OnTray, Oscar and a Press Release

OnTray™ Goes Hollywood
“Everybody Wins at the Oscars®” - Nominee Gift Bags To
Include Westerville Company’s Toddler Product
Columbus, Ohio – OnTray™ is going to Hollywood, and the designer and manufacturer of the patent-pending product is ready for its close up. The Westerville-based company was selected to include their signature product, OnTray™ in the “Everyone Wins At The Oscars” nominee gift baskets given to the non-winning OscarÒ nominees in each of the six major Academy AwardÒ categories (Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Picture and Best Director). These bags will be delivered on February 25, 2008 , the day after the Oscar telecast.

Mom-inventor Laura Hamrick developed OnTray™ out of her frustration with grocery shopping while feeding her toddler. “I got so tired of trying to feed and entertain my child while grocery shopping so I decided to do something about it,” Hamrick explains. “The plastic container easily attaches to a shopping cart handlebar and encourages your child to feed themselves, allowing you to shop with minimal distraction.” Hamrick adds, “It can even be used with a seat cover for the cart.”

Lash Fary is president of Distinctive Assets, the company that creates and distributes gift baskets to the OscarÒ nominees, as well as presenters/performers at many of Hollywood’s top award shows.

Fary notes, “We always try to include child-oriented products in our gift bags given the ongoing baby boom in Hollywood. As soon as I saw OnTray, I not only wanted one for myself (as I love to snack while grocery shopping!) but knew that our celebrity clientele would flip for them. It’s so much fun to find unique and clever products such as OnTray that truly are the perfect present for those who have everything.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for OnTray™ to showcase the product in the national spotlight,” Hamrick says. “I am thrilled to include my product in the gift baskets.”

The gift baskets will be provided to celebrities regardless of whether or not there is a traditional ceremony, given the current writer’s strike.

OnTray™ is made of FDA Approved Plastic and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Made in the USA, it comes in four colors including true blue, going green, pretty in pink and mellow yellow.

The company currently sells its product to baby retailers, online boutiques, gift stores and grocery stores around the country. Local retailers carrying OnTray™ include Hey Diddle Diddle and It’s All In The Name, both in Westerville.

Packaged individually, OnTray™ retails for $6.99. Gift sets are available for $11.99. Products are available for purchase on the company’s web site at http://www.ontray2go.com/.
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The “Everybody Wins at the Oscars” Gift Bag has no affiliation with A.M.P.A.S or the official Oscar telecast. #

Ty, the muse for OnTray, is 3!

Ty, my youngest of the three boys, is three today! I am a little teary eyed as I'm writing this. You see Chad and I were done having children after Luke (or so we thought). TMI, but Chad was "fixed". Three days before the sx, Ty was conceived. Yes, our very own miracle baby. Well, actually, it took us about three months to except the fact we were going to have another baby after our 2nd baby was only going to be 14 months old! Everyone said, "He's here for a reason". Today, watching him light up at his new pirate ship, or his Scooby Doo DVD (my oldest son at 3 was still doing the Big Red Car dance from the Wiggles) that he got as some gifts from his party, I realized, yes he is here for a reason. Our lives would not be the same without our sweet, gorgeous, loud, hilarious, temper tantrum throwing, handsome, funny (I might have mentioned those before) baby Ty. I love him so much my heart aches. He is a blessing that is for sure... all of my babies are. To think that we weren't planning on Ty is just a shock to me. He completes our family. I am blessed in three very fantastic ways. Jack, Luke & Ty.
www.ontray2go.com

Dripstik's and my boys!

I recently met the creator of a fantastic mom invented product called DripStiks. She and I traded some OnTray's for some DripStiks (thanks Meccina), and as you can see in the picture, the boys LOVED using them. DripStiks collect the drips from your ice cream cones or Popsicles. You simply insert the stick into a specially designed slot or the cone into the other end in it's place. Now some of you will be upset that you won't have to Spray -n-Wash the heck out of your children's shirts and to you I say "MORE DRIPSTIKS FOR THE REST OF US!" Check out her web site at http://www.dripstik.com for more information. Heck, while you're there, buy some!

