Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Bella Luna Toys! Bella Luna Toys is owned by Sarah Baldwin, author, mama, and waldorf educator. In Sarah's words:
"Bella Luna Toys is an online shop offering natural toys, wooden toys, art and craft supplies inspired by Waldorf education. Bella Luna Toys is owned and operated by Sarah Baldwin, an experienced Waldorf early childhood teacher and author, who personally selects each item at Bella Luna Toys for its play and learning value. The collection of playthings at Bella Luna Toys is designed to nourish a young child's senses and inspire imaginative play.
I was very excited to unveil my new blog Moon Child a couple of months ago, on which I discuss Waldorf education, the importance of play, child development, natural parenting and more. When I took over Bella Luna Toys last September, I knew I didn't just want to have an e-commerce site, but I also wanted to share what I've learned as a parent and Waldorf teacher over the years, and to support parents of young children. Be sure to check out my latest blog post, an interview with Sarah Lee, founder of Sarah's Silks, maker of the wonderful product we are giving away today!"
Sarah: Last year, after more than ten years of teaching full-time in a Waldorf school, I was discovering that my two teenage boys needed me as much (if not more) than they did when they were younger. While I've always felt that Waldorf teaching was my life's calling and absolutely loved my time in the classroom, I was looking for a way to put my expertise and love for Waldorf education to use in a new way - one that would allow me to continue working to promote Waldorf Education in the world, but also give me more time at home. Just as I was pondering what new direction my life might take, I discovered that Bella Luna Toys, a company selling Waldorf Toys that was founded in 2002, was for sale. I jumped at the chance! While my background is in education and not in retail or business, I do know and love the products I am selling, having used them in my classroom or at home with my children for more than fifteen years. I am committed to only carrying items that I truly believe have inherent value to children and are of the highest quality. I'm learning a lot as I work to grow the business, and am enjoying every minute of it!
SouleMama: What were you doing before this work?
Sarah: After earning a degree in theatre and working as an actress in New York City for 10 years, I was introduced to Waldorf education shortly after the birth of my first child. I completed my Waldorf teacher training in NY in 1999, then moved to Maine to teach early childhood classes at the Ashwood Waldorf School in Rockport over the next ten years. I taught Parent/Child classes, Nursery and Kindergarten classes, and especially enjoyed working with parents. During that time, I also authored a book, Nurturing Chidren and Families , a guide on how to create a Waldorf-inspired playgroup for parents and children.
SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?
Sarah: Becoming a mother 18 years ago was the single most transformative experience of my life. Everything changed in an instant! I think that most women experience a deep and profound transformation when becoming a mother for the first time, when one is suddenly required to put another's needs first, ahead of one's own. In spite of the hard work and sleepless nights, we discover the great spiritual lesson of giving, and the joy that service to others brings. Becoming a mother completely changed the direction of my life's work from pursuing an acting career to devoting my life to children--as a mother and a teacher--and to supporting families.
For today's giveaway, Bella Luna Toys is offering:
One Silk Canopy from Sarah's Silks ~ "a gorgeous ringed canopy of silk gauze, designed to hang and drape over a child’s bed, or to create a magical play space. At seven feet tall, the canopy will cover a twin bed. A silk canopy adds instant, beautiful decor to a child’s room. The winner will be able to choose one of five styles: Castle, Celestial, Snowy White, Rose Garden or Under Sea. View all six styles here. (Please note that he Lavender Canopy is temporarily unavailable.) Also, be sure not to miss the interview with Sarah Lee, founder of Sarah's Silks, posted this week on our Bella Luna Toys blog, Moon Child."
In addition, Bella Luna Toys has invited SouleMama readers to enjoy a 10% discount off orders of any size for the remainder of the month of May. Enter the promotional code SOULEMAMA at checkout. Expires 5/31/10.
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Thank you to Bella Luna Toys!
To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winner is...
How cool! We love the castle, and are happy to find more waldorf resources!
Posted by: recycled+revamped
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