English Blog

September 18, 2023

Learning Science with Connetix

Tiles are an amazing STEAM resource to have both at home and at school. As a science teacher and a mom, I have seen first-hand how loved, valuable and versatile they are. Sarah Shan

We are STEAM enthusiasts and share our play and learning through our Instagram account @mylittlebrightsparks. In this blog I’ll be sharing our adventures with Connetix and how we have linked it to learning Science, which I am very passionate about.

Understanding Biological Science
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Floral Tiles
One way we’ve used our rainbow Connetix is to capture and observe flowers, viewing them in natural light. To do this we pressed the flowers between tiles to encase them, which is a great way to discover the parts of a flower and pollination process up close. Using a light-box would be great to enhance observation and discovery, a way we haven’t tried yet but know would look amazing.

Life Cycles
We have made lifecycle diagrams for a butterfly and a bird. Using a magnetic whiteboard and removable marker to add on the stages. (Note: All markers are different! Make sure to spot test removable markers first.) Children can identify the different stages before deciding which order they should be placed in.

ANATOMY
One of our most recent activities was to create an anatomical model of the heart. We identified the different parts, observed how they fit together, and discussed each part’s amazing role in the mechanical functions of the heart. Other anatomy-related recreations you can try are the digestive system, the skeleton and the respiratory system!

CLASSIFICATION
We have used Connetix as platforms as a base to sort animals into differing categories. Some we’ve tried are land vs sea animals, or nocturnal vs diurnal. There are a multitude of ways you can use this set up to classify categories. Try including healthy and unhealthy foods, as well as vertebrate groups, such as fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Understanding Physical Processes
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IDENTIFYING NORTH AND SOUTH POLES
Connetix contain magnets that have a North and a South pole. You can observe this when the same poles are placed near to each other and they repel, while opposites attract. You can use a bar magnet with a known North/South pole to work out which is which on the tile.

REFRACTION
We’ve used Connetix to make refractions with both artificial and natural light and even combined them to demonstrate colour mixing of primary colours to make secondary colours. Refractions occur when a wave of light passes through different mediums or objects, the speed of this wave changes which causes the direction to change. As light travels from the air through the tile, it’s bent as the density of the two mediums are different. This creates a coloured image on a surface.

REFLECTION
We’ve enjoyed looking at Connetix patterns using a mirror and want to extend this activity by creating half of an object that is symmetrical (such as a butterfly) and using the mirror to complete it. The children could then challenge themselves to create the other half using actual tiles too. Reflections occur when light bounces off an object. If the object is smooth and shiny like glass or water then it will reflect at the same angle, like when you use a mirror. You will also notice colours bouncing around the room when light reflects off the smooth bevelled tiles.

OPAQUE/SHADOW PROJECTIONS
We have used stencils, chalk pens, stickers and cardboard to make opaque images when attached to Connetix Tiles. Add any light source, the opaque images will block the light, and shadows will project on the walls, ceiling or floor.

FILTERS
We used this in class as a secret message decoding activity. It works best with blue and red tiles and pens. Try writing an overlapping message in either colour, then view them under each tile to reveal what’s written. Wondering how it works? White light contains and reflects all colours, making the paper appear the same colour as the filter it’s viewed through. The colour of the text absorbs all other colours. So, when looking at blue text through a red filter, it appears dark blue or black, and can be seen. The red text, however, disappears almost completely as it reflects the red of the filter. The same happens with the blue filter. By allowing different words to be viewed clearly through different coloured filters, revealing the secret message!

DOMINO SPEED INVESTIGATION
The domino activity is a popular one for us with Connetix, lining up tiles like dominoes before knocking them down. You can take some measurements doing this to calculate the speed. You will need to record the distance and the time to finish. Speed (m/s) is calculated by dividing distance (m) by time (s). This works best when the domino track is linear.

了解化學過程 Understanding Chemical Processes
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ELEMENTS, COMPOUNDS AND MIXTURES
This is a great activity I’ve practised to use in my science class. I created a model of elements where the tiles are all the same, compounds where two or more are joined together and mixtures where there’s a combination of the two. The students will be able to recreate these on my whiteboard. An example of an element would be oxygen, a compound could be water or H2O, and a mixture is sea water.

THE pH SCALE
Another activity I’ve practised to use for my class is to recreate a pH scale. The pastel colours and the clear set would make this even more effective! Using my rainbow tiles, I just had to double up colours to create different shades. This pH scale shows what colour universal indicator would turn if the solution was acidic, neutral or alkaline. We use liquid indicator at school, but you can get indicator paper easily for home use. A basic version could use red to indicate acidic (such as vinegar), blue to indicate an alkali (such as sodium bicarbonate), and green as neutral (such as water).

September 18, 2023

Connetix 10 Ways To Use Magnetic Tiles In Literacy Activities

Did you know that it is universally acknowledged by neurologists, researchers and teachers that learning through play is the best and most beneficial way for a young child to learn? This is especially true in the case of young children learning about literacy.

Literacy can be defined simply as the ability to read and write. In Australia, children under 5 years of age will most likely be in the ‘pre-literacy skills’ stage, discovering all the things they need to learn before learning how to read and write. Children older than 5 will likely be engaging more formal reading and writing practices. Regardless of their age and stage of literacy learning, play is a powerful and effective way for children to learn.

Magnetic tiles are one ‘learning through play’ resource that I recommend. There are many ways to use this resource to encourage play and creativity whilst learning key literacy and pre-literacy skills. There are also many other benefits besides literacy that your child will be developing whilst playing. These include occupational therapy skills such as fine and gross motor development, midline crossing and spatial awareness, just to name a few.

The play ideas below are designed for ages 3 years and above. They include:

Letter names and sounds
Spelling and rhyme
Sentence structure and writing

Letter names and sounds

Learning the alphabet and the sounds letters make can be a fun play experience for all. Letter sounds and names can be taught either together or separate. Some educators prefer to teach letter sounds first ‘A for apple’, some prefer to teach letter names ‘the letter A’. Whichever way you choose, there is some fun to be had with Connetix tiles.

1. LEARNING LETTERS & SOUNDS

Let’s start with some alphabet/sound play. Learning to recognise the different letters of the alphabet, and that they are different to other symbols around them, helps children to launch their literacy journey. Early recognition of letters has been linked to reading success later in life.

Did you know Connetix have free Alphabet and Number download cards?

Play Idea: Use letter cards and create them with Connetix. By ‘copying’ the letter cards, this can also lead to knowledge in letter formation and later handwritten skills.

2.ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Ordering alphabet letters is an important skill for little ones to learn. Knowing the order of the alphabet gives children a simplified way to understand and remember each letter of our alphabetic system. Alphabetic order is a lifelong and practical skill. Think about looking up a word/name as an adult, most systems work in alphabetic order. It improves phonetic understandings, spelling skills and is the first skill young children require before learning to read.

Play Idea: Connetix tiles can be used to create Alphabet “cards” with a chalk marker or whiteboard marker (please test beforehand as some cheaper markers can stain; also make sure to wipe off immediately after play). Leave out the written letters on Connetix tiles and listen to the alphabet song with your child. They may wish to put them in order with you!

3.UPPER AND LOWERCASE LETTERS

Uppercase and lowercase letters are also an important grammatical skill. Through incidental learning, you can give your child a head start with learning literacy.

Play Idea: Use Connetix tiles to make ‘houses’ on a whiteboard for your child to match.

4.Initial Sounds

Is your child starting to learn first or initial sounds? Sound matching is an excellent activity for this!

Play Idea: Draw pictures for them to sort, write short words and ask your child to ‘post’ them into Connetix cubes. What a fun way to play and consolidate learning

5.SOUND - SPELLING PRACTICE

Another step up is consonant-vowel-consonant sound spelling. Or even just letter matching to make words! It all helps and adds to the learning to read experience.

Play Idea: Match sounds to make words and then match whole words. (Please note: the long ‘ar’ sound included in this sort may be confusing if your little one is just learning short sounds.)

6.DIAGRAPHS

As your child gets older or more experienced in learning sounds, adding digraphs in their sound knowledge bank may be helpful. Digraphs are when two letters make one sound. It can be made up of consonants, like ‘sh’ or vowels ‘oo’.

Play Idea: Use Connetix windows to identify digraphs. Children will enjoy the sensory factor of ‘clicking’ the magnets together. For older children you may prompt them to build a structure using these words for an extra challenge.

Spelling & Rhyme
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7.RHYMING

Rhyming is one of the first spelling activities. Learning how to rhyme is an important literacy skill. It teaches children so much about the English language, such as sounds, listening carefully to our language and that it is made up of separate parts.

Play Idea: Connetix Rhyme Puzzle. As Connetix are coloured, you can give ‘hints’ for young children to have success in learning these rhyming sounds by writing rhyming pairs on the same colours. If your child cannot read, you can draw the pictures or read for them.

8.WORD FAMILIES

Word families are words that have a common origin, for example, words that have the same beginning or ending (suffix and prefixes).

Play Idea: Word Family Puzzle. This is aimed at children who are currently learning to read. They will be able to match and manipulate these prefixes in order to understand related words.

9.SPELLING

As children move through learning to read, they will also go through stages of learning how to write and spell. Check out these fun ways to learn ways to spell in a classroom or home-school setting.

Sentence Structure and Writing
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10.SENTENCE BUILDING

Simple sentence writing, story boarding and sentence structure can also be taught using Connetix tiles.

Play Idea: Colour code sentences for children learning about sentence structure. For example, sectioning the sentence into articles, nouns, verbs, and so on. When children see them colour coded they may be able to develop an understanding about sentence structure.

Connetix magnetic tiles assist in learning through play and the interests of the child to develop literacy learning. As an effective home and classroom resource, magnetic tiles are an excellent way for children to enjoy and connect with literacy learning. Have you tried some of our ideas and activities? We would love to hear from you!

IG Tag @summuse_ Share your and your children’s creations with us.

May 25, 2023

Wooden Story Brand's Story

OUR HISTORY

Even our Grandfather, Grandfather Borowy* knew the forest gives you joy. Our family business is three-generation old and no one really remembers when exactly the first cordwoods were planned. But everybody remembers year 1969, the year when the first wooden toys were crafted ...

Grandpa loved to create new things which were giving happiness.

Times have changed. And with them, expectations. We had to forget about the toys and concentrate on making details for creating furniture. Beautiful details. One thing remained the same - wood. Wood has always been a part of our family. Talent of our Grandpa and his successors allowed us successfully to attain foreign markets. As the time passed by, our longing grew ... longing for wooden toys.

Yet again times have changed and wooden toys appeared in our manufacture - happily welcomed by us and the kids.

We created Wooden Story - land of toys. We say that the toys came to us from the forest, they smell of wood and you can still hear in them the sound of wind. Grandpa Borowy, as our surname is Borowy* was right saying that "creating for children brings the happiness to adults". We know this feeling very well. We created Wooden Story from love to nature, for happiness of children.

Gosia and Wiesiek Borowy

* Borowy is male woodland spirit in Slavic mythology who protects wild and forests. Also known as Leshy.

INSPIRED BY NATURE... CREATED BY US

#ECO-CERTIFIED #FSC-CERTIFIED

#APPRECIATIONS

ABOUT OUR TOYS

Inspired by nature, created by us... We create in a beautiful, natural surroundings - the Beskidy Mountains.

