It's that time of year again. Every May Dr. Rubin attends ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) to share the importance of teratology screening to his colleagues.  This year Erin joined in on the fun and is working with physician to set up Belli retail programs with in their practice.  More and more OB's are recommending and selling Belli to their patients because of our unprecedented safety research.

I have to tell you about one of my favorite must haves for baby--Bazzle Baby bibs.  These super absorbent, fashion forward bibs are a must have for all moms who have dribbly babies.  I have been giving these bibs along with a collection of Belli products to all my expecting girlfriends and they RAVE about these bibs and ask where they can get more.  For those of you who have not been introduced to Bazzle Baby check them out at www.bazzlebaby.com .  Right now when you enter promo code SHOWME you will get 20% off your purchase (WOW) and receive a free burper!  Don't you love it when you can stock up and save!

Top of the mornin to ya!  Erin and I safely arrived yesterday to London though unfortunately Erin's luggage did not.  In another post Erin and will rant and rave about service or the lack-there-of as it relates to our particular airline.  Erin was about to head off to a meeting today in her lovely terry robe when her long lost bags arrived.  Phew!  After our meeting we enjoyed some tradional fare at a local pub and then thoroughly checked out Harvey Nichols.  The beauty department was AMAZING!  Every brand was alive and actively offering incredible service to all who passed through.  We checked out the latest couture and I have a new favorite--Rick Owen and Erin salivated over Marc Jacobs bags (that I know she will soon be carrying when she gets back to the states) it's a beautiful patent blue.  We then stumbled apon a beautiful apothecary that dates back to 1817 and we touched and smelled every product in the boutique and purchased goodies to bring back to friends.  We then came back to the hotel to get some work done before heading back out this evening--yes we are here for work purposes.  The international community has warmely embraced Belli and wantes the safest skin care available here for expecting mums too.  More updates tomorrow....auf wiedersehen!

Our mission here at Belli is to create the safest products for moms and babies through sound medical research.  Passionate is an understatement as we go to the ends of the earth to deliver on our promises.  Personally I feel fortunate that during my own pregnancy I didn't have to worry about how I was going to provide for my son's wellbeing and was able to turn my attention to developing truly safe skin care products. 

It's my personal belief that if you are blessed with good fortune you have a responsibility to generously care for others who are experiencing hardship.  I recently finished reading "three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.  Greg has spent decades building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan with the basic understanding that if you build schools and educate children (with a focus on educating girls) you would encourage peace.  Greg has build over 55 schools in the most impoverished, unstable areas with selflessness and courage that is indeed rare.  If you want to learn more visit www.threecupsoftea.com 

Recently my attention has been turned back to Africa and the conflict in the Congo.  I am heartbroken at the violence and shocked that this type of egregious behavior would be tolerated by anyone.  This is an area of the world that also is in desperate need of education systems to support students.  I have always admired UNICEF and went to their site today and saw on their home page they were addressing this issue.  I don't think there is enough attention being raised regarding the atrocities in that part of the world.

My challenge to all of us is that we find a cause we can believe in and support, whether it is a next door neighbor or a child in another continent that is in need of our helping hand. 

It has been one of those I love my job kind of weeks.  It has been so encouraging to see how our retailers, customers and the media have responded to Belli's point of difference--the true science of safety and have actively come out with their support through spreading the word.  I can't tell you how meaningful it is to see the spark of interest in what Belli has known all along--it is crucial to research ingredients based not only on how they behave when applied topically but in addition to learn about how they behave when absorbed internally.

I feel so fortunate that I get to work with such talented, beautiful, intelligent amazing women.  Sally--I hope you know that a day never passes when we don't all talk about how much we admire and respect the work you are doing in Australia.  We wish the pond between us wasn't so big!

For those celebrating Chinese New Year--Gung Hay Fat Choy!