Preloved Pic of the Week

Divine retro-styled print...from Europe!

"Smafolk" sz 74cm (9-12m)

$14.00 from Organic Baby

Buttons - for style with a conscience

New Product!

These buttons are made in Ecuador under fair and certified (ISO 9001: safe, equitable conditions) from Tagua.

Tagua (pronouced "Tah-gwa") is the dried seedpod of the Tagua palm tree (Phytelephas Macrocarpa) which grows in tropical rainforest.

The buttons come in natural or may be dyed as shown by the second photo (dyed with onion skins).

The buttons by "ecofabric" are beautifully presented in an button card printed in New Zealand using EA latex based toner - the most eco choice for recycling and only available from Organic Baby (we are the first stockist!)

Preloved Pic of the Week

Preloved Tummy Tub (with instructions) only $30. These normally retail at $55

Tummy Tubs are fanastic for bathtime ....developed in cooperation with midwives, the unique shape of the Tummy Tub enables the baby to relive the security of the womb, which means baby feels more comfortable, and is more likely to enjoy bath time. Baby will naturally adopt the familiar and reassuring foetal postion.

No more carrying around a heavy baby bath....the shape and size of the Tummy Tub means you need less water than a conventional baby bath and water stays warmer for a longer time.

Nappy Days - Fabulous October offers

These offers are too good not to be shared ...

**Save $40** Buy three get one free offer on Nappy Days Fluffle All In One Nappies

**Save $90** Papoozle Baby Carriers are on Final Clearance at only $79.00 (that is less than cost) **

Every order this month goes in the draw to win a huge prize pack that will be drawn Live on Nov 1st at the Parent and Child show in Auckland.

Shhh...don't tell anyone but they have another fabulous prize pack up for grabs later this month on Good Morning...over $3000 worth of prizes.

Nappy Days also has Free Freight on all orders for all of October!

Preloved Pic of the Week

These preloved "vintage print" swim shorts from Albetta are size 2-3 years and only $18.00 from our Vintage Baby page... price wrong on shopping cart (to be updated).

Vintage Baby

Preloved Pic of the week is this vintage playsuit ...available from our new shopping page - Vintage Baby! sz 4-6 yrs $30.00

Preloved Pic of the Week

Preloved Espirt Dress....soooo cute,


size 1 $18- from Organic Baby

Dear Blog I have sinned....

I must confess, I went to (the warehouse) today! I haven't been in there for 5 years, but need called, I wanted some photo frames for these lovely new prints from Lovely Sweet William and a friend told me they had some lovely vintagey ones. Then I remembered why I hadn't been for 5 years - other then the hideous toxic plastic smell that is - every time I visit the Warehouse I emerge having spent at least $60 and without the said item I went in for....yes it happened this time too. But I do have some lovely baskets made from recycled newspaper which will be great for shop display this Christmas! sigh!

Here are the lovely new prints that WILL be framed....very gorgeous and available at our Petone store really soon, promise!

Preloved Pic of the Week

So much to choose from this week!
I have decided to go with this very neutral cotton Baby Gap dress with vintage-style stitching, in sz 18-24 months.
Feeling very overwhelmed by all the pink around at the moment!
$18 from Organic Baby.

30% off at Little Green Star

From now through September 30th, all items at Little Green Star are 30% off!!!

Little Green Star is for the nature lovin’ kids who love lady bugs, gaze at the stars, and protect our great oceans! These kiddos shout “be green with me” when they wear our tees, and you just can’t resist joining in on their adventure. Each eco-fun design helps share the message that living green is smart and cool. So, whether you buy organic fruits and veggies, drive a hybrid car, or teach your kids to recycle, Little Green Star tees are another way to celebrate your way of living.

All Little Green Star tees and onesies are made from 100% organic cotton, grown and sewn in the USA, and printed with water-based inks. Sizes range from 3-6 months up to 6T. Use promotion code LUVLGS before you add anything to the shopping cart and you will see the prices change to reflect the sale!

Preloved Pic of the Week

Actually this dress is not preloved - but it encompasses all the principals of recycling....made using upcycled '70s fabric ... worn from about 6 months as a dress, then once outgrown in length it becomes a top! $34.00 by Prairie from Organic Baby.

Can wearing your bra cause cancer?

Once you have signed into Dr Mercola, well worth a read is this article.

Exercise during Pregnancy

We all know exercise is healthy during pregnancy....but what is a healthy amount of exercise during pregnancy?

Benefits may include:
- better nutrient intake for baby
- decrease in back pain and leg cramps
- reduce blood pressure & swelling
- reduced risk of gallstones
- reduced risk of preterm birth
- improve your mood and risk of depression

Read more at the Dr Mercola web site.

Pick up a Yoga or Pilates DVD at Fishpond.

Preloved Pic of the Week

This cute top by "The Department Store" is sz 6-9 months. Price $14.00
The embroidery is stunning and one of my cutest finds to date!
We currently have 20% off all of our winter preloved clothing. New summer stock instore 01 September.

Organic Yoghurt in handy new lunch-box size

Just picked up a new size Cyclops Organic Yoghurt at the supermarket (Pak n Save - Lower Hutt) and had to blog about it!

