It’s so easy to get into a routine with our fuzzy family members. Especially between kids and work and everything else, we get really used to the same products and supplies we always use for our pets. But stick with us. There are so many cool pet products out there that we weren’t even areare of. So get cuddled up with your sweet companion and get ready to spoil them. Check out our cool pet products picks below!

Basepaws At-Home Pet Health Tests

a dog, cat, and corresponding pet DNA tests
Basepaws

We'd love it if our pets could tell us exactly how they're feeling all the time, but since they can't, Basepaws developed their at-home pet health tests to give us the low down on our pets' health. Each test includes personalized insights into your dog or cat, including disease detection and genetic predisposition. Pick the best test for them, swab, and receive your pet's full health report.

Basepaws At-Home Pet Health Tests ($99.00+)—Buy Here!

Dog Bark Deterrent Device Alternative to Shock Collars

orange sonic dog training device
NPS

Amazon is calling this one a game-changer, and in our experience, it is. This hand-held device combines auto shut-off hearing safety with an ultrasonic dog whistle (they're the only ones who can hear it!) to stop barking, digging, jumping, and more. According to NPS, it's more effective than traditional dog whistles or clickers, and it's designed to shut off before it can damage their ears. No more yelling? We're in.

Dog Bark Deterrent Device Alternative to Shock Collars ($37.99)—Buy Here!

Ultimate Cat Infinity Scratcher Lounge

black and white cat laying on a modern scratcher lounger
PetFusion

This scratcher/lounge combo is perfect for kitties who can't keep their claws out of your furniture. Made from sturdy corrugated cardboard and designed in a cool reversible infinity shape, it lasts longer than traditional cat scratchers, too!

Ultimate Cat Infinity Scratcher Lounge ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Stainless Pet Water Fountain

white pet water fountain
Veken

Okay, we know that you probably already know about pet fountains. But this one has a full 95oz capacity perfect for multi-pet households! It filters their drinking water, has 2 flow designs, and lets you see how much they drink in real-time through the LED-lit window. 

Stainless Pet Water Fountain ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Crop Snuffle Mat

dog with farm-themed snuffle mat
ZMUBB

Whether you're working to slow down your dog's rapid eating or just want to give them something fun to do using treats or kibble, this adorable snuffle mat will have them digging and sniffing and not chewing your shoes, all at the same time.

Crop Snuffle Mat ($35.99)—Buy Here!

WLO Circular Modern Cat Tree

wooden cat tree
WLO

Deeply committed to both your cat and your living room design? This circular cat tree not only looks like art, but it's easy to clean, comes in several finishes, and even offers free customization. It's 100% handmade, too!

WLO Circular Modern Cat Tree ($274.70)—Buy Here!

Diggs Revol Pet Crate

Pet parents rave about the Diggs Revol Crate. Not only does it look good in any room, it’s incredibly easy to set up, has wheels for transport, can be collapsed in no time, and comes in multiple colors (and additional accessories!). Turns out, not all dog crates are created equal.

Diggs Revol Dog Crate ($375.00+)—Buy Here!

Keep 'Em Out/In Clear Decorative Divider by Jennifer Fisher

small dog sitting on other side of clear pet gate
CB2

This acrylic divider has to be one of the chicest pet 'gates' we've ever come across! Just adjust once to the desired width and you're all set. Shiny metallic feet and connecting hardware are both functional and pretty.

Keep 'Em Out/In Clear Decorative Divider by Jennifer Fisher ($299.00)—Buy Here!

WTF Soft Treats: Pumpkin Slices by Oh Norman!

box of pumpkin dog treats
Oh Norman!

Celeb dog-lover Kaley Cuoco created Oh Norman! eco-friendly and ethically-sourced dog products inspired by the pup who changed her life. A portion of all sales goes to dog rescue organizations and initiatives, so we'll take one of everything. WTF Soft Treats (Wholesome, Tasty, & Fresh) are a pumpkin slice treat that we're tempted to try, ourselves (we won't, but we're tempted). 

WTF Soft Treats: Pumpkin Slices by Oh Norman! ($12.00)—Pre-Order Here!

Retro TV Cat Condo

retro tv style cat bed in living room
Walmart

Your hipster cat will love this retro cat condo, complete with a jute scratching pad and washable mat.

Retro TV Cat Condo ($44.97)—Buy Here!

