February 26, 2010

Featured Artist: Jade Gotauco

Jade declared she would be an artist when she grew up…

When we are small, we imagine things, glorious things. She imagined a lofty work space, speckled with paint from end to end. Brushes were everywhere and canvases, painted and unpainted, were packed and stacked against the walls. She pictured herself, jeans covered in paint to declare her purpose, boots to signify she was a strong woman and messy dark hair protesting the need to brush it daily (again, when we are five, these things mattered to a girl). It was an image many questioned would come true. Of course, it’s not that easy.

As we grow up, the picture changes. The dream stays the same, but we learn about life, and the obstacles that we will have to face in order to make the “picture” come true. Jade Gotauco uses her love for oil paints and her passion for creation to turn her dreams into reality, for you to see. Looking closely at life, and reminding us of the little details we will likely miss in our busy lives, she paints what she sees and believes to be beautiful enough to be deserving of its own memento. Jade Gotauco also paints in a world of surrealism and her dreams, something often overlooked. These paintings represent the artist from within, the little girl, the emerging woman.

Jade Gotauco is a self taught artist who works primarily in oils, but offers work in various mediums. Learn more about Jade here.

Interested in purchasing some of Jade's art? Please know that 15% of each sale will be donated to The Nature Conservancy.



February 25, 2010

CGB Hearts Garbage

CGB is embracing garbage this week! We're kicking off our garbage lovin' tonight at 7PM at the Phillips Library Auditorium , with a free showing of the award-winning movie Garbage Dreams!

Garbage Dreams follows the plight of three young men living in the outskirts of Cairo in the world's largest garbage village. The men make their livelihoods by collecting and recycling the trash of others, but a multinational corporation threatens their lifestyle. The movie will be followed by a brief panel discussion.

And did we mention this Oscar nominated film is free and open to the public? RSVP at www.massrecycle.org/dreams.

And then on Saturday, be sure to wander over to St. Anne’s Church at 290 Jefferson Avenue for a Free Book Swap! From 10AM to 1PM, drop off or take books, CD’s, DVD’s and more! Learn more at www.salem.com/recycling.

Finally…check out this great promotion that Salem Recycles is kicking off…


* Can't read it? Here's the gist: Pledge to make your recycling the "Perfect Pickup" and be entered to win $50! Visit salem.com/recycling or contact Julie Rose at JRose@Salem.com or 978.619.5679.


February 23, 2010

New Product: Watch Dog Kid Gear

CGB is excited to test out a new product from a local, woman-owned business. Watch Dog Kid Gear is an exciting line of onesies and tees that promote good dietary choices. Plus, they're super cute!

The onesies and tees boast educations (and adorable) phrases like "The snack habits I learn today affect my future in every way. Health snacks only please!" and "Veggie Kid: No meat, no nuggets, no wings, just beans and veggie things. No hot dogs, bacon or fishes; plant protein is plenty nutritious!"

Available in sizes 12month, 18month, and 2T. And did we mention these yummy products are made of 100% organic cotton?

February 20, 2010

It's a Deal: Diaper Bag!

Have you been searching high and low for a stylish, organic, useful diaper bag? Look no further!

This innovative and necessary Tutta Bella Diaper Bag is made of durable eco-friendly organic cotton canvas. Good looking and functional, this bag is full of roomy compartments and pockets to stash all of baby’s and mommy or daddy’s needs. Pull out quilted changing pad for baby’s comfort and cleanliness. PU (polyurethane) coated inside for easy to clean spills and stain resistant finish on outside to keep it looking fresh!

Originally priced at $129.95, this fabulous diaper bag is on sale in our Salem shop for $79.95! Stop by CGB today for a great deal!

February 18, 2010

Play Time!

We've been re-organizing, re-doing, re-painting...Phew! And although the photos are deceiving, our new Play Area is much bigger and better! Swing by to check it out!

February 13, 2010

Little Baby. Big Diaper.

We couldn't resist sharing this photo with you!

Heather Amon Harvey's little girl Grace is no match for her Little Beetle Little to Big Diaper from CGB!

Born only a few weeks ago (Grace was born 2.2.10), she's a peanut of a baby and so adorable in her cloth diaper!

Congrats to the whole family and keep up with those diapers - they'll fit her soon enough!

*Not familiar with the Little to Big? This diaper, which is the first and last diaper you'll ever need, keeps growing with your little one. Learn more here.

February 12, 2010

Josh Howard (of CGB's CSA!) launched Daughters and Sons Furniture soon after he made a bedroom set for his newborn daughter, Siena. He wanted something well-crafted, beautiful and safe for her...which he soon learned was difficult to find. Believing very strongly in high quality furniture, Josh created his own. And now, almost 20 months since Siena was born, Josh is handcrafting all this gorgeous furniture in his Charlton shop.

He uses lumber harvested either locally (from his own 100-acre farm in MA) or through distributors who practice fair wage principles. Josh also uses natural pigments and dyes for coloring, and all the finishes and topcoats have little or no VOC's.

Visit CGB to admire Josh's work and learn more about working with Josh to take home your very own handcrafted piece of furniture.

