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What Do You Do With an Idea?


Hope for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd or too difficult.

Written by Kobi Yamada with illustrations by Mae Besom, What Do You Do With an Idea? is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens* …

Bookseller Barnes & Noble proclaims it as one of the best books of 2014 for kids, and the 36-page tale is perfect for children ages four to eight years … yet it also touches everyone who is young at heart. “From that first puzzled inkling, the little boy realizes that the idea was following him like a small egg waiting to be hatched. Finally, it does … and reminds us what we do with an idea: You change the world.” From the booksellers’ review.

050615_CRTPost_WhatDoYouDoWithAnIdea_inside“It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next,” Kobi says. “Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.”

Kobi Yamada is president and CEO of Seattle, WA-based Compendium Incorporated, “a company of amazing people doing amazing things,” producing extraordinary gifts that inspire, educate, motivate and celebrate the world we live in. Gift books, journals, greeting cards, boxed notes, pop-up cards and guest books for just about everyone. Wholesale available.

*Listen to the entire story as it’s read aloud by the fine folks at ArtistEducation.

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Princess Cuffs


Inspired by Catherine the Great of Russia, bracelets for little princesses the world over.

042215_CRTPost_PrincessCuffs_01Pam Bloch is owner/designer of Princess Cuffs, the first ruffled cuff bracelets for all girls ages two through seven. The Sherman Oaks, CA-based small business works with local children’s hospitals to help put smiles on little girls’ faceswith donations of Princess Cuffs.

“My own little girl loved feeling like a princess, loved to dress up and put the finishing touches on her outfit no matter where we were off to,” Pam says. “We are currently working with Make A Wish, Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Research Hospital to gift all the little girls a pair of cuffs so they can feel elegant, regal and like a real princess.”

The cuffs come in three sparkly colors, purple, pink and white; and in three sizes. Specialty orders are available upon request.

042215_CRTPost_PrincessCuffs_RiseofCatherinetheGreatFrilly and sparkly, Princess Cuffs are fashioned after the beautiful costumes featured in the 1934 movie, The Rise of Catherine The Great. “The movie is a visual wonder from the intricate sets to the glorious costumes,” Pam says. “What really caught my eye was the cuff accessory added to Catherine’s sleeves of her gowns. They were long, flowy, and sparkly and added a perfect finishing touch to each gown.” From this fashion detail, Pam is inspired to give every little princess her own bracelet “to complete her outfit, add a bit of color or just to wear bracelets like mommy.”

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Taylor’s and Tots Boutique


041515_CRTPost_TaylorsTotsBoutique_girlsJenny Rodgers is owner of an almost year-old boutique, Taylor’s and Tots, named in honor of her daughter, Taylor Elizabeth. Located in Paducah, KY, this brick-and-mortar and online boutique caters to mothers and their children with the latest trends for women and tween girls, as well as accessories and boys apparel.

“Taylor’s and Tots started as an idea of mine in 2013,” Jenny says. “I dreamed of a place where a woman could shop and find both trendy and affordable clothing for both herself and her children.” With the help of her family, Jenny created a shopping experience where women can buy high fashion and their children are welcome –and happy to be there.

041515_CRTPost_TaylorsTotsBoutique_boys“I love bringing comfortable, trendy and affordable clothing to moms just like me and their children,” she says. “We offer an expansive variety of clothing styles and sizes, shoes and accessories for women and children at prices that you can’t beat!”

Taylor’s and Tots opened in June 2014 with trendy clothing, the best prices and unbeatable customer service. Find wonderful gifts here, too.

FREE SHIPPING on all US orders over $25!

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dedo kids


Capturing the “true brightness” of children’s apparel.

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With a name that means, “to give,” dedo kids is giving children’s apparel and kids’ causes a new reason to smile. The vibrant, colorful apparel brand produces high quality clothing for girls in sizes 2T to 6X that helps them express their individual styles. The company also wants “to connect each sale with the act of giving,” donating a portion of the clothes to children’s non-profit organizations with each purchase.

The dedo kids team (pronounced dhay-dho) is equally vibrant, bringing together people from a colorful variety of professions to help founder/designer Asma Iqbal combine her two greatest passions, designing children’s apparel and giving back – including designer, blogger and fashion illustrator Aisha Richardson; doctor, traveler and foodie Ausia Naheed; another doctor, entrepreneur, IT guru and COO of cause-related internet software organization Perkle Sagar Harwani; photographer Malik Naz; and hair & makeup stylist Margoux Le Roux.

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dedo kids is already collaborating with Room to Grow, a non-profit that provides low-040815_CRTPost_dedokids_06income families with individualized parenting support, developmental information, and needed baby items to ensure a healthy and secure start in their children’s lives, and 4Humanity, an organization dedicated to promote and cultivate social change around the globe.

