Posts Tagged ‘decor’

Monkey Beanz {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

Monday, February 15th, 2010

 When you pick up an item to buy how often do you consider where it came from, the person who made it, what their work environment is like, how they live?   We have all heard the word “sweatshop” but do we really appreciate the meaning of the word. 

“ A sweatshop is a working environment with unhealthy conditions that are considered by many people of industrialized nations to be difficult or dangerous, usually where the workers have few opportunities to address their situation. This can include exposure to harmful materials, hazardous situations, extreme temperatures, or abuse from employers. Sweatshop workers often work long hours for little pay, regardless of any laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. Child labour laws may also be violated.

Although often associated with poor developing countries, sweatshops may exist in any country. Sweatshops have existed in several different countries and cultures, including in the United States and Europe. Sweatshops usually employ low levels of technology, but may produce many different goods, for example, toys, shoes, clothing, and furniture.”

Noah wearing his Fisherman Pants from Monkey Beanz

So let’s shop with a conscience.  Monkey Beanz is a company owned by smart, well meaning and hard working husband and wife team.  They strongly believe in buying and selling products that have not been made in sweatshops, they believe in Fair Trade.  In that employees are treated fairly, reasonable wages, time off , maternity leave, work conditions.  I can’t imagine that a person should work any other way. 

Monkey Beanz imports its products from Thailand, bringing us Fair Trade clothes, toys, nursery decor, accessories and more!  They have bold, fresh, engaging patterns and fabrics.  Handmade toys, diaper bags, gorgeous and unqiue bedding.  One of our lucky readers could win the little dress below, The Amelia.  Perfect for your daughter to run around outside chasing butterflies this summer.

 

Monkey Beanz is a fair trade focused importer of unique kids’ products from Thailand. They create and select clothes, toys and nursery decor for the hip & modern family. Bright colors merge with bold designs creating products that are deliciously playful, modern and sweet.  Monkey Beanz is more than just a business for husband and wife team, Bee and Julia. It is their dream of joining the two cultures of their family and supporting friends and family in Thailand.Monkey Beanz is committed to supporting local economies and culture and not giving up on style to get it!

Julia sent us this adorable Transport mobile for Noah’s room.  The colors are fascinating to his little developing eyes.  The bright colors really catch is stare.  Monkey Beanz appreciates the imaginations of our children and hopes to inspire them in play through their products.   We adore the mobile, it is light, soft with simple ribbon.  

The Monkey Beanz mobiles are an excellent way to entertain your infant and stimulate the mind. The bright colors and engaging shapes will keep a smile on baby’s face for those wiggling diaper changes!

And how about these!  If you have a son, you’ll love adding these adorable fisherman pants to his wardrobe.   Super comfy which is so important to a baby with a big belly trying to crawl!  :-)   We do yoga in our pants, we sit and drool all over them  and we nap in them :-)   The Monkey Beanz Fisherman pants are the perfect lounge ware. 

 

These adorable pants are a miniature version of the traditional Thai fisherman pants. Naturally baggy, they make playtime comfy and fun. Like the grown up style, these are one size fits all due to the wrap around adjustable. Available in three great colors. They measure 22″ from top to bottom and are made to be worn at any length from longer pants to capris to shorts.

You really have to visit their website to see all the fabulous products.  The bedding is truly unique, I haven’t seen such color in fabrics for babies bedding.  And the little booties are much more than a little bootie ;-)   There is a lot going on with this fairly new company, established in 2007, now on Etsy with handmade Cotton Diaper Bags; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36822979.  Impressive products all apart of fair trade!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!  One lucky reader can choose to win a pair of the adorable fisherman pants OR The Amelia dress!    EXTRA ENTRY for letting us know what you like best about Monkey Beanz  products !  {Looks like FB is allowing us to use joining FB groups as extra entries again so have at it…EXTRA ENTRY for becoming a Monkey Beanz FaceBook Fan too!!}  Contest ends in one week, good luck to all!  Sign up for their e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on sales and new products!

***DISCOUNT ALERT! SHOP ALL MONTH ON-LINE AND GET A 14% DISCOUNT BY ENTERING BLUXE14 AT CHECKOUT!  HAPPY SHOPPING :-)

EXTRA ENTRIES FOR ALL GIVEAWAYS! Make sure to comment for each extra entry!

