Buy with a clear conscience from Cebra - fair trade and chic

10% goes to my favourite charities - Discounted items

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:05:00 GMT

I want to raise some money for my favourite and to this effect I have put some really yummy accessories into our Special Fair Trade Catalogue section. All items featured here are discounted by a massive 25%. You will also receive a free pair of Kente bangles plus a free sample of our skin or hair care range when you place an order.

To browse the catalogue go to our Special Fair Trade Catalogue or click here.
The discounted period lasts until 31st January 2008.

And remember - every little helps!

Eco Friendly beauty products made from wood

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:15:00 GMT

I managed to source some great new beauty products. Made in Germany by a small family enterprise, our hair brushes, toothbrushes and combs are made from sustainable wood like beech and maple and use only the finest bristles made from goat's hair for the baby brush to natural sisal for the toothbrush.
There is also a very useful pocket mirror and old fashioned shoe horns - ideal for those of us who can't or won't bend down to get into our shoes.

Why I look 39 - and not 48

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:40:00 GMT

I am 48 years old this year. As a teenager I developed quite bad acne and at 18 I decided to take the Dianette pill because I was so desperate, I did not want to show my face full of pimples to the public. I also had quite bad acne on my body, particularly on my back. As I was a keen swimmer every visit to the pool was a bit of a nightmare. I used to change into the most hideous swimming costumes and then take a run for the pool, jump in quickly and not appear for about 40 minutes, making sure I stayed "under water" for most of the time, never even stopping to take a proper breath - which is probably why I became so fit and developed quite a bit of muscle and the lung capacity of a deep sea diver....

After 10 years on the pill I decided that was enough. My skin by then was pimple free and quite smooth. However, stopping oral contraception made everything worse plus I developed other physical ailments that at 38 required surgery. After coming home from hospital I started looking into new beauty regimes and face creams.

For the next 9 years I tried everything under the sun. Retinol, vitamin pills, creams pumped full of one chemical or another that promised to heal acne and make my skin look great. If only! Some creams made it look worse, and don't even mention facial washes and exfoliators. A nightmare.

Finally 12 months ago I came across organic, vegan skin care. I wanted to try out something that was free of chemicals and very pure and I started to use the Alaffia African black soap as a facial cleanser, followed by the Alaffia antioxidant cream with Rooibos and shea butter as a day cream and the Raw Gaia moisturizing MSM spray, which contains some wonderfully healing oils, as a night moisturizer.

I admit that I am also taking some supplements - Menoherbs and Black Cohosh. Whether they have anything to do with the condition of my skin as it is now, I cannot say. All I know is these herbs changed my life dramatically. I have no idea why I did not start taking them at 38, but then again - no doctor will ever admit that they really work.

However, I am absolutely adamant that the Alaffia cream and the Raw Gaia MSM spray as well as the black soap work wonders for my skin. I apply the cream and the moisturizer using facial massage by the way and I take at least 2 minutes if not more to smooth the products into my face and neck. A lot of people have commented on my skin. Friends say it has changed the condition of my skin dramatically and people who don't know me say, they don't believe I am 48. Generally I am told I cannot be older than 39. I don't have wrinkles, just fine lines around the eyes (plus bags under my eyes in the morning, but that is an inherited condition and I shall fight those with the new Beyond eye cream).

I have now started to test the Beyond boob & butt oil and already I can tell that the treatment softens the areas it is destined for and makes them less "dimply" (I have cellulite, hence no wonder woman here to be had). I also use the Alaffia shea butter lotion after each shower and it is the best lotion I have tried in a long time. It makes my skin really smooth and very dry areas are softened. My upper arms are particularly soft as I used to have little spots in these areas and they have completely vanished.

All of the above have convinced me that vegan, organic skin products are the way forward. Which is why I decided to stock some products from the Alaffia, Beyond and Raw Gaia skin care range. I am absolutely convinced they work - I am the best proof for that. I put my hands into the fire and offer everybody a full money back guarantee if you decide these products do you no good and you want to return them. NOTE: if you suffer from a severe nut or rubber allergy, then the shea butter products are NOT for you. Ask me about the full Beyond skin care range instead and I can recommend and send you these as an alternative.

Our most popular Alaffia creams and lotions as well as the shampoo and hair conditioner that I have started to stock are now available as testers - try before you buy the full version. This way you can be sure of their quality and effectiveness. However, as with all natural products I would say that you have to give them at least 3 months to see them develop their full benefits for your skin.

