Cypriana Home is now Cypriana Baby!

Demand for natural and organic products for baby was so high that Cypriana is now focusing solely on items for babies and parents.

Please visit our new site and see all of the wonderful new products we have to offer, along with your favorites (Ecobaby, Jammies, Mother-Ease and more)!

- Organic clothing and accessories
- Organic bedding
- Organic bath products
- Organic diapers
- Diaper bags
- Gifts
- and so much more!!!

Cypriana ~ organics for baby

Organic Holidays

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Here we are again. Nearing the end of 2009, getting ready to launch into 2010 and, hoping against hope that the economy improves, jobs get more plentiful, and our uneasy feelings are pushed aside and replaced with peace and goodwill.

I love almost all things organic, and I want to share this website www.organicholidays.co.uk and book with you, Organic Places to Stay by Linda Moss, a comprehensive guide to organic and sustainable holidays. It details places to visit (and stay) around the world that are eco-friendly and organic.

Enjoy the Inn at Valley Farms, a bed and breakfast in Walpole, New Hampshire, which is situated on 105 acres of certified organic farmland. Or, try a Macrocruise experience. Macrocruise is a sailing yacht charter with certified organic products on board. Macrocruise charters yachts from several bases along the Croatian coast, from Istria and the island of Krk in Northern Adriatic to Sibenik, Primosten, or Dubrovnik down south. They promote a lifestyle that includes the use of organic and environmentally friendly products for nutrition and households, as well as vegetarianism. When you arrive, you will find the fridge and shelves of your onboard kitchen stocked with organic groceries.

In addition to places to stay around the world, you’ll find a Marketplace listing tours, workshops, restaurants, green weddings, organic beer and, of course, a tractor driving lesson at the Gwarmacwydd Farm in Pembrokeshire. Even if you can’t find the time and money this year for a much needed vacation, maybe you’ll find it next year. This is a very worthwhile website to peruse when thinking of your next vacation.


Happy Holidays from Cypriana,
Susan Thomas

Visit Cypriana online for great gift ideas ~ natural and organic products for baby, bed & bath!

Start a New Holiday Tradition - Eliminate the Usual Gift Giving

We are so accustomed to giving gifts to one another during the holidays that it seems automatic or obligatory. I'd like to see each of us look at gift giving in a different context this year.

The gifts of Christmas should be the togetherness and love of family and friends, good food and music. My family - 2 sons and their wives and my son's father and his wife - decided to stop the Christmas gifts several years ago. We always ended up giving gift certificates to each other because none of us needed anything special at that particular time of year. We have always given to each other all year long when important or meaningful items would appear.

The gift giving has so much more meaning when it's directed to those who have very little or nothing: the gift of a new coat or shoes to a foster child, food to the food banks, money to the local mission for meals for the homeless and volunteering your preciouis time to help those in need.

As the years have passed, both daughters-in-law and their families have stopped the gift giving. And, as we all tell our friends and they tell their friends the movement to stop the meaningless gift giving has started. We still give to the children, but once they graduate from college, they know the stress of gift giving ends. If we teach our children at a very young age how truly special the gift of time and giving of our ourselves can be, we will find that "Peace and Goodwill to All" is not just a Christmas story. You might be surprised how many giving ideas your children can think of, a really special Christmas tradition could begin this year.

Happy Holidays!
Susan Thomas
Cypriana

Comfort Yourself Organically During Labor

During pregnancy, it’s easy to think about everything you need to stay organic and keep your baby and yourself healthy. Labor is a whole different story. You need to pack that all important “labor bag,” a bag of everything you need for one of the most important days of your life. How can you make sure you have it all? Maybe your doctor or midwife gave you a list or maybe you did some research yourself. We decided to help you by providing a list of some of those “must have” items to take with you during that special-yet-crazy time:

• Lip balm. There are many options for organic lip balm available on the market. You may not realize it now, but your lips will become very dry; think of all of that labor breathing you will be doing. Keeping your lips moist helps so much with your comfort level. You will have a lot more important things to focus on.

• Lotion. Your lips aren’t the only thing that will be dry. Try one of our many lotion options before, during and after labor. This will help ease those moments of discomfort. Plus your partner will need something to do and a nice back rub will probably hit the spot.

