Business

In honor of Mother’s Day, The Honest Company is treating a deserving mom-to-be in the Windy City to a “Honestly Ultimate Baby Shower” hosted by co-founder and actress Jessica Alba this May!  Through The Honest Company’s Facebook application, starting now through the end of the month, Chicagoans can submit their deserving moms-to-be for the chance to win a baby shower she will never forget!  Could it be you?  Will it be you?  You need to hurry because time is running out fellow Chicagoans!  {If you win we want to be invited}!

Here are some more fab dets:  Friends and family can nominate “deserving moms-to-be” for the baby shower via photo/word essay or video entry through a contest application located on Honest’s Facebook page. The definition of “deserving moms-to-be” and the criteria to be judged on is: someone who is working hard to create a safe and healthy environment for her family while dedicating herself to the service of others and charitable work, education, or overcoming adversity. This qualification is parallel to the mission of  The Honest Company whose goal is create a more sustainable planet starting with non-toxic and eco-friendly essentials for every member of the family.

The four winners, chosen by The Honest Company in April, will receive a baby shower for their closest friends and family hosted by Jessica Alba {{{{AAAHHH can you say FUN!!}}}}.  From fun activities to generous gifts from The Honest Company and collaborating family companies, the moms-to-be will be fully prepared to take on this exciting motherhood adventure.

Your dream shower is hosted by Jessica Alba, co-founder of The Honest Company in collaboration with: Land of Nod, Tea Collection, Orbit, Naturepedic, Cloud B, HATCH Collection, Stonyfield, Beco! {AWESOME}

Again, you better hurry because you only have a few days!!  Good luck to you!!

K’NEX, the only US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love^®, recently announced their fifth annual fundraising initiative benefiting United Way. K’NEX is donating 10% of sales from knex.com during the month of February to the North Penn United Way chapter and will also be accepting additional donations through its website.

“We’re proud to support the United Way again this year,” said Michael Araten, president of K’NEX Brands. “The devastation brought forth by Hurricane Sandy underscored the importance of gratitude and giving back. Raising funds for an organization like the United Way, which provides vital aid to those both around the world and around the corner, is important now more than ever.”

The partnership allows K’NEX to support the North Penn United Way’s goal of producing results in the areas of student success, keeping older adults living independently and connected to their communities, and providing safety net services for residents in crisis. The funds raised will further the United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good.

Consumers who wish to donate can do so simply by logging on to www.knex.com and purchase any K’NEX item. 10% of completed sales from February 1st-February 28th will be donated to the North Penn United Way. At checkout, consumers will be given the option of making an additional donation in the amount of $1, $5, $10 or $20 increments. Donations can also be made without the purchase of a product at http://www.knex.com/Shop/home.php?s=united-way.

Happy New Year to you and your brand!  If you have a product and/or service and would like to advertise on Tots To Teens Magazine website and be featured in our Annual Holiday Gift Guide {digital magazine} then you must continue to read on!

From January 11 to January 31, 2013 we are offering a special advertising package to help celebrate your business and the new year!

For this limited time you will receive:

Full Page AD in our Holiday 2013 digital magazine {$200 value} {you must create your own ad…if you need assistance creating your full page ad there will be an additional fee of $50 that will not be discounted}
3 month side bar 250 x 250 ad button on the Tots To Teens Magazine website {$300 value}
1 blog advertorial {$50 value}
1 Facebook mention and 1 tweet PER week for 3 months {$100 value}
1 posted Giveaway 

This would normally run $650.00 but for a limited time, we are offering a 50% discount!  That means you get all that is stated above for only $325.00!

If you are interested in this limited time offer, please email advertise@totstoteensmagazine.com to secure your spot!

Hello all my DIYers—I have something special for you!  We here at Tots to Teens Magazine were fortunate to receive a box filled with goodies from the awesome ladies over at Babyville Boutique

Babyville Boutique has all your DIY needs for making; diapers, bibs, aprons, lunch bags, snack bags and so much more!  Babyville’s Waterproof PUL fabrics are adorable and come in various styles and colors.

 Babyville has 4 informative books to help your creative juices flow.

51 Babyville Boutique Projects

This book is filled with 51 cute smart and quick projects with step-by-step images {LOVE THAT} to help you make great projects for family, friends, and home. Examples of what you will find in this book: Scarf Organizer, tablet case, grocery bag, swing top, placemat, chalkboard travel mat.  {Includes patterns}

Cloth Diapers Made Easy

This book has 60 pages of step-by-step instructions and photos to make the most adorable efficient diapers. Cloth diapering is making a comeback and Babyville has you covered {pun not intended… but eh it works}.  {Includes patterns}

Ultimate Pocket Diaper

In this book you will find patterns, instructions and helpful tips to create pocket diapers.

Totally Trainers

This is the book for the Mama who is ready to try to venture out & potty train!  Babyville shares patterns, instructions, and helpful tips on how to make trainers, pull-ups underwear and swim diapers!  Babyville Boutique also has the cutest appliqués & buttons for your various projects.

You can pay up to as much as $30 for “designer” cloth diapers—or you can {DIY}Do It Yourself!  I personally love Babyville Boutique myself because I think in terms of GREEN—no not money green but eco-consciousness.  I love the idea that I can make snack bags, lunch bags, and grocery bags using Babyville Boutique products.  Please check out Babyville Boutique for your DIY needs.

