Let's Play School

The other day, I overheard a young girl on the subway telling her father that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. This got me to thinking... how come some kids love school, and the idea of learning, while others can think of nothing but summer vacation?

I remember when I was a kid, I loved to play school. My brother and i would take turns being the teacher (I usually was!) , and each of us would patiently sit at our desks with our pencils and notebooks, pretending to learn.

Nowadays, my boys play on the computer...no desk or teacher! And I know that it's not just my boys. With TV and video games being so dominate in their life, are kids pretending as much anymore?

Or is school, and the idea of education, less "fun" than it used to be?

Feeling Grateful

I woke up this morning overwhelmed with gratitude. There are SO many people in my life that help me everyday! In business so many times we selfishly hold onto information and don't share it out of fear. So, today's the day I throw it back to the world!

At the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. I work with talent that never ceases to amaze me:
- My uber talented friend, Ron Giusti, designs our amazing e mails and website.
- My good friend Polly Wilson of Barn Dandys has been my counselor whenever I question my parenting skills
- My dear amigo, Jamie of Jamies Painting & Designs motivates me whenever I can't figure out what the next step is
- Shannon Sunderland & Ann Anderson are young, talented jewelry designers who's mom jewelry has captured the hearts of many new moms!
- Vicky Vinson in my Oklahoma workshop who's careful craftsmanship in our Custom Corner furniture and relentless belief in our company vision inspires me everyday
- My crazy and beautiful art director, Samantha who has weathered so many storms and still comes up with brilliant new ideas.
- The people in our warehouse who make sure each package is delivered on time
- My husband, Brad who's belief in me and the company never waivers
- My 3 boys who inspire me everyday to work harder and smarter

I am thankful I have such talent in my life yet most importantly, that I am not going it alone.

In love with old

I admit I love almost everything old or vintage. So as I am in the mist of a major Spring cleaning at home, I find myself rarely parting with any of my flea market finds, vintage outfits or classic toys!

In fact, nothing makes me happier than to see my youngest son wearing a shirt that my oldest son once wore...or even better, playing with a wood toy all three played with.

We live in a day and age, where children's clothes are so inexpensive we'd rather toss them out than "darn" them. In fact, do any of us have a "darning" basket like our grandmothers? Do mom's today sew on patches on jeans, sew back buttons or even hem? It makes me sad to think that as prices for everything come down, so does the value we place on them.

Toys today are so inexpensive, that people often look past longevity and quality for price. The Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. tries to offer value and quality. One of our favorite new pieces, is our custom cradle. It is both hand painted and hand sewn in our Oklahoma workshop. At $48, this heirloom piece (designed to be passed down for generations) seems like a bargain to me.

The bigger question I suppose is how much value do moms truly place on quality. You tell me.

Hey moms, need some inspiration for starting a business?

Just wanted to make a quick plug for the March issue of Country Living magazine...it's chock full of inspiration for women thinking of starting their own business. My good friend Polly Wilson of Barn Dandys fame is showcased among other super star women.

And if you are really motivated, you can join me, Country Living and all the other Entrepreneurs of the Year in Chicago on March 15th for a full day conference.

Crafting a Business doing what you love!

Last week, I had my first book signing!

Kathie Fitzgerald wrote beautiful book, Crafting a Business, using entrepreneurs showcased in Country Living magazine. For those of you interested in starting your own business, race out to Barnes & Noble and pick up a copy! Loads of great ideas, tips and tricks and funny stories.

Not knowing what to expect for a Friday night gathering, I was overwhelmed with how TALENTED my co-panelists were...both Cozbi Cabrera and Elisa Strauss have not only written books (and featured cover models at right) but also were so inspiring to listen to, I was thrown into a creative tizzy.

The audience was filled with smart, creative women who had started their business or looking to take the plunge. All in all it was a very energizing and supportive venue and once again reminded me (in the middle of January duldrums!) why I started the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co.

Because I LOVE fabrics, bedding, creating, crafting and creative moms!

It’s a Pirates Life for Me!

My boys love to dress up as pirates and set sail around our house. My youngest swashbuckler is often forced to walk the plank unless he completes some roguish deed. (Stealing cookies from the cookie jar!)

Our living room becomes a massive ship using couch cushions. Pirate booty is divided and hidden in secret boxes. Of course, the highlight of every adventure is the sword fights that break out to protect their jewels or ship. Each child is artfully armed with a makeshift sword that swings from their handmade belts.

So mom’s, if you fancy hosting aspiring young Jack Sparrows to pirate duels, check out our loot. Our bestselling pirate gear is on sale just in time for Christmas.

Anna Maria Horner: In the Mix

Anna Maria Horner: In the Mix

Fabulous Fabrics

No need to scrounge around flea markets to find fabulous vintage fabrics any more! With so many young hipster designers like Heather Bailey, Amy Butler, Polly Wilson, Cath Kidston, I am BURSTING at the seams with new ideas for the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. Textiles feed my soul somehow---I am happy surrounded by their colorful textures and whimsical patterns.

While other people, fantasize about shoes, fabulous trips, Brad Pitt!...I think and dream of fabric.

And although, thankfully, I am out of the diaper stage, I fell in love with these diaper covers using Heather Bailey's new Fresh Cut collection. They may even put a touch of fun in a not so exciting life stage!