We have moved our blog! We will no longer be updating our blog here. To stay in touch with us, please join us at THE NEW BLOG site. We have re-launched our online magazine! Many cool things to come!

Baby Swags has an opportunity for those who have “Teen” related products! We will be attending the Teen Choice Awards Gift Suite and would love to take your products with us and get them in the hands of celebrity teens! There is no attendance or traveling involved for you, Baby Swags would be representing you and your product. You will have access to photos from the event, get your products directly to celebrity teens, pre and post event press releases and pre-post blog/site mentions. We will also be “Twittering” and “Vlogging” from the event! The event and it’s details will also be posted on www.celebrityteenblog.com. Products we are looking for are clothing, electronics, jewelry, handbags, belts, etc… Expected teens can include: Noah Cyrus (yes, Miley’s sister), David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place), Lucas Till (Hannah Montana Movie), Ashley Argota (True Jackson VP), Keana Texeira and many more! To see more of what Baby Swags has done, check out our Rockin Lollipop Lounge & Giveaway post – and let us do the work for you! For more information on how you can get your products to celebrities, teen celebrities, please call us at 888-284-2170 and ask for Phyllis.

At first I thought this was going to taste nasty but after tasting just one, they have become my new found friend. I was always a huge fan of the Double Stuffed Oreo, but now that I have this new recipe, I can’t but be torn between the two.

Here it goes…I swear you will love them! Please try them and tweet me back with what you think! @Babyswags

One package of regular Oreo cookies
One 8oz package of cream cheese
One bag of white chocolate chips

Grind the Oreo cookies into a powdery form with your food processor.
Let the cream cheese soften.

Blend those two together to form one big ugly black ball of doughy substance.

Put the big ball into the fridge and let it get cold. Once it is firm (not super glue hard, but just enough so it doesn’t fall apart. You want to make little tiny balls about the size of a medium gumball.

Heat up your white chocolate chips. Place them in the microwave but be careful not to over cook it or it will just turn solid as a rock. I separated them into three sections and heated on defrost for 1 minute or so and stirred until it was all melted.

Dip the medium sized ball into the white chocolate and let it cool on wax paper or alum. foil.

From there, once you are done and they are all cooled, place in a container and stick in the fridge.

OMG, they are SO moist and delish! I just know you will love them! In fact, I think I am going to grab a couple right now! YUM!!!

Hi Tori (Spelling), and Guncle Scout! First I have to say, Happy Birthday to you Scout! I saw on twitter that you had asked for us to send you and Tori our favorite recipes for your birthday on July 4th. This is by far my favorite summer, 4th of July recipe and it would be perfect for this celebration! I’m actually making it myself this year so I am all kinds of excited!

It is called Strawberry Pretzel Pie. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
3/4 c. butter
2 c. crushed pretzels
2 c. Cool Whip
6 oz. strawberry Jello
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
2 c. water
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries
First you need to make a crust. For your crust, melt butter in the bottom of 8 x 12 inch baking dish. Stir in crushed pretzels. Spread evenly and pack in bottom of dish. Bake it at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Your First Layer consists of blending the cream cheese and sugar together. Fold in the Cool Whip topping. Spread mixture evenly over cooled crust. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Your second layer consists of dissolving the strawberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water. Then add frozen strawberries and allow to jell slightly. Pour the mixture on top of cream cheese mixture. Blend it and refrigerate.

Whala! It’s done and is the Bestest ever!!! Happy Birthday and Happy 4th!

