AdorableDiapers.com announcements and other things that we want to talk about!

Annoucements and Fun Stuff

2011-03-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Whew! It's been a while....

So I get an email from this guy asking me where I got my blog template. Well, it's been so long, I had no idea.

I have spent the last hour trying to figure all of this out to no avail. I am starting over!!!!

My friend Lisa told me that this year, she was going "back to basics" and when she said that, I knew exactly what it meant to me. At that moment, I decided that I too would go back to basics. I mean, really, I have so much "stuff" and I haven't figured out that whole "balancing" thing, so why not! Sounded good!

AdorableDiapers.com speaks for itself. Our personalized diapers and gift baskets are still #1. We have an adorable, the ultimate sibling gift coming out soon. I can't wait to show you.

Publish Post

Monogrammed baby bottles...our own special version of a diaper cake...you will love it!!!! And just the best and most fun and most talked about gift you can imagine....just lots of good things!

Ok, so now that I have figured out where I am, then I will be blogging with you more.

Take care!
Sabain

Tis the Season to Get Ready for the Season

2010-07-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Back before, way back when, I can recall being hyper-cynical to all the holiday decorations and seasonal propaganda being shoved in my face in what I thought was the most inappropriate times of the year.

Well, I am here to tell you that I repent, I beg for retail mercy, I take it all back. I confess that if it weren't for the hot-to-trot retailers reminding those of us who aren't sure of the date, much less the day of the week, that I would not be as organized as I am...which is still pretty pathetic.

The holiday season brings with it, a spirit of miracles, of giving, of renewal, of hope, of people asking for Adorable Diapers donations. This requires a lot of planning, organizing, and my gratitude for those shops who celebrate "Christmas in July", I thank you with all my heart for the reminding me to get prepared, even if I don't. (It's the thought that counts.)

Well, let me tell you, Amy (my #1 WAHM) and I have been wiped out, over-extended, creatively challenged, and have always put in a lot of thought and a great deal of care with the charities with whom we have been asked to participate...but it's always under a deadline, the 11th hour, praying Amy will not kill me because I needed something yesterday.

So as I sit here, I am coming up with my "let's do this list", so who knows, perhaps this is "Our Season" to be ready, to be set, and when it's time for "go", we're gone. But perhaps there is a part of me who thrives on the pressure, lives for the moment and just doesn't want to conform to the retail regimen.

Guess we'll have to wait and see....it's only July after all. Right?

As always, Be Well, and brace yourselves, the holidays are right around the corner!!!

Yours,
Sabain

"Do you even know what I do?"

2010-06-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe it's just me, but it seems like some family, friends, perhaps even my very own sweet and adoring husband have NO clue what it means to be a WHAM.

Work at Home Moms (at least this one) face a relentless amount of distractions and confusion, undermining and manipulation....and mine come in sizes 2T and 6.

Even my sweet baby dog, Gary, is guilty of trying to sabbotage my working domain. I know he's out to destroy my business in order to have me all to himself.

What "they" don't know is that I am driven. I am confident. I am strong. I am determined to succeed. Well, that is how I feel today. Maybe it's because the sun is shining, the kids are out swinging on the swingset and my Utopia may only last a few moments, but I know not to take the moment for granted.

So I am here today, with super-cape and super powers to encourage you all to take the moments (in my case--the seconds) that no one can distract you from your Moment and Shine like moon on the darkest of night and and and....

Who am I kidding...being a WAHM is an incredible opportunity to stretch one's sanity and see how much a mom can really take before totally snapping.

I am signing off and instead of going back to my massive order that needs to be out tomorrow, instead of trying to explain that I need to work, I see a size 2T and a size 6 that are in desperate need of being sprayed with a garden hose....

Happiest of Sunday's to you....
Sabain

Ok. What's next?

2010-03-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

Ok. What's next?

http://www.adorablediapers.com/ is being asked "what's next"? Our personalized diapers gift basket are the most popular new baby gift item. We have shipped to POLAND! We are going to be in Kelli's Gifts May catalog. So, what's next?

Well, I can't tell you!

Trust me, it's going to be amazing, awesome and of course, Adorable!

In the meantime, I am thinking about the future. Lots of thoughts and ideas scampering through my head.

