Once again, Oakland Unwrapped! will be celebrating at the Art & Soul Festival in downtown Oakland. While tasting all of the yummy Oakland treats in the Oakland’s Own section in the Federal Building Courtyard, stop by our booth and say “Hi.”

We’ll show website demos and videos, play tunes from Oakland musicians, and raffle off some of the great products that we sell on the site. If you’re lucky, you’ll score some tasty treats from La Borinquena - Oakland Indie Pillar Award winner! September 1, 2 & 3, 2007, 11am-6pm, $10 at door; $5 Youth 13-18; 12 & under free. Learn more about the Art and Soul Festival and the Oakland’s Own Festival at http://www.artandsouloakland.com.

This adorable blanket is just one of many new items for sale on the Mariposa Baby website, part of the Oakland Unwrapped! Markeplace.

After having two sweet babies of her own to dress as well as shopping for countless baby showers of stylish friends and family members, Oakland’s Elizabeth Falkner decided that the market needed better options for truly special baby gifts. She knew there must be shoppers like her that did not want to give baby clothes that had boring, clichéd motifs like trains and ducks, or quirky graphics that were clever or cool, but unsuitable for a special gift. Fortunately for all us, she started Mariposa Baby.

Elizabeth designs all of the blankets, bibs, and outfits herself and has it all produced right here in the Bay Area. Gifts come in a free gift box that is made from 100% recycled materials and features a screen-printed butterfly on the top. Available on www.mariposababy.com

Oakland Unwrapped! is thrilled to be working with the talented artists and entrepreneurs at the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area. The Center is located in Oakland and dedicated to providing services for persons with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, helping them to achieve their individual goals and aspirations. Oakland Unwrapped! is in the process of creating on-line stores for several entrepreneurs at the center. It won’t be long until you can buy their goods, including books, pottery, shirts and more on oaklandunwrapped.org!

Check out the new links on the right side of this email to see lots of great Oakland resources, including the Oakland Goods blog by Jessica Bess Hilberman. Jessica is a kindred spirit whose eagle eyes find new fashion hot spots, houseware boutiques, and generally positive new developments in Oakland. We’ll make sure you hear more from her in the future. This photo is from a recent entry of hers about Mizaan Boutique in the Laurel district. Check out www.oaklandgoods.com for more goodies!