La Queue du Chat — organic children’s clothing
There’s something about cute, crisp underwear for kids. I just can’t stand old, over-washed knickers and I admit to throwing out those once-white undies that were accidentally washed with the dark load. (If only I were as picky with my own underwear, but it seems that for myself I prefer those old pieces!)
I find it quite difficult to find good quality, cool kids undies, especially for boys, but I’m loving the superman undies pictured. I love the tight fit, and I love that the superman logo is in fact made out of little red birdies, giving them that tasteful twist. So cute for my little boy! The grey girl’s set is lovely too, and in fact La Queue du Chat has many more adorable pieces, not at all just for ‘under’, and all made out of 100% organic and fair-trade cotton. Check out the collection on the website, also for points of sale…
xxx Esther
Weebits — Beautiful Knitwear for Babies
Gosh, I am a sucker for beautiful knitwear — for myself and my kids. When I discovered Weebits at Magnolia Square recently I was mesmerized by the quality, texture, colors and design and just a tiny bit peeved that they didn’t come in sizes big enough for us! Pure merino wool from New Zealand is the world’s most exclusive natural fibre and it is as scarce as cashmere. Because of its natural elasticity, lustre, resilience, density, strength, warmth and softness, it is perfect for newborns. I totally love these hoodies (pictured) but the rest of the range (especially the ponchos and loop scarves) are equally drool-worthy. The colors are just superb and produced using eco-friendly dyes. Definitely worth checking out. The good news is they ship world-wide. For more details, click here.
- Sara
Native shoes in mini sizes
I am so excited… I just discovered that Little Fashion Gallery are stocking Native shoes in mini sizes! I have long been bemoaning the fact that these cool shoes didn’t come in kids sizes and…well...here they are! The perfect summer holiday shoe in my opinion — so versatile, so robust with the utility of a Croc but really so much more style! And in such delicious colors too. Made from 100% EVA, an environmentally amphibious material that makes them ultra-comfortable and all-terrain; molding perfectly to the foot. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair (for the kids and also for myself — I am eyeing the shell white here)!
- Sara
Ubabub — a cot that is uber cool!
I can’t speak for elsewhere in the world but in Australia the nursery furniture market seems dominated with traditional slat style cots — with an occasional cool Scandinavian design thrown into the mix. Now, talented duo from Melbourne, Natasha and Daniel Dumais, have brought to the market some distinctly modern designs with their Ubabub range, creating a fantastic buzz in the process! One of the standout designs is the ‘pod’ (pictured). Talk about UBER cool! It is ultra modern and ultra sleek and quite different to anything out there that I have seen! (more…)
Beaba at VUP Baby
I’ve raved before about the Beaba Baby Cook — it is one of the few must-have baby gadgets I always recommend to new mums. And the baby spoons from Beaba are also my all-time favourite spoons — they’re made from BPA-free silicone and have nice, long handles for easy feeding. I have one in every colour!
Actually, when it comes to the Beaba brand, you really can’t go wrong — all their products are great. And they’re now conveniently available from VUPbaby, the ultimate source for non-toxic baby products.
-Courtney
Phoyo Playhouses
A playhouse that is portable, practically indestructible and NOT made of plastic! I’m so excited by this new discovery! Isn’t it great? New Zealand architect, Robin Hannah, set about constructing a nifty slot-together version for her kids way back in the ’70s and well … fast forward and she’s kindly decided to not only repeat the design for her lucky grandchildren, but also to make it available to us! The best part? The Phoyo is made made of sustainably grown pine so it’ll last more than one generation (which means technically I can classify this type of plaything as an ‘investment’ — should my plastic-loving husband question the viability of the new purchase!)
