Girl Design Board

Helping you bring your inspiration to life is what we love to do at Daisy Baby.  I am so happy to finally have the ability to put my thoughts on a board with our newest team member, Erin Canady, who is getting her masters in interior design from GW.  I love letting her flex her design muscles. 

So this board has some of my favorite things. We have been killing it with the Newport Cottages Beverly Collection. It has such a great Hollywood glam look-- luxe, rich and beautiful. You can always make Newport Cottages your own by selecting your colors and your fabrics. I think that one reason it's my go to line. 

Then of course we had to add a Monte Glider. Every time I put it on my sales floor it does so well. The modern play on the wingback is so charming. We recently added BlaBla to our offerings. I often struggle with finding the perfect mobile. There offering are sweet & whimsical. We love them.

Transition this room to BIG. You can still get this same look by just adding a Bed.

Daisy Baby Today

I asked Dana, mom of three and our favorite baby boutique proprietor, where her store is now, and where she's wanting to go. This was her response:

When we first opened we had 2000 square feet of really big wonderful store. Now, post 2009, we're a little smaller. Our store is just under 1000 square feet, and we make every square foot work. Now, we're more about services, and we focus on three main things: Design, Registry, and Gift Giving. We're offering service, really customized bedding, design, every single aspect of that room. Carpet, paint, lighting, window treatments. We provide very personal service and we're there for you every step of the way.

On the floor - beyond the white crib!

Where we really want to go now is to have Daisy Baby be a hub of the baby community in Bethesda. We'd like to have talks in the store, bringing in community members to talk about things that women are facing while they're pregnant. We want to be that resource, get that Daisy Baby Moms Group going. Yes, you can give your money to Amazon or Buy Buy Baby, but when you register locally, you are giving your money back into your own community. You're getting not only a completely different level of service, you're getting a business that has a stake in the community you live in - 6 years down the road we're donating to your child's school auction. We're that place you can hold an event, where you can find other moms in the community and just a great place for networking.

I want to keep getting my hands on every product I could possibly sell and find that perfect mix for the store. One of my primary goals right now is getting that well-edited list of all the things that I think a growing family should have. Our next piece will be going online. I'm hoping in the next month and a half to open our new high-functioning website. Not to get sales in Texas, but since this is how many women shop these days, they want to do their research online and I want to be that resource for them. I want that there for the community.

A client's nursery, after going through that journey together!

Daisy Baby will always be a community store. In this new realm of bringing the cities back to being walkable, bringing small business and service oriented business and great products, we want to be competitive. We need to let people know what we really do well, being that live review, that service-oriented shop that is there for you for whatever you need for your baby.

The History of Daisy Baby

We've been very busy lately! So why not a bit of history to kick off the month of June? Here's a great interview with Dana, the mind behind the duck, for your information and entertainment! Without further ado, everything you ever wanted to know about the history of Daisy Baby.

Why has Dana been busy? This is Ford, her third little wonder.

Who started Daisy Baby and Kids?
Daisy Baby and Kids is truly the brainchild of Andrea Paro. One day when she was pregnant with her daughter Tallulah, she said she envisioned a yellow duck on top of a white box with a ribbon, and from that vision Daisy Baby was born. The simplicity with a little pop of sweetness is where we were and where we are. 

When did it start?
It started during that boom of the baby industry which I think really began when Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple was born in 2004. It was the first time we saw publicity shots of a baby's room being featured as much as someone's home, and it was the first time we saw a modern nursery like that. That's when you saw the design of nursery pushing the boundaries beyond a Winnie the Pooh theme. 

What were your first lines back then?
One of the first lines we saw was Serena and Lily back when it was really just Serena and Lily. And that's when we started 10 years ago, making the nursery put the mark of you on it, starting to make sure it reflected you and your home and the celebration of your child. Also at the very cusp of this business was Bugaboo. When they entered this marketplace, strollers didn't look like they do today. We take it for granted now that they have these beautiful strollers that are just lovely and functional and have a bassinet that looks like a pram and the design and innovation in this industry is just beautiful. Every time I see a man hunched over an umbrella stroller and pushing it up the hill it looks like it's more trouble to have it than it would be without it! The way strollers have changed is phenomenal.

