From bathtime to mealtime and every time in between, Boon has an innovative product to meet the needs of parents and kids alike. The team over at Boon constantly strives to design user-friendly, problem-solving, aesthetically-pleasing gear and gadgets that make parenting more fun and at least a little bit easier.

In the bathroom, we’ve tried out the multi-functional Frog Pod for keeping toys organized in the bath and are fan of the sleek design of the Potty Bench – though we wish it came with a fool-proof no-more-diapers guarantee.

We also like the modern sentiment in color and style of their new layette items – onesies, footed pajamas, rompers and two-piece sets that come in such patterns as DNA, Pacifier and Squircle.

But it has to the be kitchen where Boon has impressed us the most. Their feeding products truly live up to their motto – innovation for modern parents – and blend simple, clean designs with “why-hasn’t-someone-thought-of-this-before” originality. The Flair Elite high chair offers a pneumatic lift device to ensure that your little one is always at the perfect height while the Squirt is an ingenious product that allows for one-handed infant feeding and easy food-on-the-go.

Once they’re off the mush, we’re fans of the Catch Bowl and Benders utensils for slightly more advanced eaters. And food is just so much more fun with the Groovy interlocking plate and bowl set, the Snack Ball or the unique shape of Fluid.

Add to these innovative products a super-friendly staff and incredible work ethic (10% of Boon’s profits are donated to charity) and you’ve got a company you just can’t go wrong with.

Find all of Boon’s products at one of our bookmarked retailers – Pokkadots.com.

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Check out where Petunia is popping up in the pages this month.

The Saxe Family is a big fan of our Swaddle Blankets for creating the perfect swaddle for their little one.

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Cool-List Kids likes the gorgeous fabrics of our new Sojourn Sling.

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Our Scout Rubicon Rucksack makes an appearance in a Parents (June 2008) article on the new face of fatherhood.

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The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.

Meet Rachel Tolle – Production Manager Mastermind

Can you explain what a Production Manager does? I work with the design team on sourcing materials and factories for new design projects. Once we have a new design developed, I work with our factories to manage our productions from the materials phase all the way to getting the final product here in the US.

What is one of your favorite aspects of your job at Petunia? The people. We are a really close family. And I really enjoy the opportunity I get to travel.

Have a favorite place you’ve been too? I think Thailand would be my favorite. I haven’t been there for work, but did get a chance to spend some time there on my honeymoon. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and Bangkok is such an exciting city and one of the best places I have ever shopped. The people are so friendly and the food is fantastic.

Any place you’re still hoping to add to your itinerary one day? All my life I have wanted to visit Argentina. It’s a beautiful country with such a wonderful history and colorful culture. My husband also lived there as a child and has not been back since, so it would be a very special place for me to visit.

What’s something that you always pack when traveling? Big, oversized sunglasses. They make every one look fabulous. I’m currently wearing my new Marc Jacobs pair but I hear that Victoria Beckham has a sunglass line so those are definitely next on my list as she is the queen of big sunglasses.

So, we notice you have a bun in the oven. When’s the big arrival day? Boy or girl? A girl set to arrive August 24th.

Have you started decorating a nursery yet? The inspiration for my color scheme is from the album cover of the 1999 re-issue of The Beatles Yellow Submarine – really bright and bold colors. It’s very cheeky and mod.

Any treasured finds so far?
I’m addicted to ModernNursery.com. This is my first child and I can’t get enough of all the amazing products this website offers. I am currently in love with the Avalisa wool rugs that they carry. I definitely want to pick one up for the nursery but I keep changing my mind on which one I like because they’re all so beautiful! I also love their collection of Uglydolls. I find them strangely adorable.

Have a PPB bag you’re eyeing for your new little one? I have already picked up an India Ink Shoulder Bag from our Glazed collection. It’s a great size and quite sexy as far as diaper bags go. Though I do also love our Scout Collection. They’re the perfect bags for the modern dad that the modern mom secretly envys.

How has it been being pregnant?
It’s like a strange force has invaded my body and I have no say over what’s going on! I can’t speed up the process or slow it down. I just have to sit back and let it all happen, which can be amazing, tiring and at times very fun.

Any strange cravings?
Chocolate cake. But then again I craved that before I was pregnant, so I don’t know if I can blame that one on the baby.

Where’s the best place to get your chocolate fix?
I never met a chocolate cake that I didn’t like but I must say that my favorite is from the Vons bakery. They have the best chocolate butter cream frosting and when it comes to chocolate cake, its all about the frosting!

Check back in the fall for news about Rachel’s addition to the PPB family – Baby Tolle.

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* Want to keep up on all the latest Petunia Pickle Bottom news? Subscribe or bookmark for product releases, sneak peaks, giveaways, contests and more. *

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In this post by owner and designer DeNai Jones, readers get an inside look at the design philosophy and style behind the nursery décor of DeNai and Braden’s recent addition – Miller Jones.

As a business owner and mother of two, I longed to make my second son Miller’s nursery a place of tranquility. I love color (hence my designs here at PPB and my ruby red dining room at home), but this was going to be my one exception. I don’t believe that a nursery has to sacrifice personal style, and I knew I wanted a space that my husband and I wanted to enjoy as much as the new little man.

