A Message from Phyllis Pometta, Founder of Baby Swags

Posted by BabySwags | Posted on 05-08-2010

Category : From The Editor

Tags: , , ,

ALL GOOD THINGS COME WITH TIME…and patience!

I have been in this business going on 4 years. My actual anniversary for being in business is September 6, 2006. With each gifting I have done, it has always felt like the first one all over again. I truly love what I do and truly love and respect all the companies that I have had the pleasure to work with over the course of my years here. There have been some major bumps in the road for me personally and professionally, but somehow I have held my head up high, have been grateful for these amazing opportunities and have always been true to myself and to my clients. I have been burned, as we all have at one point or another and I have dusted myself off, regained my focus, and pushed ahead and I am so glad that I did and that I never once caved in and gave up. So many times we question our business, our abilities, and we come so close to throwing in the towel. While we are always looking for the bottom line, sometimes you have to look at your appreciation. Is greed driving you or is true passion and love for what you are doing driving you? While I am not making millions of dollars over here at Baby Swags headquarters, I feel as if I am the richest woman on the planet. I have an amazing husband who, may not always say it the way I’d like to hear it, or express it the way he had planned, he is always there for me when I need him, and he is proud of all I have done. I have 3 children who are beautiful and amazingly talented in their own ways, who simply put, adore me. I have a family who loves me and is excited to see me get excited when I receive calls from Hollywood. I have a network of women *and men* who I completely respect and am honored to know. And, I have a growing and thriving business that I truly love and get excited for every day. While things may seem to take a long time to process and get together, like the boutique and the magazine…I know in my heart that with all this love and dedication it will all come together and be a huge success! After all, I am “building my empire” as I tell my children!

There will be some changes made at Baby Swags, from individual giftings, to pre & post gifting procedures, to levels of participation, and exclusivity. We are finally adding our magazine, Tots To Teens Magazine to our family of businesses and I am excited to share the guide with you. Baby Swags, The Mommy Mentor and Tots To Teens Magazine is currently entering a whole new world and the adventure with the three is just beginning. I am so happy to have you all be a part of my new adventures.

I’ve always said that if you surround yourself with the right team of people, anything is possible. I honestly believe that, which is why I am so grateful you have stuck with me over the course of my business journey. It’s amazing to me how I still have clients that have stuck by me since the very first gifting close to 4 years ago! All I can say to you all is thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me into your business journey. I hope that as the days, months and years go by we can all be appreciative in knowing that all good things come with time…and patience.

Education Crisis – You’re Voice Counts!

Posted by BabySwags | Posted on 21-05-2010

Category : From The Editor

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As a mom of three school aged children, I am seeing first hand as to what our school systems are faced with and it scares me. Our own school district is 16 million dollars in debt. Why? During the building/housing boom, our town was growing with families and the schools were too small. They built and built and now with four high schools, and countless middle and elementary schools, you obviously need to hire people to help run those schools, teachers to teach our children, and people to clean the schools, and so on. They spent money on things that we didn’t need (and still don’t, like the recorded ‘informational’ phone call messages they leave for you during dinner) and they expected the tax base to go on indefinitely. Now they, or we, are faced with solving this deficit problem within the next three years to comply with the State of Illinois mandate. You can check these links out for some more background on our own school and education situation: ABC 7 Chicago, Chicago Breaking News, Progress Illinois and of course, our very own Plainfield, Illinois school district 202 website.

This may not seem like a big deal to some, but it should. The choices we make today effect the children of today and tomorrow. By cutting back teacher salaries, eliminating teachers from our schools, removing extracurricular activities such as art, music and gym programs, decreasing bus routes, cutting sports programs, and foreign programs, it only means we aren’t fighting hard enough to keep them in tact. Our class rooms are already over-populated with each one having approximately 30 students to one teacher, so if you think the quality of their education isn’t hurting now, wait until you see mixed aged classes, or rooms with 30-45 students to one teacher. Mixed-aged classes are what they are planning to do with a select number of students from the third and forth grade in my childrens school. They are going to mix them together for specific classes to help with the budget recovery process. As a parent, no, I am not happy about this type of learning. Students need individual attention, they need to be able to connect personally with their educators, they need to have gym class (especially with childhood obesity at its highest), they need to have their souls nurtured with creativity, art and music, and they need it all to succeed in the 21st century and to help keep America competitive.

Thank You for speaking up for us!