Our toys came to us from the forest.. .. While playing with them, children become a significant part of this world in a very natural way. Ideas like recycling, environmental protection, the beauty of trees and colours will be with them throughout their entire life. Our toys improve senses, they are soft to the touch, they catch your eye with natural colours and they smell of wood. With wooden blocks you can conjure the most amazing buildings. A walk with wooden pram can turn into a beautiful story made up by your kid. Time spent with the Peace & Love Blocks® wooden blocks is a simple way to inspire a child with values like love, friendship, consciousness, joy ... Freedom in creation stimulates inventiveness, awakes imagination.

Joy and happiness of kids - it's so easy, so important.

To make this joy and happiness complete, our toys are made of wood that comes from FSC^®(FSC^®C120107) certified suppliers. They are made of the best, carefully selected wood and they are not "poisoned" with toxic paints or varnish. We use all natural eco-certified paints to colour them. That gives us the certainty, that your child will play with toys free of any harmful substances. Beeswax and botanical oils give them a soft polished finish. Wooden Story eco-friendly canvas bags and boxes are designed to be reused or easily recycled.

There is one more thing that makes our toys so special - they can be passed from generation to generation. We hope, that your grandchildren will discover their own Wooden Story in toys of your children.

If so, forest, water, air and our whole planet will benefit from this.

ABOUT HOME

Children are growing and we have decided to grow with them. To keep up and stay with them even once our toys become a mere ornament of their rooms or are passed on onto their younger brothers and sisters, we have decided to design furniture especially for them. Furniture to keep them company for many years to come.

As everything else in Wooden Story, our furniture is a creation of highlanders’ hands, caressed, polished, and safe for your child. The wood is protected with oils and wax.

Creating our furniture, we keep the environment close to heart using only FSC-certified wood.

Cardboard packaging, before it is recycled, will give your child hours of fun. The surfaces inside have been adorned with a view of Babia Góra waiting for your child to fill it with colours.

Your kid’s room can be furnished with our chairs, desks, tables, closets full of surprises, beds, benches, and shelves. True Wooden Story Land nourishing your child’s senses with beauty.

April 12, 2023

ferm LIVING Brand's Story

Life is full of contrasts. As we navigate expectations and dreams in search of meaning and comfort, we long for a balanced life with room to be ourselves. A place where we can realise the true value of things and feel at home. Based on a passion for authentic design and with responsibility at the heart of every choice we make, we create honest products and calm environments that inspire you to balance the contrasts in life.

From our home in Copenhagen, we work with artisans around the world, fusing our Scandinavian mindset with global skills and traditions. Our collections are defined by soft forms, rich textures and curious details that let you create composed atmospheres with a touch of the unexpected. From materials and processes to production and delivery, we challenge ourselves to help shape a sustainable future, making it easier for you to make responsible choices. We create collections of furniture, accessories and lighting, so you can create space to feel comfortably you.

A Note from Our Founder.

It all started with wallpaper, or rather, a lack of it… In 2005, I had just moved into a house with my husband, and just couldn’t seem to find a wallpaper that fit our taste. I therefore decided to make my own, which resulted in ten different wallpaper designs. I applied to exhibit them at a trade fair in Denmark but couldn’t afford to manufacture all ten designs, so with just one wallpaper and a handful of printouts, ferm LIVING was born.

“Most important to me, however, is that ferm LIVING reflects a set of values that we can be proud of.”

Over the past 14 years, ferm LIVING has grown into something I never imagined. It’s as though we’ve been building a house, and that house has become a home, with a lot of talented employees and a great product portfolio that we continue to grow together.

Most important to me, however, is that ferm LIVING reflects a set of values that we can be proud of. Our biggest ambition is, and has always been, to inspire people to create the kind of space that makes them feel comfortable, that allows them to be themselves in their own home. A home, after all, is much more than a collection of beautiful objects – it’s the place where life happens.

“A home, after all, is much more than a collection of beautiful objects – it’s the place where life happens.”

We will continue to put out inspiring, quality designs in honest materials, continue to take care of our house by investing in its upkeep – fostering long-term partnerships with our manufacturers and a company culture that promotes balance and transparency – and more than ever, continue and advance our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices that are kind to our planet.

Thank you for joining us on the journey.

Welcome home.

Trine Andersen
Founder and Creative Director

March 07, 2023

Belle Chiara Brand's story

Belle Chiara

From the very beginning in 2009, with our first line of shoes, we knew we wanted our children to wear something special.

We moved forward launching our first kids fashion clothes collection in 2012 trusting our own creativity: naturalness, delicacy, originality, careful work and handcrafted articles.

We have built Belle Chiara to become a way of expression itself, with the values and purpose to be more than a brand of fashion and children’s shoes.

We want ethical, honest and sustainable fashion. We are very committed to the environment, we only use organic cottons and natural fabrics.

Behind each collection there are many anonymous artisan hands that make it possible for our brand to grow day by day. We feel responsible and very close to the small factories we work with, we believe in the people who work with us and we create ties.

We are committed to a "fair price" so that each person in the process of making our pieces has a decent salary and working conditions. We know, recognize and respect the entire human team behind our collections.
Our productions are 60% Made in Spain and 40% Made in Portugal.

This is our world, our passion. We are delighted for you to be part of it.

February 14, 2023

MIPOUNET Brand's Story

SUSTAINABLE. CONSCIOUS. CREATIVE. HIGH END. INTERNATIONAL.

Mipounet emerges as a sustainable, high end, creative and digital brand.

We source exclusively with high-end materials and manufacture in a conscious and sustainable way. Our purpose is to create for little dreamers - creative, unique and nature loving kids from all around the world capable of reinventing each collection in their own way.

Every collection is limited to not over produce stock, opting for quality over quantity –letting the clothes to be reused and shared between siblings, friends and even be passed down on to the next generations.

Art, photography, trends and design are our main inspirations. Each element plays an important influence in our thoughtful creative process, as we like to consider our collections small works of art.

As a family business, we support traditional and local craftsmanship, revitalizing/refreshing it with a touch of newness and promoting it through our digital channels.

Timeless, conscious, creative and international - that is Mipounet, the brand for little dreamers.

1. Quality over quantity.

We believe in a slower life where clothes keep longer and waste is over. We rely our production to national factories.

2. People care.

Each piece is the result of the effort and affection of a great team and we look upon him as a family, protecting the well-being of each person involved.

3. Timeless pieces

Each capsule collection goes beyond the passing trends, presenting a selection of timeless and limited pieces to be enjoyed and savored season after season.

4. Limited quantities

Designing with integrity makes each piece unique. We do our best to offer well-made clothes that our customers will treasure them.

5. Transparency.

Sustainability is not a trend and the art of responsibility begins by being honest 100% with our customers.

6. Nature lovers.

To be part of the solution we develop a fair and local production chain in order to create sustainable pieces.

7. Creativity.

Each piece is developed as artwork for what we involve a lot of creativity, love and enthusiasm. Fashion is our way of self expression of our values and we seek to transmit emotions through our clothes.

November 09, 2022

The simple Folk Care + washing instructions

Every fabric has its own care and wash instructions that will help to keep your garment in top condition.

Our advice: spot clean when you can and avoid overwashing, as this can help the natural fibers maintain their strength for years to come and reduce water usage.

Need more advice or washing recommendations? Our dedicated customer care team is available and happy to help you however they can, simply email them here.

cotton, linen + ECOVERO™

cotton waffle, knit, terry cloth, jersey, ribbed, fleece, velvet, quilted, flannel, ECOVERO™
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired. Reshape whilst damp to maintain shape and structure.

cotton corduroy, muslin, twill
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Tumble dry low and iron on low if desired.

cotton denim
Machine wash cold. Turn inside out before washing and drying. Wash with similar colors.

cotton sherpa
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Fibers may transfer when first washed. Wash with similar colors. Squeeze gently. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired.

plant dyed cotton
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Wash with similar colors. Tumble dry low and iron on low if desired. Reshape whilst damp to maintain shape and structure.

waxed cotton
Spot clean with cold water. Lay flat to dry and iron at 110°C maximum. Do not machine wash, steam, bleach, tumble dry, or dry clean as this could compromise the wax finish. Polish annually with a reproofing spray or natural wax (such as Merchant and Mills Reproofing Spray or Halley Stevenson’s Wax Tin).

linen
Machine wash warm on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired.

swim

Econyl® regenerated nylon
Machine wash cold. Turn inside out before washing and drying. Wash with similar colors.

wool

merino wool
Hand wash only as needed. Always lay flat to dry. Drying may cause shrinkage and faster wear over time.

OEKO-Tex® wool
Dry clean or spot clean. Iron on low if desired. Do not machine wash. Do not tumble dry.

knitted OEKO-Tex® wool
Dry clean or hand wash in warm water. Iron on low if desired. Do not machine wash. Do not tumble dry.

baby alpaca wool
Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Squeeze gently. Lay flat to dry and iron low if desired. Do not machine wash. Do not tumble dry. Store folded.

footwear

leather
Gently spot clean with a damp cloth and warm water. Polish occasionally with a natural wax or leather conditioner. Avoid exposure to alcohol-based products or high heat sources.

suede
Gently dry brush to remove dust or dirt. Avoid contact with water or other liquids.

rope
Gently spot clean with a damp cloth and warm water.

wool
Gently dry brush to remove dust or dirt. Spot clean with a damp cloth and warm water.

accessories + toys

Knitters (soft animal toys)
Hand wash with warm water or machine wash on the wool cycle. Gently squeeze out excess water and let air dry. Do not tumble dry nor iron.

The Natural Necklace
Gently clean bone beads with warm water and gentle soap. Polish as desired with a dry, soft cloth. Use a small amount of tea-tree or jojoba oil to ensure a long life.
Clean semi-precious stones with warm water and gentle soap. Use a jewelry cleaning brush to gently remove any build-up around the stone. Take care not to loosen or disturb the jewelry setting. Polish as desired with a dry, soft cloth.

The Play Silk
Hand wash with warm water and gentle soap. Hang or lay flat to dry. Iron if desired on medium. Do not steam or use vapor. Do not dry in direct sunlight.

The Sheepskin Rug
Air out regularly, and brush or shake out loose debris. For minor blemishes, spot clean with a damp towel and mild detergent. For a more thorough cleaning, take to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather. Do not wash or tumble dry.

August 28, 2022

Roe & Joe Brand's story

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ROE & JOE

Our clothes are made of love and concern for future generations, the planet and its resources. We create for you, your beloved ones and friends. We are glad that you are here. We are there for you.

Since its establishment, the brand has been operating with a very conscious concept, paying attention to environmental protection, ecology and fair trade. Every piece of Roe and Joe's clothing is handmade by local female workers in a small sewing shop in Poland to ensure that every piece of clothing is made by hand. are the finest quality details, using only European qualified materials with the most important vegetable dyeing. (Some items may be manufactured elsewhere in Europe)

PLANT BASED COLLECTION

VEGETABLE COLORING IN THE SPIRIT OF ZERO WASTE

Together with Olka Bystry from the wild colors studio, we have created a unique collection entirely dyed with plants and production leftovers obtained in the spirit of zero waste. The collection includes classic linen and cotton models that you can wear all year round.

COTTON CERTIFICATES

Material certificates and their meaning, how to properly read and understand certificates, what are they for and what do they mean?

At Roe & Joe, we have a range of certified clothing for kids and adults.

There is a lot of talk about the certification of materials, their origin and sustainable and ecological production. We always try to obtain the best materials at Roe & Joe, their origin is European and the yarn used to produce them is always certified. The materials and knitted fabrics offered by Roe & Joe are the result of a long search for responsible suppliers who not only offer beautiful materials but also conduct responsible production.

