Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Softest Eco-friendly Blanket Week #2- speesees organic cotton

The next blanket Ella got to try was a organic cotton plush blanket from speesees. I know you've heard me rave about speesees a lot lately and there is a reason why... I love the way their fabrics feel!!  They are a thick soft organic cotton that will last longer than a season, at totally affordable prices. speesees makes sure that all of their organic cotton is made with low impact/ herbal dyes, no formaldehyde, no dioxins and no pesticides or insecticides are used during their growth. 

The speesees mission is to be fun, fair + organic in the products they make, the way they conduct business + the baby steps they take towards creating a more sustainable future for the animal, plant + human speesees on our children's planet.

I want to explain organic cotton production and manufacturing to all of those who don't know before I get into my review...

Organic cotton growing is much more complex, not to mention more costly, than regular cotton growing. As I've said before, 11% of the world's pesticides and 25% of the world's insecticides are used to control pests in regular cotton growing. There are over 20,000 deaths every year from pesticide poisoning and majority of these deaths are cotton farmers.  That's why it's even more important to buy organic fabrics!! When organic cotton is grown, the farmer must make sure the soil fertility practices meet organic certification; the weed management is accomplished through cultivation, flame weeding or other cultural practices; and insects are controlled only through the organic certified methods. 

Pests are a huge problem in cotton growth, which is the reason why so many insecticides and pesticides are used. Organic farmers have to check their crops weekly to make sure there are no infestations. If there is a pest problem, the farmers use biological pesticides- derived of natural materials from animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. There are also insecticidal soaps, which are used directly on the crop to kill soft bodied insects. There are several other practices used for individual pests. But all of these methods are non-toxic, biodegradable and certified organic. 

After the organic cotton has been harvested, the cotton has to go through a certified organic manufacturing process. The manufacturers cannot use chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, halogens, azo-dyestuffs, plus the machines have to meet ISO standards. I wasn't able to find lots of info on the manufacturing process... I'll keep looking and post at a later date if I find anything new. 

OK, back to speesees... After getting their blanket in the mail I had to try more. So we ended up buying quite a few outfits and I'm more than impressed. You can check out Ella's new speesees clothes by clicking here. We also won a speesees towel from Mommy PR! This has to be my favorite towel Ella's ever owned. It is 100% interlock cotton with a terry backside. The towel absorbs water really well and is the perfect length for toddlers. 

When Ella first saw her tomato + cocoa plush blanket she told me to go put it in the dryer! She didn't even feel the blanket, but was angry it wasn't pink. I'm guessing she thought the dryer would make it pink??? I told you the process of giving up her flunky hasn't been easy. But, I used my mom thinking cap and told her it matched her mushrooms on her wall. (She's big on matching lately) So she took the blanket to the mushroom and matched it, then slept with it that night. 

I personally love the blanket. I like the thickness of the cotton and how the plush is super cuddly. It is a great size- (42"X42") for toddlers or even swaddling a infant. The plush also makes an awesome backdrop for pictures!

The Giveaway: 1 lucky winner will receive a speesees plush organic blanket!

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST September 17, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US.   

How to Enter:  Go to speesees and tell me something else you'd like to have. Click on "Comments" to leave your post. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!  

EXTRA entries: You must complete the "How To Enter" before making any extra entries. Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one. 

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) 
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post

6. Sign up for the speesees newsletter
7. Go to speesees and tell me your favorite picture of their trip to India to visit their cotton farmers
8. Grab Mkokopelli's The Softest Eco-friendly Blanket Week button and post on your blog or FB page 

254 comments:

  1. I love the manuella doodle doll!
    ashy.baby@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like the humanitee and the gorilla tee.


    amysmeltzer21521@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Following you on Facebook!
    ashy.baby@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Following your blog!
    ashy.baby@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Following you on twitter!
    ashy.baby@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I blogged you
    http://closetoftreasures.blogspot.com/2009/09/win-it-eco-friendly-blanket.html
    ashy.baby@gmail.com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  7. I blogged you
    http://closetoftreasures.blogspot.com/2009/09/win-it-eco-friendly-blanket.html
    ashy.baby@gmail.com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  8. I blogged you
    http://closetoftreasures.blogspot.com/2009/09/win-it-eco-friendly-blanket.html
    ashy.baby@gmail.com
    #3

    ReplyDelete
  9. I entered for your 1st eco friendly blanket giveaway the other day!
    ashy.baby@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the sweet charity dress :: cocoa. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I subscribe to u. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I follow your blog. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. fb fan. amy bolda pugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. follow on twitter. 1amypugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the tomato :: swing jacket!

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I follow your blog.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I follow on Twitter.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I entered the Woven Organic Bamboo blanket giveaway.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. This prance :: tie dress is adorable too!

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, and follow on Mkokopelli on Twitter and Follow my blog

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I entered the Woven Organic Bamboo blanket giveaway.

