Monday, October 20, 2008

For your little Monkey

Most of us have a least one of them in our lives; a "little monkey" that is! Here are some great accessories to go with them :)
The Small Potatoes change pod

What little monkey doesn't need a sock monkey shirt?!

Long-sleeved Fig organic shirt - Computer monkeys

Tricky & Titch have this 3/4 length sleeve Monkey shirt for boys and girls.

Keep their feet warm with these Jack & Lily monkey slippers.
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For the perfect Xmas party outfit

Christmas party season approaches and everyone needs something new and pretty to wear. Dazzle everyone with some of these beautiful and unique options:

This Chenille sweater and swing skirt from Snug as Bug are sure to make a Christmas statement!




The perfect accessory for new moms at Christmas parties is a gorgeous Pippalily sling.


This one piece holiday sweater from Hatley will be sure to make your little one stand out.


Your little princess will look dazzling in a gorgeous Red Fish Kids Mandarin Swing dress. Which would look lovely with the Peekaboo Beans capelet.


He will clean up really nice in this Snug as a Bug Snap-up shirt and tan cords.



Round these fabulous outfits out with the perfect pair of shoes:
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For the perfect family Christmas card photo

Cheesy or adorably cute? Either way - nothing says Christmas like matching PJs for the whole family from Snug as a Bug.


Available in Xmas plaid or hockey, these PJs are available in adult PJ bottoms, two-piece pjs for the kids, and one piece sleepers for babies. Made in Canada.
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All I want for Xmas

Xmas is just around the corner so we thought we would start posting Christmas gift ideas on a weekly basis until mid-December. We will send out bi-weekly newsletters with some of these ideas so if you haven't already signed up for the newsletter and don't regularly check the blog - sign up now!

We'll also make this post the master list of all the ideas. We hope we'll inspire you with some original xmas presents this year!

~Lara & Vicky

For the perfect family Christmas card photo
For the perfect Xmas party outfit
For your little Monkey
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

If I had a girl

I don't think about it a lot - I'm thrilled with my boy and would be happy with just boys if that was the way things turned out. But I hear it so much, the "ooooh. girl stuff is so much cuuuter!" that I can't help but look at the stuff - and some pieces really stand out for me. So I thought I'd share. If I had a girl, I'd buy:




Or maybe I'll just buy this one for me ;)
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Monday, August 25, 2008

Customer feedback

We've been open for over a week now, and things are going very well! The feedback we've received from customers is outstanding - rave reviews for our kids zone, the fact that we're Canadian, and that we carry different stuff for kids!

I thought I'd post some of the 'outfits' that people have purchased so far - I think it's really interesting to see what kinds of things people pull together from other lines, that I never would have thought of putting together.

The Fig Wrap Dress in blue with the Jack and Lily Love Birds shoe:


The Sweet Peanut Green Hoodie with the Baby Tease Eat, Sleep, Poop onesie,
and the Jack and Lily Sport Green shoes

(also would work with the Tricky & Titch Hug Me onesie)

The Kid Brother Cordaboys (which have been VERY popular this week) with the Fig Rock, Paper, Scissors Hoodie, and the Little Soles brown ankle boots.
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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Fall Peekaboo Beans is in!

The Fall line of Peekaboo Beans is in. Stay tuned - we'll have it all up online very shortly!
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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Home sweet home






The play area has been really popular - yay!


Come visit us at Place D'Orleans Shopping Centre (next to Kiddie Kobbler) in Orleans, Ontario!

(More to come soon on the job of renovating and about some of our great new products!)
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wordless Wednesdays: hanging out in the almost ready store!

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Coming soon

When Vicky and I launched Apples'n'Oranges last August after months of preparation we intended to give the business one year to see how it would do. Almost exactly one year later, not only are we thrilled we've done so well, we're expanding and opening a retail location!

A bricks and mortar, you can come and shop in our store, retail location!