I always get excited about new organic food items because it is refreshing to have something new & instant to feed my little one. Yes, homebaking would be good but I never seem to find the time...

Cyclops have bought out this new 125g yoghurt which is a handy size for toddlers, school lunches. It is an expensive treat but of course the pottles are recyclable and refillable!

Also check out this cool finger-painting idea on the Cyclops web site!

Preloved Pic of the Week

This preloved pic of the week is so good...I actually remember to blog!

This week I am featuring the cutest wee pair of brand new (!) Munchkin Leather Shoes - sz 5

If you would actually like to buy these shoes, I have placed them on Trade Me, so that the shoe lovers everywhere can bid.

p.s. Our preloved clothing sale start tomorrow and runs until the 30 August. 20% off all preloved and trust me there are some great items to be had. We had more arrive today, so always new & exciting items instore.

Sophie the Giraffe Teething Toy

Sophie has been on my "wish-list" since I opened the store almost a year ago! and finally this morning she arrived! Major excitement for both me and my six year old - despite the fact we have no babies in the house. She is just so cute...and I very proudly popped her in the shop window this morning for the Sophie -appreciating public :)

Sophie the Giraffe is one of the most talked about teething toys! Her success is legendary with millions and millions of units sold in Europe and worldwide since her creation in 1961.
Soft, light and easy to grasp, Sophie La Giraffe is perfect for little hands and makes a happy sound when squeezed. Babies especially love her bumpy head to sooth their teething gums.
In today’s fast paced world it is unusual to see a high production toy still made by hand. Proudly handmade in the French Alps with the finest rubber (phthalate-free) and food quality paints, Sophie will sure to become a favorite for your favorite baby.

Available from our web store from August 8th !

Preloved Pic of the Week

If you have a new baby boy, we have a stack of tops with the cutest prints/applique to choose from...

Cherokee - sz 0-3 months - Little Learner (pictured) $14-

Cherokee - sz 0-3 months - Little Digger $14-

Pumpkin Patch - size 3-6 months - Fire Dept - applique - $12-

newborn at NEXT - size 0-3 months - Bulldozer - applique - $12

Preloved Pics - new feature!

Every Friday, we bring you our pick of the week from our preloved kids clothing.

We stock preloved clothing because recycling is great... we prefer to dress our own daughter in preloved because organic clothing in larger sizes is hard to find.... and who knows what chemicals may be lurking in new clothing?

We have a huge range instore ranging from PP, JK of course, Osh Kosh and delicious European labels galore - H & M, Next , Baby Gap, Gap, Mothercare, Oilily, Petit Bateaux and other French labels...and the occasional organic cotton item. From NB to 6 years.

If you can't shop instore at our Petone store, we will bring you one pick every week...

This week we have two preloved bodysuits from Albetta at only $19.90 each (these retail at $44-)

1) Albetta Blue "Peace not War" bodysuit, size 3-6 months in 100% cotton

2) Albetta White "Incy Wincy Spider" bodysuit, size 3-6 months in 100% cotton

To purchase, just contact us but be quick, quality preloved items don't hang on our racks for long!

Fruity Gumboot

Remember the days when you visited your Grandparents with their had a huge 1.4 acre section with fruit trees laden with fruit. They probably served up sumptuous afternoon teas (mine did) with scones and homemade jams, and homemade lemonade and fruit crumble was an everyday indulgence!

Fruit trees are longer a thing of the past! If you live in AUCKLAND, and would love to have your own fruit trees but lack the know-how or time ... Fruity Gumboot to the rescue!

Fruity Gumboot makes it easy to raise organic fruit trees in the family – Their packages include planting, maintenance and a guarantee!

Fruity Gumboot have 8 popular fruit tree packages to choose from. Before planting they make a complimentary visit to your garden to advise on the best location for your preferred fruit trees, taking into consideration soil type, sun, space and how your garden is used.

They plant strong healthy trees in optimised site conditions and every Fruity Gumboot fruit tree package comes with a year of care and maintenance (using organic methods) to ensure that your fruit trees have the best start in life. Best of all they pledge a Thrive-or-Replace Guarantee!

An organic approach recognises the value of a garden rich in diversity. Fruity Gumboot promotes a harmonious ecological system through companion planting. Each fruit tree is under-planted with flowers such as marigolds, phacelia and nasturtiums to encourage beneficial insects into your garden.

While I myself have a thriving vegetable garden but no fruit tree know-how, all I can say is please open a Wellington branch, please, please, please!

ReCyCled KiDs FiNds

Lone Moose

Our Petone store has three great new labels which due to their uniqueness are not available online (unless you are flexible about colourways!)

