12/12/09

Reflection of a New Mom

I am a stay at home mom and love every minute of it.  My 2 month old has no choice but to find me amusing all day long.  I have his undivided attention at all times and absolutely love it.  He coos at me and sometimes even finds me funny and will give me a big smile.  He is all mine until Dad comes home.  I have never seen something more beautiful than the looks and smiles he gives his dad after not seeing him all day.  If I am changing his diaper and Dad is in the room his eyes are stuck on him.  Dad and baby spend lots of time together at the end of each day.  Dad will walk him around the house and stop at every fan (because right now that is his entertainment) he just loves fans. Why do babies love fans so much? They don't even have to be on! Fan or no fan, my husband has ways of soothing the baby by rubbing his hair in such a way that I can never seem to get just right.  It is so nice to see the bond that they have and to see what a great dad my husband has become.   

Jessica Peterson

12/6/09

Moo Cow and Camo


Just in are two very adorable bibs.  Why not have a little fun while your baby is eating with cute bibs like our Moo Cow bib.  Don't let the black on white bib scare you because like all of our bibs, they are stain resistant. So spill and wear and wash and wear all over again!  Maybe you'll fancy our Camo print bib. This will surely hide your baby's messes and he'll look super cool wearing it. 

Product Features:
  • Plastic snap closure will keep baby from ripping it off and won't stick to your clothes in the wash
  • Stain resistant to keep looking new wash after wash
  • Sturdy and stylish
  • Handmade of 100% cotton in the U.S.A
Want to see more really cool bibs?  Click here!

11/26/09

Happy Thanksgiving 20% Off Storewide

Take 20% off Storewide with coupon code: 

NOVEMBERDEALS

Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Many Blessings to you all,
The A.B. Baby Boutique Family

11/22/09


I think most moms can admit that there is nothing cuter than their babies feet.  Well, what happens when your beautiful baby has the case of stinky feet? When I was pregnant I thought about his adorable little baby feet and the day I would finally get to kiss them! Now that he is here I get to kiss those cute square little feet whenever I see them, but I was in for a surprise when I noticed he has stinky feet!  Wow, I didn't know babies had stinky feet!  Maybe it's because I always have him in socks so his feet don't get cold! He was 5 weeks old when I first noticed this and I just couldn’t believe my own nose so I asked my friends and family to confirm my smellings.  To my surprise everyone confirmed I wasn't imagining it.  My enhanced sense of smell wasn't lying to me.  Although he has a very mild case of smelly feet I have come to accept his stinky foot syndrome and still kiss all over them but thought it to be funny that at 5 weeks old my baby has stinky feet. Fittingly, he wears his stinky onesie well and with pride. LOL

Jessica Peterson

11/18/09

Set up your gift registry now!


Now is the perfect time to set up your Gift Registry at the A.B. Baby Boutique!  With the holiday season here, setting up a Gift Registry will make shopping easier for your friends and family.  Set one up for yourself or for your children.  Expecting a baby?  Set one up for your baby shower. It's fast, easy and of course free!

How it works:

It's quick and easy to sign up for our gift registry! Just enter your name, the date of the event for which you are registering (if applicable), and a shipping address if you would like gifts to be sent directly to you. Then select a user name and password to use when you want to add or modify items you've added to the directory, choose whether you want the list to be visible only to yourself or to the general public, and submit to be registered.
Here is the link for your convenience:  http://abbabyboutique.com/registry.php?show=register

11/17/09

Cool Maternity Pieces Just In!


Check out these great new Maternity pieces just in! Maternity wear has never been so cool! The 'Make Love Not War' tee has a washed out graphic on army green and delicate cap sleeves, this blast from the past is soon to become your favorite! Pair it with your favorite jeans or better yet these super cool, super comfy Pilazzo pants. Dress them up or down..these pants can go anywhere! Wide waist band can be worn on the belly or fold over and wear below. No matter how you wear them with its wide leg and pleated styling these can go from your suitcase to your favorite rock concert to an elegant dinner party without missing a beat! You'll be wearing these pants long after the baby arrives and don't be surprised if they are your new favorite pant. Let's face it you don't need to sacrifice your sense of style when you're preggo! Want to see more great maternity fashions? Click here!

11/16/09

Chicken Kiev a Great Recipe Your Family will Love

Here is one of our family's favorite recipes, enjoy!

