The Eco-Chic Baby

The Eco-Chic Baby is in the Press!!

2008-12-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

We're in Vitamin Daily's Top 10 Gifts! Featured is the Haba Caterpillar.

Help Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA

2008-12-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

On February 10, 2009 , untold numbers of children's products manufactures and retailers will be closing their doors. Apparently, the US Congress has passed an act that will require testing on everything that is intended for use by children under 12. The wording of the act says "consumer product", so it may include diapers was well as toys.

The act requires expensive testing on each toy, batch numbers, etc., which would be easy for any big manufacturer but would put thousands of work at home moms and small shops out of business, or force them to operate illegally. To do this and get caught however inflicts a 100,000 fine per item.

If you are in the USA, please PLEASE write your senators and representatives to ask them to change this act to exclude products made in the USA, Canada and Europe. I am still unsure of how this effects small business, retailers, and work at home mamas in Canada, but I am keeping my eyes peeled for information. I am sure we could write US reps as well. I purchase a lot of handmade items from the US for my daughter (especially knitted items) and it would be a shame to see these mamas go out of business by this law. I am all over testing for lead, don't get me wrong but this is a little ridiculous.

Here's some important links to check out regarding this issue:

The Act

Petition:

"Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys?e

Facebook Group

Activist Site

Etsy Protest Forum

Join the Handmade Toy Alliance & get more info

December - A Time of Thanks and Giving.

2008-12-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

December is here and Christmas is upon us! Yes, it's a time for giving and getting in our family circles, but there are so many people out in our communities that just don't get enough. This month for EVERY sale made, I will be donating a non-perishable food item to our local Food Bank.

Also, to thank everyone who has supported this little eco-minded business of ours we are offering 10% every order for the month of December (type in ecoholiday08 in the promo code area). Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You all inspire me to find the best products for our little ones and also give me the great opportunity to be able to stay at home with our daughter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

New Stock - Just in time for Christmas!

2008-12-04T10:55:00.001-08:00

Some new items just came in this week and I am in the process of putting it all on the site. My daughter has had a cold over the last weekend and this week so getting some time aside to do this has been tough. Here's what's in:

Drybees:

Large Nighttime Fleece Pocket Diapers
Wetbags in fun & modern prints
2 new colours of pail liners

Thirsties:

A HUGE box of more sizes of your favourite fitteds, covers, and all-in-one V2 pocket diapers! I had to do a big replenish since everyone loves these so much!

Bare Organics:

All-in-one Cleansers
Massage Bars
Baby Balm
Nut-free Bath Oil
Organic Washcloths

Bare Organics are super stocking stuffers!

Okay, back to work on getting everything onto the site for you!

Sarah's Silks Toys are up!

2008-11-27T00:13:00.000-08:00

I just finished getting these up on the site!
Take a look and enjoy!

Lindsey's Portraits - The Perfect Gift

2008-11-26T23:12:00.000-08:00

Lindsey, a friend of mine does amazing portraits. Seriously, you have to check out her work - they are simply stunning! I thought they would make the perfect gift for a special someone, or even to hang in your own house. I love having pictures of my family around the house - what would be better than a hand drawn rendition of a loved one? The detail in these are amazing. Check out her work on her Blog and contact her about getting one done before she gets booked up. She is definitely one talented mama.

Sarah's Silks are here!

2008-11-25T23:43:00.000-08:00

I just received this order today and it is sitting here right beside me in the box. I don't think I will be able to get it all on the site tonight, but I just wanted to say that the products are beautifully made! I can't wait to have them all up on the site for everyone to see. I'll hopefully have this done by tomorrow sometime although it might be later in the evening like this.

Goodnight!

Prices are up for Blabla

2008-11-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

I just put the prices for the Blabla Dolls up!

More new arrivals!!

2008-11-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

So...

The Blabla Dolls are HERE!

I ordered lots of dolls - I have 12 inch mini dolls and 18-22 inch regular dolls in most of the doll varieties. These were a huge hit with families this past summer and at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair - so much so, that I sold out rather quickly.

Cute. I was so excited opening this package. Blabla came out with some great new dolls this year, and kept some great old faces like Basil, Mozart (by far our most popular), and London.