If you are not sure about the certificates of Roe & Joe children's clothes, we provide this information next to each of our products in the new collection.

GOTS

Global Organic Textile Standard

Gots is one of the most reliable certificates that a material / product made of organic fibers can have. The entire production process is checked (raw material harvest, production, ensuring appropriate working conditions for employees, or the distribution process). Criteria for protecting the environment are also taken into account. Products made of organic fibers must be kept separate from inorganic ones. Ban on the use of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, solvents, artificial colors, modified organisms (GMOs) and their enzymes. Oxygen bleaches not chlorine. It is a duty to have your own treatment plant and a closed water circuit so as not to contribute to the exploitation of water in the world. Products used for packaging materials must not contain PVC, and the packaging should be recyclable to the customer and be FSC or PEFC certified. All dyes, chemicals and bleaches must be biodegradable and non-toxic. Working conditions and human rights protection must comply with the ILO (International Labor Organization). Voluntary work, a hygienic workplace, no child abuse or forced overtime. The employee is remunerated for his work. Each product called "made with organic" must contain at least 70% of certified material, while GOTS-certified products consist of at least 95%.

Upon seeing the GOTS certificate, the customer can be sure that the product meets the highest standards. It is safe for him, the environment and the planet.

Remember that seeing a label with the word "organic cotton" does not necessarily mean that the material is GOTS certified, eg the dyeing process has interrupted the certification chain in order to obtain GOTS.

OEKO-TEX®

All Roe & Joe children's and adult clothes are OEKO-TEX certified, which is the most important certificate for us, without which we do not decide to buy the material. When buying a product with the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate, we can be sure that the materials from which the product was made, the buttons or threads used are not harmful to human health. The product is tested at every production level. Fiber threads, materials made from them and finished products are checked. In addition, separate zippers, buttons, strings or printed prints and embroidery. Every year, specialists update the catalog of criteria that products must meet. Therefore, it is valid for 12 months when receiving the certificate, after this time, the examinations and tests must be carried out again to ensure that the products still meet all the requirements. There are additional sections for the certificate. 'Class I' is intended for children and infants. The protection of the skin of the youngest requires special protection, therefore the tests carried out in this group are the most rigorous. Then we are sure that the product will be safe even in contact with the saliva of the youngest.

OEKO-TEX® certified products do not contain toxic substances, are environmentally friendly and do not cause allergies. COLORING CLOTHING

The garment industry is one of the world's largest polluters of the environment, exploiting the world's water resources. Emitting chemicals and fuels to the environment. Particular attention should be paid to the consumption of drinking water for production processes such as dyeing, bleaching and washing. Dyes are soluble, reactive, basic and acidic organic compounds that cannot be removed from the water by conventional methods. Formaldehyde and arsenic are toxic chemicals that are used to temporarily improve the quality of dyed clothes, which, even in small amounts, have an impact on our health and skin condition. Dyeing clothes does not only destroy water reservoirs, but also prevents the free penetration of light through the water, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis and oxygen dissolution, and thus reduces species and biological diversity. Wastewater that flows into rivers and world waters penetrates the production chain, making it carcinogenic, and contributes to the processes taking place in the ecosystem, as a result of which there is an increase in the concentration of toxic substances in the human or animal body. Particular attention should be paid to azo compounds, which in about 15-50% do not bind to the fabric and remain in the sewage. They run off into water and are then used, for example, to irrigate agricultural areas. Still the main problem is the lack of filtration and purification systems for colored water. Only recently have large clothing companies introduce toxic rainfall management.

BCI - Better cotton initiative

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global non-profit organization and the world's largest cotton sustainability program. BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment in which it grows, and better for the future of the sector.

The Better Cotton Principles and Criteria define the global definition of Better Cotton, adhering to the following seven principles:

BCI Farmers minimize the harmful effects of plant protection practices

BCI Farmers promote water management

BCI Farmers keeps the soil healthy

BCI Farmers increase biodiversity and use land responsibly

BCI Farmers cares about the quality of the fiber and protects it

BCI Farmers promote decent work

BCI Farmers runs an effective management system

By adhering to these principles, BCI Farmers produces cotton in a measurable way that is better for the environment and farming communities.

Bibliography

https://www.global-standard.org/the-standard.html

https://www.coyuchi.com/the-naturalista/gots_certified/

http://www.sopurefashion.com/images/certificated/What-is-GOTS-english.pdf

https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex

https://www.voksi.com/everything-need-know-oeko-tex/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452072119300413

https://www.fashionrevolution.org/the-true-cost-of-colour-the-impact-of-textile-dyes-on-water-system...

January 21, 2022

Consciously baby Brand's story

About the Founders

Hi There! This is us, Michelle & Daniel. We are the creators behind Consciously Baby. ♡ Thank you so much for being here and for sharing your time to learn more about us!

About the Brand

Consciously Baby is a “modern-boho” footwear brand for newborns up to five-year-old toddlers. We design timeless, yet modern shoe styles in neutral/earthy tones that give them a soft boho feel right out of the box. With every collection, we aim to design versatile shoes that can be dressed up or down for any occasion, in colors and styles that can easily match just about any outfit. We are also working on bringing in more gender-neutral heirloom designs that can be shared between siblings and passed down through generations.

Responsibly Manufactured

At Consciously Baby it is our mission to promote a more conscious lifestyle for our children at the earliest stage possible. We wholeheartedly believe in a sustainable future and we are constantly working towards becoming a more eco-friendly + sustainable brand.

Our shoes are currently hand-made one by one in partnership with dedicated factories who employ artisans, pay them fair wages, and provide a safe and positive work atmosphere.

We aim to choose only sustainably sourced materials to make our shoes, which is why all of our shoes are made from Leather (a biodegradable and very soft material that is highly recommended for baby’s growing feet.) Our Leather is ethically sourced from local farmers who raise their animals with care and respect.

Although we currently do not have a Vegan Leather line, rest assured this is something we have on our radar and are actively working towards. We are working to find the most ecological material with a similar feel to Leather that will also be durable and soft enough to meet our high quality standards for baby shoes.

Responsibly Packaged

At Consciously Baby we're doing our part to minimize packaging waste + plastic usage by using recycled carton boxes to package our shoes.

There are so many ways you can upcycle our shoe boxes into useful new things! They’re especially great for inventive storage solutions for your child's room :)

Responsibly Manufactured

Our shoes are currently hand-made one by one in partnership with dedicated factories who employ artisans, pay them fair wages, and provide a safe and positive work atmosphere.

Responsibly Packaged

At Consciously Baby we're doing our part to minimize packaging waste + plastic usage by using recycled carton boxes to package our shoes.

There are so many ways you can upcycle our shoe boxes into useful new things! They’re especially great for inventive storage solutions for your child's room :)

December 09, 2021

Leander Changing Time

CHECKLIST FOR A GREAT CHANGING STATION THAT ACTUALLY WORKS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

#1 CHOOSE A CHANGING MAT THAT IS EASILY CLEANED
You are going to use your changing station for many things. When dressing your child, at bath time – and for one-to-one moments. And then of course when the nappy needs to be changed. But let’s face it. There will be other things than water on the changing mat when it is in use. If you choose a changing mat with cover, the cover must be washed when accidents happen. This means that you have to wait while the cover spins around in the washing machine among dirty bodies and cotton nappies. If instead you choose a changing mat with a water resistant surface, you can clean it immediately. All you need is a cloth, a little water and mild soap. In this way, you are sure that the changing station is always clean, neat – and ready for use. The Leander Matty™ changing mat is water- and alcohol resistant ensuring the highest level of hygiene.

#2: THINK PRACTICAL
If you live in an apartment with a small bathroom, you may not have room for a large changing table. Go for a flexible changing mat, which does not require much space – only a stable surface. You can put it precisely where you need it - on a table, on the floor, in the kitchen and in the living room.The Leander Matty™ changing mat has a firm back with a laminated wooden board which provides added stability, so you can easily place it on a dresser, for example.

#3: REMEMBER THE SPACE FOR STORAGE
A good changing station makes sure you have everything you need close by. In this way you will not have to run around looking for nappies and zinc ointment. Efficient organisation is a win in everyday life – and particularly in the late-night hours when the both of you are tired. If you have already started changing the nappy and suddenly you cannot find the bodies or the cotton nappies you need, it is rather inconvenient having to look for them several meters away – and perhaps even in another room. There are several ways to get room for your changing table essentials. It depends on your room and the space available.

DRESSER WITH DRAWERS
If you arrange the changing station on a dresser, the drawers will provide space for many of the changing accessories you need — and then some. You will also have space for your baby’s bodies, tops and socks. Choose a dresser with a good depth to get space for the changing mat. If the dresser is too short, you risk that the changing mat tips over with your child on it. And do not forget to check the height. It is important that you are able to stand by the table many times during a day – without having back troubles. When the changing period has passed, you can use the dresser in your child’s room for beautiful and practical storage of everything from clothes and socks to teddy bears and books. The dresser is therefore also a nice solution that lasts for many years – and that can be used for different purposes.

Tip: Go for a dresser with a changing unit. This provides you with a large changing surface and storage space for the things you need. When a changing station no longer is needed, the unit is easily removed - leaving you with a nice dresser. See how the Leander Linea™ dresser is transformed into a changing station.

CHANGING TABLE WITH SHELVES
If instead you choose a changing table without drawers, then consider choosing a design with shelves. It still allows you to have all the important stuff right at your fingertips.

Tip: Use baskets and boxes for baby’s clothes, lotions, diapers etc. This allows you to style your changing space exactly the way you like it.

#4: KEEP YOUR LITTLE NUGGET SAFE
The larger your baby becomes, the more he or she will move. Choose a non-slip changing mat – one that does not move when your baby kicks with his arms and legs. Also look at the material that the changing mat is made of – is it soft and safe for your child?

SOFT AND COMFORTABLE
The material of the changing mat does not only have hygienic importance. It also has importance for the comfort. The changing station must be nice to lie on for your baby. Feel your way through the changing mats, and choose one that is soft and comfortable and provides maximum support. Your baby will spend many hours on the changing mat. You should therefore consider the material the mat is made of. Does it contain health hazardous substances or hormone disruptors?

Tip: The Leander Matty™ changing mat is made from soft PUR foam – a material that is extremely close to the feeling of bare skin.

#5: TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK
You will be standing many hours at the changing station. The changing station is not only for changing nappies. It’s a perfect station for talking, cuddling and having fun with your baby. Go for a changing table that is height adjustable – to ensure that both mum and dad have the optimal work height and contact with the baby.

December 09, 2021

Leander Dinner Time

DINNER TIME

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HIGH CHAIR FOR YOUR CHILD

#1: YOUR CHILD MUST SIT COMFORTABLY
Yes, of course, you may think. However, it is not necessarily a matter of course. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure that your child sits comfortably in the high chair: A small child must not sit in the high chair for too long periods of time – and it is recommended that you do not use the high chair before your child is able to sit upright alone. But what should you really look for? Maybe you have yourself tried to sit in a chair that did not fit? Maybe the backrest was too short or the legs were too long? How did that feel? Most of us have tried to sit a little too long in a chair that did not feel “nice”. You can feel it in your bones. As adults, we therefore spend quite some time finding the right furniture for our home. The right dining table chair and the right sofa. Shouldn’t that also apply for the furniture we choose for our children?