OnTray and Oscar

Well, some big news over here! OnTray has been selected to be included in the 2008 Oscar Nominee Gift Bags! You know those bags that are worth tons and have some really unique items? Yep, that bag! I'm so excited. I have to include some to be passed out to the media too. I'm almost as excited about that. I'll keep you posted if Julia Roberts writes me a thank you note for her OnTray. Oh...dare to dream!

Candle Wax and Your Carpet

Ok, so this is such a random topic, but I had to share this with all of you. On Christmas Eve we had The Hamrick annual party at our house (first time ever). Well I'm not sure what happened, I thought Jack knocked over the candle but Chad's cousin insists it was me. All I know is there was a TON of red candle wax all over my cream colored carpet! I was unusually calm. I mean, what was I going to do about it then? I had 30 guests in my house (which if you saw my house, 30 guests was about capacity). I knew Martha Stewart or one of the cleaning goddesses had to have a remedy for me. Well of course everyone was telling me what to do. The wax sat there on my floor like a bad reminder of the party. Yeah, we're never doing that again! I was talking to my friend Jennifer and she said that she had read what to do about wax on carpet in a book. Here's what she suggested. Get a brown paper bag and a hot iron. Lay the bag ,with the side that has no writing, over the wax. Grab the iron ,which should be on the hottest setting with the steam off, and place it on the bag. No joke, it was like magic. It took about 10 minutes, but it ALL came up. There is maybe the slightest remnant of red (if you were looking for some), but I plan on attacking that with my carpet cleaner this weekend. Ok, so yeah this is random, but for some of you this might be what you needed!

A Contest I Thought You Might Want To Know About!

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:

The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!

About the mixer:
From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counter scape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.

Christmas is chaotic!

It's amazing to me that we spend all year gearing up for one day, Christmas. I realize some of you reading this don't celebrate Christmas, and quite frankly...I'm a little jealous. No, my religion is important to me and I enjoy having this time of year to celebrate "The Reason for the Season" (I think I saw that on a billboard somewhere), but once you have children, the reason becomes how many toys Santa brought them! Man oh man, was our day filled with total chaos! We opened presents from Santa at our house in the morning, then we went to my parents house where Santa apparently thought my children were deprived! They tore through the presents like a tornado, and then went down into their basement to see how they all worked. For about 10 minutes, before all of the fighting began, there was actual peace! My parents and I sat and looked at each other like we had just been robbed! We were robbed by three little boys, who on the outside remind us of such sweet children, but then give them a box wrapped in decorative paper, and forget about it. They are not as sweet as they look. My oldest son Jack said to me yesterday, "Mom we 364 more days until Christmas!" Oh my gosh, that's all I have?!?!

My Review of DUCT TAPE WALLET

Originally submitted at UncommonGoods

Keep your cash glued to your hip with the strongest tape on earth. This silvery Super Duct Tape wallet won't lift, peel or get sticky, but it will keep your cards and bills safe whether you're bungee jumping from a bridge or installing plastic sheeting. Reinforced metal holes accommodate a security...

DUCT TAPE WALLET

This wallet is ducky!

By OnTray 2 Go! from Westerville, Ohio on 12/10/2007

 

5out of 5

Pros: Slim, Durable

Best Uses: Everyday Use

Describe Yourself: Stylish

I bought this wallet for my husband, now everyone who sees it, wants one. I just bought another one for my brother. It's a terrific converstaion piece!

(legalese)

OnTray, Wholesale!

I have a couple of sales reps that are carrying OnTray in their line of offerings, and I have OnTray available at few stores, and a few online stores too. I'd love to see OnTray available anywhere and everywhere (well maybe not anywhere or everywhere, but you understand). Where would you like to see OnTray available? Maybe there's a small grocery store in your home town that I've never heard of, or maybe a great little children's boutique that carries unique items like OnTray. In any event, shoot me an e-mail at info@ontray2go.com, or just reply to this post. I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Blessed

