When I say this Mom and I go way back, I mean way back.? In fact, she was the very first “official” photo shoot of “Surprise Photography.”? My husband referrers to the oldest daughter as the “Butterfly girl.”

So when I was invited back to shoot the 2nd baby, it was truly and honored. When I arrived, I looked at this sweet sleepy baby on the bed an I sad, “What is he wearing?”? This? is when I was introduced into the world of cloth diapering.?? Kristy gave me a private tour of her diaper collection but I have to admit,? I was so overwhelmed.? When I started to do my research, there? was this whole underground world of cloth diapering I was unaware of. ? After what I researched, I was hooked. At the time I was? pregnant with Kieran and? I talked to my husband about? the possibility of cloth diapering.? I was actually surprised, no pun intended, of how supportive he was. In fact we both grew up with cloth diapers. For me it was not just about the cost of cloth vs disposables diaper, but the cost on the environment.? So we finally made the big switch to cloth, and I have never looked back.? So,? for April being a month in which we celebrate “Earth Day,” why not celebrate Tickety? Bu and their first anniversary in business.

In the honor of being “Green,” I proudly introduce, KristI Ashley, owner and? creator of ” Tickety Bu.”

How did you come up with your name?

I wanted something that had a loose reference to bamboo since that is my main focus, but wanted nothing that was a literal lift from that word. Tickety Bu means “everything’s alright” which is meaningful to the reason I use cloth diapers and started the business. Plus, I like the sound of it.

How long have you been in business?
I opened my shop April fool’s day, 2008.

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
I started cloth diapering my daughter right before she decided diapers were not for her. So, I started cding in earnest when my son was born in January 2007. I tried just about every kind of cloth diaper you can imagine before trying prefolds and falling in love. It’s just the best system for us-so easy to use, easy to wash and they work well. I use cloth primarily because it’s eco-friendly, but I believe that you can be kind to the environment and not have to sacrifice product efficacy or ease of use.

I have sewn for a long time (over 19 years of sewing, and about 5 years of sewing regularly) and wanted to try bamboo, so I made my own. I wanted a prefold made the old-school way, with no side serging, but also wanted to be in control of the fabrics used since I wanted maximum absorbency while still being super trim. I finally made the perfect diaper for us, It was all the reasons that I use cloth-a sustainable fabric, a more effective diaper than others, and easy to use and care for. I have friend’s who also cd who wanted some, so it wasn’t long before Tickety Bu was born.

What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?
It’s the only WAHM prefold made with no side seams or serging, so it’s just yummy bamboo next to baby’s skin. Also, I use only organic bamboo, bamboo/organic cotton blends and wool, so the fabrics I use in my products are as kind to the earth as possible. You don’t have to sacrifice; you can have both, a better product that is kind to the earth. Plus, bamboo and wool are better for the body and work better than the alternatives.

Do you have a store front/website/etsy?

I have a store on Hyena Cart and am part of two congos there as well.
TicketyBu.com

Hyenacart.com/Fresh

http://hyenacart.com/venusvanguard/

Store front location or where can we buy your products:

Coming soon to Waddle N Swaddle!

What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?
My short term goal is to have fun, keep building a solid customer base and help the bottom line in our family. Long term, I’d like to see my products in local retailers as well as grow my online presence.

Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to?
I’ve just added some home d?cor to my line, accent pillows. I’m always branching out, I’ve increased my product line throughout the last year and don’t see that stopping anytime soon.

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?
Not overdoing it. I’m a very driven person and have a hard time turning off, I could work all day if it was possible. But, it’s important to balance work and family and I’m determined to do it!

About You:

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets.
I have been married to Michael for 12 years now. We have two nine year old dogs, Maddie and Beene. And, the joys of our lives are Lorelai (5), Magnus (2) and Xander (new).

Our kids are very inquisitive, way too smart for their own (and our) good, and full of energy and love. They teach us something new everyday, which is amazing and wonderful to experience.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?
It really depends on the season. In the fall, Sundays are sacred football days. We make a big “picnic” that sits out on the coffee table most of the day and we munch, watch some games and play all day. We take breaks to play outside and for naps, but that’s about it.

In the Spring we like to take day trips around the area to see things we haven’t seen before. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of this area, and it satisfies our love for travel. In the summer, our perfect weekend day is spent lazing around the house, playing outside and at the lake.