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like the picture of the children waving and smiling in India. Such precious faces!

    drocpqueen@Yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I tweeted http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/3708679783

    entry 1

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I tweeted http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/3708679783

    entry 2

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I tweeted http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/3708679783

    entry 3

    dropcqueen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I really like the eliza jane dress. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. email subscriber
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow your blog.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would love the Speesees Tomato flare pants.
    I also have a blanket obsession with finding the perfect blanket for my daughter.


    dhghtwr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a fan on facebook.

    dhghtwr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I also entered the Bamboo blanket giveaway.

    dhghtwr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. My favorite pic of India is of all of the children waving. So sweet and so beautiful.

    dhghtwr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I subscribe via email.

    dhghtwr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would like the Hum Hooded Towel.
    gourdsrmylife@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am an email subscriber to your blog newsletter.
    gourdsrmylife@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have the softest blanket button on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love the grow :: jumper!

    keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I subscribe to your blog

    keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I signed up for speesees newsletter

    keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd like to have any of the 4 teething toys shown.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I subscribe via email.

    bgcchs@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love the kimono dress! too cute

    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm a subscriber
    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. tweeted #1
    https://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/3724687350
    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. tweeted #2
    https://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/3724687350
    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. tweeted #3
    https://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/3724687350
    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. signed up to their newsletter- email used xxethelxx at gmail.com

    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Favorite picture is the one in the cotton gin - the first picture with the 3 boys holding some cottons.

    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have your Softest Eco-friendly Blanket Week button at http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/

    luvtosave at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. love the blankets and the towels..esp. the harmonize :: hooded towel
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  51. fb, twitter, and follow
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  52. subscribe
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sign up for the speesees newsletter
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  54. tweet #1
    http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/3727409644
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  55. tweet #2
    http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/3727409644
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  56. tweet #3
    http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/3727409644
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I like the photo where all the people have their hands up like waving...
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  58. entered Green Earth Bamboo Giveaway
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  59. entered plasmart
    Bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT Com

    ReplyDelete
  60. entered dreamsacks giveaway
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I would love the dandelion blanket.

    pandamom05@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Left a comment on Your Thoughts.

    pandamom05@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I also love the grow :: bundler!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I subscribe!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I like the lamb jacket. thanks! ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow on twitter. graygirly
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. tweet! https://twitter.com/graygirly/status/3732374331
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. tweet! entry 2 https://twitter.com/graygirly/status/3732374331
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. tweet! entry 3 https://twitter.com/graygirly/status/3732374331
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. i love the eliza jane dress! thompson_tanda@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. i follow your blog. thompson_tanda@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Extra entry for My Thoughts.
    gourdsrmylife@yahoo.com
    Marj M.

    ReplyDelete
  74. The "Prance Tie Dress" is pure fun and very unique! I was surprised to see they had such a large selection of products. Thanks!
    gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  75. The first picture under "dying" from the India trip was gorgeous! That is so cool that they put these on the site.
    gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Entered the Simply Chickie giveaway.
    gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Subscriber.
    gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'd also love to have the babies' bear jacket (cocoa with organic sherpa lining!)

    ReplyDelete
  79. I entered the Green Earth Bamboo Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love the second to last picture in the "sewing & printing" category - you see the back of a woman wearing a lime orange & pink sari cutting next to her sewing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  81. What fun items! Love it!! i am going to have to shop around!

    If I were to pick something else, I would choose the Utilitarian Diaper Bag. Because I am having my 3rd baby in January and could use a fun diaper bag! And, of course, this awesome blanket!!

    Thank you! My email is sarahw56 (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. entered the Lotus Bebe Luxury Blanket giveaway
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  83. entered
    california cozy giveaway
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I entered the dreamsacks blanket giveaway!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. My favorite picture from India is of all of the people waving!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love their bloomers and the jackets as well!

    jdove1981@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'm already a fan of yours on FB.

    jdove1981@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. My favorite picture is the feet in a circle. :)

    jdove1981@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. bird trio mobile for sure!

    yetidaddy(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I just love the Lamb jacket, omg it is soo cute and looks really warm!

    ppammela at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I also entered your Lotus BEBE luxury blanket giveaway

    ppammela at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I also entered for the Lotus blanket

    ReplyDelete
  93. I really like the picture from India under "sewing and knitting" of a a bunch of peoples bare feet. It's a pretty interesting photo.

    ppammela at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. The bear jacket is a must have! Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I entered the California Cozy giveaway! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I like the teething toy set. Thanks for the chance.

    sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I think what they call bloomers are adorable. they are pants with ruffled cuffs at the bottom

    ReplyDelete
  98. i also entered the lotus bebe giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  99. the lamb jacket is adorable

    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. LOVE the hum jumper in long-sleeve!

    ReplyDelete
  101. also love the prance :: tie dress

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. follower

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I like the hum :: bundler. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I love the Dandelion and Prance Kimono's--am a huge fan of Speesees, my go to baby shower gift!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I'd love to have their bear jacket. Their pants are the best for cloth diapering
    merylmoonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  106. Email subscriber
    merylmoonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  107. I'm a FB fan
    merylmoonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  108. I signed up for the speeses newsletter
    merylmoonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  109. My favorite pic of the India trip is they folks in Indian giving the Americans flowers necklaces, super sweet. I lOVE this company
    merylmoonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  110. We love the bootes and Speeces "Friend".

