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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Monkeybar Buddies


062013_MonkeybarBuddies_01This summer’s must-have line of practical undergarments and more for active girls.

The Name Says It All. Have your daughters ever wanted to just swing from the rafters, no matter what they were wearing?

I See London, I See France, I CAN’T See Your Underpants!

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_03Monkeybar Buddies is an line of shorts, capris, leggings –and more- designed to let girls play as freely as they want to –even in their dresses and skirts. Functional as well as stylish, this collection of meant-to-be-seen underclothes keeps girls confident on the jungle gym.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_06Run & Jump without Showing Your Rump. Designed for ultimate comfort, girls don’t have to give a second thought to exposing anything unmentionable while wearing the Spandex leggings -with ultimate stretch- or the fun shorts and capris in bright colors.

Check out Baby Buddies – adorable ruffled diaper covers- and Barely Buddies, too … seamless underwear in bright colors that give tweens and teens the confidence to put it all out there, without putting it all out there.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_04Giving Back. The Monkeybar Buddies company loves to give back with their products, too. Buy one of the Girl Effect t-shirts, and proceeds from the sale benefit popular non-profit The Girl Effect, helping to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_08Monkeybar Buddies’ collection of head bands is perfect for helping girls beat the summer heat – another way the company has every girl covered. Buddie Bands come in a variety of colors and unique prints, with a comfortable velvet underside. Another plus – with every purchase, $1.00 is donated to DonorsChoose.org, helping students in need.

Shop for it all or find retailers near you at the Monkeybar Buddies website.

  • 062013_MonkeybarBuddies_07Children’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!

Land of Looms


061913_LandOfLooms_OnePieceSafe for baby and safe for the planet.

Rinat Hegde has launched a modern, beautiful and chemical-free line of rompers, onezies and blankets for children called Land of looms.

“Land of looms was born with the intention of providing baby clothes that are made from 100% certified organic cotton,” Rinat tells me. “They are very soft and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin, clean and simple in design, and fashionably timeless.”

Organic cotton is pure, natural and more breathable, with none of the harmful chemical residue found in regular cotton clothing. The softer, thicker cloth also lasts longer because its less processed.

It’s every parents dream to welcome their precious little ones into a world that is free from all toxins and to nurture them with all things pure, just as nature intended.

061913_LandOfLooms_RomperLand of loom clothes are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-certified, designed and manufactured according to strict ecological and social standards. The natural color and sweet graphics that personalize each Land of looms design use non-toxic dyes and are made in fair trade factories. They’re also machine washable.

061913_LandOfLooms_Blanket“As parents we try to make informed choices, but sometimes we get caught up with the overwhelming choices that are presented to us,” Rinat says. “When you shop at Land of looms, you are assured that all products are safe for baby and safe for planet.”

Fish Flops


Already snagging national headlines at the tender age of 15, this creative dynamo is 061813_FishFlops_01following her passion all the way to the bank.

You may have seen recent news stories declaring, “Fifteen-year-old Sells Over $1 Million Worth of Flip Flops to Nordstrom.” And you may wonder how it all came to happen. Well, here’s the scoop:

Back when she was just eight years old, Maddie Robinson has an idea. She thinks up a product that combines her love of swimming, fishing and drawing –a fun and unique combo, I’d say.

I’ve always been a flip-flop-kind of kid, so I created a brand of flip flops called FishFlops®. I shared my idea with many of my friends and family, and they all smiled and thought I had something special.”

061813_FishFlops_02Maddie’s FishFlops® footwear are made to mix and match with one or more of her t-shirts and caps, designed in coordinating colors and aquatic characters. The footwear lights up when a child walks, and they’re fun to share with friends, too – “make a friend smile!” Maddie says.

061813_FishFlops_03The Big Ask. All it takes for Maddie’s big break is a letter to Nordstrom about her brand –and a response from the retailer’s buying team to offer Fish Flops in 60 Nordstrom stores. The rest, as they say, is the big headline.

Maddie’s colorful Fish Flops illustrations are also characters the children’s books she writes, ocean adventures Swimming with Spinner, and  FishFlops® – Living Together at Sea by Orkicky. Kids are introduced to the Maddie’s characters as each book unfolds. Maddie is also planning a Fish Flops Virtual World.

Fish Flops sold at Nordstrom online and in stores. Email info@fishflops.com for more information about apparel and book sales.

