Win it Wednesday with Piggy Paint Natural As Mud Nailpolish

Melanie Hurley is a mom of two bubbly, fashionable girls. She is a mom inventor who created a product out of the concern for her own children after seeing solvent-based nail polish literally eat away at a foam plate while painting their nails. She later designed and developed a natural children's nail polish to prevent any chemicals from interfering with fashion. Piggy Paint is now a huge brand that is featured in many small retailers, big box stores and online throughout the world.

Baby Jack Blankets mini executive board #CEOJack and #VPBailey frequently use their products taking turns expressing themselves through colored nails and we at BJB are excited to work with them on a join promotion. Today they are hosting a Win it Wednesday giveaway with Baby Jack Blankets and LillyBit Uptown Diaper Clutch - for mamas on the go that want to diaper in style.

Visit the Facebook page of Piggy Paint and click their icon for the giveaway or simply ENTER HERE.

Oh The Places We Will Go!

Baby Jack Blankets continues to grow in more ways than I have ever imagined.  We started our business as a hobby since I needed an outlet upon being let go from my job after having Jack. Now, it has grown into a business that proves to the government that we are making money, provides jobs and we continue to add to our team. Of course with all that hard work, comes more investments!

Since March, we have added a team of skilled seamstresses that work from their homes. They are contracted employees and have alleviated stress off of me to hand sew all of our orders. It is extremely important to me to ensure that our items are still handmade and I feel hiring this local team gives them a source of added income and a creative outlet allowing flexibility where it doesn't feel like work. Todd is our go-to embroidery guy that adds a touch of personalization to our creations which will be available in 2014.

Recently I have added Heather to personally help me as a virtual assistant. She handles all administrative functions and set up for new vendors, compliance, insurance and customer service. We now have a toll free customer service number where the voicemail message gets emailed to us direct! Heather has proven to be a guru with working with all sizes of stores and knows more about the procedures for Diapers.com and our new vendor Toys R Us. We are hoping to sell exclusive prints via their website and also provide exclusive prints to only our small retailers so they do not have to compete. Keep an eye out for our items all over the place!

I have been managing all marketing and PR for Baby Jack Blankets but it is very time consuming and a lot of follow up. I feel (and other family members who will remain nameless) that I am at my computer constantly. Connecting with Tracy from MODTot Media has allowed me to learn more about social media marketing, make the most with my posts and in time, I am hoping to add her to the Baby Jack Blankets team. If you happen to see a post that doesn't sound like me, please welcome Tracy as she has administrative rights to our Facebook account!

Upon networking with Tracy, I was introduced to her partner Amanda. Amanda is working with me to develop a clear strategic sales plan for 2014 and I am hoping to hire her as a sales rep to get into more baby boutiques. Wish us luck and we will keep you updated!

My husband and I currently handle all the packing and shipping of outgoing orders. Purchasing the DYMO labelwriter 450 has made this process easier. It requires no ink or toner and heat stamps each shipping label onto sticky label paper. You can find one + rolls of labels on Amazon. Well worth the cost! For now, the shipping/receiving and packaging department will stay as is until we have sustainable growth. Then we will add more to our team and perhaps a facility to handle all the inventory. Baby steps...

So there's a brief update on what has been happening.  We have a lot of great opportunities in 2014 including and fingers crossed, working with Team Ellen in Spring. We definitely want to introduce #CEOJack and #VPBailey and show Ellen some dance moves!

Lots of love from our BJB family to yours,

Kelley - owner

The Great Holiday Gift Hunt Giveaway

As a parent, you are always searching for something; shoes, a favorite toy / blanket, peace and quiet or a product to help make your life easier. Well, these mom-inventors who all create great products just sponsored The Great Holiday Gift Hunt Giveaway making searching for something Fun and Free! 

Baby Jack Blankets has partnered with Oops Sheet, Le Bibble, Cuddlecloth, The Diaper Clutch,  and Lalabye Baby to give you some great baby products to WIN.