Bugaboo Donkey

What do you think is special about Daisy Baby?
It's about the babies, and everyone loves the babies really, but we're also all about mom. What about mom? How is she doing? How is she feeling? How is she handling this time in her life? We kiss the babies and talk about sleep and breastfeeding and all of that. We follow that journey with the mom, from the first time she comes in the store and doesn't really know what she's wanting and we talk about it, research it, figure out her style and what she's after. We go through that process with her, ordering and it coming in and getting it installed and all of that, it's so special and neat.

What's a really special experience that comes from being part of Daisy Baby?
We had a baby come in the other day, about 9 years old. It just blows me away. Seeing that baby whose nursery we designed, and having that connection with the store and these parents still. The real babies, the Daisy Babies. All these little babies, I've watched these moms from being pregnant and through the birth and I love hearing the birth stories. I love listening about their water breaking to the moment they crowned all the way up until they come in here and bring the babies and I can say, "Sit down, have a seat and nurse here and chat with us." When the little ones come back and I watch them grow and maybe they think my name is Daisy instead of Dana, I'm the lady with the candy jar. I'm not a millionaire yet but my millions are counted in the babies I get to see grow up and all of the joy I get from having this little boutique in Bethesda. 

What's changed about the boutique world in the past 10 years since you started?
When I found out about the boutique movement I was just leaving Los Angeles and it was really col to know abuot these small businesses who were finding interesting lines, not everything being so cookie cutter. I'm really proud to be a part of this movement. Ten years later though, I feel like there's barely any boutiques left at all. Everything is all internet and big box stores. I think about this side of Bethesda and I think in another 10 years there will be no boutiques left, just restaurants and chains.

What is the most important part of having a storefront? Why not an internet retailer?
When I think about my store, I'm proud of every single piece in here. It's like curating a museum, when you walk in, what do you smell? What do you see? What do your eyes light on? It takes focus and creativity and a certain gift and I love the fact that I can give that out and I appreciate that. I feel like it's important in the world - it's a unique piece of why a boutique is important and I'm glad I exist in that realm. I love when people come in here and they can touch and feel the things they see online. You can read fifty reviews but Dana is a review and I have used all of this and all my moms come and tell me how it is and this is what I live and breathe and sleep, this is what I DO.

What's unique about the baby industry?
Every day women come into our store and I love it, they're just shocked at how much has changed since they had a baby - 25 years ago, 10 years ago, 6 months ago. "This didn't exist when I had my baby!" That is one of the neat parts about this industry, those changes. When I think about Chewbeads, a woman invented a necklace babies can pull on and chew on. It's not trying to get kids to pull on your necklace, but babies will be pulling and chewing on our  necklaces or hair so why not give them something safe to do that with? 

Chewbeads

A friend of mine, Riche Holmes, started a business here in Bethesda - Bambini Wear. Now she's working with Martha Stewart and it's this whole big thing. Moms inventing things, products that people live in. People designing products that weren't there before, modern cribs and carriers that are ergonomically correct and better for bonding and baby and mom. And at the end of the day it's about making everything cute and fun and just reflecting your personality. 

Bambini Wear

One last quick question - how many Daisy babies' lives have you been a part of?
This computer program has only been with us since 2009, so it's missing some of the early years. But I've got almost 6000 clients that have come through this door since then. I've recorded 3000 orders. I don't know how many little babies that is, but for a little store like this, it's great seeing all those children come through here and grow up and it's just wonderful.

Just a pic of why Christina's been busy - I moved to Hawaii!

Postpartum Support

Hey ladies!

As Dana well knows, needing support doesn't stop when you get to hold that little one you've been carrying in your arms instead of your uterus. But often, we're not really sure where to go to get that support. So, here are a few ideas for you.

