It’s that time again, our favourite time - our kids affectionately call it ‘Chocolate Day’ and honestly who could blame them? The seasons are changing; slowly fading into Autumn for us in the Southern Hemisphere with deep burnt hues of gold and amber, we’re feeling the bubbling desire to start hunkering down for the cold months ahead - the desire to sit down with a hot cup of tea or coffee and an Easter Egg is almost overwhelming.   With only 19 days left until Easter and for those not so chocolate inclined, who prefer the memories of family and good food and the lazy, cosy vibe that the Easter long weekend brings - we’ve compiled a list of our Easter favourites. From Mum to Bub there’s a present for almost every member of the family.          FOR BABY & CHILD Play - Our soft toys are iconically Miann & Co, it’s what we started with! Being bunny lovers ourselves, we can’t help but release a new family of them this time every year. This Easter we have the triplets; Nova, Micah & Juniper and their friend Princess Carmella. For little hands and nimble fingers, our new range of 100% cotton rattles will keep your bub entertained. Friends for the whole family and such a great distraction from social distancing or lockdown with hours of imaginative play for your little one. Wear - Our new-season print Coco Bunny has been a hit in the office! This gorgeous print was designed in-house and spans a range of basics, jumpers and pants. For the cutest matching moment our Coco Bunny Jumper comes in babies, kids and womens! In natural fibres, this piece is sure to be a hit. For your baby’s first Easter, we’ve also created three gorgeous Baby Packs to take the pressure off - these packs are a great option for new mums and family members who can’t be there this Easter.     FOR MAMA Care - Slightly unconventional for an Easter present, but with everything going on in the world at the moment one of the most important things right now is to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Spend a day luxuriating in our self care beauties from Willelaine, Salt by Hendrix and The Hermosa Co. Our picks are The Hermosa Co Body Polish for the softest skin, the Willelaine ‘Focus’ Roll-On because we are obsessed with it’s peppermint scent and the Salt by Hendrix Cleanse Rose Soak for the best bath of your life. Wear - To match with your bubs, we have our new favourite Coco Bunny Jumper. Super snuggly, cosy and warm. Pair it with our Chloe Knit Pants for the comfiest loungewear moment, which is exactly what we’re all looking for right now. These are such great staple pieces for your wardrobe, and super nice to pair back with a cute pair of sneaks and a long jacket if you need to pop out whilst keeping in the Easter festive spirit.      And throw some chocolate in there too if you’re that way inclined (we’re fans of the traditional Cadbury egg)! What’s your favourite thing about Easter, do you celebrate? All our love, Miann & Co x

            It’s that elusive time of year when the weather is mild, but there’s a chill to the air that covers your skin in goose pimples, the rain missing in the summer has returned and in small pockets of Australia, high up in the mountains, the barest dusting of snow has begun to fall.           That time of year when you can feel like call of winter. An old, aching echo that settles in the bones, draws you closer to those heavier jumpers hiding in the back of your wardrobe. You find yourself dusting off the book of family recipes, searching for something hearty and warming. Easter is around the corner, and you’ve forgone the iced coffees for something kinder to the soul that warms your fingers as they swaddle the mug.     This shifting of seasons means a change of momentums. Slower weekends, languid lunches, staying that little bit longer in bed. This time of year calls for more layers, a shift towards your winter wardrobe and all the goodness that’s been hidden for the past six months.           Our newest range Harvest Moon derives it's name from this time of year, the last full moon before the Autumn Equinox, a time when farmers harvest their crops. This range features timeless transitional pieces – leggings, jumpers (featuring an old friend, the Rainbow Jumper) bodysuits, and a wide array of new season beanies to warm little heads. Mama and Mini can also have a matching moment this season with our Coco Bunny Jumper – an office favourite.               We’re so excited for this time of year (no, not just because this is what we call ‘chocolate season’), and we’re so ready to hunker down for a long, wintery hibernation. We hope you are too! All our love,  Miann & Co

