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
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Making of a Green Mom
by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff
I’ve always been a pretty sustainably-minded person. My father is a professor at UCLA whose specialty is Native American literature; I grew up going to pow-wows and taking cross-country trips to the Badlands. My nickname in college was, embarrassingly, “Flower.”
But, like most of us, my eco-focus stopped at water conservation and recycling. I bought conventional cleaning products because that’s what I was used to—even though I saw the “natural” cleaners on the same shelf, I wrote their claims off as marketing rather than turning over the bottles and comparing the labels.
I didn’t really make the connection between the environmental impact of how I lived until I met Christopher Gavigan at Healthy Child Healthy World. I was nine months pregnant with my third child, and we met to discuss my how I could become involved with the organization once the baby was born.
We sat in his no-VOC painted office filled with oxygen-emitting plants and as he explained to me what his mission and focus was I basically had a panic attack. We talked about lead and VOCs in paint, furniture and carpets; I was in the process of remodeling my house and had been living and working as the workmen stripped old paint and installed new carpets. He told me about pesticides and how they work their way up the food chain; I vowed to eat less meat and make it organic, and to buy locally produced food as much as possible. I went home and got rid of all my chemical cleaning products after learning how much they contributed to indoor air pollution. When my baby was born, I took Christopher’s advice and used BPA-free bottles after breast-feeding. With the other two babies I had used disposable diapers; with this one I alternated between cloth, flushable inserts and chlorine-free disposables in a pinch.
I started doing my own research. And I quickly realized how much of an impact the things I bought for myself and my family have on the environment—and the marketplace. For example, most clothing is made of cotton, which is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, accounting for 25 percent of all pesticides used in the U.S. according to the Sustainable Cotton Project. It takes an astounding one-third of a pound of pesticide to make one t-shirt and two-thirds to make a pair of jeans. (Dump a pound of flour into a bowl and keep that visual in mind the next time you go shopping.)
Let’s say one manufacturer makes the decision to buy conventional cotton, and a second manufacturer decides to make a similar t-shirt in organic cotton. They make the shirts, and put them side-by-side in a store. Now if everyone in that store has made the decision to not buy conventional cotton t-shirts but buy organic cotton instead, that regular cotton t-shirt will go unsold and the other will sell out. The next time the first manufacturer goes to make his shirts, hopefully he'll choose organic cotton. The organic cotton farmer will have more business. There will be more competition in organic cotton and the price will go down. And so on.
This analogy could be applied to food, makeup, furniture, clothing, cars—I was astounded at how simple and easy it was for me to think outside of the box when it came to shopping. Just putting a fresh perspective on it also helped me look closer at whether I truly needed something, or just wanted it. When I did end up in a shopping situation, I looked at labels and origin and typically ended up putting back on the rack what I might in the past have purchased.
So I stopped buying so much. And when I did, I tried to buy clean and green. Organic cotton denim. Paraben-free makeup. Recycled gold jewelry. Formaldehyde-free nail polish. When other women complimented me on what I was wearing, I told them, and typically they were amazed when they realized the eco-options that were out there. It’s no longer about granny panties and granola. Sustainable style is today’s haute couture.
Cypriana ~ the natural home store
I’ve always been a pretty sustainably-minded person. My father is a professor at UCLA whose specialty is Native American literature; I grew up going to pow-wows and taking cross-country trips to the Badlands. My nickname in college was, embarrassingly, “Flower.”
But, like most of us, my eco-focus stopped at water conservation and recycling. I bought conventional cleaning products because that’s what I was used to—even though I saw the “natural” cleaners on the same shelf, I wrote their claims off as marketing rather than turning over the bottles and comparing the labels.
I didn’t really make the connection between the environmental impact of how I lived until I met Christopher Gavigan at Healthy Child Healthy World. I was nine months pregnant with my third child, and we met to discuss my how I could become involved with the organization once the baby was born.