TIP: do drink lots of water, it definitely has an effect on your skin's condition. And try and give up smoking and drinking more than 2 glasses of alcohol per week. Life is so much more pleasant when you go through it with a clear vision.......

p.s. my lung capacity is not what it used to be and my muscles have shrunk a bit with age. Still - I go for a 90 minute walk every day with my three dogs and that suits me fine.

Eco Friendly and Fair Trade - Sisal Handbags from Kenya

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:15:00 GMT

You may be aware that Kenya is suffering quite badly from the effects of

global warming. In various parts of the country crops are failing because

it either hasn't rained for years or because there were devastating floods

that occurred unexpectedly and destroyed entire villages making people

homeless and leaving them without much hope for their future.

We have just taken delivery of a small number of sisal purses and handbags and

I would like to introduce them to you herewith:

Rosemary - a hand woven small handbag / purse featuring leather details such as adjustable shoulderstraps. The bag is lined and has a sturdy zip closure.

Price: £20 incl. free UK delivery

Comes in many natural colours.

Buy it now - click on the image or here for more details

Beaded handle purse. This is our best seller at fairs and exhibitions. A great little handbag featuring handles beaded from tiny glass pearls and in the Masai style. The bags come in a variety of colours and have a sturdy zip closure.

Price: £16 incl. free UK delivery.

Buy it now - more details: click on the picture or here

Hand woven small handbag / purse with real leather straps.

The straps are adjustable and the purse features a sturdy zip closure. Comes in a variety of colours. Simple yet effective little handbag.

Price: £11 incl. free UK delivery.

Buy it now - click on the picture or here for more details

And finally - Lulu. Our best selling larger shoulder handbag, made from natural hand woven sisal and featuring real leather, a comfortable shoulder strap, inner silk lining and an inner zip pocket for all your precious belongings. The shoulder bag itself has a very secure and sturdy zip closure. Comes in a beige/ grey colour only.

Price: £40 incl. free UK delivery.

Buy it now - click on the picture or here for more details

All our sisal handbags come in limited edition and no two handbags are exactly the same (colour variations are to be expected).

How Lona became an Eco Celebrity

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:05:00 GMT

By Lona who strutted down the catwalks of New York...

Once upon a time there was a discarded lorry canvas that was saved from an overflowing landfill site by a clever Brazilian designer who saw the potential of this robust material.

The designer took it home, washed it, dried it and carefully cut undamaged sections from the canvas. Soon a beautifully styled handbag emerged, complemented by carefully selected leather straps, secret pockets with delicate lining and sporting a secure zip.

And so the Lona lorry canvas handbag was born.......

100% eco friendly, sustainable, handmade, fair trade - for a clear conscience, showing your commitment to recycling. A signature fashion item for autumn/winter 07.

Then there was the drinking can that became a desirable fashion bag, but that is a fairy tale that I shall recount another time........

5 Top Tips for a Happy Life

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:20:00 GMT

5 Top Tips for a Happy Life

Leading ethical internet company owner shares her secrets of a happy life

Apart from the obvious like eating freshly prepared food, being nice to your neighbours, giving up smoking and drinking (but not necessarily the odd glass of wine every now and then) and being generous, ethical shopping can have a big impact on your outlook on life.

Looking your best really makes a difference to how happy you are. Physical appeal aside, beauty is about your aura, how you feel about yourself and therefore how others perceive you. It has been proven time and again that chemically loaded facial creams don’t do very much for your appearance, especially if you suffer from allergies as some chemicals can cause your skin to come out in a rash. Try an organic, vegan facial cream such as our Alaffia antioxidant face cream with shea butter & rooibos tea and see what difference it can make to your skin structure.

Recycling is another great mood enhancer. Yes, sorting your plastics from your papers is a good start, but why not go and buy more recycled products and even extend this to buying recycled gifts for friends or recycled décor for your home and garden?

Buy more fair trade – it gives you a clear conscience and this lets you sleep better. Sleep in turn is great for your skin…….Fair Trade makes sure that small producers receive a fair share from selling their products. And real Fair Trade makes sure that only sustainable or recycled ingredients are used in the making of products. You can make a difference by buying Fair Trade.

Creating a green corner in your home, if you don’t have a big garden, gives you a positive mindset. Sowing seeds to see them grow into flowers, herbs or your own salad leaves, is a real thrill – for you and your children. It is also great for teaching and learning about responsibility.

