giveaway from ecoMILF sponsor Playing Fair

Playing Fair is an online shop with an array of colourful fair trade children's, baby's and toddler's clothes that have a groovy, bright, ethnic and earthy style. The newest line of Fair Trade kids clothes is called HOPE, designed and created by ten very skilled hill-tribe women operating out of a small workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Nadiah, the founder of Playing Fair recently interviewed the people at HOPE to learn a bit more about their gorgeous clothing and how they got started:

HOPE's Spin Dress

There is a wonderful story on your website about how your then 4-year-old son's gift of his clothing to a street kid in Delhi inspired you to create the HOPE Fair Fashion line. What were you doing in India at the time, and before starting HOPE?

Before living in Thailand we ran our own stores in A malls throughout California, starting off in northern California and then moving down to Southern California. We travelled to Thailand, Nepal, India and Indonesia to buy for our stores and on this particular visit to India we were visiting friends and business contacts.

The Fair Trade Federation has a screening process to ensure adherence to the organisation's principles. What kinds of things did you have to do to demonstrate that you were Fair Trade? (Was it difficult?)

We had to provide information regarding fair trade conditions and practices as well as realistic living wage rates in Thailand. We were required to provide references both in Thailand and the U.S vouching for our fair trade practices.

You employ 10 women from the Thai hill-tribes in your studio. How did that connection get made, and how did it come about that they became your employees?

We met a couple running a school for marginalized hill tribe children through the school that our children were attending. They introduced us to an organization that has been providing a two year tailoring program for young hill tribe women for the past 30 years. We started off with a master tailor/cutter and two tailors. This was a success and we were impressed with their skills and work ethic so we soon hired more tailors.

Naam, a Thai tailor at work

Can you give us an example of how Fair Trade helps your employees beyond what they'd expect to receive from a mainstream clothing company?

At the moment we are working with a very motivated master tailor, Dia, who is planning to open up her own shop in her home town. We are supporting her plans with machines, providing a flexible schedule for her to continue her studies and will also provide regular orders, which is the best way that we can provide support. Currently, we are teaching Dia cutting for production and design for the western market.

HOPE's Ballerina Belts

THE PRIZE: Nadiah has graciously offered a $30 gift certificate to spend online at Playing Fair to the winner of this giveaway draw.

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment below. For an additional entry visit Playing Fair, come back here and tell us which garments you would buy with the certificate.Finally, add yourself to the ecoMILF followers (first time followers only) and you have gained yourself one more additional entry! **Make sure to leave another comment for each additional entry you make. Australian residents only (sorry!).

A winner will be drawn on Monday, February 7th. Thank you very much to Nadiah from Playing Fair for a great giveaway and thank you to HOPE for taking the time to tell us a little more about their company and vision. Good Luck to all entrants.

xo m.

another month...

Another month has come and gone and I would just like to take the opportunity to thank all of the ecoMILF sponsors for their creativity, generosity and support:

This month's Featured Sponsors are

Modern Little Munchkins

*specialising in organic and eco-friendly products for you and your little one*

and

Sustainababy

*Created by parents for parents, a one-stop eco shop for your baby’s needs*

And continued gratitude to returning ecoMILF sponsors

Mamma4earth

OrganicFood.com.au

Playing Fair

State of Green

I'd also like to take a moment to thank Louisa from Modern Little Munchkins for featuring some of my posts on her blog.

Wishing you all a fabulous February!

xo m.

wasteland

Keep your eyes out for this documentary. It looks inspiring, eye-opening and heart-warming.

xo m.

WASTE LAND Official Trailer from Almega Projects on Vimeo.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

when did he turn from baby to boy?

Have a blessed weekend.

xo m.

labelling the pantry

I came across this idea here and sighed a breath of relief- finally a solution to labelling my pantry! The best part about these is that you can switch them from one jar to the next. I am constantly transferring items from one jar to the other depending on amounts.

just a tiny sample of the many, many jars we have in the pantry

Ingredients

modelling clay (air dries)

a cookie cutter of some sort (I used a lid)

a skewer to poke holes

string or yarn

a permanent marker

Directions

cut the pieces out, poke holes in for the string

let them dry

optional paint and dry

write on them with marker

I actually imprinted a doily type pattern on the other side of the labels, but it was too difficult to write on top of. I am considering painting them pale rainbow colours, but not sure if I just like them plain.

What do you think?

xo m.

happy australia day!

We tried to be as true blue as we could today, especially considering the only full Aussie in the family was at work all day long.

* I told North a very very simplified version of Australian history with an emphasis on Aboriginal culture and the Dreamtime- all in story form with coloured scarves, finger puppets and wooden props.

* We read a few very Australian books and talked about Australian wildlife.

* We made lamingtons which we first read about in Mem Fox's beautiful Possum Magic. I'd never had one until today, so I'll have to wait to hear from Brad whether they're on the mark.

Of course there was no staple BBQ for this veggie family, but I think next year we might have a little one old enough for a little bit of cricket.