We sat in his no-VOC painted office filled with oxygen-emitting plants and as he explained to me what his mission and focus was I basically had a panic attack. We talked about lead and VOCs in paint, furniture and carpets; I was in the process of remodeling my house and had been living and working as the workmen stripped old paint and installed new carpets. He told me about pesticides and how they work their way up the food chain; I vowed to eat less meat and make it organic, and to buy locally produced food as much as possible. I went home and got rid of all my chemical cleaning products after learning how much they contributed to indoor air pollution. When my baby was born, I took Christopher’s advice and used BPA-free bottles after breast-feeding. With the other two babies I had used disposable diapers; with this one I alternated between cloth, flushable inserts and chlorine-free disposables in a pinch.
I started doing my own research. And I quickly realized how much of an impact the things I bought for myself and my family have on the environment—and the marketplace. For example, most clothing is made of cotton, which is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, accounting for 25 percent of all pesticides used in the U.S. according to the Sustainable Cotton Project. It takes an astounding one-third of a pound of pesticide to make one t-shirt and two-thirds to make a pair of jeans. (Dump a pound of flour into a bowl and keep that visual in mind the next time you go shopping.)
Let’s say one manufacturer makes the decision to buy conventional cotton, and a second manufacturer decides to make a similar t-shirt in organic cotton. They make the shirts, and put them side-by-side in a store. Now if everyone in that store has made the decision to not buy conventional cotton t-shirts but buy organic cotton instead, that regular cotton t-shirt will go unsold and the other will sell out. The next time the first manufacturer goes to make his shirts, hopefully he'll choose organic cotton. The organic cotton farmer will have more business. There will be more competition in organic cotton and the price will go down. And so on.
This analogy could be applied to food, makeup, furniture, clothing, cars—I was astounded at how simple and easy it was for me to think outside of the box when it came to shopping. Just putting a fresh perspective on it also helped me look closer at whether I truly needed something, or just wanted it. When I did end up in a shopping situation, I looked at labels and origin and typically ended up putting back on the rack what I might in the past have purchased.
So I stopped buying so much. And when I did, I tried to buy clean and green. Organic cotton denim. Paraben-free makeup. Recycled gold jewelry. Formaldehyde-free nail polish. When other women complimented me on what I was wearing, I told them, and typically they were amazed when they realized the eco-options that were out there. It’s no longer about granny panties and granola. Sustainable style is today’s haute couture.
Cypriana ~ the natural home store
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saving the planet one orange peel at a time
Oranges are one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast. Did you ever wonder though, like I did, what can I do with these orange peels that would be more eco-friendly for the earth instead of just throwing them in the trash? There are a lot of great uses for an orange peel that you may not have thought of.Did you know you can use orange peels to clean your fingernails? Yeah, just turn over the peel where you'll find the soft white side and just dig your fingernails into it. It's a great way to clean out any dirt and grime and also add a nice citrusy smell.
Have you ever heard of a stock box? Well now you have and it's a great way to make vegetable broth with your orange peels. Just get a plastic bin and add any fruit or vegetable left overs, like your orange peels, to it and put it in the freezer. After your bin is full, add the contents to a soup pot covering it with water and boil it down You now have a great vegetable stock for soup or anything else like pilaf.
I have a coworker who loves to go camping so she would probably find this next orange peel idea very useful. You can use fresh orange peels to help you start a fire. Orange peels are loaded with highly flammable oil that will help you start your camp fire and make your campsite smell nice too!
If you have cats, you can use orange peels to keep them out of areas you don't want them to roam. They're not fans of the citric acid and oils in the peel so they'll shy away from them. Just leave them in areas you don't want your cats to go.
If you love the smell of citrus, you can dry out the peels to make sachets for yourself or as a nice gift. You can even use shreds of dried out orange peels in soap for a gentle abrasive as well as giving your soap a nice citrusy scent.
