New Store Spotlight

We'd like to welcome our newest online store, Barefoot Bella, to our family of online retailers selling Beansoup Aprons. See below for more information on this truly special online boutique for little ones!

About Barefoot Bella

The Barefoot Bella Children's Boutique specializes in unique gifts for children ages infant up to pre-teen. All of our products are chosen carefully with the love of children in mind. We carry many designer names and are always looking for unique and fun items to have available for our cutomers.

Contact Barefoot Bella

You can find Barefoot Bella Online at:

www.barefootbella.net

New Store Spotlight:

We'd like to welcome our newest store, the Unicoi Art Studio, to our family of retailers selling Beansoup Aprons. See below for more information on this truly special place for kids.

About Unicoi
Unicoi Art Studio has been able to provide exceptional art classes to children for 11 years and we have grown and suceeded in our industry by valuing our roles as art educators.We deeply care about both children and art, so your child's creative enrichment is our number one priority. Our dedication to the arts and education is why we were voted the winner of Nickolodeon's Parent Picks Award for the best artsy classes for kids in Chicago 2008 and 2009.
Our mission is to "draw out the imagination" in every child in an informative, engaging and fun art program.

Contact Unicoi
2059 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60618
p: (773)975-6515
http://www.unicoistudio.com/

We're Serving Up New Looks at Beansoup.

It's that time of year when the fun begins as we start adding new fabrics to our Beansoup Apron Line. Look for us to add 2 new fabrics to our chef apron line along with 2 new looks to our cobbler line in June. And don't forget our new Magician's capes which will be on our website in July.

Ladybug, Ladybug Fly Away Home

ACTIVITY: Release ladybugs into your garden.

COST: Less than $10.00 at your local hardware store or visit http://www.organiccontrol.com/

TIME NEEDED: 30 minutes of fly away fun.

BONUS: Ladybugs love to dine on aphids and plant mites so ditch the icky pesticides for this kid-friendly method of pest control.









I am a busy Mom and it seems there is never enough time in my day. When I am not keeping my household running, I am busy owning my own business, heading up PTA functions, training for marathons, keeping up who is winning Project Runway and the list goes on. Sound familiar?

As a modern mom, I find myself short on time and even shorter on patience.

I need to spend more quality time with my kids. Who doesn't? But what I've realized is that my kids don't need or even want my attention 24 hours a day. They just want to know that when I am with them, I am completely with them and can you blame them?

So that's what I've decided to do, give them their time. So here goes...

For 30 minutes each day, I, mother of 2, will try to shut off my"life" during which time, I promise not to tweet, post on Facebook, go near my computer, pick up my Blackberry or answer my phone. I will be present and grateful and believe it or not, fun!

Something Magical is Coming...

To my four year-old son, life is a very magical place. The day isn't quite complete unless he has amazed us all with his slight of hand, his gift for distraction or his ability to pull many a household item from my ear.

It is what thrills him. What puts the twinkle in his eyes as he removes his hat to take a bow. It is what makes us, as his family cheer as if he himself had made the earth move. It is his world, his place and I am happy to play any part in it.

It was with this childhood love in mind that I searched for the perfect magician's cape for him for the holidays and found none. I suppose I found some but none that quite matched the vision in my head. A cheaply made costume-type cape would never do for my master of illusion. His would need to be special and fit for his imagination.

That's when it hit me. Why don't I create the perfect Magician Cape for Beansoup? It would be exquisitely made, have our Beansoup personality and the best and most required part...hidden pockets. So that's what I did. I sat down and made a list of all the things, I would like to see in the perfect magicians cape and I hope you'll agree.

When I brought the first sample home for my son to see, those twinkly eyes lit up and I knew that he wasn't the only one in our household who could create a little bit of Magic.

$5 Fridays Are Here!

Every Friday between now and Christmas, we are going to offer one of our off-season apron patterns for $5 each.

We understand that money is tight all around and we decided that instead of selling our stock to a chain liquidator, we would sell them direct to our customers. We want kids to have our aprons and we want the people who purchase our aprons to be able to give a quality gift that they can afford.