Favorites:

Reality Show:
Top Chef. I hate to cook, but I love that show!

Favorite online shopping:
It changes, but right now I’m in love with Starving Artist Bazaar, Alfabette Zoope and EllieBelly.

Can’t live without item:
This changes too of course. In my business it’s a good pair of scissors. In my personal life it’s my pillow, I love snuggling up to my pillow for some much needed z’s.

How do you balance your business and your family?
I keep a schedule for work and stick to it. I work when Lorelai is at school or when Michael has his alone time with the kids on the weekend (he takes them to breakfast every Saturday and then to the park). I have a sitter come twice a week so I get a big block of work done and I sew when Magnus and Xander are sleeping. I keep afternoons strictly for family time and the mornings when I don’t work are for all the household things that need to get done. I’m lucky, Magnus loves to help with the household chores!

What is on your Ipod or CD player: Right now it’s Xander’s birth music which is a mix that Michael made. It’s got a lot of Coldplay on it.? (Can I say, I LOVE Coldplay, tell Micheal I have tix to the concert in Hartford )

If I were to look in your diaper bag/purse, what would I find: Tickety Bu diapers and wipes, Earth Muffin lotion (I’m addicted to it), Fruitabu for the kids, Burt’s Bees lip balm (also an addiction), my business cards, a toy penguin, my wallet and my car key.

I was lucky to have a private tour of Tickety Bu’s office.? Here is a behind the scenes sneak peak:

Ok Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers, here is your chance to save some $$ $, just visit: TicketyBu.com and get a 10% discount with the coupon code Surprise10.

Interested in finding our more about our “Momtrepreneur” feature,? get more info: HERE.

To Meg of Jeune Girl Crafts.? I know many of my blog stalkers are fans of hers, and if you are not, you must become one.? Her work was recently published in an online scrapbooking magazine, Making Memories for You.? Check out pages 8, 10, and 11.? I have to admit, I think it is kind of sweet that 2 of the pages have my photos

Congrats Meg!

And if you email her, be sure to tell her SP sent you!

Meet Dr. Jessica Burkhard, of Rhinebeck Chiropractic. (isn’t she so cute) Jessica and I finally got to meet after a month of planning and re-planning, due to weather, life, kids with colds and what not, messing up our schedules.? I was really interested in meeting Jessica to learn more about her business.? Some of you already know that in my past life, I was an “Exercise Physiologist” for a holistic based wellness club.? It was my job to teach people how exercise and lifestyle modification is not just about today, but forever.

Opening in October of 2007 with her partner and husband Joshua, Rhinebeck Chiropractic is located right in the heart of the village of Rhinebeck.? Their office space is small, but warm and inviting.? There is no being rushed out for the next client and their is plenty of privacy.

About 30% of their clients are expecting mommas.? One of my favorite little features, that any mom can appriciate, is the small basket of toys in each room. That truly lets you know, this is a family place.

Here is? little more about Rhinebeck Chiropractic in Jessica’s words:

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:

Rhinebeck Chiropractic is dedicated to helping individuals become the best version of themselves. We strive to educate & empower our practice members with knowledge about health & wellness. On an initial visit, we perform a complete comprehensive examination including consultation, orthopedic & neurologic testing, & two scans; the first scan tests the function of the nervous system, the second tests the integrity of the foot & associated anatomy. A detailed report is prepared & presented to the patient on the second visit.

As chiropractors, we look to the spine for signs of subluxation. Subluxations are bones that are not moving properly & are either mechanically compressing nerves or irritating them chemically. If nerves are irritated or compressed, they are unable to carry messages both to & from the rest of the body & dysfunction results. Though our focus is the spine & nervous system, we coach our practice members on proper nutrition, exercise, positive mental attitude, stress management, & a variety of other factors that impact their state of health. We provide whole food nutritional supplements to help bring balance to nutritional deficiencies, if present.

The concept of our practice is to address the entire person & the world in which they live. Through working together, we bring balance to each persons live, by removing subluxation, allowing the nervous system to function at 100%, & reducing exposure to physical, chemical & emotional stress.

What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?

