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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Cool-it Caddy


Freeze and go portability for outdoor-enthusiast-moms and people of all ages!

The idea came to founder Deborah Vinci one steamy summer afternoon while golfing in the Arizona desert. She’s a true lover of the warm weather and sunshine … but melted lip balm, lipstick, make-up and sunscreen ruined in the heat, not so much. So Deborah created Cool-it Caddy™ cosmetics coolers through her new venture, Vinci Designs, LLC.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_01No More Meltdown. Now, spending time on the fairway, tennis court, beach, lake or playground no longer spells *meltdown* for your take-along stuff.

The patent-pending design of Cool-It Caddy uses an integrated coolant with lightweight insulation layers to keep contents cool. That means your lip balm, sunscreen, lipstick –even heat-sensitive medicines and snacks maintain their integrity under even the hottest conditions.

The sleek, haute design makes them convenient enough to slip inside purses, briefcases, fanny packs, golf bags, backpacks and diaper bags – so you stay fresh, no matter what the score – or the temperature.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_IcePopsJust Pop and Play. Just pop the Cool-it Caddy into a freezer until frozen. Put you stuff inside and go do your thing. On the course. On the boat. On the go. Courtside. Beachside. Poolside. Car Rides. Playtime!

Currently, Cool-it Caddy products, including Cool-it Caddy Classic, Cool-it Caddy for Men, Cool-it Caddy Contempo and Icepops-  are sold online and at retail locations across the country, as well as private golf clubs and resorts.

SoYoung


Lifestyle bags and products with a celebrity following.

052113_SoYoung_backpacks_02Canadian mom Catherine Choi is the founder of SoYoung, a line of diaper bags, lunch boxes, cooler bags and accessories designed for the modern family. The line is characterized by clean lines, elegant functionality, tough-yet-tender fabrics and lovely silkscreen graphics, which come together with great urban appeal.

In the instant we meet our child for the first time, we are transformed by the sudden expansion of our hearts in a way we never thought possible. SoYoung is about acting on this inspiration. It’s about the pursuit of possibility and watching an idea blossom into reality.

Catherine’s Aha Moment. With no previous background, Catherine simply decided to design a better diaper bag! The process took four years to bring to market, but for her, it was a profound conviction, a sign you could say.

052113_SoYoung_lunchbagscoolersThe name of Catherine’s company –SoYoung- is actually her Korean name, one she tried hard to leave behind, yet became the nature choice for a business name of her own.

“Our products strive to add beauty to the everyday moments of life with children,” she says. “We treasure the unexpected moments of joy and laughter set against the backdrop of raising a family.”

052113_SoYoung_logoThe Toronto-based company with a celebrity following –like Halle Berry and Heidi Klum- is launching a new collection of waxed canvas bags and a new diaper clutch, available this August.

Sold across Canada, the United States and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Paper Hat Press


These publishers are creating beautiful stories about the most unique characters of all – your own kids.

051613_PaperHatPress_lifestyleI remember receiving a fun holiday ornament from my niece that she hand-crafted especially for me. It’s a little replica of my personality –a sassy cowgirl, with boots and hat and scarf –and my nickname printed on her blouse. That little treasure made from play dough is definitely one of my favorite keepsakes.

051613_PaperHatPress_BookThe people behind Paper Hat Press are an award-winning team of children’s book authors, editors, illustrators and designers who are publishing personalized books destined to become keepsakes for kids. They’re also mothers and fathers and book lovers, too –who know how to make high-quality, custom-made books that feature your own children as main characters in engaging stories, illustrated with gorgeous artwork.

Our one-of-a-kind, personalized books and keepsakes are sure to surprise and delight.

051613_PaperHatPress_SketchbooksEach hardcover book is made to order and features a window in the cover that features your “little character,” aka your child. Each book is specially wrapped in kraft paper “that can be folded into a paper hat,” and arrives in as fast as five days. Notebooks, sketchbooks and sticks can also be personalized.

We make books that parents and kids can hold together, read over and over, and keep forever.

051613_PaperHatPress_Stickers“Each story can be customized with a child’s favorite things –a toy, pet, food, playground- as well as with the child’s family,” they say. “In addition, each story celebrates a child’s super qualities and the giver’s wishes.” Each character can also be customized to include to resemble your child.

Luna Leggings


051513_LunaLeggings_04Adorables for fashion-conscious, high-spirited young girls … and their legs!

Inspired by her daughters’ love for bright color combinations coupled with a mutual respect for flowers, trees and edible gardens, designer Jennie Hearing transformed their carefree and creative style into Luna Leggings, adding spice and whimsy to any girl’s wardrobe.

The line of organic cotton tights and leggings for girls ages 0-8 is made of high-quality organic cotton, in a wide range of colorful designs and graphic patterns that appeal to the most creative of fashionistas.

We’ve created versatile styles and hip designs that fit well and wear well- they are not your ordinary tights!

