Thursday 23 January 2014

Meet the MOOKS




Meet the Mooks from U.S. based Kimberly a.k.a. 'When Skies are Grey"

Kimberly has a shop on Etsy.com called "I Love Grey Skies" where she sells these handcrafts. They are a little quirky and obscure, yet sooo fascinating!!



The materials Kimberly uses are wood, paper mache, acrylic paint, polymer clay and felt.
You can see them all as little personalities, like below Mister Mook and his favorite lady, Mrs. Mook. 

Mrs. Mook wears a felt mink stole while the Mister dons a handsome grey bow-tie.


Kimberly also writes on her blog, about life, inspiration and work.


Mook with bear mask

Mook Love, featuring a wolf and bear

Mook with shark mask



Monday 20 January 2014

TIMO-HANDMADE



Eastern bunny Mother, father and child. Love the pink dot dress and corduroy trousers!


TIMO is part of the EcoDesign trend. Concious consumption and manufacturing, alongside recycling, minimization of manufacturing waste and simplification of processes. The objects' design is current and classic, but the methods of manufacturing are traditional. The materials are mostly recycled, or scraps of designers' fabrics. 




Winter Plush brown baby chick doll, wearing red hood hat & dark striped shirt.




Plush Oak urban minimalist black mouse doll in dotted scarf & yellow socks.


Brown bird doll, duck or penguin with pink beak wearing mint green dotted shirt, neon hot pink pants and pale blue hat.


TIMO is a collection, a game and a source of livelihood, all taking place in Timor's own home. Also to be found on Facebook.

















Friday 17 January 2014

Become an architect with CINQPOINTS



Architecture is no longer only for the smartest. Cinqpoints offers a range of products where kids and parents can work with. Just be curious and use your imagination. 
You design, you build, you create. You have it in you!





Paper architectural model.
Only white glue, patience and cleanliness are required to assemble this model.
Look, detach, fold and glue.



Creative and intelligent, archiblocks will provide kids and parents for hours and hours of architectural creations. Shape + balance + composition + inspiration = architecture.
Set of 16 blocks.




Word search grid with architects, designers, photographers and artists' names. Gaining knowledge!




Become a very famous architect with these amazing glasses.
It has a postcard-like package with pre-cut pieces.
No glue is required (size when folded 10,5×21 cm).

Monday 13 January 2014

WHAT ABOUT?


Once in a while we have a little chat with someone with a special job, an inspiring life, a remarkable character or an out of the box vision. 

This time we spoke with Regina Romeijn, mother of Bardot Yavuz (2 years old)

What about her?














Name: 
Regina Romeijn
Age: 36
Mother of: Bardot Yavuz (2 years old)
Business: Full time business consultant



What’s keeping your head up during Momma-Hood?
My spare moments with my daughter. I love the freetime I have and I spend it all on her. During the week I go out after she is in bed. And in the weekend I go to the gym when she has her daily nap. I love to take her to the theater, or little gym. Walk in the woods or on the beach. Or just have a stroll to the playground in the park.  


What’s made you (almost) crazy?
The sleepless nights.  The first year and a half she would wake up almost every night, multiple times. I thought I was losing it. After nine months I refused to get up. My body couldn't anymore. Then my boyfriend stepped in. We are terrible at leaving her, or letting her cry for a bit. So with every squeak we are at the side of her bed. That doesn't help either. 
After a year and a half it got better. Now it is just a few nights per week that she has a nightmare or something. 


What / who brings the fun?
My daughter brings the fun. She is a very cheerful child. Loves to cuddle and dance. So we turn the music up regularly and make funny dances. She can't stop laughing when we do. She tries to sing along with songs she hears on the radio and is very telling. So everyday I get a detailed report of her activities of the day. Including who she has hit and if she has been sweet or not. 


What’s the story your baby should not hear when he/she is a teenager?
I don't want her to think about adult stress. Money, pressure, weight. I think she should stay free of those burdens. Especially girls and weight is a tough one. We are already focussed on building her self esteem as much as we can, hoping for a solid foundation for when she is older. Knowing this is wishful thinking, because a lot can happen to a child. But I hope she can be young and free spirited as long as possible. 



What advice do you wish you had ignored?
On the baby advice, I wish I wouldn't have been so rigid in thinking there was A/ONE right way to do things. That kept me in a straitjacket for too long. It was my sister who opened my eyes and brought in different perspectives; like: why don't you take powder milk along when you leave the house, because I was stressing about breast feeding. I never thought of that as an option. Sometimes you just get stuck in your head.


What advice do you wish to pass on?
Give yourself a break. In every possible way. It's all new. You are doing things with the best of intent. You are doing great! Plan a moment for yourself. Everybody talks about partner-time, but let's start with you-time first. It is really something, being a new mum. And a moment of relaxation, massage, or just a long night of sleep or nap in a nice quiet room can be great. Go get a facial, or take a long walk in the dunes. You will notice it will put things back into perspective. 

Any advise for mums starting up their own businesses?

Take time to organize and create a back up plan for when the shit hits the fan. The back up sitter and the back up "get them from school" people. Make things as clear as possible. That will keep a clear head and leave your child(ren) without questions and with regularity. So time together will immediately become quality time. 

Include the dads, don't be the "I can do it all by myself, see how I can keep twelve balls in the air without collapsing-mummy". I does not hurt to ask for help. You don't fail. And other feel worthy because they can help. Be direct in your needs, especially if you are a single mom and create a network of support around you. People will help you if they know what exactly they can help you with. 





Thursday 9 January 2014

POP UP STORE JAN EVERTSENSTRAAT




From the Jan Eef Foundation (promoting the liveability of the area Jan Evertsenstraat in Amsterdam), came the initiative for a pop-up store on the Jan Evertsenstraat 4-8, crossing the Witte de Withstraat, next to the Albert Heijn.
The store is 400 m2, filled with art, vintage design, organic coffee, clothing and other treasures.
Gray Label is attending with a few styles up to 2 YRS.

The Pop Up Store will be open for at least two months. Today we celebrate the opening at 4 pm!!

For your impression:

http://on.fb.me/1krP9vA










Monday 6 January 2014

WEEKEND GETAWAY KNOKKE



Visiting Granny, walking the dogs along the huge beach, driving electric cars on the boulevard, cuddling little pony's dressed like Santa and watching the fireshow at sundown. 
We spent this weekend in Knokke-Heist (Belgium), and gosh we all love the place. There are so many shops, galleries and tasty restaurants (best lobster ever!).There is only one word for it: entertainment!

We highly recommend a visit for those who enjoy conscious living...




Friday 3 January 2014

Newyears FAQ



One difficult but frequently asked question around newyears is: so, what are YOU going to do better in the coming year?

Sigh. I never know how to answer. 

Yes, I need to go to the gym more. Yes, I need to eat better, yes I need to read more books, facebook less, make more time for cultural events…but who am I kidding. These things have been on my to do list for years...

It's not that I don't want to..but I use most of my time
doing what I truly love: spending time with my family and creating for my brand.

All I hope for is to become better in what I do. I hope I will grow, personally and business wise. How? Well I believe by treating the world how I would like to be treated. Without my loved ones I am nowhere. Without my love for other people I won’t get anywhere. Oh, and by working hard.

So: nothing new, nothing special. 
Although I plan to hit a boxing class or two..
You better watch out!

Wish you a good, solid and prosperous year 2014, full of love and laughter.
XXX Emily Gray