Be a Guest Product Reviewer

Introducing a new feature on our store, which will benefit all customers.  But I need your help to make this work. Each product on the Store now has an "Add Review" link at the bottom of the page.  When reviews have been written they will display at the bottom of each product page,  with the ability for more to be added. Invitation  I would love for you to come and add some reviews about any products.    Whatever comments you write are displayed - there is no way for me to edit them.  (It works very similar to blog post comments).  The only control that I have to is to Accept or Reject.   If I accept, then it's displayed on the page exactly how you typed it, including your spelling mistakes. If I reject then its not displayed.  Generally your comment would be visible after the site is reloaded overnight.  The benefit of these reviews is that they are YOUR honest comments, to help other shoppers.  This is all part of my Open and Honest way to conduct business.  If you didn't love something, you get to say so.  Here is a little guideline etiquette I won't publish any reviews that are abusive, have swearing or harassment I won't publish any reviews that mention other stores, spam, or weblinks If you purchased a product from another store, but it happens to be a product that I also sell, you are welcome to still review the product. Feel free to add comments about my service too If you purchased a bra, it may also be helpful to other shoppers if you mention what size you purchased. If you have a bad review, I hope that you would have given me the opportunity to rectify it before hand, if able. There is no way for me to contact you after you have written the review The "Add Review Page" does ask for your name, but you can use a nickname.  I'm not collecting personal info. Reviews won't show instantly, they'll display after the site is reloaded within 24-48 hours.   So Go Forth and start adding reviews.  Go to the STORE to find the products that you loved.

 

Feedback from Russia

A customer in Russia sent me this feedback today, what a great way to start the day!

 

Hello Frances,

Also, I did drop by at your facebook page and your youtube. They are both very informative and interactive.

It's seldom we meet people who are more like friends and less like a person doing her daily job. It's apparent that you enjoy what you do a whole lot.

I gather that the items you sell are of commendable quality and with reasonable prices. I would definitely mention your website at every opportunity.

Please let me know if there are any other padded bras on sale.

Thanks again  NR

Customer Email

It’s so lovely when a customer takes the time to email me some feedback.  This lady sent me a wonderful email, with a quote that I could use on my website too.  

 

I got two lovely packages this morning - so prettily wrapped! You are amazing, you know that? Your attention to detail, fast service and wanting to help each customer makes you such a wonderful business!!

 "I have just tried on my order and my 2yo walked in and said, 'pretty mummy' so I guess thats approval from her - and they have approval from me too! Hotmilk lingerie is so gorgeous and Breastmates superfast delivery and easy ordering, combined with the wonderful advice and support from Frances makes purchasing a breeze and a pleasure! The suprise gift-wrapping is like sprinkles on the cupcake.... and the whole experience is as sweet and delightful as an icing covered cake too!"

   

HEHE - you can use that bit above on your site :-)

 The pjs are gorgeous - thank you thank you!! I absoutely love that set, I think Ill be holding onto it for years to come. My poor cami is faded and stretched from washing and pregnancy but the winter pjs will be well looked after and treasured every night I put them on - they are beautiful. I have tried to get away with wearing the L/S top during the day too - it really is stunning!!

 

Mumcho Ponchos

We have some new Mumcho Ponchos in stock, in some gorgeous new fabrics.

These ponchos are great for pregnancy and breastfeeding to allow for a little privacy.

You can see the full colour range of the Chiffon poncho's here Mumcho Ponchos, and we do also have some in merino and cotton at different prices.

 

 

Win a New House!!!

Win a House worth over $1 million dollars

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?!

Murray and Michelle Smith decided to give away their home because they wanted to find a way to help provide much needed funds for the building of a church and community centre right in the heart of one of the most picturesque small towns in New Zealand — "Cambridge - the town of Trees and Champions".

The Smiths are passionate about making a positive difference to Cambridge and beyond... and that's why they're giving away their MILLION DOLLAR house!

Because they're so passionate about their community they're taking a piece of NZ to the world and want you to be a part of it. apieceofnz.co.nz is a not-for-profit brand that they have established to showcase to the world how great New Zealand is and why New Zealand communities are a great place to live and work.  All profits from the sale of apieceofnz.co.nz merchandise are channeled directly back into New Zealand and overseas community projects, starting with the church and community centre in Cambridge.

Every $25 purchase of six photographs becomes your "piece of NZ" to use on your computer as desktop wallpaper, screensavers, clipart... whatever! PLUS it automatically places you in the draw to be the new owner of the Smith's fantastic family home overlooking Lake Karapiro, with a market valuation of over ONE MILLION dollars.

Please have a look at their website, and spend $25 on set of images which then gives you a chance to win this house. 

Then we could almost be neighbours, I live in Cambridge too!!

http://www.apieceofnz.co.nz

Maternity Fashion

Just as we have recently launched our website section with maternity clothing, I’ve found out about this new site.

