The Ultimate Swap-a-Nista Contest

Are you the Ultimate Swap-a-Nista?

Sign up on our Facebook Page for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate (store credit). Then make a WALL POST about why you like swapping or Gumdrop Swap. This is our biggest giveaway to date!
Get 3 or more friends to sign up for a chance to win another secret prize!

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Model Portfolio Update

From April 17, 2011 Shoot

As I mentioned before, I "moonlight" as a "real-size" model whenever I get the opportunity. I've worked for clients such as Junonia and My Alli in the past. And in a previous post I shared some of the shoe choices I was planning to get for my spring shoot from endless.com. Professional models are expected to update their portfolios every 3-6 months.

From April 17, 2011 Shoot

From April 17, 2011 Shoot

It was nice shooting outdoors now that it's finally warmed up here in CT. So I wanted to share a few of my favorite shots from this shoot with Jefferine Kerr. She works freelance in Fairfield County. I highly recommend her services! Here is her blog. And the make-up artist, Nashiekah, writes a blog. We had to get one last shoot in before she relocated to Georgia. She's breaking up the dream team but I wish her mush success in my former state of residence. My natural looking tan was provided by Jenna of Healthy Glow on the Go! Jenna can bring her mobile spray tan service to you. Her phone number is 203.521.3402 and she is awesome and her service is so affordable.

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When Second Hand Just Won't Do.

It may be a little weird that someone who owns a store selling used items would advise the public to buy new. But in certain instances used items pose a danger or inconvenience not worth trying to save a buck.

About once a week a customer inquires about a used car seat and I have to explain that it is illegal to sell a used car seat in the state of CT (and most states). Why? Because the seller could be held liable if the seat malfunctions. There are laws forbidding these sales because there is no way to know if the car seat has been in an accident. People usually give away car seats. Just put the word out to people you trust that you need one. If the model is more than 2 years old, PASS. Your child's safety is worth the $50 + to buy a decent car seat. Its worth the investment to spend a little more to get a convertible car seat that can go from 5 point harness style to booster seat for larger child.

NEVER buy a USED car seat or crib without doing research to make sure that model has not been recalled and crib has all necessary parts. Cribs already dismantled could be missing parts or screws. If its an older model, finding replacement parts will be difficult. Again, only buy from a source you trust if buying used.

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‘Hardest Working Small Biz Mom’

Saturdays are bring-your-kid-to-work-days at Gumdrop Swap Kids Boutique. It's part of the reason I started my own business almost two years ago. Setting my own hours, not having to lie about when I have to take time off for my child's illness, finally being praised for all my hard work were all the "freedoms" I thought I'd enjoy as an entrepreneur. Sure, there's a lot of fulfillment in working for yourself. But I now realize, I work more hours than I ever did in corporate America, it's going to be a while before I can pay myself, and I took employer-paid benefits for granted. Self-employment is NOT for the weak! You have to push forward every day with blind faith and determination.

As a new (unemployed) mom in the recession of 2009, I launched what I expected to be online national kid's clothing swap club. The interest from local parents to swap in person pushed me to open a retail location. I invested my personal savings. In a year, I've built a customer family on little more than word-of-mouth referrals.

I laugh as I write this. This is an entry to Verizon’s ‘Hardest Working Small Biz Mom’ Contest and I'm supposed to answer " how do you manage running your own business and your household?" If I'm honest and brief, I'd answer "Not very well." As I type, my 3 yr old daughter, Corinne, is yelling "Mommy!" because I'm not participating in her  impromptu Knock Knock joke. I just celebrated my first anniversary of my children's boutique, so maybe I'm being a little hard on myself? I get discouraged after a long day at work and I come home to a sink full of dishes or hampers of dirty clothes. No matter how hard I work in my business, it doesn't cancel out any mom/wife responsibilities. I "manage" because my customers tell me what a blessing my business is to them. That helps.