After four kids, ten moves and nearly two decades, we are still blissfully in love (most of the time) and I found myself back in the state I was born and raised in. It has definitely been a journey. In fact, on our 18th anniversary we pulled the last of our stuff up over the pass and into Montana, leaving our surprise love, Idaho, behind. But Montana is a great place. The last best place according to some. And we fully intend to explore as much of it as we can! Join us on our continued adventure through life, love and other stuff that comes with it.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Keepin' it real--and un-sexy

I think it's just who I am, but I have a really hard time being anything other than what I am. Shoot, I don't even wear make-up. I guess I could be catagorized as a "take it or leave it" girl without that attitude. My husband and friends comment that they really don't have to wonder what I think--and if they do, they just have to ask. I even have people say to me "Wow, Heidi. Tell us what you *really* think." Yet, I don't think I'm harsh or overbearing, unless there was a line crossed somewhere that gets my undies all in a bunch. Then, well, I won't go there.

Why am I telling you this? Well, because I've realized it's how I've been running this business as well. Check out my website and you will find only real mamas with their babies (or a borrowed baby that is their friend's/sister's child) in their real clothes with their real hair and real make-up, or lack of make-up in my case.

We've had fun at our photo shoots. The one in the park was a bit interesting since we got there and the whole park except the rose garden was surrounded by chain-link fence. The photograpaher (yet another *real* mama who loves photography and takes payment in carriers) was super sweet and we made it worth our day. Again, real mamas, real babies.

All my instruction photos are in front of about 8 yards of black strap fabric that we tacked up in my dining room. My friends came over with their kids, we shot a ton of pictures, had some laughs, and then they made their own grilled cheese sandwiches as payment. I love my friends.

Also, I realized in the last couple weeks that there is something that sets a Silly Goose apart from other carriers besides the adjustable feature. It's chubby. Yup, it's a chubby carrier. Quite pear shaped to be sure. Very not curve-acious and really quite un-sexy. Freida, my trusty model, is even a *gasp* "full figured" model (i.e. size 10/12 with something like a C cup--I'd love to have her figure!). But (and I had a someone tell me that I'm really not biased because it's the truth) the good ole' goose works and it's darn comfortable for lots of mamas of many shapes and sizes and their little or big babies.

And my business name and logo--it's a goose for Pete's sake. Nothing sexy about a goose--except she does have pretty eyelashes.

So, maybe my new tag line should be something like, "Silly Goose--nothing sexy about it, but it's comfortable" or "Silly Goose--like those pants you wear when you don't plan to leave the house, only prettier."

Or, I just keep plugging away at my target customer--real mamas who want something that makes sense and is quite comfortable and quite practical. Basically, keep it real and keep it fun. That's my plan. So far I think it's been working.

Happy Babywearing!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Two in-stock carriers!

I know they are very girly--AKA very pretty! But my Etsy store is no longer empty and there are a few more boy friendly ones in the works.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

If You Give a Pig a Pancake . . .

Tonite I was reading that book to my girls and suddenly I realized that it's a total parallel to my life--possibly the life of any mom. That poor little girl is just trying so hard, but that little pig (an appropriately sweet but very messy and very excitable little pig) just does her in.

After watching my children both go through 3-4 sets of clothes today (all of which are now in the laundry hamper waiting to be washed), I couldn't help but make the connection when that little pig goes digging under the girl's bed and then goes through ALL her clothes looking for the right outfit to go with the tap shoes she found under the bed. And this is all going on while the little girl is trying to clean up the bath mess.

I looked at my 4-year-old and told her that I felt like that little girl sometimes. I felt like every time I was cleaning up a mess, they (my 4-year-old and her 2-your-old accomplice sister) were off in some other part of the house making a bigger mess. She just looked at me and smiled all cute like. (Yesterday I told her that people liked her and asked her why she thought they liked her. I was going for something like she is a nice kid. But she smiled and said, "Because I'm pretty cute." How can I argue with that?)

But I have to admit--that pig does have some pretty amazing construction skills. Did you see that tree house?? Holy smokes.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

In-stock carriers only!

I have ducks to get in a row (or two) before this baby comes. So, I'm officially closed to customs and will be offering in-stock carriers only up until somtime this fall. This includes XL straps and tall-bodied carriers. These may be offered up as stock items, but quantities will be limited and I'm not guaranteeing they will be available. My plan is to have new stock regularly--whether that means every couple weeks or once a month, I'm not sure. But, I'm working on it.

Stay tuned and Happy Babywearing!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Just in time for summer--new tie-dye panels!

They are fantastic! And you have until Tuesday, May 13th to choose your own strap color. After that, they are at my mercy. *Insert evil laugh*

You can purchase one at www.sillygoosebaby.com--click on *shop* and you'll see a listing for semi-custom tie-dye. Please note which panel you want as well as what straps you want it on.


SOLD!


Star #1


Star #2


Star #3


Star #4


SOLD!


A sample of a star on a carrier:



Happy Babywearing!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

357 choices!

You read that right. Over 300 choices from Silly Goose Baby! Fifty one panel fabrics (pictured). Seven strap colors: Black, natural, denim, navy, chocolate, sage, and tan. If you have questions about what matches what, feel free to contact me: heidi@sillygoosebaby.com.

I've listed 5 "build your own carrier" slots at http://www.sillygoosebaby.com/. The deadline to purchase these before I go in-stock only is May 13th. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery!

NEW strap colors:


Sage


Tan



Panel Fabrics:


*Please note that I have a large selection, but some fabrics are limited to one or two carriers.



There is a quarter in each picture for size reference.


Green Circles


Floral Charm


Wee Play


Bouquet


Blue Toile


Alsace


Sweet flowers


Orange Batik


Pink Stripe


Cucina


Kitchy Pink


Pink Gerbera


Apple Squares


SOLD OUT


Iris


SOLD OUT


Blue Daisies


Animal Skinz


Slate Texture


Black Scroll


Medallion (add $4)


Petite Red Leaves


Crystal Mums


Rodeo Music


Mint Chip


Garden Trellis


Empress Blue


Coffee Paisley


Season Shades


Retro Lavender


Flutterby


Nanny


Daisy


Empress Pink


Teal Paperweights


Tiger


Pink Kensington


Posh


Coffee Swirls


Paradise


Funky Floral


Pink Baby Steps


Cowgirls


Charm


Bright Butterflies


Bandana


Prairie Paisley


Tiny Diamond


Army Camo


Shabby Dots


Prints Charming