Maxwell Designs Blog

Giveaway on our new blog

2010-11-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Please visit our new blog for a fabulous giveaway:

A Large Maxwell Designs Wet Bag and an AppleCheeks Little Bundle

Enter here: http://tootsntots.com/main/blog/

Our blog is moving..

2010-10-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

As of tomorrow, Tuesday 19th October, our blog is moving to its new home: http://tootsntots.com/main/blog/

I want to thank all my fans for following me thus far and I really hope that you will come over and join me at our new place.

The new blog will allow me to focus more on:

product updates, giveaways, great deals, what's in the news and great blogs about attachement parenting, cloth diapers and all things baby & toddler related.

There is no need to "sign up" on the new blog if you want to comment on a post or enter a giveaway, however I would love you to become a member and invite your friends - there may be some "special offers" just for you!

See you there....

Winner of the $20 Gift Certificate to Toots n' Tots

2010-10-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered.to win the Gift Certificate

The winner chosen by Random Selection is:

#22 Louis H "my 2 favorite products are: Rockin Green Cloth Diaper Laundry Detergent and Maxwell Designs Diaper Bags bubble flower with black hemp"

Please contact me at info@tootsntots.com within 48 hours for further details.

CONGRATUALTIONS LOUIS!

Keep checking back for more exciting giveaways and blogs about attachement parenting, cloth diapers and so much more.

Have a great day.

Baba Slings on The Express

2010-10-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Check out our SUPER DEALS this weekend at http://www.tootsntots.com/

Lots of your favourite products at upto 15% off

Also check out Baba Slings on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMy0Vyqq_bQ

FREE gift this weekend at Toots n' Tots

2010-10-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

As a Thank You to all our customers every purchase over $25 will receive a FREE gift with their order this weekend. Offer open Fri 8th/Sat 9th and Sunday 10th October.

Visit the store at http://www.tootsntots.com/ to place your order.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & HAPPY SHOPPING.

Welcome Toots n' Tots - new home of Maxwell Designs

2010-10-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

As we have mentioned in the past Maxwell Designs now has a new home

Toots n' Tots

We will still bring you the designs and service you loved at Maxwell Designs but we also hope to bring you more choice, competitive pricing and a more all round service.

We now sell such names as Aden+Anais, GroBag, 3 Sprouts Organic Storage, and my personal favourite Dabbawalla lunch bags and backpacks. There are more exciting lines being added to Toots n' Tots every week so keep checking back to see if your favourite line, or even ones that will become your favourites are in.

If you can't find what you are looking for, let us know and we will see if we can make it part of our line.

To celebrate our new store we want to give away a $20 Gift Certificate to one lucky winner. That winner can choose from anything in the store. So why not do some shopping now to get into the mood .....

How to enter:

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Toots n' Tots website and tell us your 2 favourite products

Additional Entries:

Publicly follow Toots n' Tots via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

"like" Maxwell Designs on Facebook (1 entry)

Subscribe to Toots n' Tots blog in the reader (1 entry)

Purchase any item found on the Toots n' Tots website and come back to tell us you did (8 entries)

Blog about this giveaway on your own blog (2 entries) leave a comment telling me where the post is and a link to the post

Tweet about this giveaway using this tweet "I want to WIN a $20 Gift Certificate to Toots n' Tots http://ow.ly/2NvR3 #giveaway @maxwelldesigns ends 16/10 #clothdiapers #eco #bfcafe" (1entry per tweet - please make sure tweets are more than 2 hrs apart)

Tell a friend about this giveaway - let us know who it was - first names only (1 entry per day)

Good Luck

This Giveaway will end on Oct 16th @ 12 midnight (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry no exceptions.

OPEN TO ANYONE - However any extra shipping charges to anywhere outside of the Continental U.S or Canada will need to be paid by the winner (this will allow me to keep costs low in order to run more competitions - hope you understand)

TAX FREE weekend on all Rockin Green Products instore

2010-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

At Maxwell Designs we are having a TAX FREE weekend on all Rockin Green Products. This offer is valid in Canada only and cannot be combined with any other offer or product. Offer ends Sunday at 9pm pst. Happy Shopping.

10% off weekend

2010-09-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Enjoy 10% off your entire purchases when you spend more than $30 this weekend only.

Use code "10off" at checkout for discount (Cannot be combined with any other offer)

Welcome to Maxwell Designs - a virtual tour

2010-09-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Comparison of the medium & large diaper bags

2010-09-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

All Baby Clothing now 50% off

2010-09-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

All baby clothing/Onesies are now 50% off

See our website for more details

BOGO at AppleCheeks - its the Buy One Get One at Half Price sales event

2010-09-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

Maxwell Designs is having a HUGE Sales Event on all AppleCheeks products

Its the Buy One Get One half off event running now until Friday 17th Sept at 9pm pt

Order any AppleCheeks product and receive the second at 50% off - simply enter the code "bogo" at the checkout to receive your discount. Second item must be of equal value. If you want to mix and match products with different pricing please email me at info@maxwelldesigns.ca and an invoice will be sent directly to you.

SPECIALS at Maxwell Designs

2010-09-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

check out our website for our latest sales, new Ready Made Diaper Bags and coming soon...a fabulous AppleCheeks Sale you won't want to miss.

Become a fan on Facebook to keep up to date on our latest offers and sales. See you there!

Travel Change Pad Special Offer

2010-09-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Maxwell Designs is having a special offer on its change pads - you can enjoy 10% off your purchase when you get a Ready Made change pad - or 15% off if you order any other purchase along with your change pad. Use code 1010 for 10% off and 1515 for 15% off - for more details visit this link Maxwell Designs

Sara Snow is Maxwell Designs newest fan!

2010-09-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog

My Hemp Diaper Bag!

Yesterday I received my custom-made hemp diaper bag from Maxwell Designs. The company has been popular in Canada for some time and I’m excited for designer Maggie Chilton to become better known here in the states!

Read more here ....http://sarasnow.com/b/My-Hemp-Diaper-Bag!/91873756449196781.html

Thank you Sara, it was a pleasure to make your bag for you!

Updates

2010-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

There are some VERY exciting things happening over at Maxwell Designs.

We have decided to create a new company in order to encompass all the new products we are bringing in for you. Companies such as aden+anais, Clippoptamus, Baby Boomba, Dimpleskins and so much more. We have our new logo all ready to go and next stop is working on a new website who's new home will be http://www.tootsntots.com/.

I hope you will continue to support Maxwell Designs at its new location (should be up and running by the end of September). Toots n' Tots will be the new home for my designs and the only place where Maxwell Designs is available for wholesale.

If you join me on Facebook you will get to see the updates as they happen and be part of some fabulous giveaways and special offers not always offered on this blog.

Have a great day everyone

FREE SHIPPING on small wet bags

2010-08-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING offer on all small wet bags to both the U.S & Canada.

Deal has been extended and is now valid until end of Aug!

Visit our website to see our new designs

Maxwell Designs Wet Bag & AppleCheeks Little Bundle Giveaway Aug 2010

2010-08-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who entered our giveaway, the response was amazing! And now to announce the winners:

Overall Winners:

Random.org choose

#73 - Jessica.S

#1024 Kristen (husskl@...)

AppleCheeks will announce these winners on their blog too

AppleCheeks will announce the winner of the Gentle Cleaning Solution on Monday on my blog and I will choose the Change Pad winner and announce it on their blog.

There are some very exciting things happening here at Maxwell Designs so I will keep you posted on that.

Look forward to being able to purchase your favourite items such as aden+anais swaddling blankets, Clippopotamus products, KT Steppers and so much more in our new store..

Have a great weekend.

FREE SHIPPING on all onesies

2010-08-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

FREE SHIPPING on all onesies

while stocks last - use code

onefreeship

at checkout. Shipping is free to the U.S & Canada

offer ends Aug 31

Maxwell Designs & AppleCheeks Giveaway II

2010-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED - WINNERS ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

If you haven't heard already Maxwell Designs is on the move, as of Aug 1st you can now find us in Port Moody, B.C for pick up of your orders in the Vancouver, Tri-city area. To celebrate moving into a much bigger local market (yippee) we are having another joint giveaway with one of my favourite retail lines. Our last joint giveaway was so much fun and we got to meet so many new faces we couldn't wait to do it again . Maxwell Designs and AppleCheeks has decided to join forces again and are having not 2, not 3 but 4 winners in one giveaway - yes we love you that much!

Most of you already know how utterly fabulous AppleCheeks is, and if you don't well here is the perfect time to find out. Here is a chance to stock up on your fluff stash, or start a whole new one. For those who have never tried AppleCheeks Pocket Diapers then you have been missing out, my husband calls these the "easy diapers" since we switched from pre-folds. AppleCheeks are proudly designed and made in Montreal Canada, are beautifully made, have an amazingly trim fit where the insert comes out in the wash, are versitile, practical, their customer service goes above and beyond and you can colour co-ordinate your babies wardrobe to suit your cover (I am so guilty of this, its so much fun!)... I really could go on and on about this awesome product or you could head over to the AppleCheeks website to see all the great details and products they make for yourself - WARNING - you may have to restrain yourself from wanting EVERYTHING in every colour, in every size ...
So what's up for grabs you might want to know....well the 2 main winners will each win:
a Maxwell Designs Wet Bag
and an Applecheeks Little Bundles kit

then there will also be 2 additional draws for:
1 Maxwell Designs Change Pad - on the AppleCheeks blog
and 1 bottle of AppleCheeks Gentle Cleansing Soluton on the Maxwell Designs blog
(details on how to win the additional draw coming later)

*I am also offering a SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SHIPPING RATE FOR THE DURATION OF THE GIVEWAY
SHIPPING ONLY 99cents TO U.S. & CANADA (applies to 1 diaper cover/swim diaper/bamboo insert or stay dry insert per order only - you can order as many times as you like they will just come individually) - only available on Maxwell Designs web site coupon code: applecheeksus & applecheekscanada - at checkout to claim your discount shipping should show as .99 cents at payment

How to enter:

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Apple Cheeks and Maxwell Designs websites and tell us your 4 favourite products (2 must be AppleCheeks products and 2 products from the Maxwell Designs web site )

Additional Entries:

Publicly follow Maxwell Designs and AppleCheeks™ Blogs using Google Friend connect (1 entry per blog)

"like" Maxwell Designs on Facebook (1 entry)

"like" Apple Cheeks on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow both Maxwell Designs and Apple Cheeks on Twitter (2 entries) - make sure to post your entry for each follow - Maxwell Designs =1 Apple Cheeks = 1

Subscribe to my blog in the reader (1 entry)

Purchase any item found on the Maxwell Designs website (8 entries)

Purchase any Apple Cheeks product from Maxwell Designs (5 entries) you can enter multiple times for this one

Blog about this giveaway on your own blog (2 entries) leave a comment telling me where the post is and a link to the post

Take my button and add it to your site or blog (3 entries)

Tweet about this giveaway using this tweet "I want to WIN @maxwelldesigns wet bag & @AppleCheeksDipe little bundle so badly! http://ow.ly/2hMDx Pls RT #giveaway ends 11/08 #clothdiapers #eco #bfcafe" (1entry per tweet - please make sure tweets are more than 2 hrs apart)

Tell a friend about this giveaway - let us know who it was - first names only (1 entry per day)
Tell us what your favourite colour of AppleCheeks Pocket Diaper is (1 entry)

Finally if you are Canadian VOTE for me for Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1 vote per entry - vote as many times as you like - the more the better!!)

