Comfy Cozy review by snickersncream:)

Loads of thanks to Melissa - and her daughter! for a great review of Comfy Cozy Glow in the Dark pillowcases! Just in time for ideas for fun gifts for the holidays, Melissa gives Comfy Cozy a big "yes" to buy! We've teamed up with Melissa's blog and are you can enter to win a pillowcase by visiting her blog!

http://tinyurl.com/27va8vw

We're looking forward to a great holiday season, but you should place orders early to ensure delivery!!

Leading Moms in Business Contest! Vote for Comfy Cozy!

DIY Market Research

Hi there! Hope the summer is going well for everyone:) I do wish business at comfycozy.com was as hot as the temps here in eastern PA!

Below is the link to an article from Country Business Magazine. Great tips on do it yourself marketing. I've already gone to surveymonkey.com and hope to generate some well needed feedback from my customer base.

http://country-business.com/growyourbiz/marketing_promotions/article.aspx?id=10200

Good Luck!!

Moms in Business - Unite!

I just learned of the Natl Assoc of Moms in Business. COOL! They are having a contest, which of course, I think comfycozy.com is a perfect choice for a winner. They will be selecting the top 200 mom owned businesses.

I hope that you will vote for me - over and over again:O) AND, share the link below with your friends that just might think my Glow in the Dark pillowcases are a fun product and that this mom is a winner!!

http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/8785/index.php

THANKS! And if you are a wahm (or a superwahm as we like to call ourselves!), go ahead, enter your business too!

Social Media - I'm all in a "twitter"!

So, I created a Twitter account a few weeks ago. I haven't been back to it since. Don't have time for the "learning curve". UGH! I need another something on my "to-do" list. I love new stuff and want to be part of it, just don't know how anyone finds the time to do it. Is it just me?

I have a personal facebook page and a professional facebook page AND a comfycozy.com page. Trying to keep my ducks in a row, my personal and professional life separate and use social media to promote comfycozy.com

Anyway, I saw this article - ok, it was posted on my Facebook page from a "friend". It's my kind of article. Short, sweet paragraphs with specific topics, no long seminar, e-class or verbage that is over my head!

I may be Tweeting sooner than I thought! I'd give you my twitter account to follow me, but I don't know how to do that YET!

Hope you get something out of the article too:) Click HERE to read it.

Dreamers into Doers

Last summer I joined a group on the Martha Stewart web site called Dreamers into Doers.

It's a terrific group of women, just like me that have started their own businesses, are following their dreams and doing something they are passionate about. Recently, we've started a "headlines" area where we post all the events, pr, product releases, etc that happen to us. It's incredible to see some of the amazing things these women are up to.

I'm delighted to be part of the group. Comfy Cozy will be donating inspiring pillowcases to one of our members organization, Enchanted Makeovers. The organization is like the "extreme makeover" for women's shelters.

Below is the list of our latest events and accomplishments:

Across the pond, you'll find Editor Queen Lena, and staff do a remarkable job offering up all things vintage, from Home Furnishings and Decor to Gossip, Fashion and the latest News. WATCH This Magazine soar!

http://www.queensofvintage.com/vintage-queen-jolene/3

Peggy Gaffney... your blog was tremendous! http://kanineknits.blogspot.com.
Peggy Shaffer Vincent...your pillow cases! Amazinghttp://www.comfycozy.com
Terry Grahl...Great Article about The Recipe of Hope on the following Blog!http://blog.thevintageworkshop.com/