 

“www.maternityfashion.co.nz A new site for finding maternity wear, pregnancy clothing, nursing and breastfeeding fashion. Saving you money as they also list all the latest sales.

 

www.KidsfashioNZ.co.nz Kids Fashion Directory is the place to find stylish, designer kids clothing online, for your children. Over 500 online stores, the latest sales, fashion news and a weekly newsletter with giveaways.”

HOTmilk Videos

So you can see the colour and detail of HOTmilk bras in natural sunlight, I’ve made some videos on a beautiful sunny day J

 

http://www.breastmates.co.nz/hotmilk_lingerie/Demo_Videos_for_new_Lingerie.html

HOTmilk new styles

New arrivals of HOTmilk Lingerie are now unpacked and available online.  Sizes are limited until April, when our second shipment arrives.  That’s also when the FF and G cups will be arriving up to 20 body size.

Snow White  Full figure maternity bra

Princess and the Pea Maternity PJ top – which has matching boxers, camisole top, or long PJ Pants

Sleeping Beauty maternity nightie

 

 

Maternity Tops

Maternity Tops are now available online at our NZ website, this is the start of our collection:

Maternity Tunic
 $79.00  NZD

Maternity Top Sleeveless
 $69.00  NZD

Maternity Top Crossover
 $46.00  NZD

Maternity Top Scoop Neck
 $46.00  NZD

Maternity Top High Neck
 $69.00  NZD

Maternity Top Long Sleeve
 $75.00  NZD

Belly Band
 $39.90  NZD

Breastfeeding Wrap Merino
 $149.00  NZD

Breastmates Sale

Lots of things on sale at the moment, the quick links to our store are here:

Hotmilk Bra Midnight Mystique
$59.90 $49.90  NZD

HOTmilk Bra Ablaze with Azure
$59.90 $49.90  NZD

HOTmilk Bra Cherry Bomb
$59.90 $49.90  NZD

HOTmilk Bra She Craved
$59.95 $35.97  NZD

Hotmilk Camisole Sweet Reminiscence
$59.95 $49.95  NZD

HOTmilk Tshirt Bra Her Playfulness
$59.90 $49.90  NZD

HOTmilk Camisole Ruffle My Feathers
$59.90 $29.95  NZD

Belly Bands size 20 22
$22.00 $5.00  NZD

HOTmilk Nightie Slip into Seduction
$89.90 $44.95  NZD

Hot Milk Bra Confidence
$59.90 $49.90  NZD

HOTmilk Knickers Ruffle My Feathers
$24.90 $12.45  NZD

Avent BackPack
$119.00 $79.00  NZD

GR8X Camoflague Backpack Duo
$139.95 $70.00  NZD

Glamourmum Chocolate Size M Sale
$75.00 $55.00  NZD

GR8X Baby Traveller Bag Camoflague
$121.00 $60.00  NZD

C Section Healing Kit
$92.90 $78.90  NZD

Breastfeeding Hoodie Cotton
$79.00 $65.00  NZD

Nursing Tshirt Fitted
$60.00 $40.00  NZD

Heat Packs
$12.00 $9.00  NZD

Teething Jewellery
$34.90 $29.90  NZD

HOTmilk Bikini Confidence is Radiance
$24.95 $12.48  NZD

Nursing Necklace
$36.90 $28.90  NZD

Plush Animal Rattles
$21.00 $18.00  NZD

HOTmilk Boyleg Confidence is Radiance
$29.95 $14.97  NZD

Mom Spit
$22.90 $19.90  NZD

Perfect Fit Maternity Knickers White Size 14
$14.95 $7.00  NZD

Baby Wipes
$29.90 $24.90  NZD

Organic Nappy Cream
$23.90 $19.90  NZD

Organic Breast Pads Large Size
$32.90 $27.90  NZD

Organic Breast Pads Regular Size
$29.90 $24.90  NZD

HOTmilk French Knickers She Craved
$29.95 $17.97  NZD

HOTmilk Bikini Pants She Craved
$24.95 $14.97  NZD

Congrats to BabyBaby

Congrats to BabyBaby on winning the international iParenting Award for their nappy rash cream!!

You can read about it here:  Kiwi Rash Cream Wins Award

 

 

maternity clothes online

Oooo exciting times….

We have some new sections for Maternity Clothes.  The stock is ordered and on its way.  I was just too impatient to wait for it to arrive and have started preparing the new website page in our store.

• Maternity Tops
• Maternity Pants
• Maternity Skirts
• Maternity Sleepwear
• Maternity Dresses

 

Teething Jewellery

We have a new range of Teething Jewellery available.  We used to stock the Dr Blooms range, but have shifted to the “smart mums” range because I prefer to deal directly with a NZ based company rather than getting product from overseas.  These are Jewellery for mum to wear, which baby can then chew on when they need to!