• Towels. Yes, the hospital will have towels for you, but they will definitely not be organic. Sterile, yes, organic, don’t plan on it. You need towels for everything from keeping you cool, to keeping you dry. We offer many sizes and colors (to help from getting them mixed up with those rough, white towels at the hospital).

• Nightgown. Some hospitals will insist you wear those awful, itchy gowns. However, it is your choice, so why not be comfortable? You can find organic hospital gowns online; you can even find gowns ready to help you with nursing without the need of a nursing bra.

• Diaper bag. Even before your bundle of joy arrives, you will start lugging that all important bag. For your first few days, you will need diapers, baby’s going-home outfit, baby socks and hats and organic blankets. You want something durable, cute and, of course, organic. We have it all with so many options.

• Nausea relief. Using ginger root or organic hard candies helps relieve nausea. You can find both at most grocery stores. Have them on hand during labor and your miserable tummy will ease up quickly without any side effects to you or your baby.

Of course, this is a starter list of a few items you may need. Be sure to ask your doctor or midwife if she thinks there is anything else of importance that you should bring. We hope this list will ease your labor and make your day as easy as possible. Best wishes from Cypriana, your one-stop online shop for organic products for baby, bed and bath!

8 Body Care Toxins to Avoid

When you shop for body and hair care products, avoid products with these potentially harmful ingredients:

1. Mercury and thimerosal
2. Lead or lead acetate
3. Nanoparticles
4. Placenta
5. Hydroquinone skin lightener
6. Phthalates
7. Petroleum by-products (e.g., 1,4-dioxane)
8. Fragrance

Thanks to Green America for providing these useful tips for going green.

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Shop our online store now for all-natural and organic products for baby, bed & bath!

Cypriana's Kent Store is Closing

Dear Customers,

This is a sad day for Cypriana, but we have to tell you that, due to the current economic conditions, we have decided to close our downtown Kent store. Our closing date is October 30, 2009.

Storewide sales are happening now:

Towels and Bedding - 30% discount
All other items - 20% discount
Furniture & Fixtures - Priced as marked

Our website www.cyprianahome.com will continue to operate, and you may order 24/7 through the web store.

Thank you for your support.

Susan Thomas, Cypriana

New Jammies Rompers

If you are looking for comfortable, breathable playwear for your baby, consider one of Jammies’ adorable organic rompers. Available in Baby Blues-berries and Apple of My Eye, these rompers are made with 100% organic cotton and are available in 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Your baby can be comfortable and stylish with these cute-as-a-button organic baby rompers!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

First Avenue Block Party

If you love fun and supporting local businesses, then mark your calendars for the fifth annual First Avenue Block Party, scheduled for Friday, September 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. First Avenue South will be blocked off between Gowe and Titus Streets to make room for live music, local artists, a beer garden, restaurant specials and more.

In celebration of our first anniversary, Cypriana will remain open Friday night until 8 p.m. and will offer refreshments along with our anniversary sale. Stop by Cypriana during the block party and save 20% off storewide on all of our merchandise, except our custom slipcovers. The block party is a fun, community-oriented event so come out, meet your neighbors and enjoy food, refreshments and entertainment in historic downtown Kent!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Shop during Cypriana’s September Anniversary Sale – Save 20% Storewide

To celebrate Cypriana’s first year in business – and the launch of our new webstore – we are offering a 20% discount storewide for the entire month of September. Save 20% off on all organic baby clothing in our Kent (Washington) store and our webstore, organic baby bedding, organic towels, bamboo bedding, natural soaps and lotions and more! Stop in or shop online to see our customers’ favorites as well as our newest merchandise including BellySock Nursing products and That Baby CD and DVD, great for new moms and dads! (Sorry, but the 20% discount does not apply to our custom slipcovers.)

Cypriana’s organic baby line includes essentials for babies and new parents, and they make great gifts, too! Shop today and save 20%, now through September 30, 2009. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please ask us. If we don’t carry your favorite natural or organic products, we’ll research them for you!


Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Cypriana Celebrates Anniversary, Launches Webstore for Natural & Organic Baby, Bed & Bath Products

August 25, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cypriana Celebrates Anniversary, Launches Webstore for Natural & Organic Baby, Bed & Bath Products



Kent, Washington, August 25, 2009 – To celebrate Cypriana’s first year in business, owner Susan Thomas announced a storewide anniversary sale of 20% off all merchandise during the month of September. The sale includes all in-stock merchandise including DreamSacks bedding, Area linens, Nandina towels, organic baby clothes and bedding, diaper bags, baby accessories and gift items, natural soaps and lotions and more. In addition, Thomas announced the launch of Cypriana’s new webstore, http://www.cyprianahome.com which has been in the works since early spring.

