Thank you for voting us #1!

Thank you for voting us #1 for Best Consignment Store AND Best Children's Store for the North Central Massachusetts area complied by Leominster Champion.

We love working with you and look forward for several more years of a great partnership!

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

First Lady increases awareness of school lunches

First Lady, Michelle Obama released this information regarding school lunches and her initiave to increase their healthfulness.  Read the following info and let's support her ideas to make all our kids healthier!

(From Michelle Obama:)

Good afternoon,
As a mother, I know that there is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our children. That's why I was so thrilled to join my husband Monday when he signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law.
By helping provide healthier, more nutritious school meals to more children, this legislation is an important step toward ensuring that no child goes to school hungry and every child has the basic nutrition they need to learn, grow and pursue their dreams.
Yesterday, Assistant White House Chef Sam Kass had a very special guest in the kitchen to talk about the importance of having high-quality and delicious school meals:

See Elmo Video

Giving our kids a good start to their day and their future is something that’s very near to my heart.  That's why earlier this year, I started Let’s Move! a nationwide campaign to address the alarming childhood obesity rates in our nation so we can raise a healthier generation of kids.
Everyone knows that a child's health is ultimately the parents' responsibility. Everywhere I go, I meet parents who are doing their best to keep their kids healthy by cutting down on desserts, serving more fruits and vegetables and trying to teach their kids to eat well and stay active.  But kids spend much of their day at school, and for many children, school meals are their main source of nourishment.  So it's critical that all the hard work parents do to keep their kids healthy isn't undone by the foods in the school cafeteria or the vending machines in the hallway.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is a big step in the right direction.  Here are just a few things this legislation will do:

• 115,000 more students will have access to school meal programs.  This bill will also cut red tape and paperwork, making it easier for parents to enroll their children in these programs.
• Nutritional standards will help ensure that our kids have access to healthy food options.
• Communities and schools will receive assistance in setting up local farm-to-school networks to ensure that more fresh local foods are used in school meals.

Getting the proper nutrition has a major impact not just on our children's health, but on their performance at school.  Students who get the nutrition they need perform better in the classroom and miss fewer days of school.  And lunchtime is a great time to teach our students important lessons about healthy eating that will last them a lifetime.
As parents who love our children and as citizens who love our country, it's our duty to give children every opportunity to fulfill their potential.  Thanks to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, we’re one step closer to realizing that goal.
Sincerely,
First Lady Michelle Obama

Send or Receive message from Santa FREE!

Wow, have you heard of this service from Google Voice?  click here to get started.  You can send Santa a message or request a message from him.  What a great idea to spread the magic of Christmas to everyone!

Santa Tracking

The countdown has begun...you and your family can keep track of Santa and his schedule here.

  My family and I have a tradition of watching his trek across the globe and waiting and wishing for him to be at our home soon.

We hope your families enjoys this as well.

Gift Baskets

Looking for a creative, inexpensive way to get a great gift?  Look for small items that follow a theme or idea, and group together in a basket for an impressive presentation:

Kitchen supplies & cookbooks for the home chef or home chef want-to-be

Sports theme for the guys in your life

Candles and home decor for a great hostess gift

Get creative with your basket items, you know what your freinds and family like...just group it for an impressive gift!

New Holiday Classic

I love this time of year with family shows on tv we call all agree upon!  One of our new favorites is Prep & Landing.  If you and your family haven't seen this one, it is being aired on ABC Thursday, Dec. 9th at 8:30pm.  There seems to be something to watch every night, Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and Rudolph, just to name a few.  Why don't they have family tv like this all the time?


click here for some fun Prep & Landing online videos, and click here to get the schedule of family shows from ABC Family celebrating the 25 days of Christmas.

My daughter is now 12...at that "fun" age they don't want to do anything with their parents....BUT even she is willing to watch holiday shows with the family.  I wish this good-hearted, family feeling stayed all year...but then I guess it wouldn't be so special if it was every day.

