HIPPOS TOES LAUNCH IS HERE!!!

It's finally here! I can't believe that it's finally launch day!! It seems like we've all been waiting forever for it!!! Please visit, Hippos Toes, to see the new fall children's clothing line. Hippos Toes features fair trade children’s clothing made in South Africa by Bug Zoo. I am passionate about the clothing the difference Hippos Toes/Bug Zoo is making in women’s lives. The women that make these unique and adorable children’s clothing are mom’s that have very limited income opportunities in South Africa. Typically the type of employment they find is as Domestics (housekeepers), or nannies. Making clothing for Bug Zoo allows them a new opportunity to use skills that they have and that they should be proud to offer. They very much enjoy the opportunity to use their skills to make these adorable, whimsical and fun children's clothes. They are paid fair wages and work under good working conditions, which are not easy to find in their country.

The clothing designs are typically nature inspired to bring awareness and love of our natural environment to your child. The designs change every season (spring and fall). I have already had the opportunity to preview the spring '09 line and it is just as adorable as the fall '08 line. I'm sure you won't be let down. The quality of the garments is also top notch. Because they are made by hand, and with love, this is apparent in the clothing. Another reason why I am proud to bring this clothing line to you.

Also be sure to read my About Us page on my site so that you can learn a bit more about Hippos Toes, and why I feel so passionate about offering these adorable clothes to you!Please have a look around Hippos Toes. I am sure you will be just as excited as I am. In honor of my kickoff, I am offering a 15% discount. Please use discount code HT15, good for the month of October! Start shopping and enjoy!!! :)

Launch Day is Fast Approaching!!

My official launch date is almost here. I will be launching my new website, Hippos Toes, on Thursday, October 9th. If you don't know about the clothing let me tell you a little something.

Hippos Toes features fair trade children’s clothing made in South Africa by Bug Zoo. I am passionate about the clothing the difference Hippos Toes/Bug Zoo is making in women’s lives. The women that make these unique and adorable children’s clothing are mom’s that have very limited income opportunities in South Africa. Typically the type of employment they find is as Domestics (housekeepers), or nannies. Making clothing for Bug Zoo allows them a new opportunity to use skills that they have and that they should be proud to offer. They very much enjoy the opportunity to use their skills to make these adorable, whimsical and fun children's clothes. They are paid fair wages and work under good working conditions, which are not easy to find in their country. I am hoping to feature some of these darling women on my blog so that you can get to know a little about them. They are very shy, many of them cannot read or write, so the fact that they are willing to allow me to ask them a few questions means a lot to me, and I'm honored if they will let me do this for them, and for you!

The clothing designs are typically nature inspired to bring awareness and love of our natural environment to your child. The designs change every season (spring and fall). I have already had the opportunity to preview the spring '09 line and it is just as adorable as the fall '08 line. I'm sure you won't be let down.

The quality of the garments is also top notch. Because they are made by hand, and with love, this is apparent in the clothing. Another reason why I am proud to bring this clothing line to you.

Also be sure to read my About Us page on my site so that you can learn a bit more about Hippos Toes, and why I feel so passionate about offering these adorable clothes to you!

Please have a look around Hippos Toes. I am sure you will be just as excited as I am. In honor of my kickoff, I will be offering a 15% discount on my blog. So please visit my blog - http://hippostoes.blogspot.com/ on Thursday to get your code - and start shopping :)

South African lover.....like me.......

I met a darling lady over the weekend at a restaurant where I was ducking in from the rain that popped up out of nowhere. Had my little guy in his stroller so we made a fast break for this little coffee shop/bistro type of restaurant. Anyhoo, I noticed this older couple, and the husband had a South Africa t-shirt on. I couldn’t resist, I had to ask if they were from SA. Turns out they have visited there several times, Durban and Capetown. They absolutely love it, as do my husband and myself. We got to talking about the country and how beautiful It is and how gentle and innocent the people are. Of course we also discussed the crime issue. South Africa does have issues with crime, which is unfortunate, because it is such an incredible country. Well it turns out that out that she has a niece living there. Basically we just chatting for about 15-20 minutes about the country and how much we love it. Of course I told her about Hippos Toes and the clothing line that I sell that is made by local women living in the townships. http://tinyurl.com/5j4sva

She was so excited about it. She has been to the townships so she understands the need for income opportunities that these people face. Especially the women that do not have many opportunities to earn an income and they have children and families to support. Oftentimes, they are the sole breadwinner in their families so they must find work that pays a fair and honest wage under good working conditions. That is what the manufacturer of these clothes provides. They can employ from 50+ women, depending upon the orders. My goal is to employ as many of these women as I can, that is why I am selling their clothing. Not only are the designs unique and adorable but the quality and workmanship is excellent. And most importantly it employs these women so that they can earn money to feed and clothe their own families. I am going to try to do some “interviews” with some of these women an feature them on my blog periodically so that you can get to know the women that make these incredible clothes, and that you will come to care about them as much as I do.

I’ve rambled on enough for today. I was just so re-energized after speaking with that kind women that I felt the need to tell you all about it too. Please be sure to visit my website on October 9th and see the adorable clothes for yourself. It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas (smile). Sign up for my newsletter! I am planning to have a giveaway as well at launch time so you must come back for that!