Model Call Out – babywearing Mums & Dads

Storchenweige Woven Wrap - Anna

We are busy getting ready for this year’s Auckland Parent & Child Show which is scheduled to take place from Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October 2011.  We are very pleased to have been granted a spot on the entertainment stage each day of the show to host a babywearing fashion show!  And we need some willing volunteers to model our brands of baby carriers – Manduca, Storchenweige and Kozy Carrier, and the pouch slings of our special guest Unido.  We will also be showing Huggalugs leg warmers – the perfect babywearing accessory from both a practical and fashion point of view.

Our babywearing fashion show will take place on the entertainment stage from 1.30pm – 2pm each day of the show.  Models will receive complimentary entry to the show.  If you are a babywearing Mum or Dad and interested in modelling in our babywearing fashion show please continue reading and email us with the following information:

• Which show days are you available to model? (Preference will be given to those who are available for all three days of the show, but please do apply if only one or two days suit as we may need you! :0) )
• Would you be happy to model with your child (rather than a doll)?  If so please state your child’s age.
• Do you have experience using a Manduca, Storchenwiege woven wrap, Storchenwiege ring sling, Kozy Carrier or Unido Pouch Sling?  Do you own one of these carriers? Which colour/design do you have?
• Which type of baby carrier from the brands above would you prefer to wear in our babywearing fashion show?
• Do you have an older child who would enjoy modeling a kids sling in the babywearing fashion show?  If so please state their age.

In addition to your availability at the show, you will need to be available for two rehearsals, one the weekend before the show (venue, day and time to be confirmed) and one on Thursday 29 September on the entertainment stage at the ASB Show Grounds (time to be confirmed).

In addition to complimentary entry to the show models will each receive a pair of Huggalugs leg & arm warmers to keep – and more treats which are still to be confirmed.  The babywearing fashion show will be photographed each day and captured on video for marketing purposes. The organisers will do their best to match the chosen models with their preferred type of carrier but this may not always be possible

If you are interested in joining us please email your answers to the above questions, and a recent photo of yourself (babywearing or not ;0) to helen@ mynaturalbaby dot co dot nz

Thank you!

 

Let’s celebrate 800 with a super special sale!

As a special thank you to the members of our Facebook page (800 of you now – yay!) we are offering eight of our products at super special pricing just for you.

There are only limited quantities of each product available at the super special prices though.  So  here’s how it will work.

1. Check out what’s on offer at super special pricing in the Celebrating 800 Super Sale album on the My Natural Baby Facebook page
2. Tag yourself in the image(s) of the item(s) you’d like to purchase at the super special pricing (shipping will be additional).
3. Email your name and address to info @ mynaturalbaby dot co dot nz
4. On Wednesday at 8pm lucky purchasers will be randomly chosen and you might be able to purchase one or all of the items you tagged yourself in depending on how the random draw goes.
5. The lucky purchasers will be notified by email.
6. Payments must be completed by Friday 15 July 2011

Thanks for supporting our business.

Helen

 

Introducing the NewStyle Manduca baby and kids carrier

manduca® NewStyle: New design, more comfort and a small price adjustment

NewStyle Manduca in Navy

We are pleased to introduce the manduca NewStyle which will have the following new features:

• The lining, hood and logo are now colour-coordinated to match the body of the carrier.
• The well-established, universal pink logo will be replaced by a matching, embroidered version similar to the ones you know from the manduca LimitedEditions.
• The range of standard colours will be extended by the introduction of NewStyle Navy (pictured above) – a classy dark blue.
• The ‘natural’ manduca will be given a marvelous sand-coloured hue and hence be renamed ‘sand’.
• All other standard colours remain unaltered.

NewStyle Navy manduca - showing matching lining

Besides that, all other visible changes in the NewStyle will be minimal. The main goal was to finally have the manduca’s high quality matched by similarly superb looks.

Of course, Wickelkinder GmbH are constantly improving the manduca’s function and comfort and so they couldn’t let pass this opportunity to make some changes:

• The connection strap now has its buckle right in the middle, which allows for easier handling.
• The stitching and shape of the shoulder straps are slightly altered for a maximum of comfort.
• Just like with the Manduca LimitedEditions, the exterior back pocket will be dropped – with this Wickelkinder GmbH complies with their customers’ wishes as well as their decision to avoid any possible pressure to baby’s back. In any case, small and/or valuable items are easier to reach and safer when worn closer to the body (e.g. in a manduca front pouch).