All you have to do is find the Gift on each individual website (links above) and enter below to win!

Good luck and happy holiday hunting!

*Contest begins on December 9, 2013 and ends on December 15, 2013 at 11:59EST.

Enter to Win 

A Baby Jack Must Have

I just purchased my very own #melon watch from Benbini Watches! Once I saw this watch while scoping out #ABCKids13 posts on Instagram, I knew immediately it was going to be a huge hit and that I wanted it. It is literally the only thing on my Christmas wish list this year and I just completed the purchase today to have in time for Christmas.

The Benbini watch is a #mominvented product made up because as we know with parenting, time flies. The double-bezel can be used for all stages in life: timing contractions, breastfeeding, time-outs, naps, and in my case: how many minutes I have before picking up #CEOJack from school! My dear friend Heidi and publicist is pregnant with her second baby, due in April so it's on my buy list for her as well.

Recently Baby Jack Blankets and Benbini Watches were showcased in Mommy Shorts 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and lucky for you, there's a coupon for you in her guide!

Love from the OR. The Story of Bailey's Cesarean

It's Monday night and I am scouring through Facebook and see a link a friend shared about a couple that documented the home birth of their daughter. Lately, I have shed a lot of tears from the many videos that have gone viral but these photos are a must to share.

http://www.viralnova.com/home-birth/

It took me back to the moment when I heard the cries of my children. That feeling of pure love knowing that your life has completely changed. Your heart is now full upon seeing that face and all that work/worry/anxiety that you faced is worth it. The adventure begins.

I didn't have a home birth nor a natural one. I see the strength that this couple endures together and the light in their eyes. Together as parents, we share this common ground.

With Jack, I do not recall a lot that happened that day as I was exhausted, dehydrated and he was our first. I am proud of the scars that came from delivering my two babies, Jackson and Bailey via cesarean. Jack was first an emergency C-section upon having his cord wrapped after a long labor and Bailey was my planned out operation. I call it drive thru baby with #2. I was blessed to have our nurse take our camera and snap all of these images, documenting her birth on our behalf.
Here's her story...Bailey Louise Legler born on May 5, 2011.

Getting ready to go into the OR 8:45AM

After a quick chat about McDonald's and the weather, the spinal was in and I am numb.

My nerves were not as intense as the first time.

Within seconds, my husband arrived and already they had begun. With Jack, my first, it took 45 minutes for prep and to begin the initial cut. When Brian walked in the room, he saw me open.

 

It's a boy...it's a girl. Wait, it's a boy? Girl? What is it? We were told 5 months prior it was a girl.

The room was decked in pink.

 

It's a GIRL! 9:03AM

I hear her crying. Brian sets his hand on my head. I begin to tear up. She is here.

 

Bailey began to wail. When Jack was born he made three soft cries but it was clear that Bailey was making her grand appearance. She kept at it until she was all snug.

7lbs, 10oz, 20 inches long.

Brian takes a moment with his little girl.

 

To this day, her dad's touch soothes her. Daddy's girl.

  

A beautiful full head of hair, healthy pair of lungs. 10 fingers, 10 toes.

 

Bailey has been blessed with adorable assets. 

My first time seeing her. The moment makes me cry. Pure joy and love radiate.

First kiss from mommy.

 

From this day, she would have her dad wrapped around her finger. He is amazing with babies and did the AM feedings, bonding with her and lulling her to sleep.

 

Recovery room for one hour post cesarean. A special time of bonding for mom and Bailey.

 

No matter how you decide to have a child - be it your own discretion or a medical team, it is truly one of the most remarkable experiences in life. I didn't plan on a cesarean with my first born Jack, it happened because it was the safest route for him and I. With Bailey, I just wanted my little girl safe and in my arms as fast as possible. In the blink of an eye, she was here. 

Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old

I never thought through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she

But isn't she lovely made from love

 

Happy family of four Baby Jack Blankets owners Kelley, Brian, #CEOJack and #VPBailey

 

Bailey with her Merry Cherry Satin lovey created by mom of Baby Jack Blankets at birth. To this date, she carried around her "B" everywhere.