Which is seriously seriously seriously exciting! :)

We got the keys to the store at Place D'Orleans shopping centre yesterday and have started the renovations (with the help of Vicky's husband and dad - yay). It's a ton of exhausting work but it's also thrilling and amazing to be able to bring our brand to a physical location.

The space is looking great and we're super excited to open within the next couple of week.

Stay tuned for updates on the joys, and trials and tribulations of opening a store, and we'll post photos once we're up and running.

WHEEEEE!! :)
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Thursday, July 10, 2008

On the cover of the Orleans Star :)

UPDATE: We got some great publicity for our participation in the Savvy Mom Mom Entrepreneur Awards - read the article!. Speaking of which, have you voted for us yet? :) (http://www.momentrepreneuraward.ca/MomBio.aspx?momID=197 this link doesn't always work for some reason, but it will if you cut and paste)


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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Great publicity for some of our Westcoast lines!

Tons of our suppliers in this video! Milkshaxs, Peekaboo Beans, Fig, Beba Bean and Agoo (we get our first order from them this August!) Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/6hm399
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Thursday, July 3, 2008

Buying Canadian - for all the right reasons

Our Ultimate "I Buy Canadian" Blog party was an amazing success! The reasons people stated for buying Canadian were compelling, heartfelt and inspiring!

From frugality, to the environment; the impact on community to supporting friends, the reasons for buying Canadian are all excellent and countless.

Our special thanks goes to Traci Costa, owner of Peekaboo Beans, who helped us select our grand prize winner - Meg Theo! Read her essay(below) and all the other great submissions and see if they don't make you want to run out and buy something Canadian right away!

Congratulations to our other winners too: Kerry, Colleen, Fun with the Friesens and Jenn's World in Wynward!

WHY SHOP CANADIAN?


Be aware of the impact of your dollars.
Having recently lost my job in a food manufacturing plant, I can speak all too well about the importance of buying locally and Canadian. After 100 years of local production, your local grocery store will be stocking peas and corn from China……buyer beware as the label hasn’t changed much. The landscape around my neighbourhood has, as the effects are large on a small rural community.

“ A locally owned independent business returns approximately 80% of each dollar spent back to the community. Local, independent businesses assist the community through a “multiplier effect”: one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses.”

While its hard to avoid “made in China” all the time, if you have the option choose “made in Canada”.

Choice makes for a richer community.
Canadian business contributes more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention, add diversity to our shopping options, and build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities and linking neighbours (across Canada). Specifically, entrepreneurship fuels our Canadian economic prosperity and innovation……

Canadians are unique.

And…..I love what awesome and creative “stuff” I can find for my little one!

***
And thanks again to all of our fabulous sponsors!!

  • -Peekaboo Beans girls' Mame Tee and boys' Koi Tee (your choice of size)
  • -Pippalily sling in your choice of fabric and size
  • -A custom designed t-shirt from Red Fish Kids
  • -A six-pack of hairclips and a headband from Bugalug
  • -A stuffed creation from Fabricawakuwaku
  • -A pair of squeaky shoes from Little Squeaky Feet
  • -A pair of shoes from Little Soles
  • -Baby shower cards, birth announcements, thank you cards and mommy calling cards from Kanvas Ink.
  • -A tie shirt from Rock and Rattle
  • - An apple dress from Fig Organic
  • -Jewellery from Jewellery by Erin
  • - A nursing cover from Small Potatoes
  • -$50 gift certificate to Haute Mama - capturing the fun and fashion of pregnancy - and beyond
  • - A BPA-free Starter Pack from Baby Be Green
  • - A Canadian music prize-pack from 106.9 The Bear
  • - Ladies’ Night Party Pak for 4! (Valued at approx. $45) from Foundation Studio Special Events
  • - An organic teething bonbon from Dress Me Up

  • You can bet we'll be doing this again next year so stay tuned!
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    Sunday, June 22, 2008

    The Ultimate “I Buy Canadian” Blog Party is on!!