SmartDoor Connected Pet Door

smart pet door
PetSafe

This app-enabled pet door allows you to control exit and entry, set schedules, get notifications, and remotely control it from anywhere! The SmartDoor comes with a Pet Door Key that attaches to your pet’s existing collar, giving them exclusive access through the door. Pets and other animals who don't have a Pet Door Key are kept out. Talk about serious peace of mind.

SmartDoor Connected Pet Door ($499.95)—Buy Here!

Dog Paw Protectors

aussie shepherd dog wearing dog boots
QUMY

Dog boots aren't just cute; they help protect their sensitive pads from the elements and rough terrain. These are available in multiple colors and sizes.

Dog Paw Protectors ($28.99)—Buy Here!

Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame Outdoor Cat House

brown cat tent with two cats inside
K&H Pet Products

Perfect for cats that prefer to sleep in garages, porches, barns, or even in colder parts of the house providing a nice cat cave with a cat warming pad inside.

Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame Outdoor Cat House ($100.88)—Buy Here!

Treat Puzzle

dog with dog puzzle
Barkwhiz

This treat puzzle is multiple toys in one! With 14 storage compartments, your doggy can flip and slide the pieces around to keep them entertained and improve their brain power.

Treat Puzzle ($16.99)—Buy Here!

Large Cat Exercise Wheel

cat exercise wheel
MIWOOYY

This wheel takes cat exercise seriously. Picture a kitty hampster wheel with no splinters, minimum gaps to prevent pinches, and a quiet design (so you won't be woken up at 2am to cat cardio). There are several colors available, too.

Large Cat Exercise Wheel ($159.99)—Buy Here!

hiddin Clear Double Pet Bowl Feeder with Silver Bowls

two sets of silver and acrylic pet bowl sets
hiddin

Obviously, this feeder set is ultra-cool, but beyond that, it's elevated to an ergonomically correct height for comfortable (and cute) feeding.

hiddin Clear Double Pet Bowl Feeder with Silver Bowls ($169.00)—Buy Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Summer’s on the horizon and your kids can’t wait to dive in to all it has to offer. Make sure your kids are swim ready with Under Armour. Their line of kids swimsuits are sporty, functional and offer your kids the mobility to splash, jump and play until the sun sets. We recently partnered with three savvy moms across the country who tested out Under Armour’s kids swimwear. Read on to discover why they think these swimsuits are a must-have for summer play.

It's Durable Enough to Wear All Summer

Surf and Sunshine

Jeana of Surf and Sunshine knows a thing or two about packing for a beach day. Her family lives near the beach in sunny Southern California, which means she has a beach bag packed at the ready most of the year. But, beach days on the regular mean that Jeana needs water wear that will last.

She writes, "Whistler has always worn a rash-guard at the pool or beach, so we’ve gone through quite a few over the years. My biggest pet peeve is how quickly most fade, but our new Under Armour Big Logo Surf Shirt is made from salt-resistant materials which help prevent fading and wear. Add in it’s UPF 40+ sun protection and quick dry fabric and this shirt is a keeper." Read more about what Jeana discovered about Under Armour's kids swimwear and her other must-have beach essentials by hopping over to her blog here

 

It'll Protect Your Kids from the Sun's Harmful Rays

Everyday with Bay

With four kiddos who love to play outdoors, Bailey of Everyday with Bay is realistic about sun protection, which is why Under Armour's built-in UPF is perfect for her family. In her words (which most parents can relate to), "As you know the sun is all fun and games until it’s not." On her family's recent vacation, she found Under Armour's kids swimsuits with UPF protection gave her the peace of mind to know her kids were comfortable and sun-safe. 

She says, "This was our first time wearing Under Armour swim wear and I can 100% say it won’t be the last! I loved knowing that they were protected all while having the best time! The quality is unmatched and we have been fans of Under Armour for years and this honestly just took it to another level! My kids literally wore these all day long with not a single complaint! They all dried soooo quickly which is huge for me because my kids hate being cold or in a wet swim suit!" Find out why Bailey is an Under Armour kids swimsuit convert by checking out her story here

 

It's Comfortable Enough for All-Day, All-Summer Wear

BWMC Fitness

With four boys, Jennifer of BWMC Fitness is rarely standing still. For all of their active adventures, she needs clothes that are as durable as they are comfortable. She found that and more in Under Armour's kids swimwear line. 