 

xo Kelley

Baby Jack Blankets went to Hollywood for the Boom Boom Room Celebrity Gifting by Janeoni Moore

Tis the season that many new and established businesses will be contacted by celebrity gifting specialists in prep for the upcoming 2014 awards - Golden Globes, Emmy's, Oscars and more.

Baby Jack Blankets was invited to the 2013 Boom Boom Room Pre-Golden Globes Celebrity Gifting Suite put together by baby gear expert Jayneoni Moore.

2013 was a great year for Baby Jack Blankets and attending the Boom Boom Room Pre Golden Globes Celebrity Gifting suite by Janeoni Moore opened our eyes about the baby industry. Although Baby Jack Blankets didn't receive ROI from the gifting suite after spending a lot of up front costs on product and marketing, we went into it as an opportunity to travel to Hollywood with my mother in law and mom so that truly made it worth every penny spent. We had fun, that was the point as it was our vacation. We made great connections with owners and inventors in this diverse baby industry and with the help of networking, our brand began to grow - oddly enough it grew because of the people I met that have done previous events. Costs of the booth were high, travel expenses added up and shipping / internet and more really tore into our budget. But again, it was our vacation.

Many of the celebrities that attended the event were very kind. They were impressed with our product - the only handmade one there - and stood there taking pictures with us to capture for our website and future marketing. Following the event, we emailed and attempted to contact many and there was no response making it difficult to swallow spending all the labor and hard costs into just giving away our product. People like Kelly Stables, Heather Spohr, Ian Ziering, Scott Wolf and Lisa Ling made the celebrity part a blast because of their kindness and willing to sit and talk to you about your brand.

The greatest gift given at the celebrity gifting suite was that we as owners were all in the same boat. Hard earned money and a lot of anxiety / anticipation rolled in one room - also being terrified of some egos.  All the brands exchanged business cards and later we were able to collaborate and grow - as a brand, inventor and cross promote one another.  It's hard to guarantee which celebrities that "commit" will actually attend. I happened to be disappointed that I couldn't pitch my product to the Sharks and celebrities that I grew up watching on TV. To save you costs, contact me and I can introduce you to some great people that I connected with after attending the event. I am happy to share my Hollywood experience with all of you mom inventors that have baby brands with a small business.

Best,
Kelley - owner of www.babyJackblankets.com

2013 Holiday Gift Guide Created for Mom by Mom Inventors

'Tis the season for bargains, buys and the best of gifts created by Moms. We at Baby Jack Blankets have been included in a Very Merry Holiday Gift Guide of elite products invented by moms.


Get 15% off all these AMAZING brands!

If you are like me, you enjoy having others tell you about the hottest toys and best of the best in gifts this holiday season so you yourself do not have to do the browsing. It's overwhelming and frankly, you just don't have time. This collection in the Gift Guide by Moms for Moms is dedicated to you. Those that truly support all the hard work we as moms do for our families and yours.

Throughout this roller coaster of an experience building Baby Jack Blankets, I have come across a group of amazing women inventors that have inspired greatness on all levels. Together, we present you with some of our products and wish you all a happy holiday shopping experience!

Be sure to grab the 15% off coupon code for each!




Products included from the following brands: Bobbee, Hello Beach, NOBLO, Twooth Timer, Swimzip, Sand Gone, Babee Covee, Diaper Clutch, Parking Pal Magnet, Kiddo Tags, Refresh-a-Baby, Baby Jack Blankets Sensory Tag Blankets, Simply Charmed, Lilly Bit Uptown Diaper Clutch, Lovey's Tushi Stick, Buddha Bunz, Lalabye Baby, I Like Book, Le Bibble, Accessory Connectz, SmartSeat Chair Protectors, Psi Bands, Tivoli Couture, Couture Clip, Scratch & Grain Baking Co, The Quick Split, CuddleCloth 







  

Baby Jack Blankets featured in US Weekly

Today I woke up to some great news. Our signature Yellow Circles Primary #sensory #baby ribbon #tab blanket is featured in the article written about Malin Akerman's diaper bag and favorite products in US Weekly's hottest magazine about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's #secretwedding.

