The Beauty of Growth & Change...

Friends, I am very excited to share some positive changes taking place in the Zoo Family! 

When we started our small business, ZooNique Baby, in 2007 it was soon after welcoming our 4th child to our family. It was the perfect way to help fund our charitable giving and has faithfully done that for over 10 years now. We are so very grateful!

Fast forward to the present.....we are now a family with 6 children, active foster care advocates in our community, and my sewing continues to be focused on charitable giving. Time is limited, as you know, and we have decided that the weight and expense of operating a small home-based business be better prioritized elsewhere. We are saying goodbye to ZooNique Baby, and it will always be a fond memory of family's growing.

I will continue to sew. Sewing is as much a part of me as breath. However, it will no longer be as ZooNique Baby. You can find and follow me as Hopeful Threads, on facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, and a very neglected blog HERE. 

I will soon be changing the name and purpose of my ZooNique Baby facebook page to serve as "THE SHOP" for Hopeful Threads. This is where I will continue to offer my handmade items, but you will be able to see with each purchase what the items are financially supporting. Local friends, for now, I will also continue to have a small selection of items in the gift shop of Echelon Florist in the Rocky Hill community of Knoxville. 

I look forward to this exciting new adventure and hope you will continue to follow along and share with your friends & family!

With love, gratitude & HOPE,

Kristy for the Zoo Family

Individually hand-crafted gifts for your every occassion!

Whether you are brand new to ZooNique Baby or you've been here from the start, it's always important to know the "WHY?" behind what we do. 

This post gives a more detailed explanation of why we started our family business and where our initial inspiration came from. It's one I love to read again and again! 

This post shares some beautiful images and refreshing reminders of what keeps us going.

Additionally, I host a sewing blog with the primary focus of charitable sewing. This blog is called Hopeful Threads and you are most welcome to follow along there as well. One of the biggest and only ongoing projects at Hopeful Threads is the FLUFF Project. The FLUFF Project is especially near and dear to the hearts of our family members, as we work to regularly provide stuffed friends for children in foster care in our community. 

You can read all about the FLUFF Project here. 

So, that gives you a good idea of the heart and drive behind ZooNique Baby. :)

As things have progressed with my Hopeful Threads sewing, it's required I adjust what I'm able to do through ZooNique Baby. Over the years I have done this at different times, and we're once again ready to shift some things around. 

For one, we no longer have a .com web address. The maintenance and energy it took to keep up to date was just not something that was a priority for my time. So, this blog will serve as our online world along with our facebook page....and potentially a few other social media outlets....I'll keep you posted on that of course! ;) 

I take great pride in working with my hands to individually create special gifts for those you love and while the majority of my sells occur locally, I do plan to, at least occasionally, post available items to my facebook page. Keep watch there if interested.

I want to thank you all for your continued support of our family business! Your help has allowed us to be able to give countless handmade donations within our own community and across the globe! 

Looking forward to what's ahead!

Kristy

ZooNique Baby

CH-CH-CH-Changes!!!

Things are changing....but this is good! :)

In trying to find the best balance and use of our time and energy, the best way for our family to share what we have with our community, we are making some adjustments to the way we do a lot of things. This includes ZooNique Baby. 

We are excited to soon share our plans for a more simplified approach with a more purposeful focus. 

Stay tuned....

:) The ZooNique Family

A Gratitude GIVEAWAY!!!

 Did you see that ZooNique Baby was participating in this awesome giveaway to help support and raise awareness for the work of The Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closet? If you haven't entered yet, there is still time, just jump over to the Zephyr Hill blog here to get the details. :)

Well, I was so excited to see that the giveaway had ALREADY reached the 10,000 entry goal this morning, which would provide a donation of covers for the Cloth Diaper Closet from Zephyr Hill blogger, Anne, that I have decided to offer my own little giveaway here as a THANK YOU! :)

 Here's the scoop....

