Review:: StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors!

With the many, many toys and books on the market today it is refreshing to find some that help teach life lessons to our kids. Inspired by her daughter, Britt Menzies has created 10 StinkyKids characters that are unique and fun.

The name “StinkyKids” comes from the phrase “little stinKers”, which Menzies used to describe the innocent behavior of her two kids when they were little. The StinkyKids characters learn to make good decisions through their mistakes.

I received a t-shirt in the mail to review as well as Menzies’ new book, “StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors.”  In addition to the t-shirts which feature the StinkyKids characters, there are also plush dolls available.

My kids loved the book and listened intently as I read them the story about Britt’s dilemma that involved some gum, some hair and a pair of runaway scissors. The book had a great message and helped kids to realize that sometimes their parents help is needed to solve problems.

Throughout the StinkyKids books and other products, the message to “always be a leader of good” is repeated. I was encouraged by the book and happy that companies are working to produce such products for our children.

In addition to the great message within the book, the illustrations were also amazing. The bright and colorful pictures kept my children’s attention and made the book that much more enjoyable. Overall, I was very impressed.

After taking a look at the StinkyKids’ website, I realized that the company also donates a portion of all profits to Books, Bears, Bonnets, Inc., a charity founded in honor of Menzies’ aunt who died from uterine cancer. The organization delivers gift boxes to both children and adults who are suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses.

To meet the StinkyKids and learn more about their adventures, visit their website or find them on Facebook. There is also a section to print coloring sheets, share your own story of “being a leader of good” and much more.

Remembering and Honoring 9/11

Like all of you, we at Market Mommy are saddened as we remember the events of September 11, 2001. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost loved ones on that tragic day. Ten years have passed but we will never forget!

In honor of all of the first responders, charity workers, military personnel and countless others who stood up for their fellow Americans that day, and in all the years since, we are making a donation to the American Red Cross.

For every new Facebook 'like' we get today and every new newsletter sign-up, we are donating $.10 to the Red Cross. In addition, we are also donating 10 percent of every order received today, Sept. 11, 2011.

So, if for some reason you haven't liked us on Facebook yet, do it now! http://www.facebook.com/MarketMommy

And, if you aren't on our newsletter distribution list, sign up here: http://www.marketmommy.com/free-e-newsletter/

Every new sign up and like will earn another $.10 for the Red Cross, so forward this e-mail to everyone on your contact list, and suggest Market Mommy to every one of your Facebook friends!

If you haven't reserved your spot in our Holiday Gift Guide, today would be the perfect time to do so! Order some advertising, or stock up on some marketing materials and we'll donate 10% of every order!

As the memories come flooding back today, I hope you are able to be with friends and family and feel a sense of pride and patriotism! God Bless the USA! 

*We will make one donation to the American Red Cross combining the totals mentioned above, not to exceed $200 USD. Calculations will begin at 12:00 am EST on Sept. 11, 2011 and end at 3 am EST on Sept 12, 2011.

MomPreneurs Against Human Trafficking

You may have noticed the button that was recently added to the sidebar of my blog. I'm proud to say that I'm a media sponsor for the upcoming MomPreneurs Against Human Trafficking Benefit forSCT being held in New York next week.

I'm thrilled to say that many of the mom entrepreneurs that I work with will be attending the event, and some of them are being featured. Notably, Ros Guerrero of Ficklets and Corporate Mom Dropout, Lucinda Cross.

The event is being hosted by Mahogany Communications and all proceeds will go to benefit the organization, SCTNow.

The event is being held next Tuesday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. If you would like to support this worthwhile cause, tickets are just $25 or two for $35. If you would like to offer support, but can't attend, it's easy to make a donation.

Learn more about the event, the featured mom entrepreneurs, the host and get ticket information here.

The Fresh Air Fund

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Whether its a two-week trip to the country to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

• Just $10 will send one child on a bus ride to his or her Friendly Town host family.
• $24 provides a child with a week of swimming lessons.
• $42 provides a day of Career Awareness classes.
• A gift of $50 can fund a camp counselor for a day.
• If you can give as much as $91, you provide a child at camp with meals for a week.

They are a not-for-profit agency and depend on tax-deductible donations from people like you to keep their vital programs flourishing. For more information, visit their website.

Mommy Monday:: Chickadee Prints

Heather Barnard officially started her business, Chickadee Prints, in 2009. The shop offers personalization and customization of their stationery, either online or one-on-one with them. They also offer self-inking stamps, mommy calling cards and Chick IDs.

Barnard said that it’s very hard to balance family and business. “I can’t express enough the importance of finding balance so that one is not left behind.  I still haven’t found the perfect balance as I feel guilt when not with the other,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of establishing official business hours. “Setting business hours is the number one priority. You must stop the work at a certain hour, and then be mom.”

According to Barnard, the entrepreneurship road is often bumpy, but she encourages others to keep with it. “There are lots of ups and downs emotionally.  If you love what you do, it will all be worth it though.” She added that if you don’t love and enjoy what you are doing, it may not be the right business or avenue for you.    

Chickadee Prints can be found online and at their blog. In addition, they have designed some cards for the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation. Each purchase will help benefit this wonderful foundation aimed to immediately and effectively heighten awareness on the importance of expanded newborn screening and its availability and necessity for every newborn. See the cards here.