Inspiration and Color Choice: I found inspiration in the design of my son’s nursery from a few key pieces: our Misty Shanghai Boxy Backpack, this amazing wallpaper from Cole and Sons: Trees, and two pillows from Anthropologie. All of these pieces incorporated a shade of grey that I was hoping to use in the nursery and were the perfect elements to create a focus for my mood board. I love a nice monochromatic palette with a splash of color, much like the Misty Shanghai, and these pieces combined these two elements perfectly.

Furniture and Function: The crib and changing table were the most daunting decisions for me. I love all the new modern and oh-so functional nursery furniture that can be found, but we own an older home so I wanted to find something that would strike the perfect balance of old and new. The Panel Crib by Newport Cottages served up just what I was looking for. As an added bonus—the wonderful people at Newport Cottages indulged me with a custom paint color to match the room’s palatte. Both pieces contain clean, modern lines, and the changing table converts to a dresser once you are done with diapers—an ideal attribute so that the piece can grow as Miller does.

Hands down my favorite piece is the Luca Glider Chair by Monte Designs. If I didn’t have a busy little toddler running rampant I would sit and cuddle my newborn son in it all day—it’s incredibly comfortable not to mention so stunning.

I really struggled with my bumper set choice preferring to use our signature Fawn Bedding; but as much as I tried to make it work, it didn’t fit within my color palette. I wanted the focal point of the room to be the subtle punches of color and the decorative pieces – not the bedding, but the majority of our Fawn Bedding is big on color, an element I wanted to downplay in my son’s nursery. After agonizing over the choice I went with the Organic Embroidered Circles design by Dwell Baby which is ultra soft and blends well with the décor. I have always been an admirer of the Dwell bedding collection so it was nice to highlight another designer in the room. Of course, I was given a lot of flack by collogues at PPB. In fact, I’ll probably never hear the end of it!

Details and Decorative Pieces: I love getting caught up in the details and the decorative pieces are an example of my vices. I spent a great deal of time lobbying my husband for the Cole and Sons wallpaper. He had a valid argument that it was costly and would be time consuming to install (especially since he would do the majority of the work as I was 8.5 months pregnant), but I just knew it would make the room. Love, love to my husband Braden for ultimately indulging me.

With the exception of the wallpaper my favorite piece is the Tamar Mogendorff mobile. Thanks to Grace over at Design Sponge for introducing Tamar and her incredible talent. The dolls/objects are made from linens, wool, Mohair wool, cotton, vintage fabrics, tweed, antique ambroidery, pashmina and other fabrics. Each piece is handmade and the pictures on her website do not do them justice. My intention when designing my son’s nursery was to create a tranquil, organic, and textural experience. The stump side table and owl night light rounded out what I wanted to achieve, and the cable rug I found at West Elm offers a nubby, wool weave with lots of texture to help soften and warm the room.

Two of the wall art pieces I used to finish the room were from Anthropologie. I liked the simplicity of the art and the organic nature of the two pieces. In addition, I always try to put in every room of our home some sentimental piece or photograph. The archival bird studies were purchased on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee. On a short day trip to Franklin we happened upon an amazing shop dedicated to archival sketches and studies of anything you could possibly imagine. I knew I would use these sketches at some point in my life and this was the perfect spot. Miller loves to look at these while I change his diaper.

Ultimately, the nursery is the most calming place in our home…so I believe I achieved what I set out to accomplish. Now with a two year old toddler and a newborn reeking havoc in our home, it’s the place I like to relax and find tranquility.

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Know a mom who has it all? Ventura Parent.com is looking for Ventura County’s five top moms for its annual Mom of the Year contest.

To enter a deserving mom or mom-to-be, fill out the entry form here before May 25th and explain in 100 words or less why your nominee is top notch in your eyes. You can be a friend, a child, a parent or a spouse.

The five top moms will be announced in the May 30th newsletter (click here to sign up) with each winner taking home one of the following prizes:

• Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag and sling
• Arbonne Gift Basket
• Haircut, Color & Style at Clark’s Hair Salon
• Tension Relief Massage by Si-Si at Nourishments
• Indulgence Facial (90 min.) and make-up application by Carmel Stetler at Nourishments

Visit VenturaParent.com for local events, news, classifieds and deals, and be sure to sign up for their weekly newsletter filled with events, activties and outings throughout Ventura County for parents and kids alike.

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Meet our feature store of the month – A Bun in the Oven.

What’s hot at Florida’s A Bun in the Oven? Cake.

Our new Cake Collection bags are one of the store’s best sellers according to owner Darla. “It’s easy to sell these bags like they are hot out of the oven when you love them just as much as your customers do! Not only are they unique, I also believe that the Cake Collection is more practical and provides more storage than the other diaper bags on the market. Plus it comes with all sorts of goodies in the bag! We find these bags to be the premier bag in our store.”

Learn more about this Bradenton, Florida baby boutique by reading this month’s Featured Store interview.