Lone Moose - Recreated Wool Hoodies (http://www.craft2.org/blog/?p=232)
These hoodies are recreated from old jumpers which have been pulled apart and restitched into a new garment. Honestly the fabrics are so perfect you'd never know! $55-

Prairie (not online)
Cut gorgeous vintage cloth fabric from the 70's mostly and create panel skirts , baggy pants and swing tops/dresses. From $24 (pants)

Radha Designs (not online)
Create "goddess" and "god" knickers from fabric offcuts. Owner, Caroline works in the clothing industry and couldn't bear to see all the scraps going to landfill, so she started creating!
...and yes they cater for babies too....merino hoodies made with scraps from Caroline's own womens' clothing label are turned to hoody's with a vintage contrast on the hood. YuM!
Goddess knickers $26 , God boxers $32, Baby Hoodies $45

Womama Sale

Huge Maternity Wear Clearance including lingerie....limited sizes, so don't miss out~!

Sale does not include Birthing Wraps.

Baby Wearing Review at baby bites

Confused about baby wearing options?
Check out the interview and sling options at - babybites.

We stock the NZ made Dulce and Zoet sling which is a great sling when you are out and about, easy on/off and small enough to slip in your handbag or nappybag.

In the babybites interview, Louisa says of the Dulce and Zoet sling - "I love my dulce&zoet sling for the newborn stage and still use it regularly for my toddler during quick trips to the bank or kindy drop offs."

We also love the Moby Wrap, a totally hands-free and one-size fits all option. Easy to put on (once you follow the simple instructions), it is so snug for the newborn and has a variety of positions and will suit right up to 2.5 years.

Check out babybites, there is some great info on new products and a sales page which keeps you up-to-date on the latest online sales and bargains.

eco Baby and Kid Expo - a NZ first!

Bekki Monger & Saskia Etherington first started their own business, EarthKind Kids in Tauranga, selling preloved natural clothing & toys at local flea markets. They found so many people were interested in eco-friendly products for their children that they decided to start a monthly eco Baby & Kids Market. They have been running the markets for 6 months now and all the positive feedback they have received has led them to their first ever Expo!

http://www.ecobabyandkids.blogspot.com/

When? Sat 16th May,10am - 1pm
Where? QE2 centre, Tauranga
What? Over 50 stalls & exhibits showcasing eco-friendly products & services. Demos*Talks*Workshops*Kid's Fashion Parade*

Gold coin admission - kids free

** receive a FREE reusable show bag full of info/samples/giveaways & goodies **

Trees are good, Trees are green

Just updated our web store with this gorgeous range of clothing from green bean

This eco-friendly Bamboo Nature Trees Hoodie reads "Trees are good, trees are green". Very eco-chic!

Easter is coming....

Read the O'Mama report on why to choose Organic Chocolate and where to buy.

Cosmetic safety - top marks!

Not sure which skincare product to use?

Visit Skin Deep - a huge database which pairs ingredients in more than 41,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php

Check out products in your bathroom cabinet!

Earth Mama Angel Baby fans will be pleased to hear Earth Mama were given top marks for their “Earth Mama Angel Baby mint herbal lip balm" by the outrageously tough-to-please Skin Deep cosmetic database.

Earth Mama Body Butter was voted the "Best Stretch Mark Cream" in the Natural Solutions Magazine's Beauty with a Conscious Award.

Products were chosen who contained only the purest, healthiest ingredients available, without hidden toxins or artificial ingredients.

The Earth Mama Angel Baby range is available from our web store.

Grand Fairy Ball

The girls really enjoyed the "performance" of Cinderella at the Grand Fairy Ball in the Botanical Gardens, pictured here with Fairy Trina.

...and afterwards they were absolutely entranced by this fabulous tree scuplture!

Our Christmas Break

Pictured: Eutopia Cafe, Kaiwaka

This Christmas we headed North for a big family get-together. Our road trip took us from Wellington to Auckland (via Taranaki) and onto Keri Keri in the fabulous Bay of Islands.

Here are our organic highlights(!)

Huckleberry Farms in Auckland is AMAZING. Just about every organic/eco-friendly product you can possible ever need, the staff are friendly and they have a great deli/juice counter (!) I was particularly taken with their banana/berry smoothies :)

Onto the Bay of Islands which is clearly not far behind Nelson in terms of eco awareness. Keri Keri is home to Living Nature - where their office and spa retreat is based.

We visited Mahoe Cheeses which has a gift shop as well as cheese factory where you can buy their cheeses at great(!) factory prices.

For eco-adventures, visit Pahia. We took a cruise but missed out on swimming with the dolphins , as you are not permitted to swim when they have young with them (did you know dolphins breastfeed their young every three minutes). Still it was wonderful to be out on the water and feel the sea breezes and sunshine.

On our journey south, we passed through Kaiwaka, a small town with an amazing looking organic cafe - Eutopia (which was sadly closed). Pictured above. If you want to visit Eutopia, it is about one and a 1/4 hours drive north of Auckland.

After checking out this amazing building, we endured a dodgy toasted sandwich over the road, but then chanced upon a wonderful Dutch shop which had a great selection of Dutch specialities and organic groceries - which made the stop worthwhile!

Just north of Kaiwaka is Koanga Gardens which has everything you will need to grow your own organic, nutrient dense, heirloom fruit and vegetables, plus books and two lines of NZ made shoes.

... our journey has come to an end, which means we are back in town, our Petone store is open, and we have lots of exciting new products arriving in store ... see you soon!