She reveals, "My boys have always loved Under Armour, especially how their swimsuits feel almost like regular clothes. The first thing my boys commented on when they put on these swimsuits was how soft they felt!" Click over to BWMC Fitness to hear more about why Under Armour is Jennifer's go-to picks for swimwear. 

 

Discover all of Under Armour’s summer swimsuits for kids and buy yours today by clicking here.

—Erin Lem

Keeping your house clean: it’s the perennial parenting struggle, especially for houses with working parents. And though I don’t place a lot of pressure on myself to get this one right (I don’t think it’s worth all the worry), I do have one big pet peeve: clutter.

Clutter on the countertops, clutter at the door, clutter on just about every available surface where clutter could gather. And yet, no matter how many times we clean a surface and tell ourselves that this surface isn’t going to get like that again, it doesn’t take long for it to get buried.

Which brings me to New Year’s Day this year. My husband and I had been home for a few weeks for a family surgery and the holidays and we were finally trying to get back on track with things around the house.

On that one wintry night, my husband had an epiphany. We wanted to keep these surfaces clean but our prior methods hadn’t worked. We also felt like everyone was a bit to blame for the clutter and so everyone should carry a bit of the responsibility. So he came up with a “micro-step” that has been a game-changer for our house.

In case you’re wondering, a micro-step (in this sense) is basically a goal that is readily achievable because it is broken down into something simple—something that is “too small to fail.” Thrive Global has a number of outstanding examples of New Year’s resolutions in the form of micro-steps that you can actually stick to.

Our “Too Small to Fail” Surface De-Cluttering Plan was simple:

  1. Choose the most cluttered surfaces in the house—that ones that most frequently get piled up and need attention.
  2. Assign each person in the family to one of those surfaces. Match the surface with the skill or frequent use of the person, i.e. give the four-year-old the living room table where toys often gather and give mom the hall lowboy where bills and batteries often come to rest.
  3. Each night (or at least five nights out of the week) take a five-minute “clutter” check to have each person pay attention to their surface and get it back in the clear.

It sounded simple and maybe overly optimistic, but I told him we’d try it. After giving everyone a few days leeway to get their surface back to visibility, we started our quest to keep those spaces in the house clutter-free. And by golly, it has worked!

We did discover a few necessary ground rules along the way:

Taking something off of our surface and putting it on someone else’s does not count as de-cluttering your space—UNLESS it belongs to the person who owns that space. So, if my husband finds that I’ve left my glasses or a book on the kitchen counter, he can put it on the low boy for me and I’ll take care of it.

If the whole family messes up a surface at once, the whole family should participate in recovering it. So, just because my husband has the kitchen counter assignment doesn’t mean he cleans up from dinner every night—it just means he checks the surface at the end of the night and tries to get everything back to its rightful place. Same goes for a family game on the living room table.

But guess what else has happened? We’ve gotten used to seeing those clean surfaces that our Surface De-Clutter plan has inspired us to spread the de-cluttering mojo to other parts of the house.

We’ve grown more conscious of where we put something down when we’re in a rush and have started making more of an effort to actually put it away rather than just put it in a “temporary” spot where it will get stuck. Doing it together has also helped us to feel committed as a family to this new ritual and has freed us up to be more present with each other on a daily basis.

At this point its only been two weeks since we started this plan, but I can tell you in all honesty that some of these surfaces haven’t stayed clear for more than a day in the past three years, so two weeks of keeping them relatively clean and open is a huge accomplishment. Because we are all sharing in the duty and because each person’s little piece is not too much to handle, we are finding success that we believe will last.

And you know what? All these open surfaces are bringing me a ton of joy!

 

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Carrie Williams Howe
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Carrie Williams Howe is the Executive Director of an educational non-profit by day, and parent, writer, and aspiring homesteader by night and weekend. She lives in Williston, VT with her husband, two young children, and a rambunctious border collie. Carrie writes about family, food, parenting, and homesteading.

Kyra’s Bake Shop just won a Totally Awesome Award for being the “Sweetest Cake Shop” in Portland. We recently spoke to the owner, Kyra Bussanich, about her experience as a business owner, the best advice she has ever received and more. Hear what she had to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Sweetest Cake Shop in Portland” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Kyra Bussanich: We strive to offer flavorful treats that are absolutely delicious—and happen to be gluten-free! We really like to balance the exotic with the familiar, so there is something to appeal to EVERYONE (and for those who have food allergies, we have plenty of options!)

