces apparel for men, women and children, blankets, home décor and gifts.

100813_Pendleton_HoodedTowelFor Little Ones. Pendleton’s colorful, beautifully designed and naturally inspired line of children’s blankets, towels, layette, plush toys, dinner sets and room décor can brighten your child’s environment with pieces that can become family heirlooms.

100813_Pendleton_FranklinHorseEach of the “Tell-Me-A-Story” blankets are inspired by the true history of the native peoples of America, giving real-life shared experiences to parents and their kids. Full stories for each blanket can be found on the company website.

100813_Pendleton_Ah-DayMuchachoGirlsAh-Day. “Ah-Day” means “special” in Kiowa, and the Ah-Day blankets are produced exclusively by Pendleton for the American Indian College Fund, a Native American-operated organization dedicated to education. Designed by acclaimed contemporary Native American artist Virginia Stroud, the blanket is inspired by a Plains Indian tradition of new parents placing their child’s remaining navel cord inside an amulet shaped like a turtle. The amulets represent the turtle’s hard shell that will guard the spirit of the child and ensure a long, protected life. Also, a portion of the proceeds from the Ah-Day blankets benefit the Fund.

100813_Pendleton_GirlScoutsGirl Scouts’ Centennial Celebration. Last May, Pendleton wove a custom blanket design for the Girl Scouts’ 100 year celebration, each one issued with a commemorative label signed by Girl Scout alumna and former Governor of Oregon Barbara Roberts.

100813_Pendleton_LayetteAdorned with a few of the original Girl Scout proficiency badges and the Girl Scouts official 100th anniversary logo, the blanket design represents the history as well as the diversity of skills that girls have learned in the last century. Stripes along the top and bottom represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise and the Courage, Confidence and Character element of the Girl Scout mission.

100813_Pendleton_PillowPendleton is available through select retailers in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, at Pendleton stores, through company catalogs the Pendleton website.

Tortle


With more than a million babies each year being diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone, Tortle is an essential item that we hope will be on every expectant parent’s buy buy BABY registry list.

-Dr. Jane Scott, inventor and Mom

Almost 1 in Every 2 Babies. Since 1992, the incidence of Flathead Syndrome has increased to epidemic proportions. It can occur due to a baby’s lack of movement, or the amount of time infants spend on their back –the best position for a baby to rest.

If left untreated, Flathead Syndrome can cause long-standing physical issues for a child, and the expensive treatment can be somewhat uncomfortable.

100313_Tortle_02Almost 100% Preventable. Denver, CO-based Tortle Products makes a lightweight knit beanie that provides parents with a cost effective and simple solution to prevent Flathead Syndrome.

Developed by board certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott, the Tortle beanie is an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device that promotes proper head and neck movement essential for appropriate development.

The stylish Tortle beanie helps prevent and treat early stages of Plagiocephaly (the flattening of the baby’s skull) and Torticollis (unbalanced neck muscles) –known as Flathead Syndrome- by gently repositioning a baby’s head, gently moving it from side to side.

100313_Tortle_01An expert specialist in this field, Dr. Scott has counseled and educated hundreds of  parents to help prevent and treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome during her 30-year practice. Her mission is to prevent Flathead Syndrome all over the world.

The Tortle is now available in more than 16 buybuy BABY locations across the country.

  • Thanks Hilary Abbott Communications, for introducing me! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Introducing ABCmouse.com Online Learning Program


100213_abcmouse_05ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is an online educational program focused on making learning fun for children ages two to six, establishing a foundation for lifelong learning.

With a full online preschool, pre-k and kindergarten curriculum, ABCmouse.com offers quality content to engage children with stimulating games, puzzles, songs, paint-by-numbers and more.

We named our site ABCmouse.com because here, children can learn important educational basics (often referred to as ‘the ABC’s’) through the use of a computer mouse. At ABCmouse.com, the computer mouse comes to life as ABC Mouse, who serves as our site ambassador and guide to early learners everywhere.

100213_abcmouse_03Drawing from curriculum carefully designed in collaboration with nationally recognized childhood education experts, ABCmouse.com’s highly imaginative programs engage children at every learning level to make learning seem like a fun game.

A few ABCmouse.com features:

  • More than 3,000 learning activities in reading, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music
  • A Step-by-Step Learning Path that guides your child through the curriculum at his or her own pace
  • A powerful Lesson Builder tool that allows you to create your own lessons for your child

100213_abcmouse_01Subscription-based ABCmouse.com has no advertising, pop-up ads or links to other sites. Children can learn and explore on their own or with their parents in a safe and secure online educational environment.