Enjoy the holiday season with your family!

Leominster's Tree Lighting

If you haven't been "bitten" by the holiday spirit....join us at the Leominster Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting this Saturday, Dec. 4th, from 1pm-5pm in Downtown Leominster.

So many exciting things to enjoy!  The fun kicks off with our annual parade led by the Santa Jazz Band.  Then visit with Santa at Kate’s Consignment, 40 Main St. or enjoy the Sholan Farms hayride around town starting on Central St. near Walgreens. If it’s reindeer you’ve been dreaming about, head on over to Monument Square for a “reindeer” ride before heading over to listen to the chorus groups at the common.  BUT WAIT…there’s more!  This year, in honor of Louie Charpentier’s 100^th birthday, we’ve added a spectacular Laser Light Show to the agenda!  The show will take place at Monument Square and West St. at 4:30 to be followed by the Mayor’s Tree lighting.

For More Info, Click Here

Leominster Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees to light up City Hall
The 5th Annual Festival of Trees will once again adorn Leominster City Hall’s Tata Auditorium beginning Monday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 12, at 25 West St. Trees are sponsored by families, businesses, and organizations. You will find these beautifully decorated trees at all the events held in the auditorium during the holiday season and are available for purchase by participating in the Silent Auction. You may also show your spirit by voting on your favorite. Sponsored by the City of Leominster in partnership with the Leominster Small Business Association.

Special Night:  On Dec. 1, in collaboration with the Leominster Small Business Association, a Night of Giving in planned from 5 – 7 in the auditorium.  We’ve invited several of organizations in Leominster that assist the community.  Included at this time are Warmer Winters, Ginny’s Helping Hand, and The Rose Project.  In addition there will be visits with Santa (don’t’ forget your camera), story telling, a craft table, music and light refreshments.  Admission is free; we asked only that you bring a donation for one of the organization listed. Ginny’s asks for non-perishable food, Warmer Winters asks for of yarn or for financial donations, and The Rose Project  asks for everyday items for the elderly : new socks, night wear, front open sweaters, sweats (clothing med to plus sizes), gently used lap blankets and sheets, large print games and books, playing cards, etc. 

 

Holiday Decor

Our shelves are overflowing with wonderful selections of Holiday Decor....with this in mind, we have stopped accepting Holiday Decor for this year.  We are still accepting great general decor and unopened items that can be used for gift giving.

We are still accepting Winter outerwear without an appointment on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 4pm-6pm.  The winter weather is headed our way and there are still several grandparents who need an extra jackets for their homes.

While you are in dropping off your winter wear....check out some of the NEW items you may not have noticed.  We now carry Wood Wick candles and room diffusers.  We have heard from several customers what a better candle they are than the "other" candle company!  They burn very clean, have a great scent, and last longer.  Pick one up for the last minute hostess gift or teacher appreciation.

Help Us Fill The Cart!

Help us fill a cart of supplies for Ginny's Food Shelf.  We are collecting non-perishable foods and supplies to help our friends and neighbors in need.  An unopened toy would be a great addition also!

Some needed supplies:  shampoo, conditioner, diapers, paper towels, toilet paper, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, tuna fish, and canned chicken.

You never know when you might be the one who could use a helping hand.  Help now when you can, and the help will be there for you if you ever need   it.

Cutie Patutie's is matching all food & supply donations!  Make your donation count twice as much!!

Small Business Saturday

Help us celebrate Small Business Saturday.  Register your American Express personal credit card and receive a $25.00 credit on your billing statement.  For more info: click here

November 27, 2010 is the first-ever Small Business SaturdaySM.
A day to come together in support of the small businesses we love.
The shops and restaurants that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money close to home.
The businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.
Take the pledge to support small business. Join the movement.
Buy local, support yourself and your neighbor - Locally owned businesses tend to spend significantly more money within your community than nationally owned businesses. Studies show that this strengthens the economic base of the community including local businesses, service providers, farms and local employment.
For every $100 spent at your local Small Business $68 is returned to your community. If you spent that same $100 at a Big Box retailer only $44 is returned to your community.