However, quality comes at a price. Despite facing rising commodity costs Wickelkinder GmbH will not cut out sustainable organic fabrics or high-end materials. Thus we have been forced to make a small price adjustment to the price which will be $235.00 inc GST. Even so, the manduca remains the SSC with the best quality-price-ratio: Not only is the manduca organic by default, but (thanks to its all-in-one solution for NB – big kids) you won’t have to buy any costly extras for carrying your new babies.

This price adjustment only affects the NewStyle manduca’s; the LimitedEditions are not affected. Of course, the current manduca standard colours will be available at the old price – only while stocks last!

NewStyle Manduca in black

The first of the manduca NewStyle have already arrived in New Zealand last month with the arrival of Black (which sold out within a week!) and the gorgeous new Navy.  Olive and Chocolate are due to arrive this week. By August the NewStyle range will be completed with the arrival of Red, Turquoise, Sand and more Black.

The previous Manduca version is still available in Olive, Red and Turquoise at $230.00 – while stocks last!

 

Win your favourite new Huggalugs design – and the winner is . . .

Huggalugs Cable Knit legwarmers - Vine

Thank you to everyone who entered our competition to win your favourite from the new Huggalugs designs that have recently become available in New Zealand.

Leghuggers, Nubies, Cable Knit, legruffles, lacettes – there’s something for everyone in the Huggalugs range. Keep an eye out for more boy designs coming soon too!

So who has won a pair of their favourite new design? Thanks to random.org I am pleased to announce that our lucky winner is:

Raewyn Nel

Congratulations Raewyn. Raewyn’s favourite from the new Huggalugs designs is the Cable Knit in Vine, pictured above.

To find out where to purchase items from the Huggalugs range visit the My Natural Baby website and click on the Stockists link to find a stockist near you. Wholesale enquiries are welcomed.

Helen
My Natural Baby

Hugggalugs Cable Knit legwarmers - Vine.

 

New Huggalugs designs hit New Zealand stores – win your favourite design!

Huggalugs Vintage - lace trimmed legruffles

We are very pleased to introduce to New Zealand Huggalugs fans some gorgeous new styles and designs including the Huggalugs Vintage legruffles pictured above – available in three colours and trimmed with Venice lace. Also new are:

Cha Cha legruffles

Huggalugs Cha Cha legruffles - Littlest Dancer

Huggalugs lacettes – now available in Shell Pink!

Huggalugs Shell Pink Lacettes

and some gorgeous new Huggalugs leghuggers designs including Shabby Roses pictured below:

To view all the new designs just arrived check out this album on the Huggalugs New Zealand Facebook page.

To my fellow ‘Mums of boys’ – you’ll notice most of the new designs are for the girls. But never fear, more boy designs will be arriving in New Zealand in the next month or two ;0)

How can I win my favourite from the new designs that have just arrived?

Entering to win your favourite is easy. Just ‘Like’ the Huggalugs New Zealand Facebook page, and then tag yourself in your absolute favourite design in the album titled ‘Just Arrived in New Zealand’. Strictly one image only may be tagged – mutiple tags will disqualify you from the draw.

For an additional entry you may leave a comment here on our blog stating what your favourite design is.

Entries close at 9pm on Tuesday 31st may 2011 with the winner being announced here on the blog at 8pm Wednesday 1st June 2011.

Good luck to all who enter and I hope you love the new designs as much as I do!

Helen
My Natural Baby Ltd

 

Stockist Feature – Scamps Eco Boutique

I am very pleased to bring you another stockist feature. We’ll be featuring our fabulous stockists regularly here and we hope you enjoy learning more about them and their businesses.

Introducing Scamps Eco Boutique. If you haven’t heard of Scamps before their specialty is green products that love our earth and their range includes quality nursery furniture, reusable cloth nappies, beeswax crayons, hypoallergenic bath products and more. Scamps Eco Boutique is also a stockist of the Manduca soft-structured baby and kids carrier.

Read on as Louise Deed shares about her business:

Please share a bit about you and your family.

I’m married with two girls aged (almost) 5 and 2. Baby Deed #3 is due end of June so I imagine life will get even more hectic with three kids (well four if you count the husband!). I’m a Canterbury girl at heart but we made the move back North a couple of years ago for Glenn’s job so now we call Waiuku home. Life in the Deed household can be insanely busy at times but I love it and enjoy the challenge it presents.

Scamps Eco Boutique owner Louise with her family

When did you start Scamps Boutique and why?

During my first pregnancy I was trying to find eco friendly baby products and they just weren’t readily available in New Zealand. To change that I started to set up my home based business, Scamps Boutique. I officially opened our website at the beginning of 2007 when my eldest was a newborn. I haven’t looked back since! We have just celebrated four years in business and look forward to many more.