Good Luck

This Giveaway will end on Aug 11th @ 12 midnight (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry no exceptions.

Shipping

2010-07-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have a shipping update posted on my Facebook page for wet bags (now only $4.50 for a small wet bag to the U.S and $3.50 within Canada) and change pads, so head over there for up to date details.

Also if you live in B.C, Alberta, Sask or Manitoba you can experience our EXPRESS POSTAGE at no extra cost on any Rockin Green products you buy and you are guarenteed delivery within 2 days.

If you would like a $2 off shipping coupon too, msg me at info@maxwelldesigns.ca for further details. Offer ends Aug 1st.

Friday Love

2010-07-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

So it's Friday and I feel like showing some Maxwell Designs love .... leave a comment on our Facebook page saying what you love about us and one lucky person will be getting a gift in the mail .... ends at 8pm PST tonight. Happy Friday everyone. (if you have filled in our survey leave an extra message too as that counts as well)

Wanted - Mommy Bloggers

2010-07-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Do I have any Mommy Blog followers? Particularly in Vancouver, B.C but would love to hear from all of you. Please email me at info (at) maxwelldesigns (dot) ca

Thank you everyone

Winners of the Maxwell Designs & Rockin Green Giveaway

2010-07-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered, I loved your laundry tips! I will be trying all of them. So without further ado a random drawer was taken and here are the winners .....

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

#253 Jeannine

#491 DazzleMea

Please email me at info (at) maxwelldesigns (dot) ca within 48 hours and let me know if you would like a wet bag or a change pad.

Keep watching for our next BIG giveaway - you wont want to miss this, its our biggest yet.

As of Aug 1st if you are in the Vancouver area I can now offer free pickup and delivery.

Have an awesome day everyone.

Maxwell Designs is moving

2010-07-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick update to let you know Maxwell Designs is moving to the big city of Vancouver, B.C. As of August 1st 2010 Maxwell Designs will offer free pick-up delivery within the city of Vancouver, Port Moody, New West, Burnaby, Coquitlam. We are very excited to be able to expand and bring our designs to Vancouver. See you there!

Facebook Impromptu Giveaway - WED 14TH JULY

2010-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Join me on Facebook for a chance to enter to WIN an impromptu giveaway

STARTS NOW - ends Wed at 8pm Pacific time!

Maxwell Designs - Facebook Page

Rockin Green & Maxwell Designs Giveaway

2010-07-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED - JULY 16TH MIDNIGHT
You may or may not know that Maxwell Designs has been expanding - first it was making our own Wet Bags, which have been a huge hit, second it was as a retailer for Apple Cheeks Pocket Diapers and now.....Rockin Green Soap, Pail Freshners, Samples and Scoops.

Here are just a few reasons to choose such a great laundry soap: Rockin' Green is:

**Dye free

**Comes in several yummy scents (& an unscented version for sensitive skin)

**No fillers

**No enzymes or optical brighteners

**100% Phosphate free

**Vegan

**Great for sensitive skin

**Easy rinsing formula

**Approved for military use

**Works wonders on microfiber stink!

**Perfect for cloth diapers

**HE compatible

**Reusable packaging

**Great for all water types

It also comes in 3 different types to suit your laundry style

**Soft- this formula is designed for those that have sensitive little ones. You can choose the unscented version (recommended) or you can choose to have it lightly scented.

**Classic- this is the original formula, and is great for those with moderate hard water, or just those that are battling with stinkies. Comes in unscented and scented varieties.

**Hard- This formula is designed for the most troubling of water types

In an effort to be more of a one-stop shop, you can now combine a number of products for yourself or make a fabulous baby shower gift!

To celebrate our new edition Maxwell Designs and Rockin Green has joined together and is doing a giveaway and there will be 2 lucky winners. Winners will both receive a bag of their favourite soap and either a Maxwell Designs Wet Bag or Change Pad - YOU CAN CHOOSE!. There will be lots of ways to enter and there may even be some surprises along the way so make sure you bookmark our blog and check in regularly or visit our Facebook page to see if we have announced a surprise!

Here is how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit both Rockin Green and Maxwell Designs and tell me:

1. What is your favourite scent

2. What Maxwell Designs product you would love to have?

Additional entries:

Follow Maxwell Designs on Facebook -1 entry

Follow Rockin Green on Facebook - 1 entry

Become a public follower of Maxwell Designs blog - 1 entry

Order any Rockin Green product from Maxwell Designs (samples count too) - 5 entries

Order any Maxwell Designs product - 5 entries *if you buy a wet bag or change pad during this time and have entered the competition - and you win - you will be reimbursed your full amount*

Follow Maxwell Designs on Twitter - 1 entry

Follow Rockin Green on Twitter - 1 entry

Tweet about this giveaway in your own unique way - make sure you include the following in your tweet in any order you like - "@maxwelldesigns @RockinGreenSoap LOVE #giveaway #clothdiapers http://ow.ly/26yv1 ends 16/7" in order for it to count. You can tweet upto 4 times a day making sure they are at least 2 hours apart - 1 entry

Or use this tweet instead "Rock your world with @RockinGreenSoap @maxwelldesigns #giveaway 2 winners http://ow.ly/26yv1 ends 16/7 #clothdiapers #eco #bfcafe" You can tweet up to 4 times a day making sure they are at least 2 hours apart - 1 entry

Subscribe to Maxwell Designs in a reader - 1 entry

Let me know if there is another product line you would like Maxwell Designs to carry - 1 entry

Let me know if you "Rocked" your laundry today - 1 entry per day

Blog about this giveaway on your own blog - come back and tell me where the post is and leave the link - 3 entries

Have a handy laundry tip when using your Rockin Green Soap? let me know what it is - 2 entries per tip

Grab my button and put it on your blog/website - 3 entries
*
EXTRA EXTRA entries just added - To enter simply answer this question "what colours do my bags/purses come in? both in hemp and organic cotton" for 1entry post your answer here and for 1 more entry post your answer on my facebook page - YOU MUST POST ON THE BLOG GIVEAWAY FIRST before you can post on Maxwell Designs facebook page

Finally if you are Canadian VOTE for me for Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award - 1 entry
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

DON'T FORGET - Maxwell Designs has a 10% OFF your first order until July 12th - use coupon code "rockin" at the checkout.

This Giveaway will end on July 16 @ 12 midnight (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry no exceptions.

New things happening at Maxwell Designs

2010-07-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

If you havent checked Maxwell Designs out on Facebook or at http://maxwelldesigns.ca/ lately you might have missed all the new editions and special offers on at the moment. There are new large wet bags available, all the Rockin Green Products are up on the website for pre-order and are selling out fast! There are also some limited edition laundry scoops to "scoop" up before they all go, they are magnetic so you will never lose them! Due to the introduction of the new HST there is a coupon code for the whole month of July for Ontario, Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada - use codes "ottawa" for 8% off "nova" for 5% off and "everyone" for 5% to anyone else (cannot be combined with any other offer) - after all I can't leave anyone out can I? There is also a 10% off coupon for your first order of Rockin Green - use code "rockin" at checkout. I think thats it - I hope you visit my site or Facebook page to checkout all the latest news and new products soon.

There is also going to be a BIG giveaway very soon so keep watching and all will be revealed...have a Happy Canada Day everyone.

Gifted Presence - Baby Shower Gift Guide

2010-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Maxwell Designs was thrilled to be included in Savvy Moms Baby Shower Gift Guide which came out on June 22nd. Here is a snipet of the guide - you can find more at the link above, “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage”. It’s a pretty standard progression—the tough part is knowing what to give that baby in the carriage. So to help we’ve got our annual Baby Shower Gift Guide, whether you’re attending the party as a discerning gift-giver or stocking up the nursery as a mom-to-be"

"...if things come out wet after all that (playing in the water), mom will love to have a few Wet Bags from Maxwell Designs on hand to store the wet and dirty items until she gets home (great for bathing suits when baby is older). The beautiful and eco-friendly bags are mom-made in Canada. ($15.95–18.50)

With this guide, we’re sure you’ll win the unofficial Most-Popular-Gift-at-the-Shower Award".

Why not head over to our Facebook page where we will be running a Fabulous Giveaway once we hit 500 followers - have a great day everyone.

Rockin Green Soap coming to Maxwell Designs

2010-06-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Maxwell Designs to Rock Your World? We just placed our first order with Rockin Green Laundry Soap as its due any day. The soap, samples and pail fresheners will be available at our online store soon. As you probably already know its not only the best thing since sliced bread for your diapers but its also fabulous on all your laundry - comes in soft, classic and hard rock for all your needs. Rockin Green is also gearing up for a really fun 1 year anniversary giveaway bonanza! ALL the retailers are in on it! You can win lots of soap...money...and other goodies. More details to follow.
Maxwell Designs and Rockin Green will also be running a giveaway to launch our retail sales very soon so keep checking back for more details on that.

What's next..

