The Green Familia » Bebe Cannelle

Business Mum Week: Fanny from Bebe Cannelle

Brenda — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:37 +0000

Starting off our week long feature, where each day I will highlight a fantastic eco-mum who manages to combine it all…having kids and an eco business!

Who are you?
I am Fanny Abitbol, mother of Rachel (3 years old) and Simon (3 weeks old). I live in London with my husband.

Name of company?
BebeCannelle

How did you get involved in an eco business?
I wanted to provide great products to other mothers that were hard to find (like the organic wool layette from LanaCare).

What is the best part of being a working mum?
I don’t have to leave my baby at nursery.

What is the worst part of being a working mum?
I feel I am not spending enough time with my children when I’m stuck in front of the computer for hours. Also the business is stressful and it influences my mood badly.

Your top tip to other mums thinking about starting an eco business?
Do your research, believe in yourself and above all stay true to yourself, your values, your vision and who you are deep down.

Fair Trade Kids T-shirts

Brenda — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:18 +0000

Here are a range of fair trade kids t-shirts for you to check out this summer.

1 Drappa Dot Fair Trade T-shirt, available from Coo Coo Mashu in ages 2 to 8 years. Price is £24.

2 African Wild Dog Fair Trade and Organic Cotton Boy T-shirt, available from Bebe Cannelle in ages 2-3 through to 9-10 years. Price is £20.99.

3 Kids Plain Colour Organic and Fair Trade T-Shirts, available from Fairganic in ages 3 years to 8-9 years in various colours. Price was £11 now £6.05.

4 Fair Trade Cotton Tie Die T-shirt, available from Ethical Wares in one size . Price is £7.95.

5 Crocodile T-shirt by Tatty Bumpkin, available from Adili in either ages 1-2 years or 6-7 years. Price is £10.

TGF Rated Review: Kissable Lips Organic Lip Balm from Bebe Cannelle

sue — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:00:06 +0000

This week I have been lucky enough to try the lovely Kissable Lips Organic Lip Balm from Bebe Cannelle. I always use natural lip balms as I hate the idea of having any chemical ingredients on my lips. Kissable Lips is made with pure and organic ingredients, so I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Who is testing? Me, and my 4 year old daughter, who likes lip balms as much as her mummy does!

What is it? Kissable Lips is a lip balm designed to moisturise, protect and restore very dry lips. Ingredients include shea butter, olive and jojoba oils as well as natural wax and grapefruit essential oil.

In use: When it arrived from Bebe Cannelle, the little pot of Kisable Lips was packaged in a gorgeous little bag which pulled closed with a ribbon. It looked really pretty and would be lovely as a little gift for someone. The balm itself is quite hard when in the pot, but it’s easy to remove just the amount you need with your fingers. It has a lovely mild, fruity fragrance, which is just the right strength for a lip balm.

The lip balm is very easy to smooth on and I only needed to use a small amount. I always have quite dry lips and often suffer from cold sores, but my lips immediately felt soothed when I used this. I have used organic lip balms before that have felt a bit ‘dry’ – they seem to sit on the lips, and wear off quickly. However, Kissable Lips is very moisturising and seems to ‘sink’ into the lips. One application seemed to last quite a while and my lips definitely seemed softer and smoother after using this regularly for a few days. As well as feeling great on my lips, Kissable Lips looks really nice too. In the pot, the balm has a subtle pink colour and it gave a really healthy sheen to my lips, which is great for a natural look, especially in the summer.

How much does it cost? Kissable Lips can be purchased from the Bebe Cannelle website. A single pot (7g) costs £8.10, which I think is a reasonable price – it compares well to other organic lip balms I have bought. However, Bebe Cannelle have some great multi-buy offers which make this lip balm fantastic value for money. 2 pots of Kissable Lips can be bought for £12.90 and 3 pots can be bought for £14.90. That works out at just under £5 a pot, which I think is a real bargain for such a great product. Bebe Cannelle also offer free UK delivery, which is great too.

Overall: I really like this lip balm and will definitely use it again. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those with really dry lips. It’s great for children too. My little daughter is always licking her lips and she ends up with dry skin around her mouth. She loved it when I smoothed this onto her lips for her, and it certainly seemed to help make her skin smoother and less dry.

