Saturday, September 27, 2008

Why read????

As I stated before, Rubi J will offer a line of onesies that will contribute to one of our greatest passions -- reading. Our "Read Collection" will encourage reading in many ways, including donating to a wonderful charity called First Book (http://www.firstbook.org) which gives books to disadvantaged children. I personally know how important books can be to a young life. Through books, I found that I was not so different because of my social status; there were other young girls who felt like me, who had the same dreams as me--I wasn't alone.


Some of my non-reading friends (who I love) have told me "I'll just wait until the movie comes out." That's well and good - if you want to limit yourself. I have no objections to movies; I love them. Truly some movies provide interesting perspectives to storylines (i.e., The Devil Wears Prada). And there are times when I can't wait for a book to be made into a movie. (I'm counting down the days until The Secret Life of Bees open.) Then there are the books too meaningful for me to diffuse with any other medium. For example, I never want anything to disrupt my connection with The Kite Runner.

The difference between "reading" and "watching" is the imagination. When watching a story, all the characters are there for your viewing. Much is interpreted for you. However, reading a story forces your brain to create images of the characters. You travel from "watching" the story to "feeling" the story.


Reading is the most accessible way for children to stretch their imagination and provide a stepping stone for hope. All children deserve this privilege. Rubi J is proud to take part in this important cause.


For more information on how you can help this cause, go to http://www.firstbook.org

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Thankful

After some very dark hours and almost lost of hope, we have been blessed. Frank is recovering from his emergency surgery and the hospital staff is very encouraging. He is still very ill, but we have good reports that he should make a full recovery.
I'm a firm believer something good always appears from crisis. I met three of Frank's family who traveled to see their brother. Through the many hours sitting in the hospital, we got to know each other and discovered how much we all liked each other. Though from totally different back grounds and traditions, we connected with each other immediately.
I don't know about you, but one of the life's joys is new friends. I love all my old ones, but a person can never have enough new friends. Your world is broaden and your heart grows bigger with each one.
Sandy

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Family Crisis

Things are on put on hold. We have a family medical crisis. My Stepfather-in-law is very ill and awaiting surgery. All of our energy is concertized on his recovery. You never know how much a person means to you until you are faced with the prospect of not having that person in your life. His name is Frank and we love him.
Sandy

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Organic Cotton

Rubi J's first line of clothing will feature organic cotton pieces for babies and toddlers. Why organic?


  • Conventionally grown cotton is the 2nd most pesticide-laden crop in the world; after corn.
  • Conventionally grown cotton consumes 25% of insecticides and more than 10% of pesticides used worldwide.
  • Organic cotton is grown in soil that has been certified from pesticides, herbicides and other cytotoxins for at least three years.
  • Organic farming uses 50% less fossil fuels than conventional farming.
  • Certified organic cotton farming also prohibits use of genetic engineering, irradiation, sewage sludge, toxic and persistent synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
  • As a baby's skin has a natural sensitivity and an undeveloped derma, the health risk is especially high.
Those are some of the reasons we have decided to offer only organic cotton in our baby line. We have set our standards high. We have been researching and researching; and then researching some more. Therefore, when we open our online store, we will be offering only onesies at first. We found a company that meets our criteria: Certified organic cotton using only low impact dyes (azo-free).

The colors are vibrant and we will be offering custom printing: "Future fireman", "I have my father's eyes", "Grandma's favorite", etc.....

We are avid readers and realize how books can inspire (Books saved my life). We will have some onesies with "reading to your child" references imprinted on them. We will be donating part of the sales from those to a very special charity. More on that charity later.

Stef & Sandy

Saturday, September 13, 2008

"The Vision"

My daughter and I have always dreamed about starting our own business. The most natural business with our mindset was fashion and world causes (yes, I know, it's a strange combo). We wanted quality, trendy clothes for all ages; and, we wanted to make a difference.
The research began.
We have been studying organic cotton. Although not all of our products will be 100% certified cotton; we are most certain that our baby line will be. That is what we are starting with, as we feel it is the most important.
Studies have shown that children today are exposed to 35 percent of their lifetime dose of carcinogens by age five. When considering how sensitive a young child's health can be, it is imperative to minimize their exposure to prevent them from developing complications later in life.
I do believe knowledge and education equals better health and longer life. Perfect example: ME.
I'm from the generation that put our infants in that horrible plastic baby seat and placed my most precious cargo in the front seat (no seat belt) beside me. We, of the hippy mentality, still put our arm out to catch our toddler from falling under the dashboard when we come to a stop. (I shudder to think of it now.)
After many weeks of researching, we have finally found one product. More on that later.
Sandy

For more information on organic cotton, check out this website

http://www.aboutorganiccotton.org