Wild Dill Review {Autonomie Project Organic Sneakers}

In this house we happen to be a tad bit obsessed with shoes.  I have basket by the side door hoping to catch every one's freshly kicked off sneaks...but seems to always be overflowing.  We have everything from TOMS (love, love, love), Riders, Old Navy $5 flip flops, Adidas shell toes and Converse in a rainbow of colors.  Which is why when I visited Wild Dill's website I immediately noticed these so-cute shoes.  In the South, we refer to every kind of "sneaker" as a tennishoe...that's right, you say it together just like that.  So, it feels awkward referring to things as sneakers....yet, that is their name. 
My youngest is a total dress up kid.  He walks around in 3 piece suits, Peter Pan costumes, and now we are really into being Bam Bam.  So, of course his daddy made him a Bam Bam costume yesterday along with a club, which was a twine wrapped plastic baseball bat. 

When the package arrived the other day with these shoes inside, G was more than thrilled.  His favorite color is green and even though I wanted the orange I knew he would like the green so much more. 
Immediately you can tell how well made the Autonomie Project Organic Sneakers are.  They are very Converse-esque but I love that they are organic and also fair trade.  All the dyes used are PCP and AZO free....which is not always easy to find.  The soles are even made from natural sustainably harvested rubber!  Looking for 100% vegan and cruelty free?  Look no further.  They are made by the UK company Ethletic.  They come in a variety of saturated colors: Mandarin orange, black, olive green, navy blue, pink, and cranberry red.  Plus, they are machine washable!  If you love Converse but are looking for a more Eco friendly option then Ethletic shoes for Autonomie Project is what you need.  Wild Dill is a great site because they offer things just like this....simplicity with a green twist.  This takes the whole "it might be Earth friendly but is it comfortable" question out of the equation.  G has worn these shoes without a complaint and they fit perfectly.  Mr. Fashionable would not wear something if it didn't feel good...he doesn't subscribe to the belief that beauty hurts. 
So, just to make it clear in case you're still not sold:
100% Fair trade and sweatshop free!  (all the way down the supply chain)
100% Eco friendly ....did I mention the certified cotton and sustainably harvested rubber?
100% Vegan and cruelty free

Wild Dill has much more than shoes though.  They offer an array of products for each kid in your family.   Everything to cover their top and bottom and to keep them busy in imaginative ways.  I love how everything they have seems to have that sweet but funky feel to it. 


For Beach Bums like us this is PERFECT!



Love the Imagination Cottage would provide hours of fun for any age!

 With summer coming quickly I know I am looking for more items to keep the kids occupied...with a 12,9 and 4 year old it has to be a really cool thing to keep their attention and focus. 


Clementine Art makes these amazingly cute natural soy Crayon Rocks



This cute little guy is Chet, from the Global Green Pals

The clothes are beautifully made and sweet for boys and girls. 


So sweet

Don't forget the boys....




Upside down letters!  Ingenious way for kids to learn their sight words!  Of course, this could totally be unisex.

 I couldn't resist one more sweet as can be little girl dress



They have a ton of cute stuffed animals that are not your typical teddy bears.  Stuffed with 100% unbleached and unprocessed cotton you will feel completely at ease letting your little one snuggle with these.  Aminals are organic stuffed animals inspired by children's drawings and are made using fair trade practices and are even fully compost (able)....now that you don't hear of very often.



Aminals!


Wild Dill has some excellent sale items and plenty of gifts for the person you are looking for.  From the future environmentalist to the future bug lover.  The offer 15% off your next order when you sign up for their newsletter and the have a wish list or baby registry available.  Free shipping for orders over $65!  Find them on Facebook too...keep up to date with the specials and promotions! 

Sprig Toys Review

Last week there was a big box on my doorstep.  I just love it when the "big mail" comes!  I knew it was for my Sprig Toys review and I told Griffin, "Look!  We got something in the mail to review.  We get to play with it!"  It was a really cool box that opened a little differently, I lifted the flap to show Griffin in a dramatic way to show Griff the new toy we would be able to try out....well, it was wrapped in bubble wrap.  So, G takes one look and says..." BUBBLE WRAP! I LOVE it!! You can write that I LOVE it!"
Ah, the innocence of kids.  He was perfectly happy with the bubble wrap.  And being the green mom that I am I used the cool box and the bubble wrap to disguise Tyler's Birthday present later on in the week. 
Once I got through the totally awesome bubble wrap, we found the Dolphin Explorer Boat.  I just love Sprig toys.  Sprig encourages outside play, which let's face it, is truly essential for our kids.  G has played with this boat since we got it out of the box.  It has been in the bath numerous times.  Sprig is known for non-electric play and I particularly love how the people in their sets don't have faces.  This leaves even more room for imagination.  We already had the Dino Adventure Rig for over a year and he's always loved it.  Sprig toys are so rugged and durable, they can be really beat up and will remain forever intact.

Already playing with it first thing in the morning with his bed head. :)

As a green geek, much of the Sprig toys appeal comes from the Eco friendliness of all of the toys.  Sprig toys are made from recycled Sprig wood which is actually recycled sawdust and recycled plastic!!! I love this.  What better way to show your kids how much you care about the planet. 
Sprig has so may options for playsets.  Everything from the ones I mentioned above to a whole world called Sprig Hollow, if my daughter wasn't 9 I would totally get her this one.  Sprig Hollow is like a fairy world that kids can create their own little world with. I also noticed the Story Builders sets.  These are incredible.  If I went with the Story Builders I would definitely go with the Three Little Pigs set, that is one of G's fave stories.
Sprig also carries a line of toddler toys, Adventure Vehicles, Adventure Guides (like our Dolphin Explorer) and even a Sand and Garden Series. 
I would recommend Sprig Toys for any mom, with kids any age.  My daughter has been playing with G's boat in the bath.  Most of these toys are big and chunky enough for even babies to play with.
Sprig toys is hereby certified AWESOME by Staying Home and Staying Sane.