CAN THE CHAIR BE ADJUSTED?
It is important that your child sits comfortably in the high chair. Children in the age of 6-9 months need really good back support for their back, and your child should not slump in the chair. The backrest should be comfortable and should follow the child’s back. It is important that there is a good foot support on which the child can rest its feet – it gives the child a sense of security and a better ergonomic seating position. Therefore, always go for a high chair that can be continuously adjusted to grow with your child.

#2: CHOOSE A CHAIR THAT ALLOWS YOUR CHILD TO BE A CHILD
Children move. If you observe your child for a little while, you will find that she is virtually always performing some kind of movement. With her legs, arms and perhaps her entire body. It is in your child’s nature. Children therefore also move when they are sitting at the table. And some children will move a little extra when they are seated in a high chair. It is perfectly natural. Therefore the chair must not restrain the child’s movements. The Leander high chair is designed for small live wires that move. It produces small rocking movements when your child moves. This makes your child aware of its body, and it helps your child to sit more quietly at the table.

BUT WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
It is important that the high chair is stable and does not tip over when the child moves. The depth of the curved legs of the Leander high chair ensures stability and prevents the chair from tipping over backwards. At the same time you can get your feet under its legs when you help your child into the chair. This helps giving you a good working position.

#3: LOOK AT THE DESIGN
You do not put away a high chair between meals. It will become a part of your dining room for several years. It is therefore worthwhile choosing a chair that you will not get tired of looking at after a week’s time.

AND WHAT ABOUT MATERIALS?
It is a really good idea to choose a chair that is produced in good and durable materials. Then you can be sure to get a chair that will last for many years.

December 05, 2021

Leander brand's story ＆ Values ＆ Materials

THE STORY OF LEANDER

FOUNDER AND DESIGNER - STIG LEANDER
The story of Leander started in 1998, when Stig Leander's sister-in-law was expecting twins. That sparked his thoughts. Would it be possible to design a cradle that could both calm and stimulate a child's development?

As a trained blacksmith, Stig had for a long time been involved in development of chairs, bicycles and prams. The idea was to create a simple, functional piece of furniture that would meet a real need. In this case, calm one of the twins while the other twin was fed.

Stig Leander saw something no one had seen before. He saw the vision of a cradle that could really do something new – in design and function.

Less than a year later, the first series of the now legendary Leander Classic ™ cradle was available in selected stores in Denmark. Today, Leander exports to more than 30 countries worldwide. Product development, administration and warehouse are in Leander’s head office in Silkeborg, Denmark. The production is placed at long-term cooperation partners in different parts of Europe.

IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE
The design of the Leander Classic ™ cradle was created from the idea of meeting a specific need and with a desire to make a difference and this desire characterizes all Stig Leander’s designs.

Leander is a furniture company, but it is not just about designing furniture. It is about creating furniture that inspires and stimulates play, movement, and creativity. Furniture that develops children and makes everyday life with children a little easier.

At Leander, we believe in form, function, and honest materials and that the best ideas starts with a need.

Leander still sticks to the same design philosophy that it all started with - Form and function, the furniture should fit the child and never the other way around. That is why Leander is not just a furniture company. It is a philosophy, a feeling and an approach to materials, shape, and function.

QUALITY, DETAILS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Stig Leander is the designer of all Leander furniture. Stig does not draw, he is dreaming and feeling. He uses neither a computer nor a pad. As an artist, he shapes the furniture using his hands and eyes. He challenges the properties and possibilities by using cardboard, glue, and wood until it feels right.

Stig has an incredible eye for design and function. With a passion for craftsmanship and a great portion of curiosity, he explores the materials he works with and sees opportunities rather than limitations.

When Stig is in his workshop to design, he always has focus on the child or adult who is to use the furniture. The need to be covered.

Behind each piece of furniture is a well-thought-out vision and good craftsmanship. When choosing a Leander furniture, you invest in not just a piece of furniture for one child but in a furniture that can be inherited. This is what Leander calls responsibility and sustainability.

VALUES

CLASSIC AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
To us, designing baby and children’s furniture is driven by the purpose to make a positive difference. That is why a true Leander design always combines carefully thought-out functionality and uncompromising quality. Our furniture grows and moves with the child and can be passed on from generation to generation. That is what characterize a real design classic and sustainability for us.

leaf_ikon_transperant
MATERIALS AND SAFTETY
We select materials with the utmost care. They have to be durable, aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Working with wood, leather, moulded PUR-foam, felt and fabric, we devote attention to quality and detail into everything we do and make. We always challenge and explore the possibilities of materials in the pursuit to make everyday life easier for parents around the world.

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MOVEMENT AND FREEDOM
Children move. Even in their sleep. That is why a Leander design is shaped to either move with the child or give the child freedom to move and grow. With an ongoing focus on economics and functionality, we strive to stimulate the baby’s senses, balance and motor skills giving the child the best conditions to develop and find new adventures.

ALL THE CARE IN THE WORLD

Leander is much more than furniture design. We believe in supporting families all over the world to create a meaningful everyday life.

To us, designing baby and children’s furniture is a passion driven by purpose; It has to make a positive difference for you and your child, and we devote all our attention to do so. Whether it is bringing parents and new-born closer together at night, solving a practical problem with changing nappies or creating a safe way for families to gather around the dinner table.

Great design is a matter of course for us. But a design is never better than the need and purpose it fulfills. We combine carefully thought-out functionality with material, shape and uncompromising quality obtaining furniture that are handcrafted to fit the child. Never the other way around.

Becoming a parent is special. It is an intensely emotional journey filled with breathtaking moments and difficult choices. Embrace it and leave the rest to us.

MATERIALS

The Leander furniture production has always been based on high-quality raw materials. To us the combination of a great idea, the right shape and the good materials defines the perfect design.

We care for children and their parents – but also for the environment. Therefore, we choose our materials with great attention. They must be aesthetic, functional, and durable. And when possible, we use natural materials.

Through the years, we have built long-term partnerships with our suppliers and manufacturers. We know the origin of our raw materials, has an efficient quality management system, and has a close contact with our suppliers.

WOOD
Our furniture is made of wood from sustainable forestry. Primarily, we use beech and oak for our furniture. Beech wood is ideal for molded furniture, as it is strong, stable, and flexible. Oak is strong and has a nice, natural structure. In addition, we use MDF and chipboard from certified suppliers.

All Leander furniture made from wood is lacquered 2-3 times. The result is a nice and silky-smooth surface that is both soft to touch, nice to look at and easy to maintain. The lacquer is tested and approved according to the European standard EN71-3.

Wood is an organic material that requires proper care and maintenance. For daily maintenance, you can wipe the woodwork with a damp cloth. Remember to wipe off excess water to avoid stains on the wood. Please note that change in the wood and discolorations may occur if the furniture is exposed to constant high humidity or direct sunlight.

LEATHER
We use leather for details, e.g for the strap on the Classic highchair's safety bar and the replaceable handles on dressers and wardrobes.

We only use skins from oxen/cattle of EU origin, in good and strong quality. The leather is produced according to European standards and norms - and the production meets the REACH requirements. The leather is vegetable tanned and free of chromium (chromium V) and the preservative PCP. Furthermore, no AZO dyes were used in the dyeing process.

When you start using the leather parts it may seem a bit hard and tight. After some time, the leather will expand, become softer, and natural folds will appear. To clean the leather, you can use a slightly damp cloth. Remember to wipe off any excess water to avoid permanent stains. Leather does not require much care but to maintain the quality we advise you to occasionally treat with leather grease or similar.

TEXTILES
Our textiles are made of high-quality organic cotton from OEKO-TEX 100 certified suppliers. In this way we take responsibility for the environment and ensure that our textiles are free of harmful substances.

We use jersey fabric for our sheets, percale fabric for bed linen and light voile fabric for the canopy. These materials are soft and beautiful, and they only get more beautiful after they have been washed. For bumpers and highchair cushions, we use a strong canvas quality that has a nice, grainy structure. The canvas quality is easy to clean with a moist cloth but can also be machine washed.

The modern colors of the textiles can be combined in several ways and emphasize the characteristic expression of the individual furniture series.

The fabrics can be washed at 40 or 60 degrees Celsius. You can find care labels with instructions on all products. We recommend that you turn the inside out before washing to protect the fabric in the washing machine. Pull the material back into shape while it is slightly damp, and smooth out.

PUR-FOAM
PUR foam is a new material in the baby industry, but it is a well-known material in the medicine- and care industry. PUR is a soft, liquid plastic material that is poured into a mold.

Our supplier of PUR foam complies with the European REACH guidelines regarding reduction of chemicals. The PUR foam is certified and meets all requirements of the EN 71-3: 2019 standard. Essentially, this means that the PUR foam does not contain any harmful or emollient substances.

The soft, matte surface of Matty changing mat is unique and the result of a long development process. The unique surface makes it possible to maintain a good hygiene, as it can be cleaned with water and mild soap and wiped with ethanol/alcohol. Please note that ethanol/alcohol in large quantities, must not be applied directly to the changing mat.

December 04, 2021

Hooki Brand's Story ＆How To Use

Gain an extra pair of hands with our Hooki Pram Clips & Stroller Hooks.

Easily attach to your pram for a luxurious yet functional accessory. Loved by thousands of Mums globally, Hooki is the go-to for parents on the go!

From small ideas come big things.

We're passionate about design.

We've carefully curated a beautiful selection of colours for our original Hooki series.

Available at your favourite stores.

Small business. Big dreams. That's us at Hooki.

We're passionate about spreading our wings to provide our style and functionality products to parents globally.

Stylish & Functional Pram Hooks

Our Hooki Pram Hooks are a functional accessory for your pram whilst out and about. Easily attach to any pram's handle using our super strong velcro and gain a much needed extra pair of hands.

Finished in Vegan PU Leather with a strong Matte Black Aluminium Clip Hook, our Hooki Pram Hooks ooze style and sophistication whilst being there to help you with your shopping or lighten your load.

FOR ALL PRAMS & STROLLERS

Vegan Leather Pram Hooks

Tried and tested on Australia's most popular Pram & Strollers, Hookis are adaptable and fit all pram handles.

Easily attach to your pram and off you go! They're gentle on your pram, they won't scratch or damage your pram handle and don't wiggle about.

EASY DOES IT

Clip on. Clip off.

Easily attach your Hooki to your pram or stroller using our super strong velcro.

Fasten these little guys on tight and they won't budge. No slipping and sliding. Easy to whip open and relocate quicker than you can say Hooki.

We've tried and tested our universal fitting and adjustable Hookis on Australia's favourite prams & strollers. If your pram has a handle, our Hookis will fit.

YOUR HELPING HAND

Up to 5kg of Shopping

Our Hookis have been put through their paces. Whether they lend a helping hand when shopping or simply there to assist with all the sh*t you have to carry for your kids... Our Hookis are here to serve you - shame they don't come with a chiseled jawline and a 6-pack.

Easily capable of holding 5kg per Hooki - that's the equivalent of 35 potatoes!

OOH LA LA

Luxurious Pram Hooks

Our Pram Hooks are crafted from durable performance fabric in complimentary faux leather, finished with a large matte black carabiner clip that can handle 5kg with ease. Each Hooki is a stylish and minimal stroller accessory that does the hard work for you.

Available in 6 carefully curated colour-ways to universally compliment all pram designs.