Thank you for speaking up on our behalf!

The good news is that an education amendment has been added to the pending jobs bill in Congress, which will help schools avoid such drastic cuts. I am asking that you help me get the word out. We need to be one voice telling Congress to pass the Education Jobs Fund. We must let our congressional representatives know how we feel about children’s education as well as support our teachers! Ask your community to take action now because next week maybe too late! Have them go to http://www.capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=15045411&type=co to forward a letter directly to their representative to have their voices heard. More information on this important legislation can be found at http://www.educationvotes.nea.org.

It’s time to fight for the educational experience that our children deserve!

I love my Celebrity Magazines!

Posted by BabySwags | Posted on 07-04-2010

Category : Celebrity Chat, From The Editor

Tags: , , , ,

If anyone knows me, they know I love my celebrity magazines!  They are a part of my family…a part of my life, a part of my business and what I do for my clients, so it is only obvious that I have a fond appreciation for them.  It is with great pleasure for me to share news about them and for them.  With that said, Life & Style Weekly is debuting it’s new celebrity columns!

Check this out:

  • Reality TV mom KRIS JENNER to join as Life & Style’s advice columnist
  • EVA LA RUE’s wedding diary
  • WENDY WILLIAMS’ new column “Wendy Williams Gets the Last Word”

Englewood Cliffs, NJ (April 7, 2010) —  Life & Style Weekly today announces the launch of three celebrity columns in its latest issue, on newsstands now.

Keeping up with the Kardashians’ matriarch Kris Jenner will join Life & Style as the magazine’s advice columnist.  In her column, “Ask Kris”, the reality TV star and mom of six will tackle readers toughest questions about life, love, family and more! Also debuting in this week’s issue, CSI: Miami’s Eva La Rue shares her journey to the alter with her weekly wedding diary; and veteran columnist Wendy Williams is back – and bigger than ever – with her new full-page column, “Wendy Williams Gets the Last Word.”

A look at Life & Style’s new columns:

·       ASK KRIS: Kris Jenner, America’s favorite mom and star of Keeping up with the Kardashians, debuts her new advice column, “Ask Kris.”  The mom of six will bring her life experiences –  raising the Kardashian clan and guiding Kim, Khloé and Kourtney’s careers – to the pages of Life & Style as she weighs in on readers toughest problems about life, love, relationships, family and more. This week in “Ask Kris,” Kris Jenner gives her advice about chatty ex-boyfriends and shares her preventative skin care tips.

·       EVA’S WEDDING DIARY: CSI: Miami actress and bride-to-be Eva La Rue is getting married and bringing Life & Style readers along every step of the way!  Eva will share each magical moment in her weekly wedding diary as she plans her big day – from dress shopping and picking out her cake to inside her bridal shower and beachy destination wedding.

·       WENDY WILLIAMS GETS THE LAST WORD: Life & Style “Side Dish” columnist Wendy Williams is back – and bigger than ever – with her new weekly column, “Wendy Williams Gets The Last Word.” Host of the nationally syndicated program, The Wendy Williams Show, Wendy shares her no-holds-barred insider perspective on the biggest celebrity news stories of the week beginning with her five point plan to save Sandra Bullock! The column will be packed with her outspoken opinions, behind-the-scenes scoop from her hit talk show and Wendy’s juiciest run-ins with the stars!

I personally can’t wait to see what all three have to say every week!  Life & Style’s new columns debut in this week’s issue, on stands now!

Source: Life & Style

Getting Your Products to Celebrities

Posted by BabySwags | Posted on 14-10-2009

Category : Featured, From The Editor

Tags:

People often wonder why companies send celebrities products when they clearly make enough money to purchase it themselves. When it comes to celebrities, one thing is for certain; they draw media attention. When companies send products to celebrities they aren’t thinking about how much the product costs and whether or not they can afford to by it, they are thinking about the results that the media attention will bring to their company when the celebrity is seen, either on video or in a photograph with or wearing their product.

With each celebrity gifting option, there are different types, styles and costs to be involved, along with different results you can expect. It is best to do your homework and be sure you are comfortable with the company you are working with, this type of marketing campaign, and results you can expect before you even put your foot in the door.

