Posts filed under 'Earth Friendly'
I love traditional toys that allow my children to use their imaginations — toys that inspire their creative play. I also love toys that look great in my home. (Hey, I haven’t earned the title ‘toy snob’ from my friends for nothing!) Enter Dobbin and Drum’s hobby horses. Just gorgeous. They are made from 100% natural fabrics — Australian hardwood dowel, leather trim and are filled with the highest quality 100% lightweight pure Australian merino wool. Now these hobby horses are no ordinary run of the mill horses, they are of heirloom quality and completely and lovingly hand-made. In a world of electronic toys and high tech gadgets, I am proud to say my children love their hobby horses and they regularly feature in their creative play. To be honest, they also make the odd appearance when they are fighting….
Dobbin and Drum are a small Australian company that produce a select range of natural fibre quality crafted toys — toys with ’soul and substance”. For the full range of hobby horses (including the fabulous unicorns and dragons) and for stockist information, refer to their website. Despite being a little tricky to wrap (I always end up resorting to just a ribbon) they make the perfect gift for a young child.
P.S. I can also recommend Dobbin and Drum’s teepee’s and drums — the very best I have seen.
- Sara
Sara in Melbourne
February 4th, 2010
Thanks to its flat (meaning not hilly) landscape, the Netherlands is the perfect place for getting around on bike. It’s also quite safe: bike lanes are virtually everywhere, and drivers are so used to the many bikes around that they take them in careful consideration. So the ‘fiets’ is the preferred means of transportation for most, if not all Dutchmen. We cycle to work, we cycle to school, we cycle to the shops and we also grab the bike if we go out at night (this will also conveniently save us the money for a parking ticket or a taxi).
Kids? No problem. We just take them in front with us when they are little, in a special seat hanging from the steer. When they grow bigger, they get a seat on the back of the bike, if necessary combined with the pre-mentioned seat on the front for a little sibling.
If you have three or more children though, it’s probably time to get a bakfiets. A bakfiets is kind of a cross between a bike and a beach wagon, and you can conveniently fit in as many as 4 children (although I’ve seen people squeeze in even more!). If you’ve ever been in Amsterdam, chances are high that you’ve noticed them around.
Bakfietsen come in many shapes and varieties. Foreigners usually choose the variety with two wheels in the front for more stability, but most Dutchmen get one with just one wheel in the front because it’s lighter to cycle and easier to maneuver… I think if we were to (finally) get one, we would get the one pictured.
If you’re ever in Amsterdam with children and are interested in doing as the Dutch do, I suggest renting a bakfiets in one of the many places in the city. It’s the most convenient way to get around, and super fun!
xxx Esther
P.S. We typically don’t put helmets on in the Netherlands, not even on the kids!
Esther in Amsterdam
February 2nd, 2010
Nestled in a bend of the Yarra River, amongst the river red gum and paperbark trees (a very typical Australian setting!) is the Collingwood Children’s Farm…. a little slice of country life right in the heart of Melbourne, only 4 kilometres from the CBD. It’s a magical place for city children (and adults) and an absolute favorite with family and friends.
Here, children can get up close and personal with all the typical farmyard animals and immerse themselves in farm chores. They can get their hands dirty milking the cows, bottle feeding the lambs, waddling with the ducks, patting the rabbits, feeding grass to the horses and all the while marvel at the sight and smell of the pigs. They can also look for eggs — a great way to teach them that eggs and milk don’t come out of cartons (as I am lead to believe some ‘other’ children think is the case… not mine, of course! )
And, after all that exhausting animal frolicking, if you haven’t brought your own picnic, there is the delicious Farm Cafe where you can enjoy a decent coffee made with Eureka beans and a hearty farmer’s breakfast or lunch, always reliably good.
Needless to say, this is truly a hidden oasis for us Melbourne city dwellers. Every second Saturday of the month the farm hosts a wonderful farmers’ market selling fresh produce from the farm and from dozens of other Victorian producers. I am always gutted when I miss this. And despite a little mishap with an enthusiastic cow I was attempting to milk several months ago (I won’t divulge but it didn’t end so well for me), it really is one of my favorite places to take my children. We always have a ball.
ps. Should you happen to be a germaphobe like me, don’t forget this!