Easy open & close Hooki Clip

Easily holds 5kg per Hooki

Super Strong Velcro Support

Hooking Happy Guarantee

ALL PACKAGING IS PLASTIC-FREE & BIODEGRADABLE

Our packaging & mailing bags are 100% plastic-free and 100% biodegradable - yippee! Is that a hug from Mother Nature we feel?

October 19, 2021

Serendipity - Care Textiles

SOFT MÉLANGE YARNS & DELICATE FABRICS

At Serendipity we and our suppliers put a great effort into making our garments sustainable in every step of the making from cotton farmer and field to full finish.

As our clothing leave our hands the sustainable process is in your hands and you can actively contribute to the sustainability of the clothing, making it last by washing gently, caring and mending the clothes, and perhaps passing it on as you no longer need the piece.

HOW WE CARE

It is incredible what can come out of organic cotton fibers. Cotton is a natural and biodegradable fiber that has been used for hundreds of years. Cotton fibers can produce a large variety of fabrics; really soft mélange fabrics, delicate wovens, heavier velour & terry, the softest gauze & muslins, more heavy fabrics as twill and corduroy as well as lovely knit fabrics. The mélange yarns are used for our classic ribs, soft velour and sweat fabrics.

Of-course all the cotton we use is organic and handpicked. We are GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) which means that every single step in the total process, from cotton ball to finished garment, is certified and carefully treated without the harmful chemicals usually involved in production of conventional cotton textiles.

Strict wastewater treatment practices are exercised in all phases of production, in order not to pollute the water and the environment surrounding the textile production. Good for our water, planet, and our people.

GOTS also includes a strict set of social criteria to ensure the people involved in the entire production process in regards to; fair living wages, high safety practices at work, good working environments with established working hours, vacation and health policies, as well as strict non-discriminatory policies in relation to gender, religion and race.

Mélange Fabric

We love softness! Each season, we produce new colours of mélange yarns for our ribs, velours, sweats and other knitted textiles.

Mélange means a mix of colours that blend into a nice and rich colour. When you create a mélange yarn, you dye the cotton bulbs in different colours, then mix them, comb them, and spin them. This gives a playful, deep, long-lasting colour and an incredible softness.

Worth waiting for

Making melange yarns consumes more time than regular methods of dying fabric. First, we decide the colours, make the different try-outs and then finally produce the mélange yarn: it takes on average 3-4 months. After the fiber has been dyed, it needs spinning, knitting and then washing. Finally, the production of the garments starts. But it is worth the wait. The garments are a pleasure to wear with its soft touch on the skin, and with the right treatment, it will last for years to come.

HOW YOU CAN CARE AND MAKE YOUR TEXTILES LAST LONGER

Taking care of your textiles, can make them last for a long time. We have put an effort into bringing you a natural long-lasting garment of high quality, and therefore find it natural to pass on our recommendations for how to care for your new garment to make it last.

Wovens

Our woven cotton garments are made with care specially for you. Organic cotton is a versatile, comfortable, and breathable fibre, which is easy to make last for a long time.

We recommend washing at 40 degrees Celsius. It is important to only use detergents that are environmentally friendly. We advise you to avoid use of softener or bleach when washing. After wash reshape the garment and hang it to dry - do not use a tumbler. Hanging it outside (away from direct sunlight) will give an added freshness to the garment and it is also the most environmentally friendly way to dry your clothes.

When you wash the garment the first time the shrinkage is approximately 3%.

Our woven fabrics can either be worn with or without ironing, however it looks good when carefully ironed with steam.

Once the garments have dried, fold them nicely or hang them up. It is important to store them in a dry place away from the sun.

They can then be used for years to come.

KNITS

Our rib, jersey, velour and sweat fabrics have all been prewashed carefully before cutting the fabric. This reduces the shrinkage and results in a high-quality textile that will only shrink 3-5% over time. Our cotton mélange yarns will keep their softness and colour for a long time.

The knit fabrics should be washed at 40 degrees Celsius. We recommend using an environmentally friendly detergent and again no softener or bleach. It is not good for the textile, your skin or our environment.

The knits can easily be tumbled at a low heat, for a nice soft touch.

Fold them nicely and store them in a dry place away from the sun.

BABY ALPACA WOOL AND LLAMA WOOL

The wool fiber is naturally self-cleaning. Baby-alpaca and Llama wool also has the benefit of not carrying any lanolin which makes it non-itchy, very soft to wear and also anti-allergenic.

Wash your wool as seldom as you can. The best way to refresh it is by airing it outside. This gives the sweater a nice touch of freshness.

If your wool garment has a small spot of dirt, you can gently remove with a little bit of mild detergent and water.

If you need to wash your wool garment, please do it in cold water and by hand. Drain water from the garment by pressing gently. Do not squeeze or stretch it. Use only a little environmentally friendly wool detergent. You can (on your own risk, depending on your washing machine) wash it on a gentle cold water wool program.

Dry it flat on a towel for the best result. We do not advise you to hang it up, as the shape can then be twisted and altered.

Fold the sweater nicely and gentle and store it in a dry place. Do not hang on hangers, as this easily will change the shape of the garment.

LLAMA/SILK BLEND

Our garments made from a llama/silk blend are perfect for summertime, because the silk has both warming and cooling properties. Follow care and washing procedure as above (wool).

PROTECT YOUR WOOL

When storing your wool away in the summertime be careful not to store it in hidden dark places, as this attract moths. The best is to use it all year and store it in a closet with space and air.

If needed you can put it in an airtight container with some dried lavender in small textile bags or a piece of cedar wood. The dried lavender will also leave a wonderful scent. Both lavender and cedar wood works as natural repellents. Check, repair and wash gently before storing.

REPAIRING

If your garment is somehow damaged, for instance it has lost a button or something else, we recommend you repair it, rather than throwing it out.

If you are not able to repair it, ask someone who are capable or send it to us, and we will happily do it. (depending on issue and only after agreement.)

AFTER-USE

We recommend that after you have finished using a garment you either resell it, donate it or give it away to friends, family or a colleague. Good textiles can be kept forever if they are properly cared for.

October 19, 2021

Serendipity Brand's Story

PHILOSOPHY

Serendipity Organics is soft and natural Danish design made of pure organic cotton and natural wool for extra comfort and easy wear.

A genuine passion for the soft feel and high quality of natural fibers and materials, as well as a general care for our children and environment, is at the heart of Serendipity Organics.

The design and quality of our garments and products are essential to us. We make an effort to design timeless pieces that are wonderfully soft to wear and durable in use. Our design philosophy and aesthetics are rooted in our Scandinavian heritage.

We love beautiful textiles, and this is the reason we custom design. All colours are carefully coordinated and chosen for each season.
Every print is hand drawn by us. All our woven fabric is composed down to the last details of colour, thread count, and density.
Our favourite melange yarns are made specially to our requirements, resulting in the softest rib and knit programmes.
All in all, we have an unwavering commitment to develop the nicest qualities of textiles for our collections.

We care about people and our planet. We value long-term relationships with our suppliers, as well as 100% respect for human rights for all the people, that put an effort into bringing our quality garments to you.

All our cotton garments are produced in India and are certified GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard),
from the cotton fields all the way through the processes of spinning, dying, weaving, knitting, and stitching.

Our Llama and Baby Alpaca Wool qualities are carefully selected to comply with the extraordinary softness of Serendipity.
All styles are handmade or semi-handmade with care in small Bolivian home collectives, bringing warm and lovely garments to you.

Natural, pure, and sustainable wear is the best choice for our environment, our skin, and our well-being.

Welcome to our universe of Natural Wear and accessories for Premature & New Born Babies, Boys & Girls 0-11 years and Women.

Serendipity Organics is a family-driven Danish design company established in 2003.

We are GOTS certified since the beginning of this certification. Please check our certification for reference.

You can also learn more about GOTS HERE

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ORGANIC COTTON FIBRES

Our cotton garments are produced in India and are certified according to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), from the cotton fields all the way through the processes of spinning, dying, weaving, knitting, stitching, finishing, packing and transporting.

Organically farmed cotton employs nature-based solutions to manage pests and build healthy soil, in contrast to the synthetic pesticides, herbicides, defoliants, fertilizers, and GMO seeds used to grow conventional cotton.

Farming organically means farming without chemicals and handpicking the cotton balls. This results in cotton fields with other plants, too. It is the natural way of farming, and you see no strict lines of planting and no unnaturally gigantic cotton bulbs. This enables the farmers to use the same plants year after year, as plants are not ruined by machines and “fatigued” by chemicals.

The organic cotton fields are owned by local family farmers, who hand over their harvest to the mill. For these organic farmers, there are many advantages to organic farming. First and foremost are the economic benefits. They save on expensive fertilizers, are paid more for their cotton, do not need to buy new plants every season, and finally, their soil is never exhausted by over-farming and chemicals.

The cotton plant begins as a seed, turns into a flower, and dries into a cotton bulb.

Strict waste water treatment practices are also required in all phases of production, in order not to pollute the water and environment surrounding the textile production. Good for our water, planet, and people.

Textile production - the process of cleaning, spinning, dying, weaving, and knitting – is done without the harmful chemicals usually involved in the production of conventional cotton textiles. This means that no formaldehyde, azo dyes, heavy metals, phthalates, chlorophenol, PVC, chlorine, nickel, etc. ever touch our cotton. Discharge printing and special washes (mostly used for denim), are also not allowed.

Social and economic welfare among the people involved in cotton farming and the production of textiles and garments is truly important. It is breathtaking to try to understand how many hands have touched the clothing that we wear every day.

We love softness! Each season, we produce new colours of melange yarns for our ribs, velours and other knitted textiles.

Melange means a mix of colours that blend into a nice and rich colour. When we make a melange yarn, we dye the cotton bulbs in different colours, then mix them, comb them, and spin them. This gives a playful deep, long-lasting colour and an incredible softness.

The garment cutting, stitching, steaming, and packing is, of course, a very important part of the making of organic and clean products. We only work with factories that produce with organic cotton, ensuring that no contamination is possible and that no chemicals are used in the washing and finishing of any garment, before it is packed safely to undertake its long journey to happy use by you.

We only work with factories that produce with organic cotton, ensuring that no contamination is possible and that no chemicals are used in the washing and finishing of any garment, before it is packed safely to undertake its long journey to happy use by you.

We believe in fair and basic social values, including fair wages, freedom of association, fair working hours, offer of regular employment, safe and hygienic work conditions, non-discrimination, and, of course, no use of child labour.

All of these and many more social compliances are included in GOTS. Furthermore, the main factory we work with is both fair trade and SA8000 certified.

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WOOL FIBRES: BABY-ALPACA, LLAMA WOOL & ORGANIC MERINO

Baby-Alpaca & Llama Wool

Each season, we design a special collection in Baby Alpaca Wool and Llama Wool or Llama Wool/Silk.

These wool fibers are known for their softness, warmth, and light weight. They contain no lanolin, which is what makes sheep wool itchy. No lanolin means allergy friendliness for your skin.

The wool fibers come from alpacas and llamas in Bolivia and Peru. The alpacas and llamas live 4,000 meters above sea level in the unspoiled Andes Mountains, making fibers as close to naturally organic as can be.

The Alpaca wool we use for our sweaters is called Baby Alpaca. Alpaca wool is divided into four categories of quality – the finest and softest selection is what they call Baby Alpaca.

Llamas are a little bit larger than alpacas, and their wool can be a bit rougher. This is the reason that Llama wool used is dehaired, meaning that all the rough fibers from the wool is "combed” away, leaving the softest and lightest fibers for the spinning of the yarn.

