The Appreciation Station -
www.theappreciationstation.com Fox News 'family advocate' - Diana Low - came up with the idea for The Appreciation Station when she was trying to figure out away to get her kids to do their chores, their homework, etc. She thought about how difficult it is for parents to get their kids to display the behavior they would like them to display. Whether it was activities, or being out in public, or getting school work done. Diana came up with a system that showed her kids she appreciated their efforts, and they would earn rewards. Forget the gold stars and high-fives (although - they are included!), she decided to formalize a system, share it with her kids so they understood her expectations, and began seeing results immediately. As a mom myself, I use it with my teenage daughter. She doesn't care about gold stars - but she loves to shop, go to the movies and attend sleep overs. So - those became her rewards. This product is in treasure chest form, so its a reminder to the family to remember to show appreciation to one another. I fell in love with the product, and the system, and the results it brought my family. So of course I wanted to do their PR! Check them out. Diana is a regular guest on Fox 9 in the Twin Cities as the family advocate - and is rapidly becoming known as a family expert - since getting backed by the medical community.
JP Lizzy - www.jplizzy.com
Created in 2002 by Wendy Barry, this working mom has established a thriving business designing handbags, totes, messenger bags and backpacks. Sold in nearly 100 stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as in online boutiques, JP Lizzy is a great success story of how a mom entrepreneur saw an opportunity and went for it. Now, more than 5 years later, she's one of the most successful handbag designers out there. Look for products at eBags.com as well as at jplizzy.com
Monkey-Toes - www.monkey-toes.com
Founder Jenny Chism started handpainting her own kids' sneakers with insects and other cute designs, and quickly attracted the attention of other moms that had to have these shoes for their own kids. Fast forward almost 5 years later, and this business has grown to include matching socks, and new collections such as "Teaching Toes" - to learn left foot from right foot, and "Twinkle Toes" - a glitter collection for girls. This smart mom expanded into Mary Jane's (Mj's) as well - to offer an adorable shoe that just about every parent wants for their child.
Urban Belly - www.urbanbelly.com
Urban Belly started as a brick-n-mortar boutique store in Des Moines by Kellie Ulrich. It's now expanded for national reach via its web site. They carry all the latest maternity designers such as Olian, ChiaraKruza, Belly Basics, Momzee and more! Take from me, I had first-hand experience wearing these clothes and felt very stylish throughout my pregnancy with my son. Also, Kellie is an adoptive mom and created her signature line of Adoption T's. The first we've seen out there!