Overall, don't forget you can just throw your orange peels in a compost box. Definitely a great way to "green" your lifestyle. There are so many great ways to use an orange peel that you no longer need to just throw them in the trash. Remember, "reduce, reuse, recycle"!
Source: www.thegogreenblog.info
Cypriana ~ the natural home store
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Kemby Sidekick is a stylish, two-in-one diaper bag
Every parent on the go knows how challenging it is to juggle baby, a diaper bag and the other necessities required for even the briefest of trips. Whether you are going to the library, the grocery store or across the country, you will LOVE the Kemby Sidekick.
This stylish two-in-one bag can be used as a diaper bag as well as a baby carrier. Some of its many features include: separate compartment for diapers and wipes, changing pad, roomy pockets, key clip, cell phone pocket, wipes case and more.
Available in three colors – blue, green and brown – the Sidekick is made with baby-friendly fabric that easily wipes clean. It is designed to hold babies with good head control up to 35 pounds, and it can be worn three ways: over the shoulder, across the shoulder or around the waist.
If you are a new mom or dad or know an expectant couple, you need a Sidekick. Stop by Cypriana in downtown Kent to get yours today!
Cypriana ~ the natural home store
This stylish two-in-one bag can be used as a diaper bag as well as a baby carrier. Some of its many features include: separate compartment for diapers and wipes, changing pad, roomy pockets, key clip, cell phone pocket, wipes case and more.
Available in three colors – blue, green and brown – the Sidekick is made with baby-friendly fabric that easily wipes clean. It is designed to hold babies with good head control up to 35 pounds, and it can be worn three ways: over the shoulder, across the shoulder or around the waist.
If you are a new mom or dad or know an expectant couple, you need a Sidekick. Stop by Cypriana in downtown Kent to get yours today!
Cypriana ~ the natural home store
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lots to Say Baby – healthy pacifiers with a message
Heaven Sent, Volume Control, Pull to Sound Alarm, .calm, Snooze Button, No Comment, Too Cute, Do Not Disturb, Whine Connoisseur, Hi, Just Chillin.
Made by Lots to Say Baby in Germany, our new pacifiers are simply precious. Adorned with clever sayings like Heaven Sent, Volume Control, Pull to Sound Alarm and .calm, these pacifiers are BPA, Phthalate and PVC-free. Cute as a button and affordably priced, you’ll want to keep several on hand. They also make great gifts or “extras” tied to the top of your baby gift for the parents-to-be.
Made by Lots to Say Baby in Germany, our new pacifiers are simply precious. Adorned with clever sayings like Heaven Sent, Volume Control, Pull to Sound Alarm and .calm, these pacifiers are BPA, Phthalate and PVC-free. Cute as a button and affordably priced, you’ll want to keep several on hand. They also make great gifts or “extras” tied to the top of your baby gift for the parents-to-be.
Monday, June 15, 2009
If you have a toddler, you need an On-the-Go potty!
If you have ever taken a toddler on a trip or tried potty-training a youngster, then you know how inconvenient it can be to make sudden stops for that I-have-to-go-NOW potty break. With a portable on-the-go potty, however, you can travel trouble-free. This cute, colorful potty seat folds out so it can be inserted into the lid of an adult-sized toilet or, if space and circumstances allow, you can fold down the legs and use it as a stand-alone potty. Great for busy families, the on-the-go potty is a must for every parent!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Kalencom Diaper Bags are eco-friendly and stylish!
Who says you can be “green” or stylish, but not both? At Cypriana, we believe you can be! That’s why we feel fortunate to have found Kalencom’s diaper bags. These bags are so beautiful and versatile, you won’t even know they are diaper bags. In fact, you could use one as a gym bag, work tote or a weekend carryall. We now offer several of the trendy and classic styles at competitive prices, so please stop by.Aside from being stylish and functional, we love the Kalencom diaper bags because they are eco-friendly. They are free of AZO dyes and contain no phthalates! Treat yourself – and your baby – to a great new bag from Cypriana!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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
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
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