In these wools, we often use melange colour blending to get rich colours.

The sweaters are semi-handknitted or handknitted in La Paz, Bolivia by women and men who are all knitters by family tradition. They knit in their homes, often in groups, while taking care of their children.

The knitters are carefully taught the patterns and styles, and they are quality checked by a fair-trade certified company with a team of Bolivian women.

Organic Himalayan Merino Wool

Our exquisite wool collection of semi-handmade and handknit natural Baby Alpaca and llama wool is now joined by a
new GOTS certified Organic Himalayan Merino wool quality.

Merino1

Our certified Merino wool stems from sheep af Rambouillet origin. They traverse through 55,629 Hectares of snow bound Himalayan pasture land at altitudes of 4000 metres and above in Bugyal territory.

Merino3

The sheep are managed by 600 herders and breeders following traditional pastoral practices in rearing certified
flock of 2,51,253 Rams, Ewes and lamb in Himachal and Uttaranchal states of India.

Merino4

Herders can be men and women

Merino1a

The Rambouillet sheep is a Merino cross breed domiciled in the upper snowbound regions of the Himalayas.

They produce fine and medium coarse wool (22-28 micron) wool with similar properties like French Merino
with a high bounce and crimp.

Merino5

The Himalayan Merino wool line includes hand knitted cardigans and a lovely ribknit. The hand-knitted pieces are - like our Baby Alpaca styles - knitted in small women collectives as part of an NGO-project in Himalaya. Our GOTS certification ensures that no heavy chemical treatment of the wool is used, the sheep are treated well, and all people that help make sweaters are treated with respect and under fair conditions, as a minimum live up to the Human Rights.

Ready to wear - The quality is soft to the touch and simply lovely.

We also introduce a lovely ribknit of this Himalayan merino wool (GOTS-certified) which is used for a baby romper,
hats and sweaters for baby, children and women.

To preserve our wool garments' softness and quality, we recommend airing or gentle cold hand wash.

October 18, 2021

KidWild Brand's story

We love a world where kids can live pure, wild and free. Free of harmful toxins, dyes or pesticides. Full of earth-friendly and honest products, super soft materials and modern, timeless hues & prints.

Organic minimalism

KidWild's apparel, layette and accessories line offer modern and minimalistic essentials with a year round collection of stylish, ethically-made basics. For parents who no longer want to sacrifice safety for style, our line is crafted from only the softest certified organic fabrics.

Luxury unisex basics

KidWild’s apparel line was created with simplicity, durability and comfort in mind. Timeless basics that can be carried on from one child to the next. Ultra soft fabrics in unisex colors your child wants to wear day in, day out.

100% Organic

KidWild is committed to providing the highest levels of quality and comfort in all our products, and refuse to sacrifice any child’s health or safety. That’s why our garments and essentials are made from eco-friendly & organic materials with no harmful toxins, dyes or pesticides. No exceptions. Ever.

KidWild. Where kids live pure, wild and free.

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At KidWild we believe that each child should be able to live pure, wild and free. Free of harmful toxins, dyes or pesticides. KidWild products are made from organic and eco-friendly fabrics that are naturally soft, sustainable and hypo-allergenic.

Why choose organic?

A newborn's skin is extremely delicate and very sensitive to allergens. It is important to ensure a healthy beginning with layette, sleepwear and bedding that is breathable, hypo-allergenic and free from synthetics and chemical residues.

Conventional vs organic cotton

Conventional cotton is a highly chemical intensive crop. It uses nearly 25% of the world's insecticides, and many of the conventional cotton seeds are genetically modified. Many childhood allergies are caused by the use of chemically treated products and can be avoided by using organic, chemical free clothing, bedding and sleepwear.

Our organic fabrics

Our natural fibers are incredibly soft and comfortable and allow for breathability and temperature regulation, allowing for a better night’s sleep for your child and the rest of the family.

October 15, 2021

ERBAVIVA Brand's Story

our story

organic skincare pioneers robin brown and anna cirronis created erbaviva in los angeles’ artistic topanga canyon enclave in 1996. as early proponents of california’s organic food movement, erbaviva was born from the desire to apply the same principles of sustainability, ethics and quality to the products used on their children’s delicate skin.

in the early days, erbaviva products were crafted first for individual use and later for friends and family. today, the brand offers personal care products for pregnancy, baby and a global community of like-minded beauty seekers. erbaviva or “living herbs” in italian, features pure, usda certified organic ingredients that have been thoughtfully derived from nature. the expertly balanced formulas nourish the skin, using enriching botanicals, essential oils and living herbs, to yield exceptional results.

and while erbaviva has grown, the founding values of transparency, authenticity and organic integrity endure. erbaviva is still proudly made in los angeles— at its own clean, green solar powered manufacturing facility. it is among the few companies globally to achieve b corp certification, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

why go organic?

the skin is the body’s largest living organ. it’s highly porous, allowing for harmful toxins and chemicals used in conventional cosmetics to be absorbed into the bloodstream and remain in human tissue for a long time.

the average woman absorbs four pounds of chemicals into her body from the use of conventional cosmetics each year.

the average child is exposed through common conventional body care products, like shampoo, lotion and sunscreen, to at least 27 harmful chemicals daily.

organic vs. natural

erbaviva is certified usda organic, the highest standard of organic in the united states. usda organic personal care products adhere to a strict set of government guidelines and are free of dangerous pesticides, fertilizers and toxic chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, sulfates, pegs and other endocrine disruptors. comparably, the term ‘natural’ is relatively undefined. ingredients derived from nature can be potentially unnatural, like genetically modified organisms (gmos), artificial fertilizers, toxic pesticides and herbicides.

erbaviva is a certified organic manufacturer holding several 3rd party verified
certifications. our products are compassionately made at the company’s own
renewable energy powered facility in southern california.

	usda certified organic ingredients nearly all of erbaviva products carry the highly stringent usda organic seal, certifying 95% or more of the ingredients are organic to the food standard. in most cases, the products carrying the usda organic seal are 99.94% organic.
	soil association cosmos organic the soil association’s (the uk equivalent to the usda) cosmos is a global standard for the certification of organic cosmetics. the cosmos organic symbol guarantees that erbaviva products adhere to exacting organic requirements and do not contain genetically modified ingredients, controversial chemicals, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors
	certified demeter biodynamic farming demeter international independently certifies that the farmers and distillers from which we source our ingredients meet rigorous biodynamic requirements, in addition to practicing organic growing methods.
	corporate responsibility - b corp erbaviva is proud to be part of a global movement using business as a force for good. certified by nonprofit b lab, we are one of few corporations that meet the highest standards of independently verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

each and every product tells a story of purity and transparency. we have added
informational architecture to the label of each product so our customers
know exactly what can be expected from erbaviva.

	cruelty free erbaviva stands by cruelty free internationals’ efforts to end animal cruelty experiments worldwide by never testing products or ingredients on animals.
	coral reef safe erbaviva sunscreens are free of chemical ingredients that are harmful to our fragile underwater ecosystems
	sulfate paraben free erbaviva products are made without harsh chemical surfactants, including sulfates and parabens, known to be linked to health issues.
	vegan select erbaviva products are labelled vegan and do not contain any animal by-products.
	100% vegetarian erbaviva products are vegetarian and may contain humanely-sourced animal by-products such as milk, honey and beeswax.
	forest stewardship council 'fsc' certification erbaviva supports the forest stewardship council’s (fsc) efforts to promote the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide by using unit cartons and gift boxes made with fsc-certified paper.
	metric organic – over 70% organic erbaviva values transparency and shares the specific percentage of organic ingredients in each product on its packaging.

erbaviva sources the highest quality organic ingredients from all over the world, with the utmost levels of therapeutic efficacy in mind. we work closely with farmers and distillers we trust, who practice certified organic farming methods that are in harmony with nature, protect soil, conserve water and safeguard wildlife.

our process:

organic, non-gmo seeds are grown in pure, rich soil without the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic chemicals.

after harvest, botanical extracts, essential oils and living herbs are derived through cold pressing, steam distillation, natural raw extraction or green chemistry, minimizing negative environmental impact and the over-production of waste.

lastly, cold pressed organic butters, oils, butters and waxes are infused with the carefully culled extracts to craft our exceptional personal care products.

September 29, 2021

BONDI WASH Brand's Story

FOUNDED BY BELINDA EVERINGHAM

'My vision is to introduce beautiful Australian scents and ingredients to the world through a range of very natural products'

MY STORY

'Scents have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of a scent can not be fended off, it enters us like breath into our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally…'
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Back in 2008, I started reacting to synthetic chemicals in household and body products. With small children in the home I started wondering what these ingredients were doing to our health and to the environment.

Some years later, reading the novel Perfume by Patrick Suskind while on holidays in Far North Queensland, and surrounded by unusual native flora, I wondered whether here in Australia we could create beautiful fragrances and products from native botanicals, just like the French have been doing for centuries. I started researching the fragrance and properties of Australian native flora and was inspired by the potential of these little-known botanicals.

Starting on the kitchen bench in 2012 I developed a Bench Spray, Hand Wash and Floor Wash – while simultaneously developing a range of all-natural scents, each based around a beautiful Australian native.

BONDI WASH launched in November 2013 with 3 products and 3 scents. The range was developed drawing on expertise from chemists and using the latest technology in natural ingredients. We now have over 40 different products and 11 natural scents.

The range combines the power and fragrance of unique Australian botanicals with a luxurious mix of other essential oils and natural ingredients that are at least 99% derived from nature, often 100%. The range harnesses the naturally anti-bacterial properties of Australian botanicals to effectively kill germs on the body, in the air and on surfaces. Many of the products are independently lab tested to confirm they 'kill 99.99% of germs'.

My hope is that the range will provide a little daily pleasure as you wash and breathe in the natural scents of Australia - and do no harm to your health, to your family or to our precious planet.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

EFFECTIVE NATURALLY

If we can’t create a product that’s effective and natural we won’t release it. All our products are 99-100% derived from nature. The only non-natural ingredients we use are food grade preservatives in some products which ensure the products are shelf-stable.

BEAUTIFULLY FRAGRANT

BONDI WASH fragrances have been designed like a perfume, starting with a beautiful Australian native botanical. Other scents from Australia and around the world are then combined to include top notes, middle notes and base notes. All scents are completely plant-derived. We never use synthetic fragrance.

BONDI WASH products use Australian native oils with interesting fragrances which combined with other oils creates beautiful and uplifting scents that make washing a delight. These botanicals have powerful properties and have all been independently tested for their anti-bacterial properties.

NATURALLY ANTI-BACTERIAL

All our scents are designed around an anti-bacterial Australian native oil. Many of the products meet the independent lab test standard 'kills 99.9% of germs' or above.

ACTIVE NATIVE INGREDIENTS

The BONDI WASH scents are more than just fragrant. Each is designed around an anti-bacterial Australian essential oil. The range harnesses the anti-bacterial and other properties like insect-repelling of these powerful native plants. Many of the range have been independent lab tested to confirm they ‘kill 99.99% of germs’.

Our products also contain ACTIVE Australian ingredients, like wattleseed oil, lilly pilly extract and banksia seed oil. These active ingredients are all 100% plant-derived and bring unique and powerful properties for the skin and hair which have only recently been researched and discovered.