And finally, buying only good quality and well designed products, whether for yourself or a friend, is kinder to your purse in the long run. Which makes you happier. That handbag you bought for £13 the other day, fell apart the next day. You possibly lost your keys, your money, your driver’s licence and now you have a hellish time replacing everything. Which will cost you – what? 10 times as much as that handbag? Better save up and then buy a handbag for £130 that will last, is stylish and can be recycled by passing it on to your daughter. For example.

“Our chic fair trade and eco friendly accessories and our organic skin care have been carefully chosen with our customers’ needs in mind. They are unique, environmentally friendly, ethically sourced and of the highest quality. Plus we offer FREE UK delivery and a no quibbles money back guarantee, so you really have nothing to worry about. In fact, I am absolutely sure, shopping with us will make you very happy.” Sabine, Cebra - ethical chic

Our Dream Finca is for Sale

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:35:00 GMT

Work commitments are forcing me to sell our finca in Catalonia. My business here in the UK needs attention and is growing fast and sadly I don't have the time to take on a renovation project for what was supposed to be our dream home in the sun. We battled for nearly 2 years to get planning permission for a stunning eco friendly and completely self sustained stone masia with a separate barn and a salt water pool in a tranquil and serene location in the hills of Tivissa - 30 minutes to some fabulous beaches and in the midst of a wildlife haven. And if that was not enough - there are 335 olive trees that give splendid and organic olive oil .....if you are interested or know of someone who is looking for their dream home in the sun, go to: buymyfinca.co.uk for further details.

Fight against Catalan new bird killing law

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:25:00 GMT

Gary has just told me about the RSPB's campaign against a new Catalan law that intends to legalize the hunting of birds with glue. Basically this is a method used by hunters who smeer trees with glue and then attract migrating birds by using electronic appeals. The hungry birds are lured to the trees and get stuck whereupon the "hunters" then just pick them off (more like rip them off) the trees. Like so many so called Spanish traditions involving cruelty to animals, this one is not only barbaric but also unlawful and I wonder how many modern Spanish people really support such a law.

Nevertheless it is important to get as many signatures against the law as possible. Please go to the RPSB website and make your feelings and your support known. Every voice counts!

Something that really stunned me...

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:15:00 GMT

This has nothing to do with fair trade or recycling but I thought I must tell you about it anyway. It has to do with health.

I own three dogs, one of them is a border collie called Judy.

Judy is now 13 years old and whilst she is still very playful and brainy, she started suffering from arthritis 1 year ago. Most border collies are afflicted by this as they like being outside and Judy had a penchant of sleeping on cold slabs even during the winter. Collies get heated up very quickly as they have a very thick skin. Believe me - nothing (other than her chewies) could move her and I spent up to an hour sometimes luring her indoors. Now, of course, she's lapping up the sunshine and doesn't mind a bit of warmth and more comfort.

Anyway, being a health conscious person and believing strongly in the power of natural supplements like herbs and minerals, I put her on glucosamine with chondroitin approx. 9 months ago. It seemed to help but I knew she was in pain when every walk took longer and longer. 4 months ago I added devil's claw to her supplements which is a herbal anti inflammatory.

And now comes the stunning bit: last Sunday I read in the Sunday Times Magazine about bromelain and turmeric being excellent anti inflammatories. Of course I went to my health food store, spent £20 and bought both. I started Judy on one bromelain and one turmeric tablet in the morning and one turmeric pill in the evening. Today is Thursday - and Judy has made a remarkable recovery! At first she started to walk much better - noticeably so, because even Gary made a comment and he is super critical. Then she wanted to join me for more than one walk a day. Yesterday she ran around in the park with another large dog, something she hasn't done in the last 8 months or so.

Altogether she is perkier, doesn't just lie around all day long and has become more like the dog I knew. He arthritis will not go away and her one back leg is still stiff, but she seems to be more pain free and that can only be a good thing. And I think what works for her must work for humans as well. I shall go and tell my mother who has rheumatoid arthritis, but I suspect she will pooha me and stick to her genetical time bomb injections......

I am going to Norfolk next week for a holiday - I think I should really discover England better and anyway, I want to do my bit to reduce the carbon output and brave the English weather which is not so bad right now, isn't it? When I am back I tell you about my other dog, Bess and how I treat her eczema. I have found out what works and what not for her and maybe that helps one of you or someone or some animal you know.

Take care now.

Sabine

Something About Sabine

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:35:00 GMT

I have decided to come out of hiding and tell you a little bit about myself - my believes, my passion and how it all started with Cebra.