    **Congratulations to our grand prize winner Meg; and our four other winners Kerry, Colleen, Fun with the Friesens and Jenn's World in Wynward. Stay tuned for a wrap up post - the reasons everyone believes in shopping Canadian are inspiring!**

    The Ultimate "I Buy Canadian" Blog Party has begun!! We're loving reading all the reasons people choose to shop Canadian, so keep them coming (if not just for fun, then for all the great prizes!!)

    This post will stay up at the top all week. (here is all the contest info) Add the link to your blog post to the Mr Linky or email us (info@apples-n-oranges.com) and we'll post it for you!

    Apples'n'Oranges is offering FREE SHIPPING in Canada until July 2 when you enter coupon code shipcanadaday at checkout!

    Happy reading and almost Canada Day!!


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    Saturday, June 21, 2008

    I Buy Canadian - posts submitted by email

    Trudie and baby Robyn:

    It's simple. Our family buys Canadian because we love the people of our country! As Canadians, we are all involved in items made in Canada - we support our health care system, Ontario education, social support networks, immigration policies, arts programs, science initiatives, historical preservations councils, environmental committees etc - which all serve to sculpt the varied beautiful people of Canada and the products produced. It only seems rational to direct our money back into our economy and proudly re-invest in ourselves! As a new mom, this takes additional meaning as buying Canadian products will only better the country my baby girl will grow up in.

    (I also can't help but notice that Canadian products tend to be finely made with high quality material with an environmental conscience. *sigh* It makes me teary proud just to think of it!)

    Thank you for selling Canadian products and my sincerest congratulations on your new store in Ottawa. We live in Toronto and will have to keep ordering online until our 7-month old daughter becomes more gracious on road trips :)

    Marie-Eve

    J'achète des produits canadiens parce qu'il s'agit bien souvent de produits de très grande qualité.

    Isabel

    I like to buy Canadian......I very well might chose a Canadian article of clothing over something else just to keep the jobs in Canada. It would be great if all manufacturers would put a Canadian flag on their products if Canadian made. I think more would sell. Good luck with your store and trying to keep all things Canadian.
    Isabel .....no small children of my own but one great niece that would look great if your things.

    Steph

    My reasons for shopping canadian are:
    -It's cheaper
    -it's local and supports local businesses and companies
    - you dont have to worry about it being recalled for safety
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    Posts sent by email #3

    Colleen (mom of Kira and Owen)
    I try to buy Canadian, when I can. Why? Firstly, to support my amazing country and keep local companies in business. Secondly, I find the quality superior to any other, and thirdly, to support people like you, who are trying to make a living while spending as much time as they can with their families. I completely respect people who are willing to take a chance to make a better life for their families. Finally, I love that the products you offer are different than the mainstream and I like giving my children the opportunity to be unique and display their personalities. My son is only 6 months old so he's not yet displaying his own will, my daughter however is almost three and certainly does exert her personality (usually at the most inopportune times). One of her favourite shirts is the "Anything but Ordinary" t-shirt which describes her perfectly. Thank-you for creating this store and I plan to continue shopping in the future.

    Tammy

    I don't have a blog, although it seems like I should. I didn't realize they
    were 'the' thing for so many moms. I love your contest idea. It's a great
    way for us to stop and think for a moment about the many reasons it is so
    important to purposely support our national economy.
    I shop Canadian because I want there to always be people in this country
    making things and doing things they love at sustainable wages. I never want
    to make a purchase for my young child that was made by a young child at
    scant wages in dangerous conditions. I don't want my going to school
    wearing shoes made by a child who will never see the inside of a classroom.
    I don't want my children playing with toys which may have been painted with
    lead based paint. I never want our country to rely on imports from
    countries with deplorable human rights conditions.
    Every time we pay a fair price for goods grown and/or made in Canada, we
    support our own nation and build a stronger healthier country. Happy Canada
    Day!