2010-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a great Fathers Day creating happy and unique memories - I would you to hear what you did.....CONGRATS to Chany, who won the Maxwell Designs & Apple Cheeks giveaway, a Wet Bag. Chany choose the Orchid Celery fabric - great choice!!

What would everyone like to see for our next giveaway, any ideas?

Winner of Maxwell Designs Wet Bag & Apple Cheeks Little Bundle - June 2010

2010-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

So the numbers are in and we had an incredible 1632 entries - it was so much fun, thanks again for everyone who entered. Ilana from Apple Cheeks has been a absolute pleasure to work with and as you know Maxwell Designs now carries Apple Cheeks products.

So CONGRATULATIONS......Chany

True Random Number Generator Min: 00 Max: 1632 Result: 828

The winners comment was: Chany who tweeted "Tweet! http://twitter.com/chany10/status/15659214067"

June 7, 2010 6:16 PM

Please contact me within 24 hours so that you can let me know which pattern you would like for your wet bag - I am sure you will LOVE your Apple Cheeks Little Bundle kit and Maxwell Designs Wet Bag.

Don't forget to check in regularly to see our latest giveaways. Also check out Maxwell Designs Wet Bags in the upcoming Spring Baby Shower Gift Guide from Savvy Mom.ca out on Tuesday

Have an awesome day everyone.

Competition ends - its a sad time

2010-06-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered our Maxwell Designs and Apple Cheeks competition. You have made this a very popular competition - so much so that we are definatly going to do another one - and soon.
Maxwell Designs has some great things planned for its future - one is that I will be bringing in a very popular cloth diaper detergent to further compliment my line and help you get everything you need for a new baby, baby shower gift or stock up for yourself.

Currently our new shipping rate to the U.S for a small packet, such as a diaper bag/purse & diapers is set at just $16.25 and for just diapers and inserts or wipes it is as low as $7.50 (depending on where you live). For smaller items contact me for a shipping quote as I always try to get you the cheapest rate. You can email me at info@maxwelldesigns.ca for any quotes.

Anyway, I will be annouching the winner of our latest competition later today, Good Luck - its anybodies game.

10% off your entire order!

2010-06-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

For 1 week only to celebrate my new Apple Cheeks product line at Maxwell Designs you can get 10% off your entire order when you purchase any Apple Cheeks product. Use code "Apple" from June 12 - June19.

Special Offer on Made To Order bags/purses

2010-06-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

It my birthday tomorrow (yippee!) so as a gift to my customers I have decided to reduce the price of my 'Make you own' bags for a limited time from $90 for a medium to just $74.95, Large will be reduced from $95 to just $79.95. If you could please give me 2 fabric choices when you order as your first choice may not be available depending on demand.

Why not put it together with a change pad, wet bag and an Apple Cheeks product all in one? save BIG on shipping. Makes a fantastic baby shower gift.

Visit my website for further details.

Happy Shopping.

Maxwell Designs Wet Bag & Apple Cheeks Giveaway

2010-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

You asked - I deliver. My last wet bag giveaway was a great success thanks to everyone who entered. Its time to reward you again for your support! This time there is a special guest with us - AppleCheeks™. Here at Maxwell Designs I want to be able to offer you more quality cloth diaper products so I am NOW A RETAILER for AppleCheeks™ so we are starting off this new adventure by offering a combined giveaway.

Ilana has been very generous and we are combining our talents and doing a giveaway for a small wet bag (perfect size for your Maxwell Designs diaper bag!) and a Little Bundles kit on both our blogs!

Thats right there are actually two ways to win.

For those who are familiar with Apple Cheeks you will know they are a Canadian brand proudly designed and manufactured in Montreal, Quebec, Canada New advances in textile technology allow for amazingly trim fitting washable diapers that unstuff by themselves in the wash!. Our diapers fit a larger range of babies than similar products on the market, and stand up better to the rigours of the washing cycle. They are fully customizable and can be used as a diaper cover over our hemp or bamboo inserts, with boosters for added absorbency if so desired, and fleece liners to keep baby's skin dry and rash-free. Alternately, the handy, wide envelope opening allows you the option of placing your absorbency underneath the microfleece lining, wicking moisture away from baby's skin and keeping him feeling nice and dry while still absorbing to the max! So many options in one diapering system!

AppleCheeks™ cloth diapers bring you the ultimate in form and function, combining effective leak control with attractive styling. Imagine a dry bottom that actually looks good! Who knew? Also AppleCheeks™ reusable diapers come with full customer support, so you can invest in your child’s future knowing that they stand behind you.

How do you get your hands on this awesome package? well here goes:

Mandatory entry:

Visit Apple Cheeks web site and let me know what products you are interested in

Additional Entries:
Publicly follow Maxwell Designs and AppleCheeks™ Blogs using Google Friend connect (1 entry per blog)

"like" Maxwell Designs on Facebook (1 entry)

"like" Apple Cheeks on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow both Maxwell Designs and Apple Cheeks on Twitter (2 entries) - make sure to post your entry for each follow - Maxwell Designs =1 Apple Cheeks = 1
Subscribe to my blog in the reader

Go to my website and tell me which Wet Bag you love or would love to have (1 entry)

Purchase any Maxwell Designs product (10 entries)

Pre-order any Apple Cheeks product from Maxwell Designs (10 entries) you can enter multiple times for this one

Blog about this giveaway on your own blog (2 entries) leave a comment telling me where the post is and a link to the post

Take my button and add it to your site or blog (3 entries)
Tweet about this giveaway in your own unique way making sure you use the words "LOVE @maxwelldesigns @AppleCheeksDipe #giveaway #clothdiapers" anywhere in your tweet or you could use this tweet:
"WIN a Wet Bag & Little Bundles Kit from @maxwelldesigns @AppleCheeksDipe http://ow.ly/1SfKH ends 16/06 #giveaway #eco #clothdiapers"
(we love tweets so do it as much as you like - just make sure they are more than 2 hours apart)
Jump up and down and shout "I love a cloth tushie!" (1 entry per day)
Finally VOTE for me for Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1 vote per entry - vote as many times as you like - the more the better!!)

Good Luck
This Giveaway will end on June 16 @ 12 midnight (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry no exceptions.
OPEN TO ANYONE - However any extra shipping charges to anywhere outside of the Continental U.S or Canada will need to be paid by the winner (this will allow me to keep costs low in order to run more competitions - hope you understand)

Large Wet Bags now in stock

2010-05-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

It seems that everyone loves a good wet bag so here are some of my latest products. My large wet bags can fit 8 large prefolds so thats plenty of room for diapers or swim suits or to take things to the beach in - pretty much anything. My small wet bags are the perfect size to fit into your diaper bag whilst out and about too!

Winner of a Maxwell Designs Wet Bag & Essential Oils

2010-05-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

First let me say Thank You to everyone who entered, I had no idea it would be so popular. I got some great fabric ideas for new wet bags. I will be adding new wet bags all the time so visit my website to see if your favourite one is there.

CONGRATULATIONS

Winner #283 Heather Aguilar "web"

May 17, 2010 5:08 PM

Heather please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

Let me know in a comment would products you would like seen in future giveaways. Have an awesome day and once again, thank you to everyone who entered, I wish everyone could have won.

New Designs - Organic Cotton Canvas & Hemp

2010-05-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few new designs that are now available on my website http://www.maxwelldesigns.ca/ . Popcorn fabric, med size, black hemp $64.95. Autumn Leafs fabric, med size, organic brown cotton $64.95.
Wet Bags - small with snap closure handle $15.95

Maxwell Designs Wet Bag & Essential Oil Giveaway May 2010

2010-05-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Since cloth diapering Shia full time I have found I need a lot more accessories - such as the indispensible Wet Bag. These bags are useful for so many reasons - great for storing and transporting cloth diapers, wet and dirty items, wipes, even taking snacks to the park or pre-school...the list goes on and on.

I decided to add these bags to my line so that you can now match your wet bag to your diaper bag, change pad and sling - or use it on its own. Made from high quality designer fabrics with coordinating inner PUL waterproof material and zipper closure. Keep smells and moisture in whilst looking trendy on the outside.

My current line features a small wet bag (more sizes to follow) which measures 9.5" x 11" - large enough to fit 2/3 large prefold diapers and some wipes, small enough to fit into your diaper bag. There is even a strap for you to attach to your stroller or diaper bag.

To launch my new product I am giving one away to one lucky person - BUT WAIT - you will also receive a bottle of Tea Tree Essential Oils which you can use to freshen your wet bag by applying to the scent tab inside the wet bag.

Here is how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit my web site to see which fabric you would like to have your wet bag made in - come back and tell me which one in a comment.

Additional entries:

Follow my blog publicly (1 entry)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)

Blog about this giveaway on your blog or website (5 entries) leave a comment telling me where the post is and a link to the post

Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)
Let me know what Maxwell Designs products you are most interested in and why (1 entry)

How many words can you make out of the words "Wet Bag" - i.e: bet (you don't need to use all the words) (1 entry per word)

Purchase any product from Maxwell Designs and come back and tell me what you bought (10 entries)

Grab my button for your blog or web site - come back and give me the URL (5 entries)

Subscribe to my blog in the reader

Vote for Maxwell Designs on Top Baby Blogs

Tweet about this giveaway in your own unique way - just make sure to use @maxwelldesigns #giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)

or use this tweet ""I just entered to WIN a WET BAG @maxwelldesigns http://ow.ly/1IRSO #giveaway #clothdiapers #eco #bfcafe #babywearing ends 05/23" (1 entry for each tweet - leaving 2hrs between tweets)

Please make sure you enter your email address on each entry so that I can contact you easily if you win.

GOOD LUCK

Maxwell Designs Wet Bags soon to be available at baby on the hip, Toronto, Canada and Huckleberry Baby Shop, Nanaimo, Canada.

This Giveaway will end on May 23rd @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry no exceptions.

OPEN TO ANYONE - However any extra shipping charges to anywhere outside of the Continental U.S or Canada will need to be paid by the winner (this will allow me to keep costs low in order to run more competitions - hope you understand)

Winners of Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda

2010-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

I really wish I could have given this laundry soda to everyone who entered - I love it, but I had to choose only 2 and they are....btw I have no idea why they are blue but the numbers are:

No: 78 Heidi J "I didnt do laundry today as I did it yesterday"

No: 136 little Miss Emmy Lou " http://twitter.com/missemmielou/status/13280351573"

CONGRATULATIONS Ladies, please email me within 48 hours to claim your prize

Watch out for next weeks giveaway - its going to be a fun one!