“I’m passionate about providing natural, chemical-free and organic products to the Seattle community. Some of these products are difficult to find though, so I want to make them available to consumers outside Seattle as well,” Thomas said.

In an effort to live a healthier lifestyle, Thomas, a cancer survivor, developed the concept for Cypriana as she tried different natural, chemical-free and organic products. She opened her store in downtown Kent in September 2008 to offer difficult-to-find natural and organic products to others who, for a variety of reasons, want to eliminate toxins and other chemicals from their lives. Thomas also created a blog, http://cyprianahome.blogspot.com, to offer information about ways to go green, shift to a more ecofriendly lifestyle, list product recalls, explain why organic cotton is better and more.

“There is such a need for this type of information,” Thomas said, “But you have to know where to look for it.”

Though the economy has impacted her business, Thomas has a steady flow of traffic and her product lines remain popular, especially the organic baby clothing, bedding and accessories.

“The babies keep coming and parents want the very best products for their babies,” Thomas said. “Cypriana offers a wide range of organic and natural products for babies including clothing, bedding, toys, diapers and more. These products cost a little more, but parents can rest assured that their babies are getting top quality merchandise they can feel good about.”

Located at 205 First Avenue South in downtown Kent, Cypriana specializes in providing natural and organic products for baby, bed and bath. It is one of the few stores in the Kent area to carry such items. In addition to the brick-and-mortar store which is open Tuesday through Saturday, Cypriana now offers an online store which is open 24/7 so customers can shop at their convenience. The September anniversary sale applies to all merchandise, except for Cypriana’s custom-made slipcovers. For more information, visit the store online at www.cyprianahome.com.


Please contact Cypriana for additional information or to schedule media interviews.

Susan Thomas, owner
Cypriana, the natural home store
205 First Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
253-850-0162
www.cyprianahome.com

The ABCs of a Healthy, Green Baby Shower

In case you missed our July newsletter, here is a great article we found posted by Stephen Franson, written by Christopher Gavigan, on the Healthy Child Healthy World site.

Especially during pregnancy, it’s usually best to keep it simple, healthy, and pure. Here’s our simple approach - with help from the ABC’s - to plan a baby shower that celebrates the life and health of the baby, as well as the Earth she’ll be living on.

Ask everyone to forgo fragrance. Avoid exposure to phthalates by making it clear in your invitations that this event is scent-free.

Buy eco-friendly decorations. Use potted plants, artfully arranged twigs, rocks and shells or even crystal bowls filled with seasonal fruit (a la Martha Stewart) for lovely, natural decorations.

Clean up using eco-friendly supplies. Look for natural products or use kitchen ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Dish up food on compostable or reusable dishware. Use your good china to really make the day feel special (and reduce an enormous amount of waste). Or go second best by using eco-friendly disposables. Check out The Biodegradable Store, Earthshell, or Royal Chinet.

E-vite your guests. Using email invitations (like evite.com) is a great way to quickly get the word out and track RSVPs. It’s also better for the environment (no paper, no waste, no fuel emissions from sending invites, etc).

Find the most natural setting. If you can have it outside, great! If not, at least choose a venue that will respect your green ideas.

Get your green game on. Choose waste-free games and provide green prizes like natural personal care products or soy candles.

Have a good time. This goes without saying, but really – after all this planning - just enjoy yourself during the party.

Inform your guests that this is a green shower. Make sure your requests are clear, so none of your guests feel awkward from missing the memo.

Judge not. Make sure that no matter what shade of green a guest is, she feels welcome and appreciated.

Know your guests. Some may take a little more cajoling to make the green jump.

Look for local. Whether it’s food or flowers, try to find all of the products you need from local vendors.

Need help? Ask! Hosting a green baby shower can take a lot of preparation. Have a team to help.

Opt for organic. Look for foods and beverages with the USDA Certified Organic seal.

Plan far in advance. Coordinating any type of party takes time. When you’re trying to make it as healthy and green as possible, you should start even earlier.

Quench your thirst with pure beverages. Keep mom and all her adoring guests healthily hydrated with filtered water (not bottled). Have a pitcher and plenty of glassware available.