As many women know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we will be sharing some of our really amazing finds with you through out the month.  Our first product is from a really great company, “What’s your ista“.  What’s your ista was started by two friends (and moms), Marlee and Amy.  While chatting, one of the friends made a comment of being a “recessionista” and that is what set the ball in motion.  Soon after that, they started their “ista” journey and now have an amazing line of “What’s your ista” tees.  This month, our favorite is…

The Conquer*ista tee is a beautiful bright medium pink color with a hot pink font color and is made of 100% Ring-Spun Cotton.  This month, wear your Conquer*ista t-shirt with pride!  {retails for $24.99}

Part of the “What’s your ista” mission is to be generous with others.  They want their customers to suggest charities and the company will donate a portion of our profits.  For more information and/or to purchase your “ista” tee, visit whatsyourista.com 

Tots to Teens, believes in the entrepreneurial spirit, and when we share our Business of the Month we always hope the stories you read will inspire.  We are thrilled to share this month’s Business of the Month because this month’s entrepreneur will be entering High School! {Our first teen business owner }We hope you will share this interview with your children.  Madison Robinson has created the brand FishFlops®, FishFlops are adorable flip-flops, which exemplify Madison’s love of aquatic animals and the beach—perfect for the summer!  We are excited that we can share this remarkable vision turned reality…. Meet Madison Robinson the visionary behind FishFlops®

 T2T: What was that light bulb moment for you?

Madison: The light bulb moment for me happened after a day at the beach.  I was born on Galveston Island and went to the beach all the time.  I loved to draw, color, fish, and play on the beach as a kid.  When I was 8 years old I was drawing and coloring and looked over at my many pair of flip-flops in my room.  I thought I would draw some of my favorite ocean creatures on an outline of a flip-flop.  I decided to call them FishFlops® and I showed my dad.  He was so excited.

T2T: What pushed you to follow through?

Madison: I think the fact that my family and friends thought the FishFlops® were really neat and they said they would buy them.  My family and friends encouraged me to keep on creating.

T2T: How did you come up with the name FishFlops®?

Madison: After I drew some fish on the outline of a flip-flop and I wrote the word, FishFlops.  I thought the name was catchy.  I showed my dad and said, “Look Dad, I made FishFlops®!”  He said that was the perfect name.

T2T: FishFlops® now offers shirts and hats to coordinate with FishFlops®; do you see yourself designing more clothing in the future?

Madison: Yes.  I love to go shopping and see all of the latest styles.  One day I want to see my clothing in the malls.  I want to create a life style brand.

T2T: You have written Swimming with Spinner and Living Together at Sea by Orkicky what inspired you to write these stories for children?

Madison: After drawing my characters, I gave them names.  It’s always good to have someone encourage you when you are afraid of doing something.  So, I thought these characters could tell a story but also be a friend to a child who needs encouragement.  

T2T: Can you tell us more about the FishFlops® virtual world, when can we expect an arrival? 

Madison: Right now we are focused on the footwear aspect of FishFlops®.  The virtual world will require a lot of time but we are in talks with a few companies that can help make this happen.

T2T: What has been the most exciting thing to happen to you since becoming a business owner?

Madison: The most exciting thing that has happened to me since starting this journey is getting my shoes into Nordstrom.  Walking into Nordstrom and seeing my product on the wall was a moment I will never forget.  Everybody at Nordstrom has treated me like family. 

T2T: How do you manage it all FishFlops®, school, social activities, and teenage life?

Madison: I’ll be starting my first year of high school soon and so most of my time will be on schoolwork.  Hanging out with my friends is something I really enjoy.  As for FishFlops®, I still have a lot to learn about the business side and that’s where my dad helps out. 

T2T: When do you get time to concentrate on your designs? 

Madison: Even though it is summer and I am spending time with my friends and doing things with my family, I understand that in this business there are deadlines that have to be met for next year’s designs.  I make time to concentrate on my new designs.

T2T: It is summertime and everybody wears flip-flops but who would you love to see wear FishFlops®?

Madison: I’d love to see kids across the country and my friends wear them.  We are making adult sizes next year so there will be something for everyone.  We recently donated FishFlops® to Shoes for Orphan’s Souls®, which provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world.  I would love to see these children in my FishFlops®.

T2T: If you had advice for kids who have a passion and want to create their own product what would you tell them? 

Madison: I would tell them to write down their idea, share their idea with family and friends and get their opinions.  Be open to suggestions.  Be patient because it can be a long process but eventually things do start happening.  Never give up.

T2T: What do you plan to do in the future?

Madison: I’d like to see FishFlops® become a lifestyle brand.  I can see it as a way of informing kids about the ocean and the life in it, and things we can do to protect it.  Giving back is important.

     I cannot tell you how impressed and inspired we here at Tots to Teens are with Madison’s story.  She also has a giving heart, this past December Madison donated FishFlops to the children at Texas Children’s Hospital and the Snowball Express Military Charity.  Madison also shared her story with the children, “I enjoyed talking with the kids and sharing my FishFlops journey.  It made me feel good to share my FishFlops® and my story.” We are delighted that Madison has taken time to give back… we cannot be more impressed with her business ethic and her kind heart.

To purchase your own FishFlops® we suggest the “lighted FishFlops®” Madison created for Nordstrom.  Please go support Madison and share her story and big Thank you again to Madison for sharing her!

Maddie is such a sharing person she is giving away one pair of FishFlops to one lucky winner, plenty of chances to win! Ready… set… go! 

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