E readers

Are you thinking of an e-reader for a holiday gift for anyone on your list?  I have been hesitant to catch onto this idea, but it keeps looking better and better.

According to data found in the Environmental Trends and Climate Impacts: Findings from the U.S. Book Industry report, more than 30 million trees are cut down annually to produce books sold in the U.S. alone.

The e-reader industry is helping to change this statistic of trees being used for paper production for books.  For that reason, I guess I'm becoming more open to the e-reader idea.  I'm old fashioned in the idea of holding a book in my hands is part of the reading experience (btw, I only read hard covers for that reason).

Another great way to help reduce the use of paper:  Buy and read used books!  For a lot less money, you could stock yours or your child's bookcase full of "new" books for you to enjoy.  Some of the best classics are not new releases, and are still an excellent read.  Check out Cutie Patutie's and Cutiques selection of books for all members of the house.

Daybed just received!

What a great addition to your guest room!  Are you having extra company for the holidays??  Daybeds take the size of a twin, but with the additional trundle piece, can expand to a King size bed, or room for two individuals to sleep.

Just add twin mattresses and this is a great way to add more space for your company.  Regular twin sheets fit for convenience.

Come and see this in the store now.  Our price: $250.00

Funki Trunki Time HD

Have you seen these great suitcases for the kids?  Planning a trip this holiday season...this would make a great helping product to traveling through the airports etc.  Not only can it hold the kids' toys, blankets, and books, but they can also sit on it, while you are in line, etc. 

The choice in the past would be to hold the kids or have them fidget the whole time!  Now they can sit and you can even pull them on the suitcase.

Anything to make traveling easier, I say, is worth it!!

** In stock in many different colors with extra stickers you can purchase to give your Trunki a face and a "saddle" for the kids to sit on with handle for you to pull. ********

T.O.Y. Awards for 2010

Voted one of the best toys of the year from Family Fun magazine:

Wood Car Carrier
Melissa & Doug, Ages 3 to 6
melissaanddoug.com

The simplicity of the foot-long Wood Car Carrier was a big plus for parents: no batteries, no noise, no excessive packaging. Young testers flipped the loading ramp up and down (over and over and over) to move the four cars on and off the notched beds.

In stock now, and would make a great holiday gift.  Other wooden toys and trucks available.

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to Cutie Patutie's!  12 years and counting!!  Thank you to all our great customers and consignors, you make our jobs a pleasure!

Spill Proof Diffuser

In case you haven't seen these diffusers....they are on my "Must Have" list!

We love the warmth and comfort a diffuser gives our home, all the great scent without the worry of candle....well now, it has gone a step further!

The scents you love to infuse your home WITHOUT reeds!  This diffuser has a wood top that twists on, and the wood releases the scent.  No reeds to knock over, or catch the kids "sword fighting" with!

These are my new favorite holiday gift, everyone on my list will be getting one!  I'm keeping an extra one at home for those last-minute hostess gifts that seem to pop up!

Consignment on Nate!!

Have you seen the new Nate Berkus show??  What a Cutie!  I think Nate is a Cutie Patutie!

Today Nate is talking about the "secret" of consignment shopping.  We know this "secret" and have been living it for years!  Tell your friends about this secret to help us continue to get the best items for our customers to shop from.

http://www.thenateshow.com/tipsandtools/detail/consignment-shopping-secrets

Consumer Updates Hyland's Teething Tablets May Pose Poisoning Risk (video)

Consumer Updates Hyland's Teething Tablets May Pose Poisoning Risk (video)

check out this information from the FDA on possible poisoning risk...

Crib Safety

Consumer Product Safety Commission has come up with a new safe sleeping video.  (click to view)

Reminder: Crib safety is crucial in making a safe environment for your little one!  Even if you used the crib for a previous child, please check the crib again if it is used for another child.