Prices on the site are to come.. I requested my invoice from Blabla so I can double-check on pricing. I will get this finished tomorrow during naptime and blog that it's ready asap.

Off to bed!

Spam - it's not just for dinner.

2008-11-20T01:13:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to address the issue of spam/junk mail. I know in the past that my email responses can sometimes get automatically put into your junk or spam folder. Please if you have corresponded with me, check these folders in your email account and add me to your 'safe' list. That way we can ensure that no email gets lost into the misty internet abyss. Thanks everyone!

More Beco Butterfly II Carriers - Arrived today!

2008-11-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today my other shipment came in of the Becos -

Carnival
Pony Express
Organic Joey
Andrew

I've had a great response from many moms about how comfy and cool these carriers are in real life...good thing I got more in stock! ;-)

Have a good day everyone!

Lots of New Arrivals today!!

2008-11-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

Since my daughter had a long nap today I was able to get everything out, on the shelves, priced and into the computer. So what has arrived?

Fuzzi Bunz are finally here! Yipee!
Drybees and WAHMies Products - Night-Time Fleece Pockets, Inserts, and Diaper Pail Liners.

What a good haul before the weekend arrives. Let me know if you have any questions about anything at all. Have a great weekend!

Stock updates.

2008-11-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

Good evening!

I have had some calls from my shipping broker about what's at customs and here's the list ;-)

Sarah' Silks - I cannot WAIT to get my products from Sarah's Silks. They are a fantastic, ethical, company that makes a quality line of imaginative play items made from silks.
Fuzzi Bunz - Yes, they are coming. I have had A LOT of requests about when the Fuzzi Bunz are coming. They are in customs in Newfoundland, so they will be here soon.
Blabla- they shipped from the headquaters in Georgia today. I just received an email from Hein this afternoon. I ordered a great selection of mini and large dolls.
Drybees - Should be here any day now.

So in due time, in due time. Of course I will blog the minute everything arrives.

Goodnight!

Happy Heinys Products have arrived!

2008-11-06T00:51:00.000-08:00

I am up late tonight getting all the stock in the computer. I received Happy Heinys One-Size Pockets and Stacinator Fleece Covers which are oh-so luxurious! I know there were many of you who were waiting for these and now they are finally here!

Sarah's Silks - One Awesome Company

2008-11-05T11:46:00.001-08:00

I just received an email from Jay Jay at Sarah's Silks and attached was a link to their blog. The pictures on there of the silks and costumes are amazing, but also they have a section devoted to the Fair Trade production of Sarah's Silks products. I commend Sarah's Silks for having these types of ethics instilled in their pracitce, and I think it is something every business who does business overseas should be doing too! It just makes sense and benefits everyone involved. I am so proud to be carrying great, quality products from a responsible company like Sarah's Silks.

Hey BabyVibe Readers!

2008-11-05T10:39:00.001-08:00

Free shipping on orders over 75.00!

The November Baby Bonus came out today, but BabyVibe neglected to put the checkout code on it my advertisement. The checkout code is what makes the system realize that when you hit 75.00, you get free shipping! Use babyvibe08 in the checkout to this special promotion. Sorry about the mix-up everyone.

Something I Stumbled Upon.

2008-11-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I found it honestly. You know when you are on the internet and something catches your eye for reason and you click? Well this is one of those instances. I ran into a blog called ThisGirlWearsGlasses, and it is chock full if information about various food/toy/etc. recalls that could effect our families. What a great resource! It is definitely bookmarked on my computer.

Prefolds and Diaper Pins are here!!

2008-11-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

They just arrived while I was out, so this afternoon and tonight I will be working on getting them on the shelves and online.

There is also another parcel at the post office waiting to be picked up, but I won't know for sure until tomorrow afternoon...hmmm, I wonder what it is??

New Baby Boutique in Qualicum - Grand Opening!