As a mom of three kids, two girls and one boy, I am appalled at this billboard that was brought to my attention by a client and fellow mompreneur. It is being shown to many on the streets of NYC. This billboard I am speaking of is one that was done as a marketing strategy, an ad campaign for Calvin Klein. I will not be showing the ad because I do not want to be the one to further promote the ad by displaying it on my blog and/or website. I will however express my concerns that this type of advertising sends an unappropriated message to young people, guys and girls. The billboard shows a very young girl in a soft – child pornographic way kissing one boy, caressing another boy’s head with yet another on the floor to what appears to be watching. Will it draw attention? Yes. Is it the type of attention that we want to show our young people? No. I certainly would not want my 11 year old daughter to see this and think it’s ok, nor would I want my son to see this either. I remember too as my fellow mompreneur pointed out on her blog the Calvin Klein ad with Brooke Shields. I did not find it appropriate even as a child and I, as a parent now, am completely disgusted to see how far companies will push the envelope for a sale. Do they not have good judgment? This is clearly a step in the wrong direction. Heck, a local school bus driver just got arrested for distributing child porn on the internet….where is the justice? Should a billboard ad be allowed to distribute child porn in the streets of NYC…I think not. I urge you to make a phone call and share your outrage with Calvin Klein. As a parent who has buying power, I for one will not be making any purchases that will support a company that chooses to exploit young girls or boys in this way. Let your voices be heard. Please call 866-513-0513 and tell Calvin Klein how you feel!

As you know Baby Swags has been very productive over the last few years and all my hard work is finally starting to pay off. Whether you have been with me since day one or you just joined the group, you know or soon will know, that I take what I do very seriously. Some (being my family) may say I am a bit of a work-a-holic, and yes, it is probably true, even though I don’t really see it that way. The way I see it is, I am building my business and to do so, it takes a lot of time, energy and patience. After being in business for myself for a long time now, there is one thing that some people don’t really understand and that is the power of word of mouth advertising. Baby Swags has been built on nothing more than word of mouth. Why is Baby Swags a leading gifting company for small businesses and more so for work at home mom based businesses? It is because I am down to earth, I am personable, I am honest, I am straight forward, and better yet, I do my job and I do it well. Granted it may take a bit longer to reply to emails and things of that nature, but I am still here doing my business by myself and it does get hard at times to keep up with the day to day tasks which is why I am considering taking on some help. I am simply running out of time in the day to get what I need to get done, done. I am reaching a point in my business where I feel confident in where I stand in the market place. To be receiving referrals from clients as well as celebrities is an amazing feeling when you know you have put everything you possibly have into your business, and you sincerely love and enjoy what you do. The results are priceless.

Today’s topic on word of mouth advertising was selected because I received a few great comments this week and with out word of mouth, I, in all honesty probably would not be where I am at today. I have been told by various people that they have heard of Baby Swags from different networks, from their home town friends and acquaintances, from overhearing conversations, etc… I myself, even heard two girls talking at poolside when I was in Vegas about Baby Swags so I know that I am doing what I should be doing, that I have without a doubt, found my passion. My last note to you is never under estimate the power of one compliment.

When you are feeling down, take a look around you. Remember the day you decided to go into business for yourself and how it made you feel. Pull out your first testimonial of how good your product is. I know you still have it! Look at and read your about us page. It is when you least expect it, that signs of success are at your door. It is your job now to keep the door open and let it all in.

Every Friday I am going to share a little thought process for you. You don’t have to read it, but I hope you do. If anything I want it to be inspiring, and perhaps put some of your fears to rest and empower you to keep doing what you are doing.
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Happy Friday the 13th! Today is usually a day to fear but not today! It’s all in how you look at life! I choose today to be TBDE! The Best Day Ever – courtesy of Spongebob!

Why would I think that in an economy like we have today? Why would I think of it in that way with many people not working, businesses failing, and the threats of what CPSIA will do to many, many more small businesses. I will tell you why. I believe. Plain and simple. I believe. I am a dreamer yes, but I am also a realist. I know that times are hard, but you have to change YOUR mindset to know that THIS is YOUR time to shine. It is time for you to re-invent yourself. It is an opportunity to make those changes in your business that just aren’t working for you, set up a new plan and market yourself like crazy! It honestly does not take a lot of money to do that, just time, and patience. You have to take advantage of the situation and really put yourself to the test. Can you do it? Do you believe in yourself, or in your product? Because I know that I believe in your business and products. If you have been with me for a while, you know that is the honest to goodness truth. Those that just recently joined, after you get to know me (more on a personal level), you will come to see that I really do love working with who I’ve come to call, “My girls”, just ask any of them, they’ll tell ya!