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The KbK Home Collection


Kidz helping kids, one masterpiece at a time.

032515_CRTPost_KidsBKids_pillowAt the recent NY Now, The Market for Home + Lifestyle, CGG Home Fashions in cooperation with non-profit Kidz b Kidz, introduced the KbK Home Collection, featuring sheets, coverlets, quilts, shower curtains, decorative pillows and more with artwork and designs “that hold the voices and stories of the kids that created them.”

“It is a product with a purpose,” says David Ziegler, CGG’s president and director of marketing. The designs range from the cheery and whimsical to looks that are “really quite sophisticated.”

Powered by Kids and Supported by Celebrities and Philanthropists

032515_CRTPost_KidsBKids_cookiesNancy Corderman and Jan Weinshanker co-founded Kidz b Kidz (KbK) to teach children about empathy, empowerment and the importance of helping others simply by drawing a picture at the organization’s KbK Art Parties, held at hospitals and schools. “It’s Kidz helping kids, one masterpiece at a time,” says Gail Parenteau, Kidz b Kidz spokesperson. “We inspire kids to be empathetic by sharing the feelings of another child who is sick. We tell ‘our story’ about Usher Syndrome and encourage other kids to tell ‘their story’ or feelings by drawing a picture.”

032515_CRTPost_KidsBKids_LogoThe drawings are used in the design of KbK Products With Purpose such as the non-profit’s KbK-branded cookies and the KbK Home Collection, and are sold retail and to hospitals nationwide. Proceeds from KbK Products With Purpose benefit Usher Syndrome and Pediatric medical research.

 

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Earth Baby Outfitters


031815_CRTPost_EarthBabyOutfitters_logo_edited“We believe in our brand, our employees, our customers and our family and hope you will find this reflected in the Earth Baby Outfitters line.”

031815_CRTPost_EarthBabyOutfitters_01Vancouver, Canada-based EarthBabyOutfitters ® (EBO) is a children’s clothing brand designed with eco-conscious parents in mind, using only the best certified organic fabrics available.

“The designs are simple, adorable, fun and creative,” says CEO and lead designer Sharon Thomson, who started the line last July after she and her husband Brian become parents for the second time. Wanting only the best in quality and design for her own baby Jaxon, Sharon used her years of fashion industry experience to source and manufacture an all-natural and organic line of clothes for babies that fits the bill.

031815_CRTPost_EarthBabyOutfitters_06“We know your baby will love our silky soft materials, whilst parents can rest assured with the multiple benefits for their own little bundles of joy.”

Members of the Canadian Organic Association, EBO uses only GOTS and Oeko Tek100 certified organic fabrics such as bamboo and organic cotton. Features and benefits include:

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  • Superior softness and durable design
  • Breathability and excellent body temperature regulation
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Easy care and machine washable
  • Safe, heathy and hypo-allergenic materials
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices

After working in the fashion industry for 20 years, for some of the world’s most recognized brands and labels, the new parents are inspired to pour their energy and creativity into the new EBO. They say, “Our commitment to social responsibility is reflected in all of our products and mission statement, ‘to provide quality, cute and eco-friendly apparel and accessories while being socially and ecologically responsible.’”

The collection includes, one-pieces, tees, pants, coveralls, pajamas, rompers, hoodies, newborn knit essentials, hats, soft toys, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, scarfs, sweaters, jeans and swaddling presented in creative packaging and made from certified organic bamboo and cotton, and naturally colored cotton. Very nice!

031815_CRTPost_EarthBabyOutfitters_07Ships worldwide unless otherwise specified by Canada.

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Full Circle


The Hydration Collection includes five environmentally responsible and innovative water bottles.

Full Circle is a brand that “balances style, function, sustainability and affordability in every single product.”  The company creates green products for the home made with eco-friendly materials and a fair amount of panache, too.

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_BthechangeFull Circle is a Certified B Corporation, one of over 750 from more than 60 industries in 27 countries that uses its muscle to solve social and environmental problems. The goal is to redefine success in business.

Full Circle makes products for cleaning, wiping, sweeping, scrubbing and drinking that not only get the job done, they’re stylish, functional products made from sustainable and renewable resources.

Which can only be great for families and their homes, yes?

Drink Up

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_WaterCucumberI especially like the Wherever Water Cucumber water bottle that “turns any cucumber into beautiful green spirals that deliciously infuse your water with subtle flavor,” and the

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_WaterLemonWherever Water Lemon water bottle, equipped with a built-in lemon reamer to easily add lemon essence to your drink.