If you're having trouble with breastfeeding, check out the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, and don't forget about LLLI, where you can find local support groups. Not to mention there are quite a few IBCLCs in the DMV area!

If you're looking for someone to talk to, check out online support forums, places like Postpartum Support International, and local mommy groups. You're sure to find someone to connect with!

If you're needing help at home, support with breastfeeding, help wearing your baby, or general assistance and support, don't forget postpartum doulas! They're really there just to make your life as a new parent easier and more fulfilling. Check doula listings here and here.

If you're past those first few weeks and ready to treat your body to a gentle workout, check out Capital Wellness Center! In addition to prenatal classes, they also have postpartum pilates and even classes to do with your baby. And of course don't forget about Lil Omm in Tenleytown.

Hopefully these few options help you see that you have a huge variety of options for postpartum help and support - and obviously we love when you drop by and show off your new bundle, too!

Small Business Saturday 2014

It's that time again. Small Business Saturday is November 29 - that's 3 days from now! We're all so fortunate to live in a community with many small businesses; please remember to go out and support them. Many will have deals for you (yes, we will, too!) so come on out, brave the cool weather, and create a nursery, pick up holiday gifts, give back to the community.

Shop Small. Check out small businesses - where and how to shop - on the AmEx website here (yes, we do take American Express!)

Bebe Chic Stella Bedding – So Sweet!

From one of our favorite bedding companies comes the fantastic Stella bedding – Bebe Chic has outdone themselves with this sophisticated combination of modern design and elegance with a touch of sweetness. The stark white with gold trim works for girls, boys, or a gender neutral nursery. This updated twist on classic eyelet, using gold cord and pleated ruffles, will make your nursery somewhere you want to spend time relaxing with your little one! Make sure you check out the rail guard, both to protect the rail and also for that little bit of extra style.

So elegant (even on the very simple Jenny Lind style crib)!

In addition, Bebe Chic is currently offering a fantastic deal to our clients - purchase a rail guard, dust ruffle, and blanket, and you'll get a free boudoir pillow! If you haven't seen these, they're just adorable and totally make the room. Put one on your chair and it links everything together.

Stella boudoir pillow; isn't it sweet?

The Bugaboo Bee3 – New Features for You!

The Bugaboo Bee is definitely a Daisy Baby favorite. We love this stroller for its lightweight versatility – it folds flat without having to take anything apart; it works for city walks without being too bulky to pack in the car or take on the plane. It’s just a simple, beautiful stroller. But Bugaboo has made some updates…

The Bee3 (and check out the bee colors... haha)

The new canopy is a lighter, softer material. The old one was the heavy canvas found on the Cameleon, which worked, but the lighter fabric fits the Bee much better, and makes for a smoother transition to the new extendable canopy! The seat has a new cover and you can choose the fabric for the seat itself! It’s also a bit thinner, which makes it easier to fold without sacrificing comfort. The basket is bigger as well, which we all know makes a difference! There’s a new buckle with four separate hooks, based on customer feedback. One of the biggest changes is the brand new bassinet! It has a hard bottom, and is easy to carry and to attach to the stroller. Very cool update, Bugaboo!

What’s Hot at Daisy Baby? Newport Cottages!

Before we talk about this awesome company, I want to tell you the most important thing.... Newport Cottages is offering a sale to our clients! From November 24th to December 1st, you can get a free toddler guardrail with a purchase of any Newport Cottages crib! This is an incredible value and it upgrades your crib to last far beyond the infant stage. So if you're considering this brand, NOW is the time!

Newport Cottages is still a family owned company that bench makes all their furniture with select hardwoods. We’ve even talked about that before (here) but now they have something new, and we LOVE it!

This crib could be so fun to dress up!

The Devon collection is one of our favorites due to its sleek, sophisticated style.  New to the Devon collection is the Casey Crib – and it’s gorgeous! Standard modern bars on two sides combine with two toned inset panels on the ends and slim tapered legs for a truly distinctive look. If you’re looking for both modern and super customizable, be sure to check it out!