What would you like to see us do? I'd like to know your thoughts!

Have a fabulous day!
Sabain
http://www.adorablediapers.com/

www.AdorableDiapers.com Goes Rambo

2010-02-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, so not Rambo, more like Matt Damon in the Bourne Series....

Sometimes, when I can, I have the pleasure of making the Adorable Diapers personal deliveries. It is such a thrill when I have time to do it.

So, today was one of those times.

I was walking through the parking lot of this gigantic office building, lost in thought over just having heard my friends on 101 The Rose, Michelle and Dennis talking about the Olympic sport Curling and having a great laugh, I felt what seemed like hundreds of eyes watching me. I have to say, if it wasn't for this nasty weather, I never would have made it to the door without being stopped and questioned over this huge gift basket I was schlepping.

Finally, I make it in and start to enter the office where the gift basket is going. The receptionist bursts out of her chair and says, "YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE WITH THAT!".

I jumped back and she, like, pushes me out of the way like a ragdoll! I started laughing and she realized what she had done, didn't bat an eye, and told me to stay put. And I dare not move, she was quite serious.

Apparently, the mother to be worked in the front of the office and father to be worked in the back of the office. My bright and shiny, dedicated receptionist was at a loss on what to do.

After thinking long and hard, we devised a plan... "you go thatta way, I will go thissa way". And what do you know, it worked!

But for a brief moment, I felt like a super sleuth, Bloodhound Gang, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby all rolled into one.

The thrill of seeing everyone in that office coo and woo and awe and ohhh was just priceless.

However, I have decided that delivering baby gift baskets is dangerous! I think I can handle the "every once in a while" deliveries. It was fun.

I hope that you all have these exciting moments in your life and enjoy them as much as I do!

Be well,
Sabain Mandell
http://www.adorablediapers.com/

Finding the Perfect Gift

2010-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I found myself shopping for a little girl in my son's kindergarten class who is having a birthday!

As most of you know, I have two boys, so shopping for little girls is such a treat!

Well, let me tell you, there are SO many adorable toys and gifts for little girls! I had NO idea! I finally made my selection, and as I was checking out, my mind wandered to http://www.adorablediapers.com/, and I thought how lucky I am to offer unique, fun, personalized gifts for baby boys and baby girls.

I swelled with pride knowing that my customers love the co-creative process and how they keep coming back for more.

It's rare that you can find a gift like personalized (and adorable!) baby diapers like ours, where the customer becomes the fashion designer!

So, now, I am just beaming with joy that I offer such a wonderful service to so many people looking for that one special baby gift that will set them apart from all other gifts.

I get such a thrill from that, and I have to thank my clients, for their never-ending support and for sharing their joy and happiness when celebrating a newborn, or that trendy tot!

THANK YOU for making my work at home job, my work from home moms and for making http://www.adorablediapers.com/ a fun and fancy gift that mom and dad, grandma and grandpa will love!

Yours,
Sabain

No Gifts Allowed!

2010-02-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

No Gifts Allowed!

One thing that I really don't do is talk about the charity work we do. We have been very fortunate to be able to do and give as much as we can...it's in our hearts and I am married to a man who is very giving, and we both come from very giving and loving families.

The first four years of my son's life, his birthday party invitations said, "No Gifts Allowed!" and of course, he'd still get gifts, but what I would do is count how many people came to celebrate his birthday and multiply that number by $5 and send that total into a charity.

Last year, I broke my rule and allowed children to bring gift, after all, he was the Big 5 and I thought it would be ok. I thought wrong. I still did the $5 per person and sent in money to the charity "Nothing But Nets". But I felt very weird about accepting gifts when I knew darned good and well that there are children who never get to celebrate a birthday. Trust me, my children long for nothing!

A few days ago, I asked Jackson why he was crying and he sat up straight and his voice got deep and he said, "I cry because I am used to getting everything I want, and when I don't get what I want, it makes me very sad".

Needless to say, this rather digusted me, and it's my fault. Realize this, though, Jackson is a sweetie pie and he never asks for anything. He will see an ad on tv and get all excited and say that when he turns 18 or older he is going to get Moonsand! So sweet. Anyway...

