TLB Sponsor Black Friday Deals and Beyond

Jessica and Kitty A.

Happy Holidays, dear Leakies!

Many of the wonderful sponsors of The Leaky Boob who believe that you deserve to receive quality support, encouragement, and information, would like to extend special discounts and offers to you this Holiday season!  From Black Friday, to Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, and beyond, please take a look at the list below to see if there is just the deal you were looking for!

If not for you, then why not for a friend?  Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a season of giving.  Who do you know that would just love to receive one of the special items below?

From The Leaky Boob and all TLB community sponsors, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and wonderful Holidays!

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Black Friday, November 28

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

JunoBlu           Fashionable breast pump bags for On-The-Go moms
Up to 30% many favorite Mom and Baby brands like Undercover Mama, Bamboobies, MilkMakers, and Juno Blu of course,  at ohbabyblackfriday.com with code OHBABY2014

 

KoalaKin          Hands-free nursing pouch, adjustable, comfortable
30% off any KoalaKin at koalakin.com with code KoalaBlack

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear  Your baby’s heartbeat recorded in a cuddly teddy bear
30% off everything at mybabysheartbeatbear.com with code GOBBLE

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nine Naturals  All-natural, quality beauty products for pregnant and nursing moms
– Spend $75+, get 15% off with code BF15 at ninenaturals.com
– Spend $125+, get 20% off with code BF20
– Spend $200+, get 25% off with code BF25

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code FRIDAY20

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Rumina          Comfortable, supportive, hands-free pumping bra in a nursing tank
Free shipping and 20% off the entire Pump&Nurse Collection at ruminaformoms.com with code TankU14

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
20% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Small Business Saturday, November 29

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code SHOPSMALL

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Sunday, November 30

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Cyber Monday, December 1

___________________________

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
Free bag of one of our milk-making tea blends with purchase of 2 or more boxes of Fenugreek Bars at mrsmilk.com with code mrsmonday14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nine Naturals  All-natural, quality beauty products for pregnant and nursing moms
Free Body Balm with every purchase at ninenaturals.com!  Our gift to you!

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code MONDAY20

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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December 2nd, and Beyond!

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Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com
Through December 2.

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014
Through December 3.

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Select carseats on sale in the clearance section; here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
20% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com
Through December 9

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15
Through December 31!

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)
Through December 2.

Unless specified, discounts apply to US residents only.

Snugabell giveaway

From the fiery age of twelve, Wendy has designed, cut, sewn, and created clothes for herself, inspired by her mother, who made clothes for her and her sisters.  Wendy has always been particular about the way fabric feels, and with her keen eye for color and sense of style, it just made sense for her to start sharing her creations with the world.  Today, she does just that through Snugabell, where she first presented us with this idea that a hands-free pumping bra can not only be practical, but stylish and fun as well.  She can’t help it; creative people just won’t be satisfied with merely functional.  Get to know Wendy a bit better by reading on, and discover the Toni Dress; maternity, nursing, pumping and beyond, this beauty may just be your new favorite garment.  Enter for your chance to win one below.  

The_Bell_Family_2012_web

TLB: Wendy, you have superb taste in fashion..  Has this always been the case or was it something you developed over time?

Wendy:  Wow.  Superb?  Not sure about that, but I’ll take it!  My mom sewed a lot of my sisters’ and my clothes growing up.  I was always pretty particular about fabric, colour and style, even from a young age.  I remember standing at my closet (albeit a very small closet) each school day “wondering what to wear”.  I was not allowed to use my mom’s sewing machine until I took Home Ec in Grade 8, at 12 years old.  After that I spent a lot of the money earned at my first job buying fabric and patterns and sewing my own clothes for hours and hours on the weekend.  So long story short, I think I was born with it.  Every person in my family is creative.

TLB:  
Are either of your girls showing interest in fashion yet, themselves?

Wendy:  
Antonia, my eldest (she just turned eight years old in November) both loves clothes and shopping for them.  What I enjoy the most is watching her draw and colour people and then ‘dressing’ them in original outfits.  They are always quite detailed and her work is apparently very advanced for her age.  She is a true artist in that she has to be inspired to produce her best work.  One of my sisters is an artist, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

TLB:  Tell us about the Toni line; inspiration, fabric choice, and design details.