Swag Bags: Swag Bags can generally be the least costly way to send celebrities your product, ranging anywhere from $50 to $800 for each gift bag promotion. A swag bag will typically consist of merchandise that is distributed to celebrities, musicians, media, or other high profile members of society and corporate America. You may be familiar with the Swag Bags given to celebrities for the Oscars, The Emmys, ESPY awards and many other celebrity awards ceremonies. Swag bags can be sent to one celebrity or a group of celebrities for many different occasions, so it is best to know the theme and the quantity of products needed before you agree to any gift bag promotion.

Gift Suites or Lounges: Usually with this option, the cost to be involved is in the thousands and numbers of products requested are in the hundreds. However, gift suites give you direct access to the invited celebrities, agents, stylists and media. Most are set up like trade shows. You will receive your table and draping, chairs, and will be allowed to have two representatives at your booth. You design your gift suite spot as you would your trade show booth with attractive displays, catchy signage and a charming personality behind the table. Be prepared to take your own pictures so don’t forget your camera!

Results: Swag Bags and Gift Suites are to be used as a form of marketing and advertising. People should not go into participating in luxury lounges or donating products to gift bags and expect many immediate returns. You should consider it to be part of you’re advertising campaign. Just like any other form of advertising, it takes time, patience, quality products or services, persistence and determination to promote your business. Some times advertising campaigns are an over night success, others take more time; some unfortunately don’t work at all. You need to find what works best for you and your company. While not all celebrities respond to gifts received, others will provide you with a quote, thank you note, or other communication that provides you with another way to gain coverage and credibility for your product or service.

Copyright © Phyllis Pometta: Phyllis Pometta is the founder and President of Baby Swags and Unforgettable PR. Baby Swags specializes in marketing and promoting juvenile related products to celebrity moms and their babies. Baby Swags parent company, Unforgettable PR offers gifting services for business carrying products for tween/teens and adults. Previous gifting events resulted in the gifted products being seen on A-List celebrity babies, features in national celebrity and business publications, and media interviews. There are many options to celebrity gifting and as a company that provides this service to its clients, we can see the value and credibility it places on our clients businesses and their products. For additional information visit www.babyswags.com or www.unforgettablepr.com

Inside Out Oreo's

Posted by Editor | Posted on 03-07-2009

Category : From The Editor

Tags: , ,

At first I thought this was going to taste nasty but after tasting just one, they have become my new found friend. I was always a huge fan of the Double Stuffed Oreo, but now that I have this new recipe, I can’t but be torn between the two.

Here it goes…I swear you will love them! Please try them and tweet me back with what you think! @Babyswags

One package of regular Oreo cookies
One 8oz package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
One bag of white chocolate chips

Grind the Oreo cookies into a powdery form with your food processor. (or in a bag and rolling pin)
Let the cream cheese soften.

Blend those two together to form one big ugly black ball of doughy substance.

Put the big ball into the fridge and let it get cold. Once it is firm (not super glue hard, but just enough so it doesn’t fall apart. You want to make little tiny balls about the size of a medium gumball.

Heat up your white chocolate chips. Place them in the microwave but be careful not to over cook it or it will just turn solid as a rock. I separated them into three sections and heated on defrost for 1 minute or so and stirred until it was all melted.

Dip the medium sized ball into the white chocolate and let it cool on wax paper or alum. foil.

From there, once you are done and they are all cooled, place in a container and stick in the fridge.

OMG, they are SO moist and delish! I just know you will love them! In fact, I think I am going to grab a couple right now! YUM!!!

Tori should make this for Scout's Birthday!

Posted by Editor | Posted on 02-07-2009

Category : From The Editor

Tags: ,

Hi Tori (Spelling), and Guncle Scout! First I have to say, Happy Birthday to you Scout! I saw on twitter that you had asked for us to send you and Tori our favorite recipes for your birthday on July 4th. This is by far my favorite summer, 4th of July recipe and it would be perfect for this celebration! I’m actually making it myself this year so I am all kinds of excited! :)
75711
It is called Strawberry Pretzel Pie. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
3/4 c. butter
2 c. crushed pretzels
2 c. Cool Whip
6 oz. strawberry Jello
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
2 c. water
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries
First you need to make a crust. For your crust, melt butter in the bottom of 8 x 12 inch baking dish. Stir in crushed pretzels. Spread evenly and pack in bottom of dish. Bake it at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Your First Layer consists of blending the cream cheese and sugar together. Fold in the Cool Whip topping. Spread mixture evenly over cooled crust. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Your second layer consists of dissolving the strawberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water. Then add frozen strawberries and allow to jell slightly. Pour the mixture on top of cream cheese mixture. Blend it and refrigerate.