  • 061813_FishFlops_06Children’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!

Canus L’il Goat’s Milk Products


060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_goatsSpecifically formulated for a child’s tender skin, made from fresh goat’s milk.

I just love goats. They’ve long been friends and companions to humans, nurturing us with their frisky personalities and their nutrient-rich milk.

Back in 1994, Andree Falardeau and Andre Beauregard really had a soft spot for goats, too – so much so, that they began making soap and body products made from fresh goat’s milk, through their company called Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_giftsetAfter the two friends from Montreal started making fresh goat’s milk body wash, moisturizer, body butter and foot scrub for big people, the goats themselves decided it was time to make a line especially for little humans.

Canus Li’l Goat’s Milk soaps and lotions are made extra gentle for babies and young children. PH-balanced for super-sensitive baby skin, they contain allantoin, which naturally and gently heals rashes and dry spots. Lil Goat’s Milk also heals baby skin problems like acne and eczema.

Canus is based in Montreal and Vermont, producing about 70 different products available all over North America and online.

None of this could have happened without the thousands of dedicated, hard-working goats and the family farms that take such good care of them and deliver their milk to Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_DiaperRashOintmentRich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, fresh goat’s milk is what the company calls Mother Nature’s greatest contribution to health and beauty. “Working closely with the goats,” they say, “our daily mission at Canus is to constantly develop new ways to use their magical milk to nourish a healthier, softer, more natural world.”

Initial Reaction


060413_InitalReaction_02Fun, personalized jewelry for summer! 

Summer is all about bold, vibrant colors and fun laid back style. So why not have a blast with your jewelry selections, too?!

Connecticut-based Initial Reaction has taken the popularity of their monogrammed jewelry and added a fun twist for the summer – the a fully customizable version of the acrylic, cut-out monogram and nameplate collection.

Tastefully trendy accessories for tweens, teens and ladies.

Choose from a variety of bright colors –like turquoise or purple, and even lime swirl. It may be difficult to choose between the whimsical script monogram, funky block monogram or simple nameplate because each style is so unique and fun to wear.

060413_InitalReaction_01Made in the USA. Since 2002, Initial Reaction has earned a reputation for classic designs and quality craftsmanship. The stylish line of accessories includes engraved pendants and discs,  necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that are handmade right in the United States, featuring metal, acrylic and enamel cut-out monograms.

Initial Reaction offers uniquely personal gift options for weddings and bridesmaids, birthdays, graduation –any special occasion, or simply a day at the beach.

Recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Initial Reaction jewels are sure to enliven  any summer look.

Baby K’tan


060413_BabyKtan_manThe awarding-winning baby carrier that slips on like a shirt and fits like a wrap.

Florida-based Baby K’tan is best known for its innovative newborn carriers. Since 2005, the company has grown to include clothing and accessories – and will soon be débuting  a new and improved K’tanCloth to the market.

060413_BabyKtan_clothThe Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is an innovative soft cotton baby carrier that blends the benefits of a sling, wrap and carrier. It is a ready-to-wear wrap that enables parents and caregivers to comfortably carry children from birth to three years) in a variety of positions.

Our goal is to help parents feel comfortable in their busy babywearing lives!

060413_BabyKtan_clothesThe idea for Baby K’tan grew from a desire to achieve just the right kind of parent-child bonding. The Chesal and the Wernick families each were raising a child with special needs, and they themselves bonded together. With a desire to provide their babies with the sensory nourishment they require for optimal development, while also wanting to carry their babies as much as possible, they produced their own ideal carrier, which became the basis for a wonderful business.

Personal Fit. Baby K’tan combines style, ease of use and comfort for busy parents and caregivers. Lightweight and compact like a sling, it goes over both shoulders to evenly distribute baby’s weight like a structured carrier. K’tan gives a personal fit with no wrapping, buckles, snaps, rings or hardware.

060413_BabyKtan_awardsThe Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is made entirely of soft, breathable 100% cotton knit fabric that is strong enough to hold a child from 8 to 35 lbs. The unique double-loop design, which provides added security for carrying baby and privacy for mom while nursing, also has an adjustable back support band.

A great Father’s Day gift!

Rileyroos


053013_RileyRoos_01Flexible, comfortable shoes that help little feet grow up to be big and strong.

Rileyroos footwear is named for the founders’ daughter, Riley. With a focus on style, comfort and ease, these parents have created a shoe line that helps children discover how to walk on their own two feet safely and with correct development.