Become an email subscriber

Fan us on Facebook

Tweet {daily}

Follow us on Twitter {@dluxebabyelan}

Blog about this giveaway and provide us the link

{do any of the above about this giveaway for 1 extra entry each}

BABY BEAR SHOP {FREE SHIPPING}

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

2 organic mamas + 2 babies each = 4 waterbirthed babies + all have allergies.  “We do this for our babies, your babies, and the future of our planet!” The mama voices behind this gorgeous organic baby & mama shop are just like you and me! They want the best for their children, in the present and in the future, and your children as well.  With their wide array of amazing organic products, they make you feel comfortable purchasing from them knowing love, care, and all naturalness went into each and every item!

Let me start with the recycled glass soy wax candle for your home.  Baby Bear Shop knows how to create a candle, let me tell you!!  The sample I got had such a light, lavender vanilla smell, not over powering {which I hate}, yet with a flame…you could smell it’s delicateness rooms away!  Burn time states 30+ hours, yep…I’ve had it for weeks, burning almost every evening for a couple hours and it’s still going strong!  And even the glass enclosure is recycled, that’s a huge plus when purchasing organic, or all natural items for your home…sometimes the only parts of it are “green” not the whole thing!

Check out the ingredients {or lack of yucky ingredients} in their Mama Belly Oil:
certified organic, 100% natural, 100% plant-derived ingredients:
*sunflower oil,
*rosehip seed oil,
*calendula flower oil,
*olive oil,
*lavender oil
*roman chamomile oil,
*red mandarin oil
tocopherol (vitamin e).

*certified organic ingredients, no parabens, synthetic fragrance, or colors. Cruelty-free, not tested on animals. Vegan. How can you not trust something so pure!  Our guest editor Julie S. is trying this out as we speak…she’s due in a few weeks {and can’t wait!!} and I’m looking forward to hearing her comments on this oil during pregnancy and after!  It smelt so good, let me tell you that much!  I’m a big body oil fan…if you’ve never tried it after a shower you must!!  Your skin feels soooo incredible and smooth and it lasts so much longer than lotion!  The Baby Bear Shop oil can be used in your bath, on your body, OR share with baby after he/she arrives…a baby massage with said oil is the most relaxing activity for you both!

So much more to share {including soaps, body butters, gift sets, and more!}, not enough time!!  But before I go, my FAV Baby Bear Shop item is their lip balms!!  It’s safe to say I have a “lip” addiction {get your minds out of the gutter}, I mean…I LOVE lip products!  Not so much lip stick, but the more natural looking lip glosses and balms and anything {all natural of course} that makes my lips smooth and healthy looking, especially during the dry Winter months!  And I’ve never tried a more long lasting balm…Baby Bear Shop has my 100% approval on their “All The Better To Kiss You With” line!  Even my oldest son has his own tin of lip balm to carry with him.  To him, these are “non-girlie”, still sweet smelling {which he’s not against as of yet}, and the perfect size for his pocket!  Again, certified organic in vintage recycled tins…I’m in love!!  My lips are happy!

Enjoy all the goodness from Baby Bear Shop, share with your friends, you won’t be disappointed!  And, we have a favor to ask of our fabulous readers…if you love Baby Bear Shop as much as we do {just by looking at the images you will fall in love with their concept and products!}, help them out by voting for them here…they are getting really close to receiving a small business $35,000 grant and trust me, they deserve it!!  Spread the love for them!

Join Baby Bear Shop on their blog {tons of good “green” information there}, say hi to them on FB too!  AND, use babyluxe30 for free shipping over $30, USA only. Expires 3/1/10, enjoy!!

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for the Kiddos {and beyond…}

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Valentine’s Day is sneaking up on us for sure!!  January is at an end already…holy smokes!!  My favorite part of Valentine’s Day for the kids is the cheesiest part, the cheapo character cards you can buy anywhere!  I love letting my little ones pick out their favorites and it’s the one time a year they don’t scream when you ask them to write their name 24 times!  I wish I could say I spend hours with the kids crafting our own cards and gifts for their friends on the 14th, but, if you’ve learned anything about me over the past years, it’s that I’m a buyer, not a creator.  Toy Story and GI Joe, $2.99 for a pack of cards at Target is what I’m all about!  Aside from the cards they share to their “loved” ones, we do also enjoy a gift or two to show them our love just a bit more…along with a good dinner and good family time!  Below are some festive Valentine’s Day items you may enjoy to share the love this year with your kiddos!