Home dye update - the results

2010-05-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

So I am all done and I am super happy with my new prefolds of many colours. Here is the

'before' photo

'just addng the dye' photo

and the 'final result' photo

Heres one I made to match my 'GroBaby' diaper shell - I made a lilac one to match my other shell too.

I would encourage anyone who has basic prefolds to have some fun with colours - brighten up your babies bum from the inside out.

Maybe I should start selling them at Maxwell Designs?

Home dye update Part 2

2010-05-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, I had a devil of a time finding 'Soda Ash' in the end I gave up when I found out that it had WARNINGS all over it and that it may cause fumes when using - so I opted for a safer and more readily available product Dylon Cold Dye FIX - and I went dye crazy!! Photos to follow but I now have the following colour of prefolds - Green, Blue, Red and Lilac - they look great and I am very happy with the way they turned out - the green and lilac match my new GroBaby shell covers - an added bonus to home dying, you can match your prefold or cloth to your cover.......I am still in the rinse - wash process so will update you when they are all done.

Hand dying cloth diapers - part 1

2010-05-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

I have been using pre-folds for a while now but after seeing some dyed diapers on one of my favourite retailers otterbabies I was inspired to dye my own - I mean how hard could it be? Well not as easy as you would think. I thought I could do the most natural way I knew - with beetroot and blueberries (seperately not together) and set about soaking my pre-washed diapers for a few hours. At first the colour looked great, just what I was looking for, but after asking a very good friend of mine if I was doing it right she told me that vegetable dyes will not hold and will wash out within a few washes - back to the drawing board. Debby forwarded me a great article on dying cloth diapers and I found out I need in order for the dye to stay. So I went on Ebay and promtly bought my dye. I was so excited for it to arrive so that I could add some flare to my cloth diapers.

The dye arrived yesterday and after reading the instructions carefully I realised there was yet another ingredient I needed! I wish the seller on ebay had told me that. I now have to try to find Soda Ash - not an easy thing when you live in a small town with just one hardware store. So I am on the hunt for the alusive soda ash this afternoon -wish me luck. I really want to start the dying process tonight!

Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda Review & Giveaway

2010-04-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

TO ALL CLOTH DIAPER USERS - A MUST READ AND GIVEAWAY!

I had been cloth diapering my youngest Shia for over a year and recently started to cloth diaper him full time. I had cloth diapered my oldest, Maxwell, but got out of the habit when I couldn't find what I was looking for and didn't really know what I was doing. Since being a bigger part of the clothdiaper group on Twitter I have found a new love for cloth! So I went online and ordered some new prefolds from a store in Winnipeg, got Steve and Teghan (our babysitter) onboard and set about getting ready to "Go for it". I cleaned my wool covers and bought my diodegradable diaper liners and waited for my prefolds to arrive. I was super happy when they came and made sure I washed them a couple of times to get rid of the oils etc.
I was so ready for the switch and after a week of using cloth I thought it was going great. Needless to say Shia developed a very nasty bum rash and I felt so bad! it was all my fault. I narrowed it down to the type of laundry detergent I was using - NOT appropriate at all. Although it was great for our clothing - environmentally friendly, green and biodegradeable it should not have been used to wash my sons diapers.

So I did my research looking for the best detergent for cloth diapers and found Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda - the perfect product - and I could get it at my local green store, The Happy Tree, bonus!
Nellie's laundry soda is unscented and designed to penetrate the fabric as well as remove the odors, not mask them. Its biodegradable, hypoallergenic and leaves your diapers/clothes residue free. Its also super concentrated so you don't need as much so its more economical!.
I set it to use straight away - and was AMAZED at the results. The marketing isn't as in your face as some 'green soaps' have but boy does it do the job - and more! - its like the best kept secret! As I said I washed Shia's diapers with it and they came out smelling - well clean!! so soft, sweet and I knew I was in love. I then used it on my organic terry cloth for some change pads I was making and then put in a load of regular laundry and used another product of theirs the Oxygen Brightener. I LOVE the tin the brightener comes in (very retro) - and I intend to add my laundry soda to it when its done so it serves two purposes. Anyway everything came out feeling softer than I have ever felt it and again, smelling so sweet ( must be because it was now so much cleaner!).

Luckily for you, Jackie from Nellies has very kindly offered 2 x 50 load bags of laundry soda to 2 lucky winners! Here is how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Nellies All Natural website to see the rest of their product line - then come back and tell me what other product you would use.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

Become a public follower of my blog (1 entry) if you are already a follower let me know

Tell me your top tip for cleaning your cloth diapers (2 entries)

Tweet this tweet (copy and paste if you like) "I just entered to WIN Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda @maxwelldesigns #giveaway #clothdiapers #eco #green ends 05/07" (1 entry for each tweet - leaving 2hrs between tweets) (1 entry)

Tell me if you did your laundry today (1 entry)
Grab my button and post it on your blog or website (5 entries)
Blog about this giveaway on your blog. Be sure to link back to my site and leave the URL where you blogged in your comment (5 entries)
Follow @maxwelldesigns on Twitter (1 entry)
Post about this giveaway on Facebook (2 entries)
Subscribe to Maxwell Designs Blog in a reader (1 entry)
Vote for Maxwell Designs on Top Baby Blogs (1 entry)

Please make sure you enter your email address on each entry so that I can contact you easily if you win.
GOOD LUCK

I did not receive any payment or product for this giveaway. My original product was purchased by myself in order to be able to give honest and true comments. This Giveaway will end on May 7th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions. Open to Canadian & American residents only

New Designs - Hemp

2010-04-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Now available - Hunter Grey bag/purse, wet bag and custom change pads.

http://www.maxwelldesigns.ca/

Deals for the day

2010-04-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

In honour of Earth Day - I have drastically reduced my sale items on my website. You can also check out my latest bag designs and

wet bags while your there.

Winner of Abeego Snack Pack

2010-04-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the ABEEGO Snack Pack Giveaway is:

Congratulations to: sarps222 #6 "I follow you on Facebook".

Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

If you didn't win this time, dont' worry we have some more amazing giveaways over the next few months so keep entering and visiting.

Review of Maxwell Designs Diaper Bags & Win a Travel Change Pad

2010-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

From Confessions of a First Time Mom's Blog
"We all know how hard it is to find a diaper bag that is cute AND fits cloth diapers. Maxwell Designs makes room for both, and has a ton of extra features too. Insulated holders for bottles or sippy cups. Tons of extra pockets to carry everything a mom needs to carry. (And we all know that's a lot!)

When I tested out this bad I REALLY tested it out. Josiah pulled on all the seams and did just about everything imaginable. The construction is dare I say- Indescructable. I love my bag from her. They come in so many patterns and looks that it's hard to choose a favorite! Even now that I have one I want one I just saw in her "ready made" shop. And right now during customer appreciate, ready made bags and changing pads are only $64.95 and change pads $18.95!! Such a great deal.

These bags have been used by celebrities, semi celebrities, and us regular mom moms alike. Who doesn't want to carry around a bag used by celebrities?!"

Go to Confessions of a First Time Mom's blog to enter to win one of my travel change pads. Here is the jist of the competition.

"Maxwell Designs has generously decided to give away a changing pad to one lucky winner. It will be one of her in stock designs of your choice. This is a great prize!

Rules: Please make sure you are a blog follower before entering!!

Main Entry: Visit the Maxwell Design Site Ready Made section. Pick your favorite and let me know what it is. Good luck picking just one!

Extra Entries:

-Become a Facebook Fan of Maxwell Designs. (1 Entry)

-Follow Maxwell Designs on Twitter. (1 Entry)

- Become a Facebook Fan of my blog. (1 Entry)

- Follow me on Twitter. (1 Entry)

- Tweet about this giveaway mentioning both @maxwelldesigns AND @ashhan123. (1 tweet per hour, 1 Entry per Tweet.

- Jump up and down and say how much you want to win this contest. (2 entries)"

A new product has arrived!

2010-04-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have just added a new item to my growing inventory - wet bags. I am now making wet bags to either match your diaper bag/purse or change pad or use just on their own. Retailing at a very resonable price, just $15.95 they are made with a cotton outer, a PUL inner and zipper closure. Conveniently sized to throw into your diaper bag or purse you can take them anywhere - or use at home. Here are a few examples and you can find more on my website maxwelldesigns.ca

A more eco-friendly way to travel

2010-04-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly after 4 years I am finally back on a bicycle! I sold my last one in our house move when I was 4 months pregant with Maxwell. So its been a long time since I used my legs that way!! This weekend Steve went out and got us both new bicycles and a trailer for us to take the kids with us - what fun!
I even biked to and from pre-school with my boys today - its not a long way but at least I left the car behind and got some exercise :-)

Fantastic Eco-Friendly product

2010-04-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

I visited one of my awesome, fantastic, eco-friendly retailers recently (The Happy Tree Co.) in Terrace and was so happy to find this amazing product. In my quest for more eco-friendly finds I came across one that is not only unique, cute and very practical but one that essentially uses the same fabric I do in my bags - PLUS it smells wonderful. It reminds me of honey and all things 'natural'. I use it daily to carry around apples and dried fruit for my boys and they love opening and closing the packet as it is so easy for them to use. The company, created by Toni Desrosiers, is Abeego - "Created by Nature, Crafted by Hand".
According to their website "Abeego came to life one year ago as a result of (Toni's) fascination with nature and (her) growing dissatisfaction with plastic. Through months of trial and error (she) discovered the perfect blend of natural ingredients, closely mimicking the useful qualities of plastic while eliminating the unsavory attributes. Creating an original, handcrafted, natural alternative to plastic food wrap has been a wonderful and rewarding experience".
According to their website "Abeego is committed to providing a natural food storage solution that is good for you and the earth. Abeego is natural, reusable, eco-conscious food packaging created using hemp/cotton fabric infused with a blend of beeswax and plant extracts. The fluid-resistant coating keeps food fresh and is easy to clean. Simply hand wash Abeego in COLD, soapy water and enjoy the long life of this plastic free, durable product. Choose from our three styles, the Abeego Wrap, the Abeego Snack and the Abeego Flats".

