Check out People for a Year Book of the Celebrity Bump Brigade class of 2008!

Just think — this is only the first half of the year…more to come, I am sure!

So, for those of you who can honestly say “you knew me when” you might remember my very early days as Forty Weeks and my alliance with Baby Spa. Missy Chase, fresh from her days in publishing (as in magazine) had launched one of the first all naturual (way ahead of the curve and green when there was no such thing)lines of baby skin-care. She and I spent our early years in the industry as allies and friends - opening doors, getting coverage and starting the MOBB (Mom owned Baby Businesses). These were the pioneer days and really, we had a blast.  Her Emily and my Lila were babies  and our muses. We worked hard and kept laughing and yes, it feels like a lifetime ago. So let’s flash forward to today — Missy Chase is now Missy Lapine (she took Rick’s name) and Missy is now up to her eyeballs in a catfight with Jessica Seinfeld over their cookbooks. Saw her on Page Six Today….I wonder if she wouldn’t prefer a little Baby Spa right about  now!

Lindsay Lebresco  one of the good ones out there and, without doubt, my other “little sister” is, as always up to big things. The Graco super-force is now a blogger — check her out (and tell her I said “hi”)!

 http://blog.gracobaby.com

There is only one natural place to begin the year in blogging and that is on Page Six! The Golden Globes are cancelled but the Swag Lounges live on….oh yeah — this is exactly where I’d like to begin. In this crazy flooded category of pregnancy and juve - why in the world would anyone waste a nickel (and it is so much more than that) of their limited budgets on Silver Spoon’s famed Baby Buffet (oh sorry, they do dogs too) or any other mass C  list(see, I can be nice — page six called it “z list”) sampling events? Why, when targeted outreach is available (thanks to Amanda and her amazing team in LA) would someone just lump out the goods when FW offers direct access to the best of the bump and belly set? And with quite spectacular results (Julia Roberts nursing wearing Bravado shot and run everywhere for example). Again, this is a business. Sure, if you are just looking for some celeb encouters Swag Lounges might be just what you need. Or if your project analysis is sans a bottom line. But hey, don’t take my word on it - do the math:  product+travel+staffing+media outreach+booth or display set-up = $$$. Let’s call it $5000 (and that is conservative). So then what? What if you could directly sample to targeted influencers and what if you could be in partnership with their stylists and managers to make sure they got what they wanted, when they wanted it in the right color and size. Hmmm, perhaps this would mean that they use it. And if they use it, they will likely get shot (maybe not on day one but eventually) using it…Ahhhh — happy influencers, using your product, being shot doing so with the blessing of their management. As my partner in crime Amanda would say “GENIUS”- and it is. And that is what we do.

So, you missed me…I am terrible, I know. I don’t call, I don’t write - I am really a bad blogger. BUT OH — what tales I have to share now…so stay tuned.  And here’s to a happy and healthy (super successful as well) 2008!

Let the voting begin! Celebrity Baby Blog is wondering who is on the top of your celebrity baby hit parade. And what’s better - they are giving away some Gigglegoodies as part of the fun. I am tres partial to little Ms. Violet, Mama Jennfier Garner and  Bump Goddess Halle Berry these days but you vote as you will…

This is well worth reading — Susan  Gregory Thomas does an outstanding job of poking behind the scenes of why Gen Xis well worth the time, trouble and intergraged campaings - especially as new and expectant parents. As always — Ada, we are loving your Babble!

OK, I will admit - my favorite part about crossing the border to spend time with much-loved client Bravadois telling the customs official why I am there  — “to talk nursing bras” …really there is nothing quite like watching the agent’s face as he scrambles with what to say next….ok, ok I could be nicer — but really, I need to take my fun where I can get it!

 As for my time in strategy sessions with the super sassy and savvy sisterhood that is Bravado — WOW. Look for a 2008 filled with continued innovation and mind-blowing product. They continue their commitment to women accross the board. The best part — look for their spending some quality face time in a city near you. We are in the process of selecting partners for what will be an incredible year of giving women what they need on all levels.

 As for me — I remain grateful for a client to allows me to paint in my electric, excentric and sometimes wacky colors on a blank canvas year after year. They have given the entire Forty Weeks team to take chances that have led us all to great success. And that, as it has been said, is why we are here!

 Stay tuned — this will truly be an extraordinary year…I promise this will be unlike anything you have seen before. GO BRAVADO!

Jennifer Lopez finally confirms her pregnancy (with no mention of twins) on stagewith hubby and baby daddy Marc Anthony in Miami. According to People Magazine, it was a real crowd pleaser. I guess the bump was not enough?

The world turning on Britney (and yes, Britney failing herself) is feeling harsh to me. It is a sad, scary train-wreck (come on, you are paying attention too)…and I am honestly feeling sorry for the girl. I know, I know I was the same one who defended her maternity “fashion” sense in the media. Actually, what I did was call her consistent. And I digress…bottom line — this is painful to witness.