For them to wear to show their spirit, “Sweetheart” and “HeartBreaker” tees from Tote and Tee!  At only $15, they are sure to get compliments all around and these last well into Spring, not just a Valentine’s Day tee!

And how about a tutus for the special day!  There’s nothing better, nothing more girlie than a tutu on a special occasion and the Valentine Camo Pa Tutu from Cutie Pa Tutus would be brilliant for your little lady to show off in pre-k or at your special Valentine’s Day dinner!  Plus, of course, playing dress-up with her favorite tutu lasts all year round!  {Cutie Pa Tutus has adorable Super Hero Capes too…Valentine’s Day or not…these are awesome!}

For the babes, seriously, is there anything cuter???  I would put little A in this year round!!  From sizes newborn on up to 6…hmmm…fabulous photo shoot with all the kids in the same tee…now that’s a thought!  Check out tiny sprouts to get this tee in short or long sleeve!

Dylan’s Candy Bar goes from sweets for the little ones {or big ones} to classic, dirty {quite humorous} romance items for your man!  Could be your one stop shop to fill the sweet tooth and bring a smile to your husband’s face!

Guess How Much I Love You…a classic gift, perfect for the newest Valentine in your life!  This gift set from Kids Preferred is so affordable and so adorable!

Chasing Fireflies always has the best gifts for each occasion throughout the year!  From clothing to keepsakes, from the I Love You Treasure box {personalize it if you choose…and I would totally use this as a tooth fairy box after the fact…} to personalized sacs of candy hearts {candy hearts are a must have this time of year!}, Chasing Fireflies is sure to please!

SHOE HEAVEN!!!!

For the little ones, keep their toes cozy and cute with Kaboogie velvety heart shoes!  Soft soles, high quality, and pure preciousness!

OR…

The Ashley from pediped where 50% of the purchase price will go to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation until Feb. 5th!

OR…

These sweeties from Robeez…they are on sale and sizes are available for the older kiddos!!!

TOYS!!!

How about this Haba Baby Lara Clutching toy or….it’s mini version below:

OR…the Haba Memo Hearts Mini game for family game night…all available at Maukilo!

For your older Valentines…

From Rag & Bone, a beautiful keepsake for that special person in your life this Valentine’s Day, the Twelve Ways To Say I Love You book! Say I Love You in more ways than one!  Being sentimental is so romantic and it strengthens any relationship!

Have a new Daddy to surprise on Valentine’s Day, nothing says the love of a Father better than Diaper Duty!!  This Tool Bag Diaper Bag from Babymel would be perfect for any special Papa {red will ship the middle of Feb., so you may have to do an “after Valentine’s Day gift” but check out the camo too which is in stock!} Free shipping with the code BLDFREESHIP until Feb.15th on all Tool Bags so take advantage!



WallCandy Arts

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

My mom did not pass along her gene for decorating to me.  OK, I am adopted so really she didn’t pass along too many genes to me anyway, but after all these years you would have thought that I may have picked up some of her fabulous decorating skills just by osmosis right?  I’m sorry to say, I haven’t.  However I have found WallCandy Arts which was so easy and fun to use that even I can use it to make a room look fabulous!  Really I can!

 

I was sent a free sample of the Futterflies {shown above} from WallCandy Arts.  They are super cute and I couldn’t wait to put them up in my daughter’s room!  Each decal works just like a sticker.  Peal them off the sheet and stick them to any clean, smooth surface.  If you decide later that your WallCandy isn’t just where you would like it to be just carefully remove the sticker, reposition and smooth it out with your hand. 

 

WallCandy Arts have so many different themes and styles just about everyone can find something to make any room more festive!  There are even chalkboard shapes which are just too cool!  WallCandy Arts are made in the USA and free of non-toxic materials and inks.  They are also very easy to clean {since we all know how messy kids can be} with just a damp cloth!  

Since this is the second time that I have used WallCandy Arts in our home {the first was in my youngest son’s room} I can say that this is a quality produce that we enjoy and have received numerous compliments on!  Enjoy shopping for and decorating with your new WallCandy Arts!  You will love them as much as our family has!

Storage Solutions {GIVEAWAY}

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

I’ve spent the last month or so cleaning out bedrooms and the playroom, preparing my home for the new arrivals in the “toy department” coming at the end of the month.  Santa { AKA Nana, Papa, Grandma, and Aunties} just doesn’t know when to say that’s enough; so it was time to pack up a TON of toys we no longer use and send them off to the AM Vets in our area.  What I ran into while “Fall” cleaning was a lack of modern, stylish storage for the kids belongings in our home.  Here’s what I came up with, searching far and wide on our beloved internet; things that are on my wish list or already purchased, and a few things that you should add to yours in preparation for the holidays and your New Year cleaning!