What you will need:
4 boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2 inch strips
1/2 c. Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 c. breadcrumbs
1 tsp. garlic powder
4-5 scallions
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 c. white wine
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Melt 1 stick of butter. Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper in a bowl. or in a Dip pieces of chicken in butter and roll in bread crumb mixture. Place in a greased baking pan or casserole dish. When done, if any remaining butter, pour over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Pull out of the oven. Pour 1/2 stick of melted butter, wine, scallions and parsley over top. Put back into the oven and cook for another 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked completely.

This meal will have your family begging for more. Make it and enjoy and please send us a comment to let us know what you think!

Introducing a new Mom Blogger for A.B. Baby Boutique


I am proud to introduce you to our newest Mom Blogger Jessica Peterson and her beautiful family! She will be blogging about her experiences as a new Mom, sharing stories, trials and funny blurbs. Feel free to comment and share, laugh, cry, understand & relate as she shares bits and blurbs of everyday life as a Mom! Read her first post below:

Hello my name is Jessica. I am 32 years old and 7 weeks ago I finally got the dream job that I spent 9 months dreaming about. I am finally a M-O-M! So far I have made it through jaundice, formula troubles, projectile vomiting, constipation and now I find myself having to choose how to vaccinate my son. With autism being talked about more and more these days and the speculation of vaccinations possibly playing a part in it, I decided I owed it to my baby to do some research on my own. I have chosen to use an alternative vaccination schedule which will only allow him to receive 1 shot that contains aluminum at a time. Aluminum seems to be what some doctors are concerned about infants getting too much of at one given time. He will still receive all of the vaccinations that are recommended but will have them split up to where he will have to get them once a month instead of every few months. That part of it I do not like but I do feel that we are doing the best we can as parents on our part to hopefully prevent Autism. There has to be something we are doing different that wasn't done when I was growing up because it seems like autism is everywhere. Maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe it is in what we are eating now with all of the added hormones, but either way, with a healthy diet and the alternative vaccination schedule I can do my part in preventing this from happening to my son.

10/21/09

Trick-Or-Treat


What a better way to dress up your Halloween than with a pair of BabyLegs! Trick-or-Treating is more fun with BabyLegs. There is still time to get your BabyLegs for Halloween. They are a great addition to any costume and the punkin' BabyLegs are perfect for anyone even Mom or Dad! You can wear them on your arms under a short sleeve shirt for a funky layered look. Can't wear a costume to school? Wear BabyLegs to show your Halloween spirit! For Halloween or any time of the year, BabyLegs are the perfect accessory to liven up any outfit.

If you need them for Halloween please be sure to place your orders no later than Monday October 26th! Click to start shopping now! Take 10% off with coupon code CC10.

10/18/09

Fall is FULL of Color at www.abbabyboutique.com


From Stroller Liners to Diaper Clutches; Fall at the A.B. Baby Boutique is bursting with color. From the very begining that is what we have been all about! We have always been known to stray from the baby blue and light pink traditional baby looks of the past. We believe in taking our chances with bright bold colors and funky patterns and putting them together with wild, busy patterns. So far it works for us! It's our personality! When we came across these great new products by BabyJakes we knew they'd be a perfect fit for our funky style here at AbBabyBoutique.com. What could be more fitting than these adorable Diaper clutches? In four bright and funky patterns each is sure to delight any new mom. Brighten up your stroller with a fun Stroller Liner or swaddle your baby with love and some really cool patterns with one of the Couture Blankets available in Sassy Giraffe, Hot Pink or Aqua! Come see what is bright, new and exciting at the A.B.Baby Boutique, where style and service are a mouse click away! Free shipping on all order of $99 or more!

9/5/09

Labor Day Sale ~ 20% Off Saturday-Monday

Happy Labor Day! Here is something to smile about!
Take 20% off anything in store!

8/25/09

Fitness Wednesday: Workout Binder

This past week I learned a fantastic tip to help you stay in shape without getting bored. There are some really great magazines out there (like Fitness & Shape two of my personal favorites) and they always have some really great workouts in each issue. The workouts usually target certain areas to help you reach your fitness goals and tone those problem areas. I have stacks of these magazines and I found that it is very time consuming to search through each issue looking for that perfect workout for that particular area of concern. An acquaintance of mine who happens to do fitness competitions has a very useful idea that I found worthy of passing along. She keeps a large binder that she has divided up into sections like cardio, abs, butt & thighs, arms, chest and back etc. Every time she finds a great workout in a magazine she rips it out and puts it in the binder in it's correct category. It's a fantastic idea and really easy to do! She has tons of really great workouts that target every area of the body and each day she does a different one. It really helps you from getting bored but most of all it keeps your body from plateauing! When you change your workouts on a regular basis you see faster results. I can't wait to start my binder and get rid of all of those magazines. Like this tip? Have one you'd like to share? Let us know and leave a comment.