This is an easy way to maintain the safety of your child in a crib.


Bookmark this website for more helpful info: www.keepingbabiessafe.org

It's that time....

Yes, it's that time....time to start thinking about the holidays and decorating your home to enjoy with your family and friends.

We are now accepting holiday/ winter decorations for consignment in our housewares department, Cutiques.  Holiday decor is only accepted through Nov. 30th, so pull out those items soon (the sooner, the better).
As with all Cutiques drop offs, 25 items per day accepted between 10am and 3pm without an appointment.  All items must be in working order (batteries and light bulbs if needed) and in sellable condition. 


Holiday items that usually sell well:
  * vintage decor
  * unique items (handmade ornaments, quilts, jewelry)
  * unopened items for others to use as holiday gifts (bath set in a fragrance you don't use, candle you haven't burned, purse or tote you won't use.)
  * holiday kitchen and home decor (serving pieces, holiday dish sets, cake stands, platters)
  * outdoor decor (decorated wreaths, yard decor)


We have also just received a shipment of beautiful gift and home decor items from one of our vendors of new merchandise.  This stuff looks WONDERFUL!  I'm trying to restrain myself so it doesn't all end up at my house!  Great gift pieces for everyone from Grandmas to teachers to kids.  Stop in a check it out...more items being un-boxed this week.

crib update

As an update to our policies....Cutie Patutie's will no longer accept drop sided cribs for consignment.  Several manufacturers have had recalls of cribs relating to the mobile side of the crib disconnecting from the other sides, posing a falling and injury risk to infants.

Most manufacturers have changed the design of their cribs to reflect this new understanding of safety concerns.  Most new cribs now have all 4 sides stable (no movement) in the sides to prevent any injuries.

Please check the safety of any crib you put any child in, including shaking the crib to make sure it can withstand the force of infant trying to climb out or jump in it etc.

For a full list of recalls, including crib recalls, check your products against the recall list produced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, here.

Fisher Price recalls

Have you looked in your toy bins for these items? 

click here

To see full details...click on the link above.

Click here

Formula Recall

Abbott is voluntarily recalling certain Similac formulas.

For the full recall notice, click here.

We recommend signing up for instant recall notices from the FDA as well as the CPSC.

Sanitize toys??

Did you know, the easiest way to sanitize and really clean all the plastic action figures and items are in your dishwasher?? Just make sure they are contained (great reason to re-use the bottle basket from baby bottle days). And make sure your dishwasher isn't too hot (don't want melted toys).

I've heard from other parents, this is great for a total plastic toy, but don't wash a doll with hair or clothes (it could ruin non-plastic parts).

I didn't realize it would be so easy to clean all those items that have been in the toy box or on the floor!

PS--also heard flip flops and rain boots (without liners) can go in top rack also....now I just need a bigger top rack!

Did you see Marth Stewart?

Did you see the section on today's Martha Stewart show talking about consignment and resale shops? Also, a fun section discussing how to transform clothes into new designer clothing.

The show talked about women's high end clothing, but you are doing the same thing with your children's clothing at Cutie Patutie's!

Don't forget ways of being creative with clothes and accessories to make great Halloween costumes!

Check out the Martha Stewart show: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/roundabout-couture

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Happy Grandparent' Day to all the Cutie Grandparents out there!

Open All Weekend!

Cutie Patutie's Consignment is open our regular hours all weekend:

Saturday, 9am-6pm

Sunday, 10am-5pm

Monday, 9am-6pm

We have a great selection of back to school and winter gear.

Halloween costumes are accepted every day in September with no appointment neccessary.

Great Sofa!

This sofa, in excellent condition came in over the weekend. It is a real find, tan fabric with ivory floral design makes it very versatile.

This sofa is nice and long to fit you and your friends or family.

Come and check it out!

Fabulous Fashion Show!