On a practical level, the Phoyo comes with a clear varnish or you can receive it bare sanded so that you and the kids can jazz it up with your own bespoke design. I must say though, I kind of like it au natural. Oh and one more thing — aside from the fantastic utility of being completely screw/nail free, the clever six piece set simply flat packs away when not needed. Perfect! For dogs too I would imagine…
- Sara
Nyp Balm, food for your boobs (and baby’s bottom)
The third time around, breastfeeding was easy. I knew exactly what to do, and the baby also got it immediately — she was breastfeeding within minutes after she was born, as if we both had been doing nothing else for years. Life is beautiful.
I also knew exactly what to expect a few days after the birth. Painful boobs the size of melons, hard, hot and with red blotches. Sleeping sitting up. Sore, cracked nipples, feeding bra size 100Z (too small). Have you ever had to pull a cracked nipple sticking to your bra? Ouch. Life is a bitch.
Enter Inlight Nyp Balm. A natural, 100% organic, wonderful smelling soothing balm that does the trick. Before birth, it’s used to help stretch the skin and prevent stretch-marks. After the birth it soothes and heals sore nipples. And, what I possibly like best about it is that now that I don’t need the Nyp Balm myself anymore (yay), I can use the rest for my baby’s bum. No spills! Because it also calms red and irritated baby bottoms wonderfully well.
All ingredients in Nyp Balm (like moisturising olive and coconut oil, protective beeswax, anti-inflammatory lavender and restorative rosehip oil) do not alter the flavour of the maternal milk and are easily tolerated by babies.
xxx Esther
Arbor Collective Skateboards
Like most little boys, my son wanted one of these four-wheelers for himself after he first laid eyes on some local skaters enjoying their rides. We went through several superhero-themed “kid” skateboards only to come to the conclusion that they were practically disposable due to poor quality and cheap materials, not to mention the absence of any decent performance. I realized that this was an activity not soon to be outgrown, (most of my friends’ husbands are still proud owners of at LEAST one) and decided it was time to step it up a few notches for something with staying power. I turned to Arbor Collective. I loved the sleek design and use of natural wood. I also happily discovered that on top of incredible aesthetics, performance and craftsmanship, Arbor is committed to creating products in the most environmentally responsible way possible and the owners fully stand behind every snowboard and skateboard they make. They use ecologically based alternatives to harmful chemicals, water-based finishes and recycled materials to produce impressive skateboards in a huge variety of shapes and sizes with designs by featured artists (this mini Pocket Rocket is the choice for my eldest). Arbor Collective has a sweet little showroom in Venice with friendly, helpful staff, and their website tells you about other places you can purchase their products. Have fun!
x Kaela
Eco Stickers
My kids are great but do have a tendency to get distracted. The amount of times I have found the water running in the sink or lights left on all over the place, it feels like we are wasting enough energy to power a small country. I just read about these little stickers today and thought they were definitely worth a post! These nifty little stickers are designed to be stuck beside sinks, bathtubs and light switches, to remind you to turn off your water and your electricity. As they need to be big enough to be noticed, a lot of thought has gone into making the stickers a reminder and a good looking sticker at the same time. I really love the designs — very simple and to the point!
In keeping with the ecological message the stickers are made in France in the most earth friendly manner as possible. The website is only in French at the moment. (more…)
Eco Nursing Pads from Itzy Ritzy
Although breastfeeding is in my opinion the easiest and cheapest way of feeding a baby, it does require some necessary investments to keep up appearances. Like a sexy maternity bra — Elle MacPherson does it for me. And, trust me, good nursing pads are an absolute must too. These glamourous Glitzy Gals nursing pads from Itzy Ritzy are my all time favourites. They are thin, soft and made from eco sustainable baby bamboo which is naturally anti-bacterial, deodorising and super absorbent. They are really comfortable to wear, easy to wash and can be used over, and over, and over again. And they look really cute too, with those patterned fabrics!
Available through our favourite eco store Shakshuka, where you can also find a matching nursing cover.
xxx Esther
Cool Click-Clack Cars for Boys
Not only are these Australian-made little cars produced in the most environmentally friendly way, they also challenge our little children’s young minds a bit more than your conventional cars. They come in three different parts, which are easily clicked together to become a race car, or a police car, or a garbage truck. There’s also a click-clack police station, hospital and fire station, to let the kids build there own little town — the best ingredients for hours of fun.