Sarah introduced you to Babyletto and this gorgeous  Mercer Collection Modo crib above in Harrison’s Nursery post last week.  The drawer under the crib is a must!  Perfect Storage Solution for blankets, shoes, bibs, and more, plus no wasted space under the crib!  That’s the key, use up that available space you already have, in a modern, convenient way.  So, over at our house, we received a sample of the Mercer Collection Modo Storage Unit in the back.  That unit is actually 9 different pieces in one.  We have the Cork/Chalk board cupboard top, the open cupboard middle, and drawer base.  It’s so ideal for our playroom!  Puzzles and games now have a home, meaning all the pieces stay in one spot!  Marbles and itty bitty legos are off the floor, out of Aidan’s reach, and in bins in the cupboard!  Books line the middle with fabric bins holding army men, action Heros, and Hot Wheel Cars!  The bottom drawer is perfect for coloring books and crayons, anything that is used on a daily basis but needs to be kept it an easily accessible spot for you and the kids.  It’s been a lifesaver in our playroom and I’m looking forward to adding more pieces of the set on to it as our storage needs grow!

Nope, we have not gotten our hands on this wall mounted “Nathi” changing station from byBo Design as of yet, but I just had to bring this to your attention!  If you are looking for a space saver in the “changing table” area, this is brilliant!  The modern design is superb and with a matching Nappyrette for the diapers, that also hangs from the wall, there’s no denying it…this is one of the best Storage Solution products on the market!  I personally hated having a changing table and put ours in storage just last month, we now change Aidan on the floor…that’s always a chore!  Check out everything from byBO Designs; you will love the creativity they put forth in all their designs!

Let’s go over a couple different options for “toy storage”:

A combo dresser/toy storage, the toyChaise from iglooplay would turn any child’s room or playroom into a functional area once again!  And did you notice the “seat” on top?  Get the “Bay Window” feel without spending that kind of money!  With an endless amount of usage, whether you’re looking for clothes, toys, art supplies, or outwear storage, the toyChaise will become an asset in your home!  Just placing this in your entry way or living room would bring out your modern edge and classic style!  Check out all of Lisa Albin’s Designs at iglooplay, you’ll fall in love with something there,  I’m sure of it!

For a more childish look, but still completely innovative {of course, since it’s from Boon Inc.}; the Trio Animal Bag will hold all those stuffed animals you have lying around!  PLUS, once filled and placed on the floor, this bag makes a perfect lounging area for the kids!  It’s from Boon so it’s durable and sturdy and holds animal after animal after animal!  So bright and cheerful, and of course, a remarkable Storage Solution!

OH…also from Boon, there’s so many fun, new space savers and storage solutions but have you seen this one?  The Stash Multi-room Organizer turns any counter space into an organized masterpiece!  Kitchen, bathroom, playroom, vanity, etc… but of course, it’s most perfect for all baby’s supplies in the kitchen!  {Stay tuned to see this item in our Grand Holiday Giveaway later this week}.

I mentioned fabric bins we use in our storage unit way up above, remember?  Let me show them to you, courteous of Nestings on Etsy!  I’m in love with the MidWest Martini pattern you see before you, and they look awesome in our playroom!  With millions of ways to use fabric bins, there’s always a need for them around the house. they are the stylish way to store so many gadgets and gizmos!  We have 3 and use a couple in our storage unit for little items that Mr. Aidan still decides to chew on like marbles and legos.  The other one is used very creatively by my “tree hugger” children, they use it as a reusable shopping tote in their play kitchen!  It stores their veggies and fruits while not playing and sits in the shopping cart as they pretend shop the night away! Clever little master minds they are!   We have a bin from Nestings to GIVEAWAY!  Let us know which design you like for a chance to win.  EXTRA ENTRY:  Would love to hear what you store in your small fabric bins at home {yard, books, seasonal items, recipe cards, toys, crayons, etc…}.  Contest ends in one week, good luck to everyone!

BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS, EXTRA ENTRIES FOR ALL GIVEAWAYS! Make sure to comment for each extra entry!

Tweet

Follow us on Twitter {@dluxebabyluxe}

blog
{do any of the above about this giveaway for 1 extra entry each}