"Strittens for Strollin' "

Pregnancy & Newborn magazine knows what it's like when you're out for a stroll in the cold weather, you've lost your gloves, and your hands are freezing. No Fun, so they have discovered nomie baby strittens! No more worrying about cold hands, forgetting or losing mittens, and "Strittens stay attached to the stroller when you remove your hands, you don't have to worry about losing them—you know, like you typically would gloves when the tuck-them-under-your-armpit-as-you-reach-into-the-diaper-bag move fails you and one cashmere beauty winds up on the curb, blows into the street, gets run over by a taxi, and never again has the pleasure of keeping your left hand warm. Sigh. Yes, Strittens are most definitely the preferable alternative." Now when you have to zip up or take the top off the bottle to keep your little one happy, it's easy to slip your hands out of the strittens, quickly take care of your baby, and then slip your hands into the strittens. It's one less thing to worry about. Problem solved!.

Good News Brings More - I hope!

I have already mentioned that patience is a virtue, and while some things might be on the top of my mind, they are just one of many things on someone else's to-do list. Therefore, it's important to keep plugging along, and touching base. One of the other things I have noticed is that good news often brings more good news.

As much as people say they want to be the first, or the only..., they also seem to be afraid to be that as well. Therefore, when I am able to show stores that other stores carry the nomie baby line, they seem more interested in jumping on board. It's fascinating to see the interest that has gotten stirred up since buybuyBaby.com, BedBathandBeyond.com and CSNStores.com have started carrying the nomie baby line, and Diapers.com has always been a wonderful partner.

I am looking forward to talking with new retailers who are excited to be a part of the nomie baby family. Now the next piece of the puzzle will be to find sales reps who can help spread the word to their accounts. This has proven to be the most frustrating part. I had imagined that sales reps would be eager to add another line to those that they repped, but it's not that easy. If anyone knows of great, enthusiastic sales reps, I would appreciate an introduction!

Good Things Really Do Come To Those Who Wait

It was almost a year ago to the day that I received an email from the buyer I had been pursuing, not quite stalking, at buybuyBaby. The email very simply said, "Im not sure where we left off the last time we spoke. Can you send me samples of your items. I am interested in these covers." Short and sweet! I was thrilled! That started a process of documents going back and forth, photos, samples, getting set up to handle orders via EDI, and so on and so on and so on!

Fast forward a year, and yesterday my Google alert told me that the nomie baby car seat covers had gone live on BedBathandBeyond.com, which is the parent company of buybuyBaby. I was thrilled, and reassured that all the effort and time did pay off. I posted my news on Facebook, and was overwhelmed by the "likes" and well wishes from so many. Then this morning, once again, my Google alert brought good news. The car seat covers are also up on buybuyBaby.com! Not wanting to rest on this good news, I am now hopefully that this will start the snowball of bringing even more accounts carrying the nomie baby line!

Most important, I never could have done any of this alone without the encouragement of so many from my husband, kids, friends and "Collective-E -LY" from other entrepreneurs who have "been there, done that!"

Helpful Hints for Getting Around with Children

There are many little secrets that no one tells you before you have a baby, and while I don't want to be the spoiler, I am here to tell you that they do not simply become a great new accessory. Many many things change, namely your schedule is not your own, and while you may think that everyone wants to be with your baby, this just is not the case. To help make getting around with your little one easier, there are a number of great resources to help guide you from everything on what gear to get to where to eat in peace, or at least without getting glares!

"City Baby New York" is "The ultimate guide for parents, from pregnancy to pre-school." It is chock full of great advise from how to pick a great pediatrician, to where to find the cutest birth announcements, to all the must have gear to help you get around with your new baby. It is a wonderful resource when you can't reach your best friend for advise.

Another wonderful resource for helping get you out with your baby, is a new site designed to let parents know where child-friendly restaurants are in your neighborhood. Mini munchers allows you to go out with your little one, without worrying that you will be given the evil eye the minute your 2 year old starts acting like one. The other wonderful feature of mini munchers is there "goody bag" section which brings you wonderful deals and opportunities from their "buddies."