Royal Baby Best Buys

Being a mom inventor allows me to connect with some amazing and talented people; especially other moms that create baby products. On occasion we collaborate with one another to showcase a cohesiveness between our brands and the Royal Baby is a perfect example.

The day that Prince George was born, the owners of Baby Jack Blankets, Magnificent Baby, Tivoli Couture and Rock-a-Thigh Baby displayed our Royal Baby collection of products that represent the UK with the Union Jack flag. Since debuting these products, we have all been selling out and now have very few in stock, making these a limited edition of items.

Baby Jack Blankets Back to School Buyer's Guide

With the new school year approaching and the many supply lists circulating, we thought we would take a moment to mention a few of our favorite mom invented products that are perfect for making life easier for getting out the door and on the teachers that educate / care for our kids. Whether your little one is heading back to school or going to daycare, the products below are a must have for Fall.


The Diaper Clutch - The First Diaper and Wipes Case to Feature a Unique Wipes Window

The Diaper  Clutch is a mom-invented diapers and wipes carrying case that is the first and only to feature a unique easy-access window to your wipes! The Diaper Clutch is a new mommy "must-have" for those constantly on the go. Also a great product to supply your daycare / Preschool with inside your little one's backpack. Comes in many chic and fun prints for the super mom and baby.

Tired of mornings spent in chaos making breakfast, beds & lunch boxes?

The EasyLunchbox System helps families organize and quickly pack healthy lunches without wasting money, time, paper or plastic! No more wasteful baggies and mismatched plastic containers to struggle with. BPA- free EasyLunchboxes containers are the #1 best seller in "lunch boxes" on Amazon.com. Perfect for all ages for work, school and travel.

Make healthy "Lunchables" at home that kids love. MSRP: $7.95 - $13.95

 

Did you know that kids need to eat 5 colors every day? That’s why Today I Ate A Rainbow™ gets kids excited about eating a rainbow which makes it easier for mom to pack lunches for school.

 

The award winning Today I Ate A Rainbow kit will get your kids ASKING to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

 

Healthy eating habits start at home and the best way to set a habit is to make it enjoyable which is why they’ve turned healthy eating into a fun game that works!  This mom-invented brand has an incredible website that assists parents with getting their kids on a health path.

 

Rainbow kit retails for $18 CAD


The I Like Book recently came out with their Anti-Bullying Campaign for parents to purchase for their children and schools to implement in their curriculum. Personally, I think this is a remarkable brand and product giving children (moms/parents/couples) a boost of self esteem in their every day lives and relationships.  

My Friends Like Me book retails for $6. Contact your school board and suggest this Anti-Bullying Campaign to be included in every guidance counselor's office and provided to all students.

 

Your teen will definitely thank you for buying them this mom created product that is fashionable and functional. Head Back to School in Style insulating your fave beverage and toting it around in a way that is both trendy and Earth-friendly - with a Joe Jacket! Kids and teens love to show off the fun fashion and animal prints on their large water bottles, sports drinks and cold acrylic tumblers and moms love that Joe Jackets replace the disposable paper sleeve they get on their cup at the coffee shop and it helps the environment.

$6.99 Free Prime shipping on Amazon

Parking lots are full of distracted drivers and excited kids which makes for a worried mom.

The Parking Pal is an inexpensive fun product to keep kids safe when they are near cars or in parking lots. It's a magnet with colorful designs that stick to your vehicle. Kids are entertained and taught responsibility at the same time. Keep your little one safe with the Parking Pal. Retails for $8.99

Sending your little one back to school or in the arms of another caregiver can sometimes be a time filled with anxiety for both mother and child. Baby Jack Blankets creates comfort for little ones which can be customized by moms on our website www.babyJackblankets.com.