So what’s the deal with teething Jewellery?  Why bother?

I was sitting in a café with a friend once who had a 5 month old baby in a sling.  We’d been sitting there for a while and her baby was getting a bit grizzly. So she just took of her bangle and her baby was mesmerized by it.  Actually, her baby wanted it even before she took the bangle off her wrist.  Her baby was happy to play, suck and chew on it.  And it was perfectly safe, and was designed specifically from teething rubber that all the other baby teething toys are made from.  But this mum just kept it on her wrist and it looked perfectly normal.  The necklaces are also good to wear so that baby can look (i.e be mesmerized) and touch while breastfeeding.

Happy baby = happy mum who can enjoy her coffee.

You can see our new range and great colours of Teething Necklace pendants, and bangles at our store here:  Teething Bangles and Teething Necklaces

 

Organic Nappy Balm

Organic Nappy Balm now in store – we are super proud to stock the Mothers Little Helper nappy balm.  I’ve been using for my son Lochie and I love it.

You can check it out here:  Organic Balm

Its made from natural ingredients, and no nasty petrochemicals.   J

 

 

 

HOTmilk Lingerie on the catwalk

skinny models were the standard catwalk models that were available at the Sydney Lingerie show. HOTmilk usually have pregnant models in their shots. The pushchair in the background was the only way they could indicate they were baby related.

Breastfeeding Naturally - Sonia Gray

HOTmilk models are really pregnant

I just answered a couple of common questions about HOTmilk lingerie and the marketing images.

Sexy pregnant models….!

You can read the article here  HOTmilk Lingerie Models

Oh Baby Magazine

Had my first article published in a magazine today. Oh Baby mag!!! Two pages!!!!

 

You can read what I wrote here:  Breastfeeding Tips  hope you like it!

 

 

Annah Stretton

Yesterday I missed an opportunity to meet one of my mentors.  Well, I walked past her in real life, but didn’t think faster to say hello.

I have a bad case of shoulda, woulda, coulda – but Didn’t.

 I still sent her an email, but gutted that I didn’t think faster and actually shake her hand!

 

She did reply to my email though which is very cool!

 

 

Thanks for the feedback Frances,  you should have said hi …..

 Merry Christmas !

 Annah

 

Editor and Publisher
HER, PINK & WHO'S WHO magazines
Stretton Publishing Company Ltd
Cnr Thames and Marshall Streets

P O Box 65
Morrinsville 3340
 
P   07 889 4053

F   07 889 4058

 

      

 

funny gift card message

This is the funniest comment box I’ve ever had with a customer’s order:

 

How Did you Hear about Breastmates? “By accident while searching for porn.   Kidding.  Can't remember sorry, it was ages ago. I get the newsletter and joined the Facebook group, so it's one of the first places I think of for maternity/nursing paraphernalia”

Message for Gift Card: “Dear [name removed]  Please treat yourself a gorgeous HotMilk nursing bra. Email Frances (Breastmates) if you need any advice, she's VERY helpful!!   Lots of love, [names removed]”

 

The funny thing about the gift card message, is that I have to write that myself.  I’m Frances and I’ll be writing a recommendation for myself on this present!!

Processing this order made me laugh.

Introductory Video

It was a bit of historical moment when this film crew came over and took this video of me.  It was done back in March 2009, so it has dated a bit now and my son has grown a lot bigger.

Now you can see the face behind the webpages!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPjIpKSR610

HOT Milk History

HOTmilk pictorial history of all the gorgeous maternity bras and underwear I’ve been selling for the past few years.  I should write a blog about all the gift card messages too, so funny!!

You can see this HOTmilk summary here

Copy Safe

School holidays have started, so it’s a change for me to have a child home while I am working.  When my business first started, I was a Work-at-home-Mum but that was five years ago.  I’ve grown a lot since then, and although it was a tough decision I know that putting my children into childcare was the right decision. 

My eldest started school in October, and so now he is home for 7 weeks for the holidays.  Its cool having my buddy here with me.  I’ve set up a “special desk” for him in my office, and he is doing work.

Yesterday he did a picture plan, and wrote a sentence “I am working with my Mummy”.  Cute.

This morning we played schools, I’m Mrs Broughton his teacher.  I watched while he drew a picture of Spiderman and wrote a story about it.  Then he did a © symbol in the corner.

I laughed!!!  He said “its so no one can copy my work”. 

I didn’t teach him this.  Even though all MY Breastmates work and my pictures are protected by Copy Safe.  (Its on the bottom corner of my website).

How adorable that my son knows this!!

I LOVE IT!!

 

PS> And before you judge his pictures and writing, it’s a miracle that he’ll even sit down with a pen.  This is the boy that likes being outside playing.

 

 

Nappy Change Mat and Wallet

Great new product is the “B.Box” brand of nappy change mat.  Combined with your wipes and clean nappy, the change mat folds up into its own funky container.

