We know we love Sophie for her delicious scent, her adorable face, and her natural rubber but what is all the hype really about?  Well moms (and dads), I am here to tell you that the hype is all true–Sophie is more then just a pretty face.

Developed in Paris in 1961, Sophie is 100% natural rubber derived from the hevea tree, and does more for your child’s early development then you might realize.  Sophie stimulates each of the 5 senses from the age of 3 months.

1. Sight: At the age of three months, a child eyesight is so limited that he/she can only make out contrasts.  The light/dark contrasts all over Sophie’s body are reassuring to your baby, and she quickly becomes a familiar object.
2. Hearing: Yes, Sophie is a squeaker!  Sorry parents but, this noise keeps your baby amused and stimulates hearing.
3. Taste: Sophie is 100% natural and completely safe to chew.  Her soft texture is soothing to your baby’s sore gums during teething.
4. Touch: Sophie soft surface remind your baby of your skin, and stimulates physiological and emotional responses that sooth him/her and promote healthy growth and well-being. Sophie’s shape and light weight are perfect for your baby’s small hands.
5. Smell: The scent of the natural rubber from the hevea tree makes Sophie special to your baby and easy to identify among other toys.

If you’re not convinced yet, check out this fun fact…more then 30 million Sophies have sold worldwide.

Persnickety has pledged that for every garment purchased, they will donate an outfit to a child in need. In addition, the donated clothes are made by seamstresses living in the same country as the child.  The women are grateful to have purposeful work, and make above-average wages that help support their families.

When you purchase from Persnickety, you are making an impact that transcends national and economic borders.  The special child in your life is receiving a beautiful garment that they will treasure because it came from you, but you are also giving an anonymous child a wonderful gift as well.

Bella believes in philanthropy during the Holidays, and all year!

{image courtesy of Persnickety}

This is why Bella-Mi is thrilled, proud, and elated to announce the official grand opening of our online boutique.  Our entire store is now available online for purchase and nationwide shipping.

Need to send a gift?  No problem, we will gift wrap your purchase before we send it off to its final destination.  Want to purchase an item online and pick it up in store?  Also, no problem–store pick ups will be available.  Want to get something monogrammed?  Awesome!  Monogramming will be offered online, as well.

And check back here, at Bella’s Blog, for posts about our favorite products, family topics, and what’s happening around the shop.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our loving customers for all the support and patience as we took this next step in making every child feel beautiful.  Happy Holidays!