    Shannon

    I buy Canadian because I feel that, among other things, the quality is higher and safety of products is important to me. I also like to support fellow small business owners and Canadian business.
    Thanks ladies - what a wonderful idea for Canada Day!
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    Posts submitted by email #2

    Meg

    WHY SHOP CANADIAN?


    Be aware of the impact of your dollars.
    Having recently lost my job in a food manufacturing plant, I can speak all too well about the importance of buying locally and Canadian. After 100 years of local production, your local grocery store will be stocking peas and corn from China……buyer beware as the label hasn’t changed much. The landscape around my neighbourhood has, as the effects are large on a small rural community.

    “ A locally owned independent business returns approximately 80% of each dollar spent back to the community. Local, independent businesses assist the community through a “multiplier effect”: one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses.”

    While its hard to avoid “made in China” all the time, if you have the option choose “made in Canada”.

    Choice makes for a richer community.
    Canadian business contributes more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention, add diversity to our shopping options, and build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities and linking neighbours (across Canada). Specifically, entrepreneurship fuels our Canadian economic prosperity and innovation……

    Canadians are unique.

    And…..I love what awesome and creative “stuff” I can find for my little one!


    Kerry

    Shop Local - Buy Canadian

    I love shopping local and supporting local businesses and even though most of the time it costs more, there is something to say about creative, authentic and delicious food & art created in this beautiful area. Why not "buy Canadian"? We are learning more and more about what it means to support local farmers and businesses. Now that its berry season I am looking forward to u-picking and stocking up for the winter. I am so excited that New Westminster is starting a farmer's market and I hope to check that out next week.

    Ironically just a few days ago I was in Chapters looking in the cookbook section for children's recipes. There are a lot of recipes out there for home made baby & toddler food. In anticipation of becoming a parent I've been thinking lately about building a garden on my balcony in order to have fresh, organic food to feed myself and my child. There is a women in Steveston who recently started her own business helping people with balcony gardening. Living in a city where there aren't any farms it means driving my car a far distance in order to buy locally grown food. I would really like to get to a point of driving my car less. Locally grown to me means good flavours,products that are produced with such care and unique from the local big box store down the street.


    Amanda

    Shop Local - Buy Canadian

    Why Do I buy Canadian...??

    Better products, cheaper shipping, and the canadian's are just so darn friendly!
    I love supporting the stay at home moms that need a little extra income, and it's great meeting new people all across the country!

    Be proud of our country and support the economy... BUY CANADIAN!!

    Jenny

    Well, I shop Canadian for various reasons.

    #1. I'm Canadian and I want to support other Canadian businesses and our economy.

    #2. There are soooo many more cool things available in Canada now so I always check here first, even though I visit the US at least once a year! In fact, I was just there in May and spent a total of $31 US on purchases. That's it! it used to make me sweat coming back across the border. Not anymore!

    #3. Lastly, I'm trying to a little bit greener. It's not an easy feat but wherever I can shorten the sales cycle, I'm happy to do just that. In fact, I signed up for an organic farming share this year and I can't wait to pick up my first basket of organic produce tomorrow - all farmed mere miles from my home. Yummy, fresh and locally grown!

    I'm sure there are many more reasons out there to do it, but to sum it all up, I'm proud to be Canadian and proud to buy Canadian.

    Happy Canada Day!
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    Friday, June 20, 2008

    Coming soon

    On Wednesday I quit my job. Cuz you know why?










    scroll.....















    August 15 - Place d'Orleans shopping centre. OH YA!!!!
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    Thursday, June 19, 2008

    Networking networking networking!