Go to our website www.fromthebeanpot.com/5bluegreensurf.html and view our current sale on our Blue Green Surf aprons. While you are there, sign up to receive notification when each sale goes live.

Happy Shopping!

48 Hour VIP Sale - Save 50%

Our supporters are the best!! and to thank you for being there for us, we are opffering the 1st in a series of VIP Sales.

Go to http://fromthebeanpot.com/Holidaysale to save 50% of Holiday Cobbler Aprons for the next 48 hours only.

Keep a look out for our $5 Fridays which will begin soon and go through the holidays.

We know that times are tough and we want you to still be able to give the best quality gifts. Thank you again for everything.

Take a Walk On The Wild Side...

It is a little known fact that I love bugs. I am the mom at kindergarten pickup who is always surrounded by throngs of kids anxiously waiting to see what I will find next...what I will literally unearth. To look at me, you probably wouldn't guess that I am most happy when turning over some long ago placed brick to see what spectacular world creeps beneath. In fact, my friends are often astounded, if not grossed out by the fact that an earthworm's wriggle makes me smile or that the sight of a prehistoric looking beetle can engage me for hours as he crawls across the pavement.

Although we live in a city, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by nature. Our canyon is filled with great hiking trails and hills that provide us with an up close glimpse of the wild world, that is occasionally more than we asked for with the visit from the mountain lions, . We listen to the coyotes howling at night and smell the skunk as he makes his presence known in our backyard. Top that off with all of the local vegetation and the glorious falcons and other birds and we have quite the outdoor symphony that is wonderful to hear and to see.

Summer Memory #3 - Nature Walk

Life goes by quickly. We scurry around from soccer practice to piano lessons and through Drive Thrus so often that we forget to stop and take a look at our surroundings. When I announced that we were going on a nature walk, I was met by two pairs of skeptical eyes and a chorus of whines that echoed through the canyon. But when I told them we were looking for BUGS, we were out the door before you could blink. (Those apples really don't fall the far from the tree, now do they?)

Our walk was peaceful and educational and we found the biggest nest of Rolly Pollys ever! For me and my kids, it was a good day and we have dirt under our fingernails to prove it.

Twinkle, Twinkle Nightime Star

I am the product of parents who divorced at a very young age. In fact I often find myself thinking, wow, I am 6 years older than my parents were when they got divorced... how on earth did they manage?

I have fond memories of my time with each parent but one that particularly stands out in my mind is that of my father and his new apartment.

I must've been about 8 years old at the time and my brother about 4. I can only imagine that the thought of entertaining 2 small children on his own for the weekend must've been quite overwhelming for a newly single father. I'm not quite sure that his plans weren't out of desperation but never the less they made a lasting impression on me.

For whatever the reason, that night on the lawn behind my father's new and unfamiliar apartment, he decided to pitch a tent. He gathered sleeping bags and flashlights, maybe a few cans of Vienna Sausages and out to camp we went. I remember laying in our cozy tent with my father and brother and feeling such ease and happiness. I spent hours just making rabbit ear shadows on the wall and eating all the junk food I could stomach.

The darkened world outside my tent was both scary and fascinating. I could see into the silhouetted lives of the neighbors all around us and although I would later learn what actual camping was about, I was hooked. I don't think we made it past 10:00 before I was begging to go in but the evening made the strangeness of this new life with my dad go away and had given me a memory that I could treasure forever.

It was with that event lovingly nestled into my subconscious that I had an impromptu camp out with my family in the backyard last night. I pulled out old sleeping bags and pillows, laid them in the grass and invited them to join me. (Please note that we are big city dwellers and don't do things like camp in the backyard that often, if ever) Needless to say, my daughter wasn't quite sure what to make of it. But once she and my son settled onto their blankets and begin gazing up into the starry sky it all fell into place. And hopefully she'll be able to look back and remember the night we all snuggled next to each other, staring into the darkness and realized we must live in some sort of flight path.

