The Biz: The Grapevine

Color, Texture and Design: Extraordinary Clothing from April Cornell

By Sandra Simmons

Take a mental journey across the centuries, stepping back to the courts of Paris and following trade routes to exotic destinations within India, to Hong Kong and then around the globe to the New World. Now, transport that cultural tapestry back to the present and weave it into an uncommon line of feminine clothing for children. Such are the inspired visions for infants, little girls, and big girls as captured in children’s clothing from April Cornell.

The Grapevine

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it SNOW TO GO^®!

By Angela Pike

Winter is fast approaching and with that comes the excitement of SNOW! Something about the delicacy and pureness of a fresh snowfall is captivating as it floats from the heavens and blankets the earth below. Children are especially taken with the phenomenon of snow and, from the first flake, long to touch it, roll around in it, and hurl it into the air! Yet not every child gets to experience snow, or at least not as often as they’d like. With Snow To Go^®, children can celebrate the joy of snow all year long!

The Grapevine

Grasshopper Prep Kits Make Learning Fun

By Rachel Ballard

With the average 3-year-old watching several hours of television every day, pediatricians are making recommendations to get kids off the couch and engaged in active learning. Parents may feel unequipped to help their little ones find constructive activities, but thanks to the expert design of Grasshopper Prep Kits, all the work is done and parents and children can enjoy creative and fun learning time together!

The Grapevine

WebRappers Keep on Greeting for Any Occasion

By Michelle Armstrong

When Debbie Runge and her father received more greeting cards at a shared birthday party than they could keep, Debbie decided to invent a product that, unlike cards, could be paid forward and reused over time. That thrifty thought led her to create WebRappers, re-recordable 8” plush toys that can be customized with songs and personal greetings. Velcro on WebRappers allows gift givers to wrap the toys around presents to celebrate special occasions and milestone events. They can be wrapped around cribs, baskets, bottles and practically anything one can imagine!

The Grapevine

When Sand is a Beach, Sand Gone Cleans Up!

By Michelle Armstrong

A trip to the beach with her daughter gave Tiffany Smith a wave of creative inspiration that turned the tide for a new product and business. Like her previous experiences after seaside outings, it was very difficult to clean sand from her little girl’s body and clothing to prevent a car full of the gritty residue that would eventually find its way back to her home. To combat the ongoing challenge, Smith invented Sand Gone — a special blend of all-natural, non-toxic talcum powders that easily remove sand without the need for water.

The Grapevine

Noellas Presents Picture-Perfect Gifts

By Angela Pike

The quest for the perfect gift for a baby or child can be a challenge. Many gift buyers search for something practical, yet also seek that adorable and unique factor to make their gift memorable. Noellas has met this demand with handcrafted fabric picture frames available in an array of shapes and fabrics for boys and girls of all ages. Noellas is a family-based business that has grown into a team of friendly, down-to-earth people always looking to help their retailers and consumers.

The Grapevine

Hipdaisy Blossoms with Carefree Versatility

By Rachel Ballard

Hipdaisy, a collection of free-flowing apparel for girls is versatile, fun and fancy-free. Created by Jacqueline Stouse, Hipdaisy offers the casual freedom of easy moving cotton fabrics in bright colors that can be mixed and matched with items already hanging in the closet. Easily paired with jeans, leggings or a simple cardigan sweater, Hipdaisy fashions provide value and adaptability. Since its launch two years ago, this up-and-coming brand has enjoyed success as a one-stop choice for everything laid back, yet stylish for girls.

The Grapevine

PregoFit Keeps Expectant Moms Movin' for 9 Months!

By Rachel Ballard

From the first moment a woman finds out that she is expecting, her world becomes full of questions. Deciding which foods are best, stopping bad habits, and improving overall health can be overwhelming. Finding an ideal exercise plan is also a concern for many women, but with all the dos and don’ts, some are afraid to exercise at all! Thanks to the creator of PregoFIT, expectant women no longer have to worry about over-doing an exercise routine or keeping up with repetitions that might be too stressful for certain stages of pregnancy.

The Grapevine

Peek Away is the Peak of Versatility

By Rachel Ballard

Breastfeeding is a special time for mother and child, but can be challenging for moms with busy lifestyles. The creators of Peek Away understand this difficulty firsthand. Always traveling, creators and parents Natalie and Glen Sanders wanted a nursing pillow that would allow Natalie to nurse her baby on the go without having to lug a huge wrap-around style breastfeeding pillow. With its unique streamlined design, the Peek Away is the perfect alternative for many moms. The convenient Peek Away does double duty as an all-in-one breastfeeding aid and portable diapering center.