So that I don't bore you with endless stories, I kept it short and snappy and put the main salient points up on our website.

If, once you have read about me, you want to know more, then please feel free and subscribe to my newsletter. All the details on how to do this are on the "something about Sabine" web page right at the bottom. Just click on the title of this news item and you go straight through to the relevant web page.

Finally please note that I need a break - if you want to place an order between 15th and 23rd Sept. 2007 and help our artisans in the process....then please be aware that items will be sent out only on 25th Sept., subject to them being in stock.

Spotlight on our Alaffia skincare range

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Our supplier returns 10% of their sales to West Africa to fund community enhancement projects. These projects are designed to help lift their communities out of pverty and become self-sustaining. Their projects focus on the future, emphasizing the environment, gender equality, education and empowering communities.

Women are the backbone of African societies. It is time to honour their contributions by working towards gender equality. One way to do this is to place fair monetary value on the unique skills of African women, such as handcrafting shea butter, and compensate them with fair values for their products and knowledge. This economic and moral boost encourages gender equality in the family institution. Over the past four years our Fair Trade cooperative members in central Togo have seen a shift in family equality. Their regular salaries help them to support their families and give them more voice in their communities.

Alaffia and Cebra believe that the future of Africa lies in the hands of the young and that if young Africans are helped with the dilemmas they face - such as harsh poverty and lack of infrastructure - they will in turn help Africa in the future. Alaffia have several ongoing projects, including donating school supplies, roofs and furniture and their bicycles for education project in which they collect used bicycles in the United States to distribute to students in rural Togo.

Protection of sub-Saharan Africa's complex and diverse environment is essential to the quality of life of present and future generations, especially as our climates change due to global warming. Alaffia are currently focusing on one major problem, deforestation, through their Reforestation and Shea Tree Protection programs. To date, they have distributed trees to more than 150 households in central Togo. They hope to plant more than 500 trees next year, as well as expand the project throughout other regions of Togo and West Africa.

Cebra finds Alaffia's skincare range the to be one of the best vegan, organic creams, lotions and soaps on the market and we endeavour to support their projects on an ongoing basis by steadily increasing sales of their products in the UK and Europe.

Cebra Summer sale now on

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:25:00 GMT

Our summer sale is on now with massive reductions on selected gifts, handbags, jewellery and silk shawls. We need to clear space to make room for our winter stock due to arrive mid September. Go and check it out: click on the pictures below or on the headline above.

Gnome-be-gones

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:50:00 GMT

Just sourced and expected to arrive in the UK 2nd week of August 2007: the gnome-be-gones, a must-have sculpture for every keen gardener who hates gnomes! These creatures are made from scrap metal and they are just so funny - a talking topic for everyone who visits you. No more boring parties where you stand around holding your glass, staring into space - the gnome-be-gone will attract everybody's attention. Leave it outside and it develops a patina of rust which adds to its charm. And if you don't know what to buy that difficult-to-buy-for person - buy them of our gnome-be-gones. They come in two sizes and with various actions (flower holding, skiing, surfing, caped crusader).

Organic skincare and recycled canvas bags

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:20:00 GMT

We have sourced some truly ethical and ecofriendly handbags, made in Brazil by Yellowport, using recycled lorry canvasses and featuring suede leather handles with buckles. The canvasses are collected and laundered with biodegradable washing agents and desinfectants before being stone wahsed and then dried at high temperatures. This gives the canvas a unqiue texture and therefore no two bags are the same. Of course all bags are also fairly traded and workers are paid a wage above the national wage with holiday allowances and pension schemes in place. Have a look at our backpack which is a great fashion accessory for men and women alike.

After a lot of research we have taken the plunge and ventured into organic skincare produced in the UK. Raw Gaia makes living skincare using only cold-pressed oils and fairly traded wild-crafted shea butter. The moisturizers and massage bars as well as the lip balms and floral waters that we sell have a truly heavenly aroma and are completely free froma rtificial preservatives. They are particularly helpful if you have problem skin and suffer from acne, eczema or other skin conditions. Compared to how they are made we think they offer very good value for money and we are 100% convinced you will not want to use any other skincare products once you tried these! Click here for further details

Focus on Thailand

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 GMT

Our new pealr necklaces and earrings from Thailand have arrived and how beautiful they are. High quality, outstanding craftmanship and real value for money. These necklaces and earrings are very suitable as bridal jewellery - see for yourself.