Each sensory tag blanket offers satin modern fabric paired with plush minky textured dot backing accented with ribbons sewn shut into TABS around the edges. Baby's very own Baby Jack Blanket will provide a little security while mom is away and will help break the barriers of being away from home.


So you're all packed, ready for school, off you go and someone has to "go". Time is of the essence and when you have more than one child - at different schools - it is hard to stop and take a quick trip to the potty. Never fear, Oops! Sheet’s Waterproof Cotton Car Seat Cover is here in case of a potty training emergency. An elastic perimeter makes for quick on/off and Velcro openings accommodate the car seat’s harness system. Best of all, the Oops! Sheet™ Waterproof Cotton Car Seat Cover is machine washable and reusable – ready for school pick up. Retails $70

 

 

 

Welcome back to Baby Jack's Blog!

Now is the time to revive this blog. I find it amazing that is has been over THREE years since I have posted on Blogger and finally we are able to link this one to our website. I am excited to chat with you about all the great things that have happened over the past few years and how much our business has grown.

Personally, I thought about starting from scratch and deleting this account from Blogger but we are the business we are today with the help of everyone that supported us when we started very small. It's exciting to see all the fun updates I shared back in 2010.

Cheers to many more milestones to share and I will attempt to update you from all that has happened along the way.

Kelley

Sewing Saved My Sanity

Recently I read a fantastic article from Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) by Aviva Cohen, LCSW, The Blossom Method about how hard it is to be a new mom. Everyone who gets through it seems to put on a face and not tell you the grueling details of the sleep deprivation, hormone imbalance and the anxieties that we all face. I wanted to share my personal story and this blog is giving me strength to recognize how bad it truly was.

I suffered severe postpartum with baby Jack. I didn't recognize that it was depression until days before his first birthday. Looking back, his first year seemed like such a blur. I was a nervous, hormonal first time mom who had social anxiety taking her son anywhere. I was stressed about his schedule and obsessed with maintaining some sort of order. Worst of all, I was the first of my friends to have a child. There was no support in my social network and unfortunately it lead to the end of many friendships who couldn't handle me at my very worst, and certainly didn't deserve me at my best; which of course lead to more anxiety, heartache and depression.

Since all was a blur to me during my "down days", my husband was able to give me three words to sum it all up: short fused, emotional, suicidal. I cry just typing that word. I love my husband. I love my kids and I love my life. This was NOT ME. I was not this person who was afraid, unhappy and in pieces. I was usually the one that carried others and this time, my husband carried me.

I got through this painful time with the help of my support system of my loving husband Brian, my immediate family, Brooke Shields, my OB, therapist, happy pills and my sewing machine. Sewing literally saved my sanity. It provided a great outlet and chance to be creative and turn something into a comfort for others. Baby Jack Blankets is happy to create comfort for little ones and employ local moms with a creative outlet and added income. #madeinMilwaukee #madeinUSA

My Brian is my rock. He knows me and the type of person I am and encouraged me to seek help. He went with me to my doctor appointments and sat through therapy sessions. We learned together and our bond grew. I will always be grateful for him and his strength along with my family for making me whole again. *tears* Brooke Shields needs credit where credit is due. Her book Down Came The Rain changed my life and my thinking about this disease. It is a must read for anyone experiencing motherhood and might see signs of #PPD.

Baby Jack is now a healthy, adorable and witty 4 1/2 year old boy with a sassy, gorgeous and busy 2 1/2 year old sister named Bailey that continue to keep me on my toes. I couldn't imagine a life without them and feel blessed for all that I am given and the successes that continue to come our way. I personally feel the best I have felt in years and will continue to take care of ME to be the best wife, mommy and woman I can be. #LemonsintoLemonade

If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety, mood swings, bouts of crying and/or feelings of depression please talk to your doctor or someone you trust.  Another great resource is www.postpartumprogress.com/ that share many other great stories of women who triumph over this.