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
KB: EVERYTHING is made from scratch, from our soups and salad dressing to our ice cream, breads and jams.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
KB:
I was super sick when I was in my teens and early 20s. I was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, but none of the meds made a lick of difference in how I felt. I got fed up with always feeling terrible (I spent MONTHS curled up on the couch, too sick to do anything). When the doctors wanted to take out the most diseased portions of my intestines, I finally put my foot down and started exploring a gluten-free lifestyle, if only to reduce the inflammation enough that I WOULD respond to the meds. Within a year, I was completely off all my medications, which meant no more chemotox infusions, no more blood panels to make sure my brain and liver functions were still normal…and best of all, no more pain! I started getting my life back, and that’s when I realized that there wasn’t anything out there that was both gluten-free and a treat. I eventually grew tired of always having to sit apart at holidays and birthday celebrations because I couldn’t have that slice of Thanksgiving pie, or birthday cake. Feeling excluded is no fun, so I set out to change that, for me, and for anyone else out there who has dietary restrictions. My primary goal, though, wasn’t to create a line of gluten-free recipes; it was to create absolutely delicious pastries and savories that ANYONE would be happy to eat, and they would just happen to be gluten-free (or GF, DF; etc).

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
KB: Coffee with cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and heavy whipping cream.

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
KB: Dropped off a flat of fresh Bing Cherries for me to play with! (I made paleo pop tarts!)

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
KB: When people forget that mom and pop shops have to do things a little differently than the huge box chains. We don\’t get the same price breaks on ingredients, and we often are pouring our heart and soul into the business, just trying to find a way where we can both nourish our guests and take good care of them, but also be able to take care of our staff.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
KB: I love to dance!

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
KB: I have a phenomenal memory and can recognize and remember our guests a year after I first meet them!

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
KB: Remember your WHY. The thing that made you want to start your business is the same thing that will keep you going when you\’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. You just have to remember.

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
KB: Be quick to fire. I don’t ever like to just write people off. Many times, there is a reason for why they act the way they do, and a little caring and sympathy can go a long way to solving challenges.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
KB: Let me talk to my team and see what we can do!

 

Check out their website here

 

photo credit: Modern Moments Designs and Courtney Jade Photography 

 

First Steps Network (Atlanta) just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Helpful Childcare Agency in Atlanta. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Helpful Childcare Agency” – what do your customers value most about your business?
First Steps Network: ‘It’s ease of use, safety, flexibility and reliability.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
FSN: First Steps was founded by – and is still solely owned and operated – by a local mom. She gets it!

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
FSN: Necessity. I was simply a young professional with a passion for children looking to sit and when I couldn’t I would refer families to friends. Then, the economy tanked and people were underemployed or unemployed and many stay-at-home moms headed back to work too.

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
FSN: 1. Two bouncing baby boys (2 and 3.5 years old) 2. Client communications if need be 3. Coffee (if I can get it made, and remember where I put it)

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
FSN: When I became a mom myself I was gifted a Moms on Call in-home consult. Life changing! Laura and Jennifer are brilliant!

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
FSN: When clients forget this business is operated by a human.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
FSN: Me time. Might be time with friends, shopping, reading or exercising.

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
FSN: I truly believe I have a gift in connecting people to each other.

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
FSN: As a parent, give yourself more grace. As a business owner, no matter how successful you are, never forget how you started.

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
FSN: Be sure to create a business plan. No way! Don’t let antiquated business ideas delay starting up!

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
FSN: Please contact me.

 

Check out their website here.

Photo credit: First Steps Network

                                                                           photo credit: Smart with Art

Smart with Art just won the Totally Awesome Award for Amazing Art Classes in Seattle.  Amy Friedman, owner of Smart with Art, took the time to speak with us about her totally awesome business.

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Amazing Art Class in Seattle” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Amy Friedman: The variety and and quality of art education that Smart with Art provides.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
AF: We are a mobile art education program that offers daytime programs and after school programs on site at schools and community centers.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
AF: After teaching art for almost 20 years, I was often asked to teach after school programs. I also provided professional development programs through Crayola and had opportunities to visit schools and saw the overwhelming need for art education.

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
AF: COFFEE and the Today Show!