Summer Memory #2 - Backyard Camp Outs

There is nothing better than sleeping under the stars or at least lying quietly underneath them until your 3 year old drifts off to sleep. Looking up at the night sky, you can't help but feel small and somewhat insignificant but in the eyes of the kids who ask you about the planets and listen while you go on about shooting stars and milky ways you are all-knowing and very special.

What You'll Need

Flashlights

Sleeping bags or blankets

Listening Ears

Quiet

The rest is up to you and your imagination. There are no limits to the stories you can tell , the songs you can sing and the shadow puppets you can make... and if you are lucky enough, you can hear the sweet sound of your little one drifting off to sleep. Just be sure to wake before the sprinklers....

Summer Fun... Let's Have S'More

I'm not quite sure how it happened but I have forgotten what the lazy days of summer are supposed to feel like. The feeling of sweating through your pajamas, watching the lightening bugs dance through the sky and running through sprinklers seems to have evaded me of late. My most recent adult life is chock full of scheduling and planning for future events, not living in the current ones.

As I look into the eyes of my children I try to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moments. To Savor the summer before it is gone to be replaced by yet another and another one after that until I find myself wishing I had taken more time. That I had stopped and been present.

So my goal for the few days that are left in this summer is to help my children experience the things that I loved most. To count down the final days of school book freedom like a child would, to laugh more, to live more.

Summer Memory #1 - S'mores

Nothing reminds us more of the camaraderie of camping, than roasting marshmallows over an open fire. The thrill you get when your marshmallow is engulfed in flames and the way your heart beats as you pull it close to you to blow it out is beyond compare when it comes to simple summer activities.

The exact origin of the S'more is unclear as is when it was invented but one thing is for certain, it remains a childhood favorite.

What You'll Need:

Graham Crackers
Large Marshmallows
Hersheys Chocolate
Long Sticks (Opened metal hangars, long sticks or tree branches, store bought S'mores Sticks*)
Open Fire

The rest is well, you remember. For those of you, like myself and my family, who quickly become S'mores enthusiasts, you might want to invest in some child safe marshmallow roasting sticks like those found at http://marshmallowstix.com/ or maybe you want to gather a bit more information on this yummy treat, I would suggest visiting http://www.geocities.com/suarezgfam/SmoresHistory.html.

Either way, turn off the television, go outside and if you're lucky you'll be laughing as you remove the stickiness from your daughter's hair and think, now this is summer!

Whose Apron Strings Are You Tied To?

I am convinced that aprons strings are always tied to memories. Whether with family members or colorful waitresses in diners, when asked most people can conjer up stong sensory memory of a woman and her apron.

Mine is of that of my great-grandmother "Granny". I was very young when I visited her but I will never forget her in her apron. The only reason I actually remember the fabric is because I now own the apron but the memory of my Granny is strong.

She was a formidable southern woman who lost her pinky to a lawn mower, dipped snuff ( tobacco chewing for those of you who don't know) and could shell peas and "put up" a whole garden's worth without blinking an eye. She was awe-inspiring and tough as nails and though I was afraid of her stump of a finger, even at that young of an age, I knew that I wanted just a little of what she had.

Her strength, her confidence, her courageousness....

I'd love to hear your apron memories. Please share them with me if you can.

Mmmmm....Weelicious Fans

We are greatful to Weelicious for their wonderful review of our Overall Aprons. We know that the boys are tough customers when it comes to aprons so we are happy to hear ours passed the test. Read on to see what the folks at Weelicious had to say:

In my experience, one of the major challenges as a parent is getting kids dressed every day. From the time kids first start to assert their independence around the age of two, having choice in what they wear is super important for them. Control is a very big deal for children and next to food, clothing is paramount.

Kenya has gotten to the point where he not only insists on picking out what he wants to wear, but he also negotiates how he wants and when he’s ready to be changed. I feel like I have to strategize every morning before I go in his room just so I have a plan of attack.

