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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Bella Luna Toys. In Sarah's words:
"Bella Luna Toys is proud to provide families with high quality, natural Waldorf toys, Waldorf dolls and wooden toys to nourish a young child’s senses and to inspire imaginative play. We also carry a full array of Waldorf art supplies, natural fiber craft kits, children’s play silks, dress-up, books, music and much more.
I launched a new blog, Moon Child, earlier this year on which I write about childhood, parenting and Waldorf education."
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Sarah: Bella Luna Toys has been offering Waldorf toys online since 2002, and I took over the reins last year. After years of teaching in a Waldorf school and writing about Waldorf education, I was ready for a change and became the new owner of Bella Luna Toys in September 2009. It now operates from my antique farmhouse on the beautiful coast of Maine. It's very different from being in the classroom, but I love sharing my knowledge of and love for these toys with families of young children! Since taking over, I’ve introduced many new products and just launched a completely new, more user-friendly website last month. I've steadily been adding new products--choosing only items that I believe have quality and real play value for children. I’m continuing to add new products through the holiday season, and look forward to introducing a greatly expanded inventory in 2011!
SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?
Sarah: Oh, yes! Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine. The small island has no cars and is the most enchanting place on earth. The fairy houses that visitors build in the Cathedral Woods are magical! (I have a secret fantasy of living on the island some day and teaching in its one-room schoolhouse.)
SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
Sarah: One of my very favorites is "There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one." ~Jill Churchill
SouleMama: Is there a favorite spot in your home?
Sarah: I live in very rustic antique Cape built in 1816, and I love all the rooms, but I would have to say my favorite place is the bathroom, strange as that may sound. It is painted bright, sunflower yellow with blue trim and shutters and feels very French. It also reminds me of sunflowers, my favorite flower, and I love relaxing and taking baths in there. Come to think of it, it's painted in Bella Luna Toys' colors -- blue and yellow -- my favorite color combination!
SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work you do?
Sarah: Motherhood completely changed the course of my life! Before giving birth to my oldest son Harper, I was pursuing a career as an actress in New York City. I fully intended to be a modern woman, "having it all" with a baby and a career, but my priorities changed in an instant upon becoming a mother for the first time. I decided to stay at home for the first year. Then it was two years. Then my second son Will was born. I eventually realized I didn't miss acting at all, and found being a stay-at-home-mom so much more rewarding.
My children led me to Waldorf education, with which I was immediately smitten. Teaching had always been an interest of mine, and I ended up enrolling in Waldorf teacher training before Harper even got to kindergarten. Discovering Waldorf education has changed my life, and our life as a family, deeply and profoundly.
For today's giveaway, Bella Luna Toys is generously offering the following to TWO winners:
a $50 gift certificate to Bella Luna Toys!
(good through December 31st, 2010)
In addition, all SouleMama readers are invited to enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50 through 12/25/10. Enter code SMSHIP at checkout.
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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). Comments will close on Sunday by 8am EST. Winners will be announced here in this post by Monday morning.
Good luck! Comments closed! The winners are...
My boys would love all of the toys pictured. :) Such great products. Add my name please.
Posted by: Oona Nicholas
Oh! Oh! Oh! The world of toys is a better one with this company in it -- Bella Luna is so wonderful! Those baby dolls are too sweet...
Posted by: Laurelin