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
AF: Praise and thanks from a parent is always our greatest gift.

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
AF: Not enough time in the day, wishing I could do more or duplicate myself.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
AF: I play tennis 2x a week and make this a priority!

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
AF: I would have to say thoughtfulness, I try to think of others before thinking of myself. Hoping to make our company the best it can be.


RT:
Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
AF: It is okay to second guess someone’s judgement, and always trust your gut!

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
AF: Believe everything you hear…

 

Check out their website here.

Le Petit Jardin French Immersion for Children just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Awesome Lively Language Class in San Francisco. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome Lively Language Class” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Le Petit Jardin:  Our fun, creative and enthusiastic team of teachers, I think.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
LPJ: That any child can learn French, our school is not just for families that have a previous connection with French or France.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
LPJ: I studied to become a French teacher in college and thought I would teach Jr. High or High school students. Then when I became a mother myself, I realized through teaching my young boys that a second language was much easier absorbed by the child’s brain. I was fascinated and wanted to shift my emphasis to toddlers. I started as a small in-home French Immersion Daycare and my days filled up quickly. I added afternoon classes, mommy & me French classes, ballet in French and local library story times just to feed everyone’s excitement for this French Immersion experience!

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
LPJ: I have tea at home with my French hubby, then coffee with “the girls” (all my fellow teachers here at LPJ) when I get to work.

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
LPJ: Telling others nice things about me and my school and drawing in more great families! All my customers have always been so lovely. I’m lucky!

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
LPJ: How much time I spend in front of a computer screen and my email inbox. I want to be with the children all the time!

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
LPJ: I laugh with my colleagues, go camping with my family (I have three boys), and try to go to yoga when I can. Not NEARLY enough!

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
LPJ: I think I have a knack for doing it “with a smile” whatever the task might be, easy or hard, pleasant or not, I just try to smile through it!

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
LPJ: You can’t do it all – be kind and realistic with yourself and do your best. Delegating is hard for me, but each time I do I am always so relieved!

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
LPJ: Every man for himself! I don’t like this mentality. I feel things always work better when we look out for each other.

 

Check out their website here

 

photo credit: Sugar River Films – Dave Brown 

Baby Merlin Company’s Magic Sleepsuit just won a Totally Awesome Award for “Most Snuggly Sleeping Saviour.” We recently spoke to the company about their experience as business owners, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted your Magic Sleepsuit “Most Snuggly Sleeping Saviour” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Baby Merlin Company: The answer to this question remains the most rewarding part of this business for me – parents love the Magic Sleepsuit because it helps their baby sleep better (so they can sleep too!). Parents value the help the Magic Sleepsuit provides, and tell other parents about it. This organic word of mouth marketing has been the main source of our growth which we are very proud of. We also pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. We are always here for our customers and want to make sure they are happy with their Magic Sleepsuit purchase. Our goal has been to create a community of support for parents so it is more than just the Magic Sleepsuit – it is parents helping other parents!

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
BMC: I’d like people to know that here at Baby Merlin Company, what we do is very personal to us. My staff are all moms that understand our customers and truly want to make their lives easier with their new little ones. We are all extremely passionate about the Magic Sleepsuit and about treating our customers like family.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
BMC: I was a tired mom trying to get my first baby to sleep better. I noticed he slept very well in smaller, more contained environments like the car seat or stroller, but would wake after a short period of time in the crib. As a pediatric physical therapist, I understood why that cozy, contained feeling helped him sleep, so I created the first Magic Sleepsuit and it worked like “magic.” I had no intention of creating a product or business at that point, I was just trying to help my baby boy sleep better. I then had my first daughter and pulled out the Magic Sleepsuit and it worked like a charm again. I made some prototypes and shared them with friends and it worked time and time again. That’s when my husband and I did a lot of research and learned there was nothing like the Magic Sleepsuit out on the market. I was motivated as a mom to share this product with other parents since I knew the difference it made for me. So after many years of product and business development (and two more kids), the Magic Sleepsuit was launched. My motivation was at the beginning and remains to share the Magic Sleepsuit with other parents to provide them with a safe swaddle transition product in hopes that it will help their baby sleep better and make everyone happier!

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
BMC: Coffee and water. And the coffee starts out warm, but usually ends up iced by the time I get to it some mornings!