INTEGRITY IN DESIGN

BONDI WASH products have been designed with integrity. Our trigger sprays and soap pumps only give you what you need – less than other brands. BONDI WASH products not only work well naturally, they should also last longer.

SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Products are tested on people with sensitive skin prior to launching. We design our products carefully to care so they are not harmful to you or the planet.

OUR RANGE

The product range for the HOME includes a Bench Spray, Glass Spray, Mist Spray, Essential Oils and Floor Wash. Our Bench Sprays are independent lab-tested to confirm they meet the standard ‘kills 99.99% of germs’ and our Mist Spray and Yoga Mat Sprays also meet the standard ‘kills 99.9% of germs’.

Products for the BODY include a Hand Wash, Body Wash, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Deodorant, Night Balm, Lip Balm and an anti-bacterial Hand Spray.

The BABY range has been developed designed carefully with oils and ingredients that nurture and soothe a baby’s sensitive skin.

The DOG range has been designed specifically for a dog’s sensitive skin and system - a Dog Wash, Dog Conditioner, Dry Dog Wash and a Kennel Spray in Paperbark & Lemongrass scent which will remove germs, repel insects and help calm the dog while washing.

We are always launching new products and love to get your requests for products you'd like us to create naturally.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

At BONDI WASH we believe that caring for nature and our planet is not only better for our health but a necessary and important responsibility to protect the future of our beautiful home.

We care deeply about the impact our products and ingredients have on the environment and are always looking for ways to improve our footprint. Below are a few of our current sustainability and environmental practices, but feel free to contact us with new suggestions.

Natural products

All BONDI WASH products are 99 - 100% naturally derived. This is unusual even within the natural product space. There really is nothing nasty in the bottles - the only non-natural ingredients are food grade preservatives to help keep the products shelf-stable. The BONDI WASH range creates no downstream environmental damage and is greywater safe.

Ingredient sourcing

At BONDI WASH we do a lot of research into ingredients. We choose the most natural and high quality ingredients for our products – even if they are more expensive. We are also very careful to ensure that all our ingredients are sustainably and ethically sourced and avoid ingredients we know can cause environmental damage in their production such as rosewood or palm oil.

BEAUTIFULLY SCENTED, NATURALLY EFFECTIVE

ONLY THE FINEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS

BONDI WASH contains Australian native essential oils with anti-bacterial properties. Our native oils and extracts are chosen for their high potency skin and hair benefits and our scents are 100% pure essential oils. A key feature of our range is that we never use synthetic fragrance. Our soap bases are 100% plant based (derived from sugar and corn, both renewable) making them gentle and non toxic.

NO KNOWN IRRITANTS

BONDI WASH products do not contain any ingredients that have been proven to cause irritation. These known irritants include SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE AND SODIUM LAURETH SULPHATE, SODIUM COCO SULPHATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (COCO-BETAINE), PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE AND METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (MI), SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE OR COLOURS, DEA (TRIETHONALOMINE) AND DEA (DIETHONALOMINE).

NO TOXIC CHEMICALS

BONDI WASH does not contain ingredients that are proven to disrupt hormones or be toxic to organs including PARABENS, PHTHALATES AND PEG 150. Our products are also free from ‘forever chemicals’- ingredients that do not degrade and accumulate in our bodies and the environment. TRICLOSAN is a well known ‘forever chemical’ linked to a long list of health and environmental issues.

NO PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS OR CHEMICAL COCKTAILS

Ingredients sourced from petrochemicals can generate 1,4, DIOXANE which may cause cancer. These ingredients include MINERAL OIL, DEA, MEA, BENZENE AND PARRAFIN WAX. Chemical cocktails are ingredients masking a range of chemicals not required to be listed separately such as FRAGRANCE, which reflects a blend of ingredients and can mean synthetic or nasties are hidden - a labelling loophole and known to cause headaches, rashes, respiratory problems and other reactions.

September 29, 2021

Bamford Brand's Story

Promote a luxurious, elegant, natural and organic lifestyle
Originated from the United Kingdom, it represents a luxurious, elegant, natural and organic lifestyle. Founded by the noble Duchess Carole Bamford, Bamford perfectly interprets the founder’s taste and philosophy, admires the art of life, uses natural plant extraction and traditional fine craftsmanship to create lasting and pure bathing, body care, baby care and fragrance creation, truly nourishing Heart and skin convey the brand promise of happiness and happiness.

Natural plant extracts, quality and details are paramount
Bamford provides the most complete selection of daily necessities for customers who pursue details and quality. The brand respects and creates the art of life, and is responsible for the products it creates. It promises that all Bamford products maintain perfect features and create the most sincere and high-quality series of products.

Bamford's body care series uses natural raw ingredients, all of which contain selected aromatic essential oils, which have a delicate fragrance and special effects. Bamford insists that the products are completely made in the UK, free of preservatives, surfactants, artificial colors, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances, providing top-notch care options.

Taste the organic lifestyle of the British aristocracy
Based on the concept that "Organic is not only beneficial to the natural environment, but also has an excellent positive impact on our lives. It is a real luxury." Dame Carole not only invested in charity activities for a long time, but also established Daylesford Organic in 2002. Farms, shops, restaurants, cooking classrooms and other diversified business entities promote organic food and culture in an all-round way. Four years later, Bamford was officially founded, and it was a wonderful demonstration of how the organic concept has expanded to life style and fashion. "Bamford is inspired by nature. We cherish all the rare natural products in the world, so we create a series of natural plant extracts that can truly nourish the body, skin and soul." Through Bamford, Carole actively promotes natural plants. Exquisite products are committed to maintaining traditional craftsmanship and passing it on to the next generation.

INGREDIENTS

The soil is the first home for the natural ingredients that our signature formulations for the skin are made from. We endeavour to meet the COSMOS standard as defined and accredited by the Soil Association – the highest standard in organic bodycare – for all new products in our Bath & Body collection. The Soil Association reviews the entire manufacturing process: the sourcing of ingredients, energy and water usage information and environmental waste management plans and premises, holding us accountable and ensuring that their packaging can be recycled and will not return to the earth as a pollutant or end up in landfill.

Founded in 2011, Positive Luxury connects luxury brands and people who care about the future through the unique Butterfly Mark certification, which demonstrate a company’s positive action towards people and our planet. The Butterfly Mark certification identifies Bamford as part of a community of businesses that is collectively seeking to transform the luxury industry through sustainable and ethical practices that not only mitigate their impact on the planet, but aim to contribute positively to its future.

We see it as a strength to seek out the expertise of others and value close collaboration with like-minded advocates of sustainable living – sharing knowledge as well as passions. In 2020, Bamford was certified by Positive Luxury with the Butterfly Mark, for our commitment to social and environmental sustainability. Having the Butterfly Mark certification by Positive luxury is a reassurance for our community that our commitments are verified.

COSMOS ORGANIC

Assurance that 95% of ingredients are organic. This is an internationally recognised standard for organic cosmetics and ensures genuine organic beauty products produced to the highest feasible sustainability practices. Guarantees no gm ingredients or controversial chemicals. This standard also covers sustainable manufacturing processes, minimal packaging with maximum recycled content and protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

COSMOS NATURAL

Assurance the percentage of natural ingredients declared are of natural origin. This is an internationally recognised standard for natural beauty products. Guarantees no gm ingredients or controversial chemicals. This standard also covers sustainable manufacturing processes, minimal packaging with maximum recycled content and protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

PACKAGING

Consideration for where we source our materials extends beyond our products and into our packaging. We avoid unnecessary packaging where possible, embracing both recycled and recyclable solutions as well as designing high quality vessels that can be kept and given a second life. Our bags and envelopes used in store are made from an innovative recycled cotton paper, and our online delivery boxes are made from recycled cardboard that is 100% recyclable.

Looking forward

We understand the urgency of attending to our planet’s health and the role we play as a business and a community to contribute in a positive way. We acknowledge that sustainability is not an end-goal that can be met or achieved; it is a journey of ongoing improvement, an enduring commitment to responsible practises and continuous education throughout our community. It is something that can always be improved upon.

We are ambitious and determined, and we are also grateful to our community for your patience while we learn – from our community and from the earth – how we can further lighten our footprint. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.

'Bamford was born out of a belief that what we put on our body should be as nourishing and nurturing as what we put inside it through our food. Our products are beautifully considered, rich in meaning and quality, with a story we can be proud of.'

September 15, 2021

OYOY Brand's Story

OYOY Living Design is a Danish interior brand with a solid basis in the Scandinavian design tradition. With hearts beating for shape and color we create a broad palette of functional interior with elegant and feminine features for your rooms, that will add an aesthetic touch to a beautiful Nordic inspired home. The products in the collections of OYOY Living Design are defined by honest and well-composed materials, that highlight simple and unexpected details. Playful colors and shapes breathe life into our designs. We design interior with a strong sense of colour combinations and patterns, and our products are always produced in the highest quality. OYOY Living Design is timeless Nordic Design and still our collections are always inspired by modern graphic lines.

THE STORY OF OYOY LIVING DESIGN

More than just a design brand, OYOY is for modern families in the search of re-calling childhood memories and creating new ones. Our design collections are rooted in the Danish traditions of simplicity. We represent a playful yet straight forward aesthetic approach to design and we accompany everyday family life.

OYOY wants to be the strongest Danish design brand offering home accessories for children, adults and the homes they live in. We strive to be respectful and dedicated to the manufactured products, all involved people and our surrounding nature – always with a creative and playful approach in mind.

The Danish company OYOY Living Design A/S was founded in January 2012 by the Danish designer Lotte Fynboe. The designs are classic, functional and long lasting with unique details and alluring colour combinations. Influenced by traditional Danish design, the products are redesigns of childhood memories. Based on these memories unique products are created focusing on form and shape meeting functionality.

THE NAME AND BRAND OYOY // The name is inspired by the OY letters, which since 1929 have been the signature on all Danish airplanes. Regardless of where in the world the planes may be located, the sense of belonging to Denmark is significant. At OYOY Living Design we are also proud of our roots and the letters OY are to indicate our Danish heritage.

September 08, 2021

CONNETIX Physical Development and Connetix Play

Establishing gross motor skills and fine motor skills in early childhood is important as they become the foundation for physical activity in later life. However, despite its importance, physical skills development does not have to be hard work.

Physical Development Overview

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

The term gross motors skills refers to movements that involve the whole body or movements by large muscles. Gross motor skills include arm, leg, and torso movements. They form the basis of a person’s body awareness, reaction speed as well as strength and balance.

Gross motor skills are responsible for everyday movements adults rarely think about. Walking, running, kicking, throwing, and lifting are all carried out by some of the body’s largest muscles. These gross motor skills also form the basis of fine motor skills.

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills include grasping and manipulating objects. The term generally refers to using our hands and upper extremities. However, the real distinction between fine motor skills and gross motor skills relates to the muscles used for the movement. Large muscles perform gross motor skills, whilst smaller muscles are responsible for fine motor skills.

Importance In Early Childhood Development

Gross motor skills, fine motor skills and visual skills are all part of physical development milestones. These milestones are general guides for parents, paediatricians, childcare professionals, and others to assess a child’s development. Developmental milestones are not set in stone. Whilst growth and development are somewhat predictable, there is a big range of what is considered normal.

Learning fine motor skills in early childhood lays the foundation for more advanced skills such as handwriting or reading music and playing an instrument. As crucial as these skills are, developing them is literally child’s play. Let’s explore some ways you can encourage physical development through Connetix play!