SO! This year, I already know that we are going to have a party at the movies and watch "Toy Story 3" and that's fabulous and fun with great friends and neighbors, right?! Last year, we had a magician and it was so fun! Tonight as we were talking about his birthday and the past and the plans, I told Jackson that we were going back to our orignal "No Gifts Allowed" and I explained the devistation in Haiti and I asked him if he was ok with that, and if he understood, and he said he'd rather give to charity than get gifts.

Then HE came up with an idea. He suggested that on the invitations, I write that each Friend should not bring a gift, but that they should bring $5 to give to the children of Haiti and give his friends the feeling of doing something good.

My heart swelled with pride.

I hope that my children grow up to be charitable and giving, and I hope that they know that no matter how little we have, we will always have more than someone else.

I encourage you to follow suit with Jackson's idea and help the many victims of Haiti. We can't forget them, after the songs, the celebrities, and the story fades away, we need to remember them and not forget the children, the mothers, the fathers, the uncles and aunts, grandparents, cousins, the People of Haiti and do as much as we possibly can, because no matter what we don't have, we will always have more.

God Bless and let's not forget them.

Yours truly,
Sabain

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T04:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

When http://www.adorablediapers.com/ celebrates a holiday, we go big! For our customers, we did some adorable diapers with the most adorable little love bug on them! So cute.

We love being creative, especially during the holidays and what I have found over the past 3 years, is that the holidays really sneak up fast! I finally realized that scheduling things, two or three months in advance is the answer. Not rocket science, and I am embarrassed that it took me that long to come up with this "brilliant idea".

My goal today is to be with my children who are my little lovies and eat lots of chocolate! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Yours,
Sabain Mandell
http://www.adorablediapers.com/ creating unique and special personalized gifts for baby and toddler!

What Goes Around....

2010-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I am not talking about the song by Justin Timberlake.

Nope. Instead, I am speaking from personal experience. See, yesterday I was given a website to see how many hits my compeition is getting and, I confess, I was having way to much fun with it.

So, I decided to do some SEO work and totally messed up my website. Naturally, I freaked.

When I was unable to get a response from my lovely web designer - I adore you - but you've been making my life and my business suffer - so not too happy at the moment with you - we'll talk later! <===

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I could not get my web designer to return my begging and crying, so I had to figure out what I did, and undo it.

Now I am having head and heart conflict. See, I pride myself on helping mothers. I have WAHMs who help me every day of my life and the success of http://www.adorablediapers.com/ depends on them. But yet, here I am, working with a web designer, whom I care about and I can't get a call or email in a dier time of need. So, my head says, one thing, and my heart says, "she is a mom...doing the best she can". I don't know why she won't contact me....she won't contact me to tell me! haha!

So, is going with a company who is well-staffed to help the likes of me when I push the "red" button by mistake, or hanging in with my mom, staying true to my convictions, is that the answer?

As a business woman, I Know what I should do. But as a Mother, trying to make my way in this world, having to deal with so many challenges, I also Feel that I Know what I must do.

Does that make sense or do I sound psycho?

It's not easy for me. What kind of experiences have you had working with (or for) Work At Home Moms (WAHMs) that you can offer to me to keep me on the right path?

Be warm and toasty...so many are not.

Yours truly,
Sabain Mandell

News News News

2010-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Well, 2010 has started with a BANG!

We have a deal with a major distribution company which will allow Adorable Diapers personalized diapers exposure to over 4,000 (YES-FOUR THOUSAND!) gift shops, baby boutiques, and the like all across the country!

Our gift baskets continue to be a hot new baby item for baby showers and birthdays. The favorite personalized gift!

We can only continue to grow and see good things happening for Adorable Diapers and all the wonderful work at home moms (WAHMs) who help keep this place sane!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being on this journey with me.

Yours truly,
Sabain Mandell, COM
Chief Operating Mom
http://www.adorablediapers.com/

Great Example of Being a WAHM...

2009-08-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed with being able to share my days with my boys and run my business from home. The support I get from my friends and family is unwavering.

However! Sometimes! I don't think they truly "get it".

I want to share one example of what a typical WAHM might have to deal with during her work day.

Yesterday, I got my two boys, (5 and 2) set up with snacks, and the movie "Cars" (btw can't wait for the new one to come out!). I was in my groove, busting out adorable diapers, wrapping, shipping, opened FedEx account (and still ended up using UPS), processing orders, thinking, and I hear a cry.