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
BMC: I had a mom stop me in the grocery store and ask if I was the creator of the Magic Sleepsuit, and when I said yes she gave me the biggest hug and said “Thank you!” The “thank you” calls and emails and I get from customers are my favorite part of this business!

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
BMC: My biggest pet peeve as a business owner is one of my biggest pet peeves in life, and that is when people are not kind. We need more kindness in this world.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
BMC: This is always tricky as a business owner and mom, but the best thing to keep stress down is probably the hardest thing which is carving out time for myself. Whether it be going for a walk, going to the gym, or reading a good book (my daily devotional book helps me a lot), I always feel better when I take a little time for myself. My husband, Bob, is such a support and a huge part of helping me run our business and family, which helps my stress level tremendously.

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
BMC: I really wish I had a superhero power – that would sure come in hand most days! My secret superhero power is probably multi-tasking. Like many business owners, I wear many hats on any given day – running my business, running our household, driving my four kids around to their activities, going to games and meets, volunteering at school, etc., etc. It can be a bit hectic and crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
BMC: The best piece of advice I ever received is a bit cliche but so true – enjoy every minute because sometimes the days drag on, but the years fly by. And, boy, is it true! My kids are growing way too fast and I’m trying to savor every minute!

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
BMC: We have many investors and businesses interested in working with us on a regular basis, and we often hear advice that we should be doing this, that, and the other thing to grow our business even more. We’ve believed in growing conservatively from the beginning, and have never been willing to compromise our mission of sharing the Magic Sleepsuit with other parents to provide them with a safe swaddle transition option for their babies. It has always been about the babies first, not our bottom line. I’ve learned that when you do something you truly believe in and you treat people well, it pays off in the long run.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
BMC: RedTri15 – This discount code will give Red Tricycle readers 15% off their order.  Happy Shopping!

 

Check out their website here.

 

Photo credit: Baby Merlin Company

Dream Friends Entertainment just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Delightful Birthday Entertainers in Atlanta. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Delightful Birthday Entertainers” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Dream Friends Entertainment: Quick response and quality, affordable talent.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
DFE: In addition to entertainment we also offer photography and video services.’

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
DFE: I was inspired by all of the talented actors I was working with in Atlanta.

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
DFE: Tea.

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
DFE: They send additional tips for performers who really wowed them.

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
DFE: Last minute cancellations. The actors take the events very seriously and block off their time for them. It’s hard to fill the spot for them last minute.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
DFE: Kayaking and hiking along the Chattahoochee River

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
DFE: I was an entertainer at events for 12 years, so I really know what works and what doesn’t.

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
DFE: Book the event and then find the talent. I never did, I know better! I never want to cancel on a client.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
DFE: $15 off.

 

Check out their website here.

Photo credit: Kester Chau

Illumination Learning Studio engages and enlightens young minds through their interactive learning, music, and arts programs. Owner, Molli Piper recently took the time to speak with us and tell us what makes them totally awesome!

 

Red Tricycle:  Congrats! Your community recently voted you the Most Awesome Afterschool Program in Seattle. What do your customers value most about your business?
Molli Piper: The opportunity for their children to learn each day through the amazing cultural arts classes we offer.

 

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
MP: We are a family owned and operated business.

 

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
MP: We had talked about starting a family business for many years. One day our son called and explained how he waited in line outside of a school at 4:30 in the morning to get our granddaughter into an after school program. He explained that there was such a big need out here for quality after school programming.

 

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
MP: Coffee, kids smiles, and hugs!

 

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
MP: When we first opened our business I wore many hats, one of which was cleaning lady. I was cleaning one Saturday morning and a family from our program stopped by to help me clean! They said they wanted to give back to us for making such a wonderful difference in their community.

 

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
MP: Wanting to be able to provide programming to all of our neighboring areas who want it (West Seattle, Magnolia, Queen Anne). We currently have 4 locations and lots of determination to reach as many families as we can. It won’t be a pet peeve for long.

 

RT: How you keep your stress levels down?
MP: Breathing, breathing and more breathing…

 

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
MP: I am a Social Butterfly! I love people and will say hello to everyone!

 

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
MP: You have to be able to laugh at yourself!

 

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
MP: You’re the child’s teacher, not the other way around.

 

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
MP: We would like to offer readers who have children interested in music to come for a complementary music evaluation.

 

Check out Illumination Learning Studio and Like them on facebook.