Nursery Walls

Pink? Blue? Yellow? Green? Elephants? Paisley? Your options for wall coverings in the nursery have expanded!

Safari mural on a client's wall - beautiful!

Want to do a color? A custom treatment yourself? Check out Lullaby Paints. Zero VOC, made with food safe ingredients, Lullaby Paints is known as the safest paint available. In addition, the coverage is fantastic and the colors are beautiful! We carry the paints and have 2oz sample pouches available.

Wall stickers can make a wall fun without much work - just apply right over your Lullaby Paint.

Not ready to commit to a pattern in paint? What about Tempaper? This fun, removable wall paper can make a big difference for one wall in a room, or if you're feeling daring, the whole nursery!

A Tempaper Tots Pattern

Tempaper Tots Current

Imagination Bethesda

Do you live in Bethesda? Do you have children? Yes? Then you are so in luck! Imagination Bethesda is coming up! June 7th, mark your calendar right now. 10:00am-3:00pm. No, I'm not kidding, go do it. I'll wait. Done? Okay, want to know what you just scheduled? Read on...

Imagination Bethesda is a festival aimed at children up to age 12. It happens in Bethesda, on Auburn and Norfolk avenues. Every year, everyone sets up crafts and face painting and a live stage and So. Much. Fun. Stuff for the little crowd!

This year, Daisy Baby will be there - with bells on. Okay, maybe with flowers. Come see us, check out our booth, check out all the other booths, it will be so much fun!

Top Ten Reasons To Have Another Baby

Dana would like to present her top ten reasons to have another baby! Read on to find out what's going on at Daisy Baby right now...

10. The Hot Mama Layers of Love necklace is my favorite!

So. Cute. Right?

9. Two cribs are better than one.

This is actually one of Mariah Carey's nurseries, with two Cherubini cribs from Art for Kids!

8. Now we carry Diono car seats - I can fit three across.

7. I really wanted to get more use out of my Bugaboo Donkey stroller!

6. Three is the new Two.

5. I hadn’t lost the baby weight; might as well keep going!

Baby weight not as shown above!

4. I can constantly relate to my clients.

Winter in a crib in the store!

3. I always wanted twins! Irish twins are close enough, right?

Apparently Irish Twins are trending- who knew!?

2. I’m still changing diapers anyway.

And the number one reason I'm due with Baby Three in September... I really, really like my husband!

Big Kid Gifts

As your kids start getting a bit older, the birthday party invitations start rolling in. One year, two years, three years... but what to take? You don't want to gift the same thing everyone else is giving. So, here are a few ideas! You can find them all in the shop right now, but don't forget to check out our gifts online, too!

Lollacup is perfect for toddlers, with the weighted straw, easy open/close, and excellent leak-proof mechanism! Plus, it's super cute.

Nightlights in general are a great gift. Speaking as a parent, you can never have too many, and the ones from Oopsy Daisy are super cute!

Speaking of nightlights, don't forget the Twilight Turtle - he's adorable. Both a friend and a nightlight, kids can watch the stars until they fall asleep - and he's so portable he's great for vacations, too!

A new addition to the store, the Mini Micro scooter works for young toddlers on up to age 5 or older!

Books are always a great gift, of course...

This Press Here book? Is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Try it. You'll like it.

Don't forget the puzzles - great for toddlers!

The magnetic shapes are great for any age - I still love spelling words on the refrigerator :)

Do not forget these sweet backpacks! They come in all sorts of adorable little animals, and they're great for any age child! Not just for school, little ones can put their toys in, pull them around on the wheels - and they do carry school books just as well!

Big Kid Birthday?

Some of our kids aren't really babies anymore, and as they transition past babyhood and toddlerhood and into the pre-school and elementary years, birthday parties become a little less about parents celebrating survival of a year (or another year) of parenthood, and a little more about our not-so-babies! So, how can we do this without creating a debacle we never want to try again? Here are a few tips from seasoned moms:

• Less. Just- less. I spent more than I needed to on things that didn't matter, and that the kids didn't notice. (Nancy, mom of a 5 year old)
• When you are expecting 20 people and you go to order food, do not order enough for 50 people! (Cathy, mom of 2)

Ever is 3! What a big girl!

