A review of OnTray...

I thought I would share this new review. Mainly because the reviewer tested OnTray at Meijer's which recently placed a test order for their stores in three states! I am excited and hopeful that the sales go well and they'll need to re-order soon. I'll keep you posted!

http://www.momstakeonthings.com/

Can I ask for your vote?

Can I ask for your vote? Buy the way...there's money in it for you! Read below...

"Respond now for a chance to win $50 cash prize*

American Baby Magazine is hosting a contest for the best baby products.
It says, Vote for the best baby products. Which baby products get your seal of approval? Cast your votes for three must-have, can't live without items that make caring for your baby easier -- and your life a whole lot simpler. Winning products receive an AMBY award in our October issue. Include Brand names so we know which companies to recognize for a job well done.

*Ten entries will be selected at random to receive a cash prize. The deadline is June 6, 2008. (Neither voting nor purchase is necessary to be eligible for a prize.)"

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If any of you have a minute, could you vote for OnTray today? Hey, while you're at it, vote for those other great baby products you can't live without!

E-mail your submission to: amby@americanbaby.com

Thank you all so much!!!

I want to wear my Power Ranger pj's and rain boots!

The other day, Luke and Ty did not want to get out of their Power Ranger pj's and they wanted to go outside. They decided to put on their rain boots. There are my two youngest outside in public (ok so we live on a court with not a lot of traffic...the public is few and far between), but I was a little irritated. I tried and tried to get them to put on clothes, but they refused. Finally I just gave up. I mean really, what's the big deal? I realized something, I want to wear my Power Ranger pj's and rain boots. I want to go out in public and not care what I look like. I want to say "screw you" to all the women that look at me and judge me by the outfit I have on. It blows me away how my children teach me so much. Aren't I suppose to do that for them? Amazing!

I so needed a laugh...

Ok, this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen! There are a couple of these clips where I laughed so hard I was crying. The music cracks me up too. Enjoy! (PS I'm sure they wouldn't have put this together if anyone was harmed)

OnTray & Madness of Motherhood

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Suzette of the Mothers of Madness Internet show based out of Orlando, FL. Sadly I didn't get to travel there for the interview...I sat on a stool in my closet with the door shut so no one could here my energetic boys playing in the other room! Anyway, I had so much fun talking with her. We chatted for about 30 minutes before she finally had enough of me! She and her partner in crime Michelle have a great thing going. They interview mainly moms, working outside of the home or not and offer all kinds of advice and information to help make the madness of motherhood go a little bit smoother! The interview is now on the site, http://www.madnessofmotherhoodshow.com/ .

Me and the other Mompreneurs!

Over the past weekend, I had the privilege of getting together with some women I have been conversing with on a terrific online forum, http://www.mompreneursonline.com/. I joined about 8 months or so ago, and instantly felt connections with these women. Pat Cobe and Ellen Parlapiano are the founders and the women that actually trademarked the word Mompreneurs 10 years ago (they were ahead of their time). We all met in Chicago and had a weekend full of networking, fun, food and some vino (some had more than others!). Anyway, it was amazing that most of us had never met face to face, but we all felt like we had. Women are so relationship oriented, so needing that connection that now I feel like I can promote all of them so much better. I learned some great marketing techniques, organizational skills and networking know how. The weekend was priceless. I encourage any fellow Mompreneur reading this post to check out the forum that I consider an absolute must on a journey that takes you for one heck of a roller coaster ride. It's good to have women around you to hold your hand. Especially on a bumpy ride!

What's a Nuddle?

I first saw Jenn Feldman on Oprah. She has a gorgeous home in CA that was featured on an episode where Nate Berkus visited viewer's homes that had even him impressed. She had some fantastic ideas, one being that monogramming just looks rich. I went out the next day and had a pillow monogrammed. Turns out Jenn is the sister of one of Chad's good friends and co-worker at Casto with him! How weird is that? Well we were out to dinner with Adam (Jenn's brother) a couple of weeks ago and he told us of Jenn's new product, The Nuddle Blanket. The name is a combination of nap & cuddle. Too cute, huh? What makes this blanket so unique is that it is extra long to cover even your tootsies with a foot pocket. It's also made out of ultra-plush material and has handy slats for your arms to slide through (you know so you can still hold the remote or the latest novel you're reading). I'm needing a nap just talking about this thing! Anyway, check it out at www.nuddleblanket.com I think the pictures might have been taken at Jenn's house. You can see all of her gorgeous decor! Best wishes Jenn!

Real Moms Rock!

I found this site and thought, with a name like Real Moms Rock, how can it not be something all moms need to check out? This site was created by 2 stay-at-home-moms who believe that a mom's greatest resource is other moms. They have a section called 'real mom of the month' contest and also have a really cool forum - the mommy lounge - where moms can chat with other moms. Head over there today to check it out!

What a bummer!

I just received some bad news. They didn't go into the details, but Michelle (a producer with the show) said they needed to cancel the segment. She said there was a lot going on over there and if there was a chance for me to be on a future show, they'd keep me posted. I'm completely bummed, and disappointed. It's amazing how excited you can be one day, and down the next. I'm learning from this though. Yesterday I was completely frazzled about how I was going to get everything done in time to leave my boys and fly out on Wednesday. It seriously left me anxious and nervous...all day! Nothing, no TV segment, no interview or any pr is worth me not paying as much attention to my family and business happenings as I do every other day of the week. From here on out, I will prioritize what is important and if great pr comes and bites me in the you know what I'll see if I have enough time to make it happen! (ok so I'm a little bitter!)

UPDATE:

I spoke with a producer at the show, and she assured me that it wasn't me or my product, but they just needed to go a different route . I am at the top of her list when they start to do segments with children products again. I will be ready ,willing and able when they call!