- Sara
Sara in Melbourne
January 16th, 2010
Did you know that there are at least 10 sheep for every one person living in New Zealand!?! There are more sheep here than in any other country, except Australia. And apparently the New Zealand merino wool (all from the south island) is some of the best in the world — it’s extra soft and breathable, making it a good choice year round because it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer months.
NUI Organics is a New Zealand-based company selling a beautiful range of organic wool baby clothes — so soft and so cozy. I love the cardigan with extra big hoody (pictured) and the simple wool dress with big wooden button. I just really love the natural colors and simple shapes of the whole range.
You can find the NUI Organics range at Elias & Grace in London (some pieces currently on sale!), or you can order online.
-Courtney
Courtney in London
January 13th, 2010
Every Friday my daughter is allowed to bring a toy from home to her pre-school. In the afternoon, the kids can share their special toys and games with their classmates.
Such a nice initiative, I thought, and so I’ve been suggesting that my daughter bring puzzles, simple board games and other easy-to-share and educational toys. My daughter, however, has been coming home super excited about the make-up her little friends brought from home to share. Alas! Make-up? First, is she sixteen yet? (No, only four.) Second, aren’t these make-up kits for kids filled with nasty chemicals and artificial colouring? (I’m pretty sure they are!)
Recently I came across the Whoops Bunny all-natural make-up sticks. Problem solved! The sticks come in five colours and look cute with the little bunnies on them. The colours are bright but translucent, so the whole thing looks extremely innocent when applied and doesn’t remind me of grown-up make-up at all.
My daughter was extremely pleased with them — they’re even better than the real thing!
Best of all, the make-up sticks are made from 100% natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, grape-seed oil, pineapple extract, raspberry extract, etc., and all the packaging is bio-degradable. I even must admit that I’ve been stealing my daughter’s make-up… They make fantastic chapsticks!
xxx Esther
Esther in Amsterdam
January 9th, 2010
Last week we had snow in the Netherlands, which doesn’t happen very often, so when it does we make the most of it! We took the children to the south of the Netherlands (where I’m originally from), and enjoyed the beautiful white landscape on foot. Even though my kids were well equipped with snow boots, they started to complain about walking fairly quickly (such wimps!), and so we carried them on our backs for the remainder of the hike.
I had my nearly-3-year-old in our conventional back carrier, and my husband carried our 4-year-old daughter using our new organic ERGObaby carrier. Which is, by the way, such a great invention! Using the infant insert, you can use it for a newborn baby (which I will hopefully be able to try out soon), and without it it can safely be used for kids up to 18 kilos!! Which will spare you a trip to the gym, thinking about it (at least, that’s what I kept telling my husband).
The ERGObaby can be used in front, hip and back carrier positions, depending on the age of the child and the specific need. It’s really simple to use and according to my husband (and daughter) very comfortable! I like the simple look of it (we have the chocolate coloured one), and the fact that it’s fairly small (especially compared to a conventional back carrier), which makes it easy to take with you while traveling.
You can order the ERGObaby through the European webshop or the American one.
xxx Esther
P.S. The guy in the picture is not my husband. (Cute nevertheless.) And, might you be thinking, it is also not my daughter! (I like her outfit though.)
Esther in Amsterdam
January 1st, 2010
If you’re looking for an original AND environmentally friendly way to wrap your Christmas presents, and you’re moderately handy on a sewing machine, maybe these home sewn gift-bags are something for you! I made them for my Godson and his big brother for Hanukkah, filled them with their presents and sent them off to London. They’re really quite simple to make, and I like the fact that they can be re-used as pyjama-bags, toy-bags, sports-bags or the like. I made mine approximately 25 x 35 cm finished (about 10″x14″), and used Bondaweb to iron the letters (remember to cut out mirrored letters!).
xxx Esther
Esther in Amsterdam
December 19th, 2009
Here’s a product that deserves a place in every family’s first-aid cabinet… Removeez is a natural solution which removes everything from sticky tar and sap to permanent marker, tattoos, bandages, chewing gum, etc. One little bottle with many different uses. (Have you ever had to get chewing gum out of your hair? It’s not fun –I still have nightmares!)