Register for green gifts. Make it easy for your guests to find the perfect green gift by having the mom-to-be register at on-line stores such as Cypriana, Maple Grace, Our Green House or Better for Babies.

Strive for zero-waste. Use dishware instead of disposables. Look for products and packaging that are recyclable or compostable.

Try not to get neurotic. Do what you can and let go of what you can’t.

Unwrap. Encourage guests to rethink wrapping. Use a baby blanket, a pretty silk scarf, or a recycled paper gift bag.

Ventilate. Keep fresh air flowing by opening a window (even just a crack, for a few minutes if it’s winter.)

Write eco-friendly thank yous. Use e-cards to send your thank yous. Some services will even allow you to embed a video. (Your guests would love to see your new baby!)

eXamine gifts. I know you’re never supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth, but after your guests leave, decide which gifts are keepers. Just because your Aunt Mary gave you a bottle of expensive baby lotion (with risky chemical ingredients) doesn’t mean you should slather your new baby in it for sentiment’s sake.

Yank some plugs. (Hey, there aren’t many verbs that start with “y”.) Save some energy by unplugging unnecessary electronics and appliances.

Zip your memories. Have everyone email you their images and video and then zip them into a file to send to everyone else. You’ll save the memories of the day and save paper and chemicals by allowing everyone to only print what they love.

Source: Healthy Child Health World, posted by Stephen Franson, written by Christopher Gavigan









If you are not currently subscribed to Cypriana's monthly newsletter, you can sign up on the right hand side of the blog or send your name and email address to us, and we’ll add you right away! If you sign up now, we’ll send you a coupon for 10% off your next purchase.

Cypriana’s web store is now open!

Now you can shop at Cypriana 24 hours a day, seven days at week. Cypriana, your one-stop shop for environmentally-healthy, organic home and baby products has sprouted a fresh new web store at www.cyprianahome.com, where we will be able to serve our customers from around the country.

At both our store in downtown Kent and our virtual location, our mission is to offer quality products that are environmentally-friendly and home healthy while supporting fair trade. Our new web store will feature the same great customer service you expect from Cypriana, as well as our growing knowledge about the benefits of natural fiber and eco-friendly products.

At Cypriana, we are committed to providing safe, quality products that are gentle on you, your baby and the Earth. Stop by our cyber-store today to see what’s new at Cypriana!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

What do you give the graduate?

When I think of summer, I think of graduations and what a promising time of life that it is. It is such an exciting time of renewal and adventure as students move on to the next phases of their lives. Knowing what to get your favorite graduate can be challenging though. Will he be going off to college or traveling? Is she furnishing her first apartment, or moving across the country for her first job?

No matter what your graduate will be doing next, a DreamSacks comforter or throw is an ideal gift. Made with bamboo, DreamSacks products are a thoughtful way to wrap your graduate in warmth and softness, no matter where life takes him or her. DreamSacks come in a handful of neutral colors to match any décor and style, and they wash up beautifully. If you’ve never felt bamboo fabric, stop by Cypriana today to see why DreamSacks make perfect graduation gifts. One touch and you’ll be convinced!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Area linens are heavenly!

Cypriana just started carrying the PEARL line of area linens, a heavenly line of all-natural sheets and pillowcases. Available in three natural colors (cement, ivory and shadow), these luxuriously soft linens are made from 100% organic cotton sateen. In addition, the sheets are not available in sets so mixing and matching is easy. Choose the sizes and colors you want!

These sheets may be a little pricier than standard household linens, but they are made to last and are so wonderfully soft. They’re clean, simple and worth it.

Leave Dirt at the Door: How Taking Off Your Shoes Can Improve Your Health

By Laura Dern


In many cultures it's customary to remove your shoes before entering a home for spiritual or practical reasons.

And as a mom, I encourage the practice because I want a clean home. But taking off your shoes not only helps keep your home cleaner, it also helps keep it healthier. Think about it. Where have the bottom of your shoes been? If you've stopped to fill up your car, you can track home gasoline on your feet. If you've walked through a freshly treated lawn or putting green, you can track home toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Seemingly benign dirt can have traces of lead in it. You walk through it, then you walk through your home leaving traces on your rug, your baby crawls past, and then stops to put her hand in her mouth. Get the picture?