    It's been a busy week for Apples'n'Oranges! On Wednesday night we took part in an eWomen's Network accelerated networking event. Can I just say what an awesome experience that was! If there are any entrepreneurs reading this blog, or even if you're thinking about starting your own business, go check out eWomen's Network! They have chapters all over North America. At this particular event, we were numbered off into groups and had 30 seconds to introduce ourselves, talk about our business, and our business needs in the next 30-60 days. If anyone in the circle can help, they write a note on a business card and hand it to you! We met so many people this way - a fabulous lawyer who will do our incorporation, a printer who will make our new sign, even a woman who's husband is a magician which would be perfect for some of our events!

    The best part of this night was getting to meet Kathryn Bechthold from The Mompreneur! She was amazing and inspiring and all around cool. What I loved about her was that she was real and approachable. It was so refreshing to meet a successful business woman who will sit and chat with you about anything - your business, kids, shopping, clothes - whatever the topic, in a way that makes you feel comfortable and inspired!


    So many times I have attended PR related networking meetings and have often left feeling like I wasn't quite professional enough, didn't quite make enough money, didn't quite know the right people, and obviously wasn't wearing the right clothes. The feeling I got after eWomen was that I was a valued contributor in the room. People were impressed with our business, and what we had to offer and were genuinely interested in helping us succeed, so YAY! Five stars for eWomen's Network!
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    Monday, June 16, 2008

    What do you do for Canada Day?

    Vicky and I live in Ottawa, the nation's capital, so Canada here is a HUGE deal. From what I gather, it's not like that in other cities across the country.

    So I was curious as we approach the holiday - what do people do for Canada Day? Nothing, but just enjoy that it's a holiday and stay home and work on the garden? BBQs? Are there celebrations in your city/town?

    For several years I went downtown, because downtown Ottawa on Canada Day is something everyone should experience. (I had no idea there was a web site!)

    That being said, I don't think one needs to experience it repeatedly ;) So I stay far far away now. For quite a few years our group of friends went camping every year for Canada Day, but after the babies arrived we decided to call that one quits. Last year, my little family took off for one of the family cottages and I think that's probably what we'll do again this year, but I'm also really tempted by the Canada Day celebration in my little suburb.

    Your turn - tell me what you like to do?

    ** Check out our Canada Day contest!**
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    Tuesday, June 10, 2008

    Wordless Wednesday



    Don't miss out on our Ultimate I Buy Canadian Blog Party contest!!
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    Monday, June 9, 2008

    The Ultimate “I Buy Canadian” Blog Party

    **Congratulations to our grand prize winner Meg; and our four other winners Kerry, Colleen, Fun with the Friesens and Jenn's World in Wynward. Stay tuned for a wrap up post - the reasons everyone believes in shopping Canadian are inspiring!**

    ** The contest is closed but there were so many great posts and reasons to shop Canadian - you really should go check them out! Plus - Free shipping in Canada continues until July 2! **

    The Party is on
    - read all the posts!

    Over 7000 kms separate us from coast to coast, we drink beer, love our hockey, suffer through cold winters, black flies and mosquitos, and appologize often, eh? It’s hard to pin a single event or distinguishable feature on being Canadian, but as Canadians we all feel it! To celebrate the birth of our great Nation, we're hosting the Ultimate I Buy Canadian Blog Party!

    The demand for Canadian goods is on the rise, and there’s no doubt as to why. By buying products from local companies you are supporting the Canadian economy and doing your part to reduce environmental costs of shipping products overseas. We strongly believe in the ‘buy local’ grass-roots movement, and hope you’ll get on board too!

    We want to hear about your reasons for choosing to buy Canadian! Share your reasons with us and you could win one of many fabulous prize packages filled with Canadian products!

    Prize packages will be awarded for best post and to three random participants just for entering. Stay tuned for more details.

