Nui Organics Grid Blanket
January 23rd, 2008
Now that I’m expecting my own little one this summer, I’ve been combing every available baby website hunting for clothes, cribs, gear and just about everything else!
Along the way, I found this amazing organic blanket made by Nui Organics and thought I would share it with you!
From the Tiny McSmall website,
NUI Organics baby blankets are crafted from the finest purest wool in the world - 100% certified organic New Zealand Merino.
They use no dyes, just all natural colors. The rich deep cocoa in the Grid blanket is from a black sheep. You will find no chemical dyes or bleaches in NUI Organics™ blankets to greet your newborn.
The blanket is a pricey $148, but it looks so luxurious that this one might be worth a splurge!
Furochic Gift Wrap
January 22nd, 2008
I found this really beautiful and eco-friendly gift wrap idea on one of my new favorite blogs — Rare Bird Finds.
Sold on the New York Public Library website, the beautiful and reusable gift wrap comes in five different fabrics with a Japanese flair and sells for $12.95.
According to the library shop website,
Based on Furoshiki, a square cloth traditionally used in Japan to wrap shopping purchases and embellish important gifts, Furochic is made of 100% cotton and measures 27″ X 27″. Furochic comes with a full yard of tying ribbon, a matching card and illustrated instructions for wrapping techniques.
Next time you’re unsure about the gift you’re giving, why not wrap it in something so beautiful the gift itself is merely an afterthought?
And check out more of the amazing posts over at Rare Bird Finds — you’re guaranteed to find something to fall in love with!
DonorsChoose.org
November 14th, 2007
As a thank you for purchasing some furniture, Crate and Barrel recently sent me a gift certificate for $25 to a group called DonorsChoose.org. Not knowing anything about them, I got online to check them out and was so impressed! Thank you Crate and Barrel!
With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, DonorsChoose.org provides students in need with resources that public schools often lack.
Here’s how it works: Teachers from schools all over the country can submit project proposals for materials or experiences needed to help their students learn. Concerned individuals, who they call “Citizen Philanthropists,” can choose projects to fund, and once again we are reminded why we thought the Internet was a good idea in the first place.
From their website,
Proposals range from “Magical Math Centers” ($200) to “Big Book Bonanza” ($320), to “Cooking Across the Curriculum” ($1,100). Any individual can search such proposals by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project(s) they find most compelling. In completing a project, donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, and a teacher impact letter.
Whether you fund a whole project or just contribute your small part, whether you choose a school in your own community or reach out across the country to a community far from home, you can make an impact in the educational life of a child.
For more ideas on how to help bring resources to students in struggling classrooms, read more!
Shabby Apple
November 14th, 2007
Most of you know that I like nothing better than a good excuse to indulge in high fashion. My latest find is a company called Shabby Apple.
Dubbing themselves “Couture with a Conscience,” Shabby Apple is partnering with Unitus to give 5% of its net profits to microfinance projects.
According to their website,
For many women in the developing world, life is a constant struggle against poverty and hardship. Limited economic opportunity leads to a downward cycle of malnutrition, illiteracy and poor health - a cycle that traps each new generation. Through access to microfinance - financial services such as microcredit loans, insurance, savings and other products - women can overcome poverty and provide a better life for their children.
Every $100 donation provides at least 20 women with access to financial services - and the chance to live a life without poverty. Plus the dresses are super cute!
This flirty black satin holiday dress, “Sabrina,” is one of my favorites at just $98.
In addition to the dresses, Shabby Apple also carries a line of accessories, and you can expect to see Shabby Baby in February!
Now go do some guilt-free shopping!
GagaGear.com
November 5th, 2007
Baby as accessory? Sure! Just look at Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Madonna… (it helps if the baby is adopted and from a developing country, of course.)
Even if your baby isn’t quite the designer kind, you might want to check out GagaGear.com for some really cute (and organic cotton!) baby carriers.
From their website,
The Ellaroo Mei Tai is a versatile, sturdy, all-around baby carrier that can be worn on front, back, and side. Because the shoulder and waist straps are tied on however you like, the pack can be easily shared between parents of very different sizes. All color choices are reversible to solid organic canvas. Features of the Ellaroo Mei Tai include organic cotton batting, high-quality fabrics, and supportive straps and body piece for long-wearing comfort. It sells for $85.
Perhaps you need a dressier version for that holiday party? This 100% cotton Ellaroo Lightly Padded Baby Sling is beautiful in sky blue and chocolate and sells for $99.
Keep your baby close and still look like a fashion plate! What an incredible holiday gift!