Verdict: 5/5

Featured Retailer: Bebe Cannelle

Brenda — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:00:54 +0000

Who are you and what is your position?

Fanny Abitbol, Director and Founder of BebeCannelle.com, mother of one with one on the way.

The reason for starting the company?

I started my own business in order to stay at home and take care of my daughter. My aim is to offer mothers not only quality products but a top-notch, personal and friendly service. We have a babywearing support blog, we reply quickly to email enquiries and are always available to help after the purchase of the product.How long have you been in business?

BebeCannelle.com opened in January 2008.

Tell us about your products

My goal is to gather all the products I love to use personally and with my daughter under one roof. BebeCannelle.com provides all products a babywearing and breastfeeding mother requires. We also have a gift collection, soft baby shoes in vegetable tanned natural leather and beautiful baby and children clothes. Most of the products are mother conceived, handmade, organic/fairtrade.

What is your favourite green luxury item?

The organic Belly Butter by Mambino Organics.

What is your top green tip?

Use cloth nappies for your baby. The fabrics available now are totally addictive, your baby is less likely to develop nappy rash and you will save money!

What do you do to relax?

I take a shower with nice smelling body wash or I put some music on and dance.

Green Blogs to check out

Brenda — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:20 +0000

Here are 3 great green blogs to check out this week.

I count for my earth – Lynn has written a fantastic post, titled – World’s Biggest Landfill…in the Pacific Ocean?

Bebe Cannelle - Have a great post, titled – Natural remedies and superfoods to boost mother energy.

Rainforest SOS - Have a great post, title – About rainforests.

Bebe Cannelle Offer

Brenda — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:04 +0000

Buy one Fairtrade Fairy Hanging and get one free! Simply use code “FAIRYDUST” to get £8.99 deducted from your order. Voucher code valid for this offer only until 31 May 2009 and while stock lasts.

The Fairtrade Fairies are so special. Designed in England, those lovely fairy hangings are made in India by skilled women. They are provided with a free creche, healthcare and food. They are free to breastfeed their babies during their day. Make a difference buying fair trade.

Hot Picks of my favourite Green Blog Posts

Brenda — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:26 +0000

Here are a few of the hot green blog posts that I have been recently reading. You might want to check them out.

Bebe Cannelle’s Blog has a great article on using natural remedies for dealing with chicken pox. I wish this had been written years ago, when my middle child suffered from it. Check out the post here.

Be Green Minded’s Blog has a great post on teaching a toddler to be green. Check out the post here.

Green Beginnings Blog has an interesting post on 5 reasons to go organic. Check out the post here.

Linda’s Highland Blog makes interesting reading with its post on the Price of Salmon is it too high? Check out the post here.

Spring Offers

Brenda — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:00:59 +0000

A few of our favourite shops have been in touch with fantastic special spring offers that TGF readers can take advantage of when they are next on a buying spree.

Expressiva Nursing Tops - All of the current Expressiva nursing tops have been reduced to under £15, this is to make room for the new collection. Hurry, while stocks last. All sales are final. Check them out at Bebe Cannelle.

Big Green Smile - Are offering TGF readers a chance to save 10% when they spend £20 or over. Just enter the code GRFAM10. This is available until 30th June 2009.

Juicy Tots - Are offering TGF readers a chance to save 10% off their range of fab products until the 30th April 2009. Just enter the code SPRING - they are also offering free UK postage and packaging on Molo, No Added Sugar and Fabric Flavours, this is an ongoing offer.

Precious Parcels - Are offering visitors to their site this weekend a cool 20% off all products. This is valid until 5pm Monday 13th April 2009. Just enter the code EASTER09.

Green Rewards - Are offering 10% off everything in their Green Shop. This is valid until Tuesday 14th April 2009. Just enter the code EASTER.

" target="_blank">Boden - If you buy 3 products, you can choose a 4th for only £1. The £1 offer will apply to the cheapest item in the basket. You are also entitled to free delivery and returns. Offer ends on Monday 13th April 2009.

