When most people think about fall, they think of cooler temperatures, a new repertoire of recipes, and cozy clothes. And while most of those things cross our minds too, the first thing we think of is of all the new patterns and colors that will debut in our favorite lines!

Sashay Satchel in Positively Plaid Diaper Bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom is one of those lines. Each season boasts a new collection of fabrics, prints and colors for us to collect and admire. Their fall/winter 2011 line did not disappoint. In fact, it may be one of our favorites out of the last few seasons!

Organic Cotton Indelible Iris Diaper Bag

Glazed Majestic Murano Diaper Bag

You will find new patterns and colors in all of the Petunia collections, including our favorites Chenille Earl Gray, Organic Cotton Indelible Iris and Blissful Buttercup,  and Glazed Majestic Murano.

Touring Tote in Travel through Tivoli

To get you in the fall spirit, we want to give you the chance to win a Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote of your very own in your favorite new pattern. Comment on this post letting us know what your favorite new pattern is from Petunia Pickle Bottom and we'll enter you to win a PPB Touring Tote. All entries must be submitted by Sunday, September 18 at midnight CST. (Note: Winner does not have to select the Touring Tote based off the pattern they voted with. Not all patterns come on all bag styles)

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 Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on Monday, September 19 and will be announced via the Itty Bitty Bella blog.

 

New Fall/Winter 2011 Patterns

Blissful Buttercup                       Indelible Iris                             Positively Plaid

Amaryllis Roll                            Toffee Roll                                  Cinnamon Roll

Black Currant                             Earl Gray                                    Majestic Murano

Frolicking in Fez                       Lively La Paz                              Evening in Innsbruck    

Misted Marseille                       Passage to Persia                    Travel through Tivoli

 Don't forget to leave a comment with your favorite pattern to enter!

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

Dancing may not be your strong suit, but your kids will be none the wiser! Pull on the "Boogie Legs" and strut your stuff while you and your child dance along with the Boogie Monster.


The Boogie Monster has just landed on Planet Earth to complete his mission. His mission, you ask? To bring out the best in every child he meets. How might he do this, you ask? By inspiring the children to dance, laugh and express themselves in their own way.


The Boogie Monster Dance Kit comes with the Boogie Monster book, the Boogie Legs, and the dance music CD by Recess Monkey. You and your kids will be dancing along long after the story has finished.

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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Roll out the red carpet for your newest arrival. Okay, well maybe not red. You can decide whatever color suits your nursery decor the best, as long as you remember to include a rug in the nursery.




Not only does it provide a soft and cozy place to lay out the toys and books, but it keeps your toes from getting chilled when you're up in the middle of the night going in for a feeding or a quick change.




We also love all the design aspects of a rug. It can be simple and neutral so as to blend into the surrounding decor, or it can be a statement piece- something with a bold, relevant pattern and colors that will complement and maybe even stand out against the rest of the nursery.


Look how this gorgeous yellow rug not only anchors the space and provides boundaries in the room, but the funky pattern and light yellow completely ties the nursery together. If you're thinking long-term investment, the simple pattern and color is not one she'll outgrow anytime soon. She'll probably be carting it off to college sooner than you would like to imagine!

Feel free to stop in and browse our in-stock rugs and our rug catalog to find the perfect one for your nursery!

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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Is your house piling up with forgotten toys, outgrown clothing, or no longer need baby items? There's probably not a single home in America that couldn't use even the slightest of clean up, so grab the kids and get them excited for a yard sale!

It's the perfect time since the weather is starting to cool and Saturday's have not been filled with sports games or dance activities yet.

Here's how to make it kid-friendly and profitable:

1. Price Stickers

Use colored circle stickers to price each item. Assign a certain dollar value to each color to make it easy to remember. Not only will shoppers not have to ask around for prices, but kids will catch on quickly that red is $1, blue is $2, etc.

2. Collect Supplies

Get your kids on board a week or two in advance and have them start collecting toys, games, books etc. that they have outgrown or no longer enjoy. Letting them choose will make it easier for them to part with the items. Don't kid yourself, you will still have to draw the line once in a while when attachment kicks in!

Don't forget to gather newspapers and grocery bags before the big weekend as well. You will be happy you have them when you have to wrap up a fragile vase or baking dish. The grocery bags are perfect for people to carry their loot away in...and you're recycling!

3. Create an Atmosphere

Consider having a lemonade stand along side your garage sale to earn a couple extra bucks and to draw in more shoppers. Have your kids put together a playlist of their favorite songs to play as background music. You'll be grateful for the noise when there's just one or two shoppers poking around your driveway.

4. Be Realistic

Set prices so that items will move! In the end, whatever is left should just go to Goodwill or your local donation store, so don't worry about getting your "money's worth". Just get it sold!

When it comes to kids toys, especially figurines, toy cars etc. it's easier to price and sell if you sell them by the bag. Set out bags in a predetermined size and put a price to an entire bags worth of toys.  (Ex. All animal figurines $2/bag)

We hope you have a great time bonding with your family over a weekend yard sale! It's a great time to teach your kids about team work, money and budgeting and giving back to the community and less fortunate.

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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