These are super cool for gadget mums!

You can order here:  B.Box Nappy Change Mat

HOTmilk Confidence is Radiance

HOTmilk Lingerie style in the Confidence is Radiance style has now sold out.  We have a few pairs of knickers left, but the nursing bras have sold out.

This was a particularly favourite style of mine, it was funky and a little different in terms of the pattern.  I loved the styling and the confident bold pose of the model.  That’s why I had used the image in a lot of my marketing ads.

We have had a HOTmilk sale with up to 60% off to clear out these styles, making way for the new ones… which are just as gorgeous!  The new HOTmilk lingerie styles are in the “ever after” series and the themed photos have fairy tale settings.

Just in time for Christmas

Our new summer stock of HOTmilk has arrived - just in time for Christmas.  Santa knows you've been a good girl, so just send hubby a hint of what you would like and your size.

I've got 100,000 metres of christmas gift wrap to get through too, so everything is going to be gift wrapped by default.

This was our first shipment of these styles, so stocks are LIMITED until the next shipment arrives next year.

Shop here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/maternity-lingerie.html

Summer PJs and Boxers

 

Baby Crying Leads to Movie

I just wrote an article about how one of my youtube videos has lead to a small role in an animated movie!!

Read here

Portable High Chair

We now have the versatile Snazzy Baby Deluxe Travel chair in stock.  It’s a fabric highchair with straps, that folds up small and can be used on any chair! So a perfect portable high chair.  See here

This is a great addition to our Starting Solids store section.

New HOTmilk in time for Christmas

The newest style of HOTmilk lingerie arrived today, and it is exquisite.  I don’t think the pictures are showing the full gorgeousness.  This is a hard one to photograph!

Just in time for Christmas

Order yours here

I've had a boob job

This is the Boob Job product that I’ve been trialing over the past few days.  Ideal for mums that have finished breastfeeding, and just feel like having a bit of lift and more oomph!!

I’m just a measly 10A myself, and I like the extra volume that these silicone inserts provide.  They mould to your shape, and lift, boost and va va voom. I would happily recommend them to other mothers.

Better Boob Job Takeouts 

 

Up to 50% off Mumcho Ponchos

We have a great range of Mumcho Breastfeeding Ponchos in lurvely fabrics!!  Grab a bargain as these are on sale for 5 days only.

 

Shop Here

 

Small Size Bras - Limited Edition

Our current range of HOTmilk lingerie (2009) catered for the smaller cup /body sizes.  These included 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8DD, 8E, 8F, 10A, 12A, 14A, 16A, 16B

Though unfortunately I have the official word that HOTmilk won’t be including these smaller sizes in the new garments that are coming next week  View HOTmilk New Styles 2010

HOTmilk say "We will be starting from size 10B from now on. The demand just isn't there to warrant us doing size 8's or A cups for the minimums we have to commit to for manufacturing.”

So if you are a smaller cup size – I suggest you grab what you can while we still have it.    Go to our store and use the Search By Bra size to see what we have for you:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/

Her Desire was Dangerous

She Embraced the Moment

Cherry Bomb Chic

YES HOTmilk bras can also be worn by women that are neither pregnant or feeding  - they make gorgeous soft cup bras, and I know it can often be difficult to find these in the smaller sizes.  I’m speaking from experience here as I am personally a measly 10A.

BNZ Global Plus

Dear customers

Please note that if you are a BNZ or Global Plus credit card holder, many websites will now require you to use the Verified by Visa system.  This is an additional security measure that the banks have in place for your security.  When you are on a shopping cart, after you enter your credit card number on the secure page, then the Verified by Visa picture may come up on your screen (such as the picture attached).

Though remember, if you are ever shopping on any website and you don’t feel comfortable with credit card options etc, then PHONE the company before you place the order. 

Online businesses such as Breastmates can process the transaction manually if you read out your card number over the phone.  This is the safest way if you are ever concerned about anything.

And just so you know about me, I actually enter the numbers while you are on the phone with me, I don’t even write them down on my note pad.

Now I just wish the banks would tell their customers that they have these security facilities active on the customers credit card!!

Breastmates Website

I got this wonderful email from a customer at 8.45pm tonight.  The only reason that I’m sharing it here is because at 9.10pm I got a phone call from someone that shook me up a bit.  But as @dom_sutton on twitter told me afterwards “u r learning that we can't get anywhere without pissing off some people & often it has little to do with you.”

 

So here are the nice words to finish on for today:

 

Kate R said “I will definitely be telling other people about your site, I wish I had known about it earlier!! It's easily the most simple, user friendly site I've come across for all things "mummy". The photos and videos of your products are great - really make you feel confident buying them online. I'm sure I will be back to buy more in the future too.”

 

So I can do something right after all!!