We are so proud of our models! They did a great job showing off wonderful Back-to-School attire during Leominster's Ladies Night Out.


Great job girls....what will you show us next year?

Leominster's Ladies Night Out

Join us plus many local business at Leominster's Town Hall tomorrow, August 19th starting at 4:30pm.

The first 150 ladies will receive a goodie bag filled with discounts and samples (get bag at town hall). Several businesses will be open late and offering discounts and promotions to celebrate the event.

Come back to Town Hall at 8pm to see a great fashion show! 3 of our staff's daughters will be highlighting great back-to-school looks.

Check out this calendar for all the details, click here.

Halloween Already?

I know the kids aren't even back at school yet...who has started to think about Halloween?

Odds are, your kids aren't going to want to use the same costume as last year. Clean out your closets of those costumes now.

Costumes are accepted at Cutie Patutie's during August and September ONLY. All costumes can be dropped off WITHOUT an appointment....

Drop them off now, before it is too late....

Tax Free Weekend...

Saturday, August 14th and Sunday August 15th, is Tax Free Weekend! All purchases normally taxed (toys, furniture, strollers, books, etc.) are exempt from tax.

This is a great way to stock up on Melissa & Doug toys for birthday gifts, or start shopping early for the holidays!

Have a new baby in the family? Have you been thinking of getting a pack-n-play or high chair for your house for visits? This is the time to get one of those, saving the tax.

Have you had your eye on a piece of furniture or purse we have? (Don't forget Bauble LuLu beads that fit all major bracelets!) These are also tax free this weekend.

Get out and do some shopping! Now you have a reason to!

Supply Savings

Who was just watching Good Morning America?? Did you see the segment on back-to-school supplies? They saved more than half of the projected budget by shopping at the dollar store for supplies.

All our savvy shoppers already know that is a great place to scoop some bargains, but I hadn't though about it for more than just pencils. They found notebooks, binders, staplers, and of course, pencils!

I know where I'm headed for supplies!

No clothes at the dollar stores...still need to plan a trip to Cutie's to stock up on jeans and shirts. There is a great selection of items to make outfits the kids will approve!

Kitchen Charm

Great, rustic hutch. Perfect for a kitchen, dining room, entry way, bathroom, kid's room, playroom, living room.......you get the idea! Would fit in anywhere.

What would you display on it? The possibilities are endless.

Indoor Fun

Sturdy, climb on piece for home daycare, or preschool. The kids at the store couldn't resist it yesterday when it came in, I'm sure your kids would love it too.

Also a professional sand table to keep the little ones busy!

New furniture

Some great furniture pieces just arrived:

Come check them out!

Thank You, Thank You....

Wow, we are all feeling that wonderful tiredness after you host a big party, and it all went well!

Thank you to all of our vendors who joined us yesterday for our Home Party!
* Tupperware * Avon
* Pampered Chef * Tastefully Simple
* Mary Kay * Barefoot Books
* Vantel Pearls * Thirty-One Gifts
* Paisley Designs * PJ's Originals
* Give Me A Little Smile * Silpada Jewelry
* Send Out Cards * Juice Plus
* Uppercase Living

A special Thank You to the other businesses locally who helped make the day a success: Geronimo Properties, Lidio's Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts, Venient Market, and new tennants to our plaza Tae Kwan Do Studios.

Congratulations to all the winners of our raffle prizes! We are looking forward to handing out your goodies!

Of course, thank you to all our customers who came out to support us, and our Home Party vendors on a rather hot, but fun day! We are so happy to have shared this day with so many of you. If you missed this event, make sure you mark it on your calendar the next time!

Cutie's Home Party!

Join us this Saturday, July 17th, from 9am-3pm for our Home Party!

Ever wished you could buy just one item from Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple or Mary Kay without attending or having your own home party? Come join our Home Party! We have a great line up of vendors coming for the day. See their new items and order your favorites.