I'm sitting here at my desk, and there is a bulletin board right in front of me. I had to laugh, because everything on it (except for a news clipping of Chad) is either an inspirational quote, a horoscope I cut out of the paper, or notes of encouragement from friends and business associates I've met along the way. Things like, "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow' ". That was sent to me from another Mompreneur I've met throughout my journey named Jordon Golomb. She sells fantastic items on her site, http://www.frameofmindonline.com/. Another card says, "Be patient, stay hopeful..." or one of my favorites, "...at last the ladder, which had been built slowly, slowly one hope at a time, reached to the clouds. And the dreamer began to climb." I know it sounds silly, but words like these help me. They put things in perspective. Words mean so much to me...they always have. I am so up and down with having brought my idea, my dream, to fruition. Knowing that people care enough about me to say things to me, send me notes of encouragement, or telling me to keep going, just reminds me how blessed I am. This product is not my only offering to the world, but I love that I am surrounded by words to pick me up when I am down, or keep a smile on my face when I am up.

Me, OnTray & Rich Sloan

Today I did a taping of an upcoming show for StartupNation Radio. StartupNation is the largest online community for entrepreneurs and has a tremendous amount of resources for start-ups. I'm not sure when the show that I will be on will air, but click the link below to hear some great interviews, advice and information!
http://www.startupnation.com/media/shows/1/entrepreneur-startup-radio.htm


"StartupNation Radio, hosted by lifetime entrepreneurs, the Sloan brothers, provide in-the-trenches expertise on how to start and grow your dream business. Topics include: starting an eBay business, financing your business, marketing your invention, and much more."

My Latest Newsletter

Season's Greetings from 42 Kids

Greetings!

It has been an amazing couple of months since I last sent you a newsletter (sorry about that by the way). OnTray is now available on a French web site, a Canadian web site, a South African web site (coming soon), a few local boutiques, a mom run web site and starting in December OnTray will be available in 15 Minnesota grocery stores! Please visit, http://ontray2go.com/Retailers.htm to see the entire list of OnTray retailers!

I am continuously blown away by the response that OnTray is receiving. It is simply amazing to me that a little idea I had, has turned out to be a great helper for many people. With that said, OnTray was:

Published as a 2007 "Top Ten Most Innovative" winner in the StartupNation Home-Based 100!StartupNation made its selection from among thousands of home-based entrepreneurs who entered the competition.www.startupnation.com

To say I am grateful this Holiday Season is an understatement. Thank you to everyone for your support and business.

Happy Holidays,

Laura Hamrick
Creator of OnTray; the Container 2 Go!
42 Kids

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Mission Accomplished!

Well, right now my order for Lunds & Byerly's is somewhere between here (Ohio) and Minnesota! I am so excited, scared, thrilled, anxious, (gosh you name it) about this whole thing. I hope they get there on time, and all in one piece. They're virtually indestructible (the OnTray's) but you never know! I just hope they sell like hotcakes and the buyer calls me again soon to place another order. I have been in contact with some Minneapolis/St.Paul moms groups, a few local businesses and an editor at the Minnesota Parent paper to drum up some buzz about the product launch. Hopefully that will help. Thank you to everyone for their support and guidance. I certainly am one thankful person on the eve of Thanksgiving!

OnTray Recognized by StartupNation As...

I received word on Monday that OnTray and I placed #5 in the Top 10 "Most Innovative" category, of StartupNations Top 100 Businesses! Check it out! What an amazing couple of days it has been. I am up to 3500 hits to my web site today!!!! I have heard from people all around the WORLD. Just thrilling!

http://www.startupnation.com/home-based-100/79/8932/winner.htm#WinnerTop

OnTray Coming To A Store Near You?

Well at 5:00pm today I received the e-mail I have been waiting on! I met with the buyer on October 5th from a grocery chain in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. I can officially announce that Lunds & Byerly's (www.lfhi.com) will be the first chain to offer OnTray for sale! They placed an order today for 15 of their 21 stores and want them delivered by 11/28! I am just ecstatic. The buyer, Dan, totally gets the product too. He wants to display OnTray with some snack type food like Goldfish to show off how OnTray really helps to make shopping more enjoyable. With Dan's permission, next week I am going to try and contact as many media outlets in their area to drum up some buzz about OnTray. If it does well over the Holiday season, Dan is hoping to offer OnTray as an everyday item. It is amazing to me how you can feel low throughout this process, then instantly it just changes. Hey, if you're in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, look for OnTray soon!