Being with your little one doesn't have to be lonely or isolating anymore with these wonderful resources. Grab a friend or two, gear up, and enjoy it all!

Stroller+Mittens = Strittens

As Mamaista said, first there was "Brad+Angelina=Brangelina, then there was Chilling +Relaxing = chillaxing, then Jeans +Leggings =Jeggings!" Now there's Stroller +Mittens =Strittens! Just in time for the colder weather, nomie baby has created the newest in the line of products designed to help solve problems for parents. Strittens are the answer to lost mittens and freezing hands while pushing the stroller. They are warm cozy stroller handle mittens that fit all hands and stroller styles from joggers to umbrella strollers. Simply strap them on with the easy Velcro fastener, and slip your hand into the warm and cozy fleece lining for comfy strolls no matter how cold it is! Enjoy the warmth!

More thoughts for being Green

In an effort to be "Green" easily, here are a few more ideas we can all do everyday. Little things do add up and make a difference!

1. unplug chargers when not using them

2. get a power cord for all chargers, and turn it off when not in use

3. Phillips Halgen light bulb don't cast a "blue" light AND they work with dimmers

4. reload gift cards instead of getting new ones

5. bring bags with you, so you don't have to take the plastic ones

Here's to going "greener" gracefull!

Fitting in Exercise

During the summer it's easier to get exercise, but with the crazy schedules that come with fall and back to school, it is often much harder, so here are some thoughts on ways to fit exercise in:
1. When you are waiting in line at the grocery store pick up a jug of milk in each hand and do 10 curls,
2. stand on one foot for 1 minute and then do the same with the other
3. Walk instead of taking elevators (this also saves electricity).
4. While you are printing out the endless school forms do 10 push ups and/or sit against the wall for 1 minute or do 12 squats
5. Cut out a few bus or cab rides a day or week, and walk instead, again, this is eco-friendly
6. Instead of meeting for coffee, grab the coffee and go for a walk
7. It is still important to schedule in some workout time for YOU!

People.com's "Fab Sale Round-up"

People.com's Celebritybabies' blog posted today about some of their favorite fall sales, and nomie baby was featured as on of their "Fab Sale Round-up" finds!

Now everyone can be treated like a celebrity with special deals. Ease back into the crazy fall schedules and back-to-school rush filled with errands and carpools with 15% OFF your purchase at nomie baby. This is the perfect time to give your car seat a fresh clean look with a new car seat cover, and get ready for the cooler temps with a 'cozy-up' stroller blanket! Here's to spreading the happy-mess and warmth!

Easy to be Green-er

There is an ad playing on the radio, saying that if we all reduce by 3% each year for the next few year, it will make a huge difference, so I started thinking of little, or not so little things that I could do that would be easy. Here are some thoughts:
1. During the day keep the lights off, especially while it's still staying light for a while
2. Make sure the air pressure in the car wheels is where it's supposed to be
3. Buy and use a reuse able container for my morning green tea latte (gtl)
4. Don't print out receipts at the ATM, and some stores will email receipts, so if you need to return something you can print it only when you need it.
5. Recycle wrapping paper. Unwrapping slowly makes it all last longer too!
6. If I don't bring "green" bags to the store, reuse the plastic bag to line the waste baskets, or deal with the kitty litter
7. If you have a baby, reuse the baby food jars for buttons, safety pins, etc... and you'll be able to easily see what's inside.
8. Get a shoebox and put bottle caps, twist ties, bows, or anything that seems to be useless, in it, and use it as a "good stuff" box for art projects
9. Use a nomie baby car seat cover to make an old car seat new again, and keep it clean, so you can pass it along. I couldn't resist throwing that idea out there!