Rhinebeck Chiropractic is a fun, love filled office. We treat our practice members like our family. We are unique in that we are a husband & wife team. Also, I have additional training in caring for pregnant women & children. I am certified in Webster’s technique, a specific chiropractic adjustment that brings balance to a pregnant woman’s pelvis & associated ligaments. This technique allows the baby the opportunity to get into the best possible position prior to birth. It also reduces interference to the nervous system of the mother, having a direct effect on the development of the growing baby.

What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?

Short term:
Form a Holistic Moms group in Dutchess County
Perform a monthly wellness workshop series to mothers on a variety of health & wellness topics such as Increasing your child’s immunity, Vaccination, Having a healthy pregnancy, Healthful Nutrition, etc.
Make chiropractic care available & affordable to pregnant women & families in our area

Long term:
Be the wellness leaders of the Hudson Valley
Have chiropractic care offered through the local birth center

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?

Balance. As a chiropractor, I am always looking to bring balance to people lives, through working with their spine & nervous system. With a 15 month old son, I have learned that balance is important in all aspects of life. I constantly remind myself not to be too serious & to slow down & be present each day. I am committed to being the best mom & the best doctor that I can be. I focus on raising my son naturally, practicing Attachment Parenting, extended breastfeeding, eating organic whole foods, regular chiropractic care, fresh air & exercise & having a positive mental attitude. Sometimes it can be challenging to do all of this & work part time.

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets:

I am blessed with the most loving, supportive family. My husband is my rock, my best friend, & an amazing father. We have a 15 month old son, Hudson Drew. He has the most fabulous deep blue eyes & a smile that melts everyone he meets. He is our daily reminder that life is fantastic regardless of what is going on in our world. He keeps us smiling & laughing day after day. We also have a five year old Jack Russell, Roxie.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?

What is a lazy weekend?! Seems like we haven’t had one of those in months. I love a good morning run around the lake that we live near. After that, making a picnic lunch & going to a park. Sitting on the grass, taking photos of my boys. After a relaxing lunch, grabbing a Starbucks coffee & browsing the books at Barnes & Noble. Maybe catch a late night movie & have a glass of red vino with my husband.

Favorites:

Reality Show: The Hills. I got hooked bad.
Favorite online shopping: Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, anything on sale!
Can’t live without item: Burts Bees Chapstick

(Ok, Jack Russell, red wine, Starbucks, The HIlls, taking pictures, and an adorable son, this girl is my new BFF)

Upcoming Events:

Strengthening Your Child’s Immunity Workshop
Join Dr. Jessica Burckhard as she shares vital tips on how to strengthen your child’s immunity naturally. Empower yourself and your family with this information and learn easy immune boosting practices to keep you and your children healthy. Tuesday, February17th & Tuesday, March 24th at 6 pm. Call 845.876.6450 to reserve your family’s seat!

Wellness Workshop

Be our guest every Wednesday during the month of February & March at 6:00 PM for Dr. Joshua’s exciting wellness workshop. Learn how to optimize your healing. Those who have attended past workshops are getting phenomenal results! There is no cost for the workshop, but seating is limited so call 845.876.6450 to reserve your seat. This workshop is a MUST for anyone who is serious about taking a proactive approach to their health.

Complimentary Examinations for Children

On January 19th we participated in the National Day of Service by donating spinal examinations to children free of charge. In keeping with our mission to serve families and in an effort to reach more people, we are extending this offer for complimentary spinal and nervous system examinations to all children throughout the month of February. Seize the opportunity to have your children checked for subluxations by calling 845-876-6450 to make a mutually convenient appointment time.

In the not to distant future:
Holistic Mom’s Network group forming

Kids Day America – May 2009, a day dedicated to health, safety & environmental awareness. Rhinebeck Chiropractic coordinated the entire event last year & is looking forward to having an even bigger & better event this year! Each child that attends receives a complimentary spinal screening, dental screening, and child identification card. Last year the Dutchess County Sheriffs attended & provided a canine demonstration. We raised over $1,500 for the Astor home of Rhinebeck, through donations & corporate contributions. This years event promises to be another fantastic day dedicated to the children in our community. Check www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com in the upcoming months for more information.

Rhinebeck Chiropractic
13 West Market St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845.876.6450
www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com

And just for our Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers:

Complete spinal examination, report of findings and first adjustment (if needed) for $99. During the month of February all children exams are free.

Workshops are always complimentary as well.

Just mention Melissa sent you