    ReplyDelete
  111. my favorite item is the *gorilla tote bag :D

    pinpine77@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I love the Elize jane dress, I subscribe to your newsletter and I mentioned the contest on my blog, The Luxe Report, also entered to win the Palma Collection giveaway. naturalluxe@yahoo.com Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  113. love their pumpkin booties!! thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  114. twitter follower
    lgsmith09

    ReplyDelete
  115. also entered the lotus bebe giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  116. I would also love to get the prance kimono, too cute! Thanks for the chance!

    Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I like the teething toy :: crawl. yyeres(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  118. Would also love the pinecone tote bag
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I follow your blog
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I subscribe via email
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I love the lamb jacket- SO cute!
    tuesdayef at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I like the bamboo bird mobile by petit collage.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Facebook Fan - Janet Fri

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I follow on Twitter - Janetfaye

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  125. I follow this blog - janetfaye

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  126. Let's go with the Hum Hooded Towel.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I really like the grow bib..very cute.


    cloud10277@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  128. I love the lamb jacket for my grand daughter.
    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  129. I entered Reclaimed Wool Sweater from Puppy Pie giveaway.
    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  130. I follow your blog
    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I signed up for speesees newsletter.
    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  132. My favorite picture is the one of 3 boys holding cotton, listed under "cotton gin".
    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  133. I like the hum :: utilitarian tote. I love hummingbirds and this tote is super cute.It's also in my favorite colors,peacock + pollen :)


    kats7960@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. The booties look like they'd be so comfy, and the pumpkin color is so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I like the Gorilla Tote Bag.

    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4054589463

    tweeted
    #1
    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4054589463

    tweeted
    #2
    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4054589463

    tweeted
    #3
    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  139. http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/

    have your blanket button (bottom right side)

    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  140. I like the tomato bloomer

    ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  141. Posted on FB: ktanjatk tk

    ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  142. tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/ktanjatk/status/4055519036

    ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  143. I signed up for their newsletter

    ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  144. My favorite photo is cotton gin - three boys with cotton in their hands

    ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  145. like blossom kimono ty.
    vivianbl@olg.com

    ReplyDelete
  146. I like the prance hooded towel

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I would love the have the manuella doodle doll. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  148. I love the Lamb jacket and $35 isn't bad!!

    hmahan_0529 @yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  149. I like the first picture from the Cotton Gin file - the three boys holding cotton in increasing order.

    ReplyDelete
  150. I love the Hum Bundler for infants.
    Sarah
    smitchathome at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  151. hum :: tank

    dangotmail AT yahoo DOT com
    unbama.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  152. I think the Tomato Swing Jacket is very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  153. I follow via Google Friend Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  154. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/iloveagiveaway/status/4058469275

    Entry #1

    ReplyDelete
  155. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/iloveagiveaway/status/4058469275

    Entry #2

    ReplyDelete
  156. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/iloveagiveaway/status/4058469275

    Entry #3

    ReplyDelete
  157. I'd also like to have the Tomato swing jacket
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  158. Follow on Twitter-rosannepm
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  159. Subscribe by e-mail
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  160. Signed up for the Speesees newsletter
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  161. I love the tomato bloomers.
    fefebelkin(at)live[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  162. My favorite picture from their trip to India was where they are holding the cotton in their hands all hands together called cottonfields
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  163. I tweeted!: http://twitter.com/fefemarie09/status/4058894317
    fefebelkin(at)live[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  164. I signed up for their newsletter.
    fefebelkin(at)live[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  165. I love the hum :: jumper! It looks so soft, and the hoody pocket on the front is cool.

    ReplyDelete
  166. http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/4059410885

    1

    ReplyDelete
  167. http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/4059410885

    2

    ReplyDelete
  168. http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/4059410885

    3

    ReplyDelete
  169. My favorite picture is of the Indian woman sewing. That sewing machine is nuts!

    ReplyDelete
  170. I like the Blue Manuella Monkey. Perfect for a diaper cake topper.

    ReplyDelete
  171. Oh my gosh! This site is awsome! I love the little red Prance-Tie Dress in tomato with the horse on it and it is all cotton! Adorable, as is this blanket!
    spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  172. Facebook fan of Mkokopelli-Carol Yerby lewis.

    ReplyDelete
  173. Tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/4061945092

    ReplyDelete
  174. I blogged here:http://forums.online-sweepstakes.com/blog.php?b=1693

    ReplyDelete
  175. Posted on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/Mkokopelli/93037696291#/home.php?ref=home
    Carol Yerby Lewis.

    ReplyDelete
  176. Signed up for the speesees newsletter. spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  177. I like the picture of all the children and adults in India-the first picture.

    ReplyDelete
  178. i like the tomato lap tee
    mverno@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  179. I really like the little bear and lamb jackets! Very cute!

    sweeps.am [at] gmail

    ReplyDelete