Dawyna Claryn-Your Music Rocks http://www.EarthDaySong.com/
Brenda Foehrkolb - Brenda Star Studios and the fantastic Art Show was a must see!
Meilie Moy-Hodnet-A fantastic Product http://www.bigstickcanes.com
Bea Kuntz-Spring is in Bloom at http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
Eileen Smith Dallabrida-Keep up the reporting Genius!
Lisa Oliver?-What a Dream Project http://www.lostmylovey.com/
Keren Brown-Keep the Passion Alive http://www.foodportunity.com/ andhttp://www.franticfoodie.com/
Rachel Gaffney-Selling Fine Irish Linen and Keeping The Passion of Great Food and Ireland Stronghttp://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2010/mar/13/irish-food/
Kim McCool-Porcelain portraits and limoges of the finest caliberwww.kimmccool.com/
Kathy Hammer-Tasteful and Tasty Fine WV Salsa!http://www.msmollyssalsa.com/
Taryn Sisco goes Green For Spring - http://poppychic.blogspot.com/ (Don't miss it!)
Check out this Site! Endearingly Wonderful Mary Richey!http://www.wallberries.com/
Jean Roth-Keep the Images and Stories Rollinghttp://www.rotemdesignstudio.com -- and -- http://www.rotemgear.com
Jennifer-"Oh Fancy Girl"-Be Fancy!http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_people/show_profile.php?profile_id=4668
Debbie Maddy-HOW PROUD ARE WE fellow DID?http://www.hgtv.com/videos/innovative-shining-star-quilt/6652.html
Annette Fry-This is well worth a second READ!
http://www.nypost.com/p/lifestyle/pets/treat_tricks_DPcETCmbr2mREQqbgHFd8L
Bridget Mack-Go Ministries is on the GO...
Victoria Silva- http://feminineliving.com (What's not to like here ;) )! Bring it on!
Carolina Martin- (new Grandson and All) http://www.artonwheels.us
Lisa Umansky-Perfect Pound Cakes! http://polkadotpoundcake.com
Karen Eyler-Keep Caligraphy Strong
Beth Shotwell Baker-With an eye to the Dreamers and Mentoring Strong-http://www.deservingdecor.org
Tina Czarnota-Ms. Author? Founder of International Bed and Breakfast Day? Keep the mystery and intrigue headed our WAY!
http://www.tinaczarnota.com

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE

Last week I created a Facebook page for Comfy Cozy. Now, I'm trying to learn how to use it effectively to build business, gain customers without offending anyone. Tall order. I received an email from Inc. magazine this morning with loads of information. Check it out:

inc.com or

http://www.inc.com/business-owner-social-media-tool-kit/index.html?partner=newsletter_Success

In the meantime, drop by the Comfy Cozy Facebook page and become a fan! When you do, I'll send you a special Code for Buy One Get One FREE pillowcase:)

comfycozy.com is looking forward to a GREAT year - join us!

JPMA and the CPSIA

The following story comes from Earnshaw's (Trade Pub for the Children's Industry). What I want most folks to understand is that this issue is not over. Some seem to see the delay as meaning that changes have been made. Far from the truth. I call it a "stay of execution". We have to make sure that the bill is modified and that someone, anyone can understand it (can you say "stimulus bill"!). I digress. The news has done some coverage, but the piece on Fox News focused on what this bill means to Toy stores NOT the manufacturers. It didn't address the small businesses, wahms and artists that are making one of a kind products. We'll keep on this - there are a lot of blogs posting, so stay tuned. JPMA Requests CPSIA Clarification from CPSC

(2/16/2009)

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a body representing 95 percent of the prenatal to preschool products industry, issued a statement last week requesting that the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) clarify its new testing and certification requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) to ensure inherently safe products that do not expose children to established health risks are not indiscriminately removed from store shelves. "JPMA is fully prepared to help our members comply with implementation requirements that are practical and justifiable," said Michael Dwyer, executive director of JPMA. "But the federal requirements must be implemented in an effective and efficient manner or risk chaos in the marketplace and the loss of many safe products." On Feb. 10, the CPSIA's first deadline regarding manufacturers' adherence to new lead and phthalate levels went into effect. However, many companies have expressed confusion over the requirements and distress that mandated testing will further inhibit their business in what is already a difficult economic time. While the CPSC granted a stay postponing the testing and certification deadline, the JPMA asked for more information regarding compliance. "JPMA has joined with representatives of a broad range of industries to argue that the arbitrary enforcement date put in the CPSIA should be changed because the very information needed for industry to comply with the Act's requirements will not be available until after the deadline," the statement reads. "CPSC's interpretation of the CPSIA also requires that products already in inventory be compliant with the new standard for lead or they cannot be sold. Billions of dollars worth of inventory that may meet CPSIA requirements might have to be removed from shelves and placed in warehouses until the CPSC clarifies how the testing shall be conducted; only then can the tests be completed and the product back into commerce." JPMA is urging interim action as soon as possible so that industry has time to gear up to meet any new requirements imposed to demonstrate compliance.

CPSIA - One year stay

I never would have thought of myself as an "activist"! The term conjures up images of crowds of people picketing and carrying signs, screaming across the street and other misc. activities. I guess you could say "that was then, this is now". The word now means paying attention, being informed and making your opinions known to those that can do something about it...in a way that is productive and constructive.

It seems that all of "us" small business owners, artists, crafters and WAHM's across the USA came together - albeit thru several groups - and stood up for our rights and effectively got Washington to pay attention to what we were saying. Good for us!