Toni has very kindly sent me an Abeego Snack pack to give away and she wanted everyone to know Abeego encourages customers to shop locally whenever possible. Abeego is available in many locations across Canada and they have a list of retailers on our website. All of the stores that Abeego deals with are independently owned. I should also mention that if you do live in Terrace, this awesome product is available at The Happy Tree Co. If your local eco store doesn't carry this product, let them know you are interested and they may stock it!

What you need to do to win:

Mandatory entry: tell me what your babies/toddlers/or even your favourite healthy snack would be to put in your Abeego snack holder.

Addtional entries:

Follow my blog publicly (1 entry)
Grab my button and add it to your blog (5 entries)
Blog about this giveaway on your blog or website (5 entries)
Follow Maxwell Designs on Facebook (1 entry)
Tell me your favourite eco-friendly find (1 entry per find - as many as you like)
Follow @maxwelldesigns on Twitter (1 entry)
Tweet about this product in your own unique way - please make sure you add @maxwelldesigns #eco #green in the tweet (make sure you leave the url of your tweet) - tweet as often as you like - at least 2 hours apart (1 entry per tweet)
*Make sure to add your email address on every entry as (for example) maxwelldesigns at hotmail dot com*

This Giveaway will end on April 19th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions. Open to Canadian & American residents only

More New Designs

2010-04-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Visit my website to purchase any of these bags http://maxwelldesigns.ca/

New Designs - Organic Cotton Canvas & Hemp

2010-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Link to Fabulous blogger Everythingmomandbaby

2010-03-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Erica @ Everythingmomandbaby for a shout out about Maxwell Designs and its new retailer Baby On The Hip in downtown Toronto - Read here

Becoming an "Ecoholic"

2010-03-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Its only been in the last few years (since I had children) that I have really started to question where everything I buy, use and cook comes from. I used to LOVE going to Wholefoods in Kits when I lived in Vancouver. So many wonderful choices. The produce was amazing with so much variety, so many colours and flavours. I miss it VERY MUCH. There is no such thing here in the North. We are now, however, doing what we can by shopping at a different supermarket in order to get more organic produce and more variety. We also have a small but fairly decent health food store.

I am now starting to take this organic thing very seriously (my husband is not too keen and fights me most of the time) and I know with time and results we will all see the benefits. I am also spurred on by the most amazing book I just got, you may have heard of it "Your guide to the MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY information, products and services in Canada - ECOHOLIC (When you're addicted to the planet)" Adria Vasil, copyright 2007, Random House. It covers everything from hair dyes to food to clothdiapers to cellphones. There is also one called "Ecoholic Home: The Greenest, Cleanest and Most Energy-Efficient Information Under One (Canadian) Roof " which is next on my list of must haves.

Over the past few months I have been so tired burning the candle at both ends that I had been drinking up to 3 cups of coffee a day (thats not a lot I might hear you say, well it is if you only ever drank 1). I thought the extra caffine would give me a boost and help me cope with the tiredness, but it only made me feel even more tired! So I forced myself to go back to 1 cup a day.
I decided that if I was only going to have 1 cup then it would have to be the best cup of coffee I could find. I had no idea there was so much to coffee. According to Adria Vasil "As a nation (Canada), we consume 118 million kilograms of roasted coffee beans each year" and that there are 7 different coffee lables to look out for, I will be as brief as possible.
"Certified Organic: no chemicals used in the growing or processing, composting done, weeds pulled by hand...GMO-free...

Certified Fair Trade: Grown by small-scale farmers who are fairly paid...ecologically sensitive practices..to ensure product is sustainable and conservation-orientated..but not guarenteed to be organic...

Shade-Grown: Planted the traditional way, under the forest canopy, which attracts migratory birds

Bird-Friendly: Shade-grown and certified organic...

Rainforest Alliance-Certified: Shade-grown by family farmers using integrated pest management practices..

Green Coffee: Not necessarily eco-friendly - this term just means you roast it yourself..

(and this one is my favourite)

Biodynamic: Take organic coffee, fold in the cycles of the moon and stars, sprinkle in some crystals and complicated rituals and you've got..a cup of holistic biodynamic joe"

To cut a long story short amongst other organic delights I bought today (more on them later) I did manage to find this treasure. I think I covered a couple of the most important basics (and the man on the packet looks quite happy too!) such as: Direct Fair Trade (read more about this at levelground.com) British Columbia Certified Organic and apparently "this coffee boasts a nutty, chocolate flavour, citrus and honey notes and a long pronounced finish". I have to say I am very impressed with the flavour and smoothness of this coffee and will now be on the look out to try to fill all the above criteria in once cup - does that coffee even exist?

There are so many gems in this book that I urge you to get hold of a copy from your local library, borrow it from a friend, find a good used book store or maybe I will have a giveaway soon - its a must read and one book you will find hard to put down.

Do you have a favourite coffee or a coffee that others would love to know about?

Customer Appreciation at Maxwell Designs

2010-03-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

We have been in business for 3 years and we feel its time to give back. Check out our "Ready Made" section of your website to see our incredible pricing of $64.95 on our medium Eco-friendly Diaper Bags/Purses. *website only pricing, does not apply to "make your own" at this time.

New Designs - Organic Cotton Canvas & Hemp

2010-03-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Cooking with the kids

2010-03-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to think of healthy snacks for everyone but especially for Maxwell my pre-schooler and I found the perfect one at Todays Parent.
I am not in the habit of posting recipes (although I was a Pastry Chef in my previous life so they will show up from time to time)so they have to be MM good for me to post them and super quick and easy. Trust me, this one is REALLY good and good for you! I am gradually going all Organic (or as much as I can get hold of in my small town) so I will let you know what I used as Organic below.
These really are so delicious - so delicious in fact that I didnt have time to take photos - they were gone that quickly!!! Shia, my 17 month old loved them, as did I. Note: if you are not planning on eating them all in one day its best to put some in the freezer and get them out as you need them - that way they will stay fresher longer.
I also have an AMAZING zuccini bread recipe that was given to me by my best friend so if anyone wants that one just let me know.

RASPBERRY OAT BRAN MUFFINS
Ingredients

1½cups (375 mL) whole wheat pastry flour (organic wholewheat flour)
1cup (250 mL) oat bran
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1tsp (5 mL) baking powder
1tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
3/4tsp (4 mL) salt
1 omega-3 egg (organic free run eggs)
¼cup (50 mL) canola oil (organic)
2/3cup (150 mL) unsweetened applesauce (organic baby apple sauce - perfect size)
2/3cup (150 mL) agave syrup or honey (organic honey)
1/2cup (125 mL) toasted, chopped pecans (optional) (loved adding these)
1½cups (375 mL) fresh or frozen raspberries (organic fresh - taste was amazing)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oat bran, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat egg and oil. Whisk in applesauce and agave syrup.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet in thirds, combining until just mixed. Add nuts, if you’re using them, then gently fold in raspberries.

5. Line muffin-pan compartments with paper cups, or oil lightly, and spoon in batter. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and tester comes out clean. Cool on rack.

6. In 1 muffin: 198 calories, 4.4 g protein, 5.9 g fat, 35.5 g carbohydrates, 3.8 g dietary fibre

New Designs - Organic Cotton Canvas & Hemp

2010-03-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Giveaway to help raise awareness of SIDS

2010-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

I found this blog whilst on Twitter and couldnt help but ball my eyes out! why you might ask? It was certainly nothing to do with the writing but all to do with the subject! (Thankfully) I have no idea how it must feel to lose a child , I can only image. The two ladies who run this blog are raising awareness of SIDS and having their first fantastic giveaway. I have been asked if I would spread the word about it, of course I said yes!

The blog is:

City Mom, Country Mom: Who wants free stuff? - A GIVEAWAY!

here is the direct link http://ow.ly/1nA5D

And here is what you could win.

Option 1: Earth Mama Angel Baby - Light of My Heart Candle

Nurturing Aromatherapy Candle

Option 2: Halo Innovations SleepSack Wearable MicroFleece Blanket

HOW TO WIN: Mandatory - Leave a comment on the blog with your name and email address, along with two simple words "I PROMISE"

What's this promise we speak of? It's a simple one really... a promise that you will share a website (no, not CityMom-CountryMom), but THIS ONE: FirstCandle.org with just ONE other person out there. Why? Because the only way we're going to help reduce the risk of SIDS and the number of babies gone too soon is by spreading awareness. So, won't you help in our fight? We hope you will!

Oh, and that's it! We don't want anything else - well, maybe just a hug :)

BUT HURRY THIS GIVEAWAY ends March 18th! - Spread the word

Winner of Bramble Bean Wool Diaper Cover

2010-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS

The winner of the Bramble Bean Wool Diaper Cover is lucky number comment 118 according to random.org. Congrats!!

Sugar Dipes
http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10480302650

March 14, 2010 12:06 PM

Maxwell Turns 3 - Its Wiggle Party Time

2010-03-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, its true. Maxwell turned 3 just yesterday - he is a running, jumping, laughing, cheeky, chatty, odd sometimes, loveable little boy. I did say in my first post on this blog that I probably wouldn't go all out and do a theme party and all that work again - WRONG. I blame my significant other, Steve, for planting the seed. While watching Maxwell's favourite show he pipes up "Hey, I could dress up as Captain Feathersword for Maxwell's birthday - how tough could that job be!" Oh little did he know what that would mean.

So I set about making his costume. It all went really well--I think. The only thing I couldn't make or get was the hat! I looked everywhere. But I think it turned out quite well....I also thought about the 'loot bags', and how I could make them different. So this time I decided to make everyone a t-shirt with the Wiggles logo on it and deliver them the night before - that way everyone at the party would look the same and they would have a nice t-shirt to remember the day. Everyone got some bubbles at the end too.

I made the cake again, but this time it was an organic chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and cream, with chocolate frosting..yummmm.

I convinced Steve to answer the door to all our new guests and greet them as Captain Feathersword, which he relunctantly agreed to do ( I believe he secretly enjoyed it in the end). The kids had mixed feelings - the little ones crying at first but they soon got used to it. It is definalty a party we will all remember for a long time and one I have very fond memories of - Happy Birthday Maxwell - we love you! Oh no! how am I going to top this one!!!