051513_LunaLeggings_05Durable and functional, styles feature footless or footed leggings -some with attached tutu skirts- in bright, bold nature and edible garden-inspired designs. “Using the perfect blend of high-quality organic cotton enables us to produce ultra-soft, long-lasting leggings,” Jennie says. “Nylon stitching and seams maximize stretch and strength, while a wide, reinforced waistband adds comfort and stay-ability.”

051513_LunaLeggings_SJPTwinsJennie and her team have a close relationship with the small, family-run knitting company in India, where Luna Leggings are manufactured. “Spending time with the owners, their children and grandchildren, and sharing meals at their home in India, has greatly enhanced the working relationship and helped to create a close bond across continents,” she says. “We’ve hosted the owner’s daughter in our home; she actually dressed my girls in the very first Luna Leggings!”

Available at over 60 stores nationwide as well as Liberty in London, Luna Leggings also has a huge following from celebrity moms such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jennifer Garner and Alyson Hannigan.

051513_LunaLeggings_02The Oakland, CA-based company donates 10% of profits to the Edible Schoolyard Project (founded by chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame), dedicated to getting middle school students involved in all aspects of farming organically, then preparing, serving and eating food to teach the value of nourishment, community and the land. “We make thoughtful and conscious decisions to support and respect our environment – our kids make us more aware because every decision effects more than ourselves, and we know that our actions today effect generations to come.”

  • Thanks, Teri Akahoshi of Dana Dramov PR, for introducing me to Luna Leggings! 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!

Petit Home by blabla Kids


051313_petithome_playpadExclusive blabla Kids designs come to life in a new line.

This year, Georgia-based blabla Kids continues an adventure in cloth, creating Petit Home, a complementary collection of poetic, modern soft goods for kids.

Winner of Milk Magazine’s 2013 Discovery Prize, the playful bean bags, traveling play pads, matching pillows and reversible totes that make up Petit Home are inspired by designer Florence Wetterwald’s imaginative drawings. The 100% cotton collection is made in Peru, very washable and sure to delight pixie people with its charm!

  • 051313_petithome_lunchtoteChildren’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!

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books


Featuring more than 10,000 high-quality specialty products, Brilliant Sky Toys & Books is truly the place where everyone can find their way to play.

050913_BrilliantSky_01Walk into any Brilliant Sky Toys & Books specialty store, and you’ll be … enchanted. The entire mission is to delight the shopper.

Michigan-based Brilliant Sky Toys & Books provides the highest quality products in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive. Brent Taylor left the corporate world in 2002 to open his with his wife Sonia, a registered nurse, and their three children.

Together, the family created a unique retail experience that has been embraced by communities nationwide and has grown from a single location to one of the fastest growing toy retailing concepts in the country in just seven years.

Back in 2002 my singular goal was to create the finest upscale specialty toy store in America. Now we have 15 and we’re still growing!

050913_BrilliantSky_02Who needs toys? Everyone! At Brilliant Sky, personal Play Consultants help you make the most informed and successful buying decisions while you peruse several thousands of dolls, games, puzzles, crafts, books, dress-up, kites, plush, musical instruments and more. The end result is always the same: walking away with a toy that a child will cherish.

050913_BrilliantSky_03“We believe that the right playthings can teach, inform, enlighten, reinforce and enrich,” Brent says. “We believe in how they can foster self-esteem, non-violence, patience, sensitivity, diversity, and tenacity. We live it and breathe it and experience it every day, and we love nothing more than to share it with others.”

To applaud the very best toy makers, Brilliant Sky initiated the coveted Brilliance Award, an annual tip-of-the-hat to “toys that represent the very ideals that Brilliant Sky Toys & Books was founded upon — the importance of quality, the value of open-ended play and the simple beauty of a child’s fascination and delight.”

050913_BrilliantSky_logoShop online, click here to find a store near you or see more.

Stinky McGee


050813_StinkyMcGee_01How could you not wanna learn more about a company called Stinky McGee?

I’m a huge fan of lifestyle designer family Novogratz, so when the bow tie-loving boys Five and Major wanted to wear Stinky McGee bow ties on a recent Today Show segment last fall, I not only wanted to see the segment, I wanted to know more about this fun, hip company.

Made in Brooklyn, for boys everywhere.

For your little stinker. Stinky McGee designs bowties and neckties at the company’s New York home base, sourcing from the Garment District and all 50 states – for a stylish, creative yet fun look, where cool fabric accoutrements are attached with an adjustable slider and a soft plastic clasp.

We here at Stinky McGee believe every little boy deserves and wants hip, stylish, comfy accessories.

050813_StinkyMcGee_04Perfect for special occasions and everything in between (neckties at the beach?) – I especially like the Mini McGees – long or short sleeved one-pieces made from 100% certified organic cotton, which come with a snap-on-snap-off bow tie.

Millions of Colors


050713_MOC_SS2This young label has caught the eyes of millions of minis out there – and their moms, too.