On January 30th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted to issue a one-year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products. Now, that doesn't mean we're free and clear, but it does mean that we don't have to throw out our inventory and/or shut our doors.

We must continue to be diligent on this issue and stay on top of changes. For now though, I can focus on my glow in the dark pillowcases, creating new designs and forging ahead w/ growing my business. We'll keep posting new developments.

Click here to read the CPSC news release.

CPSIA BLOG IN!

We've come a long way baby!  The good news for those of us in the snowy northeast, is that technology has taken the "sit-in" to literally mean sitting in your house letting our computers be our voice on issues.  Today has been designated as CPSIA Blog-in Day.  With so many small manufacturers and artists' livelihoods (and passions) being potentially squashed with this new law, it is impressive how we have come together and are keeping a bright light shining on this issue.  

At comfycozy.com, I've updated my FAQ's page to include a pdf that customers can download to learn more than they probably ever wanted to know about screen printing ink!  I called my supplier and after explaining to the woman that answered WHY I was calling, she put me on hold, with a puzzling "let me ask".  The owner of the company was great, he agreed to letting me post the pdf on his products.  This information should put an end to MY having to test my products again.   But, alas, until the powers that be make changes to this law, I'm still on pins and needles, on wether or not I have to find the money to test my products.  

Wouldn't it be a grand if Washington showed us a little love this Valentine's Day and settled this issue immediately!  I'll send them all one of our glow in the dark pillowcases so they can get a good nights sleep!

If you are a consumer, manufacturer or artist, please share this blog, contact your congressman and senators and be part of the new "sit-in"!

You might want to read an article in Forbes by Paul Rubin, former chief economist at the CPSC, in which he explains why the CPSIA would flunk any imaginable cost-benefit test.

Comfy Cozy owner interviewed for CPSIA article

A few days ago, Caryn Gresham, my sister and PR guru, got a lead from a journalist looking for WAHMs that own small businesses that will be effected by the CPSIA. I said "yes" and she contacted me earlier today. The article can be seen on upscalebaby.com. Susan Maphis is writing a series of posts on the impact of the CPSIA. You can also sign up for her CPSIA Alerts Newsletter. I plan on forwarding the post to my legislators and news media. With the Innaugaration of Barack Obama taking place tomorrow, there will be room in the media for this topic.

CPSIA - Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act

Small businesses have had a tough time lately.  2008 wasn't so terrific for a lot of small companies and the last thing small business owners need, namely those of us that are work at home moms that are designing and making products for children, is the long arm of the government breathing down our necks.  I'm talking about the CPSIA - the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act that was signed into law in August 2008. 

While the act was created to address the unacceptable and dangerous levels of lead that was showing up in children's products (mainly imports), no one in our government seemed to realize how it would affect small businesses, designers and crafters.  It's one thing to demand testing and certification by large multi-million dollar manufacturers of products that use materials that could contain lead.  It is a completely different one to demand small, very small businesses such as many WAHM companies, like mine, Comfy Cozy,inc., to spend thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars we don't have, to have our products tested and certified or we can't sell them.  Many of thesse products don't even use materials that could possibly include lead, but that doesn't matter. 

For my pillowcases, I know there isn't lead in the inks we use.  If the manufacturer of the ink has already had the ink tested, why do I have to do it again?  It's not like the screen printing process will magically (or chemically) create lead in the designs.  One thing that gets me is that waaay back in 1994 when I came up with this crazy idea to create glow in the dark pillowcases, I wanted to be able to assure my customers that they were safe for kids.  So, I had them tested for flammability and durability.  Mind you that the company I had do the testing told me that I didn't HAVE to do this testing.  It wasn't required by law and that it was expensive.  None of that mattered, I wanted my customers to know that their kids safety mattered to Comfy Cozy,inc. 

Under the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, ANY company that produces products that are made for children under the edge of 12 must comply.   The first deadline is February 10 - yikes!  This will effect hundreds of WAHMS and small business owners.  Many of the cute, adorable, original products that consumers like may be ripped off shelves, web sites will shut down and we'll be forced to sit around all day watching General Hospital and eating bon bons!  OK, we all needed a little levity here!  