Connecting with Customers

A couple of years ago I was at a Super Bowl party loving it as the Giants were holding their own against the Patriots. It was a wonderful mix of people, but the one thing we all had in common was that we were all cheering for the same team! Early in the second half a few new people joined the party, and made the rounds meeting everyone. I was introduced to one of them, and after a moment realized he was Mickey Drexler of J. Crew. This was enough to distract me from the game, since I am a huge J. Crew fan. Mickey seemed genuinely interested in my enthusiasm for what J.Crew was doing lately, and asked my thoughts on a couple of things, and then pulled a card out and handed it to me. Unlike the usual business card, this was a "friends and family" card allowing me a special discount. What a thrill! I felt as if I had been allowed into a special club. Needless to say, as soon as I got home, I went right online and clicked away.

I had always heard that Mickey Drexler, was the master of getting to know his customers, really caring about what they said, and making them feel important, special and listened to. I certainly found this to be true. Genius. Don't just sit behind a desk and imagine what people want, get out there and ask.

Again, the other day, saw customer care first hand. I was at a luncheon with my mother and grandmother, when Tim Zagat stopped by to say, "Hi" to them. After being introduced to him, and wondering why he would want to be at a luncheon filled with women, he produced a card from his pocket and handed it to me. Again, this was no ordinary card, it was "special gift" treating me to downloads of his guides. Brilliant. It made me feel special and cared for as a customer, which is, after all, what we all would like.

I have always enjoyed hearing from my customers, making customer care a priority, and giving them "special gifts" when ever possible. These two examples reinforce just how important it is to not only listen to my customers, but to make a extra effort to reach out to them, make them feel cared for, and listen to them so I know what is and isn't working. There is no doubt that technology is an incredible tool allowing us to reach people all over the world in seconds, and enables us to get more done, often in less time than ever before; however, there is still no substitute personal connections, and always making customers feel cared for.

Big vs. Small Stores

As they say, "Be careful of what you wish for!" When I first had my idea for the nomie baby car seat covers, the feedback was so positive and encouraging that I imagined that they would sell out as quickly as they were being manufactured, and remember asking how quickly the turn around could be. I also imagined that getting the products into stores would be a snap. In fact, while the feedback for the actual product has been equally incredible as it was for the idea, getting the product in stores has been a bigger challenge than I first imagined, but not all the time.

I first introduced the nomie baby products to a very large baby store chain over a year ago. At the time they weren't taking on new products, but said they wanted to keep in touch, and in October 2009 after keeping them up to date, they said that they would like to carry the car seat covers, and then sent a 24 page vendor agreement. Since October, 6 months ago, we have been going back and forth with the forms, images, insurance forms, warehouse and shipping details, and then they said they needed some updated forms since things had changed since October. While I was re-filling out form 2, I received 2 orders from stores in Brooklyn, NY. My first thought was, how easy those 2 new stores were, and my next was, "Are the big stores really worth it?"

On the one hand, with the small stores I am dealing with one person for the order, billing information, shipping, or photos for their site. On the other hand the larger stores take longer to open the account, there are usually multiple people dealing with the account for each step, and often the initial order is not much bigger than orders for the smaller "mom and pop" stores. I am still holding out hope that the products will be as successful as they have been at Diapers.com, and that will lead to increased orders, and putting nomie baby products in their bricks and mortar stores as well as online. My hope is that the time invested on the front end will be worth it in the end.

Getting Out There!

This past week, nomie baby was part of Big City Moms and The Bump's "Biggest Baby Shower." It was a wonderful opportunity to meet moms and moms-to-be, as well as many many many people I have been in touch with via Facebook, Twitter, a miriade of bloggers and other people in the baby world. Face to face is always better than from behind the screen. I was thrilled to hear how many people have heard of nomie baby, have nomie baby products, or were excited to get some!

While I know it's hard to be everywhere, it is so important to get out in the real world and see real people! Often I feel as if I have, only to realize it is Facebook pictures, or tweets and not person to person. Thank you for such wonderful welcomes!