February 11, 2010

CGB in the Community

Crunchy Granola Baby would like to welcome our newest employee, Jill! Stop by and say HI!

And the rest of CGB's employees (well, Jennie and Amy) are also hoping you'll come say HI as they reach out into the community in the coming weeks!

On Wednesday, February 24, Jennie will be guest bartending at Murphy's to help raise funds for Saint Joseph's Food Pantry! Stop by around 5PM and have Jennie fix you a drink.

And why not spend this Saturday morning listening to Amy read kid's stories at Cornerstone Book? Cornerstone's Celebrity Story Hour invites a different local "celebrity" to come read at Cornerstone every Saturday at 10:30AM, and Amy will be reading this Saturday, February 13!

February 8, 2010

Why Wool?

Wool has become a year-round mainstream nursery item. Why?

Medical studies at Cambridge University have shown that wool has a soothing, swaddling effect on babies, resulting in better sleep, reduced stress, greater contentment and improved weight gain.

In the summer babies stay cool and dry when they are on wool because of natural air circulation through the fibers. In addition, wool absorbs perspiration and moisture more than any other material.

Of course, wool also keeps babies warm in cool weather. Pure lambswool soothes and comforts baby with a soft, swaddling effect, reduces stress and restless movement, and promotes sleep.

Wool fibers also limit the growth of harmful bacteria and are naturally fire retardent. It's hard to get all of these properties in one fiber!

Did you know...
  • Wool is a natural fiber that can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling damp.
  • Wool maintains a constant temperature around the body allowing a more comfortable sleep.
  • Wool provides support at pressure points, reduces bedsores and aids their healing.
  • Wool improves sleep and relief from symptoms such as stiffness and pain.
  • Wool disinfects itself in fresh air without the use of harsh chemicals.
  • Unlike other companies, Snugglewool never requires that the Merino animal give its life. Instead of using sheepsking, they use a backed fleece on their Merino sheep in Australia and New Zealand.
* Taken from Snugglewool, CGB’s wholesale wool company
.

February 6, 2010

Please Pardon Our Appearance...

We've got some big plans for CGB!

We're doing some "renovating" this month to increase our event and class space. It's super exciting, but it also means that our shop is a little out-of-order. It's not bad, but we ask that you please pardon our appearance for a little while...

And you also may have noticed that our February calendar is slightly desolate. But no worries! Once our renovation is complete, our new space will be filled with fabulous classes and events, including:

  • Parenting Group (newborns to crawling): Every Friday morning, 10am-11:30am
  • Toddler Play Group(crawling to toddling, this is a snack free group): Every Wednesday morning, 10 - 11:30am
  • Guest Speaker Baby Signs: Friday, February 26 at 10AM
  • Natural Childbirth Class (FULL): Four Sundays, February 28 - March 21 at 4:30PM.
  • Creative Art-Making : Mondays, March 1 - March 22 at 10AM.
  • Guest Speaker Barefoot Dragonfly: Wednesday, March 3 at 10AM and Friday, March 26 at 10AM.
  • Vaccination Talk: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30PM
  • Hand and Footprints: Saturday, March 13 at 10AM and Saturday, April 24
  • Babywearing Demo: Saturday, March 20 at 10:30AM.
  • The Three Hour, Learn Everything, Breastfeeding Class: Monday, March 22 at 6:30PM
    Guest Speaker - Lifebridge formerly Salem Mission: Wednesday, April 7 at 10AM and Friday, March 23 at 10AM
  • Natural Childbirth Class: Sunday, April 11 – Sunday, April 18 – Sunday, April 25 – Sunday, May 2 at 4:30PM
  • Plus MORE MORE MORE!


February 4, 2010

Welcome Hip Baby Gear/two girls shop!

CGB would like to welcome Hip Baby Gear & two girls shop to Salem!

Join CGB as we help Hip Baby Gear & two girls shop celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, February 6!


Hip Baby Gear & two girls shop, which will be located right across the street, have joined forces to offer an eclectic mix of products for men, women, children...the whole family! Drop in from 10AM to 2PM to browse, nosh and enter to win one of dozens of grand opening giveaways, including a new stroller! And a calin bleu tie wrap from yours truly!


Plus! Bring your HBG& two girls shop receipt to CGB the day of their Grand Opening and receive 20% off regularly priced items.*


*Some restrictions may apply.

February 1, 2010

Creative Art-Making

This March, CGB is introducing Creative Art-Making!


This class welcomes curious and imaginative 2-4 year olds who want to learn basic techniques in painting, drawing and collage, with an eco-friendly twist.


After all, the art supplies are recycled materials that come straight from our community!


Classes are Mondays at 10AM, March 1 through March 22.


Cost is $20 per child (x 4 sessions) plus $10 materials fee. If you have multiple children, the cost is $17 per child (x 4 sessions) plus $10 materials fee.


The class size is limited, so please register ASAP. Learn more here.


PS: If you’re interested in donating recycled items for this class, we would be stoked! Please donate plastics, cardboard, containers, straws, egg cartons, etc.