More New Designs

2010-03-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

Winner of custom made bracelet

2010-03-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

The winner of the Fabulous Eco-friendly Find - a custom made bracelet is lucky number comment 11 according to random.org. Congrats!!

thecrunchywife wrote

I voted for you!!

March 1, 2010 10:36 AM

New Designs - Organic Cotton Canvas

2010-03-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some quick photos just to get a flavour of what is to come - I will add more content soon. Any comments would be welcome.

New Designs

2010-03-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am thinking about adding a new bag to my line - a small bag which can fit a diaper or 2, some wipes, a wallet, keys and phone. It would have an adjustable strap pockets too. Would anyone be interested in this type of product? What would be your price point? Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you

SPECIAL OFFER - UNTIL MARCH 21ST

2010-03-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Maxwell turning 3 this month Maxwell Designs is giving a limited time offer of
20% off your ENTIRE order
Diaper Bags, Custom Made Diaper Bags , Change Pads, Custom Change Pads, Baby/Toddler Slings and Onesies.
Please use max3 as your coupon code at checkout.
Happy Shopping
(price cannot be adjusted afterwards).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXWELL

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Bramble Bean Wool Soaker Review & Giveaway (3/06)

2010-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

When I first started down the road to finding the perfect cloth diaper for me I didnt know where to start. When I took a closer look at one of my retailers (Huckleberry Baby Shop) I came across these very cute wool covers and was immediatly drawn to how practical they were. I had been using pre-folds for a while but wasnt happy with my covers. So I purchased 3 covers just to try them out and LOVED THEM. I would throughly recommend them to anyone. I have found them extremely easy to use and clean. Shia looks super cute in them and just loves wearing them. As a side note, Melissa, the creator behind Bramble Bean, was in active labour when she was finishing off my wool covers! Way to focus Melissa.

Melissa had always loved to "give old things a new life" and started using cloth diapers when her middle son was born. With the help of her friend Cristi @ Huckleberry Baby Shop she started to research wool and how it could be used as a diaper cover. She made a pattern and set out to find a sweater to felt. Melissa likes to use only Reused-Recycled-Rescued or Repurposed materials in her projects. This is now a passion of Melissas and she is dedicated to creating eco-friendly products that are North American made.

SO MANY BENEFITS: Naturally anti-bacterial, breathable, able to absorb 30% of its own weight before it even gets damp. They are tempreture regulating and once lanolized they are water repellant, an excellent choice for sensitive skin, reduces and/or even eliminating diaper rashes. They need a little extra laundering care but do not require washing as often and are essentially self cleaning - urine reacts with the lanolin to form a soap, only needing a gentle wash every couple of weeks, sometimes longer and are naturally odour resistant.

How do you decide what size is right for your babies needs? Take a look at her simple sizing chart and see your options, while you're there check out her other wonderful designs and a handy guide on how to wash your covers. I personally use eucalan - a no rinse delicate wash enriched with essential oils. I use the lavender and grapefruit not just for my diapers but for sweaters too. They smell so good!

PRICE: 8/10 EASE OF USE: 9/10 LAUNDERING: 10/10

One lucky winner can find out how fantastic these wool covers are by entering to win one here.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Huckleberry Baby Shop and tell me what Bramble Bean soaker you would love - AND - visit this link and comment on another Bramble Bean product you would like to try for an additional entry.

More Additional Entries:

2. Publicly follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you follow.

3. Follow @maxwelldesigns on Twitter and tweet "I just entered to win a Wool Diaper Cover @maxwelldesigns ends 03/16 http://ow.ly/1f7l8 #giveaway #eco friendly #clothdiapers"
4. Subscribe to Maxwell Designs newsletter leaving a comment after you subscribe.

5. Blog about this giveaway and comment with the URL for (2) extra entries, make sure to leave seperate entries.

6. Add Maxwell Designs button to your blog or website and comment with the URL where it can be found for (3) additional entries.

7. Vote for Maxwell Designs Blog by clicking on this link Top Baby Blogs (1 entry per vote - you can vote as many times as you like) leave a seperate comment for each entry.

8. Follow Bramble Bean on Facebook leaving a comment telling me you follow.

9. Follow Maxwell Designs on Facebook leaving a comment telling me you follow.

The opinions expressed here are solely mine and I have not received any product or been paid for this giveaway.
This Giveaway will end on March 16th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions. Open to Canadian & American residents only

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Save water bathe with a friend!

2010-03-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

My littlest hobo Shia has been quite ill recently with a suspected broncial infection which has left with him with a very raspy voice, a runny nose and he is not happy AT ALL. The only time he seems to actually seems to rest is when he can sleep on Mummy. I feel like I have a newborn again which has its cute factor but also the no sleep factor that we were just getting out of.

We have always been eco-friendly when it comes to saving our water, we use a water filter, drink water from the tap, take short showers and since we have 2 small boys we bathe them together. Since Shia has been ill the bath has been a life saver for me, its a small respite from the crying and being generally unhappy. I think that we have been very lucky in that fact that both our boys love baths. There was a time in Maxwells life where he would cry the whole time he was in the bath and hated to be in it for longer than a minute. Luckily he has grown out of that phase and loves bathing with his little brother.

For me it is one of the happiest times with my boys. I don't think there is anything cuter than two of the cutest bottoms standing naked in front of a bath dying to get in and test the water. Shia is now at the stage where he is so eager to get in he lifts his leg up and tries to crawl in, we have just caught him before he goes head first into the bath on a couple of occasions as he just can't seem to wait to get in!!

I have found that no matter how sick my boys are a bath is a sure fire way to get a few minutes of no crying and perhaps a little laughter thrown in - and then I get to see the cute bums running away from the diaper afterwards which is another one of my all time favourite times with my babies.

Do you have a favourite time with your little one/s? Those first few minutes of eye rubbing when they wake up and are in your arms? waving bye bye and blowing you kisses when you have to run some errands and they watch you from the window? I would love to know.....

Everything mom and baby: Eco Conscious Hemp Diaper Bag-Maxwell Designs

2010-03-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

This was a wonderful review done on one of diaper bags. This bag was purchased so it is an honest and informed review. everything mom and baby: Eco Conscious Hemp Diaper Bag-Maxwell Designs

Ahoy there my harties - fabulous shoe find

2010-03-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

As a women I think I I lack one essential gene - I DO NOT HAVE A SHOE COLLECTION! I don't know why that is! Don't get me wrong I can appreciate a great pair of shoes as much as the next women but I maybe have 3 pairs of 'girly' shoes and 3 pairs of runners. My husband has more pairs of shoes than I do!! HOWEVER.....I am definatly making up for it with my two boys. I have lost track of the amount of shoes I have now bought them, and they are only 3yrs and 16 months. I just love the fact that (generally) they are under $40 and that I can buy good quality shoes that are actually good for my boys feet (unlike my high heels and wedged toes!).

This is my latest pair I bought for Shia, my youngest. I was immediatly drawn to the cool factor and the fact that they were leather and a great price (Jam Tots in Victoria, B.C). I absolutley adore them, and I was very surprised when they arrived in about 3 days!! I was also impressed by how super soft they were! To be honest my best friend had been talking about them for years but I had been fighting getting them as I had never heard of them before and loved my Pedipeds and Robeez. I love the fact that they actually fit Shia. I have found with every pair of my Robeez that they fit very long and boys have average size feet so when it says 16-20 months they still fit Maxwell at 36 months.

So I guess my "shoe collecting gene" was just laying dormant and waiting for my boys to arrive so I could live vicariously through them - I am loving my new gene!!

Do you have a favourite 'shoe designer' for your little one/s? Would love to know..

Features of these shoes are:
• A true soft-sole shoe that can be used Indoor and Outdoor • Non-toxic, breathable, premium 100% cowhide leather • Soft, flexible and skid resistant TPR sole • Genuine suede lining • 3mm cushioned soles and cushioned ankle protection • Ultra-light and flexible providing ultimate comfort • Velcro makes it easy to put on and stay securely in place • Perfect for pre and new walkers • Recommended by Podiatrists

Fabulous Eco-Friendly Find

2010-02-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

I came across an Eco-friendly crafter whilst on twitter Saturday who blew me away with her eye catching and beautifully coloured designs. I loved her work so much that I had to buy this necklace and bracelet that very same day! Melissa of Sew Sweet Stitches uses recycled felt and vintage buttons to create some of her amazing designs. I only have one problem now...who to give it to!!! Do I give it to my Mum (whom I love dearly), my Nana (who is still into fashion at 92), my best friend (who loves unique one of a kind treasures (or keep it for myself!). I would love to share Melissa's story and give one lucky person the chance to win the bracelet shown below or to work with Melissa on a custom made bracelet.

"I first began using felt to make hair clips for my little girl. Whenever she wore them we got lots of compliments, which gave me the idea of selling them online. Soon I was using the embroidered flowers on other projects like coffee cup cozies, which has become my most popular item. Lately I've been exploring other creative uses for felt, such as jewelry and accessories.

There are many kinds of felt available, but the kind I mostly use is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It's called Eco-fi. While Eco-fi doesn't feel quite the same as wool felt, it has many advantages. It's washable, inexpensive, and of course helpful to the environment. According to Eco-fi's manufacturer, it takes 700 years for plastic bottles to begin decomposing. Over 56 million plastic bottles have already been made into fiber this year alone. The bottles are washed and stripped of labels, then crushed into flakes. The flakes are melted and the plastic fibers are extracted, then processed into many kinds of fabric to be used for carpet, clothing, and home furnishings"

I absolutely love that Melissa has taken a recycled product and made beautiful jewelry from it. You can also email her direct for more information on any of her products @ sewsweetstitches_on_etsy@yahoo.com. If you would love to own a one of a kind piece from her collection here is how you can enter:

You must become a public follower on Google Friend Connect on my blog to enter this giveaway
If you are already a follower just let me know.