What do you like best about running your own business?

Everything! I love being able to work from home while still being able to care for my kids. It is a constant juggling act but that is part of the thrill of being a work from home mum. I must admit being my own boss has always been appealing and I am very lucky I have been able to make that dream come true.

What do you find most challenging about running your own business?

Finding the right balance between family/work and housework is definitely one of the most challenging factors about working from home. Some days I find it hard to stop working at 2.30pm and find myself responding to emails or on facebook when the kids are watching cartoons after preschool. I try to keep my nights free so I can spend some time alone with my husband but that doesn’t always happen.

What is your favourite product that you stock?

All of them! I don’t really have an overall favourite but I do have to say I am proud to be the exclusive NZ retailer for the Cushie Tushies cloth nappies.

Cushie Tushies Couture - Jungle Fever

One new brand that I have recently added to our range is the Flexi Bath. What I really like about this product is not only is it PVC and phthalates free, it has a non-slip bottom and surface, making it safe, comfortable and environmentally responsible. The FlexiBath folds easily together and is stored flat against the wall, in a cupboard, under a bed etc.

FlexiBath

What is your best selling product?

The Grovia cloth nappies are definitely my overall top selling product. I have noticed that customers buying habits change from month to month so what is popular this month isn’t always as popular next month.

GroVia modern cloth nappies

Onesie Bummsies bodysuit extenders are one of my most popular products, customers love them!

Onesie Bummsie Bodysuit extenders 3-pack in mint

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

To celebrate their fourth birthday, Louise is running a ‘green babies and bumps’ photo competition with $1,000 in fantastic prizes up for grabs, including an Olive Manduca baby and child carrier. For more information about the competition and to find out how to enter click here! Entries close on 30 April 2011.

Thank you Louise for sharing about your business. We are pleased to have you in the My Natural Baby family!

Helen
My Natural Baby

 

South-East Auckland Slingbabies and a chance to win some Christmas Huggalugs!

Huggalugs leghuggers - Angel

If you live in the South-East Auckland area (or further afield!) and have been wanting to learn more about the types of baby carriers and slings available in New Zealand, maybe even try some out before you buy, then a good place to start would be to attend a South-East Slingbabies meeting. Heather and Anita lead the group and are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to assist families no matter where they are at in their babywearing journey.

This Sunday would be a great time to pay them a visit – we are donating two pairs of Huggalugs leghuggers in the Angel print, as pictured above, and two lucky meeting attendees will get to take a pair each home! Huggalugs leghuggers fit children from 0 – 6 years old and can be worn on the arms and the legs.

“Legwarmers in the summertime?!?” I hear you say? Yes, these are a great accessory in the summertime too – not only do they look cute on, they provide great sun protection for arms and legs and stop the mosquitoes and sandflies from biting too. They are also handy to pop onto little arms and legs in the summer if it gets cooler into the evening when out at bbqs or camping. And did I mention that they look cute? ;0) Huggalugs leghuggers retail at $19.50 a pair and are available from My Natural Baby and a growing list of retailers throughout New Zealand.

This Sunday’s meeting will start at 1.30pm and run through till 3.30pm at Anchorage Park Community House, 16 Swan Crescent, Pakuranga. The whole family is welcome and the venue has a safe play area for the kids.

See you there!

Helen
My Natural Baby

 

“6 for 600″ Huggalugs leghuggers giveaway!

As a thank you to the 600+ people who have joined us on the My Natural Baby Facebook business page during the last two and a half months I’m doing a giveaway! Six lucky page members will each win a pair of Huggalugs leghuggers and may choose one of the following designs:

Huggalugs - Rocketman

Huggalugs - Sport

Huggalugs - Susan

Huggalugs - Aussie

Huggalugs - Nordic Girl Stripe

Huggalugs - Dinosaur

Huggalugs - Joy

Huggalugs Maple Gem (bright red with white maple leaves

Huggalugs - Irene

And the lucky winners are:

* Juliet Van Der Heijden

* Susan Noble

* Brooke Litchfield Taylor

* Phllipa Wilson

* Braydee Boland

* Leanne Seymour

Congratulations! Please contact me via the Contact Us page on the My Natural Baby website so that I can arrange to get your chosen pair of Huggalugs leghuggers to you.

If you missed out this time don’t worry – we’ll be doing more giveaways over the coming months.

Thanks again for joining us over on the My Natural Baby Facebook page.

Helen
My Natural Baby

 

Storchenwiege Ring Slings soon to be available in New Zealand!