8/22/09

Couture Shoes For Your Little Princess


We have some new items that you are sure to love! Just in time for fall and perfect for your child's little feet are these styles great new styles from pediped. Did you know pediped infant shoes are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association? These adorable shoes are more that just fashionable, they are actually among the safest shoes available for your kids! Each pair is made of the highest quality eco-leather, suede and nubuck and tested regularly to meet both the recently enacted CPSIA guidelines and the British and European Safety Standards for Toys (EN71-3) for product safety. Recently name Consumer Reports Best Baby Products for 2009 these shoes are sure to add the finishing touch to your little ones fall wardrobe.

7/7/09

New Tees for the Future

Just in!!!! This great new super soft organic tee for your boy or girl.  


"I AM THE FUTURE"  Our kids truly are the future and what they hold in their hands is hope - depicted on this super cute organic tee as a floating balloon.  This tee is printed on 100% organic cotton using water-based, non-phthalate inks for the softest of hand feels.  Even better, when you purchase this tee $1 will go directly to Engineers Without Borders.  Engineers without Borders works with communities in 45 countries to install clean water, sanitation and education projects that change and save lives. By bringing their unique skills as problem solvers to the table, these Engineers are able to deliver clean water, sanitation and solar energy to create entirely new life experiences for children in otherwise dire circumstances. http://www.ewb-usa.org/

6/22/09

We Love Handmade Jewelry


If I could buy everything handmade that would be just fantastic. When it comes to fashion and accessories handmade is the way to go. It's about showing your artistic side; your unique and individual personality. So much passion goes into the creation of something handmade. There is a story behind each and every piece. It's a story that is created from within and outwardly expressed for all to see, use and enjoy! When you are wearing something handmade, you know it's special. Handmade is a HUGE part of the abbabyboutique because it's what got us started and what we love to do and Patricia Carolyn's handmade jewelry is what it's all about! We love these two new designs, each of course is made by hand.

The Pretty Flower Necklace is available in four color styles: Bright White, Dusty Rose, Deep Purple and Rich gold. Leather cord is available in two colors; black or dark brown and in three different lengths. This necklace looks beautiful worn alone or layered with other necklaces of different lengths. It will surely add a touch of color to your outfit!

I love the craftsmanship and hard work put into each of these pieces. No two pieces are exactly the same.







Another one of my favorites and new to our boutique is this piece by Patricia Carolyn.
The Wish Upon a Star Necklace. It's simple, delicate and perfect for layering. The star is made of pure silver and hand carved and made to be worn at the base of the neck. It is a great everyday necklace and looks perfect on anyone at any age.

So the next time you purchase something handmade wear it with pride and don't forget to set aside some creative time for you too! What talents do you have that when inspired, allow you to create your own works of art?

6/20/09

June 23rd is National Pink Day


Support Breast Cancer Research with BabyLegs. These light pink BabyLegs layered with bright pink breast cancer awareness ribbons were created to support finding a cure for breast cancer.  Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of this design will go to the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Get your pair now for just $10 today through June 30th!  

6/17/09

Cute new tees & more by blabla




















From the Spring Tee Collection are two very adorable, very fashionable t-shirts from one of our best selling designers, blabla.  You may know them from their handmade knit dolls like Rosalie (we offer those too) which are a big hit with our customers.  These tees are so unique and fit perfectly in our boutique which in turn fits perfectly with you!  I love them paired with the Chinese Pants.  We have a few options to choose from: the pink pants, striped, robins egg or chocolate.  Whichever you choose, will surely complete this comfy outfit that doesn't fall short on style!  The contrast stitching and little side pocket of the Chinese Pant completes the style. Boutique style with a price tag of  under $30 you just can't beat it! 

6/11/09

June Sale Rockstarmoms 15% off

SPECIAL JUNE PROMO- ALL MATERNITY AND ACCESSORIES BY ROCKSTARMOMS
NOW 15% OFF!  GET YOUR ROCKIN' STYLE AT ROCKIN' GREAT PRICE!
THIS MONTH ONLY SHOP NOW



5/12/09

Joel Dewberry Fabrics Just In!!!