Now what I want you to do is, stop thinking about the “What If’s” and replace that with “No matter what, I will succeed”. You and you alone have the power to change how your business is going. If you don’t like something, change it. If you want more retailers, go get them. If you don’t know how to do something, ask someone who does. YOU have the power. Don’t let the news, the media, the papers, the magazines dictate how you run your business. You have invested too much to just throw it all to the dogs. Put yourself out there. Make yourself heard. Make yourself seen.

For instance, I know that there are other gifting companies out there. It just goes to prove that there is a market for what I am doing. I am ok with the competition. It just makes life more interesting. It allows me to reinvent myself all the time. Bring in new things, test things out, get rid of things that don’t work for the companies I represent. I never was one for long term contracts because I don’t like to tie people in Baby Swags unless they want to be here. I have built my business just as you all have. I have spent countless hours up at night researching, making contacts, taking pictures of product, writing press releases, reaching out to companies for support, strumming up media, and I won’t stop. I am up at 7am, running around with three kids all day and night, then when they are all in bed, I work until 3am. I don’t do this a few nights, I do this EVERY night. I am constantly reaching out to people whether it be on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, ning networks, email networks, my network, I reach out and make myself available to my clients, my contacts, my friends. With everything I do, I put at least 200% into it. I have built my business by providing the best customer service and have developed a great following. I have become well known in the entrepreneurial community and I am extremely proud of all my accomplishments and for the fact that I have been able to do my job and have received many positive results. I don’t like failing and I certainly do not like giving up on my dreams. Like the Trump man says, quitting makes you a loser and I am not a loser, nor are you.

So you see, I have the same exact work ethics as you do. I work hard, I put my best foot forward and I keep on movin towards my goals. I am not giving up, not now, not ever and nor should you. Do not let this economic situation make you a victim. Stand tall, stand strong and you will see, when this becomes a distant memory, YOU will still be standing!

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Well, I hope you have found this to be inspiring and I hope that you are all up to date with what is going on with Baby Swags. It is an exciting time, please take advantage of any opportunities you can. I promise to do my best at getting you the recognition you truly deserve. Your hard work and dedication will certainly not go unnoticed!

Don’t forget- follow me on Twitter!

Have a great, fun-filled weekend! Email me if you need me!

Sincerely,

Phyllis Pometta
BabySwags.com
www.twitter.com/Babyswags
info@babyswags.com
Find me on Facebook & Myspace by searching for – BabySwags

I am going to start posting weekly opportunity round ups. This is what we are working on and if you would like to participate or gather more information, please feel free to email us or join our ning network at Baby Swags Ning Network. (It’s free to join)

Please email me and let me know if you would like to take part in any of these so I can properly keep an accurate head count.

1. Toddler Gifting – March 30
2. Gifting Green – April 3
3. Teen Gifting – April 7 (deadline may change)
4. Suri Cruise – 3rd b-day – April 13
5. Mothers Day – (forgot to write it down but it is around mid-April)
6. Rockin Lollipop Lounge – Baby & Tween Celebration LA expo – ACT Today! celebrity charity auction
7. Mayor of San Francisco & morning show reporter

If anyone is interested in meeting me while in LA, please let me know your booth number and I will stop by and say hi! My daughter and myself will be making the rounds as she is the first Tween Reporter for the event! We get to interview exhibitors, celebrities, and more…it’s an exciting time for us! I hope we can make you all a part of it in some way!

Those needing tickets to the event, please let me know, I have a lot to share!

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Don’t forget- follow me on Twitter!

Have a great, fun-filled weekend! Email me if you need me!

Sincerely,

Phyllis Pometta
BabySwags.com
www.twitter.com/Babyswags
info@babyswags.com
Find me on Facebook & Myspace by searching for – BabySwags

Hi everyone! Boy has it been a fun-filled year. We have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to have some of our wonderfully crafted products show up on various celebrities, supported fantastic organizations with donations, and appeared in national magazines and local television news shows. I tell my clients as often as I can that they are appreciated more than they know, but not only by me, but by many of those people who take the time to visit their websites, order there products and share them with their family and friends. 2008 showed me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and the products you create and/or services you provide. I believe strongly in all the products that I send to celebrity moms, dads and babies, and I can only hope that my clients believe in me as an end result. I want to thank all the companies that I was able to work with in 2008 and I hope to be able to continue to work with you into 2009 and beyond. Baby Swags has grown so much over the last two years and I owe it all to the incredible group of women that have supported me and have given me the courage to continue to do what I love to do, while managing to stay at home with three kids, a husband, a dog, a cat and a fish!