Designed by California beach parents, Removeez is 100% natural and dermatologist tested. It’s made from a blend of citrus oils and plant extracts, and naturally removes anything sticky or messy. I even used it yesterday on myself after a painting project left my hands a mess. And I gave it the ultimate test when I used it to take a temporary tattoo off my son’s arm. Works like a charm!
-Courtney
Courtney in London
December 3rd, 2009
Just a reminder…there’s only a few days left to win the natural mattress and bedding pack from Naturalmat. Such a cool give-away (our biggest one yet!), and from such a great company.
Naturalmat mattresses are all handmade from organic and sustainable sources of raw materials, all of which are completely biodegradable. They are breathable, non-allergenic and naturally anti-dust mite. I have their mattresses for my kids, and they are so great and so comfortable.
For the chance to win a custom-made mattress, click here! (The contest ends on December 1st.)
-Courtney
Courtney in London
November 27th, 2009
Over the past five years since the time my first baby was born so much has been learned about the dangers of toxic plastics. It is now an undeniable fact that BPA, PVC and other like chemicals are dangerous for our babies. In fact, just this past Monday, the BBC reported another study which highlights the dangers of plastic chemicals. Scary!
Thankfully, the newly launched UK website, VUPbaby has come to the rescue of the growing population of concerned parents. VUPbaby is entirely dedicated to providing parents with non toxic baby products from around the world. Whether it’s bottles, soothers, toys, or utensils, everything is non toxic and carefully vetted, many of which are exclusive here in the UK.
Now, instead of trekking half way across London to find the BornFree baby bottles, I can easily order them. And they even sell the cool Foogoo Thermos that Dina raved about a while ago.
To receive 10% off your first order at VUPbaby, just enter promo code CCINO at check-out!
-Courtney
Courtney in London
November 21st, 2009
The only thing marring the great pleasure I get from my take-away morning coffee is guilt… and I don’t mean the guilt I feel when I add my two teaspoons of sugar! Rather the guilt I feel when I toss away my disposable, un-recyclable paper coffee cup. Australians use approximately 500 million disposable cups a year and discard 1.36 million disposable cups a day into landfill! Staggering isn’t it? Indeed, our love of take-away coffee is costing our environment dearly. Now, imagine this on a global scale!
With guilt in my heart and these figures in mind, today I purchased a KeepCup.
Designed and manufactured in Australia, the KeepCup is made of recyclable propylene and has a life span of four years. It is dishwasher safe, microwaveable, stackable, BPA-free and unlike those of the porcelain variety, very lightweight (so it is easy to tote around). It doesn’t leak and comes in three ‘barista standard’ sizes, so even your barista will love you for it!
Sustainable coffee cup consumption means zero guilt …now I just need to address my excessive sugar consumption!
- Sara
Sara in Melbourne
November 17th, 2009
It’s funny the things your kids notice. I recently tried out the new Tantrum range of hair products, and instantly my boys pointed out the ‘yummy’ smell of the bubbles! (I was more attracted to the ‘paraben and allergen-free’ qualities, but of course kids know nothing about that!)
Tantrum is a children’s hair salon here in London specially designed to make the hair-cutting experience a good one, both for you and for your child. As well as their King’s Road location, they have just set up a boutique in Hamleys, taking hairdressing to a whole new level.
The new range of hair products includes a shampoo, conditioner and a detangle spray which, according to a friend who has a daughter with super curly hair, actually works! (Emilie, you should check this out!)
-Courtney
Courtney in London
November 13th, 2009
Naturalmat is a U.K. based company which makes 100% natural and organic crib mattresses and linens for babies. The mattresses are hand made in Devon, are free of synthetic fibres and are naturally anti-dust mite and hypoallergenic…. creating the safest sleeping environment for your children. They also make lovely organic cotton sheets and cot bedding, also free of chemicals or any other nasties.