Moms, you know the difference in the cries, right? Well, this one I heard was the "I am pissed off" cry. I reluctantly pulled myself away from all this work and getting things done and knocked out, to see why the little one was so upset.

Again, tremendously blessed, my office window faces the fenced in back yard and I leave the back door open so kids, dogs, cats, critters can come and go as they please, and I can make a mad dash out the door if I hear "the other cry".

So I go out to see what's up and there is my poor angel baby covered in sand. It's in his face, up his nose, in his hair, in his tears, and I look at the big brudder, and he's not as covered, but looking very guilty.

I just stood there, thankful that no one was hurt, and I shook my head and said, "let's go boys, bath". And the screams of HOORAY and LAUGHTER filled the air.

See, when I decided to leave the corporate world and work from home, I had an idea of what I was signing up for. I knew that it was going to be different. I knew that it was going to be rewarding and heartbreaking at times. I didn't have any clue how difficult it would actually be, but I knew that I could handle it and I was ready to take it on.

I made the choice and not looking back for one second. My shipments still get out, my work still gets done, and I still get completely flustered and overwhelmed, but at the end of the day, I am happy and satisfied. Fried! Exhausted! But, a Good Mother! And that's how this whole adventure began!

Please share your adventures in WAHM-Land!

And, have a fun, EVENTFUL day!

Sabain

What to do when you want to run away...

2009-08-10T06:14:00.001-07:00

This morning, I woke up to my darling two year old's adorable smile and him saying, "Hi Mommy". I picked him up, and gave him a hug and a snuggle, guessed what time it was and WHAM! Out of the clear blue came the realization of everything that I had to do today, this week, that minute!

I just laid there with my precious lamb, wondering "how can I run away with my boys and start all over?". Of course, I didn't have a plan, which was a good thing, but for a few seconds, it actually sounded good!

With so much to do and so much to worry and fret about, I feel that if I just take one thing at a time, one project at a time, then I will be ok. I have to keep my head in check and not allow myself to get overwhelmed.

What do you do? Lists? Denial? Cupcakes? Gym? When you are feeling a little crazed and have too many things going on at once?

I need some advice!

In the meantime, hoping you are all planning on staying, and making this Monday so fabulous and wonderful. It's the start of a great, crazy week, but I don't think I would have it any other way!

Have a good one!
Sabain

How do people who aren't very nice stay in business? Does the nice guy always finish last?

2009-07-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

How do people who aren't very nice stay in business? Does the nice guy always finish last?

Getting ready to start my work day after taking care of the CEO and CFO, prepping my work station, looking at orders and a Thought crossed my mind...

How do people who aren't very nice stay in business? Does the nice guy always finish last?

Have had a very "challenging" week...and tis not over yet! Or maybe from the children watching, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it triggered this Thought.

So, the question remains. What defines a Good Business Person? The money? The ethics? The loyalty? I am going to have to give this some more Thought.

What do you think?

Best Compliment Ever!

2009-07-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

Just had a phone call from yet another satisfied customer!

She said my diapers are the best, and that they are "the Versace of diapers!"

So sweet. It makes my heart sing when I hear that. She, like so many, touch my life and make my passion grow more and more each day.

She is going to email pictures! I can't wait to see them!

Remember, if you blog you get points that turn into cash to be used on your next purchase!

We are also offering a Box of Diapers. It's 4 dozen diapers of the same size, for only $49.95. Perfect for preschool!

Well, it's been such a wonderful morning and I am feeling truly Blessed. My life has been such a Blessing and I am so grateful for everything and everyone that I have in it!

Thank you!

New! Adorable Basket Tissue Paper Option

2009-07-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

We got a new gift basket tissue cover called "Baby Blocks" and how cute it is!

It has a white base, with all the colors of baby, so it's neutral, and the edges are die cut! I flipped when I saw it. So, the edges, instead of being straight, are cut in a way that look like baby blocks!
Super cute. I can't wait to use it.

Of course, my little "helpers" went crazy over the delivery box. One delivery ago, I went into my office and left them in the playroom, just inches, feet, steps away, and was on the phone with a customer and when I hung up, I came out and they were laughing and screaming with all kinds of delight! They had gotten into my order and there was blue ribbon, green ribbon, white ribbon strewn all over the place.