There are so many ways to enter!! you can do some or all of the below. Please leave a seperate comment of each additional entry:

Entries:

1. Tweet about this giveaway up to 3 x a day. Don't forget to leave a link to your tweet. Feel free to tweet this "I love #eco friendly products & want to win a one of a kind bracelet @maxwelldesigns #giveaway ends 11/03" (1 entry)

2. Go to Sew Sweet Stitches on Etsy and come back here to tell me which of Melissa's products you love the most and why (1 entry)

3. Tell the next person you see they look amazing today (1 entry)

4. Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to link back to my site and leave the URL where you blogged in your comment (2 entries)

5. Link to me and grab my button for your blog or webpage (5 entries)

6. Follow @maxwelldesigns on twitter (1 entry)

7. Sign up for my blog newsletter (2 entry)

8. Follow @SweetStitches on twitter (1 entry)
9. Vote for me at Top Baby Blogs - just click on this link. Vote as many times as you like. (1 entry per vote)
10. Do one eco-friendly act today - make sure you come back and tell me what you did (1 entry)

This is not a paid post, I purchased this giveaway personally as I wanted to be able to share Melissa's gorgeous products with you. Melissa very kindly agreed to share her story and create a custom made bracelet if you choose this option rather than the one featured. All photographs are the property of Melissa.

Be sure to include your email address in EACH comment so I can contact you if you win. To prevent bots from picking up your email address and sending you spam, please enter your email address like this: "maxwelldesigns at hotmail dot com")

This Giveaway will end on March11th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and I don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions. Open to Canadian & American residents only

Good Luck

2010-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

If you would be interested in a Organic Cotton Baby/Toddler Sling from Maxwell Designs as a giveaway leave a comment telling me so - If I get enough comments then I will run one

Crocs Away

2010-02-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have never been a huge crocs fan on adults - I don't know what it is but they just look strange - but on kids they look extremely adorable!! Maybe its because toddlers/babies/teenagers can get away with wearing virtually anything and can look super cute in the process. I bought Maxwell a pair and jazzed them up with some jibbitz to make them more unique - lots of Toronto Maple Leafs and Thomas The Train's. He is still just curious about them although he has attempted to wear them around the house on occasion.

Anyway I was researching "10 things you didn't know you could recycle" and guess what popped up on the list - Crocs!! I was so surprised (maybe I have been living under a rock this whole time and everyone else knew!). Apparently "a new program (by the) Crocs company (is recycling) .. beloved shoes that will be given to someone (for free!) in an impoverished country".

According to SQUIDOO "As of the start of 2008, the Soles United program has .. already given away more than 1 million shoes!
If you or your family are Croc's wearers here are 3 easy steps to making sure you (and someone else) can love and enjoy your Croc's to their full potential (curtesy of SQUIDD)

WEAR - You've already got this step down, I'm sure. Wear your Crocs, enjoy your Crocs, decide you need more Crocs. But at some point, the tread on the bottom starts to smooth out and the tops begin to look a little scruffy. It's time for a new pair
SHARE - Rather than toss your Crocs so they fill the landfill, drop them off a Crocs retailer, authorized donation center or ship them back to Soles United. (Hey another great benefit of the light weight of a pair of Crocs - it won't cost much to ship!)
RECYCLE - Once Soles United receives your shoes, they'll be sorted, cleaned, ground up and turned into new Soles United footwear. These shoes are made out of 20 percent recycled proprietary Croslite material and have the Crocs recycle logo imprinted on the top
DONATE - Once the Soles United shoes are made, they're boxed up and shipped out (with help from Brother's Brother Foundation and Feed the Children) to organizations that can make sure the shoes reach those who need them"

Needless to say I think I will be changing my mind about Croc's and taking a fresh look at their latest trends - and if I really can't get to grips with them - I know someone will!

Check with your local Crocs retailer to see if they're an official drop-off point.

Or mail your worn-out Crocs shoes to:
Crocs Recycling - West, 3375 Enterprise Avenue, Bloomington, CA 92316
Crocs Recycling - East, 1500 Commodity Blvd, Lockbourne, OH 43137

New Additions to Maxwell Designs

2010-02-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce some very exciting new additions now available at Maxwell Designs:

As well as the many colours of eco-friendly hemp I have in stock (Black, taupe, blue, green and natural) I now have Certified Organic brown canvas available as a fabric option in the Diaper Bags. Produced from environmentally friendly materials and fabrication methods using sustainable fibers and low impact dyeing methods.

I am also adding a new style of rectangle ring for the adjustable shoulder strap. PRE-ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN. Visit my website to order today @ Maxwell Designs I am also adding some more exciting fabric choices like these ones shown here.

Maxwell Designs Products

2010-02-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

Did you know....

Maxwell Designs not only makes the best Eco-friendly Diaper Bags on the market (now with adjustable straps! numerous pockets and an insulated bottle holder), we also make Baby/Toddler Slings in Organic Cotton. One size fits all, nurse discreetly, use from birth - 2yrs +. Our Travel Change Pads can be used anywhere you need to change your baby, the sofa, the car, the bed, even the change table! and they are machine washable. We also make baby clothing and we offer gift wrapping for all your products. Custom bags are our speciality! I can match your bag sling and change pad with your favourite fabric choice. Be sure to check out my website for more details.

Winner of RiNGLEY Teething Toy

2010-02-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the RiNGLEY Natural Teething Toy Giveaway is:

Congratulations to: Heidi J #35 I follow you on twitter

Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

If you didn't win this time, dont' worry we have some more amazing giveaways over the next few months so keep entering and visiting!

What we did today!

2010-02-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a little insight in to my amazing family. We live in Terrace, B.C and usually at this time of year we are elbow deep in snow - but not this year. There is literally no snow on the ground, the sun shines virtually everyday, its warm (although the wind chill does make it a lot colder than it appears) and my boys are getting cuter by the day!

Here is my youngest, Shia and Maxwell with his friend Emma who came over for a hug awwww!

It was a great morning playing in the park!

2010-02-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

My first Celebrity Gifting!!

Let me be a little indulgent for a moment please...

I am so excited to show you the gifts that I sent to Jenna Elfman for her new little boy. Now I know what you are thinking "don't celebrities get enough free stuff?" and on the whole I would tend to agree with you but once in a while a person comes along who you like, you watch their shows, they have children the same age as yours - on some level you connect. This is why I choose Jenna. I had seen her on Letterman recently talking about her oldest son and his train set he got for Christmas and how excited he was - I totally got what she meant as we had bought Maxwell a train set too. She is also one celebrity who cares about our environment and that should be celebrated no matter who you are. Doesn't every mom deserve a gift?

Congratulations Jenna on your up and coming new baby boy!

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Is feedback a good thing or something to be feared??

Well I think it can go both ways - it depends if you are open and receptive to feedback and on how it is delivered. When I started out making my bags I had no real idea what my future customers really wanted in a diaper bag. To start with I didn't have as many pockets as I do now. Then it was only 2 on the inside, no bottle holder and my fabric choice was great but not the quality I was ultimatley looking for. Starting out I used a poly/cotton blend and whilst it had the thickness I was looking for it just didn't measure up to the durability and quality of the hemp I now use.

By listening to my customers, the cloth diaper community and my retailers I was able to change my original design and add features customers felt were important, more pockets, insulated bottle holder, splashes of colour rather than all over. My latest feedback from my retailer Huckleberry Baby Shop in Nanaimo, B.C was that an adjustable strap would appeal to more people.

I thought about this one long and hard as I had resisted adding any metal or plastic into the bag in order to keep its eco-friendly integrity. After talking this over with a very good friend of mine she pointed out that as long as I choose a metal that was eco-friendly it was a much better option than plastic.

So, at this point I am very happy with where I am at, although I am sure that might change if my current and future customers/retailers give me more feedback :-)

Colour of hemp available currently: black, taupe, blue, natural and green

2010-02-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Just want to let you know whats coming up:

Thanks to some of my specialty retailers and friends in the blog world I have the privilage of being able to giveaway some eco-friendly products which I know you will LOVE xxx

FEB Wool Soakers by Bramble Bean

MARCH Cloth Diapers and more by Otter Babies

MARCH Blog redesign plus extras by Aqua Poppy Designs

APRIL Eco-friendly hemp diaper bag by yours truly Maxwell Designs

2010-02-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Funny - or just ranting??

I haven't written anything for a couple of posts so I thought I would just throw in this little nugget! Having 2 boys is very tiring (as I am sure some of you know) so when all the housework is done, all Maxwell Designs orders are done - basically when there is a little bit of time to relax I occasionally like to have a nap (don't we all?). So when Sunday rolled around I was very excited to be able to have some time to myself to rest - this is what my husband did with his relaxing time!

That's right!!! he organised his tool box!!

I mean who has time for that???

2010-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Canada Eh!

Its Olympic fever here in Canada, in fact the Olympic Torch recently visited my home town of Terrace, B.C. Canada (a huge Thank You to Teghan LeBlond, for her wonderful Olympic Photos!)

To celebrate all things Canadian one of my retailers, Tara @ The Happy Tree Co. has kindly given me a fantasic product to giveaway which is 100% Canadian made and eco-friendly.

A RiNGLEY Natural Teething Toy

- Made of 100% Certified Organic Cotton and natural untreated maple wood
- Maple wood is one of the strongest, safest types of wood for children to have in their mouths (will not splinter).

-RiNGLEY provides two very different textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs.

-RiNGLEY provides babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs

- Terry cloth is used for the body of the toy

- Made free of dyes and without harmful chemicals
- Use wet or dry. Ages 0+

-ASTM toy safety standards
-Retails for around $16
- Handmade in Canada

To enter to win this amazing product you must first complete the MANDATORY ENTRY - email happytree@telus.net and put in the subject line "RiNGLEY Teething Toy @MaxwellDesigns" - you can copy and paste if you wish (be sure to include your email address in EACH comment so I can contact you if you win. To prevent bots from picking up your email address and sending you spam, please enter your email address like this: "maxwelldesigns at hotmail dot com")

If you really want to win you can earn an additional 10 entries by doing the following (Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL IN EACH COMMENT!):

Link to us & "grab my button" in the right-hand column and post it somewhere on your blog or websites home page. (2 entries)

Follow Maxwell Designs Blog (3 entries) WHO DOESN'T WANT MORE FOLLOWERS ??