Whala! It’s done and is the Bestest ever!!! Happy Birthday and Happy 4th!

Phyllis Signature

Say "NO" to Unappropriate NYC Billboard

Posted by Editor | Posted on 16-06-2009

Category : From The Editor

As a mom of three kids, two girls and one boy, I am appalled at this billboard that was brought to my attention by a client and fellow mompreneur. It is being shown to many on the streets of NYC. This billboard I am speaking of is one that was done as a marketing strategy, an ad campaign for Calvin Klein. I will not be showing the ad because I do not want to be the one to further promote the ad by displaying it on my blog and/or website. I will however express my concerns that this type of advertising sends an unappropriated message to young people, guys and girls. The billboard shows a very young girl in a soft – child pornographic way kissing one boy, caressing another boy’s head with yet another on the floor to what appears to be watching. Will it draw attention? Yes. Is it the type of attention that we want to show our young people? No. I certainly would not want my 11 year old daughter to see this and think it’s ok, nor would I want my son to see this either. I remember too as my fellow mompreneur pointed out on her blog the Calvin Klein ad with Brooke Shields. I did not find it appropriate even as a child and I, as a parent now, am completely disgusted to see how far companies will push the envelope for a sale. Do they not have good judgment? This is clearly a step in the wrong direction. Heck, a local school bus driver just got arrested for distributing child porn on the internet….where is the justice? Should a billboard ad be allowed to distribute child porn in the streets of NYC…I think not. I urge you to make a phone call and share your outrage with Calvin Klein. As a parent who has buying power, I for one will not be making any purchases that will support a company that chooses to exploit young girls or boys in this way. Let your voices be heard. Please call 866-513-0513 and tell Calvin Klein how you feel!

From the Editor: Word of Mouth Advertising

Posted by Editor | Posted on 28-03-2009

Category : From The Editor

Tags: , , ,

wompic

As you know Baby Swags has been very productive over the last few years and all my hard work is finally starting to pay off. Whether you have been with me since day one or you just joined the group, you know or soon will know, that I take what I do very seriously. Some (being my family) may say I am a bit of a work-a-holic, and yes, it is probably true, even though I don’t really see it that way. The way I see it is, I am building my business and to do so, it takes a lot of time, energy and patience. After being in business for myself for a long time now, there is one thing that some people don’t really understand and that is the power of word of mouth advertising. Baby Swags has been built on nothing more than word of mouth. Why is Baby Swags a leading gifting company for small businesses and more so for work at home mom based businesses? It is because I am down to earth, I am personable, I am honest, I am straight forward, and better yet, I do my job and I do it well. Granted it may take a bit longer to reply to emails and things of that nature, but I am still here doing my business by myself and it does get hard at times to keep up with the day to day tasks which is why I am considering taking on some help. I am simply running out of time in the day to get what I need to get done, done. I am reaching a point in my business where I feel confident in where I stand in the market place. To be receiving referrals from clients as well as celebrities is an amazing feeling when you know you have put everything you possibly have into your business, and you sincerely love and enjoy what you do. The results are priceless.

Today’s topic on word of mouth advertising was selected because I received a few great comments this week and with out word of mouth, I, in all honesty probably would not be where I am at today. I have been told by various people that they have heard of Baby Swags from different networks, from their home town friends and acquaintances, from overhearing conversations, etc… I myself, even heard two girls talking at poolside when I was in Vegas about Baby Swags so I know that I am doing what I should be doing, that I have without a doubt, found my passion. My last note to you is never under estimate the power of one compliment.

When you are feeling down, take a look around you. Remember the day you decided to go into business for yourself and how it made you feel. Pull out your first testimonial of how good your product is. I know you still have it! Look at and read your about us page. It is when you least expect it, that signs of success are at your door. It is your job now to keep the door open and let it all in.

Phyllis Signature

Season's Greetings from Baby Swags

Posted by Editor | Posted on 28-12-2008

Category : Baby Swags Buzz, From The Editor

Tags: , , , ,

Hi everyone! Boy has it been a fun-filled year. We have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to have some of our wonderfully crafted products show up on various celebrities, supported fantastic organizations with donations, and appeared in national magazines and local television news shows. I tell my clients as often as I can that they are appreciated more than they know, but not only by me, but by many of those people who take the time to visit their websites, order there products and share them with their family and friends. 2008 showed me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and the products you create and/or services you provide. I believe strongly in all the products that I send to celebrity moms, dads and babies, and I can only hope that my clients believe in me as an end result. I want to thank all the companies that I was able to work with in 2008 and I hope to be able to continue to work with you into 2009 and beyond. Baby Swags has grown so much over the last two years and I owe it all to the incredible group of women that have supported me and have given me the courage to continue to do what I love to do, while managing to stay at home with three kids, a husband, a dog, a cat and a fish!