And now for the exciting news… Naturalmat is giving away a made-to-measure or standard size Coco Mat mattress and an organic bedding pack which includes 3 cotton percale sheets and a natural mattress protector!!! (This is our biggest give-away yet!)
Just leave a comment below by December 1st, and we’ll pick one winner at random. And to hear about other special deals and promotions join the Naturalmat mailing list.
Terms and conditions: The give-away includes any mattress up to a cot-bed size (70 x 140cm) and delivery outside of the UK is not included.
Good luck!
P.S. Congratulations to Simone in Munich who won our last give-away: the Bianca Jones personalised silver bangle.
Courtney in London
November 8th, 2009
I just received a Paperless Post card from a friend announcing her new address, and it is the cutest on-line announcement I’ve ever seen. Unlike so many e-cards, Paperless Post looks like traditional stationery — you can almost feel the quality of the paper through your computer screen. And like traditional stationery, Paperless Post allows you to personalize your stationery, choosing the paper, ink color, fonts, images, and even the envelope. I love this sort of thing — I almost want to throw a party just so I can create an invitation!
Traditional personalized stationery is expensive, for one, but it also wastes a ton of paper. Paperless Post eliminates those problems, and it also makes it easy to monitor who has received and responded to your invite.
You can send out birth announcements, invitations, holiday cards, etc. Try it and see, but let me warn you — it’s addictive!
-Courtney
Courtney in London
October 20th, 2009
In the Netherlands, it’s quite normal to reuse your shopping bags. Plastic bags are available at the supermarkets, but you have to pay for them them and they’re not even that cheap! For as long as I can remember, I have brought my own bags to the supermarkets, and even as a little girl I recall my grandma and mum bringing their big canvas shopping bags on their weekly trips to the supermarket.
Imagine my surprise when I first went to the States as a teenager, and there were people at the end of the conveyor belt packing our groceries in an endless stream of plastic bags! Not only didn’t we have to bring our own canvas bags, we also were spared the trouble of packing everything! Such luxury, I thought!
Looking back, now that our world is overflowing with plastic bags, our Dutch system of bring-your-own-bags isn’t too bad. Although I wouldn’t mind the help at the end of the conveyor belt, especially now that those cashiers or so SUPER fast — I can’t keep up with them, it’s seriously stressful!!
I while ago I blogged about ZPM’s Trolley Dolly, and I’m still religiously bringing my Trolley Dolly to the supermarket every week. It’s SO handy! The fifteen-or-so bags are great: big, sturdy and colour coded might you wan to go that far (I’m too stressed about the race-packing everything to even consider colour-coding).
ZPM now also has a baby version, the Bagz, with 3 or 5 bags in a pouch. As they state — there’s no excuse anymore to be caught without a bag!
xxx Esther
Esther in Amsterdam
October 7th, 2009
When it comes to simple ideas, these cool Billy Rockers take the cake. They’re not just fun ride-along toys, but also a craft project/design challenge. With a little paint, crayons, stickers, etc. you can customize the rockers into anything you wish: a rocking horse, dragon, dolphin, unicorn, etc.
The Billy Rocker is made from recycled cardboard, is sturdy enough to hold a hefty 50Kg and comes flat-packed in a box ready for easy assembly. Simple but WAY cool!
In keeping with our ’simple living’ theme this week, we’re giving away one of these rockers! Just leave a comment below with your best tip/idea for simple living, and the best comment will win!
Good luck!
P.S. A big congrats to Mai from North Carolina, USA who won the last give-away: the beautiful necklace with choice of birthstones from Prismera Design.
Courtney in London
October 5th, 2009
I picked up this Mask Animo kit the other day from the Daylesford Organic shop in Notting Hill because I knew my boys would love it. My 4-year-old, in particular, is really into craft projects these days — and so we’ve been trying to do one big project every week. This animal mask kit made this week’s craft session really easy!