Keeping this in mind, when I got this adorable Beansoup apron, I wasn’t even sure if Kenya would let me put it on him. Fortunately, both sets of his loving grandparents recently got him a mini play kitchen so he could cook just like mommy. All I had to say was “do you want to put on a apron and do some cooking” and his arms flew in the air for me to place it on him. He loved that he could put utensils in the pockets and get to work making a feast. I love it because now he wants to wear his apron every time he eats, and so he doesn’t mess up his outfit before we head out for the day.

Beansoup makes 3 different styles: chef, cobbler and overall aprons, all in different fabrics for each cook’s unique style. I can’t even tell you how comfortable and sweet they look on future chefs. One step closer to culinary school!

Lights, Camera, Beansoup Aprons!

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of being guests at the Jr. Chef's of America cooking contest in the Sur La Table kitchen at the Grove in Los Angeles. Not only were there some very cool kids who were auditioning on camera to be the next Jr. Chef...they were all wearing some very cool aprons.

We just happened to capture this great shot of one of the contestants. Go to www.jrchefsofamerica.com for more information and browse around...they sell our aprons too!

Eco-Me DIY Kits Give Beansoup a Greener Purpose

We'd like to thank the fabulous folks at Eco-Me for including us in their 52 weekly tips email blast.

Beansoup Survives Bankruptcy Tuesday!

I'll admit, when I first heard about the new CPSIA law that went into effect last year, I panicked. How was a small company like mine going to possibly afford to get lead testing on it's products? What exactly did all of this mean? It was confusing and scary.

I am a mother of 2 wonderful kids and I have made it my life's work to make sure that they are safe and healthy. I buy organic foods, I use as many chemical free cleaners as I can and I watch like a hawk what they put in their mouths. But who am I kidding? As parents, we know that when we turn our backs, they ingest every ounce of junk food available, chew on batteries and light bulbs and maybe even lick the paint in their paint sets. The point is, we can't monitor them constantly so we have to know that what we are buying for them won't harm them. So I sat down and asked myself a few questions.

Would I want to buy my children a product that has dangerous levels of lead in it?

No.

Do I want manufacturers to be responsible for insuring that their products don't have excessive lead counts.

Yes.

To me it wasn't a question of could I afford to test my products, it was how quickly could I get them tested? How soon would it be before I could go to bed at night knowing that the product that I provide for children is safe? For me, it was a done deal and even though the CPSC generously granted a stay on certificates, I felt that it was absolutely my job to be prepared for the February 10 deadline.

The moral is, Beansoup will survive Bankruptcy Tuesday. We have been tested and according to our CPSC approved testing facility, our products are safe. Our certificates are ready, should anyone ask and we are prepared, confident and more than a little relieved.

So the next time my son chews on his favorite apron, I'll let it go and know that he will be just fine. I'm making it my life's work to protect my children as their parent and as a business owner it is my duty and my pleasure to protect yours...

No matter what the cost.

The Zest Loves Beansoup

The following was generously posted by our friends at The Zest.

Those strings

I wonder if I’ve created a monster. Not only does Quinn (six years old, and counting) feel free to comment on my couscous plan (”Mom, we need to add lemon zest”), just because she’s wielding a wooden spoon, she’s become rather attached to a certain breakfast preparatory ritual.

Every morning, she must carefully and thoughtfully select a color for her yogurt. Some moms let their salmon-resistant tots slather their filets with ketchup; I allow my girls to custom color their plain yogurt. It’s a benign concession, I think, this way of bargaining with them to give up on coercion in the dairy aisle, to just say no to added sugar with their active, live cultures.

But the color selection has become quite the process, one that involves Quinn climbing up to stand on the counter, opening the upper cabinet where the food coloring is kept, and removing all four boxes of food coloring — even though each box contains the same four colors. (Let’s not even try to determine why I have four boxes of food coloring. Just another one of life’s little mysteries.)

“Just pick a box!” I want to scream. But I don’t scream. Never, ever, ever.

Better yet, just name your color, I want to tell her (not in an exasperated voice. No, never). But she has to do it herself. Has to pick. Has to drop, drip-drip-drops of food coloring into her creamy daily dairy.