****Free Shopping!!! If you have Cutie Patutie's store credit, you may apply that to any of the vendors to pay for your items! Get a jump start on holiday shopping.********

Vendors Joining us:
* Tastfully Simple * Mary Kay
* Pampered Chef * American Girl doll clothes
* Juice Plus * Tupperware
* Thirty-One Gifts * Give Me A Little Smile
* Uppercase Living * Paisley Designs

Entertainment provided by Crstal Entertainment Services:
* Bounce House * Carnival Games
* Face Painting * Balloons

Bring the whole family for a fun day!

Line Dry Laundry?

I'm not a tree-hugger (yet!), but I'm trying to make as many small, non life-altering changes I can. I figure if I start now, maybe my daughter will think it's just the way things are done and we can all make a difference in a little way, it will add up.

I got a link to the Seventh Generation laundry products website. They challenged their employees to line dry their clothing. I have to say, I have never done this. The house we live in now, has a line already from a big tree to the back door. But, we have lived here 5 years now, and never used it. I'm not sure I can get into the habit, but I imagine, like anything else, once you try it, it is not so hard.

Did you know up to 70% of your average electric bill is spent on laundry?? If you didn't dry your items in the dryer, just in the summer months, that would save almost 1/3 of what you spend on electricity all year!

Yes, it is better for the clothes too. They don't get tossed around and roughed up as much, you don't need to add bleach (the sun is a natural bleach) and you don't need dryer sheets to keep away static electricity (no static electricity made if the clothes aren't throw around together).

The next time I do laundry, I vow to try to line dry some of my clothing (let's not get crazy and say everything!).

To read about the Seventh Generation challenge click here.

(photo courtesy graphic leftovers)

Take the plunge...

Yes, we still have the warm weather gear we all NEED this week! I'm not sure about your kids, but mine would be in the pool all day if I let her!

We still have a great selection of swimwear, shorts and tanks to get us through this official Heat Wave!

By the way...our A/C is cranked up and working fine, come in to cool off!

Furniture

Ok, everyone has done some serious cleaning out of the homes! We have some great furniture pieces in right now:
* White metal Daybed
* Super comfy loveseat (we know, we've tested it!)
* 3 dining room table/ chair sets
* Great kitchen or dining room white bead board storage buffet
* Twin bed with matching desk

The list goes on and on....come on down and see for yourself! (Not to mention the other items we have in the store to tempt you!)

****PS--Have you seen all the primitive decor pieces we have in? They look great!

National Conference

Wow...what a great weekend we just had! We attended the National Association of Resale and Thrift store's conference in Florida over the weekend. What a great way to get together with other professional stores and share information and share great ideas to service our customers.

We attended workshops on promotions, formal wear displays, social media information and much more. Wow, our heads are now full of new ideas and thoughts to help us, help you.

You may see a few changes in the next month, let us know if it is what you want!

Shaped Bands!

Yes, even us at Cutie's have been caught by the shaped bands craze. The thing is, they are really cute!

We just got a shipment of 10 different shapes including words and sayings, glitters, dogs, fast food etc.

Our bands are $2.50 per pack which include 2 of each shape in a package.

Great "treats" for good summer behavior!

Join us for Vendor Day

Calling all home-based consultants, come join us for a Vendor Day, Saturday, July 17th. We are looking to have several consultants on hand to display their items for our customers to enjoy.

We will allow our consignors to use any available credit they have on their accounts towards their purchases with the consultants. What a great way to get a jump on holiday shopping! Using your store credit, makes it like Free Shopping!

If you are a consultant, find all the information on our website for the day. If you are a shopper...mark this one on your calendar! You don't want to miss Free Shopping!

Last Call for Prom/ Formal Gowns

***Now through Sunday, June 13th, all remaining Formal Gowns are 50% off their current prices!*****


This weekend we will be taking down the remainder of our Prom/ Formal Gowns. Grab any you had your eye on this week!

