Your Sign to Frame Your Baby’s First Wrapping Paper with Heather Evelyn
It's the eve before your bubba turns one.
You’re feeling everything as you tie their first present with a perfectly preened bow.
You’re mulling over the best paper, hoping that each sheet fits every awkwardly shaped toy.
But what you do know is that you’ll never forget the unwrapping and photos of their first gift.
Save paper worth keeping with Heather Evelyn.
Meet The Founder: Moonie
Meet the Dorset duo
Moonie started off as a dream between a mother and daughter duo who wanted to make sustainable living more affordable, attainable, and accessible for everyone.
As the daughter half of that duo, I grew up in the heart of Dorset, surrounded by beautiful beaches and countryside, which gave me an appreciation for nature from an early age and shaped my passion for keeping the planet clean!
It’s always been such a luxury having green spaces so nearby, whether that’s a quick walk in the park or a last minute trip to the beach.
Today, Moonie is proudly based in Dorset, where my mum and I work side by side in a studio where our eco-friendly products are made. It’s amazing to see the work we do from our little studio being used by people all over the world who are deliberately choosing to live more sustainably.
All about perspective
My career started off completely unrelated to what I do now, but I had always dreamed of creating something more meaningful and true to my values, which became a reality when Moonie was born.
At the time, I wasn’t a mother yet myself but now I am a mum of two and my perspective has shifted as I feel even more passionate about protecting the planet for my children’s future.
Being a new mum whilst being a business owner is just another source of motivation, which reminds me why I began this journey.
Outside of Moonie, I love the simple things in life like reading a good book, baking, and finding local activities and events to go with my family. Dorset continues to inspire me and I feel so grateful to be part of a community of like-minded businesses and individuals who share the same vision of making sustainability the new norm.
Best thing about running your brand?
The best part is knowing we’re giving the option for people to make more sustainable choices and reduce waste.
Hearing from customers who’ve made their first eco-swap because of Moonie is incredibly rewarding. And on top of that, being able to work alongside my mum and share this journey together as a family is what makes it special!
Hardest thing about running your brand?
The hardest part has been keeping up with Moonie’s growth since launching whilst staying true to our core values.
We’ve always promised to keep things authentic, ethical, and genuinely friendly for the planet, which means carefully sourcing our materials and sometimes turning down opportunities that don’t align with our eco-focused ethos.
It can feel challenging at times, but protecting our integrity and keeping Moonie’s mission is at the heart of everything we do.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that what started off as a small family idea has turned into a brand that is making a real difference, just knowing that so many people are choosing eco-friendly swaps through us is hugely rewarding.
Looking forward, I see Moonie expanding our range and creating even more products to replace items that aren’t so planet-friendly, and by providing those sustainable options for everyone it gives people the opportunity to make greener choices.
Looking forward, I see Moonie expanding our range and creating even more products to replace items that aren’t so planet-friendly, and by providing those sustainable options for everyone it gives people the opportunity to make greener choices.
Where do you see your brand going?
Looking forward, one of my main goals is to grow the Moonie team by bringing in a new team member, which will allow us to keep creating and expanding our range of eco-friendly products.
We have an exciting Christmas collection launching soon which I can’t wait to share! At the same time, I want to make sure I’m providing a positive and nurturing upbringing for my children, and I feel like building on the brand to have a greater positive impact on the planet goes hand in hand with creating a greener future for my children.
Moonie Beach Day
Aside from your brand, how would you describe yourself?
Outside of Moonie, I’d describe myself as a family-oriented and driven person, and a little bit donut-obsessed. I love reading, baking, and making memories with my kids, especially if that includes a fun arts and crafts activity for us all to do or a picnic in the park.
What are you doing on a Sunday afternoon?
Sundays are for slowing down, going out for a Sunday walk on a nice trail and enjoying the fresh air is never regrettable and nature always gives me that boost for the week ahead. Then coming home and baking a sweet treat or cooking a hot meal always feels cosy!
Connect with Moonie Eco Products:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/moonieuk
We’re so grateful to have an insight into the runnings, vision, and weekend wind downs of Moonie. Make sure to check them out below for a little pick-me-up. Or, find the best gift inspiration for those looking for quality eco-friendly products to make their day a little brighter.
*All imagery/video and content provided by Moonie
Brand Spotlight: Nosy Crow
Nosy Crow is an award-winning and independent children’s publisher. They share stories from all backgrounds, with an emphasis on education, sustainability, and culture. Designed for children 0-12, you can find lift the flap books and musical books that play a tune at the touch of a button! As well as many more fun and engaging reads.
If you’ve got a long reading wishlist for your little one, let us narrow down some incredible finds from Nosy Crow here.