Wendy:  When I had my girls, I didn’t buy much, if any, maternity or nursing clothing.  I did have some maternity clothing given to me by friends, and honestly, as soon as I gave birth, I couldn’t WAIT to give it away.  I *hated* the unsightly maternity panels that are commonly found on jeans and skirts.  I also disliked the “industrial-feeling” nursing bras (that seemed to be the norm at that time, especially for women that need a supportive bra like me) that were cut in a way that wasn’t compatible with the necklines of many of my favourite tops, so I switched to nursing camis with my second baby.  But honestly, the camis didn’t give me the support that I needed (but it was better than wearing that “armour”).

When it came time to diversify our product line, I was inspired to create clothing that works for maternity, nursing AND hands-free pumping that could also be worn after your child weaned (and that you WANTED to wear after your child weaned because it was gorgeous!).  We chose the modal fabric, which is essentially a rayon made from beechwood fibre, because it is luxurious, easy-care and lightweight (as we know how pregnant and nursing mamas tend to feel on the warm side).  The wrap panels are the cornerstone of the design, providing discreet nursing access as well as support for hands-free pumping all while flattering mom’s’ figure!

TLB:  When you were a new mother, what would make you feel pretty?

Wendy:  
Having a shower.  😉

TLB:  Moms are busy and may neglect themselves, happy to have their children just so.  What are some of your favorite fashion and beauty tips for moms?  After getting the kids ready, what can she do to look stunning in minutes?

Wendy:  Every woman has that outfit that she always gets compliments on – wear that and wear it often.  As for a five-minute makeover, I don’t leave the house without undereye concealer, blush and lip balm.  If I have five more minutes, a little bit of eyeliner and mascara and I’m golden.  My hair is naturally wavy/curly, so I kind of let it do its own thing.  If your hair tends to misbehave, grab your favourite hat and go for it!  And the easiest thing to don to look gorgeous is a smile!

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Wendy is giving away a stunning Toni™ Dress in Flame Red that you may just have to try on for your Valentine this year !

Retail value $86.00

The Toni Dress is designed for all stages of a busy mom or mom-to-be’s life – from pregnancy to nursing and beyond weaning. It even works for hands-free pumping! You can wear the Toni Dress with a jean jacket and boots for an everyday look or add some heels and fabulous jewelry and you’re out on the town for the evening.  When you wear the Toni Dress – you feel A-MAZE-ING. You know those garments that once you put them on, you are constantly stroking the fabric? Uh-huh, THAT’S the Toni Dress. It will quickly become one of THE favourite pieces in your closet.

TT-DR-FL_belly_fashion_web

TT-DR-FL_hands_free_pumping_web

Currently Leakies can find this and other Toni “bump, breast & beyond™” maternity, nursing and hands-free pumping clothing on the Snugabell website at:  http://www.snugabell.com/products/toni-top.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from February 11, 2013 through February 14, 2013.  A big thanks to Wendy and Snugabell for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@snugabell) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Mother’s Boutique Winner’s Choice Giveaway

Today we have a giveaway from TLB sponsor A Mother’s Boutique.  Read on for details on this opportunity and an interview with boutique owner, Judy Masucci.  I recently reviewed two maternity/breastfeeding tops Judy carries in her store, you can read that review here.  I hope you take the time to get to know this company that faithfully supports The Leaky Boob.

TLB:  What made you decide to have both a brick and mortar shop and an online store?

Judy:  I started my business out of my home in 2007.  For me it was the “lowest risk” way to start.  I had no overhead – so the only costs that I had were my inventory and whatever money that I spent on marketing and on my website.  My original idea was that I would go visit local moms in their homes – so that they didn’t have to venture out with a brand new baby.  And that I would provide moms with great resources online.  I did quite a few home visits in the early days.  But as the number of items that I carried grew, it became less and less practical for me to bring my store to the moms – so I started inviting local moms to come to my home to shop.  I did this until 2010 when I literally “out-grew” my home.  I had taken over my entire basement with boxes of inventory, my front foyer and my entire dining nook in my kitchen.  My house was overrun with boxes and inventory.  I also found that many moms didn’t want to come to my house to shop – so I wasn’t able to serve local moms as well as I would have liked.  So in January of 2010, I moved out of my home and into a retail space.  This enabled me to do two things: 1) Have a warehouse for my growing inventory and 2) Have a retail store where I could better service local moms.  I have been in my retail location for just over 2 years now and I already wish that I had more space!