I've not been sewing many diapers lately due to a precious new addition to our family, but I do have a small stack I've been working on for donation to the diaper closet. I'd like to add one of these ADORABLE Suess Thing 1 & Thing 2 diapers to the pile in honor of YOU & YOUR Little One!

The winner of this giveaway will get to choose which of these diapers they would like to add to their own personal stash, and then the other will be donated to The Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closet in your honor! :)

Diaper Details:

• Both are Size Medium - Made from a Babyville Boutique pattern with a weight range of 18-28lbs.
• Both are POCKET style diapers.
• Both have an inner layer of white suede-cloth
• The turned and top-stitched diaper has a snap closure, and the red FOE bound diaper has a hook & loop closure.

 To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway open to anyone eligible, with a US shipping address.

Winner announced Saturday, 6/15/13 and allowed 48 hours to respond or BOTH diapers will be added to the donation pile for the Cloth Diaper Closet. *Please remember, giveaways are suppose to be fun. :) The purpose of this one is to show our support for the Cloth Diaper Closest and our gratitude for those of you that have taken the time to learn more about them and the work they are doing.*

Thanks for showing your support of the GIVING BACK efforts of The Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closest!

Great Cloth Diaper Change 2013!!!!

It's time for another record breaking year!!!

The 2013 Great Cloth Diaper Change is scheduled for April 20, 2013.

Get all the details on the Great Cloth Diaper Change website here. 

If you are in the Knoxville, TN area, you can get local details on the Knoxville Natural Parenting Expo website here. 

And follow the Great Cloth Diaper Change, Knoxville facebook page here. 

ZooNique Baby is proud to be supporting this years event again!

We have collaborated with our friends at Echelon Florist and Thirty-One Consultant, Anne Little to donate this incredible prize valued at $150 to be given away to one of the participants at the event!!!

BE THE CHANGE!

Mark your calenders and invite all your friends! 

It's sure to be another great event!

JOIN THE FLUFF!!!

We are very excited to be participating in some super squishy fun all for a great cause!

Fluff For Foster Care at Hopeful Threads

You can get all the details on the link above. 

We are trying to collect as many NEW stuffed toys as we can for the month of April, as a way of celebrating our youngest daughter's 1 year adoption anniversary from foster care!

Will you join us???

Local Friends, Echelon Florist has agreed to be a drop-off location AND they are offering a 10% discount on their in-stock plush toys if you choose to purchase your donation items. 

Echelon Florist

7505 Northshore Drive

Knoxville TN 37919

++ADDITIONALLY++

If you plan to attend this year's Great Cloth Diaper Change on April 20, 2013 at the Knoxville Convention Center, you can drop of your stuffed toys there as well!!! Just bring your NEW items to the Info. Desk at the event and you will EARN tickets for your chance at prizes to be given away throughout the day!!!! 

HOW FUN!!! I just love a win/win like that!

pssssst!!! There will be a super great donation collaborated on by me and a couple of friends....I'll share more later this month, but you are DEFINITELY going to want your chance to win it! 

Be sure and keep up with all the excitement on the Great Cloth Diaper Change, Knoxville facebook page here. 

A very warm THANK YOU from the ZooNique Family!

We appreciate each and every one of you being a part of this special time in our lives!

Feeding Tube Awareness + GIVEAWAY!!!

February 10-16 2013, is Feeding Tube Awareness Week!

For all the details and daily events, be sure to visit FeedingTubeAwareness.org

To show our support and in honor of our most special Lil' Buddy Eli, we are hosting a giveaway especially for our Tube-wearing friends!

When Eli first got his tube, his mommy asked if I could help make him some little "button pads" to help keep his skin dry around the tube, and so together, we came up with these...

Isn't he the cutest thing EVER!?!?!?!! :)

Yea, I think so too!

If you sew, I've created a free tutorial to show how I have made these and you can find it on my sewing blog, Hopeful Threads, here.