Hope you all had a g'day full of joy and laughter with your friends and family.

xo m.

adoration

It's been a pretty intense 5 months since Indi arrived and we have definitely had many chaotic moments. North has been caught more than once straddling her and riding her like a horse while she is giggling away. We've played musical beds and our bedtime routine is mayhem in general. There have been mini tantrums stemming from jealousy or just plain old not being held and rocked enough (I have been trying to make a conscious effort lately to really try to 'baby' him and to lay off the whole 'you're a big boy now' spiel). It's been a challenge to find a balance, but I think we are almost there, although the waters are rocky and easily catch us off guard.

But all the while, there are a couple of little souls that have fallen deeply in love. Their relationship alone makes me believe in past lives and coming back to revisit soulmates you have unfinished business with.

In the evenings after I have put them to bed (in the same room), and I think they are fast asleep, I'll suddenly hear, "Boo!" and then little giggle, giggle, giggles. In the mornings Indigo is in our bed (she makes her way there at some point during the night to stay) and as soon as she stirs North sprints to the bed, letting out ear curdling shrieks, "Innndeeeegooooo!!!! My friend! She woke up, mama!" as though her entire existence is a daily miracle and joy. Reminding that it is.

They love each other.

They adore each other.

And I am so very grateful that they do.

xo m.

coconut, pineapple and mint icy poles (popsicles)

Ingredients

1 can organic coconut milk

3 cups pineapple juice

roughly chopped mint leaves

Mix together in a large jar/container and shake, pour into moulds and freeze.

Enjoy!

xo m.

{wholegrain sundays}

'whole grain sundays', a weekly meme to show you all how we are trying to incorporate a multitude of whole grains into our daily lives. It's easy to get stuck in the the oatmeal/bread roll/potato mindset when it comes to providing your family with their daily carbohydrates. Each Sunday we will share a different recipe we have been enjoying while reaping the benefits of a variety of ancient and wholegrains.

Join us if you'd like to. Leave a link to your weekly grains in the comments section below.

wholewheat (or spelt or rye) chapati

today’s breakfast:

avocado with sesame seeds

tomato from the garden

wholewheat chapati with

miso paste (a healthy alternative to vegemite)

2 cups of flour - your choice

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbs sunflower oil

3/4 cup warm water

Mix the flour and salt together

Add half of the water and the oil

Start to knead

Add the rest of the water

Knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth

Let it sit, covered for 20 minutes

Take a golf ball size and roll out into very thin pancake discs

Put a bit of butter or nuttelex onto a hot pan

Put the disc onto pan, when it starts to bubble flip it over and cook the other side (about 45-60 secs each side)

Makes about 8 small chapati

xo m.

a day in the blue mountains

We explored the Blue Mountains today. We took our time on one simple walking trail. We ate a packed lunch, we bird-watched, we splashed and some of us napped. It was a beautiful day. And one to remember.

xo m.

{this moment}

A huge thank you to everyone who commented on yesterday's post. It was good to hear fro ma few people why they decided to go the route they did. I am always so floored by the kind words you all leave for me here each day.

xx m.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

m.

which school, what school, when school, homeschool, unschool?

I have been doing a lot of reading lately about different educational philosophies, child development and psychology, homeschooling and unschooling. I am still unsure of how we will start North's (or Indi's) education (and I don't think you ever really know how long they'll be right for one place- depending on the child and their needs, wants, passions and personality), but I am definitely a lot closer to finding something that rings true to my heart, and as I talk Brad's ears off about it every night, his too.

Here is the reading I am doing at the moment: The Kingdom of Childhood. A very good introduction for those who want to learn more about the original Waldorf schools and teachers, straight from the mouth of Rudolph Steiner himself. It is a series of seven lectures he gave to a small group of teachers who were dedicated to opening a new Waldorf school. "These talks are filled with practical illustrations and revolve around certain themes—the need for observation in teachers; the dangers of stressing the intellect too early; children’s need for teaching that is concrete and pictorial; the education of children’s souls through wonder and reverence; the importance of first presenting the “whole,” then the parts, to the children’s imagination." (from RudolfSteiner.com.au)

It's available here to download online for free is you're interested in learning more.

How did you choose the right school or homeschool environment for your child? And does anyone have any opinions they want to share about Montessori versus Waldorf? Waldorf seems to appeal more to my heart and soul and Montessori seems to appeal more to my practical and organised self. Perhaps it's a matter of where North fits best... but I'd love to hear what all of you have to say about it.

xo m.

going green at the beach

Good Morning! Today I have written a guest post for the Modern Little Munchkin's blog callled, 'Going Green at the Beach' with a little checklist of ours listing everything we bring on a day out to the sand and surf.

Hope your week is sailing smoothly!

xo m.

three transition songs

One significant aspect of the Waldorf teachings for the first seven years of a child's life is to sing, hum or chant through transitions. A transition can be something as simple as finishing breakfast and moving on to clean it up, leaving the park or moving from bathtime to bedtime. I have noticed as North grows into his two-year-old self that if we move from one thing to the next sloppily, erratically or suddenly he tends to melt down into a big ball of fumbling sensitive emotion. But if we slow down, take an in breath and quietly move from one activity to the next with loving intention while singing a verse or two, he joyfully takes part and transitions without stress or worry.

