Friday, August 31, 2007

No Tag, No Chase, No Common Sense...

I just read today in the Denver Post that a school principal in Colorado Springs has banned "Tag" and "Chase" on the playground. Hello? The reason she gave was that there had been too much rough play in the first two weeks of school - so, no more! http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6761944

As the mom of a pre-schooler and second-grader, I find that absolutely ludicrous! First of all, if there's rough play, isn't that a perfect opportunity to TEACH THE KIDS about how we treat our peers and what is considered acceptable behavior? And, secondly, isn't the idea of recess to play games and run around and work out all that pent up energy from sitting all day?

I could accept the demise of dodgeball - mainly because I never really liked it when I was in school ;o) - but simple, enthusiastic games like Tag and Chase? What has the world come to? Where is the common sense?


I'd like to hear your opinion - answer the little poll to the right and I will publish the results in a few days.

Thanks - and keep your heads on straight!

Groovy Baby Designs - designs as unique as your baby.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Northglenn Art Show

Groovy Baby Designs will be participating in the City of Northglenn, Colorado's Annual "All About Art" Festival this weekend, August 25 & 26. We will have a booth displaying all of our grooviest designs and we hope you come by to say "hi!".

http://www.northglenn.org/p84.html
All About Art Festival – “Wild and Wacky!” (2007 Theme)
Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday / 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday Marketplace at Northglenn 104th and I-25
Call 303.450.8909 for more information

If you mention that you read my blog, I'll give you a 10% discount on your entire purchase, including sale items (offer good this weekend only)!

Remember, at Groovy Baby Designs, our designs are as unique as your baby!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

What is ETSY?

You may have noticed that I list all items for sale on a website called ETSY (you can link to it by choosing to "shop" on http://www.groovybabydesigns.com). Some people have questioned why I sell on ETSY and not on my own site. The simple answer is, I started selling there before I had my own site. But, as I've gotten more involved in the ETSY community, that answer has changed a bit.

Etsy.com is an on-line marketplace for artists and crafters to sell their works. Officially, it is "Your place to buy and sell all things handmade." Etsy is a venue, not a retailer; it is collection of independent shops, each run by a different artisan. I liken it to an online craft show - lots of different artisans and crafters, each with their own booth, selling to people who love handmade, high-quality products.

As a buyer, it couldn't be simpler to use. All ETSY asks is for you to register a user name, password and valid email address. Then you can shop til you drop. It's that simple.

I mentioned before that I've gotten more involved in ETSY lately, and its true. The site is set up with forums and private convos (email messages) and there's a general sense of community amongst most of the sellers. If sellers have questions, or comments or just want to make contact with other sellers, the forums are a great place to meet and greet. They're like a big party, where you can chat with lots of different people all at once.

The fact that ETSY support handmade crafts make it extremely attractive to me, as an artisan. I like that there is a whole community of people out there who love to create and take pride in their creations - and that there is a site for us to promote our creations to the public.

So, if you haven't checked out ETSY before, try it now. It's full of wonderful, one-of-a-kind creations from crafters all over the world!

Monday, August 6, 2007

Something to Think About

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"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing."
Phyllis Diller
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"Children make your life important." Erma Bombeck
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My youngest just turned 4 last week. He's older now than his sister was when he was born. My daughter will start second grade in a few weeks. She's no longer "starting elementary school", but is an old pro at school lunches, recess, and full-days.

Sometimes I think we moms get caught up in the "to do" list, when what we should be doing is just enjoying our babies (young and old). Today, take the time to sit and really listen to your kids when they tell you that long, convoluted story. Take a walk to the park and stay as long as your kids want. When the kids ask for a treat - give it to them. Make a mess with them. Enjoy a Slurpee.

Summer - and childhood - will be over only too soon. What will be more important to your kids, clean toilets or time with you?

Just a thought...

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Untraditional Baby Showers

I've been to two baby showers in the recent past where the hostesses refused to subject guests to those old, tired showers games. You know the ones - "Oh, you said B-A-B-Y, I get your diaper pin!". Ergh! At almost-40, I know I've had enough!

At the first shower, the hostess had bought an assortment of white cotton onesies in various sizes, from newborn to 24 months. She provided fabric paints and markers, stencils, sponges and brushes and invited guests to decorate a onesie for the baby. It was a blast - and guests got a chance to laugh and chat in a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere, while the mom-to-be got a supply of oh-so-necessary baby goodies, each personalized by a friend or family member. As a special treat, the hostess took a picture of the mom-to-be with each guest holding the onesie they had decorated - what a special keepsake!

The second shower, which I attended this weekend, also left the mom-to-be with a real treasure. The hostesses had set up a mini-scrapbooking workshop, where they provided an assortment of cutting implements, adhesives, patterned and solid papers and stickers (most were from their own stashes). Each guest was asked to design a scrapbook page, front and back. When all the pages were complete, the hostesses put each page into page protectors and inserted them into a beautiful album. Not only does the new mom have a wonderful memory book from her shower - but the pre-decorated pages will make it so much easier for her to start her baby book! All she has to do is insert the pictures and make notes, a real time-saver for when she is sure to be sleep-deprived and without much free time!

I love that these hostesses planned something out-of-the-ordinary to make these showers super-special for the moms-to-be and now Groovy Baby Designs makes out-of-the-ordinary gifts for parents-to-be. Our blankets, bibs, burp cloths, quilts, nursing covers and diaper bags are made from patterns and designs that make them truly unique. Our 100% cotton designer fabrics, quality construction and attention to detail make them true keepsakes.

For your next shower gifts, check out http://www.groovybabydesigns.com/ for a gift that's as unique as the baby-to-be!

Our Funky Monkeys blanket, bib and burp cloth set, and onesie make a wonderful gift for expectant parents.