Follow @maxwelldesigns on Twitter (1 entry)

Write about this giveaway on your blog and leave the URL (2 entries)

Tweet tweet tweet about this giveaway - you must include the following "I want to win a Ringley Teething Toy @maxwelldesigns" (1 entry)

You can also become a Fan on Facebook of The Happy Tree Co - (1 entry)

This Giveaway will end on Febuary 19th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and we don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions. Open to Canadian & American residents only.

GOOD LUCK!

2010-02-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Phase one of our Grand Competition has now ended

Thank you so much for all your entries

I have been overwhelmed at the response and so have decided to draw 2 runner up prizes as well (not sure what they will be yet but they will be good!)

I will be picking a winner later today so make sure you check your emails..

And the winners are:

1st
Little Miss Emmy Lou
2nd
annathanmagz
3rd
ecofriendlyandfrugal

(drawn via Random.org)

*if everyone could please check their emails to see what their prize is and if you were one of the ones who got a $10 G.C

I have another awesome competition starting on Friday to celebrate the olympics so check back then

Thank you again everyone :-)

2010-02-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

What did I do before playdates! (ode to Friends)

(this is only my opinion by the way, but if you agree, somewhat agree or totally disagree I would love to hear from you)

I LOVE my neighbours and friends, and heres why....

Having 2 toddlers and being a SAHM is hard enough on any Mum, (I grew up in England so forgive me for not using the term Mom, its force of habit) but to do it without the help and support of family close by can be very draining on our partners and our relationship we have with them.

We moved to Terrace over 3 years ago not knowing anyone - Terrace for those who don't know is about 2hrs flying time from Vancouver, Canada, near Alaska. Anyway my partner started his new job and I was 4 months pregnant with our first son Maxwell. I started my business to keep busy and then the rest of the time I walked to coffee shops and wrote lots and lots of letters to friends and family, I watched movies, I cleaned the house - anything to keep me busy and not realise how lonely I was.

After Maxwell was born I felt even more isolated as we only had 1 car at the time and we lived quite far from the town centre and didn't know our neighbours - I had no-one around to ask questions or get advice from, or get a break...

Anyway getting back to my original focus, we moved just over a year ago and I now have the BEST NEIGHBOURS! I am quite shy when it comes to meeting new people but I made the effort to get to know Jannine, my neighbour who directly faces our house first. Jannine is a hoot (read very funny), especially when I can see her playing her Wii system in her living room - very amusing for me anyway! About 4 months ago we had a new neighbour move in - Shauna - who had a 3 yr old girl (who is the sweetest little girl you can imagine) and a 7 month old baby boy (adorable!).

Voila! we got to know each other and started having play dates. But oh how its grown!!! there are now 5 of us lovely ladies who get together every week with our collective - 9! yes I said 9 children and its a life saver. Now I know where the term "it takes a village to raise a child" comes from. Just being able to sit down and vent or ask advice is such a relief.

But it seems to have taken a new direction today - Shauna was up until well after 11pm making muffins for the playdate!!! And just to top it off she didnt think they were up to our "standards" so she was up again at 6.30am to bake a fresh batch!!! I have to say that they tasted delicious!!! but the bar is set very high now and I would hate to be the next in line to host the playdate...(can it be at Jannines house next??? :-)
Jannine, Shauna, Chris & Colleen - see you at next weeks playdate :-) Who's bringing the muffins?

2010-02-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

So its competition time @ Maxwell Designs

This is a multi-tiered competition in that all the gifts 'go together'

This is phase 1

Phase 1 - win a Travel Change Pad & Cotton Onesie from Maxwell Designs (Feb)
Phase 2 - in association with Otter Babies & Ditching Disposables 2 - win an awesome array of items! (more to follow) (March)
Phase 3 - win a Maxwell Designs Eco-Friendly Diaper Bag to put all your goodies in.... (March/April)
I may also throw in a few surprises too along the way

So how do I enter I hear you ask...well here is how

FIRST you must complete the MANDATORY ENTRY - Go to the Maxwell Designs website and tell me what other products you are interested in. (Be sure to include your email address in EACH comment so I can contact you if you win. To prevent bots from picking up your email address and sending you spam, please enter your email address like this: "maxwelldesigns at hotmail dot com")

After completing the mandatory entry above, you can get additional entries by doing any or all of these tasks (INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL IN EACH COMMENT!):

Follow @maxwelldesigns on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are a follower (1 entry)
Follow Maxwell Designs Blog leaving a comment telling me you are a follower (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway you must include the following: I want to WIN a Travel Change Pad & Onesie from @maxwelldesigns http://ow.ly/13udE. Be sure to include your twitter ID with a permalink. Each tweet is (2 entries). Limited 2 tweets per day. (Copy & Paste as it is, to prevent errors in your tweet). If you get a 'Duplicate Post' notice from Twitter just add the RT to the beginning.) You may tweet twice daily
Blog about this giveaway before Febuary 10th to get 3 entries and leave a comment with the link. (3 entries)(You must blog 'About' the giveaway on your blog and include links back to this blog. For each of the three entries you must comment that you have blogged about this review & giveaway and include the URL of the post on your blog)

Link to us & "grab my button" in the right-hand column and post it somewhere on your blog or websites home page. Then copy the exact page address from your browser window and post that in the comment box. Note: If it takes me more than about 30 seconds to find it on your blog it will not count, please don't put it on a hidden page or on one of those really long scrolling blog rolls (2 entries)

Follow publicly by using Google Friend Connect (1 entry) Then come back here and post that you follow my blog.
You can also become a Fan on Facebook and leave a comment (1 entry)
Subscribe to our newsletter on Facebook (1 entry)

1st Phase Competition runs from Febuary 3rd 2010 - Febuary 10th 2010

This Giveaway will end on Febuary 10th @ 12 noon (Pacific time). A random comment will be chosen. The winning comment will be verified at that time, so if you said you follow the blog in your comment and we don't find you in the follow list, we will choose another winner. The winner will be contacted by email the following morning and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received within 48 hours the winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions.
GOOD LUCK!

2010-01-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

How did I get here?

Who would ever imagine that I would go from being a SAHM of 2, to owning and operating my own company - certainly not me!. Here is a little history on how MDesigns was 'born' - this is an excerpt from the first article written about me and my company.

"A stay-at-home success" by Kat Lee, Terrace Standard Oct 7th 2009

"A stay-at-home mom has taken an idea and her sewing machine and turned it into an emerging business that sees her eco-conscious baby products being sold worldwide.

The idea for Maggie Chilton's home-based business Maxwell Designs started when she was four months pregnant with her first child, Maxwell. She was looking for a diaper bag, but didn't want to go to a big box store and didn't want it to look like a diaper bag.

Then she got a $400 sewing machine and she hasn't looked back, making baby products that are Eco-friendly.

She uses hemp or natural cotton materials to make her designer diaper bags, slings, change pads and baby clothes.

Her first Christmas Craft Fair in (Kitimat) in December 2007 was successful enough to urge (her) to set up a booth at the Farmers Market in Terrace in (2008)".

So there is a little about how I got here. I now have 10 retailers in Canada and the States and have sold as far a field as South Korea and Ireland. I truly love what I do and I get such a buzz out of creating products that people use on a daily basis and have more often than not, had a hand in designing.

My product has been through a few changes since 2007 but I think I have come to a point where I am very happy with my product and the level of quality I look for in a product. I love feedback and always take peoples suggestions and ideas into consideration.

If anyone is thinking of starting a business from home making products - all I can say is "just go for it" - I have met the most amazing people through Twitter, Facebook, Blogging and so on - I had no idea there was such a huge community of women out there who care so much about their environment, how we see it and how we can make it better......until next time...here is a picture of the little person who inspired a company.

2010-01-28T13:50:00.001-08:00

When deciding what the first post of 2010 should be, my mind wandered to my oldest Son's upcoming 3rd birthday bash. What was I going to do? I don't think I want to go the 'theme' route, or go all out - after all its really the parents who get the most out of children's birthdays for the first few years isnt it?

I thought back to my youngest son's 1st birthday party were I went all out and made virtually everything myself - with an eco-conscious theme running through it. Here is a little of what I did. I throughly enjoyed making everything but it was a big undertaking and I am not sure I would go that far again.

I made biscotti instead of adding the usual candy to the loot bags - (chocolate orange) - mainly for the parents to enjoy as they get left out most of the time.

I monogrammed all the napkins with all the guests initials. The napkins I made as a keepsake idea out of flannel and made the initials out of felt.

I made all the loot bags out of felt and appliqued designs to make them more colourful. I asked Tara, one of my retailers, at The Happy Tree (Terrace), if she would donate some samples of soap nuts and discount coupons and she happily agreed. I also asked a friend if she would like to offer a discount on her photography packages.

I also made fleece hats for all the 'older guests' and stroller blankets for the little guys. After all Shia's birthday is in October and it gets pretty chilly here in the North.

I think a great time was had by all, I certainly enjoyed making everything and thinking of each child I was making it for. The only money I spent was on the food for the day (we wont go into that little chestnut :-) and I made the cake instead of buying one. After all that, would I do it again.....absolutely.

NEXT MONTH WE ARE HAVING A HUGE GIVEAWAY MONTH!!

a diaper bag in association with Otter Babies

who will be filling it with wonderful cloth diapers!!

a baby/toddler sling

and so much more...

Keep coming back to make sure you dont miss out on how to enter to win!

2009-05-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Visit our website @ http://maxwelldesigns.ca/ for our latest designs

2009-05-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Some reasons for choosing hemp

THE BEAUTY OF HEMP

Hemp is known as the strongest fiber; over twice as strong as cotton. Hemp fiber is the most durable of all natural textile fibers. Products made from hemp will outlast their competition by many years. Not only is hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. This prevents hemp garments from stretching out or becoming distorted with use. Apparel made from hemp will likely last longer and withstand harsh conditions.

Hemp fabrics soften and improve with washing, like linen. Simple washing improves the fabric, softening it, filling in gaps and adding smoothness and luster. Hemp will become more beautiful and lustrous with washing .

Hemp is the rarest of fibers: new, natural, and luxurious. Its surface reflects light with a subtle luster. Its warm tone and the pattern of its texture have the elegance of refined rusticity. It is simply beautiful

http://maxwelldesigns.ca