What's the Difference?

When trying to pitch, sell or simply describe a product, I have found that people like to be nay-sayers or skeptics. "What's so great about your product?" "Why should I buy your product?" "Why is your product different?" These are all very valid and intelligent questions, and ones that I have asked myself countless times, and they also made me think about how to get across what I have learned. Sometimes, because I am so close to my "baby," the nomie baby car seat covers, the answers seem obvious to me, but not necessarily so for others, so here's an attempt to clearly and simply answer these, as well as other FAQs.

"What's so great about your product?" It is an easy way to deal with all the messes that happen to your child's car seat, without the hassle of wrestling to remove the seat from the car, or disassembling the straps. It slips on and off in a snap and goes right into the washer and dryer. It solves the messy problems with ease.

"Why should I buy your product?" If you have ever experienced the hassle of trying to clean up after a long car ride, or even a trip to the grocery store, you know what a pain it is. The nomie baby car seat cover makes it so easy. In addition, it can extend the life of your car seat, and even makes it possible to pass along car seats to younger brothers and sisters, friends and family without being ashamed of how messy they look. In short, it's much less expensive, only $36, to get the cover than to buy a whole new seat because the seat is just too gross to put your child in it one more time!

"Why is your product different?" While there are other car seat covers out there, most are just decorative, and therefore the mess will just leak through. The nomie baby car seat cover has a waterproof back, so your car seat is protected from leaks and spills. The nomie baby cover is also much less expensive than others on the market, and the design allows it to slip on without rethreading the straps or taking it out of the car.

Another common question, is which car seats does it fit? The cover is designed with elastic edges and Velcro opening for the straps, so it fits many makes and models, but with the huge variety, it is not possible for it to fit all. The following is a list of toddler and infant car seats that each size fits:
TODDLER
Britax Marathon,Britax Roundabout, Britax Boulevard
Cosco Alpha Omega,Cosco Alpha Omega Elite (Raise Arm Rests), Cosco Convertible, Cosco Scenera 5-point Convertible
Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 Deluxe (take out cup holders)
Eddie Bauer Deluxe (arm rests up)
Evenflo Titan Elite, Evenflo Tribute 5, Evenflo Triumph Advance LX, Evenflo Triumph Advance DLX,
Evenflo Triumph Advance
Fisher Price Safe Voyage
Graco Safe Seat Step 2 Convertible, Graco Comfort Sport
Maxi Cosi Priori
Sunshine Kids Radian 65

INFANT
Graco SafeSeat, Graco SnugRide
Baby Trend Flex Loc
Chicco Key Fit 20
Evenflo Embrace
Eddie Bauer Endeavor

I hope I have succeeded in answering and convincing you why the nomie baby car seat cover really is a must-have, and if you still need some convincing, please visit the "testimonials" page on the website, www.nomiebaby.com.

Here's to spreading the happy-mess!

A Pictures Tells 1,000 Words

Often I have found, that while I think I am being clear when I am describing things, there are times that words seem to fail me. As a result, sometimes drawings, diagrams and demonstrations work really well. For many reasons I love doing demonstrations. Getting in front of people is really the best. It not only allows me to quickly demonstrate how quickly and easily the nomie baby car seat covers and 'cozy ups' work, and how great they feel, but it allows me to get instant feedback and thoughts.

I have been fortunate to have received many wonderful emails and comments about the nomie baby products, and some people have even sent wonderful photos of their little ones. What a treat! The more the merrier. I would love to start a gallery of nomie baby babies. Again, I love receiving the notes, getting re-orders and referrals, but "a picture tells 1,000 words - truly!

Testimonials

There are many great and rewarding aspects of having started nomie baby: watching my idea go from a thought to a product, working with incredible people, watching the products and brand grow in popularity, exposure and sales, and hearing from customers who are happy with how easy it is to solve problems!

This evening I opened my email to read a note from a customers, and was thrilled to hear her happy-mess...