We are so excited to offer you some more great fabrics.  We know it has been a while since we have added to our fabrics department but I am sure you won't mind when you see the new prints by Joel Dewberry.  Joel Dewberry has quickly become a favorite of ours and you'll surely see why with these two great prints that when combined can make for a really funky new project.  The first is Narrow Stripe in Blue It's soothing to the eye and reminds me of the cool crisp ocean on a hot summer day! This stripe pattern combines baby blue, navy, seafoam green, pale yellow and aqua into a nicely placed stripe print. Pair it with a floral print like the one below, some tiny dots, big disco dots and you have your next quilt project.  This is also a great print to accent your baby boy's nursery. How about a new bumper for the crib or maybe a new baby blanket combined with a soft minkee fabric?  The options are endless.  I highly suggest (if you are not afraid of trying something a little bit funkier) pairing this Narrow Stripe print with Joel Dewberry's Espree print. I can just envision these two with a solid white to create a gorgeous new duvet cover can't you? Hmmm... maybe I will have to do that myself, I could really use a new bedding set.  How about those old chair cushions you've been meaning to re-cover?  How cool would they look with these great new prints?  Maybe a tablecloth or some napkins or even new placemats?  The options are endless so let's get creative and make something great with two modern yet timeless prints from Joel Dewberry! Got more ideas for these two?  Please feel free to share and comment to this post.  

1/27/09

Fitness Wednesday: Great Places to Work Out & Resistance Bands

Today I was a chaperon on my son's school field trip to the Loggerhead Turtle Rehab located on the beach.  It was a gorgeous day, no clouds in the sky (a bit windy) and the ocean was an amazing turquoise color.  On our walk from the rehab center to the beach I noticed two women with a trainer on the beach!  How cool and what a great way to save a few bucks, get your workout in and enjoy the beautiful scenery while inhaling that fresh ocean air!  They were using some resistance bands and having their own little class right there on the beach .  

Having a trainer can be expensive, but if you split it with a friend or two and go somewhere interesting like the beach or a quiet park you can get a great workout and have fun in the process.  If you don't feel that you need a trainer just grab a friend and go! Resistance bands made specifically for exercising are a great alternative to bulky weights and are inexpensive, easy to take along and offer just the right amount of resistance to thoroughly work and tone your muscles with a lesser chance of injury. If you use them correctly you get an even better workout because you are getting resistance during the entire movement instead of just during part of the movement with free weights.  They are available in different resistance levels, but you can also double up the band for more resistance.  There are many ways to use them, you can stand on the band and do some bicep curls just as you would with free weights or machines. Another option is to wrap it around a pole or stick in the the door.  You can do many more exercises with resistance bands than you can with machines.  It all depends on where you position the bands.  Use them on your ankle and do some lifts to tone your legs and butt!   Resistance bands can also help to strengthen your core since there is tension throughout the entire move, you need to stabilize your body by tightening your abdominal muscles.  Anytime you are exercising and notice you are off balance, check your abs, are they tightened? The options are endless and you will be really surprised with the results if you stick to it!  

I love resistance bands because they are cheap (between $6-$12) and they are easy to take along with you when traveling. There are plenty of websites online that give great tips and routines for you to follow.  

1/26/09

In honor of Joyce Mahoney

I lost my aunt in 2007 to heart disease.  She was a special person to me not just because she was my aunt, but because she holds a special place in my heart.  She took me on my first trip to Europe and taught me how to sew as a little girl. Every day that I sit at my sewing machine I am reminded of her.  When my son came home from school the other day with a packet for Jump Rope for Heart, he was eager to get right to raising money.  We talked about Aunt Joyce and about the importance of the American Heart Association and how keeping fit and healthy can help to prevent heart disease. He decided on a goal that he wanted to reach so I helped him set up his own personal web page to raise money.  I am so proud of him and the interest he has in helping others! It is great that the schools do things like this to raise money for a good cause, but also to teach kids about charity and the importance of medical research and keeping healthy for life!  If you are interested and would like to learn more or donate to the American Heart Association, please click here.

1/23/09

Adorable Blank Handmade Notecards Free

We have some really adorable handmade notecards to give away. With every purchase at abbabyboutique.com you will receive one handmade card free as our gift to you! No strings attached! They are perfect to send to a friend to tell them you are thinking about them, or use it as a thank you note, birthday card or maybe an invitation to lunch or tea. Each card is embellished with embroidery or ribbons, little flowers, pins and more. Each is entirely unique and one-of-a-kind. Keep it for a special occasion or give as a gift!

