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

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