Through Mudd Kids.
xxx Esther
Beco Potty — the eco-friendly potty!
Potty training is one of the most frustrating moments of motherhood as far as my experience goes. But when it’s done and over with, it’s in fact one of the most rewarding!!! I LOVE the concept behind this Eco Potty from Becothings. It’s a potty, in its very basic shape, but the material it is made of is what distinguishes it from any other potty — big or small. In true cradle-to-cradle fashion, these becopotties are made from waste plant material. Bamboo and rice husks, leftover from farming, are ground to a fine powder, mixed with biodegradable resin and pressed in a hot mould. While they’re very durable and will last for years in your home, they start biodegrading as soon as you pop (or religiously bury) them in your garden! Plant a few vegetables on top of them and the biodegrading potty will feed your crop…
To bury the frustration and celebrate the reward — in a very eco-sensitive way!! Available through Greenjump.nl
xxx Esther
Get Your Glow On
When I was pregnant it came to me that what was going on my body was also going in my body. I was conscientiously eating organic food while I paid very little attention to the ingredients in my cosmetic products.
After my daughter, baby #2, was born, I figured make-up could be a quick fix for a life that was short on sleep. I wanted to appear composed and rested (how about beautiful — would that be too much to ask?) and at the same time I was determined to be healthy. I began to search for natural cosmetic products. The make-up shelf at the natural food store was a start, but I was far from convinced that the ‘naturalness’ behind the products justified the cost.
Enter Josie Maran Cosmetics. Josie Maran, eco-activist, Los Angeles-based model and mother came up with a line of natural cosmetics, free of petrochemicals and toxins found in most commercial brands. I came across her line at a launch party for a cool women’s “green” website that offered complimentary mini makeovers using Josie’s make-up. I felt great about the company’s commitment to the environment, and I felt great about their commitment to a fabulous product. I went home that night with a sample of JMC Organic Argan Oil in my goody bag. I had never heard of Argan oil, and there was a mini education in that product alone. Argan is a light, nourishing oil from the Moroccan Argan tree’s seed, believed to have potent anti-aging properties – a plus for us “mature” mamas! All Argan sold today is produced by a women’s cooperative that shares the profits among women of the Berber tribe. (more…)
Sweet for Baby: Natur-elle soft baby booklet
Because they can hardly see any contrasts, it’s a known fact that babies prefer to look at black and white patterns during the first few months of their life. These little fabric booklets from Dutch label Natur-elle are specially designed with newborn babies in mind. One side shows funky B&W patterns, the other side displays a patchwork of different fabrics. Made from organic fabrics and produced in European sewing ateliers under fair working conditions, these cute baby books are safe, friendly, fair and definitely stylish enough for my baby!
Available from the Natur-elle webshop and from the stylish eco-boutique ShakShuka (they’ll ship worldwide).
xxx Esther
Colour-me-in T-shirt by Pure Baby
I can’t imagine a young child who wouldn’t be rapt to receive a gift like this ‘color me in’ t-shirt by Pure Baby. It is 100% organic cotton, handprinted with sweet animal motifs that will appeal to boys and girls alike and is ready for coloring in with 8 fabric crayons provided. So cute! Pure Baby is one of my favorite Aussie brands, especially for their soft organic pyjamas which always come in a cute little coordinating pouch (so handy for hair elastics, clips, pegs…). I spotted this little gem while checking out their new website and immediately made a mental note to keep it in mind for birthdays… and I can vouch for the softness and quality of their cotton — it’s just like butter and washes beautifully!
For orders, local and international, please check their website.
