Tuesday

The Diaper Bag Diva: Interview and Giveaway

*** This Giveaway is now CLOSED ***

Even though we don't have children ourselves, we're surrounded by friends and family who have great little broods. And we're always on the look-out for snazzy gifts to give them.

A couple of weeks ago, we came across a great new Web site called The Diaper Bag Diva -- which carries designer diaper bags and baby gear that definitely won't break the bank. I exchanged a few emails with the "Diaper Bag Diva" herself, Ms. Kaydee Ivers, and I found out that she's a really cool lady -- with a great vision for both her life and business. She has three ADORABLE children. And she creates the best bags (honestly -- I'm tempted to buy one for myself!)

We love it when we can give a little boost to great little independent businesses who seem to be carrying a superior product for a fair price. So, we decided to give you a little more information about Kaydee's business. AND Kaydee has generously offered to host a giveaway. One LUCKY READER will receive an item(s) worth up to $40 from Kaydee's site absolutely free.

How do you enter? You MUST do three things (incomplete entries will NOT be chosen).
  1. Read our interview with Kaydee below to find more about her business.
  2. Visit her Web site, The Diaper Bag Diva. Check out the products and find your favorite bag or accessory (under $40).
  3. Come back to this blog post and leave a comment telling us about the product you chose and why you think it's the best thing ever! If you do not have a blog with an email address listed (or we do not know you personally), please include your email address with your comment/entry so that we can contact you if you are a winner.
Extra Entries:
  1. Tweet about this giveaway and be sure to link back to this post. After you've tweeted, come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.
  2. Announce the giveaway on your blog; be sure to include a link back to this post. Then leave a separate comment (with a link to your blog) letting me know that you posted!
  3. Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow "News From Peef & Lo" through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

We'll accept entries for the giveaway until Friday (7/31) at 10pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on or before Sunday, August 2nd.

Lo : How long have you been in business?
Kaydee: I started this business around the first part of June, this year.

Lo: What inspired you to start your own business?
Kaydee: I have always wanted to stay at home with my kids; but during this economic climate, I felt that it would be great to contribute to the family finances. So I figured starting my own business presented a great option which allowed me the freedom to do the two things I love at the same time!

Lo: What makes your products special/different from the competition?
Kaydee: It seems to me that diaper bags range from one end of the spectrum to another in everything from price to style. My goal is to offer stylish diaper bags that you won't be afraid to spill a little milk on :).

Lo: What IS a “Diaper Bag Diva”?
Kaydee: Ha ha, this question makes me chuckle. To be honest, I am probably the farthest thing from a "diva" even a diaper bag one. Forgive me for my honesty, but I chose the name because it is catchy, but I think that it is important for moms to maintain a sense of style and not lose themselves in the middle of motherhood. Motherhood is hard. It's truly rewarding, but difficult. So, if you can have one fun piece that makes you feel a little bit more "stylish," then life may get a little softer around the edges. On the other hand, if you are one of those "already hip mammas," these bags will accent your already fabulous style

Lo: What did you do before YOU became the Diaper Bag Diva?
Kaydee: Pretty much the same thing I still do, with a little less time on the computer. I have three beautiful, high energy children (need I say more)? Well, since this is an interview, I guess I will, I do laundry, dishes, sweeping, mopping, diaper changing, etc. . . Prior to that, I graduated Utah State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and my husband and I have owned several of our own businesses including a couple pizza restaurants and a home flipping business.

Lo: What is the next step for your business?
Kaydee: I would love to increase my product line, but I want to keep the business end of it personal. I love hearing what women want, the products they like, and what they don't like, after all, am in the same boat most of my customers are in, and I never want to alienate myself from that.

Lo: What are your secrets to balancing work/home life?
Kaydee: I am still working on that! For me, work always comes second. I don't know if that is the best thing to say in an interview about my business, but I have to put my family first. They are who I am doing this for, and if it means that I can't take the time to meet their needs, it isn't worth doing. My balance comes between 1:00-4:00, NAP-TIME!


104 comments:

Unknown said...

I like the Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag!

Unknown said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/eclairemom/status/2765683301

Unknown said...

I now subscribe via email!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

http://thediaperbagdiva.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=11&zenid=0h1dj1a2eni3uveopmfpaotg41 maya bag

Anonymous said...

I love her totes...any of the ones in pink are lovely too!

peg42 said...

I love the Giggles Bowling Diaper Bag. I love the syling of this bag. It's so much more stylish than other bags that I've seen. Thanks.

peg42 said...

I'm a subscriber.
Thanks.

mverno said...

the Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag mverno@roadrunner.com

Courtney B said...

i like the maya bowling diaper bag

vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

Courtney B said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/2807703211

vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

GypsiesThread said...

