For some reason, that escapes me completely, there are a lot of you out there who want to know the deets on the fine folks behind genes. Uhm, ok…if you must know…today I will offer up ten random (and completely irrelevant) facts about me, Kristina Ferrari, the brains behind this baby. Here we go:

1. I have curly hair, but I blow it straight and then use a curling iron or pins to curl it back again. This perplexes the hell out of my kids. It kinda confuses me too.

2. I think it’s perfectly appropriate to wear a scarf all year long. If you don’t believe me…let’s make a date to meet in Philly around mid-August when it’s about 94 degrees. You’ll recognize me ’cause I’ll be the one in the scarf.

3. True story. Me: “Luka, did you grab your iPod for the trip?” Luka (my 8yr old): “No Mom, I’d prefer to read and write in my journal.” Please refer to I’m Raising a Nerd for further details.

4. I keep a list on my laptop of pet peeves b/c I think I may get asked that question one day and I don’t want to forget any good ones. My current favorite is people who keep stupid lists on their computer.

5. Somebody should create the World Championships of Reading Shel Silverstein, because I would totally win. Sarah Cynthia Silvia Stout would not take the garbage out….

6. I’ve been known, on occasion, to pick through my neighbors garbage and find recyclables that they’ve elected not to recycle. It just bothers me on a personal level.

7. One time I got really lost and drove around blindly for what seemed like hours because I was too stubborn and prideful to ask for directions. And, by “one time” I mean…many, many times.

8. I started genes basically because I couldn’t find anything cool for my boys to wear. Now they go to a school where they are required to wear the least cool outfit ever created. I mean, this ensemble makes PeeWee Herman look like a fashionista. The irony of this is not lost on me.

9. You know that game where you drag your feet across the carpet while wearing socks so you can get all sorts of electrically charged and then playfully shock some unsuspecting bloke? Uhm yeah…that game scares the crap out of me. (side note: i use English phrases whenever possible)

10. Sometimes I really crack myself up. ; )

Thanksgiving takes on many different meanings depending on your stage in life. For kids….it’s mostly about getting together with their cousins and causing mischief. Then, at some, point…it really becomes mostly about the food. You know you’re officially old when Thanksgiving is basically about giving thanks. For your family. For your friends. For your good fortune. At genes we’re so very thankful for all who’ve stood near us, by us and with us for the past 4+ years. We’ve had our ups and downs, but the friendships we’ve made, the babies we’ve watched grow, and the laughs we’ve shared are well worth it all. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. And…thank you.

So many things going on at genes these days and since we’ve been a bit remiss (ok…we’ve been down right slacking) in sending out email updates to our valued customers we thought this would be a good way to give ya’ll a heads up on all things cool for the kiddies.

We’ve got new all Appaman loaded to our site. You’ll absolutely want to grab the Puffy Vest before that one sells out. For the little lady in your life…we’re loving this Diamonds Placket Dress. Pair with boots for the best in fall fashion.

Just a reminder that we’ve got a month long event going on with our fave folks @ Orbit. Buy any Orbit Infant System and get a FREE weather pack. Purchase any Orbit product and get a FREE accessory pack. Find the full selection of Orbit here, but ya gotta come in the shop ’cause this deal is available through our stores only.

And finally…we’re chirping up a storm about the newest collection from Oeuf known as the Robin. Eco-friendly, fashionable AND affordable! We’ve hit the design trifecta. The perfect first peice for baby and we’re thrilled to be one of the first select retailers to offer this. Limited quantities available NOW. Find the whole Oeuf collection right here.

Okay, before you jump down my throat about the title of this piece, please keep in mind that I fully recognize two things: 1 - use of the term “nerd” is totally inappropriate and demeaning in many regards and 2 - I should be so lucky as to have a quote/unquote nerd for a son. A boy who’s smart, kind, responsible and well mannered. Uhm, yeah…I get these things, but it doesn’t make my slight disappointment any less real.

