Can we talk? Here's where I discuss random topics, dish some dirt, and answer your questions. BTW, any products recommended are products that I bought myself, not freebies sent in exchange for a positive review.
Trade Show report!
I just got back from the ABC Baby Products trade show in Las Vegas yesterday after a whirlwind tour of 900+ exhibitors selling every possible product for children.
Sadly, 99.9% of it was total crap. But I knew that would be the case ahead of time. I went to connect with my current vendors and scope out any new products that might be worth my time, money and limited space for kids' stuff.
Well, I didn't find anything earth-shaking, but I did find a few cool items. A waterproof picnic/play blanket for outdoor use that is comfy and soft and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Comes in its own tote bag, folds up to a very compact size.
A hip line of jackets, sweaters and ponchos from Germany that allows you to babywear on both front or back while keeping warm and cozy with your baby. They are not cheap, but they are really nicely made and quite stylish. There is a navy blue poncho made of beautiful soft high-end wool...amazing, looks like it came straight off the runway. I absolutely want it.
Also a great fleece-lined waterproof jacket (looks like a snowboarding jacket) with a zipper opening for baby's head and upper body to poke out of, front or back. That one is reasonably priced, under $100. Very sweet. There are lots of styles and they are all beautifully designed from gorgeous materials.
I also found some fingerless gloves for little kids made out of merino wool. Super-cute. The perfect solution for cold winter days outside when Julian refuses to wear gloves because he can't climb or do anything in them. They have them for mommies too, which is a good solution for me when I have to keep taking *my* gloves off to button up coats or wipe noses or whatever.
There is a new Travel Highchair coming out that will fit tables up to THREE inches thick. For those of you who love the current Travel Highchair but despair because it doesn't fit thick tables or countertops...rejoice! It's called the Lobster. I'll get it in as soon as I can. It has a padded back, an easier harness, and it still folds flat. Yeah!
There is a new version of the Travel Crib coming out as well. It assembles in about half the time (5 minutes, maybe?) and looks even snazzier. Very mod. Silver legs, and rubber feet to protect your floors when used indoors.
I will also start carrying the Miracle Blanket, which is my absolute favorite swaddling wrap. It's super-soft and dummy-proof for swaddling-challenged people like me. The reason that I stopped carrying the Solana Swaddle Wrap is that I simply couldn't get it tight enough, and if *I* can't use something successfully, I refuse to sell it to you. That's my rule.
I will not be allowed to sell the Miracle Blanket online, just locally. Those are the current rules. If you want to buy one online you need to get it through the Miracle Blanket website. At least until January 2008, then they will start allowing current retailers (like me, I hope) to sell online.
I saw Gabby Caperon, the owner of Beco Baby Carriers, and we talked for over an hour. My order is soooo late at this point, almost 7 weeks now! She is having supply problems with buckles, but promises me that my carriers are all done except for the two remaining buckles. Also, she is going to ship me some Becos made of dyeable white fabric, so I will be able to offer custom-dyed Becos to those who want them. Very exciting.
I stopped by the Ergo booth. I was planning on shooting them the finger, or maybe mooning them, but it was just a bunch of peon underlings working there. No one worth getting into it with. They did know exactly who I was as soon as they saw my badge, and looked a bit frightened, poor things...like I was going to throw a grenade at their booth or something.
I decided against mooning them, as it would have been hard to get my pants back up quickly with the carrier waist belt and all. More's the pity.
Instead I was pleasant and diplomatic and told them the truth, that I wanted to see what was new at Ergo. I looked around and saw a new tiki print fabric that is BUTT ugly, like a tacky Hawaiian tourist might wear on vacation. Yeccch. They are obviously still color-blind and aesthetically challenged.
They did have one other new carrier, and guess what? It's MY Brazil Nut color, with a Camel lining. Gee, I wonder where they got that idea? They have some nerve, terminating my account for dyeing their carriers, but then stealing MY colors! I'm sure they'll come out with a Spring Green next. Anyone want to bet me $50 they won't? Nah, didn't think so.
I had on a gorgeous new tester Beco with my adorable Adrian in it, so I was pleased to stand at the Ergo booth with a beautiful non-Ergo carrier on. But I didn't stay long.
I did comment to the booth girls loudly, "Oh, look at that. A dark BROWN Ergo! What a great color concept, I wonder it came from? Isn't that *interesting*." They just looked uncomfortable and didn't say anything.
Oh, and Ergo was also breaking show policy by having their "models" walk around the show with Ergo carriers on, and advertising on the back! Not allowed. Like they care. They're all about unfair business practices. The day that I was there, the "models" were traipsing around in Ergos without signs. I guess someone busted them and made them take the advertising off.
All in all it was very worthwhile and a fun show (complete with just a tiny bit of drama). I'm excited to get some lovely new products in and offer them to you!
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