    The Prizes

  • -Apples'n'Oranges $100 gift certificate
  • -Peekaboo Beans girls' Mame Tee and boys' Koi Tee (your choice of size)
  • -Pippalily sling in your choice of fabric and size
  • -A custom designed t-shirt from Red Fish Kids
  • -A six-pack of hairclips and a headband from Bugalug
  • -A stuffed creation from Fabricawakuwaku
  • -A pair of squeaky shoes from Little Squeaky Feet
  • -A pair of shoes from Little Soles
  • -Baby shower cards, birth announcements, thank you cards and mommy calling cards from Kanvas Ink.
  • -A tie shirt from Rock and Rattle
  • - An apple dress from Fig Organic
  • -Jewellery from Jewellery by Erin
  • - A nursing cover from Small Potatoes
  • -$50 gift certificate to Haute Mama - capturing the fun and fashion of pregnancy - and beyond
  • - A BPA-free Starter Pack from Baby Be Green
  • - A Canadian music prize-pack from 106.9 The Bear
  • - Ladies’ Night Party Pak for 4! (Valued at approx. $45) from Foundation Studio Special Events
  • - An organic teething bonbon from Dress Me Up


  • How to enter

    Post your reasons for shopping Canadian on your blog during the week of June 22-28 and send us the link at info@apples-n-oranges.com. We'll create a master list of posts on our blog for all to read. Don't have a blog? Send us an email explaining why you shop Canadian, we'll post it online for you. All entries must be submitted by midnight June 28 and the winners will be announced on July 1! Contest is open to Canadian residents only.

    We are Canadian. We buy Canadian.

    Extra chance to win!

    Add the following button to your blog to help spread the word about the contest and we'll enter you into an extra draw! Just leave a comment here to let us know you've done it!




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    Saturday, June 7, 2008

    Surprise sale!

    We're having a surprise sale! Shop now until June 15th and save 25% of all orders when you use the coupon code june25 at the checkout.
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    Tuesday, May 13, 2008

    So pretty you'll have to have one. Or at least I did

    We've been shopping like crazy, bringing all kinds of new things in for Apples'n'Oranges! Something we brought in is kind of different, and fun for kids AND mom! These ecojot and mirage notebooks are so incredibly pretty I made a mad dash for Vicky's house the moment they arrived so I could pick myself one out! Pretty AND they're 100% made in Canada, and the ecojot ones are 100% from recycled materials!

    Here's the one I chose

    But can I live without this one being mine?

    Or the glitter puppies?

    Or without this photo brag book?


    Key message people - hurry up before I buy all these new notebooks. Because I LOVES them, and apparently it's all about me ;)
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    Wednesday, May 7, 2008

    Spring Open House

    It's time for another open house! Come check out some of the latest Spring fashions and save 15% on all orders. Bring your spouses, bring your kids!

    Here's a sneak peek of some of the new items we have in stock: Citrus-Stripe Girls Sun hat from Snug as a Bug; boys closed-toe sandals from Little Soles; birthday invitations from Speckles and Weeds; and so much more!

    **Friday May 23rd**
    10:00am-4:00pm
    325 Elderberry Terrace
    Orleans, Ontario
    info@apples-n-oranges.com
    613-282-9386

    We hope to see you soon!
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    Saturday, May 3, 2008

    New products are in!

    We have just received a shipment of Little Squeaky Feet Sandals! Check out these adorable Diva Sandals for girls, or the stylish Sebbie Sandals for boys. Squeaky shoes have a built in squeaker in the heel which squeaks with each step. The shoe will only squeak when little ones walk heel to toe and encourages young children to walk properly and not up on their toes. You'll definitely get noticed when you're out and about this summer.

    We also just brought in a cheeky line of cards from Kanvas Ink. These cards just cracked us up, and we know you'll enjoy them too. Check out the Perfect Hookup, or the Bovine cards - they're perfect for those new and expectant moms.

    Come and see us in person! Apples'n'Oranges will be at the Starr Gymnastics Baby and Kids Show tomorrow from 9:30-2:00.
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    Saturday, April 19, 2008

    Coupon

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    Wednesday, April 16, 2008

    Look at our sign! :)

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