Shopping Cart Germs!

I was reading an article yesterday on the main page of MSNBC. It was titled something like 10 Grimiest Spots. Shopping cart handle bars were number 5. Here is what they said.

"Shopping cart handles Saliva, bacteria and fecal matter are just a few of the substances found on shopping cart handles. Cart handles rank high on the yuck scale because they’re handled by dozens of people every day and, of course, raw food carries nasty pathogens.
Reduce the risk: Many stores have dispensers with disinfectant wipes near the carts. If your store doesn’t, bring your own wipes and give the handle a quick swab. Or carry along a cart cover like the Grip-Guard or Healthy Handle."

I guess they haven't heard of OnTray, www.ontray2go.com yet, huh?!?!

Supporting Our Troops (no this is not political)!

For over 6 years now, we have seen signs, commercials, posters, messages, you name it saying "Support The Troops". Not until today, did I truly FEEL the message. A guy in our neighborhood, who happened to be Luke's soccer coach, left this morning for a 6 month deployment to Iraq. Dave has two young daughters and a wife. A friend of mine in the neighborhood arranged for me and Luke and some other neighbors to meet on Dave's driveway with signs, flags and big waves to send him off. What we experienced when he came out of his house to hug us all with big tears streaming down his face, is almost indescribable. This man, a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend is VOLUNTARILY missing Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays and other special occasions, to serve our country in Iraq. I personally am not a proponent of the war. I think it stinks quite frankly, but I will tell you this, I SUPPORT THE TROOPS! Especially after seeing Dave drive away from his family and friends. The message has new meaning to me after today.

Blogging 101

Ok, so when I met my web designer for the first time about a year ago, one of the first things she suggested I do was to start a blog. I would have loved to have seen the expression on my face when she suggested that. If it didn't have anything to do with the Wiggles, Blues Clues or Noggin I wasn't privy to it. I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in head lights. Needless to say, she gave me some basic guidelines and the rest was blog history. I still feel like I don't really know what I'm doing. I just sort of sit here looking at the screen until something pops into my head. The other night at my networking meeting, WNGCO, we had a bit of a discussion on blogging. What is it? Why do it? Who's reading it? Aren't you a little freaked out about the people reading it? Things like that. I guess you just do what you need to do to look like your part of this century. Blogging is where it's at (at least for now).

I Need To Get My Groove Back...

Nope, I'm not Stella, and I don't need that kind of a groove back. I'm just feeling uninspired lately. What an awful feeling. I keep logging into my blog everyday thinking, "Ok, today I WILL write something!" I sit her looking at the blank screen hoping some words will pop into my mind, but nothing happens. Tonight, when I logged on and thought the same thing, I just decided to start writing about how I'm feeling. I try to be clever and crafty, witty and informative, but you know what, tonight I just want to type and have nothing in particular to say.
Things are fine. Kids are good. Husband is great. OnTray is heading in a great direction with it's first retail order on the horizon (more about that next week...keep your fingers crossed), and I am just fine...uninspired, but fine. Maybe it's the change in the weather. Maybe it's the fact that all day long I am trying to inspire my children to behave, listen, be nice to one another, get along, do their homework, put their shoes where they belong, put the toilet seat lid down, chew with their mouths closed, stop yelling, go to bed...and stay in bed! Oh just listing these items is making me realize all the more how blah I sound. Oh well, tomorrow's another day. I need to go to bed. Three young boys need to be inspired again tomorrow. I guess my inspiration will just have to wait another day!

Me on an Internet Radio Show?

Ok, so tomorrow morning (10:30 EST) I am going to be a guest on an Internet Radio Show. I'm so excited! The host, Kelly McCausey, is a hoot. She has a side kick, Tishia Lee, and the two of them make a perfect pair! Tomorrow is Work at Home Wednesday with Kelly & Tishia and other Mom's Radio Network Hosts and Callers. Call in with your work at home questions. Win a dozen free cookies from Bizzy Lizzy Bakery! Oh, and pray that I don't mess up too badly! Click on the link to be taken to the show and directions on how to listen. It should be fun!