The professional cleaning industry estimates that we track 85% of the dirt in our homes in from the outside on our shoes or paws of pets. In a recent warning about lead exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically recommends that shoes remain outside the house. According to a report called The Door Mat Study, lead-contaminated soil from the outside causes almost all the lead dust inside homes. It notes that wiping shoes on a mat and removing them at the door cuts lead dust by 60 percent. The study explains that limiting the amount of dust and track-in may also help reduce exposure to lawn and garden pesticides, wood smoke and industrial toxins, mutagens, dust mites, and allergens.

Wiping our shoes off as we enter the home reduces the amount of contaminated dirt tracked in. Large mats, that cover two or three strides, will ensure that even those that refuse to wipe will leave most of the dirt clinging to their shoes on the mat rather than your carpet

The BEST solution is to take off your shoes as you enter your home. It is a good excuse to buy some great socks or slippers. And your flooring will stay clean as well as keep dirt and potential toxic threats from getting into carpets. If going shoeless is not acceptable to family members, suggest that they wear house shoes (that don't go outside), slippers or socks.

And walking around in soft slippers, socks, or barefoot does another wonderful thing - it helps us relax and unwind.

Sources:
EPA, Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil
Housekeeping Solutions, Floor Care: Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
Small Property Owners of America, The Door Mat Study


Susan Thomas, owner
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Cypriana Newsletter Archives

If you aren't a subscriber to the Cypriana newsletter, sign up for free ----> on the right hand side of the blog. If you've missed an issue, you can always view our newsletters here:

http://www.ymlp81.com/pubarchive.php?CyprianaHome

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

"Think Spring" with Slipcovers from Cypriana

Now that spring is here, many of us are anxious to see the sunshine, plant some flowers or greenery, and do our proverbial “spring cleaning.” Whether you are cleaning house or just clearing the mental cobwebs, spring is also a great time to try a new look for your home.

If you are ready to put away those heavier winter fabrics and try a lighter look this season, consider recovering your furniture or having slipcovers made for your pillows, duvet or bedding. Slipcovers are an easy, affordable way to revamp your look for spring!

Stop by Cypriana to see our selection of traditional and organic fabrics. With hundreds of fabrics to choose from in a variety of price ranges, you’re sure to find a design that you love.

Think spring,

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Mark Your Calendars: Wine, Women, Wow - May 8

Join Cypriana and other local businesses like Mary Kay, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Silpada, Holland America & Catalyst Travel, Arbonne, Earthworks Gem Design Studio and more at the ShoWare Center on Friday, May 8, 2009 (6 to 10 pm) for the fourth annual Wine, Women, Wow. This fun event features wine sampling, complimentary appetizers, shopping, pampering and more.

Tickets are available now for $21 each, or $26 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Kent Downtown Partnership and the YWCA's Domestic Violence Program. Mark your calendars - you don't want to miss this great "girls only" event!

For more info. or to purchase your tickets, visit Wine, Women, Wow online or call the Kent Downtown Partnership at 253-813-6976. We hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Cypriana Brings a “Green” Twist to Downtown Kent

Frustrated with trying to find natural and organic products, Susan Thomas created her own solution. She opened Cypriana ~ the natural home store at 205 First Avenue South in downtown Kent last fall. At Cypriana, Susan offers local shoppers an alternative to traditional products which often contain harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, the environment-savvy shopper can find an array of natural and/or certified organic products for the home, including:

- DreamSacks bedding – luxuriously soft bedding made from bamboo
- Nandina towels – plush bath linens that are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and eco-friendly
- Organics for baby – Under the Nile, EcoBaby Organics, Mother-ease diapers, and more
- Running Wild Spirit soaps and lotions – handmade in Washington

In addition to these and other natural products, Susan makes custom slipcovers in traditional and organic fabrics, as well as personalized embroidery. If you’re looking for a way to update your home’s look without replacing your furniture, stop by Cypriana to see all of the custom decorating options available.


Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Freshen your guest room with custom bedding

Do you have a guest room that needs freshened up? Maybe it has old bedding, faded pillows or just doesn’t match your home’s current décor? If so, Cypriana can help. We can design and create custom bedding to turn your old dusty guest room into a cozy sanctuary. Using contemporary or traditional styles and everything in between, Cypriana can create duvet covers, accent pillows, pillow shams, bed skirts and more.

We have hundreds of fabrics to choose from including a selection of organic fabrics. We have something to fit every style and budget. Stop by Cypriana today and see how easily we can revive your guest room!

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store