Connetix Play Ideas

Connetix tiles are an excellent way of stimulating fine and gross motor skill development. We recommend introducing them to children from the age of three years and up. The possibilities for play are endless.

A Simple Start

Developing fine motor skills does not have to be complicated. Sticking magnetic tiles together and pulling them apart improves finger strength, dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Let your child pick a favourite colour and set them a small challenge like making a cube shape or a pyramid.

Endless Fun With Ball Runs

Often the simplest toys are those children will play with again and again. Setting up a simple ball run does not take long and provides hours of entertainment. Apart from ‘building’ the run itself, your child practices BOTH gross and fine motor skills by placing the ball in the run and retrieving it at the end.

If you have older children, you may find the ball run becomes more and more complex and fascinating as they develop their ideas.

Refractions For Colour

Does your child have a favourite colour? Maybe they do, but when the sun hits Connetix magnetic tiles and creates magical refractions, picking only one colour is hard. Playing with magnetic tiles by a window not only lets children develop motor skills, but they also learn about changing light as the day goes on. Take it one step further by using the window as a base and building against it. It’s a perfect rainy-day idea. Building vertically will not only improve physical development but also brain development.

Reach High

Fridge play never gets old! Start a pattern on your fridge that children can finish, or perhaps a colour/shape sorting challenge. As well as the opportunity for exploring colours and shapes, using Connetix on a fridge or whiteboard is a simple way to set up vertical play opportunities. Vertical play is a great way to work on many different skills. It increases core strength, works on shoulder stability, helps develop spatial awareness, and engages bilateral coordination (i.e. having both sides of the brain working at the same time!).

How About Hopscotch? or An Obstacle Course?

Fancy combining gross and fine motor skills? How about setting up a hopscotch course with tiles on your floor? Flat tiles are perfect for creating hopscotch square boundaries, and adding some 3D obstacles to jump over makes for a fantastic afternoon of activity. You can also create an obstacle course by setting up a variety of Connetix obstacles in a track – from 3D cubes and pyramids to jump over and lines to follow. Please note: we do not recommend jumping or standing directly on your Connetix.

Life’s A Maze!

As a parent of a small child, you’re forgiven for feeling like life is a maze sometimes. Rather than letting that overwhelm you, build your own colourful Connetix maze. Our baseplates are the perfect foundation, and you can use your imagination when it comes to setting up the walls. Add a ball and encourage your child to balance the maze to move the ball. Just like ball runs, mazes can be endlessly entertaining.

Developing gross and fine motor skills is a crucial part of any child’s physical development. It is also a lot of fun when you find ways to incorporate it into playtime. Connetix magnetic tiles combine creativity, hand-eye coordination and physical development in a playful way. Give it a try today!

September 08, 2021

CONNETIX Brand's Story

Connetix Tiles was officially launched in June 2019 by two families who met when our children started primary school together. After seeing how our children not only enjoyed playing with magnetic tiles but were learning while doing so, we decided to create our own version that were strong and safe while offering clearer refractions than the current tiles on the market. We love building big at home and sharing our creations with you all through social media.

A Little About Us

Brea is an experienced primary school and Masters qualified early-childhood teacher and mother to three young children. Brea has a passion for learning through play and a love of open-ended quality toys that grow WITH your children!

Dave is a businessman with a strong financial and entrepreneurial background. After spending 5 years working in Engineering offices as a mechanical designer, Dave has extensive experience with manufacturing and shipping products and understands what it takes to bring a quality product to market. Dave has two young children who enjoy playing with their Connetix wherever they go (yes they do take a travel pack out for dinner!)

Open-ended

Open-ended toys not only help develop a child’s imagination and creativity, they also grow WITH the child as they learn and develop and play becomes more evolved. A simple ball run designed by a younger child might turn into a complicated creation involving more detailed engineering for an older child.

Quality

We pride ourselves on producing a quality product that will last through many years of play in homes around the world. Our tiles are made using non-toxic ABS plastic that is BPA, lead and Phthalate free. All tiles are also sealed and riveted for extra safety and our unique beveled design allows Connetix to be strong while creating beautiful clear refractions. Connetix is an Australian company manufactured in China and we take the safety of our products very seriously. All the necessary testing and approvals required to sell Connetix have been undertaken.

Products

Connetix began with the launch of our 62 piece Rainbow Starter Pack and we have since expanded to include many other packs in our rainbow range. Our highly anticipated pastel range is also set to be released in July 2021. Whilst we have plans for many more packs to follow, we are always interested in hearing what YOU would like to see us create and how we can help your open-ended play!

September 02, 2021

Absolute Essential Brand's Story

Founded in 1988 by Natural Health Practitioner, Dr Bo Hendgen D.O. N.D. A.M., Absolute Essential is a company built on sustainability principles to promote health and wellbeing for our global future.  

A doctor of Osteopathy and Naturopathy with qualifications in Aromatic Medicine from France, Bo came to New Zealand 35 years ago with two young children (a 3 year old and a 3 month old), a backpack and $50 in her pocket. Early on, while setting up her holistic healthcare practice here, Bo struggled to find the level of quality, pure-state essential oils that she needed (and that she’d been used to dealing with in France) in order to operate her clinic professionally. So she decided to source her own – and Absolute Essential was born.

Starting small, Bo used a back room in her home to create the original Absolute Essential foundation range. Then, in an effort to achieve a greater degree of sustainable green business practice, she moved from the city to the countryside and focused on growing Absolute Essential into the world-leading, organic and vegan certified therapeutic plant oil producer that it is today. 

Bo’s founding pledge for the company was to source and protect the world’s finest natural plant extracts for maximum therapeutic value. And her vision: to make a positive and permanent difference to people’s lives. 30+ years on, this dream has been realised. Giving you - our customer - not only access to world-class therapeutic plant oils and a direct in-road to safe, confident use, but also active membership in a visionary, sustainable business, supporting traditional, artisan communities around the globe.

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At Absolute Essential we are passionate about holistic health and wellbeing – not just for you, but for the planet we live on.  We believe that everything in the natural world is interconnected, and that it’s simply not possible to nurture authentic health in one living being with a process that may be damaging to another.

So, from the quality of our products to the sustainability of our packaging, from our fair trade and cruelty-free practices to our conservation efforts, we make sure we take the green approach, and do the right thing. Always. Every item you purchase from Absolute Essential has been lovingly and carefully crafted adhering to the following earth-friendly principals:

• We source organic or wild-grown ingredients originating in 56 countries worldwide, and deal direct with our suppliers to support small-hold, eco-friendly businesses, making conscious choices to benefit future generations.

• The final crafting of the raw materials takes place at our in-house certified organic factory, following stringent production protocols and with the utmost attention to detail.

• We plant trees for air miles. Practice a 'zero-waste' recycling policy. Employ on-site workers locally where we can. And practice conscious consumption day to day, from choosing eco-lights to low-volume printing on recycled stock.

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Built on eco-friendly and sustainability principles, Absolute Essential is a company that has been recognised for its efforts time and again. This includes winning Natural Products New Zealand’s Sustainability Award for three years running, and also being crowned with the Natural Products New Zealand’s inaugural Supreme Business Award for exemplary conduct as a professional sustainable business.

While we are not out to collect accolades particularly (our main priority is you) these awards do reflect our dedication and commitment to operating in an environmentally and socially conscious manner. Walking the walk.

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Founding director of Absolute Essential, Dr Bo Hendgen D.O. N.D. A.M. is a qualified Naturopath, Osteopath and Aromatic Medicine practitioner with over 35 years of hands-on, clinical experience.

Her holistic healthcare clinic has been an integral part of Absolute Essential’s operational development right from the start. And the inspiration for every product within our range stems directly from hands-on experience in this registered medicinal practice.

  

Bo is a passionate advocate of the health benefits of her trade, and has worked with clients from all walks of life, resolving all manner of issues (with a specialist focus on maternity and pediatrics). She's considered not only a pioneer but also an expert in the field of aromatic medicine (in NZ and internationally) and her knowledge, skill and intuitive flair are evident in the crafting of her unique prescription blends.

“Therapeutic essential oils show beautiful symmetry of effort and reward. By supporting the natural balance of resilience and restoration in the plant world, we obtain oils that effectively nurture our own capacity for natural resilience and restoration.”
– Dr Bo Hendgen .

September 02, 2021

What are the best methods of wash and care?

Every fabric has its own care and wash instructions that will help to keep your garment in top condition. Our advice: Spot clean when you can and avoid overwashing, as this can help the natural fibers maintain their strength for years to come and reduces water usage.

70% cotton 30% linen
Hand wash or machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired.

95% organic cotton 5% elastane
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Tumble dry low and iron on low if desired.

100% organic cotton (waffle, knit)
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired.

100% organic cotton (jersey, twill)
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Tumble dry low and iron on low if desired.

80% organic cotton 15% polyamide 5% elastane cotton (knit)
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and do not iron.

100% cotton (muslin, corduroy)
Machine wash cold on delicate cycle. Tumble dry low and iron on low if desired.

100% merino wool
Hand wash only as needed. Always lay flat to dry. Drying may cause shrinkage and faster wear over time.

100% linen
Hand wash with cold water as needed. Lay flat to dry and iron on low if desired.

78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane (swimwear fabric)
Machine wash cold. Turn garments inside out before washing and drying. Color may transfer, wash with similar colors.

Source of information from The simple Folk.

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#ECO-CERTIFIED #FSC-CERTIFIED

#APPRECIATIONS

A Note from Our Founder.

“Most important to me, however, is that ferm LIVING reflects a set of values that we can be proud of.”

“A home, after all, is much more than a collection of beautiful objects – it’s the place where life happens.”

Belle Chiara

SUSTAINABLE. CONSCIOUS. CREATIVE. HIGH END. INTERNATIONAL.

1. Quality over quantity.

2. People care.

3. Timeless pieces

4. Limited quantities

5. Transparency.

6. Nature lovers.

7. Creativity.

cotton, linen + ECOVERO™

swim

wool

footwear

accessories + toys

About the Founders

About the Brand

Responsibly Manufactured

Responsibly Packaged

Responsibly Manufactured

Responsibly Packaged

DINNER TIME

VALUES

MATERIALS

From small ideas come big things.

We're passionate about design.

Available at your favourite stores.

Stylish & Functional Pram Hooks

Vegan Leather Pram Hooks

Clip on. Clip off.

Up to 5kg of Shopping

Luxurious Pram Hooks

SOFT MÉLANGE YARNS & DELICATE FABRICS

HOW WE CARE

HOW YOU CAN CARE AND MAKE YOUR TEXTILES LAST LONGER

PHILOSOPHY

ORGANIC COTTON FIBRES

WOOL FIBRES: BABY-ALPACA, LLAMA WOOL & ORGANIC MERINO

Baby-Alpaca & Llama Wool

Organic Himalayan Merino Wool

We love a world where kids can live pure, wild and free. Free of harmful toxins, dyes or pesticides. Full of earth-friendly and honest products, super soft materials and modern, timeless hues & prints.

our story

farm to bottle

BEAUTIFULLY SCENTED, NATURALLY EFFECTIVE

ONLY THE FINEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS

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COSMOS NATURAL

Physical Development Overview

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Importance In Early Childhood Development

Connetix Play Ideas

A Simple Start

Endless Fun With Ball Runs

Refractions For Colour

Reach High

How About Hopscotch? or An Obstacle Course?

Life’s A Maze!

A Little About Us

Open-ended

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Products

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