One mama's Perspective on Living Lightly on our Earth

Sharing information, products and experiences to help keep our children safe, green and happy!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Sometimes being eco-conscious is all about remebering..



Once you've gotten reusable grocery bags, your fave coffee travel mug, a sippy cup, a wet bag, cloth dapers, your wipes and face cloths, your awesome glass water bottle, reusable food containers and snack bags- you're set up for for success eliminating a large portion of what you could be sending to the landfill.

Now your only barrier left is to remember to bring along all your reusable gear



Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Cloth Diaper Check List

When you're shopping for cloth diapers it can be overwhelming at first but quickly becomes fun to dress your baby in adorable diapers.

Here's what you need to get started:

  • 24-36 Cloth Wipes (you can't really have enough of these!)
  • Cloth Diaper Safe Laundry Detergent (Save yourself time, do it right from the start)
  • 1-2 Wet Bags for keeping soiled diapers in while you're out 

  • 1-2 Pail Liners (1 for sure, 2 if you want one while the other is washing)
 Items that you may find really helpful when cloth diapering but not everyone uses all of these. I suggest keeping some cloth diaper safe diaper cream on hand so you won't be tempted to use something else and later have to scrub it out of your diapers (that's not fun!).


If you need a hand getting started, send me an email.









Tuesday, January 18, 2011

It's our first Anniversary!! A Giveaway, Some Reflection, Making Plans & SALES!

Our first year of business!

 :: Hundreds of New Customers

:: New Friendships

:: Midnight Oil Burnt

:: 1000's of cloth diapers

:: Plenty of Fun Shopping
:: 2 Baby Fairs

:: 7 Community Events

:: Survived

:: 1 Holiday Location 

:: Many Boxes Shipped

:: Abby's another year older!

:: Wooden Toys Rediscovered

:: Local Artisans Supported

:: A little Media Coverage

::  Made in Canada Products Promoted

:: Love the support of our customers
:: Hard Work

:: Thankful

:: Baby Slings Tried On
:: Blocks Stacked

:: Unexpected Turns



Now Let's Celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!!

The Prize is THREE $25 Gift Certificates!

How to enter: Find your favourite product we sell at Abby Sprouts and leave review, so you can help other parents and customers decide if it's right for them. When reviewing a product please consider the build of your child (for cloth diapers) etc and any other details that you think would be helpful. 

Scroll to the bottom of the product listing page and if there is no other reviews click the link that says 'be the first to write a review'.

Once you've left your review come back here and leave a comment.
Thanks for Entering and All your support!

Time for the Sales! 


Coupon Code: CD5

10% Off All Baby Carriers 
Coupon Code: BC10
 
 
 Coupon Code: Toys15

Coupon Code: N20

Organic BellaBands on Sale too!

Coupon Code: SC15

 Giveaway and Sale End January 27, 2011!


I'm so thankful to have made it through the first year because this was merely a dream before Christmas of '09 when my brother bought me the domain name abbysprouts.com and then it was onwards and upwards. Now I'm loving the online business and most of all the new people and customers I have met and befriended over the last year.

There is still dreaming though- new dreams! A location was never in the stars before but we are quickly out growing our space for storage of all our fantastic products and I really love chatting with customers in person. I'm slowly warming up to the idea of opening up shop, brick and mortar style. I've been having fun perusing real estate listings for now and I have a few dream locations but I'm not sure the rent price tag will cooperate. Abby is getting older way too fast and she'll be begging to go to preschool before I know it I'm sure (seriously where is the pause button?).When the right spot comes up though, I think I'll be ready to jump in just like the online jump!
Don't forget to enjoy the sales and leave a comment after you review your fave product so you have a chance at winning!
 







Saturday, January 8, 2011

We survived Christmas and Boxing Week- Phew! So What's Next?

Our kiosk space at University Heights is now packed up and we're back to online based sales and free cloth diaper demos from home for now. It was so wonderful to meet so many local customers in person and to bring more awareness to eco-friendly products.

 My sister Jenn, worked many hours at the booth too so I'm sure many of you had a chance to meet her as well. 

The Green Toys Tug Boats were super popular along with our fantastic wooden stacking rainbows (which we're currently sold out of!). All be it a very small space it was a great chance to get my feet wet with a little brick and mortar reality before making any big decisions on that front. While I really love the online business, it's growing steadily and Abby will be in school before I know it I'm sure so I'm beginning to take a look around at possible locations for Abby Sprouts. I have a feeling it will be along road to find the right space at the right price and terms etc but it's fun to look and dream of course. 
Our Clementine Art Crayons were constantly admired by passer by's too.