I rarely go crazy when my CEO (Crying Everso Often) and my CFO (Crying Freaking Often) do what I think is "kid stuff". They are little and they are only little for a short period of time. And, I felt like I did a bad job of keeping the ribbon out of their reach, and THEN I launched into that "omg! they could have been hurt"...this usually saves them from being sent to their rooms.

So that delivery that came yesterday got stocked and put away so fast!

In the meantime, I did get that adorable tissue paper and hope that you all love it as much as I do!

Philadelphia & New York International Gift Show

2009-07-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to get over to the Philly Gift Show this past Sunday.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I met amazing vendors, people pumped and excited about their products, their brand, and just an amazing energy in that place!

We had decided to go in as buyers, and not get a booth, because frankly, not knowing what to expect, I didn't want to chance wasting money, and I like to get it right the first time.

I met reps from a couple of different companies and talked about Adorable Diapers. I have to advise you, no matter how excited, greedy, anxious, nervous, you are when talking to people about your business, if it doesn't feel right, shut up, and be polite and walk away. I am not like a ching-chang-ding-a-ding-dong (for those of you who used to watch the BBC tv Show, Absolutely Fabulous) and can somehow read people, but I do trust my big ole gut. And I did meet a couple of people I felt that I would not jive with very well. I could feel problems already. You know what I mean?

But I did have a company that I met inadverdantly and they seem like what I would be looking for. Happy accident, if you will. I liked everything they said and I look forward to talking with them soon.

I wish I could go to the NYC International Show. I don't think I have seen anything until I have seen that! One day. I don't know what's stopping me from going, actually. Have to think about that and get back to you!

In the meantime, have a lovely day with peace and harmony...you know, the things that aren't present here in Casa de Crazy.

Have you been to any gift shows? What was your experience?

ps: the food they had catered in was GOOOOOOD!

WAHM's...is a vacation really a vacation?

2009-07-15T06:56:00.001-07:00

When you go on vacation, do you take a laptop? Do you check your email? Do you answer calls, make them to your suppliers?

I am on vacation with my family and friends. I lasted 3 days without any thought of Work. Then, my husband arrives with laptop in tow. That changed everything.

Before I left, I made sure all my orders were out. I even had our sitter come the morning of our departure to get that last one delievered!

Oh, I also ordered my supplies that I was running out of with delievery options to make sure they were at my house by the time I got home.

Is that normal?

I know that I am not alone in this insanity.

I am enjoying my vacation very much. My boys and I have gone swimming, played in all over this resort area, but still, when I come back to the villa and see the laptop, it's too hard to resist.

This morning when Teddy wanted a drink at 2 am, I took care of him, and hopped on my sites and realized it was suddenly 3 am!

WHY WHY WHY?

Do we put so much pressure on ourselves that we can't take a break? Is it because our business holds so much value to us that we can't let it be left alone too long or else we think it's going to be doomed and self-destruct?

Maybe WAHM's are made differently? Yes, that must be it. We are "momprenuers". We are blessed with our family, our friends, and our love of the pressure and chaos that working from home provides! Maybe there is some control-freak in the mix.

Whatever it is, I know that I have drive and determination to "have it all" and that comes with a price. Some days it's easy, and other days, the price seems so extraordinary that it becomes a little overwhelming...but everything seems to magically fall into place.

So here I am. Loaded with coffee and a blueberry muffin. Ready to take on what's left of our vacation. Making a Choice not to stress, or worry about anything other than "what are we going to do today?".

Humm....what ARE we going to do today? Better go meet with my Board of Directors and figure it out.

Enjoy your summer vacations and if you MUST work, then don't worry, I get it. You can have it all, just make sure you know what comes first and remember that our children will be off to college sooner than we think!

Be well, take care, and share your vacation stories with me!

New Summer Camp Special!

2009-07-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

We are now offering a Summer Camp Special for our little toddler friends who are still in diapers!

You can get a box (4 dozen) of personalized diapers for $49.95.

Let us know what size you need and away we go!

WAHM...is that a pun?

2009-06-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Is it REALLY possible to be a Work At Home Mom with small children?