2008-11-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

On November 1st, Hard Candy Baby Boutique opened it's doors for the first time in Qualicum Beach. A friend and I had planned to go to the grand opening to check it out. Well, it's about time Qualicum had a hip baby boutique like this one! Erica and Rebecca did such a great job on getting all the hip and exciting brands for babes and tots alike. Not only that, but their cusomter service is fabulous! Some of the goodies I encountered included WeeGo Baby Bottles, Ergo baby carriers, BabySoy clothing (I bought a cute little BabySoy Elephant tee for Anni), Nosilla Organic clothing (made here on the Island!), the awesome (and much coveted) BOB Revolution strollers, and much much more! They have even set up a nice, safe, spot in the shop for a play area for kids, so parents can have a moment of solitude while shopping.

Congrats on your grand opening Erica and Rebecca! Go check them out - it is well worth the drive to Qualicum Beach.

Location: #12 - 221 Second Ave West, Qualicum Beach, BC

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4

Phone: (250) 752-4769

SmartMom and Beco Update

2008-11-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

I just received my back-ordered stock from SmartMom Teething Bling. I now have more coral pendants and bangles, and more onyx pendants in stock. Hopefully more fun mail will come this week.

I also just received my shipping notice for the rest of my Beco shipment. They are coming from California, so I suspect they will be here in about a week or so. Usually things from Cali don't take as long since they are relatively close to us.

More updates on new stock soon!

Coming Soon - The Eco-Chic Baby Cloth Diaper Test Drive Program!

2008-11-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

We have something new in the works at The Eco-Chic Baby! Maybe you've seen it for awhile on the homepage, but we will be introducing a Cloth Diaper Test Drive Program for local families, coming soon!

If you are hesitant about trying cloth diapers because of the initial cost OR because you think it may be difficult, this program is made for you. This is exactly the reason why we have implemented this rental program. You will actually get to feel, try, and USE all different types of cloth diapers and helpful accessories. Rather than put a lot of money out and buying cloth diapers that you might not like, spend a little for rent on the kit and take it for a test drive. At the end of the loan period, you'll know what fits your baby and your lifestyle.

Here's a little peak at what the program is all about. There are more details to come...we are just waiting for additional stock and working out the fine details of the program.

We're in Babyvibe!

2008-10-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

"Babyvibe, the leading e-newsletter for new and expecting parents in BC and Calgary, is proud to introduce the newest additions to the 'Vibe' family, including the Babyvibe Nest Egg prize blog, and Babyvibe's older sibling Kindervibe.ca, a free twice weekly e-newsletter covering cool products, tips and services for the bigger kids. It's all cool, free, and just for you!"

I love Babyvibe! It's an awesome resource, plus they always have great contests in the Babyvibe Nest Egg Prize Blog. From now until mid/end December, you will see us popping up at Babyvibe. In November, we have some cool promotions and in December, a fun prize draw for The Eco-Chic Baby. Here's one of our recent ads in Babyvibe's dedicated emails for subscribers. Some of you who subscribe already may have seen it - I'm very impressed and excited:

Go sign up at BabyVibe...it's free & simple to do, it just takes a few minutes. Free, did someone say free? freefreefreefree....

Clearly I need to go to bed ;-)

Goonight!

We're in the News!!

2008-10-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

We are published in Nanaimo's Harbour City Star! Read it here.

Guess what I'm going...

2008-10-22T11:56:00.001-07:00

Stripping our diapers!!!!!

I am taking photos too so I can post them in the live and learn section. I think that might be helpful...I know that I am a very visual learner and appreciate pictures of things.

Back to strippin'....

New Stock Arrived Today & A Sale Announcement

2008-10-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

A lot of new stock arrived today and I have just finished putting it all on the site. Here's what is finally here:

Laptop Lunches
Sarah's Silks PlaySilks and Canopies
Beco Baby Carriers (still have a few more prints on the way)
Bamboozle Bamboo fitted diapers
Stacinator Leopard Print Fleece Covers
Green Acres Designs Pocket Diapers
Clovers Organic Bamboo Velour Fitted Diapers
Snappi Diaper Fasteners

*If you want to try a Beco carriers and you are local, please contact me at info@theecochicbaby.com to arrange a time to come see these incredible prints in person and try one on!*

Also...BiG ClEaRaNcE SaLe! We're making room for new stock! The Pre-Christmas Super Sale is on now with wholesale prices on bath and body care, apparel, gDiapers, and selected wooden and soft toys!!