-Sara
Pedal Power
Having recently returned from one of my all-time favorite cities in the world, as well as Esther’s stomping ground — Amsterdam, I now have a serious case of bicycle-itis. The whole bicycle culture over there is just completely enchanting to me. Visions of every age using the power of the pedal as the main form of transportation, unlike Los Angeles, where the smallest of errands usually entails a full car load up. Not only that, but the bikes in Amsterdam are works of art as far as I’m concerned. My husband and I would duck into any bike shop we’d come across and excitedly “choose” which style ride we needed to have in our possession back in the States. My kids couldn’t get enough of piling into a cargo bike and away we’d go! And not only does bike riding appeal to my “green” side, it appeals to my “fun” side and totally takes me back to my childhood and the feeling of freedom that goes along with riding a bike. The geography of L.A. makes it highly unlikely (i.e. only in my dreams) to become a bicycle driven city, but that does not mean we can’t have our own little slice of the Dutch life. Thanks to the super friendly brother duo, Adam and Josef Bray-Ali, owners of Flying Pigeon LA, we Angelenos now have direct access to the SUVs of bicycle family fun. (more…)
Bubbles and Cream
The organic wave took a long time to hit France — possibly because we do have great quality fresh food products available everywhere, so the need for organic in every other domain of life took a long while to take off. Even in the four years I have been living here, I have noticed the availability of organic products increase dramatically. When I first arrived I really missed organic baby products, especially shampoos and lotions. Fortunately there is a lot more available now and one in particular stands out — a new brand called Bubbles and Cream.
This little company was started by a pharmacist mom who, after having a baby, could not find any products that she felt comfortable using on her child. She started making her own potions and all her friends wanted them too. When all her friend’s friends started asking her for supplies she realised there was a big market for organic baby products and away she went and started her own company…. (I love stories like this one).
The whole range is produced as earth friendly as possible and also is made in France so has a very small carbon foot print. You can order Bubbles & Creams products from their very own website or get them at these shops.
- Emilie
MadeIt for unique handmade finds
Packed to the rafters with local designers and craftspeople, MadeIt is a virtual craft market containing a wealth of handmade housewares and goodies. It is my go-to source when I want something unique, affordable and hand-crafted. It is similar to Etsy but supports only local Australian talent.
What I love about the site, apart from the fact that everything is handmade and local, is that it brings you, in one spot, everything you can’t buy at your local shopping mall. It takes the legwork out of shopping for those unique, handmade goodies which I love to buy but can take me forever to look for. And of course there is something gratifying about buying a locally made gift, supporting your local economy. (more…)
A Supermarket find
I know it is a pretty hellish activity to do with kids but I love going to the supermarket and I love it when you find a new whizzy product. A while back I discovered Method cleaning products — a range of non-toxic, environmentally friendly products for cleaning the home. I can sometimes be a bit skeptical of these kinds of things; whilst I love the principle, I find the products to not be as effective as their Earth-destroying counterparts. I soon discovered that this wasn’t the case with Method — their products clean brilliantly and always smell good too — I was soon a loyal convert.
A few months back I noticed, whilst cruising the baby-aisle, Method’s new range of baby and kid cleaning products — genius! We immediately filled the trolley with the Rice Milk & Mallow Hair & Body Wash (with a practical water-scoop lid to wash bubbles off bodies) and the cute Penguin matching bubble-bath. Both smell gorgeous and clean well and I can feel like the good Earth-conscious Mama I desire to be when using them. They are available from most UK supermarkets – hoorrah!
Mo. x
Mother’s Day cards you want to give… and receive
When I have time, I do enjoy making greeting cards. There’s something really gratifying about it. But, of course, I don’t always have time. So if I ever buy a card I always try to pick one that reflects something of the person I’m choosing for, and it has to be beautiful. Increasingly I also try and buy one that is printed with green principles in mind.
The range from Raven & Lamb is printed in Australia (no carbon-guzzling shipping transportation effects), uses vegetable-based inks and Forest Stewardship Council certified paper stocks.
-Natalie