Read, Learn, Do
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Read, Learn, Do 〰️
In the meantime, we’re all getting ready to go back to school or nursery, so Nosy Crow has put together some free activity resources so that you can enjoy your favourite reads as a family even more. It’s a great way to keep your children busy exploring their imagination and furthering their knowledge around their childhood reads!
Meet The Founder: LSW London
Meet Lili, Founder of LSW London.
I’m Lili Sinclair-Williams, founder of LSW London, a brand born from my years as a therapist and my belief that small, daily habits can change everything. I grew up in London, but now live with my husband and young son in a lovely Yorkshire village that has allowed us to embrace a slower way of life.
LSW London creates therapy-inspired tools that make mental wellbeing simple, beautiful and part of your everyday life. Our first product, Mind Cards, started at my kitchen table and now sits on shelves worldwide, from independent lifestyle stores to Barnes & Noble in the US.
Best thing about running your brand?
The messages from customers saying our products have genuinely changed their day-to-day life. Knowing that something I created has helped someone feel calmer or more positive is incredibly rewarding.
Hardest thing about running your brand?
Switching my brain off. I run the business with my husband which means we have to take real care to not spend every waking moment talking about the business!
What are you most proud of?
Seeing LSW London grow from packing orders on my living room floor to being stocked internationally, all while staying true to our values.
Where do you see your brand going?
Expanding our Mind Cards so there is a pack for everyone, at every stage in life!
LSW Mind Cards
Aside from your brand, how would you describe yourself?
I'm tenacious, creative, love film (my former career before training as a therapist!) I'm very particular about how my Yorkshire tea is brewed and I come alive when I'm out in the countryside.
What are you doing on a Sunday afternoon?
A long, blustery walk in the Yorkshire dales, a glass of red in front of an open fire and a sunday roast with my family.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I believe everyone deserves tools that make them feel better, no matter how busy life gets.
Connect with LSW London:
Instagram: @lswmindcards
Website: www.lswmindcards.com
We’re so grateful to have an insight into the runnings, vision, and weekend wind downs of LSW London. Make sure to check them out below for a little pick-me-up. Or, find the best gift inspiration for those who deserve a little respite from the madness of everyday life.
*All imagery/video and content provided by LSW London
The Benefits of Creating a Play Corner
Avery Row Stay & Play Mat Coastline By Avery Row
A play corner. Perfect for the curious, bold, and calm little ones. Lay out a sumptuous base such as a Play mat, cornered play pen, or good old-fashioned pillow and duvet fort to hide, role play, and create your own story.
Sprawl out amongst your favourite children’s books, encourage building your child’s fine motor skills with their latest toys, or sink into an afternoon nap in your play corner together.
The options are endless, and no matter how you use the space, you can change it up to meet your needs and your child’s age and interests.
A play corner is the perfect way to spur on your child’s imagination.
Avery Row Stay & Play Mat
Why Create a Play Corner?
Each day, you and your little one will naturally head to your play corner hand in hand, creating routine and familiarity for your child (and you). Play corners are not just practical and stylish, they’re memory-making spaces for stay-at-home days.
-Tidy up: Teach your children to tidy up with baskets and bookshelves. Try using certain colours or labels to organise your space so your little one knows where thigns go. A play corner keeps all those pesky loose toys in one zone. So, you can unwind once it’s time for bedtime. Teaching to tidy up is an invaluable skill to keep your home in check. Your child can carry these new learnings with them at nursery or your favourite classes and events.
-Zone your room: Add style with modern and stylish prints and textures that make it feel like a well thought out family space. It’s all about creating magic for your children, but with a play corner comes calm and order for sleepy parents!
-Create a sense of play: Why not place a projector above your play corner to fill the room with stars and moonlight? Decorate with cushions, prints, and your own personal touches to your make your play corner your own . You could leave costume boxes, accessories, and other fun role play items to allow your child to explore and associate their play corner with endless possibilities.
Why not start designing your play corner today?
Welcome To Matcha Melon Mag
Matcha Melon Mag has all things motherhood, gifting, family-friendly activities, and kid-friendly holidays in one place. We’ve got new mama groups, soft-play centres, and luxury Mummy events that combine dreamy family photography with that feeling of “ah, me time” as much as you can with your little one wrapped around your neck!
It also wouldn’t be Matcha Melon Mag without key founder interviews. We think long and hard about who we stock here and all our brands are environmentally motivated, lead with emotion and educational growth, or ignite magic, play, and imagination in all the family.
We can’t wait to share our first few stories with you over the coming weeks.
Want to advertise with us or share your product or service? Let’s chat! We’re open to sharing your events, places to stay, and so much more. We also love a brand success story or corporate chaos to Mummy venture meets success.
Hit us up at amyemarshment2@hotmail.co.uk