1.  Use a Stainless Steel Reusable Bottle instead of buying single use cans, bottles and throw away drinks.  There are many kinds of reusable bottles on the market today. Tin is weak and will dent and scratch easily.  If you want a long lasting, safe and strong reusable bottle, get one made with 18/8 food grade stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen is a great brand that pioneered the whole "reusable bottle" idea and makes there's only with 18/8 stainless steel.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes of them from toddler sippy cups to large 40oz bottles.  You can view them in our Gear section here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear
   

2.  Use Reusable Bags When Shopping and save a tree and help the earth.  Forget paper bags or polluting plastic bags that the store may provide, bring your own and save a few more pounds of trash from ending up in a landfill.  Envirosax is a company that makes stylish reusable bags for kids and adults.  Why not use a reusable bag for that next trip to the library or grandma's house?  Check out Bella & Boo's collection of cute reusable bags in our Gear section here: 
http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




3.  Pack Lunches with Safe, Reusable Stainless Steel Containers like those from LunchBots. Skip the plastic baggies, which don't biodegrade in landfills, and send your kids to school with a fun reusable container that you know is safe and good for them.  Made from food grade stainless steel and washes easily in the top shelf of your dishwasher.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes from our smallest "Pico" toddler snack size to our largest "Eco" size.  By packing food in reusable containers you are doing the planet some good (and saving some money as well--bye bye baggies!).  See Bella & Boo's reusable lunch containers here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




Here's to making more healthy and eco-friendly choices in the New Year! Drop us a line at Bella & Boo or enter your comments below and tell us what you're doing to be more green.  http://bellaandboo.com/

Peace and Wellness,
Kate

Yes, we have officially done it. 

We've taken the minivan and had some wonderful graphics of the Bella & Boo logo and company info installed on it by a locally-owned franchise of FASTSIGNS in Glendale.  This FASTSIGNS shop has been owned and operated by Robert Schmit for the last 19 years.  Robb prides himself in his company's top notch customer service, and boy did he come through for us.  His professionalism, kindness and sincerity is unmatched.  Working with staff member Becky Wells from start to finish on our project was a complete joy.  Becky was very friendly and courteous but most of all, she knows her stuff!  She walked us through the ins and outs of the design process, answered a zillion questions from me and always had a smile.

A big thank you to Robb and Becky who made our vehicle graphics purchase a truly wonderful experience. If any of you Bella & Boo fans or Blog readers are in need of car graphics, window decals, signs, cards and just about anything else in the realm of signage, please give them a call at (414) 963-4980 or email them at 88@fastsigns.com. They are located at 5318 N. Port Washington Road in Glendale.



And if you see the Bella & Boo Mobile out on the town, give us a wave!

All the Best,

Kate

...but here at Bella & Boo things are so delightful! 

I have several new products to tell you about that will keep your little ones warm and toasty on these cold January days.

I've partnered with a great company called Midori Bamboo who makes the most beautiful and luxuriously soft bamboo blankets with satin trim.  These are the SOFTEST and sweetest blankets I have ever touched.  They have quickly become a favorite in our family.  Who knew Bamboo could be so incredibly soft?


Just in time for those cold winter days are these wonderful infant gowns by Kate Quinn.  They have the cutest handmitts sewn in to protect baby and keep her little hands warm.  These 100% organic cotton gowns make diaper changing a snap (and we know how many diapers one can go through during those first few months!).  Available in the brightest and coolest colors, you can shop with confidence knowing that you are getting a top quality product that is pure and safe for your family.



Another new product we're carrying is organic denim jeans for older babies, sizes 12-18 mo and 18-24 mo.  These jeans are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin because they are made from 50% bamboo and 50% organic cotton, by Midori Bamboo.  We are also carrying bibs from Midori in our Gear section that come in three different colors.  These bibs are super soft and machine washable.



Here at Bella & Boo our heart goes out to those in Haiti who are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the region earlier this week. 5% of every sale in January will be donated to the Red Cross to provide humanitarian relief to those in need. 

Peace,

Kate

bellaandboo.com

The thermometer outside my window reads 2 degrees! 

2010 has sure come in with a bang.  Here at Bella & Boo we have the perfect blanket to keep your little one toasty warm this winter.  We carry a super soft organic fleece blanket with a silk ruffle trim from a company called Robbie Adrian.  These blankets are not only beautiful, they are perfect for snuggling up with your baby or toddler while rocking, reading a story or tucking them in bed.

One of the reasons I decided to carry these blankets in my shop, besides the fact that the organic fleece they use is high quality and made in the USA, is because of the gorgeous silk ruffle trim that each blanket has. I remember when I was a little girl, my favorite blanket of all time was one with white satin trim, because I loved to rub the soft satin between my fingers. It was soothing and comforting to me. I think many children love the feel of soft fabric or satin between their fingers.  With these gorgeous blankets, instead of polyester "satin," the ruffle trim is 100% SILK.  What could be better than that? 

The funny thing is I see the same "blankie love" in my own children.  My 2 year old has a favorite blanket that she insists on sleeping on top of each night (but leaving a corner untucked so that she can hold it between her fingers).  My six year old still has her favorite blanket with the satin trim that she too sleeps with every night. (shhhhh...she'd kill me if she knew this got out).  ;)

Our Organic Fleece & Silk Blankets come in two sizes and are in stock and ready to ship today:  a large 31"x37" size and a small 10"x12" "lovie" size.  You can seem them both at http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77367/Bedding


From all of us at Bella & Boo, Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with love, peace and happiness.

Stay Warm!

Kate


www.bellaandboo.com