Designer brand Millions of Colors just introduced a Spring Summer 2013 collection that is light and ethereal –full of  flower petals, beach blossoms and summer parties. From polka-dot chiffon ruffles and flower petal skirts to light blue shorts and navy blue bows; the variety of lounge and beachwear is just right for the season.

050713_MOC_SS2_02The seaside is the inspiration for the vibrant floral designs by award-winning industry creative Rujira Lawonvisut, who has worked for a variety of companies including Gap, Theory and Urban Outfitters.

Designing is a lot like cooking. You mix simple ingredients into a big pot to create a dish. And then you add your own special spice.

050713_MOC_SS2_03The all-girl fashion label for ages 2-14 features details like floral petal-shaped embroidered necklines, waistlines and hemlines – with styles that blend solid cotton modal blouses with striped silky skirts for a dash of beauty and beach time fun.

Celebrity Eye-Catcher. Millions of Colors outfits have also caught the eye of the celebrity parents such as Brooke Shields, Tori Spelling and Jennifer Garner, as well as major magazines like Parenting, Small Magazine and others.

If your daughters love the look of soft, breezy style of summers on the beach, head for Millions of Colors –a seaside standout!

Choose Friendship Company


Choose Friendship is not only the name of a family-owned company from Michigan, but a way of life and daily affirmation that is spreading like wildfire.

Specializing in crafting kits, Choose Friendship Company is taking traditional crafting to the next level, making it easier, all-inclusive and travel-ready … the kind of  “no-muss-no-fuss” that crafters of all ages appreciate.

The company that David Crorey started while babysitting his granddaughters -trying to perfect the old-fashioned method of creating friendship bracelets he introduced the patented innovation My Friendship Bracelet Maker®- goes above and beyond to provide a helping hand worldwide.

050213_ChooseFriendship_02The team started with initiatives that encouraged crafters to create bracelets for those touched by cancer (Pink and White, Kids Join the Fight), diabetes awareness (Embracing You With a Circle of Blue), and military families (Red, White and Blue, Kids Serve Too).

Last year Choose Friendship Co. partnered with Mad Habit Media, a local teen artist, and over 100 Michigan kids to create a flash mob style music video, featuring the song “Inside Out” that inspires others to choose friendship rather than empower bullies. The profit raised from iTunes downloads and t-shirt sales were donated to Defeat The Label, a local anti-bullying organization.

Touched by stories of those devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Choose Friendship Co. donated products to independent toy stores on the coast and the Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.). Other recent contributions include Maiden Nation’s cause of helping survivors from the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to build a new life.

Plans are underway to work with Wish Upon a Teen to help teenagers with developmental or medical conditions.

050213_ChooseFriendship_01Today, the Choose Friendship family business has gone global, continually expanding its product line to an ever-widening audience with exciting innovation to both traditional and new crafting techniques. Their mission is to engage kids in creative self expression, while continuing to promote the message of friendship.

With 18 awards and counting, Choose Friendship Company products consistently win ratings for entertainment, originality and educational value from parent and industry experts. As compact, travel-ready imagination starters, all of their products come with everything kid crafters need to unplug from digital distractions and explore their connections to each other.

Froufrou & Company


From “America’s Finest City” comes a new girl’s swimwear line for summer.

050113_Froufrou&Company_01Selena and Analia Reif tell me they’ve always had a fancy for frills and a knack for design. They’re both very passionate about their new venture together, Froufrou & Company, a chic brand of baby swimwear for girls ages newborn to four years.

Our bathing suit designs are for the un-apologetically girly-girl with a love of fun, frills and fashion.

Made in the USA. The high-quality swimwear includes handmade touches and whimsical details that make the suits truly couture. The San Diego, CA-based Froufrou & Company baby swimwear is designed and manufactured by the sister team in Southern California. From linings in contrasting colors and patterns to hand-sewn bows adorning all the suits, their high standards for craftsmanship, as well as attention to detail and an eye for design set Froufrou & Company girls swimsuits apart – fur shur.

050113_Froufrou&Company_03Included in the Summer 2013 collection are one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, swim caps and headbands, to add charm and nostalgia. The swimsuits are available in a range of sizes from 0-6m to 3-4T. Accessories are available in all sizes.

Purchase online at upscale boutiques. All items in the collection are ready for immediate delivery to retailers for the Summer 2013 season. Retailers can contact wholesale@froufrou.co.

050113_Froufrou&Company_02Froufrou & Company celebrates the innocence and girliness of childhood with posh swimwear that is unparalleled both in style and quality.

One Dynamic Duo. As little girls Selena and Analia were inseparable, and found many outlets for their creative energies; one of their favorite pastimes was playing dress-up in their mother’s most glamorous skirts and scarves.

050113_Froufrou&Company_logoReminiscent of their childhood days, the sisters created Froufrou & Company out of a love of all things sweet in life. Their collective degrees in economics, fashion and graphic design make them one dynamic duo ready to make waves with their design début this summer.