So What's Next? For now, I'm considering all the extra's that come with a a 'real' location and how that will all play out. I'm also wondering about the importance of parking, accessible buildings, windows and corners, displays, signs and all the other fun stuff that comes with setting down roots for Abby Sprouts in Victoria. Of course, the online shop will continue and probably grow to include more variety as time goes by. I'm always open to new products, requests and special orders.  All what ifs and possibilities are fun and exhausting! 

Our Ever Popular and Awesome Priced ($17.95) Chef Set made from Recycled Milk Jugs!

So I believe a Thank you is in order to all our fabulous customers new, old and loyal because we've had a fantastic first year and are hopeful for many more to come. It's such a great feeling to be supported and encourage to continue with an ethical family style business and I of course could not have done it with out all of you fantastic customers and the huge help from my family up front and behind the scenes.



I hope you have all had a wonderful 2010 and let's go for even better 2011.



Monday, December 6, 2010

Eco Friendly Stocking Stuffers For Newborns and Babies!

Even though babies have yet to start grasping the concept of Christmas and stockings, big brothers and sisters, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, oh and parents, of course, are thrilled to see what come in their holiday stocking and to start the tradition for years to come.

 First, you need a stocking- right? A little more gorgeous than your average unpersonalized 'Baby's First Christmas' Stocking
 Vintage Wool Stocking made by the same mama who makes the beloved teething bonbon in Victoria, BC, Canada

Here's some of our favourtore Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the youngest babies on your list:


An Organic Cotton Binky Bib (Canadian Made) and a Natural Soother to complete the set for a drooling baby.


Keep your little one warm and you'll be thankful for the fast diaper changes among the holiday chaos- I mean company.

Beautiful Amber Jewelry with a purpose

Made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Sippy tops and handles available too.



A beautiful toy and treasured first Christmas keepsake for your baby collection.



Our Ever Popular Bottom Balm
Safe for use with cloth diapers too

A favourite of all little ones!

Great for eating or pretending.
'vrooom... vrooom'

Perfect, natural cure all for dry skin, rashes, scrapes and more

Those are some of my faves for baby right now and you can find more teething toys, baby needs, cloth diapers and swim diapers, and natural skin care on our website. 

I hope that gives you some ideas to get started!

We are nearing the Christmas deadlines for shipping so please do get your orders in asap to guarantee arrival before Christmas Day! 

More to come for the toddler years soon

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Top Ten Problem Solving Products

Abby Sprouts Top Ten ‘Problem Solving’ Products

We get a lot of questions from parents about different problems they are experiencing, asking whether or not we can help, or know of a solution.  We have compiled this list of some of our most common problems, and our response to them.  
As always, its a complete list of non-toxic, healthy, safe products for your family. 
10.  “My son holds his pencil in a fist!”
Have you ever tried to teach a 4 year old how to hold a pencil?  Remember how hard it is to get the grip just right, without smushing precious little fingers?  Clementine Art has the solution: Crayon Rocks.  These natural soy crayons are shaped like triangular stones, to help young artists develop the grip needed to learn to write.  They come in a pack of 9 bright, bold colours, and are great for unstructured, artistic play. 
9.  “My water bottle has a funky taste!”     
When you’re thirsty, there is nothing worse than taking a sip from your water bottle, and instead of a refreshing drink, getting a mouthful of tinny tasting water.  Or, taking the last sip, only to find out that a piece of last nights spaghetti was stuck at the bottom all along.  No more.  Life Factory’s Glass Water Bottles are the answer.  No more stainless steel taste, no more unpleasant surprises, and no more scrubbing with a bottle brush to clean it!  The huge, 650ml bottles are totally dishwasher safe- all parts- bottle, sleeve, and cap.  The silicone sleeve gives the tempered glass an incredible ability to resist breaking; we’ve dropped ours on everything from concrete, to tile floors, to gravel paths, and so far, not a single one has broken (And there are 6 in-use by our family/kids!).  They are safe for use with hot/warm liquids too, we use ours for morning coffee, and then rinse and fill with water the rest of the day.  They are designed with a wide, jar-style mouth, large enough to put in ice cubes, fruit slices, or anything else you like to flavour with. 
8.  “My kids cry whenever I have to rinse their hair in the tub!”
Mothers Everywhere Rejoice!  There is no more need to sacrifice your cups, jugs and bowls to the bathtub!  Green Toys’ Tug Boat makes rinsing hair a breeze, with its easy-pour, easy-aim spout.  It is great for tub play too, it really floats, and kids love pouring and filling it. 
7. “I lost her favourite toy again today on our walk!”