• Make sure to plan for unscheduled play time. Don't have everything scheduled out. Make sure you allow/expect time for the kids to just play and be kids because in the end, that is what they will do anyway. (Janet, mom of a 15 year old and a 5 year old)
• Pick a place that does everything for you (food, goodie bags, etc.) It costs about the same with no clean up. (Nina, mom of 2)

These pennant banners are so cute and so popular!

• When planning a party pick a theme and colors that will coordinate. It is much easier to plan around the party and get ideas on Pinterest. If you can, get a friend or hire a photographer to take pics for you so you don't have to stress about pictures. If you are going to make things yourself, do it little by little because you don't want to be stressing the day before the party with party preparations. (Vanessa, mom of 2)
• Do themed gifts or ask party-goers to donate to a child's favorite charitable cause. The kids glow knowing they've done something for someone else. Decorate a small space, so it looks very "done up" in pictures,and take pictures in the decorated spot. This saves a lot of headache! If you're buying table cloths, use plain colors so they can be reused. Plain colored paper products, too. If you don't want the trouble of serving a meal, schedule your party right after a meal time. (Nickie, mom of twin 5 year olds)

Ever's first big girl party

• If you are going to do a "loot" or "goodie" bag, keep it simple. A little book is nice. (Tabitha, mom of a five year old)
• It's tempting to invite more, but to avoid meltdowns, limit the number of friends to the child's age. (Mary, mom of 4)

Don't forget to check our Pinterest board for birthday ideas, too!

Best Baby Shower Gifts

Do you have a baby shower coming up? How about a Bris? Maybe just a friend or acquaintance who is expecting? Or you're going to visit the baby for the first time? So many times you might want a gift! And what to do? There is so much out there, and you really want something unique and fun. Maybe she's registered with us, maybe you really just want to get something nobody else will get. Either way, come on in and let us help you find the perfect gift!

Spring has sprung, and in Bethesda that means it's totally time for the preppy, summery baby things to come out! Check out our current favorites:

 Stripes are in right now, and Toobydoo does stripes like nobody else. Their classic sailor look is so cool, and just right for a little girl or boy.

 The Cushy Closer keeps you from waking baby by opening or closing a door - the elastic bands means it fits over any size door, and the wide variety of patterns means it fits with your decor, too!

Egg Baby by Susan Lazar is a favorite in the spring - their Winter things are cute, but the little rompers? Just the sweetest!

 If you're wondering about the lightest, softest, sweetest, most popular swaddles, look no further than Aden & Anais. Their muslin swaddle blankets are just the right size and they're perfect for swaddling, draping over strollers or car seats, laying down for tummy time, and super absorbent!

 Which lovey will become a child's favorite? That's always a difficult question, but you wouldn't believe the number of times a mom has come in, panicking, because her child's Angel Dear lovey was missing! Which, obviously, tells us one thing... you definitely need one.

And now for something completely different! We're now carrying Ajalor shoes - these sweet little handmade soft sole shoes can be dressy or casual, and they're just the thing for a stylish babe! Come in and check them out!

Don't forget that we gift wrap - that sweet ducky with the ribbons? Daisy Baby! And of course, we can always ship for you. We'll get the gift sent via priority mail within one day! So even if you're shopping last minute for a friend in NYC - we're here for you. Just make sure you have the address, and leave the rest to us!

Spring Fashion for Moms

Hello beautiful mamas! Guess what? We have an event soon with the fabulous Lani Inlander of Real Life Style - 8 Pieces Every Mom Must Have! In that vein, Lani has agreed to do a guest post for us - Spring Fashion just for you!

Why You Should Go Shopping (and what to buy!)