"I've been meaning to write.

I saw you speak at Barnes and Nobel at the Collective-E Mompreneur Event and I won a car seat cover.

It was PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT on our recent trip to MD. We drove down to see my parents and had no traffic so I pushed through and didn't stop. My daughter is 17mo so she sleeps throught the night longer than we were in teh car (4.5hrs) so I figured we'd make it safely. No such luck. She was soaked and more importantly, the car seat would've been destroyed if I hadn't put the nomie baby car seat cover on that morning. We got to MD, I handed her off to her grandparents, before we even got to the front door, and 5 minutes later the cover was in the laundry ready for our trip back to NYC.

THANK YOU! Plus, the pink cover is so much nicer than the random gender-neutral car seat we ended up with.

Good luck!"

Daddy Diaper Duty

Calling all Dads! Very often you are called into action when the going gets tough AND dirty. I know my husbands likes to say, "The dirtier, the better," and whether he's joking or not, I take him up on it, or call his bluff, which ever the case may be! There are also those jobs that require tools or spacial relations, or assembling or re-assembling, which often go to the Dads as well! One such task is cleaning the children's car seats after a long road trip, or the dreaded carsickness. It used to require gloves, a hose and a great memory for exactly which strap went into which slot to reassemble. No more!

The nomie baby car seat cover solves all these problems. It is a cozy, removable, washable and waterproof cover for infant and toddler car seats that slips on and off without having to take the car seat out of the car, or even removing the straps. It's a hassle-free way to deal with all the messes. So now really the "dirtier the better," even though the challenge isn't quite the same, but you'll be thanked for dealing with the mess all the same, and now you have more time for the fun stuff!

Dealing with the Cold All Over

Usually, it is just around now when those phone calls from our friends in California or other warm states are really difficult to take. BUT not this year. A friend just returned from Florida, where it was in the 40's, it's cold and rainy in California, or at least to them, and I even heard from a customer in North Carolina, who is trying to figure out what to do in this arctic chill that is blanketing the entire country.

For those of us who are used to having a real winter, over the years we have collected all the necessary gear to allow us to weather the temps, but for those who are not used to nor'esters this is all new, and they are racing around trying to figure out what to do. There are just so many days one family can reasonably stay inside. Many organizations and clubs are helping by offering inside activities for the whole family. My inbox seems to be overflowing with great ideas from shows the whole family will enjoy to play time at inside gyms to Valentine's Day fun for all. Now the trick is getting there without absolutely freezing, so here are a few suggestions that make leaving the house possible and even pleasant. For you don't forget mittens or gloves and a hat. Yes, our moms were right when they said, "It really does make a difference." A long down coat like the Canada Goose brand, which is so warm that I have to take it off the second I am inside, but outside I am really toasty warm. Now for the little ones, a jacket, hat, mittens, and the 'cozy up' stroller blanket, which zips around them so you don't have to worry about lots and lots of layers! Now you are ready to brave the arctic temps no matter where you live.

Collectively We can Do So Much to Help Haiti

The pictures and stories coming out of Haiti each day are horrific and unimaginable. As a mother, I can't begin to think about the pain of not being able to contact your child, or know if they are ok or not. As a person watching the news reports I can't comprehend what a massive undertaking the rescue mission must be, and why more isn't happening faster? The urge to jump on a plane and do "what ever" has occurred to me repeatedly, but then I wonder if I wouldn't be more in the way at the point than anything else. Still, not doing anything is not acceptable to me. Sitting comfortably watching from inside my home with plenty of food, water, clothing, care, surrounded by my family and friends, I still feel the necessity to reach out and help.

