Spring 2016

Having a baby? These Unique & Local Companies Will Help You Prepare for Baby's Arrival

Have you created your “baby is coming” checklist? I would love to share a handful of local mom-owned businesses who can help ease your process. Living in the Wicker Park neighborhood for 12+ years, and raising two small boys here for the last 6 years, I've been exposed to just about every pregnancy related vendor the city of Chicago has to offer (well, pretty darn close). My two sons and I have tried every cupcake (I use locally baked smash cakes for all of my 1-year old sessions!) and we've stopped into just about every toy store (Building Blocks Toy Store on Division, by far my favorite), and we can narrow down some other favorites for you as well. From invitations, to venues, to clothing, to prenatal massages, here are a few recommendations along with their contact information. Luckily you are located in a surplus of amazing momma-owned businesses. These twelve companies below will take you one (baby) step closer to understanding what is available to you during this next new venture - motherhood. Congratulations!

Full-service

Momeeze Momeeze is your one-stop family focused concierge resource connecting Chicagoland families to local family-run businesses. Their main focus is providing families with trust-worthy vendors while maintaining a stress-free, easy and memorable experience. They love that they are able to provide families access to their extensive network of partners who care just as much about Chicagoland babies, families, and expecting mom's as Momeeze does.
http://www.momeeze.com/

Invitations

Uh Oh Pasghettio is inspired by the every day moments of life with Kids. Their prints will make you smile and make you "awww." Hopefully they won't make you cry, because let's face it: toddlers have already cornered that market. Check out their assortment of fun baby shower invitations, baby announcements, and more.  The best place to keep up with her is https://www.facebook.com/uhohpasghettio

5x7 clothespin mock ups

Baby Shower Desserts

Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage & Flirty Cupcakes On Wheels

They will feed your cupcake & sweet addiction one craving at a time. Flirty Cupcakes can make the “ooohhh & aaahhh” moments of life, including baby showers and parties, a little sweeter! Their Industrial Chic bakery is the perfect quaint backdrop for a baby shower. Whether it's a location for gathering with sweet treats and a coffee bar you are looking for, or an added activity of decorating a baby themed cupcake during the shower, Flirty Cupcakes can meet your expectations and take it one step further.  Contact them to talk sweets and showers! 312-852-4441

Madame Gateau Cake Boutique - Madame Gateau is a cake boutique which creates unique custom designed special occasion and wedding cakes. Everything is made fresh to order from her own recipes using only the highest quality ingredients.
http://www.madamegateaucakes.com/

Baby Shower Gifts & Decor

Biba Cosmetics Give your baby shower attendees the gift of 100% natural luxurious lip cremes. Safe and non-toxic for expecting mom's and for your shower guests. Exceptionally rich in naturally derived lip care ingredients, Biba is devised to nourish your lips and make them feel like silk!
www.bibalips.com

Made by Ilyssa specializes in custom hand-made baby shower decorations. She offers 3 packages depending on the size of your guest list as well as a la Carte options. Check out some samples of her work here www.madebyilyssa.com

Building Blocks Toy Store Building Blocks has two amazing Chicagoland locations; Lincoln Park & Bucktown. Anything from custom name trains (if you are on top of choosing your name), add this to your nursery early, to stocking that playroom with toys. This is a great stop for well thought out toys and gifts for any age. http://www.buildingblockstoys.com/

Pampering Yourself & Your Bump

Breathe with Amy Amy provides a variety of massage styles including traditional Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial trigger point, and hydrotherapy to ease pain and promote relaxation. She can come to your home (a perk with little ones!) or offers in-office message therapy.
[email protected] or www.facebook.com/breathewithamy

Megan Rasby Why not decorate that perfect bump with a bit of Henna from Megan Rasby. She offers beautiful artwork as well as balloons and balloon arches for your upcoming baby shower. Facebook.com/meganraysbyfacepainting

Noktivo is a natural nail salon and green beauty boutique in Lincoln Square. Noktivo truly prides themselves on offering their clients a clean beauty experience, all the glamour minus the guilt! Their mani/ pedi services feature an Organic sugar scrub bar, handcrafted herbal bath salts, and raw, unrefined butter massage. The entire salon is acetone-free, to keep harmful fumes out of our work environment. If you choose polish, you can trust that we have sourced the healthiest options available without compromising performance. Their local Chicago nail polish lines are 7-toxin free, TPHP-free, cruelty-free and Vegan to keep you and your baby's health in mind. To learn more or book an appointment, please visit www.noktivo.com.

Kickin'Chicago Clothing Timeless maternity wear for mom & mom-to-be. They specialize in maternity apparel that will work before, during and long after your bump. A great stop for very versatile clothing purchases that will carry you through pregnancy and beyond. https://www.facebook.com/KickinChicago

Rover-Time Dog Walking & Pet Sitting  Let them help you create a plan for your furbaby as you begin your plans for your new baby! Their Maternity Service will set you up with a walker or sitter on standby for assistance when your special time comes. They also offer professional support and guidance to help ease your transition from pet-parent to baby-parent with pet with Dogs & Storks consults (so nice!). For more information, contact them directly at [email protected].

MojoOwl Looking for a little bit of custom-made positive energy...in the jewelry form? Of course! Whether you'd like to treat yourself or drop a few hints to your other half, check out the beautiful work at www.mojoowl.com

Unique Baby Shower Venue

Grow Artists Visit this unique baby shower venue to wrap a bit of artsy crafts in with your celebration. Your baby shower guests will partake in handmade gifts for you to take home to your baby once your celebration is complete. Fun, collaborative, and unique! http://growartists.com/baby-showers/