Here are three of the many songs we sing. Just search for "Waldorf Transition Verses" on the internet for some more examples or better still make some of your own up.

I have made up a simple tune (or reused one I already know) to go with each verse.

***

Farewell to Morning

(before North and Indi's afternoon nap)

The morning has ended

We've done our best

Good bye 'til we wake up

And have a nice rest.

***

Before Storytime

(I tell him an oral story with finger puppets and knit animals once a day)

Quiet your tongue, be crossed every thumb

And fix on me deep your eyes

Then out of my mind a story will come

Ancient and lovely and wise

***

Verse before painting

Now I take the brush so gently

In my hand with loving care

Watch the color flow so softly

On the paper clean and clear.

***

Before bedtime

The moon comes up

The stars shine bright

The rain falls down

The moon is high

People sleeping everywhere

The moon comes up again

(adapted from Elizabeth Mitchell's The Sun Comes Up)

What do you do to help your child move from one thing to the next with ease, calm and grace?

xo m.

Sustainababy's Queensland Flood Appeal Raffle

As I mentioned last week, our hearts and prayers go out to all of those that have been and are being affected by the terrible floods. Sustainababy, an ecoMILF sponsor and friend, has launched the Queensland Flood Relief Raffle to raise funds to support everyone affected by this great tragedy.

Thank you so much to Laura from Sustainababy for taking the time, effort and energy to organise the raffle and to all of the generous suppliers who have donated to the cause.

Please see the details below and visit the Raffle site today to purchase a ticket (or more!), make a difference and be in the running for a huge variety of amazing products.

xo m.

"Queensland is currently facing its worst natural disaster in recent history.

Significant flooding has occurred in areas of South East Queensland including Ipswich, Caboolture and Brisbane. Search and rescue efforts continue in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley following the flash flooding event on 10 January 2011. Many people are still missing and there have been several confirmed deaths. Flooding in other towns including Condamine, Dalby, Goondiwindi and Texas is an ongoing issue.

Sustainababy has launched this Queensland Flood Relief Raffle as a method to raise much needed funds for the people of flood affected areas. ALL proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

Currently approximately $2400 of superior eco baby products are able to be won, with more items to be added. Goods have been kindly donated by both Sustainababy and several of our generous suppliers.

How Does the Raffle Work?

• All items available for raffle are showcased here
• Each entry to the raffle is $10
• Winners for each raffle item will be drawn using a random number generator tool on Sunday 20 February 2011. Winners will be listed on this blog and will also be contacted by email.
• All monies collected from raffle entry sales will be donated to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal on Monday 21 February 2011 and the final total will be posted on the Sustainababy Facebook page. Updates in the tally will be posted on a regular basis and should the totals accumulate quickly, donations will be made throughout the raffle period.

{wholegrain sundays}

'whole grain sundays', a weekly meme to show you all how we are trying to incorporate a multitude of whole grains into our daily lives. It's easy to get stuck in the the oatmeal/bread roll/potato mindset when it comes to providing your family with their daily carbohydrates. Each Sunday we will share a different recipe we have been enjoying while reaping the benefits of a variety of ancient and wholegrains.

Join us if you'd like to. Leave a link to your weekly grains in the comments section below.

spelt and amaranth blueberry cake

Ingredients

2 cups spelt flour

1/2 cup amaranth flour

nutmeg, cinnamon and ground clove to taste (I put about a tsp each)

1 tbs baking powder

2 organic eggs

1 cup soy or almond milk

juice and zest from a lemon

4 tbs dairy-free margarine

1/3 cup maple syrup

punnet of berries to top

Directions

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, lightly beat the eggs together then add the rest of the wet ingredients. Combine dry and wet. Pour into a large square or rectangular cake pan. Top with berries. Bake at 205˚C for 20-40 minutes (depending on how deep the mixture is sitting in the pan -the thicker the cake the longer it will take to bake through). It's ready when you can stick a knife or toothpick through and it comes out clean and golden on the top.

Serve with tea and/or ice cream.

Inspired by, but far from, the berry cake in Apples for Jam.

xo m.

in our kitchen

The kitchen has been a busy place the past couple weeks despite the heavy humidity. I have been making an effort to choose more whole grains, to bake with healthier alternatives to cane sugar and to incorporate more legumes into our diets.

Here's a peek at a few of the wholesome snacks and meals that are keeping us sustained and happy.

***

maple syrup, walnut and banana muffins

***

spelt and berry cake (recipe to come tomorrow)

***

spinach, pumpkin and feta salad

minted potato salad

***

roasted carrot dip- roasted carrots, chives and mint from the garden and a dash of garam masala, salt and pepper

***

cannellini bean dip

***

hummus on homemade wholewheat bread

***

buckwheat (soba) noodles with carrot, broccoli and seeds with tamari and ginger dressing

What have your been cooking?

xo m.