I have a sad story to tell you in connection with my next review.  I received an email from the owner saying that she is excited about my upcoming review but that she wants me to let everyone know that EVERYTHING has been reduced in price because she needs to shut down this wonderful shop.   When I replied and asked why she was shutting down, she sent this response:

“Yes – as of now we’re planning to close in the middle of July. The economy isn’t being very good to us and also there is a law which is going to be inforced next February which basically won’t allow us to do what we do (printing on onesies, selling handmade) without having very costly tests & certifications for lead & phtalate limits. (It does not favor the small business or crafter like us.) You can find more info on it here: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML“   

Her letter bothers me greatly.  How are the little guys supposed to get to the top?  With the economy falling apart at the seems, we are all struggling to open up our own little businesses and it just seems like one hurdle after another is continuously placed before us.  People are in danger of losing their homes because of layoffs and pay cuts and going into business for themselves is sometimes the only option—but those options are limited because you can’t get loans, or you need a bunch of licenses and permits and in the process you need to line the wallets of the Big Joes on top.  Just kills me.  Truly kills me. 

Hey I am all for wanting to make sure that paint is lead free and that our clothing and toys are safe, but I think that charging the artists and small businesses that produce the stuff is small potatoes.  How about investigating the companies THAT PRODUCE THE PAINT PRODUCTS.  Its just so frustrating.  UGH!   I’m sorry.  Just needed to get that out. 

This is why it drives me crazy with respect to this particular small business having to close because:   Miminko is a socially responsible business that is involved in the community.  They offer 100% Skal-certified Organic Cotton products made by honest hard working artists–they aren’t made in some sweat shop that pays women and children three cents and hour.  Miminko also maintains a blog called “Baby Steps to a Better Community” which shares information on volunteering, environmental issues and the trials of running a small business.  They also spotlight new artists and give others a chance to join their company.  Further, 10% of their sales from their “Portland City Scape onesie” is donated to “My Little Waiting Room”, a Portland OR non-profit organization working to bring drop-in-child care to local hospitals.  Such a nice company and such bad circumstances! 

Look at these adorable hand made items that this store offers:

How cute are these pieces?  So sad that we won’t have them for much longer…sadder that I didn’t know about them before.  I was always crazy about onesies!  Alas, my boys are beyond onesies now.  =(    

Even though Miminkoapparel.com is closing its doors and should be making every last dollar that they can, they have graciously offered to give away one of their adorable onesies to a lucky winner.  I am adding the onesie that she sent me to review into this giveaway as well….SO two lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive an adorable onesie from Miminko Apparel.  The onsie that I received is pictured here and it is a size 6-12 month:  One winner will receive this one and another winner will get to choose their style and size. 

Quantities and Styles are limited as Miminko has reduced the prices of their merchandise–some items are 50% off and stock is low with some items sold out. 

Want to enter to win one of their adorable onsies?  Here’s how

Head over to http://www.miminkoapparel.comand take a look at their onesies (and other items on sale) then come back and tell me which onesie you would choose if you win plus the size in a comment on this giveaway posting.

Extra Entries:

**2 extra entries–subscribe to becausemomsaidso.com then come back here and leave two extra comments saying that you did (make sure you confirm the feedburner email you get or the subscription won’t go thru!)

     Already a subscriber… leave two comments reminding me.

**2 extra entries–become a fan of becausemomsaidso on facebook and then come back here and leave two comments telling me that you did (plus your name on facebook)  

     Already a facebook fan of becausemomsaidso?  Leave two comments reminding me with your facebook name =)

**2 extra entries–blog about this giveaway and leave the permalink in 2 extra comments

**2 extra entries–grab my button for your site and tell  me where I can find it.

**One extra entry for each of the following:  Twitter mom it, Twitter it, facebook or myspace status it, digg, stumble, or any other social book marking site.

This contest will end on July 4th at midnight.  Two winners will be chosen using random.org and notified by email as well as here on the site.  Make sure you leave an email address please!  I tried clicking someone’s blog Url yesterday to visit her site and leave a comment but wasn’t able to leave a comment so please make sure you leave an email in the comment too.  Jenny from ourniftynotebook at blogspot—I wasn’t able to leave a comment on your site for some reason!  Love the site though.  =)

Thanks to Siegby for hosting this giveaway, we wish you well and hope that you find another outlet for your artistic talents!  Readers, stop by their blog if you get a chance!

While you are here, be sure to go check out the other giveaways and re-enter if you already entered.  REMEMBER you can enter once a day every day!  Have a great father’s day all and God Bless,

Cheryl