In addition to supplementing and supporting a child’s traditional schooling, ABCmouse.com also offers a special curriculum for home schoolers.

Merle & Velma


Shut the front door! This is the Best. Blanket. Ever.”

– Amber, happy customer

100113_merleandvelma_02A fresh look for classic, American-made, personalized keepsakes.

Merle and Velma are two very special ladies.

They’re the kind of women who could get more done before noon, and then some … who could light up a room with just a smile, who made dolls and hearty wholesome meals by hand –and made their families feel a certain warm and fuzzy, called trademarked grandma love.

100113_merleandvelma_04These ladies inspired wife, mother, artist and entrepreneur Michelle to start a business named in their honor: Merle & Velma. Together with her mother-in-law Holly, she puts a modern twist on the traditional keepsakes her grandmothers Merle and Velma loved to create for family and friends, personalized for pleasure.

We’d like to think Merle & Velma would be proud to show off our keepsakes to the ladies in their sewing circle. We hope you will, too.

100113_merleandvelma_03Made in the USA.  Merle & Velma keepsake blankets, pillows and t-shirts that are made with 100% organic fabric, printed with non-toxic water based dyes and Made in the USA, with love.

Beautiful Birth Stories. Michelle’s graphic, modern designs tell the bold, beautiful birth stories of your own children, grandchildren or that special kid in your life. And Michelle is planning to add more birth story designs, as well as a line for weddings, engagements and housewarmings.

100113_merleandvelma_05Yep, Merle & Velma would be proud, indeed!

Reinventing Floatimini


092613_floatimini_07A popular children’s swimwear line returns, for girls only.

092613_floatimini_03Five years ago, Erie Chang and Sehee Kim dreamed up Floatimini, a fashionable clothing line focused on swimwear that inspired both girls and boys to have their own dreams. The bright colors, playful prints and unique patterns helped Floatimini to stand out from the rest, expanding from swimwear to a full complement of resort wear that included hoodies, wrap skirts, sun dresses, shorts and t-shirts.

092613_floatimini_04Now, these two Moms, designers, artists –and friends- are staying true to their original signature, re-introducing the brand to focus solely on girls ages six months to eight years.

Floatimini produces sophisticated, high-quality swimwear using the brightest technology: heavier weight, quick-drying fabric, ultraviolet and antibacterial protection and SPF-50.

092613_floatimini_01Find Her Beach. Erie and Sehee travel the world for the latest in trends, innovations and perspectives on what makes beachwear the best. Their goal is to create “the perfect pool print” -bright colors, up-to-date style, vintage sensibility, cute ruffles, sophisticated details and trims.

092613_floatimini_09In addition to stunning swimwear, these beach-loving designers also plan to feature bright cotton knit dresses in the 2014 collection.

  • Thanks to Daniela Vitali of DV REPS for re-introducing me! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Measuring Up App & Book


When shopping for children’s clothes, measure twice, buy once … and leave the children at home?!

092513_MeasuringUpApp_ImageLauri Chertok has a good thing going.

The Chestnut Hill, MA native who pursued a fabulous fashion career in New York is now a consultant to Moms who want to excel in the fine art of shopping for their children’s clothing.

Call A Babysitter! Lauri is the creator of the successful Measuring Up App for Apple® iPhone and iPad, a nifty shopping app that’s portable enough to use whether you’re in a store, flipping through catalogs or browsing online.

092513_MeasuringUpApp_BookShe’s also the author of a new book, Measuring Up: Buying Clothes that Fit. In it, she puts her 25+ years of experience in the fashion industry to work for you, with a simple, three-step guide that gives you the measurements you need to bring home clothes that fit –without any dressing room temper tantrums and youthful meltdowns. Why? Because you’re kids can stay home.

I want everyone who clothes shops for kids to buy this time-saving app. It will make shopping fun, stress-less and totally doable.

Two-Fisted Ease. While the Measuring Up book includes helpful inventory pages to track your child’s wardrobe for what they’ll need each season, the Measuring Up app lets you email measurements directly to anyone who may need to know them –like grandma, who’s buying a present –or knitting a sweater- for their grandchild (There’s also an automatic conversion function, so she can shop when traveling abroad!).

Whether you use the app, the book or both, Lauri’s easy measurement instructions and accurate storage takes the stress out of shopping.

And they work for grownups, too!

That’s right! Lauri’s thought of everything. As she says, she’ll always be obsessed with fashion, art, good behavior and proper fit.

Learn more about the app and the book by visiting the Measuring Up App website. While you’re there, check out Lauri’s blog, Measuring Up Maven, for her current tips and tales about kids, their parents, children’s fashion and more.