So, enthusiastic as she is to have her way with food things, I’ve decided to just enable her. Like every good mommy does. By praising her good intentions with buying her stuff.

Because both of my girls are so gung-ho right now in the kitchen, I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of Beansoup’s Chefs Aprons. They’re reasonably priced and come in sizes — a concept I can appreciate. I’m a sucker for a darling print, anyway — put one on an apron and I’m a goner. Beansoup’s durable fabrics are both charmingly mod and irresistibly retro.

Which is kind of how I feel when I cook. Apron strings tied on my terms. And it’s never too early to let my girls in on that, is it?

Clothing? Sure We'll Give It A Whirl!

I am an apron designer...or so I thought. All of the sudden people kept asking me when I was going to get into kids' clothing. And when I sat down to think about it, I wasn't sure I had an answer. What I did know was that my clothes had to be something special.

How to make the leap from aprons to clothing was where I was stumped. To me an apron is about imagination and creation. I wanted to come up with patterns that included those ideals but that were still modern and fresh.

And there it was, staring me in the face. Play Clothes for Real Life. Why wear a costume when you can wake up and actually be whatever it is that your imagination can dream up? Step into a role and create your world accordingly.

Our first foray is into the world of 50's Sock Hop. With the new addition of our modern take on the poodle skirt, we are on our way. Please look for us to add a couple of things to this new line in the coming months including a Circle Dress and a Mechanics Jacket for boys!

Clothing? Sure we'll give it a whirl...Beansoup Style!

Fill 'Er Up...Beansoup Style

What is it about getting older that makes us long to reminisce about the "good old days" and how is it that when I wasn't looking...I got older?

As I sat filling my car up at the gas station the other day, I was struck by a nostalgia that went way beyond the price of a tank.

I , in fact, found myself missing the friendly, grease-stained shirt of the gas station attendant. You know, the one who would brave the elements to greet you with a "fill 'er up, Ma'am?" and a half cocked smile?

I'll admit that the sheer masculinity of the man in the attendants shirt, moved me as a kid. These strong, sweat smelling men took care of our family car. They allowed us to get from one place to another, safely,with clean windshields and I miss that.

When I sat down and thought about what item I wanted to use to launch our foray into the world of kids' clothing, the gas station attendant once again got my attention. Why not make a cool kids version of the gas station attendant shirt...I mean what could be more cool, more masculine or more Beansoup?

Look for the new Beansoup Gas Attendant's Shirts on our website and in stores Summer 2009.

To Ink or Not To Ink...A New Apron From Beansoup

I am cool mom and although I consider myself to be on the hipper side of things when it comes to decisions for my kids, I am not quite ready to get my 5 year old's hair highlighted or to tattoo my sons favorite sesame street character on his chest.

So when I set my eyes on this Tattoo Art fabric, I knew it was a way that moms could express their cool without scarring the bulging biceps of their wee ones. A way to make a statement, not a life choice.

Don't let this apron fool you though, my daughter who is every bit as cool as me, loves it almost as much as her coveted pink poodle apron and has already requested that I put one aside just for her. And I will, proudly, as I daydream of her first Harley and hope that some day, some where, she will be just as cool of a mom as me.

http://www.fromthebeanpot.com/ChefsAprons.html

Grandma Doesn't Need Another Pair of Slippers

If you ask me, we all have too much stuff that means very little. As I sit looking over my son's toys that are collecting dust, unwanted and ignored, I can't help but think that the thing that kept his attention for over 2 hours today was bubble wrap. It seems no matter what our intentions, our gifts all fall short and feel as empty as our wallets.

What happened to the gifts from the heart? Have we forgotten the lessons of the Gift of the Magi? Does a pair of slippers say you are the best Grandma in the world? I know that if Nanny could have one thing for Christmas, it would be to remember all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's names. She doesn't need more stuff, just more time.

This holiday, I encourage you to look into your heart and think about what your friend or family member really needs. I guarantee you, it's not another pair of slippers.