During a time when products MADE IN USA should be shouted from the roof tops, when those of us that are using domestic materials and domestic labor should be heralded for even trying to compete with imports, we are staring down the barrel of a gun being aimed at us by our own government.  Don't get me wrong, I'm the mom of 2 young boys, I have 16 nieces and nephews and countless friends with children - I'm all for safety, rules and regulations.  But forcing small American companies to pay for the sins of large foreign companies that really don't care about the well being of my children or yours, doesn't seem like the best solution.

So, please forward this post to your friends, family and all the WAHMS you know.  If you love the cool items you can find on Etsy, contact your senators and congressmen.  Ask them if they read the legislation and understand what it's effects will be.  Maybe they'll earmark some of that trillion bucks for us to pay for the testing and certification!  For details on the CPSIA, please click here.  

I know this was a long post and I thank you for reading it:)

Defining Success

SUCCESS is Always a String of Failed Attempts to Get it Right

How do you define success? It's been a rough couple months for me. Well, rough may be too harsh of a word. Let's say a bit stressful and frustrating. For a few days, here and there, I've had a hard time defining myself as a "success". Whether it was as a mom or a business owner, it just seemed that I wasn't making the grade.

I was defining success in lots of ways - hoping to find ANY way that would make me feel better! What I had forgotten, was the saying that I often use as a mantra when it seems like I'm wallowing in a string of failed attempts and success seems unattainable. It was time I sit back and remember that success rarely comes easily and without some early failure, and certainly without a lot of hard work. I was hoping some things would be successful because I "wanted" them too - right out of the box, no real effort on my part! What was I thinking??

As I accomplish little things, I feel better. Like today, I updated my web site comfycozy.com. It's not where I want it, but I am gearing up for Christmas and it no longer talks about Back to School! I LOVE my Christmas Pillowcases:My reality check and reminder came when helping my 2 young sons with homework. They get frustrated and I hear them saying "I'll never be able to do this" or "I'm always making mistakes". It breaks my heart to hear them be so negative. So, I'm teaching them my mantra. Teaching them that SUCCESS is string of failed attempts to get it right. They'll misspell words and get math problems wrong MORE often then they'll get them correct UNTIL they put in the effort to learn them and soon SUCCESS will be theirs.

My kids have helped me accept that I AM a SUCCESS as a mom and as a business owner...I just have to remember that failure isn't necessarily a bad thing when we learn from it.

Sarah Palin - WAHM or not?

So, I've been thinking of whether or not I should write a post about something "political". I decided this wasn't so much political as it was professional. Regardless of what you think about Sarah Palin's politics, you have to admit that she's a successful woman, wife and mother. All I could think of last week when she was on tv, was "how does she get thru a day - how does she do it?".

I wasn't so much caught up in the immediate attention of her being a WOMAN that was selected to possibly be the Vice President of the United States, but the fact that she was a MOTHER who could possibly be the Vice President of the United States! Not a mom of grown children, but a mom of 5 kids spread over 18 years and one is a BABY! My respect for her as a politician and professional woman is one thing, but here she is taking on this HUGE opportunity with kids in tow:)

Sarah Palin may have lots of help. Something tells me she isn't doing the laundry at midnight, but we do know she's nursing a baby at 2 am! She probably doesn't dust either, but something tells me, she would if she had another hour in the day. As a Governor, doesn't she "work at home"? Is her office in the Governors residence? I'm sure there is one there. She probably has times when one of her kids will come into her office and not even care that she's the governor, to them she's just "mom" and they want something to eat or $5 LOL. OK, she probably has a secretary that just might ask them to wait - I'm sure they don't have to make an appt.

I write about her because I've been having an exceptionally rough patch as a wahm. I wrote about the guilt /regret thing and it's just not "in me" to whine and pout for more than a few minutes. This summer seemed to be a combination of "life is wonderful, enjoy every minute" and "life is hard, how do I get thru the next minute".

When I saw Sarah Palin on stage, I started getting excited about my life and the possibilities that lie ahead. She obviously has worked hard to get to where she's at, threw a few punches along the way and certainly took some...she most definitely will be taking on alot of folks that would rather not see her succeed past being Governor of Alaska.

I've put things on hold with Comfy Cozy because of how it might effect my kids and husband. I've also used that as an excuse to not take chances. Sarah Palin is an example for us to take those chances. She may not be perfect - who is?

So, my point is that Sarah Palin was and still is a wahm. She was a small business owner and we all know that means you work at home even if you have an office somewhere. The next time someone doesn't see me as a "working woman" or comments that I don't have a "real job", I'm going to let it roll right off my shoulders...we could have a WAHM in the White House.

I'm wondering what you think?