There is nothing worse than realizing, often too late, that the reason your baby is screaming, is because she dropped her favorite toy or stuffed animal.  Or, trying to reach to the floor of the backseat of the car to rescue it, at a red light.  And do you know what is on the floor where the teether just fell?  No More Worries.  We have, “The Perfect Solution” Toy Tether Strap, made in Canada from 100% Organic Cotton, so it is safe, even if your baby sucks on it.  The loops are large enough to loop around anything, even the stroller tray.  And, the Velcro is super strong, so baby can’t un-strap the toy/bottle/sippy cup.  It really is “The Perfect Solution.”
6.  “I’m sick of throwing diapers/wet clothes in plastic bags!”

No more plastic bags, no more stink, no more ugliness for used diapers.  The “Wet Happened” Large Wet Bag from Itzy Ritzy is a glamorous designer wet bag for anything from cloth diapers to wet swim suits.  They have a layer of non-toxic PUL to make them water-proof, and the easy zipper makes them simple, and strong.  


5.  “I spend $75 on disposable diapers every month!” 
“My son just grew out of his newborn cloth diapers, 
and now I have to buy more!”
Anne Marie Padorie has mastered the art of the One-Size Cloth Diaper.  The AMP One Size Duo fits babies from 7-35lbs: birth to potty training.  They are made in Winnipeg, and are durable enough to last through multiple children.   They are lightweight, and the pocket makes it easy to choose the insert that best suits your needs, hemp, bamboo or micro-fibre. 
4. “Uck! My cloth diapers stink of ammonia!”
"I think my laundry soap is irritating my family's skin!"

Rockin’ Green Soap is the solution!  It’s all natural scents, and extra gentle formula, are perfect for cleaning cloth diapers or any laundry for people with sensitive skin. This formula is just the right mix of gentle cleaners to get the job done with less rinsing.  Rockin Green makes special formulas for hard (bust through minerals) and soft water.  Comes in a variety of fun scents, or unscented.
3. “I have to use disposables whenever my baby has rash, 
because my zinc-based diaper cream wrecks my cloth diapers!”

Lalabee Bathworks has created an all natural, organic, Bottom Balm, that is safe for use with cloth diapers! A best-selling product, because it works! Especially made for sensitive skin with organic herbs of calendula, chamomile and lavender, all known for their healing properties. Use with every diaper change and on diaper rash. One of the top least toxic diaper creams on the Cosmetic Database. Also helps with sensitive skin rashes, dry skin or eczema.  It’s even packaged in a recyclable tin.  


2. “My little girl wants to be made up like a princess, 
but I’m terrified of the chemicals in beauty products!”

Piggy Paint is a mom-created product.  She was doing her daughter's nails one day, when a drop of nail polish ate right through a Styrofoam plate! Piggy Paint is All-Natural, Scent-free, and especially Non-toxic nail polish for little people, and parents!  It comes in some fabulous colours, and is great for birthday parties, gift bags, or sleepovers.  


1. “How can I soothe teething pain without resorting to drugs?”  
“My baby drools constantly!” 
"My toddlers cheeks are so swollen!”

Ok, we know it sounds a little strange….but….in our own experience, and in the experience of our friends, family, and customers, the solution is: Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces.  Baltic Amber is a fossilized resin, not a stone, that contains miniscule amounts of succinic acid; a natural analgesic, that helps to balance the body’s pH, and boosts immune system function.  When worn close to the skin, the heat of the body releases the natural oils, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.  It reduces red inflamed cheeks and stimulates the thyroid glands to reduce drooling. Amber is associated with sunlight and warmth and reputed to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, accelerates the healing of wounds, reduce inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach infections and respiratory disease. There are no tablets, medications or pastes that can compete with this amber teething necklace, the necklace is unique and has amazing results which are all natural.
Amber teething necklaces are not meant to be chewed on.  Each bead is knotted individually, so that in the highly unlikely event of the string breaking, no beads are lost.  They are closed with a seven pound pressure screw clasp, so they will break if caught on something. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Holiday Shopping in Victoria, BC at University Heights Shopping Center

Abby Sprouts is at University Heights Shopping Center now until Nov. 24 and then Dec. 6 to Christmas Eve. Please come down and see us in person if you're local! Of course, we are still offering Free Shipping over $49 in Canada and over $99 to the USA. 



Our collection of Eco Friendly Toys, Organic Baby and Childrens Clothing,  Organic Baby Needs including adorable hand knits are all on display. Select Cloth Diapers are there as well and we are more than happy to give you a diaper demo and explain the pros and cons. 



University Heights Shopping Center is located at 3980 Shelbourne St. at the corner of McKenzie Ave. Map it here.


Amber teething necklaces are also on display and a great time to come down and choose your favourite in person.

Some of our Holiday Goodies have already arrived and are going quickly! Keep your eyes out for the top Stocking Stuffers coming soon.

Current 'Staff' Picks

Jenn's Fave:
 
The Green Toys Recycling Truck made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Steph's Pick:
I love these natural soy Crayons but all the Clementine Art supplies are fantastic.

Thanks for all your support!