Building a business and running a family are very similar.  Each is a wonderful challenge that takes much inspiration.  As I learn to juggle both, I thrive on the inspiration of great successes that have come before us.  I’d like to share these with you each Friday.  Just a little nugget to think about and share.

We would love to hear one of your goals.  Share it with us by leaving a comment.  Let’s inspire each other.

Would you like to forward this to a friend?  Here’s our link: http://pilloroo.wordpress.com/

Our list continues to grow.  So many things to hide in your favorite Pilloroo.  I love the look of empowerment I see in Lauren and Tatum’s eyes when they decide what to put in their Pilloroos.

At 3 years old, they love having something they are in charge of and making that big decision on their own.  Last week it was a special ring they received as a party favor.  Lauren placed hers in her Cupcake Pilloroo and closed the zipper tight.  Tatum on the other hand has commandeered her Daddy’s custom made Oregon State Pilloroo and placed hers in that one.  She loves using “Daddy’s pillow”.

I love that a Pilloroo so simple, can make them feel so important.

Pilloroo has been on the road lately, and we have had one Big Question, “What would you hide in your Pilloroo?”  It has been so exciting hearing about what Pilloroo Fans are saying.  All of the fun and special things that can be hidden in the Pilloroo Pouch, are as different as every kid and adult who answers.  We thought we would share the answers, so we started a list.  Let’s see how big it will grow.

Come play with us, and add your own answer.  Leave a comment on this post, and we will add your answer to our ever growing list.  You can even forward this to a friend and invite them to play too.

Let us know the unique treasure you will leave hiding in your Pilloroo!

Lindsay, California is a special place.  Home to both BillieJo and myself, it’s where we grew up, went to school, and where we still go for Sunday dinners.  It’s a great little town that just got a big mention in the LA Times Newspaper.  Why?  Lindsay, California is apparently the most tenacious little town in the Central Valley.  It is experiencing a complete makeover and as the article mentions, “something of a rebirth”.  We are so proud of this little town and hope this positive change continues.

Lindsay is where I learned to sew, and it’s where BillieJo and I met to sew our first 30 Pilloroos.  We sat at my mother’s dining room table, with sewing machines at both ends.  I took some time to figure out how I put that little Army pillow of Jacob’s together in the first place, and then we were off and sewing.  Lindsay holds many great memories for me, and it looks like it’s going to continue creating great memories for others as well.  Here is the link to the article in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-outthere13-2009oct13,0,6351258.story

If you are ever looking for something to do, hop on over to Lindsay, California for a great day of fun.

Toot!  Toot!  The Traveling Trains Pilloroo has joined the amazing collection of Railroad gifts in Schrader’s  Railroad Catalog and online store.  From train toys to adult gifts, if you have a railroader in your life, Schrader’s is an absolute must to check out.  And take a look at the Pilloroos too!

The thrill of losing a tooth and getting it ready for the Tooth Fairy is a special time in every kid’s life.  The Ultimate Tooth Fairy Store provides hundreds of gifts for making this time even more special.  Many of our young customers have told us about using the secret pouch in their Pilloroo for the perfect spot for the Tooth Fairy to pick up their tooth and leave a little something behind.  The zippered pouch is some extra security against losing that precious gift from the Tooth Fairy.

Now Pilloroo has joined the ever growing list of fabulous Tooth Fairy gifts on the Ultimate Tooth Fairy Store.  Please check out the wonderful collection of gifts they have to offer.

And the next time one of your little friends loses a tooth, make sure they have a safe and secure Pilloroo for their Tooth Fairy transaction!

Sports fans take their tailgates very seriously, few however can top the fabulous tailgates the Mueller family hosts for both at home and away games for their team the Fresno Bulldogs.  Pilloroo is proud to know that the Bulldog Pilloroo and Timeout the mascot is now a part of these fun filled parties.  Pictured above, Kenny and daughter Mackenzie are enjoying their afternoon with their Pilloroo too!

Yesterday, I heard of another great business here in Fresno that has gone under due to the struggling economy.  Jax Junglehouse, a fabulous drop-in daycare center, was started by two friends with years of experience with kids.   The business women spent two years creating their business plan and executed it beautifully with a top notch facility that was not only fun, but welcoming to every child that walked through their doors.  Reading the goodbye letter that they sent out to all of their customers, I was overwhelmed with sadness to hear they couldn’t stay open anymore due to the economy.

Pilloroo is still in its first year of business.  Every day is a new learning experience and we are realizing that successful businesses are built on a lot more than just hard work and dedication.  With stories like Jax Junglehouse, we are realizing there is a fair amount of luck involved as well.  So I want to thank you all today, our Pilloroo supporters, because it is you that are truly giving us the “luck” we need.

Every time you take a Pilloroo to a party as a birthday present, baby shower gift or tell a friend about “this cool new product called the Pilloroo”, you help us get a little closer to our dream.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! We couldn’t do it without you!

The transition from High School student to College Freshman is a tough one for even the most independent student.  Sending a Pilloroo with an encouraging note in the hidden pocket is a wonderful way to tell a new Freshman “You can do it”.

For a limited time, we’re offering free shipping on our Pilloroos.  Use the coupon code “BACK TO SCHOOL” and send a comfy Pilloroo to your favorite student for free.  Go to Pilloroo.com to choose the perfect Pilloroo.  E-mail us special instructions and we’ll be happy to customize it for you.

There is hardly anything better than going to visit good ole’ Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  But when there is a special Kitty Katwalk Pilloroo waiting for you with a special surprise inside, well, one would think they were in Heaven!  That is exactly what Carlos and Irene of Orange County did for their grandchildren.  There is going to be something new and fun waiting inside the Pilloroo each and everytime one of their grandchilcren come to visit…a new toy, movie tickets, a new book…the list can go on and on.  What a way to make time together even more fun!  I just love hearing all the different and fun ways Pilloroo’s can be shared.