It consists of 8 ready-cut boards and 8 elastics. You pop out the shapes, paint and decorate them as you wish, and then stick them into each other using the designated slots, no glue or scissors required! (The cardboard is made of 100% recycled paper, which is also a great sidenote.)
My boys had so much fun painting the animals. And you should see them now… running around mooing like cows, oinking like pigs, cawing like crows… (See photos here!)
-Courtney
Courtney in London
September 16th, 2009
Last week, when I posted about the fish art project, we received a comment from Molly who suggested reusing your garbage to create fun art for kids, all in an attempt to limit your impact on the earth. I thought this was such a great idea so I tried it out with my boys today.
I literally emptied out our recycle bin onto our kitchen table and let the kids choose which objects to use. My oldest son decided he wanted to make spaceships, while the other one wanted to make a guy with eyes (out of milk caps).
With a little glue and tape we created some fun objects. The boys are having fun playing with them for now, and when they’re finished we can just toss them back into the recycle bin. Nothing wasted!
-Courtney
Courtney in London
September 1st, 2009
I recently wrote a post raving about my daughter’s lovely leather infant sandals from Bear Feet Shoes which are soft and flexible, perfect for tiny baby feet.
Bear Feet shoes are all handmade in America. The soles on the infant shoes are made from natural vegetable tanned leather while the soles on the bigger sizes are made from natural rubber which has been extracted from the latex sap of the Hevea tree. Cool, no? They’re natural, sustainable, extremely well made and could not be cuter.
Bear Feet Shoes is now offering a free pair of shoes to one Babyccino reader. The winner can choose the size, style and color preference. (They ask for two style and color preferences in case they don’t have the first preference in stock.)
Just leave a comment below by next Monday, August 31st, and we’ll pick one winner at random.
Good luck!
This give away is now closed! We picked a random number to determine the winner and that number is 28 — Claudia. Congats, Claudia, and thank you all for entering!!
Courtney in London
August 25th, 2009
This is quite possibly the best children’s product (at least in the ‘creative’ gift department) that I have ever seen!
Dissatisfied with the array of uninspiring, mass produced toys on the market (which, many parents will attest, often fail to offer more than temporary interest) the very clever team at Seedling wanted to create a ‘meaningful’ and ‘inspiring’ gift which would ‘encourage simple homegrown skills that allow a child’s mind to grow and develops their creativity’.
And these kits do just that! Having bought several kits for my nieces’ birthdays and my children having each received a kit, I can testify that they offer good old-fashioned hands on experiences. Brown recycled paper bags stuffed with educational tools and real materials that teach new skills — that don’t require batteries and aren’t made of plastic. It amazes me how something so simple can in fact be so innovative. The kind of product you come across and immediately think – now why didn’t I think of that?
The array of activities available is in fact so impressive that the biggest dilemma is choosing which ‘kit’ to buy.
Budding artist? Make a collage, create your own Russian Dolls, make a mosaic butterfly or rocket, paint a character mask; or go crafty with the card making sets, a seashell mirror or stick puppets. If it is environmental awareness you would like to foster, there is the ‘Junior Gardener’ set, the ‘Worm Farm’, ‘Outdoor Adventure Kit’, or ‘Grow Your Own Vege Patch’. Little fashionistas can sew their own tote, create bejewelled keyrings, design a ‘Streetwear Tee’, or simply go all out with the ‘Fashion Designer Kit’. You can encourage ‘mini masterchefs’ with cupcake kits, or a ‘Sushi Shefu’ set; while little scientists can make a kaleidoscope or an erupting volcano! You get the idea….
Accessible. Fun. Engaging. Inspiring. Educational. All gorgeously packaged too. Really, what more could you want in a gift? Forget the children. I seriously want them all (my birthday is in November).
Though currently only sold through stockists in Australia, Japan and New Zealand, if you are elsewhere in the world do not despair! The full range of Seedling products are available for international shipment online.
-Sara
Sara in Melbourne
August 11th, 2009
Previous Posts
