Many winks of sleep
On this blog we talk a lot about babies, about how precious they are and how lucky we are as parents, aunts and uncles to be able to welcome them into our lives and hold them in our arms. They coo. We ooh. They smile. We beam. And so, in this final week before one of the most celebrated weeks of the year, let us talk to you a little about rest and sleep, which is something all of the babies in our lives know a thing or two about. In the case of infants, it may be what they do best. I, for one, am jealous.
All this talk of sleep brings me to a few items in our little store that may be of interest to you and your little one. The Savvy Rest organic mattresses and crib mattresses are not only soft and comfy but they’re made with natural latex that is dustmite repellent. And, they are covered with organic cotton and a natural wool quilting that has absolutely no flame retardants which, in most beds, are highly toxic and known to disturb sleep, among other things. Each bed is made in three layers can be divided down the middle so that you can adjust the comfort for each person.
Now, I am headed for a nap. Happy holidays from all of us at eco. See you in the neighborhood.
—Jason
Be the person your dog thinks you are
On evening walks in the neighborhood with my dog we often stroll past an old pickup truck that has a sticker affixed to its rear bumper. It proclaims, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” And every time I read those words I can’t help but give myself the third degree. Am I a good person? Does my dog deserve better? Does he love me more than I love him?
Dogs have a unique way of making us feel like we’re number one. It’s in the wag of not only their tale but their entire body when you get home from work, the way they shadow our every move, and how they snuggle up beside us at bedtime. My wife and I are in agreement that we simply cannot imagine our lives without our lumbering and slobbering, 85 pound chocolate lab. Even though the breed is notoriously known for being easy to please, you know when you’ve neglected him, when he’s sad or unhappy because you’ve left him alone in the house for too long. My dog will destuff a couch pillow in seconds leaving you with nothing but the empty carcass, feathers and fabric, scattered about the living room.
If your dog has a knack for keeping you honest, then we have a few things that might keep them happy. Simply Fido organic toys are soft, chewable and ready to give your pup something other than your couch to chew on. West Paw beds are not only made from sustainable and organic materials, they might just be more comfortable than your own bed.
–Jason
A Few of Our Favorite Things For Kids
Without further ado, we bring you this simple little list so that you might check off those not-so-simple little wish lists that you’ve gotten from all of the little ones in your life.
To us, pure and natural makes a lot of sense
Let everything that touches your baby be pure and natural. That’s the general rule of thumb, right? Over the years, the products have changed but this principle has always held true.
As much as my parents tried to allow only pure and natural things to touch me, I was probably like all babies who find a way to touch most everything. That was the late seventies and my mom has Polaroids of a little boy with blue magic marker smeared all over his face to prove it. Luckily for new parents, the marketplace for organic, nontoxic baby things is filled with blankets, bedding, clothes, bottles and toys that are soft to the touch and gentle to your family’s well being.
– Jason
thinkbaby – yoga mats
A new yoga mat by thinkbaby has emerged onto the market place. This mat provides the support and comfort you want and need when practicing your much loved exercise for the day. Performance of this mat includes a textured surface for improved traction (wet or dry), bateria resistant, and 50% thicker than most basic mats offering better support and comfort. Plus it’s reversible!
kigo: A new discovery
“Welcome to kigo footwear. There is fun to be had and we want to be sure you’re ready.” That’s the promise of kigo footwear, a company designed by women for women. Their product is an innovation in footwear and all points being equal they are truly stylish, comfortable, sturdy, portable and lightweight. I own a pair and have worn them alot. The rubber soles of these amazing shoes hold up to heavy city walking and having experienced wet pavement, I have found the upper part to be water resistant.
What I also like: this company works hard to leave a small footprint with their eco-friendly shoes and where the uppers “were milk jugs in a former life” and packaged in a slim box with recycled tissue and corragute.
From running errands to yoga or long walks around Inman Park, my kigos have lived up their promise.
Jennifer
Enviro Expo Highlights
The Environ Expo was held at the Georgia World Congress Center November 14 & 15th. ecoEmporium had two booths representing one for the home and one for brides. This event was free to the public and offered an opportunity to learn all about the “different shades of green.” Above is our wedding booth. The dresses are made from organic cotton, organic hemp, and peace silk. Lots of ideas at the expo if you’re planning an organic wedding.
Bamboo Studio was one of our featured vendors. These plates, bowls, and utensils are made from the sheath of the bamboo plants. Just a little more about this – as a bamboo plant matures, the sheath falls to the ground and usually goes unused. In the case of this product, sheaths are collected, cleaned, boiled, laminated to the desired thickness, and pressed into shape. The result is dinnerware that is strong, elegant, and 100% biodegradable. Thinking about these for the holidays. I’m learning so much from working here at ecoEmporium!
Thanks for checking in!
-niki
A minute with Tracy Taft Morton
Our folks are more than just vendors–they’re friends, moms, dads, and very talented artists and craftspeople who have important thoughts and ideas to share with the world. We’re the lucky ones who get to bring their talents to you.
Last week we had a chance to catch up with Tracy and talk to her about inspiration, yoga, and her handmade jewelry. The following excerpt is from our conversation:
To me a perfect day is spending time in my studio making jewelry with my dog Cooper curled up on a chair snoring. I’m a parent to two school age girls who I push to express themselves creatively. I’m creatively inspired by the landscapes and colors of the American west. I try to live by the saying: Less is More…I guess this is actually reflected in what I do with my bracelets as I’m simply using less of something new to create more with existing materials…not a new concept as I think this is what my depression era grandmother did all her life. And my heros are the millions of people around the world who come together as a lending community to donate and lend money to support microcredit loans to entrepreneurs in developing economies. www.kiva.com
– Jason
End-of-the-week trunk shows
There’s still time to come out and meet Tracy Taft Morton, an Atlanta-based jewelry designer who creates fashion forward accessories from recycled materials. Her handmade, one-of-a-kind bracelets make lovely gifts for the holidays. To find out more about Tracy and her necklaces, belt buckles and repurposed leather cuff bracelets inspired by the textures and colors of the American West, visit her online.
Friday, Nov. 13th:
Tomorrow we’ve got two more trunk shows in store. From 10-2 p.m., Kigo footwear will be here showing their hip new shoe line that integrates a unique fold-close design and amazing eco-friendly materials. Kigo’s are stylish and comfortable, responsible and portable! They’re designed in a versatile grey accented with a variety of color options, and are offered in two styles – the star, a sleek Mary Jane, and the shel, a slim unisex slip-on. See them here.
From 4-8 p.m., come out and meet fashion designer Zoica Matei. Ms. Matei aims to combine style with social conscience, while promoting trans-seasonal ’slow fashion’. Her earth clothing collection is about clothes that defy trends and seasonal fashion statements. See more here.
Possibilities
Our hearts and minds are WIDE open. The grandest possibilities seem possible. We’re finding beauty where few care to look. And yet all that we ask is for restful nights without toxins disturbing our slumber. And for paint that won’t make us cough in our own homes. And lotions that keep our baby’s skin soft and supple without worrying about rash or illness.
And so we open our hearts, our minds, our doors, and this, our new blog, to the possibility that we can fill our world with the people, places and things that help us live happy, healthy and enlightened lives.
Welcome.