The sole of a Rileyroos shoe is so flexible that it can be curled into a ball in the palm of your hand.

053013_RileyRoos_04“We designed the line to imitate barefoot walking and to protect little feet,” they say. The lightweight construction is easy on little ankles and toes; simple closures allow for easy on and off; the flexible, cushioned rubber sole lets little feet respond to different walking surfaces both indoors and out; the soles curl above toes, giving children a leg up, so to speak, when moving through  crawling, cruising and early walking; the handmade designs are made from soft, high-quality materials, using child-safe, genuine leather and non-toxic dyes.

And they’re cute!

  • 053013_RileyRoos_boxChildren’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!

Infinity for Girls


One is definitely not the loneliest number for this new fashion-forward children’s brand.

052913_InfinityForGirls_lineupSingular and Infinite. For anyone who is looking for the basics, there’s nothing basic about Infinity For Girls. The company’s signature design is one dress, available in one size that fits girls ages four through 10, that can be worn in a plethora of ways –enough to let young fashionistas flaunt their brave, beautiful style- and never be bored with the outfit.

052913_InfinityForGirls_lemonadeInfinity For Girls designs unique clothing and accessories inspired by the founders’ (three moms named Michal, Neomi and Irit) global vision and international backgrounds, which adds variety and distinctiveness.

Infinity for Girls is not only about the look, it is about the experience.

The Infinity For Girls dress can be worn strappy and full-skirted to strapless and bustled to fit any special occasion. “The one size will fit for years, with built-in ties on the skirt that allow it to grow with your child,” they say, “and a stretchy ruched bodice.” The solid color version is made from 100% polyester; the jersey and printed styles are 100% rayon.

052913_InfinityForGirls_coverupInfinity for Girls also makes Fabubands, stylish headbands with one-of-a-kind appliqués made with soft elastic that fits comfortably, in a variety of colors.

Cover Me. The Infinity for Girls cover-ups are 100% rayon and are perfect for keeping a girl trendy with a peasant-style, embroidered with coordinating thread and embellished with sequins and lacing, or a classic tunic design, with silver sequin accents. Pretty enough to skip the swimsuit and pair with shorts and sandals –and these come in sizes.

Children’s Eyeworks


This online boutique specializes in stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses for infants, kids and teens.

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_01

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_DivinaHeleneDivina Helene comes from a long line of eyecare professionals. In addition to being an optician and stylist, her family’s company, Rims & Goggles of San Francisco, CA (RGSF), has provided eyeglass wearers in the Bay Area with excellent service and stylish self-expression for almost 40 years.

When you see the smile of your baby seeing you clearly for the very first time, you will know the indescribable joy of my work.

052813_ChildrensEyeworks_02Now, Divina is introducing Children’s Eyeworks, a niche online shopping experience offering eyewear designed specifically for children and teens that is colorful and fun, durable and well-made … not to mention fashionable and very self-expressive!

“I am committed to filling your child’s prescription by highly-skilled opticians at the labs at RGSF,” says Divina, who’s also mom to one stylish little boy. “We bring you the latest and greatest in infant and children’s eyewear from all over the globe, available for purchase right here.”

Taking care of your child’s eyes is pretty important, so why not choose a pretty stylish solution? Seeing is believing!

Madpax


052313_MadPax_01‘Funk’tional backpacks that are the talk of the town.

Mike Cordovana and Tina Huber make ultra cool backpacks for creative kids … and their parents! The team experiments with ways to construct backpacks that make them stand out in a crowd.

MadPax backpacks are like no other –the cutting edge, origami-inspired designs scream individuality in a unique and wildly fun way!

Each creation conceived enters the ‘fabratory’ as a double dare of design and possibility. We add the punk, passion and purpose, dab out the drab and add the rad.

052313_MadPax_02Is it creature, myth or magic? A huge celebrity favorite –count Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian as customers- MadPax packs are available in a range of sizes, including Full Size, Half Size, Nibbler (a name I really love), a fully-insulated lunch pack and the Mighty Bite, to stash the small stuff.

052313_MadPax_03Once the creator behind custom homes, Mike Cordovana is the company’s math and manufacturing wizard; Tina Huber adds the funk as “sorceress of sales and marketing.” This duo has plans for additional Madpax -including halfpax, packs for littles under five, lunchboxes and accessories.

Pax on, I say!