With that said, *holding up my glass*, cheers to 2009! May you bring us many new opportunities, unlimited growth and exposure for all!

To see more about what Baby Swags does, visit our main website at babyswags.com

Phyllis Signature

Supporting Small Businesses – CPSIA law issues

Posted by Editor | Posted on 23-12-2008

Category : From The Editor

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You may have been reading about this here and there across the web, or maybe this is the first you are hearing of it, either way it is time for you, yes YOU to take some action. I have pulled some very important information from various sources on the web in order to help you understand how this new law will impact every area of business. Perhaps due to the holiday this is all being masked but at some point people will no longer hide from it, they will be forced to deal with the situation head on. All the hype is in regards to H.R. 4040, the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that has been signed into law August 14, 2008, and will become effective February 10, 2009 and is now being referred to as National Bankruptcy Day.

Many, I mean, many companies have been blogging about this (do your own google search for CPSIA and you can see exactly what I mean) and what it will take to keep them in business and the results are scary and in most cases will put them all out of business. I am not just talking about people who create products to sell at craft shows and community fairs, I am also speaking of small home based businesses, independent designers, mompreneurs, the “Little People” in the biz and not just toy makers, this applies to any company that will produce a product targeting children twelve and under, clothing, shoes, accessories, bibs, and so on. But if you think it stops there, think of the trickle down effect. You have the retailers that are trying to sell these products. They will have no inventory because there will be no products being made by small businesses. Your product choices will be extremely limited to those companies with big time bank accounts. Then think about this, you can’t just go to your local craft fair, pick up a ‘new’ handmade toy and drop it in the Toys for Tots charity box because of this law. It will effect businesses big and small, product based to service based, it effects us a whole. Yes, this even will effect Baby Swags and the products that will be included into these fantastic Celebrity Gift Bags. Celebrities…we need your help too here!

Baby Swags prides itself on finding unique mom-made, mom-inspired, mompreneurial type products or otherwise known as WAHM products. These companies range from Etsy stores to their own shops, either way, they are all made up of one common thread, being a mom. Moms have discovered that they don’t have to quit working to stay at home, instead they have come up with products that they can create/make from the comforts of their home while still attending to their children’s needs through out the day. Many of these women do not have big time budgets there for how can they be expected to pay for the extensive testing that will be require by the new law? I have compiled a list of some of my clients reactions as well as great blog content provided from other concerned small business owners.

Happy Panda Baby Blog
Boutique Cafe
AAFA – American Apparel and Footwear Association
National Bankruptcy Day
Organic Baby Farm
WAHM Solutions
Challenge & Fun
YouTube Video – Mr. Sun

Just because you are not a small business owner, you can still take part in voicing your opinion and we encourage you to do so and I have made it easy for you by providing you with various ways on how you can get your voices heard.
Boutique Cafe has a whole list of ways you can help the small businesses that mean so much to you. A portion of this was taken directly from their website:

What can you do?
Email or call the CPSIA – the office of the CPSC ombudsman 888-531-9070.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 2009.
CPSC.gov.

Email or snail mail your representatives.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476

Call your representatives. For their contact information just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/

Make your voice heard by voting on this issue. The top 3 in each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Sign the petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

Join Ning’s CPSIA-Central

The press is just getting word of this and have also been responding, though not as much as we’d all hope.
LA Times article
Kids Today

See what people are really saying and feeling:
ETSY Forum
Fashion-Incubator

The point to all of this is to just get your voices heard. United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

Baby Swags is also working on something called Project Believe. If you would like to take part in our ‘mompreneur’, small business awareness venture, please see our blog post explaining what is needed from you. Baby Swags Blog post about Project Believe

Yes it is a lot to take in, but a lot of families, a lot of livelihoods are being put in jeopardy as a result of this law. Please help out where you can. Wouldn’t you rather celebrate a day like Valentines Day than take part in watching millions of companies collapse on National Bankruptcy day?
Phyllis

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