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Babyhome’s New Products


030415_CRTPost_Babyhome_Air-purple+cloudBabyhome’s newest bassinet model is called Air and it comes complete with an easily attachable changing pad that can also be removed with just one hand –allowing parents to multi-task to their heart’s content. Air also has a practical mesh window hidden on its side under the fabric for better ventilation and the side pockets are the perfect way to keep everything organized and at hand.

Air for Travel

Air is ideal for use in smaller quarters or during the first months of a baby’s life in the bedroom with mom and dad. It’s light weight and easy of assemble, too –with an innovative adjustable leg system that changes from stationary to a rocker to wheels with the click of a button. Air comes with a high-density, totally airtight and waterproof foam mattress that prevents the baby from getting caught between the edge of the mattress and side of the bassinet and a honeycomb structured mattress pad that is safe and breathable.

Introducing Wave 

030415_CRTPost_Babyhome_wave_walnut_clayWave is an innovative bounce chair, that’s stylish enough to blend in to a contemporary, modern décor. Wave’s structure, which features simple, soft lines, turns its design into one of the warmest and most comfortable for baby on the market.  It offers a pleasant, steady, front-to-back rocking motion which relaxes baby to ensure their utmost restfulness and also comes with the option of a stationary position. Wave folds easily and compactly so it can be stored in small areas.

Based in Barcelona, Spain, Babyhome’s award-winning, highly designed, extremely functional and lightweight baby products are made with the utmost attention to function and safety. Babyhome’s U.S. offices are located in Budd Lake, New Jersey.

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Cricket’s Circle


A baby registry with interactive, hand-holding features for new parents.

022515_CRTPost_CricketsCircle_CLogo - CopyIn less than a year since its launch, Rachel Blumenthal, founder and CEO of Cricket’s Circle, is living up to her promise of simplifying the baby registry process for parents-to-be by combining a holistic, interactive registry with personalized content.

“We created Cricket’s Circle to give every expectant and new parent their own ‘Cricket,’ a one-stop shoppable resource for trusted product recommendations and helpful advice.”

In January, Cricket’s Circle expanded to eCommerce, launching its baby registry service. The company researches and tests products, and then –along with parent-knowledge-narrows down the vast array of baby products to three recommendations per category, all in an effort to make shopping easier for parents. They even partner with retailers to get the top baby and toddler items into one registry and shopping cart. What’s more, Cricket’s Circle’s blog is fully shop-able, too.

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Earlier in her career, Rachel worked for Yves Saint Laurent, jeweler brand Rachel Leigh and eyewear company Warby Parker, which is cofounded by her husband Neil –as well as having her their son, Griffin, before creating Cricket’s Circle. As a new mom and entrepreneur, Rachel is in the business of giving and receiving advice – she welcomes yours, too, at rachel@cricketscircle.com or share your comments on social.

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Happy Birthday, Raggedy Ann!


“Fairyland must be filled with rag dolls, soft loppy rag dolls who go through all the beautiful adventures found there nestling in the crook of a dimpled arm.”

-Raggedy Ann doll creator Johnny Gruelle

Plush toy, gift and doll manufacturer Aurora World Inc.® is celebrating Raggedy Ann’s 100th birthday! The company just introduced brand new, “Stars and Stripes” special edition Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy rag dolls to the market that feature an all-American, red, white and blue theme, exclusive 100th year embroidery and commemorative hangtags on every doll.

Raggedy Ann’s Betsy Ross-inspired white shawl collar, printed dress with navy and white stars and elastic cap are reminiscent of the bygone era while Raggedy Andy’s Uncle Sam-inspired outfit features a matching printed jacket top, red twill bow-tie and pants, and his classic matching sailor hat.

021815_CRT_RaggedyAnnClassic“The Stars and Stripes dolls celebrate the goodwill, kindness and compassion that the Raggedy Ann doll creator Johnny Gruelle envisioned for the people of our nation,” says Michael Kessler, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Aurora.

The Stars and Stripes dolls, complete with their signature red yard hair, are available in large sizes and feature custom cotton, embroidered fabrics, finely detailed faces with button eyes and exclusive outfits highlighting the birthday of Raggedy Ann – perfect for collectors.

Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls are part of Aurora’s ever-expanding soft doll category featuring dozens of award-winning doll designs including the Sea Sparkles™ mermaid collection, fashionable Sweet Lollies™, new Cutie Curls™, ballerinas and activity dolls for toddlers. As part of the birthday celebration, the company gave away a three-foot Raggedy Ann doll at the recent Toy Fair New York in February. “Stars and Stripes” special edition Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy rag dolls are available now in stores everywhere.

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