If you would like the chance to WIN a DOZEN of your own, then leave a comment on this post and tell me whether you would choose....

Girl Prints

Boy Prints 

OR 

Solid Natural 

+ Your Email (so I can reach you if you win!)

1 Comment Per Person

The WINNER will get a dozen in their choice of the above, and made in the size you feel will fit best....Small 2 1/2", Medium 3 1/2" or Large 4 1/2".

This giveaway is open to US Entrants only. I will randomly select a winner and announce here 2/16/13. PLEASE leave your email with your comment so I can get in touch with you if you win....if I can't reach you, I have to pick another winner....no fun! Feel free to type it like this, info(at)zooniquebaby(dot)com to avoid any unnecessary spam magnets!

WINNER IS....
StephFebruary 11, 2013 at 12:58 PM

boy prints

livngabesmomma@gmail.com

Congrats! Check your email for a message from me! :)

Also, if you'd like to keep up with when I have these available for purchase, I invite you to follow ZooNique Baby on facebook here. 

Foster Moon & Merry Christmas!

Just a short note to let you know we are currently in a "Foster Moon" period as we welcome and adjust to our new foster care placement. 

This simply means that we will be less available for a short time....no custom orders, slower email response. Remember, all of our in-stock items at Echelon Florist & Gifts remain ready to purchase and provide that perfect, unique Christmas gift for the little ones on your lists!  

Thank you for your continued support.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

~From The ZooNique Family

GIVEAWAY!!!!

How about a festive little GIVEAWAY to kick of the Christmas month???

You can enter to win this leak-resistant Art Apron that will make the perfect gift for your little budding artist or chef! 

Made of leak-resistant laminated fabric in a gender neutral "Starburst" print. 

Offers adjustable straps to provide a customized fit, best for children ages 3-8.

 Side pockets to store all of those creative necessities too!

Open to US Entrants only. Void where prohibited. Ends 12/7/12, winner will be announced and emailed and given 48 hours to respond and claim prize. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering and good luck to all!

Loads more giveaways to check out here...

Be sure and stop by Hidden Treasures to see all of the incredible donations provided to support a very special family on a very special mission! Starting bids as low as $5!!!

Here's what ZooNique Baby is offering this time...

Thanks and Merry Christmas!!!!

November - National Adoption Month!

Adoption is something that is very special to our family!

We'd like to help raise awareness this November for National Adoption Month and hope you will take the time to learn more. 

Website: Dave Thomas Foundation

Facebook page

National Adoption Day is November 17th.

Whether or not adopting is the right choice for your family, you have the opportunity to support, encourage and bless those that are on the journey. 

Your life is sure to be touched by the experience! 

I'm Participating!!!

Looking forward to helping spread cheer to children who will be inpatient at our Children's Hospital during Christmas. So thankful that we have such a great hospital in our community!

The Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closet

Hi Friends!

Today I wanted to share a new organization with you, especially for those of you in the Knoxville area.

The Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closet.

I recently asked the founder, Amanda, if she could share a bit more about the outreach and how those interested and show their support, here's what she had to say...

When & Why was the RF Cloth Diaper Closet started? 

The Rebecca Foundation is named after the founders oldest daughter Rebecca, to help families who struggle with protecting and providing for their children. We launched the Cloth Diaper Closet in August of 2012.

Who do you hope to help with your services? 

We hope to reach families who want to provide all that they can for their children but are unable to because of financial limitations. We want to assist families that are currently receiving government assistance such as WIC, Food Stamps, etc...however every situation is different and we will try to help any family in need.

How can those interested get involved/learn more? 

We welcome all volunteers that wish to be involved. We have needs that expand from fundraising to blogging. Those that are interested in getting involved can connect with us at the following:

http://www.facebook.com/therebeccafoundation

http://www.twitter.com/rfcdcloset

http://www.therebeccafoundation.org

What types of donations are most needed? Do you accept used items? 