Storchenwiege Ring Sling 'Louise Bio Turquoise'

I am very excited to soon be introducing to the New Zealand market the super comfy Storchenwiege ring sling. I have been trialling one in the Anna colourway for the last eight months and have been loving wearing my younger son in it. The fabric is nice and wide so easily spreads across my back to help distribute baby’s weight evenly. The weave of the fabric makes it really easy to get baby into a nice deep seated position with knees up and bum down – this is optimal positioning for baby’s spine and hips. The gathered shoulder allows the fabric to be spread nicely and this is very comfortable on my shoulder. The aluminium sling rings are large allowing the fabric to gather evenly and the fabric grips the rings very well which means no ‘slippage’ and no having to readjust the sling when wearing it. My older son sometimes likes to hold the tail as we walk along which helps to keep us all together when on a mission through a busy street or shopping mall. Below is an image of us earlier in the month. Not the best pic but you can see how the fabric holds my boy nice and snug, bum down, knees up, and the nice spread of fabric over my shoulder:

Storchenwiege ring sling in Anna colourway. The child being carried is 22 months old.

In preparation for placing our first order I have run a competition which has helped me decide which colourways to start with (but don’t worry if your favourite isn’t coming in this year – I will be working towards stocking all colourways during 2011) and one lucky person who tagged themselves in the image of their favourite colourway over on our Facebook page has won their favourite! I will be ordering in their sling especially with our first order of Storchenwiege ring slings.

And the lucky winner is . . . Jodz Clarke!! Congratulations Jodz. Please contact me via the Contact Us page on the My Natural Baby website. Jodz’ favourite is the Louise Bio Turquoise which is organic and pictured at the start of this post.

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their favourite over on our facebook page. Look out for Storchenwiege ring slings on the My Natural Baby website very soon. Their arrival will be announced on the My Natural Baby Facebook page.

If you are interested in more information about Storchenwiege ring slings, here’s some extra info from the Storchenwiege website:

Practical and simple to put on: The Storchenwiege® RingSling, made of the proven Storchenwiege® sling material, can be worn in one size by different wearers.

Using the Storchenwiege® RingSling, you can:

* carry your child on your hip, tummy to tummy and on your back.
* carry your child easily and quickly, but still have both hands free for her brothers or sisters or jobs you need to do.
* easily manage barriers such as stairs, getting on the bus or train, or rough or irregular paths.
* give your toddler a rest when she is just learning to walk and cannot yet manage long distances.

What makes the Storchenwiege® RingSling so special?

* The Storchenwiege® RingSling comes with detailed instructions on how to wear it and a washing bag to protect your washing machine and the Storchenwiege® RingSling aluminium rings.
* The Storchenwiege® RingSling is made of 100% cotton; the special Storchenwiege® fabric stands out for its extremely good diagonal elasticity. The Storchenwiege® RingSling thus supports the child firmly and envelops her body like a firm bandage. This guarantees a safe, comfortable feeling when wearing it.
* The fabric of the Storchenwiege® RingSling is certified in accordance with the Oeko-Tex 100 standard for babies. In this way, you can rest assured that it is absolutely safe for your child´s health.
* The use of large, high-quality aluminium rings makes the Storchenwiege® RingSling comfortable to wear, allowing its folds to be arranged neatly in the rings and thus over the shoulder. The Storchenwiege® RingSling also has different-coloured edges, making it considerably easier to put on, and especially to pull tight.

How to care for your Storchenwiege® RingSling properly:
The Storchenwiege® RingSling can be washed at up to 60°C. Please use the enclosed washing bag to protect your washing machine and the aluminium rings.

Helen
My Natural Baby

 

Feel at Home gift basket giveaway – winner announced!

Lavender Gift Basket from Feel at Home

Thank you to everyone who entered the draw to win the gorgeous gift basket pictured above, which has been generously donated for this launch celebration giveaway by Leanne of Feel At Home. Our family have tried Leanne’s fabulous soap and I’ve been using the Carrot & Orange Lip Smoother (tube) and it is so divine!

Thanks to random.org we have our winner:

Kelly R

Congratulations Kelly! You will love all the gorgeous natural products in this gift basket! Please email me your address details via the Contact Us page on the My Natural Baby Ltd website and I’ll organise for your gift basket to be sent to you.

Thanks again to everyone who entered and helped to spread the word about it. This ends our launch celebration giveaways. Look out for new stock announcements here on our blog over the next few weeks and also some new stockist features! And you never know when we will throw in another giveaway ;0)

Helen
My Natural Baby