With that said, *holding up my glass*, cheers to 2009! May you bring us many new opportunities, unlimited growth and exposure for all!

To see more about what Baby Swags does, visit our main website at babyswags.com

You may have been reading about this here and there across the web, or maybe this is the first you are hearing of it, either way it is time for you, yes YOU to take some action. I have pulled some very important information from various sources on the web in order to help you understand how this new law will impact every area of business. Perhaps due to the holiday this is all being masked but at some point people will no longer hide from it, they will be forced to deal with the situation head on. All the hype is in regards to H.R. 4040, the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that has been signed into law August 14, 2008, and will become effective February 10, 2009 and is now being referred to as National Bankruptcy Day.

Many, I mean, many companies have been blogging about this (do your own google search for CPSIA and you can see exactly what I mean) and what it will take to keep them in business and the results are scary and in most cases will put them all out of business. I am not just talking about people who create products to sell at craft shows and community fairs, I am also speaking of small home based businesses, independent designers, mompreneurs, the “Little People” in the biz and not just toy makers, this applies to any company that will produce a product targeting children twelve and under, clothing, shoes, accessories, bibs, and so on. But if you think it stops there, think of the trickle down effect. You have the retailers that are trying to sell these products. They will have no inventory because there will be no products being made by small businesses. Your product choices will be extremely limited to those companies with big time bank accounts. Then think about this, you can’t just go to your local craft fair, pick up a ‘new’ handmade toy and drop it in the Toys for Tots charity box because of this law. It will effect businesses big and small, product based to service based, it effects us a whole. Yes, this even will effect Baby Swags and the products that will be included into these fantastic Celebrity Gift Bags. Celebrities…we need your help too here!

Baby Swags prides itself on finding unique mom-made, mom-inspired, mompreneurial type products or otherwise known as WAHM products. These companies range from Etsy stores to their own shops, either way, they are all made up of one common thread, being a mom. Moms have discovered that they don’t have to quit working to stay at home, instead they have come up with products that they can create/make from the comforts of their home while still attending to their children’s needs through out the day. Many of these women do not have big time budgets there for how can they be expected to pay for the extensive testing that will be require by the new law? I have compiled a list of some of my clients reactions as well as great blog content provided from other concerned small business owners.

Happy Panda Baby Blog
Boutique Cafe
AAFA – American Apparel and Footwear Association
National Bankruptcy Day
Organic Baby Farm
WAHM Solutions
Challenge & Fun
YouTube Video – Mr. Sun

Just because you are not a small business owner, you can still take part in voicing your opinion and we encourage you to do so and I have made it easy for you by providing you with various ways on how you can get your voices heard.
Boutique Cafe has a whole list of ways you can help the small businesses that mean so much to you. A portion of this was taken directly from their website:

What can you do?
Email or call the CPSIA – the office of the CPSC ombudsman 888-531-9070.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 2009.
CPSC.gov.

Email or snail mail your representatives.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476

Call your representatives. For their contact information just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/

Make your voice heard by voting on this issue. The top 3 in each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Sign the petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

Join Ning’s CPSIA-Central

The press is just getting word of this and have also been responding, though not as much as we’d all hope.
LA Times article
Kids Today

See what people are really saying and feeling:
ETSY Forum
Fashion-Incubator

The point to all of this is to just get your voices heard. United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

Baby Swags is also working on something called Project Believe. If you would like to take part in our ‘mompreneur’, small business awareness venture, please see our blog post explaining what is needed from you. Baby Swags Blog post about Project Believe

Yes it is a lot to take in, but a lot of families, a lot of livelihoods are being put in jeopardy as a result of this law. Please help out where you can. Wouldn’t you rather celebrate a day like Valentines Day than take part in watching millions of companies collapse on National Bankruptcy day?