 

TLB:  How do you select the items your store carries?  What do you look for in choosing your inventory?

Judy:  I always looks for items that I think will helps moms be able to breastfeed their babies.  I started the business because of the clothing, I lived in nursing clothing when my son was little and I wanted to bring together the cutest, most fashionable and best value items for other moms.  It can be difficult to find good quality items so I make sure that I bring in brands that I trust and I always try to have something for every budget.  Most of the styles that I carry can be worn both during pregnancy and beyond for easy breastfeeding so mom doesn’t have to purchase items that she will only wear during her pregnancy.  The items that she gets from me will last her throughout her pregnancy, during her breastfeeding years and beyond.  I still wear nursing tops and I am no longer nursing, but the styles are so cute and innovative that you can’t even tell they are a nursing top unless someone tells you.

I have also become somewhat of a “bra guru” and now carry over 50 different styles of nursing bras in every size from 32-48 band and A to M cups.  I am always looking to add new bra styles to my boutique to better service moms of every shape and size.  A bra is something that you wear every day so it needs to fit properly and be comfortable and fit and comfort are different for every woman.  I even offer Virtual Bra Fittings TM for moms who aren’t local!  I also try to satisfy every budget with bras ranging in price from $16 to $78.  With bras, no matter what the price range, I always try to find items that are high quality.  I don’t want them to fall apart after a few months of wear and I want them to be comfortable for lots of moms.  It is a huge investment for me to bring in a new bra line, so I always try out a sample in my own size first to see how the line fits and how it wears before I decide to bring it into my store.

Some moms want function, some want something pretty so I try to have something for every one.  Whether it is a dress to wear to a wedding, a bra to sleep in or a PJ set to make those middle-of-the night feedings easier, I try to have something for every need.  If it makes mom more comfortable breastfeeding and enables her to meet her personal breastfeeding goals, then I am all for it!  I never judge and I am always happy to help with advice or a referral.

 

TLB:  What is your favorite part of your job?

Judy:  My favorite part of my job is when I get to make a difference in a mom’s life.  I have gotten so many nice notes from moms who have shopped with me, both online and in person, it makes everything worthwhile when I am able to help out a mom.  Whether it is helping her find a great nursing bra or helping to find answers to her breastfeeding questions, when I can make a difference in someone else’s life  it is very rewarding.  That is the reason that everyone who shops in my store (in person and online) gets breastfeeding tips articles from me.  I wrote them and I give them out to everyone hoping that something that I have learned along the way will resonate with another mom and will help her along her own breastfeeding journey.

 

TLB:  You just celebrated your birthday, what’s your favorite kind of cake and how do you like to celebrate?

Judy:  I am a leap-year baby so I actually had a real birthday this year!!  Whenever I get a real birthday I always have a big party on my day.  Since it only comes once every 4 years  I like to make it special.  I am a traditional buttercream icing kind-of girl.  And I have a cake lady who does a FABULOUS job at making cakes (and cookies!).  I found her when my son was 2 years old and she has made every cake for us since then.  You can see her on facebook here.

Judy's son Javin

This giveaway is for any item up to $110 value from the Annee Matthew line Judy carries in her shop.  I reviewed 2 tops from this line (you can see the review and pictures here).  Anne Matthew is a manufacturer based out of Singapore, and like many moms in this business, she was inspired by her own breastfeeding experiences with her children to make clothing for moms that would enable them to easily breastfeed their babies.  Mom turned designer, her garnets are fashionable, high quality, and most can be worth through pregnancy and beyond.

Additionally, 3 runners up will be selected for a $15 gift certificate to A Mother’s Boutique.  Please be sure to stop by A Mother’s Boutique on Facebook and thank them for their support of TLB and this opportunity.  The giveaway is open from March 6, 2012 to March 12, 2012 and is available only to USA and Canadian entrants.

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 Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered and have fun browsing Judy’s shop.  A big thanks to Judy for her support of TLB and all breastfeeding women.

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