One Minute to Millions and Laura Hamrick

Well, I'm still waiting on a call from another producer, but as it stands right now I am headed to NJ to do a taping for One Minute to Millions on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch! I got the call today around noon from one producer and they are flying me out Wednesday for the taping on Thursday morning! I am excited, nervous, anxious, nervous, scared, thrilled and did I mention nervous?!?!? Please pray that I breathe and do a good job. I don't know what I'm more excited for though, promoting OnTray or sitting next to Donny. He's so darn handsome! I'll keep you all posted.

Kelly McCausey with Mom's Morning Show

I had another great interview with Kelly McCausey with Mom's Morning Show. Today's interview was a taped show for her Podcast that will be available on Monday, March 31st. I tell you what, Kelly has it going on. If you Google her, you'll find that she is into Websites, Radio/Podcast, Coaching, Affiliate Programs...basically all things, and all things promoting mom's. Our interview was about 25 minutes long and it felt like 2 minutes. She is just easy to talk to, easy to listen to, and very informative. If you have a chance to check her out, visit http://www.kellymccausey.com/ or www.blogtalkradio.com/momsradio. Thanks so much Kelly!

OnTray giveaway! Just leave a comment to this post with one of the colors that OnTray comes in (visit www.ontray2go.com). Please leave a valid e-mail address so we can contact the winner. The contest will close Monday, April 7th!

Donny Duetsch & Laura Hamrick

I don't know if you love this show as much as me, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, but I'm going to be on it tonight! There is a segment at the end of the show (the last 2 minutes) called The American Dream Team. The producer's of the show ask you to send in a 30 second tape of how Donny has inspired you. Well, I shot a tape of me by myself (too embarrassed to ask someone to tape me) and I sent it in 6 weeks ago. I really had given up hope. Then, today I got a phone call from the producer's of the show and they said, "Head's up, you're on Donny's show tonight!" I am so excited. Since it was suppose to be how Donny inspired me, I couldn't really promote myself. I did say my name, where I'm from and that I created a product to make shopping with young children more enjoyable. Hopefully people will be inspired to Google me!

Blue Skye Baby

Shawn Corry, Baby Planner, Consulting & Design is at http://www.blueskyebaby.com.If you have ever had a baby, you know the stress of becoming a parent. It is the most wonderful time of your life and the most stressful at the same time. Shawn has started a new company called Blue Skye Baby, which provides many of the resources related to planning for the arrival of baby and beyond so that this time of your life can be less stressful and more enjoyable! Whether you need assistance with your baby registry, nursery design, baby shower, house cleaning, a personal chef, meal delivery, or a personal trainer to get you back in shape, Shawn has all the right resources. She is an amazing person, and is ready to help make this the most wonderful experience of your life. Visit http://www.blueskyebaby.com/ for more info!

OnTray's 1st Celebrity Endorsement!

So I went to my PO Box the other day, and low and behold, there was a note from an Oscar Nominee who received OnTray in their gift basket! Jason Reitman, the Director of Juno, wrote to me. Here's what he had to say:

"Cool product! We'll keep in the car for all of our shopping trips! Jason and 16 month old Josie"

I was so excited and started laughing uncontrollably. I think, actually I know, the other people at the Post Office thought I was either on something or having a nervous breakdown. I didn't care, I just heard from a celebrity! I am such a sucker for celebrities it's not even funny. Anyway, I wanted to share with all of you my good news!

Need a laugh?

Ok, so a friend sent me a link to http://www.inthemotherhood.com/. The site has skits on there that are written by moms, for moms and performed by Jenny McCarthy, Leah Remini and Chelsea Handler. The skits are seriously some of the funniest TV or webTV(not that I watch a lot of webTV) I've seen in a long time. The skits are about 6 minutes or so long, but when it's over you're like, "I need more!" I was laughing so hard at the latest episode that my youngest, Ty, said, "Mom, why are you laughing at your puter?" Which made me laugh even harder because he calls the computer the puter. Anyway, if you need a laugh (and who doesn't), check out the site. I guarantee you'll crack up!

Proud of the WNGCO Women

In July of 2007, I along with 2 other women, started a group we now call WNGCO (Women's Networking Group of Central Ohio). We meet twice a month with a very laid back agenda. There is no fee, because it really is just a group to encourage one another. Anyway, since our last meeting, I have been feeling very proud. Proud of all of the strives EACH one of them have been making. I wanted to list them and post a link to their site. Feel free to check them out. Who knows, they may be someone YOU need to know too!
Janene J. http://www.trendingsolutions.com/
Susan S. http://www.ebizgal.com/
Karen P. http://www.lilyonthefly.com/
Kathy T. http://www.katdesignweb.com/
Melody H. Hair Stylist
Phyllis N. http://www.soundadvice4you.com/
Kathy S. http://www.staypositivegreetings.com/
Jennifer R. http://reynoldscdesign.blogspot.com/
Tracy G. http://www.stuffandflufffriends.com/
Angela M. http://www.tentiltwo.com/
Jennifer J. http://momseasyspanish.blogspot.com/
Joyce S. Genoa Financial Group, LLC
Susan D. www.queenquisine.com

OnTray's Big Debut

Well, it's there. In the lower left side of the picture, OnTray is making it's big debut in the Oscar Nominee Gift Bag! It's hard to see. If you haven't seen my finished packaging, you wouldn't know what to look for, but trust me IT"S THERE! I am just so excited and thrilled about this opportunity. I will keep you posted if I hear from anyone. I'm hoping to. I included a hand written note in all of my donations. I even sent a self addressed stamped envelop for their convenience to send me their thoughts. Keeping my fingers crossed! www.ontray2go.com

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!