I love the Versailles Bowling Diaper Bag!

gypsiesthread@yahoo.com

GypsiesThread said...

I follow your blog.

gypsiesthread@yahoo.com

Cherry Blossoms said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the Pink Versailles Nursing Cover. I have been looking for a Nursing cover that is chic yet covers everything in the right places! I love this fabric!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Cherry Blossoms said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/2812090466

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Cherry Blossoms said...

I subscribe via google reader!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Abigail said...

I love the Blossoms Blooming Bouquet 3 pk Set...hooded towels are the cutest things ever! plus this package comes with wash cloths and etc. perfect!

peters.ab0124*at*gmail.com

Abigail said...

i tweeted:

http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2813005520

peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com

Michelle AKA blabla3269 said...

love the pixie!

Julie said...

What impressed me about Kaydee is that her family comes first,work second-kudos to her :)

I really like the Paisley Bottle Bag/Bib Set. Second place is the Blossom Velour Blanket

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

I am a email subsriber

aunteeem@yahoo.com

Danielle L said...

I love the Maya Tulip Tote! Inside are a large mesh divider, and two additional small pockets. This would great to help me stay organized!

craziedee3@aol.com

Abigail said...

I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2823338410

peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com

Danielle L said...

I tweeted-http://twitter.com/DanielleLo/status/2823333182

craziedee3@aol.com

Danielle L said...

I subscribed via email!

craziedee3@aol.com

oceanrena said...

i like the JP Lizzy Chocolate Ice Clara Shoulder Bag because my husband would use it too

Anonymous said...

I subscribed via email! My favorite piece from her site under $40 is the JP Lizzy Bubblegum Day Tote! Thanks for the great giveaway!

luckymegs1981 AT yahoo DOT com

mogrill said...

I like the Pixie. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Kimberly said...

I really like their messenger style diaper bags, but I already have one. I like the Mini Tulip Cocoa Dot Gift Set the most because it is girly and looks very soft and gentle.

Macey said...

Cute stuff! I love the Giggles 4 pc Diaper Bag Accessory Set as well as the Versailles, cute interview and business owner.

Macey said...

I tweeted-http://twitter.com/couponmacey

Jamie said...

I like the Giggles Messenger Diaper Bag. I like that they are homemade which means that not everyone on the street will have the same one.

Rambling Rachel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Erin said...

The Max Bowling Diaper Bag looks awesome!

Erin said...

I subscribe via RSS!

Pamela S said...

I like the Paisley Park 3 piece set! It's chic without that cloying baby stuff you usually see. I have a niece who just had a baby and this would make a great gift for her!

Thanks!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Rambling Rachel said...

I like the Blossoms tulip tote bag. It's cute, looks large enough and it seems like it would also double as a bag to carry to work.

My current diaper bag gets dirty and this one looks like it'd wipe off and stay clean

Rambling Rachel said...

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/schreiberwriter/status/2832753729

Rambling Rachel said...

Added RSS to my reader!

elizabeth said...

The Pixie Stix messenger bag is very classic. and a great price! love that she started the business this year, what an accomplishment!

Abigail said...

tweeted:

http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2839494784

peters.ab0124*at*gmail.com

mscoffee77 said...

I love the Giggles Bowling style diaper bag! I love it because it's stylish & I really need a cute, new diaper bag!

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

jennem said...

I like the Versailles Messenger Diaper Bag. It's a classic, classy pattern, and the messenger bag styling is great.

Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer C. said...

I love the Giggles gift sets! The bibs and burp cloths and the hooded towels! It is a great pattern!

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Jennifer C. said...

I subscribe via email!

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Jennifer C. said...

I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/JCausby/status/2855264727

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Abigail said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2856982363

peters.ab0124(At)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Need a diaper bag for a new granson due in November/2009; thanks for the opportunity and it looks terrific; many thanks/sw/raymondw345@AOl.com

Unknown said...

love this
Spirograph Brown Canvas Tulip Tote

autumn398 @ yahoo.com

Abigail said...

i tweeted: http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2872208214

peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com

Katrina said...

I like the Hot Cocoa Bowling Diaper Bag because it is super cute and has style unlike most bags I have seen. Perfect for hauling stuff everywhere.

Kim said...

LOVE: Max Dot 4pc Accessory Set bc who doesn't need more organization???

~*~lilshuga2001~*~ said...

Love the Paisley Park Bowling Diaper Bag!!

Bean Sprouts said...

Love the JP Lizzy in Blue Classic Tote Set. Not only is it functional it's sylish. Love the outside magnet closure pocket for keys.

katielkarpovage@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/eclairemom/status/2883309619

Anonymous said...

Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag. This is the cutest. I love blak bags and I have a new grandson that I could use a new bag for.

TZel said...

I like the Lizzy Scarlet Poppies Clara Shoulder Bag because it looks so classy and sure to fit all our stuff! Thanks!

Lisa R said...

the pixie sticks bowling then the hot cocoa bowling then the giggles bowling diaper bags. I see the first 2 are sold out.

Unknown said...

Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/eclairemom/status/2892738188

Abigail said...

daily tweet - http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2894016619

peters.ab0124(At)gmail.com

Lisa G. said...

I love the Giggles Bowling Diaper Bag! Not only is it cute but all those pockets it would be easier to find the things I need instead of having to dig around. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa G. said...

I Tweeted this great giveaway! http://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/2896808936
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa G. said...

I'm an email subscriber too!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Miranda Ward said...

the Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag

Colleen said...

Love the Versailles Bowling Diaper Bag because it is so darn cute!

colleenyamamoto(at)yahoo.com

torinem said...

Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag because it is so darn stinking cute!

tornem(at)yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

I love the Giggles bowling bag!!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I'm having a baby boy(my first) in December and I would love to have the Chocolate Blocks Blooming Bouquet 3 pk Set. Love the designs this company has.

email:keithadanielle AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

I like the Versailles Messenger Diaper Bag!

Robin Haws
http://lolidots.com/kutie-klips-bloggy-blog.php
robin@lolidots.com

Mishia said...

I love the Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag because it is adorable!

darlanpaulsmamma said...

JP Lizzy Strawberry Truffle Classic Tote Set is the most awesome because i love the coloring!
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/lovinmykiddos/status/2909025760
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

subscribe in email
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/eclairemom/status/2910391562

Danielle said...

I LOVE the JP Lizzy Bloom Tote, It's so cute and I love that it doesn't scream "Diaper Bag"!
Thanks for the great giveaway!!!
yellyjohnsen@yahoo.com

Molly K said...

My favorite is the Hot Cocoa Bowling Diaper Bag.

Molly K said...

I subscribe.

Sylvia said...

I like the Mini Tulip Cocoa Dot Gift Set as I think this would be a great gift for my soon to be grandaughter
sylvawhit@gmail.com

Abigail said...

daily tweet - http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2918866766

peters.ab0124(At)gmail.com

Hotsnotty2 said...

My favorite is the Blue/Brown Canvas Messenger Diaper Bag! Thanks for the chance!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I like the Pixie Stix messenger bag

lkish77123 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

versailes diaper bag ty
vivianbl@olg.com

erma said...

I love the JP Lizzy Strawberry Truffle Classic Tote Set cause it is so cute.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

Brown Canvas Spirograph Messenger Bag
$39.95

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/eclairemom/status/2932562546

Abigail said...

daily tweet - http://twitter.com/peresab/status/2935729050

peters.ab0124(At)gmail.com

Heather S said...

Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag!!

hmahan_0529 @ yahoo dot com

Sarah Z said...

I love the Pixie Stix Bowling Diaper Bag because it is so adorable!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Amanda D. said...

Love the Max Dot 4pc Accessory Set because I love brown and blue together. macd82 at gmail dot com

Cheryl F said...

My favorite item is the Giggles Bowling Diaper Bag.

Hetal said...

I like Paisley Park Bowling Diaper Bag
$39.95

lezanac said...

I love the Hot Cocoa Bowling Diaper Bag lezanac@yahoo.com

~*~lilshuga2001~*~ said...

LOVE the Paisley Park Bowling Diaper Bag

~*~lilshuga2001~*~ said...

Tweeted!

http://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/2954066149

diego said...

Pink Versailles Blooming Bouquet 3 pc Set is my favorite! Because it reminds me of my time in France and Versilles

Mary said...

The Mini Tulip Cocoa Dot Gift Set is so adorable! I love the color!

mfalcon13@hotmail.com

Mary said...

I'm a 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires feed subscriber.

mfalcon13@hotmail.com

cman said...

I love the Giggles Messenger Diaper Bag.. it's cute.

Anonymous said...

I love the Blooming Bouquet 3 pc set. The hooded towel is cute and they come in handy. Charity petri1270@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I now a susscriber:) petri1270@gmail.com

susansmoaks said...

JP Lizzy Strawberry Truffle Classic Tote Set is the one i want


i Love it, it's so cute and nice

susansmoaks said...

subscriber

Abigail said...

daily tweet - http://twitter.com/peresab/status/3060024473

peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com

Bakersdozen said...

I would choose the Blossoms Blooming Bouquet 3 pk Set. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com