SouleMama Sponsor ~ BELLA LUNA TOYS ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor Bella Luna Toys. In owner Sarah Baldwin's words:

"Bella Luna Toys has been "bringing imagination into play" by providing families with a wide selection of  Waldorf toys,  natural fiber craft kits, and Waldorf art supplies since 2002. I strive to bring my experience as a Waldorf early childhood teacher, and my knowledge of chid development, to make Bella Luna Toys a trusted source for high quality toys with real play value for children.

Since taking ownership of Bella Luna Toys two years ago, I knew that I wanted it to be more than just a retail website. I wanted it to be a place where parents could come for support and inspiration, so I added my blog "Moon Child" on which I write about children, play and learning, and share my love of Waldorf education."

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to do the work you do today?

Sarah: I studied theatre at NYU and pursued an acting career in New York City for ten years, before becoming a mama. My life changed in an instant when my son Harper was born. I suddenly felt I had a much more important job to do, and postponed my career plans to be at home with my baby. Soon after my second son William was born in California, I discovered Waldorf education, and my life changed again. 

I began my Waldorf teacher training on the west coast and finished on the east coast, after my husband Max was relocated back to NY. After completing my training and earning a master's degree in early childhood education, we packed up our belongings, two kids and our dog, and moved to a farm in rural Maine to live the life we'd long dreamed of. Max left the corporate world to work as a freelance writer, and I began teaching at the Ashwood Waldorf School in Rockport, where I taught parent/child, nursery, and kindergarten classes from 1999 to 2009.

After ten years of teaching, with my boys now teenagers, I felt ready to take my life in a new direction, and decided to become the new owner of Bella Luna Toys when I discovered it was for sale. While I had little experience in business or retail, I did know these toys, an felt excited by the prospect of promoting the benefits of Waldorf toys to a new generation of young families.

I now use my experience, as both a teacher and a mother, into choosing every item offered at Bella Luna Toys. When considering a new toy to add, I ask myself, "Would I put this in my classroom?" and then "Would I give this toy to my own children?" The answer to both questions must be yes, otherwise I won't carry it.

SouleMama: What's the product you are most excited about right now? Tell us about it.

Sarah: I am over-the-top excited to introduce our brand new Waldorf Rocker Boards! During the past few years, these rocking balance boards have become increasingly popular in Waldorf early childhood classrooms, but until now, haven't been widely available to families. 

Not only are these open-ended toys that can be played with in a countless number of ways, but they also help develop a child's sense of balance and self-movement (proprioception), and help build core strength. 

About three-feet long, Rocker Boards are made from many layers of strong plywood, carefully bent into an arc shape. These simple boards can be played with in so many ways -- they become bridges, slides, cradles, boats, and ramps. Your child will find even more uses for them!

If were asked to recommend the one best toy on my website for ages 2 to 7, the Rocker Board would be it.

For today's giveaway, Bella Luna Toys is generously offering the following to ONE lucky winner:

 ~  a large Waldorf Wooden Doll House!
("from our new Canadian partner, Twig Studio. I am thrilled that Bella Luna Toys is now the exclusive online retailer in the U.S. for these beautiful handmade wooden dollhouses!")

{*because of the oversized nature of this dollhouse, international shipping - those outside of the US or Canada- will need to be paid for by the winner.}

In addition, SouleMama readers are invited to enjoy 10% off all in-stock items through August 31. Use code SM-AUG at checkout. (Sorry, discount does not apply to heavy, oversized items that are drop shipped from the manufacturer.)  In addition, sign up for our e-mail newsletter to be kept updated of sales and new products, and receive another code to save $5.00 off your next order!

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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 Monday by 8am EST. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced here in this post in the coming week.

Comments closed! The winner is...

What an incredibly generous giveaway! Thank you so much for the chance to win.
Posted by: Anne in North Carolina