So, here’s the situation. I own, manage, create and generally breath all things modern, stylish and cool for kids. That is currently my role in life and I relish it (most of the time). So the fact that my child is essentially poo-pooing my lifestyle leaves me a bit taken back. Yes, I should be supporting his individuality. Yes, I should be allowing him to find his own path. Yes, I should be…blah blah blah. Uh huh. I should be, but when all he wants to do is wear a navy polo with khaki pleated shorts and cut his long wavy surfer ‘do down to a proper young republican’s coif…I get a bit irritated. Seriously? Have we taught you nothing about being awesome? We actually suggested playing hookie one day during the school year and choir boy responded with…”no, thank you…I don’t want to miss math.” Most parents develop angst over how their child will rebel (pierced body parts, tattoos, long hair). Me, I shudder at the very mention of math club.

Ok, I’ve said it. It’s out there. Yes, I know I’m going straight to hell.

With a downed economy, our constant hunt for new cool things has tapered somewhat as of late. Luckily for us, our boy Simon from Bloom (smart ass guy w/ a bad ass accent) came in to show us this stunner and we were instantly smitten. There’s loads of practical reasons why this is the perfect alternative to the traditional crib (eco-everything, small footprint, easily foldable and transportable, yadda yadda yadda), but let’s be honest here. We all know the best part is that mod green color. We’re fairly certain you’ve never seen anything like this before.

The Alma Crib by Bloom. Coming soon to genes, but of course!

Today we’d like to give a shout out to one of our favorite/most inspiring stores! The creative team over at Two Paper Dolls in Wayne (supremely directed by Ms. Vanessa Kreckel), has opened it’s newest venture over at the Piazza @ Schmidts…and it’s F A B U L O U S! Anyone who has ever complimented us on our identity (b-cards, note cards, stickers), we’ve got these guys to thank. They’re the creative brains behind, simply put, the most stunning print pieces we’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for unique letterpress stationary, cards, invitations….you absolutely must head on over to Pressed 55. They never dissapoint. Color us imPRESSED!

So, big news in genes land. Drum roll please……we’re opening in Nothern Liberties! Yep. We’re just that crazy folks. Look for us in the ultra mod Piazza @ Schmidts ala our new favorite developer, Bart Blatstein. Not only are we a stones throw from Liberties Walk and some of our faves there like Beautiful Blooms and Bar Ferdinand, but we’re in probably the coolest concept space in all of Philly. The Piazza at the site of the old Schmidts brewery is home to one of the city’s largest tv’s that will air Phillies games on warm summer afternoons and classic movies on breezy nights. There will also be loads of events like farmers markets, Wii competitions, concerts…you name it! Best of all we’re totally hooking the ‘hood up with events just for the kiddies. (Please leave a suggestion of any great event ideas w/ the little ones in mind, we’re listening).

The piazza opens officially on May 15th. We’re coming “fashionably late” to the party, so look for us in June, but please support all the great artists and entrepreneurs at the Piazza. It’s our new favorite hang out.

Hey cyber friends. May is the month to score a sweet deal on your favorite DwellStudio crib bedding. All baby bedding from Dwell is specially priced @ 20% off regular retail through the end of May. Woohoo! Now you can have your cake and eat it too…or buy your bedding and be able to afford the crib too.

Use coupon code DWELL20 @ checkout. The nursery starts here

One of my favorite things about being the owner/director/creator of genes is that I get to be “in the know” on all the latest in kids clothes well before they hit the shelves. Which basically means I have my little guys wardrobes planned out a full season ahead. So I thought I’d share the wealth a bit and let you know what’s coming ’round the bend. The staples, of course…Appaman, Okkies, Joe’s, Tea Collection, Splendid and Ella Moss. Can’t run a cool kids store w/o ‘em. But we’re also always searching for the next BIG thing. With the economy in its current state we haven’t seen a ton of new companies popping up and we think that’s probably a good thing. So, the next BIG thing for fall is supporting your old favorites. Help them keep producing the clothes you’ve been loving for so long. We know we will!

Here’s a snapshot of one of our faves from Splendid. Simply stunning!

Hey…remember when I wrote months and months ago how i WOULDN’T do that thing where I posted randomly and infrequently. Uhm. Ya. OOPS!

Ok, so do-over.

Starting anew today with a great gift for our “as yet to be” customers. Love genes stuff, but afraid to stimulate the economy? We get it, but we still want you…so….we’re offering 10% off for first time customers on MOST of our stupendous stuff. Remember when times are tough, quality and value are what counts the most. You’re definitely getting your moneys worth when you shop @ genes!