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Dear Petunia…

I am in love with the fabrics for your new Sojourn Sling, but am a total sling newbie. How do I know what size to order? Is it the same as my clothing size? Does it depend on the size of my baby? I have a chunky 3-month-old.

- Not Sling Saavy, La Jolla, CA

Dear Not Sling Saavy,

Slings can be a bit intimidating to use for a first timer, but once you get the hang of it, both you and your little one will get to enjoy all the benefits of babywearing.

Correct sizing is key to ensure a safe and secure fit for you and your baby. PPB slings come in three different sizes – small, medium and large – and are based on your measurements, not the size of the baby. To determine the best size, use this chart to help you find your best fit.

To find the above measurements, use a soft measuring tape to measure diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip bone. For the chest measurement, measure the full circumference just under your armpits and above (not over) the fullest part of your bust. Men’s sizing follows the same guidelines.

When the baby is in the sling, the correct size sling should position the lowest part of the baby’s body on your hip bone. The sling should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight.

Keep in mind that our organic cotton Sojourn Sling has a bit more stretch in it than our Serenity Sling and will also shrink slightly during its initial laundering.

For more information about sling sizing, care and wear, visit our Questions Page.

* Have your own burning question? Email us at blog@petunia.com and be sure to include your name and where you live.*

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The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.

Meet Melissa White–Operations Manager Marvel

So just what kind of operations do you manage at Petunia Pickle Bottom?
I oversee the flow of orders, keep track of inventory, deal with department store orders, manage shipping and dabble in some customer service.

What’s the best part about your job?
I’d have to say learning something new every day. Change and growth are all part of the scene here – I’m never bored!

Besides the fascinating world of orders, inventory and shipping, what’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
I’d love to learn how to play the cello and cook Ethiopian cuisine. It’s my favorite cuisine.

Any good local Ethiopian restaurants you frequent?
Not any in Ventura that I know of. My favorite place to go out in town is probably Westside Cellars for their veggie tacos. It is an upscale place known for its wine, but I love these fancy tacos! If I’m grabbing something quick it has to be Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack. I love their burritos and chicken tacos. Basically it’s all about the fire-roasted salsa.

Mmmm…sounds delish. So you like a little spice in your food. Does that go for your style tastes as well?
I think so. One of my favorite PPB fabrics is the Misty Shanghai – I adore the color combination of the neutrals in white and grey but with the bright pop of yellow. It reminds me of summer. I also love the ethnic stylings of the India Ink fabric – classic, daring, and reminiscent of foreign travels.

Are you a travel lover? What destinations are on your short list?
I’d love to visit Morocco. The country is rich in cultures from many different peoples (European, Moors, Berber) which shows up in their architecture, food, music, and way of life. You can experience rich history and beauty all with modern comforts. I’m planning a trip to go there…someday.

What 5 things did you always have with you?
Burt’s Bees chapstick, sunglasses, cell phone, water, and mint gum. Oh, and my iPod- can I make it my top six?

We’ll let it slide this time…as long as you tell us whose topping your iPod playlists right now.
Sea Wolf, Radiohead, Portishead, and World Lounge. I’m also a big KCRW fan.

Any favorite KCRW programs?
Metropolis for music, This American Life for interesting stories, Good Food to make me hungry!

Ok, now for the serious stuff….Who has the cleanest desk in the office?
Well, that depends on what you mean by clean! Organized or the most space? I always have a mass amount of paper on my desk, which is just part of the job, but I know where everything thing is…does that count?

Hmmm, so you’re trying to win on organized chaos….
Then I would venture to say John’s desk, but Korie probably gives him a run for his money.

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One of our favorite designers of late has been the beautiful and simple furnishings produced by Monte Designs. Owners Ralph and Michelle Montemurro started the company to create nursery furniture that blended seamlessly with the modern decor of their home and now have a collection of six pieces that combine exceptional construction with sleek, contemporary exteriors . We’re especially fans of the Luca Glider and Ninna-Nanna Bassinet and love the simple silhouettes and neutral color palette that permeates their entire collection.

Owner, VP and Director of Brand Development Korie Conant recently picked up the two pieces shown here for the arrival of her new son. “I admire their no frills approach to design,” says Korie. “My husband and I live in a small space and it was important to me that our ‘baby furniture’ fit in with the aesthetic of the rest of our house. Modern furniture traditionally is known for being hard and cold in their look and feel, but Ralph and his team were able to find the happy medium. Clean lines mixed with comfort and coziness.”

See the entire Monte Design collection on their website – www.montedeign.net

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Fit Pregnancy (April 2008) highlights PPB’s adorable gifts sets of socks and onesies. These make the ideal “pocket stuffer” to fill one of our diaper bags for a shower gift or the perfect little something to drop by the hospital after delivery. Babble.com editor Gwynne recently listed our socks as one of her top five essentials for her newborn son.

American Baby (April 2008) recommends our nature-inspired Trotting In Tiergarten Cross Town Clutch as the perfect spring accessory which was also a favorite over at St. Louis Magazine.

And check out two recent articles with creator, owner and designer, DeNai Jones – profiled in Cal Poly Magazine and interviewed by Haute Momma Stuff.

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