1/21/09

HUGE STOREWIDE SALE

We are having a HUGE SALE. Since there is so much talk about CHANGE, we have decided to offer some really great savings on some of our hottest items.  We have marked down over 100 items to make room for a change at abbabyboutique.com . We have a whole new level of products to introduce to you coming soon, so we are going to make room in our storage and save you money in your wallets! So head on over and check it out!  These items will be going quick so stock up and save and don't forget to tell your friends!  Post this sale on your blog, website, facebook etc. and we will give two lucky winners a free pair of Babylegs. If the response is overwhelming, we just may add a few more prizes.  Winner to be announced soon!  So don't forget to comment with a link to your post to qualify!  


Fitness Wednesday: Excercise Videos

I am hearing a lot about this new workout video called the P90X and I am considering trying it out. It's claims to transform your body in only 90 days. Apparently it works by using "muscle confusion" constantly adding new moves to trick your muscles and thus avoiding the "plateau effect". It also introduces new routines to keep you and your muscles from getting bored. It is a combination of weight training, resistance, yoga & cardio using resistance bands. It also offers nutritional meals and advice on using supplements. At $120 with a 90 day money back guarantee, it doesn't sound so bad, that is if you are really motivated to do it. All you need is some resistance bands and a place where you can do pull ups and a mindset of success. Anyone try this? I will let you know if I decide to give it a whirl. I would love to hear your comments if you or anyone you know has tried it!

1/20/09

New Press for 2009



We are so excited to be in the current issue of Bust Magazine! Featuring abbabyboutique.com and our very own Wristlet Key Ring is the second product listed in the Bust Product Showcase on page 93! Bust Magazine is widely known for supporting women crafters and indie designers. Bust is know for it's enthusiasm and interest in the handmade and craftiness of artisans and puts on some really cool craft shows called the Bust Craftacular! Bust also features interviews with Women of the moment like Amber Tamblyn (in this issue), great new fashion finds, stylish decor (I'm loving the DIY headboards) and some really cool music interviews. Definately a mag to check out, keep in mind there is a lot of things in there you would not want your kids to see so don't leave it out on the coffee table ;) Bust magazine is an uncensored look at life as a female and their slogan is "for women with something to get off their chests"

1/13/09

Healthy Tip Wednesday

It's 2009 and since most of us have some sort of resolution to get healthier, get in better shape, eat better or just be more active, I have decided to add a health and fitness tip each week.  As a competitive gymnast for most of my childhood and teen years, I am no stranger to the gym.  Working out has been a huge part of my life since the age of 5.  I am lost without it and when I do skip my workouts I can feel it both mentally and physically.  Working out just 30 minutes a day can improve your mental health more than you can imagine.  It also improves your energy level.  I find myself so sluggish on the days I miss my workouts which is a great reason to not miss my workouts, but if you are just starting out your main goal is getting to the gym or getting the motivation to do something active.  Here are a few suggestions.  

  1. Find a workout buddy (friend, neighbor, hubby, kids)
  2. Decide where you are going to exercise whether at a fitness facility or at your home.  Vigorous walking & biking with a buddy or neighbor can make your workouts at home seem like you are not working out at all!  
  3. Change it up so you don't get bored
  4.  Make a schedule and stick to it
  5. Start slow, you don't want to injure yourself
  6. Don't forget to warm up and cool down
  7. Have fun, it's your time! Enjoy it!
Feel free to comment with your tips and ideas so we can all get in shape together and encourage one another to stick to it!

1/6/09

cloud watching


Remember when you were a child and you used to lie on your back in the grass and watch the clouds, trying to find pictures or familiar images in them?  I was reminded of that this morning while driving the kids to school. I saw this cool set of clouds that appeared to me to be people holding hands in a line.  I just had to take a picture of it.  Do you see it?  

Next time your kids say they are bored, take them outside and look up at the clouds, see what you can find.  It will change their mood, yours and give you a great opportunity to spend some quality time together being creative.  

1/1/09

Happy New Year

2009 is here and we want to encourage you!  2008 was tough for so many of us so we are looking to a much better 2009!  What are your New Year's Resolutions?  Whatever yours may be, we are cheering you on!  Tell us your intentions for 2009 and encourage one another.  Here are three of mine.
  1.  Start each and every day thanking God for the blessings He has given me and for the blessings to come.
  2.  Think positive thoughts.
  3.  Get and stay organized.
Comment to this post with your resolutions and we will award a gorgeous set of handmade notecards to one winning post!  The winner will be drawn from a hat live on video so be sure to leave contact information so we can let you know if you are a winner!  We can't wait to hear from you!  Cheers from all of us at the A.B. Baby Boutique to a New Happy Year!