I heard of a great use for one of these gowns last week. A woman was shopping with her 12 year old daughter for a "Princess" gown. The 12 year old, was hired by her neighbor to entertain her 6 year old's birthday party as a "Princess". What a great idea! They found a beautiful, very princess-like gown for the girl to wear.

Summer Fun

Ok, the start of Summer is upon us, Memorial Day! We are now focused on keeping the family busy, especially the kids!

Have you seen our expanded selection of Melissa & Doug toys? They have just expanded their summer toys and they are AWESOME!! There are new beach toys, hopscotch sets, kid sized crochet sets, etc.

Don't forget about my favorites: the items to keep the kids occupied in the car. I have heard so many people are planning summer road trips this year. We have the full line of Melissa & Doug art supplies. There are great wipe off boards, coloring pads, crayons, colored pencils etc.

Another great car option is a Hangman or travel Bingo game. These are reusable board games than can be used every trip to the beach this summer.

Come check out the fun summer toys and activities for the kids!

CU 4 Reality credit fair

On Tuesday, we participated in the area CU 4 Reality credit union fair held for several students in local middle and high schools.

We were thrilled to help out in this event and love the philosophy behind this event.

This event was sponsored by several local credit unions, to help kids start to learn the power of a budget and keeping within a budget. What a valuable lesson.

Students have been learning about careers, earning a paycheck and then how to budget within their earnings to accomplish all the items they want and needs. The students need to select housing, food, cars, insurance, and clothing (we provided booth) before they can then spend some of their extra money on gym membership, owning a pet or going on vacation.

This is a great lesson our students need to learn so they are better able to manage their finances and learn to prioritize within their means.

Thank you to all other credit unions/ insurance agencies who supported this event and all the other businesses who volunteered their time and resources. I love to be involved in events like this within our community.

Bead bracelets

Have you seen our Bauble Lulu bracelets and beads? They fit with the "major" bead bracelets.

We have glass blown beads, rhodium metal beads in really cute designs (rhodium is just as strong as silver, but doesn't rust!)

We have bracelets in all sizes, necklaces, key chains, pendants to put on zipper pulls or necklace of your choice. There are even earrings! Really cute and beads are $10 or less!

These make a great end-of-year gift for teachers or a thank you to a special person anytime!

Freebies for Kids

Borders books has announced their free book program to help encourage the kids to read this summer.

You can download the form here to help the kids keep track of their summer reading. They read 10 books, bring the form into the store after reading and they get a FREE book.

My daughter loves to read, and this is a great way for her to keep track and earn something else.

20 year perfume??

The other evening I heard an Herbalist speak to my daughter's Girl Scout troop about "healthy" beauty products and general health tips. I was amazed when she pulled out of her basket (totally re-usable and really pretty!) a vial of rose oil. She mentioned she invested in this vial of rose oil about 20 years ago. She uses it as a perfume, potpourri scent, and general "freshen up" scent whenever she needs it.

She puts a drop onto her neck, wrists etc. instead of perfume. Rose oil is one of the few essential oils that is very gentle to the skin, and easy to wear. She mentioned she gets compliments on the scent any time she wears it, and I was amazed to see the bottle still half full after 20 years of use.

My point is, we need to start making conscience decisions about our products we use and purchase, for the health of ourselves and our planet. If no one had to buy perfume for 20 years, imagine the impact that would have on our landfills of all the packaging.

I'm not suggesting I can be satisfied with one scent for 20 years, but it got me thinking... what little changes like this can I make to help the overall health of the planet? I'm not done exploring this topic, but I feel like I'm ready to make the next steps after changing my lightbulbs, always using re-usable bags at the grocery store, and using a metal water bottle to bring my own water.

What easy changes have you made that can add up to a big difference?

Happy Mother's Day

We hope all you Mothers, Grandmothers, Just-Like-A-Mothers and all others enjoy this special day to recognize all you do during the year!

We wouldn't get anything done without mothers!

Moms, you Rock!!