We will take all forms of cloth diapers new or used, and in perfect or imperfect condition; in all sizes : OS, AIO, AI2, covers, prefolds and inserts. If a diaper is in need of minor repair we have some wonderful WAHMS that have volunteered to repair these. We also will take any natural parenting items such as wraps, carriers, clothes, etc....

Are donations tax deductible?

Presently our application for 501c3 is being processed and has not been approved. This process does take time so at the moment donations are not tax deductible. For those that are wishing to donate, I don't think this should be a deciding factor to help a family in need.

How can someone apply to receive loaner diapers from the Foundation? 

On our website we have an application that can be completed however we understand that not everyone has access to a computer in that situation you may contact us via phone at 865-268-3858.

What are your long term goals for the Cloth Diaper Closet? 

Our long term goal is to reach more families in the surrounding states and eventually across the country. One organization cant help everyone and we hope to be another source for families in need. 

Green Beginnings Cloth Diaper

I have found a new diaper pattern that I love and will soon be offering from ZooNique Baby. 

Here's a peek...

It's The Green Beginnings Cloth Diaper by Fishsticks Designs.

I LOVE this pattern!!!! The mama I made this stash of diapers for LOVES these diapers too!

Meet Eli.

Yes, go ahead and soak him in a minute! He's amazing!!!

Really, he is. Eli is a living miracle. Born with a severe form of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Eli wasn't expected to survive past the day of his birth. He will be celebrating his 2nd birthday surrounded by an incredible family that adores him very soon!

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, so in honor of Eli and the many others living with this daily challenge, I hope you will take a moment to learn more. 

Spina Bifida Association Website.

You can follow Eli's progress on his own popular Facebook page here. 

Here are some of the Green Beginning Cloth Diapers in Eli's stash...

His mother requested snap closures for the diapers, but they can also be made with a hook & loop closure option if preferred. Both look great and provide an adjustable fit.

One of my favorite features of this diaper is the way the inner fleece slightly rolls out around the legs, which helps to provide a more comfortable fit and not leave the red elastic marks around the little one's  legs.

If you are local, keep an eye out for this adorable, great fitting diaper to show up in our section of the Echelon Gift Shop soon!

Stay up to date by subscribing to this blog or joining our facebook page here.

FALL FUN!

Fall is certainly in the air here in East TN and we've got you covered for the cooler temps and trick or treats! All new items just stocked in our section of the gift shop at Echelon Florist & Gifts. 

Cozy Fleece and Flannel Blankets

Loads of fun new cloth wipe prints!

Comfy Lounge Sets

And "spooky" bibs...

...and Treat Bags!

Limited quantities and many one-of-a-kind designs, so be sure to stop by soon!

Happy Fall Ya'll!!! 

NEW Hidden Treasures Auction!

The new Hidden Treasures auction opens Monday, October 1st and once again, ZooNique Baby is excited to offer a special gift!

Here's the creative set we have put together for this special event...

It includes a Leak Resistant Apron, a Coloring/Activity Tote with book and adorable hairclips to help keep your busy lil' artist's hair in place while she creates her masterpiece! :)

Be sure and follow the Hidden Treasures blog for updates.

The JOYS of being a WAHM

There are definitely many challenges of being a WAHM....Work At Home Mom.

But there are also so many JOYS!

I've captured a couple images of my work space to share as a glimpse into "my WAHM world".

Whether it's little visitors that just want to be close to you wherever you are or the trinkets they leave behind, I am so very thankful for their presence and inspiration. 

Hope your day is full of unexpected treasures and JOY too! :)

The ZooNique Mama

Monthly Newsletter

Just a brief reminder that we use this blog as our monthly newsletter to keep you posted about all of our newest products, sales and promotions. Typically, there are only 1-2 posts here each month.

Additionally, you can find us on Facebook here.

Hope you and your families are having a wonderful summer! New items, auctions and back to school goodies to come soon!