Your Natural Beauty Store - Has a wonderful 15% off their range of Eselle Organics products and have a specially selected range of Trevarno products on special offer.

Ollie and Lime - Are offering up to 50% off with their special “easter egg” sale. Offers valid from the 10th -13th April 2009. Please note that products are slight seconds.

Check out our discount code page for further great offers.

Bebe Cannelle – Special Offers for TGF Readers

Brenda — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:57 +0000

Brenda writes…

Bebe Cannelle that eco-friendly haven which highlights brilliant babywearing selections and the finest clothing brands out, has come up with 2 fantastic offers for TGF readers.

Offer 1 – Get 40% off the LanaCare wrap sweater. A truly gorgeous item, which is perfect to snuggle your baby up in. Coming in a pure white colour made from the softest Merino wool, this is available in sizes from Premature babies (38cm) to age 1-2 years. Just enter the code TGFSWEATER4245. This is valid until 31st March 2009. Please note that all sales are final due to the heavy price reduction and that this reduction only applies to the sweater.

Offer 2 - Get £5 off the Chukwa stretch wrap. This fab wrap is loved by mums and dads alike. It is extremely long (6yards) and is designed in a camoflage pattern. Once you get the hang of using the wrap and the different positions you will wonder how you survived before without it! Just enter the code TGFCHUKWA5674. This is valid until stock lasts.

TGF Rated Review: Sleepy Nico Carrier

Brenda — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:35:47 +0000

Erica writes…

I love the idea of baby wearing and I’m the owner of 4 different slings/baby carriers to prove it. Somehow the perfect sling has so far alluded me, so I was keen to try out the Sleepy Nico carrier. For the first 6-8 months of my son’s babyhood, I used a hand me down Mothercare baby carrier which was quite functional, but not what I would have chosen if I had been buying for myself. Once my baby got heavier I found it more difficult to use (even though he was still well under the maximum weight recommended), but my husband persevered for a few months longer. I bought another carrier/sling, but found the instructions too complex. Now we use a Quinny Curbb for going round art galleries, museums, stately homes, etc. and a hand me down basic backpack for country walking. Both work adequately for those needs, but they aren’t very adaptable and are rather bulky. I really missed having a sling I could use on a daily basis, but was worried about wasting money on something else that didn’t really work for me.

Testers: Me, 5ft 7 average build, my man 5ft 9 average build and our 18 month old Mr Active weighing in at a healthy 26 pounds. We used it for about a week both at home and out and about including a weekend trip to London.

Appearance: I tested the Broderie Noire fabric combination which was made of a soft black corduroy with broderie detailing. The detailing is quite low key making this carrier appealing to both mummies and daddies. Bebe Cannelle sell a range of fabric choices of which my personal favourite is the Murmure option, which is stylishly stripy limited edition in cream, moss and chocolate. Being handmade and ethically produced, the quality shows and I think you could get a lot of wear out of these carriers and they would still look good.

Instructions: Very easy in fact I managed to use it correctly without looking at them first – this was quite a relief as I was a bit apprehensive of having to get my head round some complicated boy scout procedure.

Set up: To carry the baby at the front you simply clip the waistband around you, hold baby facing you and put on arm straps. To finish off you clip the horizontal strap across your back. To carry baby on your back the same process is the same except the you hold the baby in a piggy back position and clip the strap across your chest.

I think it would be easy to use the front position from birth and it would be easy to use the carrier without assistance. Carrying baby on your back is only recommended from 6 months and this could easily be done with help to get the baby in and out. I had no problems getting my 18 month old into it without assistance, but he was able and willing to hold onto my neck while I got the straps sorted. I don’t think I would attempt it with a 6 month old if I was alone and I know that my bambino would not have been happy with the front position when out and about from that age onwards.

There is also a hood designed to stop your baby’s head rolling backwards when asleep which fastens with velcro. I did try this but found it wasn’t strong enough to support the large head of my 18 month old, but I can imagine it works better for a newborn.

In use: I used the carrier in both positions at home. For part of the week I had a rather clingy teether on my hands and found that short periods of time in the front position helped sooth him. It was particularly useful after he woke from a nap as I carried him arou