One of the most frequent fashion conundrums I'm asked about is whether or not to buy new clothes during transition times - such as after pregnancy, or when you've gained a few pounds from stress. It is natural to think you would be wasting money by purchasing new clothes when you think you will fit back into your "regular" clothes within a few months. This would be a mistake. You are actually wasting time not feeling good about yourself when you DON'T buy yourself some new clothes. Lest you think I'm being extravagant, I have a strategy for you!

1. KEEP IT CHEAP AND CHEERFUL. Shop at stores like H&M, Old Navy and The Gap, where you can get the most fashion for your money.

2. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE. If your post-baby belly is making you blue, cheer yourself up with a bright top or scarf. Yes, you should get a basic black and white tee, but you should also get a hot pink striped one if that is going to keep you excited to get dressed each morning.

3. MAKE IT FLEXIBLE. Boxier tops will still look good with skinny jeans when you are skinnier, a cotton maxi skirt will shrink with you, and a scarf always fits!

4. INVEST IN ACCESSORIES. Wearing good shoes, a pricier bag, and an expensive pair of earrings will up the perceived value of any outfit. And best of all, they'll always fit!

5. GO FOR THE TRENDS. If you aren't spending much you can reasonably assume the clothes won't last forever, so why not embrace the trends this season? Trends exist to keep us excited about shopping and buying new clothes. Go with it!

Taking the Trends Home

Speaking of trends, here is a sampling of the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2014 and how you can take them home.

Sport Chic: If you love to stay comfy in sweatshirts and yoga pants, this will be your favorite trend. Imagine your favorite pair of sweatpants made out of a slouchy crepe material that glides over your legs and tapers at the ankle. Picture the running sneaker and the forever-loved Birkenstock making a huge fashion comeback. Sounds too good to be true? It is if you don’t do it right! When shopping for this trend you’ll want to make sure that your track pants and hoodies are fitted and not frumpy. Look for a leather sports sandal to replace your Adidas slide and a leather hoodie vest to wear over your cotton terry sweatshirt. The key to looking put-together in Sport chic is fit and fabric. You have to throw some luxury in there and nothing can look or fit too sloppily. 

Key Piece: The sneaker. Fashionistas are now reaching for their Nike Frees over their Manolo Blahniks. Pair your sneakers with jeans and a casual blazer for a totally on-trend outfit.

 

Nike Free - these are so trendy right now!

Ethnic Elements: Vogue called this spring the “season of maximal embellishment.” When looking at the runways of Emilio Pucci and Valentino, this couldn’t be more accurate. These designers covered their clothes with beaded accents and fringed hems, taking inspiration from a number of different cultures. It’s all about mixing and matching different prints and textures that inspire you. A kimono jacket with wide sleeves may speak to you, so pair it with tribal printed pants. The combinations are endless. 

Key Piece: Anything with a bold print. Whether that be a fun pair of shoes to wear with a little black dress or an embellished jacket, your key piece should be something that stands out and makes you feel good.

 

A piece from Emilio Pucci's Spring 2014 collection

Painterly Prints: Clothes are taking the shape of paint palettes this spring with prints inspired by works of art. Think stripes, swipes, graffiti, and watercolor florals in the colors that work for you. Michelle Obama was recently spotted at New York’s New Museum wearing her brushstroke skirt with a burgundy long-sleeve top and tall black boots.  If it’s good enough for the First Lady, it’s good enough for me! 

Key Piece: A Watercolor Skirt or Dress. This trend is elegant and beautiful and you’ll want to wear it for your next special occasion.

 

Michelle Obama in the brushstroke skirt

Pastels: These shades inspired by Jordan almonds are the perfect spring colors. Yellow, mint, rose, lilac, and powder blue were seen on everything on the runways, from lips to purses to coats. Either throw yourself into the trend with an entire outfit of pinks and blues or contrast the candy shades against black and white for a totally chic look. 

Key Piece: A Pastel Purse. Totally wearable and stylish, you’re sure to find a purse at your budget in one of these hues. Choose to either invest in a pink leather satchel or start with an affordable mint clutch.

Louis Vuitton Biface in Magnolia

If you enjoyed reading these tips from Lani, make sure to come see us at the Mama's Night Out!