I have clicked on a number of websites, including The Red Cross , UNFPA, and Doctors without Borders and made donations, which was very easy to do, and I understand that many many many others have done the same, which is incredible. Not only do the organization make it easy, but trusted sources such as ABC News, have lists of reputable organization putting your donations to the best uses. There are also organizations, such as Collective-E, who are gathering and collecting information from members that make doing your part, easier, because the reality is, most people do want to do something, whether it's collecting clothing, having a bake sale, or donating a portion of sales to the relief efforts. Still I know so much more is needed, and can be done. Therefore, I have decided to donate $5 from every order placed on www.nomiebaby.com from now until Valentine's day. The mission of nomie baby is to develop and sell products that solve problems for parents, making their lives easier, so this is a natural.

It is very reaffirming and heartwarming to know that when there are people in need, there are people ready to help. I am still hoping to go to Haiti and help when it would be a productive.

Not all Car Seat Covers are the Same

When I first had the ah ha moment to come up with the nomie baby car seat cover, it came from my search, which came up empty, for a solution to the mess and hassle of cleaning up after my little one after she spilled. I found covers. I found covers that were washable. I found covers that were cozy. I found covers that were removable, but I didn't find one that was all of these AND waterproof, and affordable, in fact some were as expensive as $120! That is what the nomie baby car seat cover is. It is everything that I was looking for all in one cover, and only $36!

I was pretty sure that I wasn't alone in wanting this product, and my hunch was right! Sales have been great. Diapers.com, which has been a terrific partner since late October 2009, consistently places re-orders every 10 days - 2 weeks for their 3 large warehouses, and the comments and feedback I have gotten from customers has been terrific, not to mention fun to read! To everyone who takes the time to write, thank you. It means a lot to hear from the people behind the screens and the orders.

I realized that I not only had a product that everyone needs and appreciates, but I had the beginning of a company with a mission to bring products to parents that solve problems, and therefore, can make their lives easier. The latest nomie baby product is the 'cozy up' stroller blanket. This cozy, warm stroller blanket arrived just in time for the deep freeze that has hit the country. Again, parents have been thrilled with not only the product, the quality, but the reasonable price, which doesn't freeze out anyone's wallet.

Underlying everything, is the desire to bring great products to parents that are helpful, and priced in a friendly way, and the desire to give back. My commitment to make a change on many different levels, including in the lives of the littlest babies in the NICU is an incredibly motivating and inspiring factor. I would also like to do my part to bring some care to Haiti. I know we can all do something, no matter how great or small, and it will make a difference. Isn't that what it's all about?

Braving this weather

It's freezing outside, but the idea of spending the next 3 months inside gives me cabin fever already. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing better than spending all day in pj's when it's freezing outside, making pancakes with sprinkles, then baking cupcakes, and reading every book from "Good Night Moon" to "Ish, " but after a day, it's time to get out! With plenty of layers, a super warm jacket, like the Canada Down one my husband got me for christmas a few years ago, and the handwarmers I got this year, stuffed in my mittens, I'm set, and now the 'cozy up' keeps my little one super warm, and ready to GET OUT! After a nice brisk walk we all feel much better, and the added benefit is that I've gotten some exercise, and the cold, fresh air leads to a great nap back in our pj's again!

Baby it's Cold Outside

As the arctic blast covers 2/3 of the country, we're all looking for ways to brave the cold. Staying inside for the next 3 months with our children is not an option. Here's the answer, for your little one at least. The nomie baby 'cozy up!' It's a stroller blanket that zips your toddler or infant in comfy coziness, making strolls warm and something to look forward to! There's even a pocket to stash mitten, since they never seem to stay on, and a snack so it's close at hand.

Now if we could only figure out a way for us to stay warm. Oh I have it, use this as an opportunity to get out and get some exercise. With plenty of layers, don't forget the hat, because mom was right, "it keeps you warmer," moving around should do the trick. And as a bonus, the crisp cool air often means a nice long nap!

Warm wishes for the winter!

Nomie baby Car Seat Covers Hit our Neighbors to The North

There are messy kids every where, so it's exciting to have the nomie baby car seat covers recognized by parents every where. Here is an article in Toronto4kids.com. Enjoy! http://www.toronto4kids.com/content/view/960/