    Happy International Womens Day to those who came before us, those who champion us today and those who are to come. Here's to understanding that strong women come in all forms; wether you're gentle, a woman of colour, brash, ambitious, athletic, caring, a member or ally of the LGBTQIA community – you’re strong, and you’re appreciated.  We dedicate this post to those women. The women who put the fire in our bellies, the women who inspire action, the women who run their fingers through our hair to soothe us, the women who create magic with their finger tips. Here’s to you!  Greta Thunberg: there’s isn’t much we can say about this firecracker of a teenager that hasn’t already been said. Watching her champion young people across the world for climate change, while raising awareness of Asperger Syndrome and mental health is more than inspiring – it’s revolutionary. Powerfully in her TEDx Talk she said, ‘I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, OCD and selective mutism. That basically means I only speak when I think it's necessary. Now is one of those moments.’ When Greta speaks, you listen. Turia Pitt is the epitome of human strength and endurance. The Australian athlete who suffered burns to 65% of her body after being trapped by a bushfire during an ultra marathon was told she’d never walk, run or be independent again. Turia, in all her passion and determination, recovered and defied all the odds – going on to compete in further marathons, become an ambassador and public speaker and (we think of it as a marathon itself) become a mother to two gorgeous boys. Turia reminds us everyday that in keeping positive, anything is possible.       Now, while this isn’t one woman, Geelong Mums is an inspiring, heart warming reminder that women can do anything. The local non-for-profit group is dedicated to caring for families by accepting secondhand goods and wares to distribute to those in need across the local area. By providing this service their small team and 600 strong volunteer crew managed to help 20,403 babies living in regional Victoria alone. Their mantra is one we believe in wholeheartedly, ‘waste less, share more and care for every baby and child’. And even more locally, the women who we champion and champion us everyday. Our account manager at out postal service Gayle, who shows us that creating genuine connection is sometimes more valuable than product. To my mother, who has lived a life in service of others that now her children have grown she is flourishing into the woman she was always supposed to be. And lastly, to Bec, our Creative Director here at Miann & Co (she has no idea I’m writing this) who is endlessly passionate about our small business and has shown me that if you really, truly love something – work hard at it.   As the saying goes: Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.  All our love, Miann & Co

      Our lives are so busy - full of work, family, friends and within that carving out time to make dinner, clean, go shopping, and sometimes (we're super guilty of this) you even have to make time to sleep! We think of kindness as a necessity, which some of you may agree can get lost in the day to day. As we said above, everyone is so busy. How are you supposed to remember the little things, like smiling at the person scanning your shopping, or thanking someone with a little hand wave when they let you into traffic when you’re so preoccupied with everything else?      This is why we think #worldcomplimentday is so important. We're taking a little time out from the rigmarole of life to treat ourselves, and others, with kindness – with the intention for this to become the norm for everyone. Think of the time someone paid it forward and you got your coffee for free, or the time you met that super nice girl in a bar bathroom and she said you were the prettiest thing she'd ever seen. Channel some of that energy today and tell someone they brighten your day, or you really appreciate how they always ask you if you want lunch, or you love how their positivity is so infectious that they burn bright like the sun. Then save some of that goodness for yourself honey, you deserve it. Look at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself that you love yourself. Give yourself a compliment – give yourself multiple compliments. Start simple, like you love the colour of your eyes, you love the shine of your hair. Then get wild. Tell yourself you think your little belly looks so cute in those jeans, you love the long strip of muscle that runs right down your calf, you love the way your body sinks so perfectly into that dent in your mattress.     Start with others as a gateway to yourself. To brighten someone’s day only makes yours better.  So start today. What are you waiting for?    All our love,  Miann & Co

So, what is GOTS?       GOTS is a textile production certification that limits the use of toxic bleaches, dyes and other chemical inputs during the production process of textiles. It is internationally recognised as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes far beyond verifying the organic farming process to include every step of manufacturing. To obtain the GOTS 'organic' label, a product must: Contain at least 95% organic fibre Not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances Be coloured with nontoxic dyes Be produced in a mill that enforces strict social and environmental standards, treating their employees and the earth with deep respect. The main benefits of organic materials, however, is that the crops aren’t treated with pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's). These toxins are harmful to both our planet and also us! If you wouldn't eat it, why would you wear it on your body?   A GOTS certification means that products meet the very highest industry standards. I do also want to say (as I have done in a previous post) that cotton farming has come a long way. In general, farming has come a long way despite the bucket loads of negative media. Why should you believe that I have any knowledge on farming? My family until very recently were second generation rice farmers. I grew up around farming. Around common practices such as paddock rotation that allow the soil to recover, recycling systems for water run off collection and I recently spoke to farmer who told me about the use of drones in farming, which allows farmers to isolate treating a single plant - such as one that needs fertiliser etc. Despite the negative media about cotton and natural materials, the farming practices have evolved so much! Believe me when I say all farmers want to continually grow and develop these technologies to be as sustainable as possible. We have created a Organic Cotton Basics range that caters to the every day wear; for both baby and child. It also features a super special Coco Bunny range to be worn all year around. GOTS is a certification that is super costly for a supplier (or factory) to obtain. As we continually work with small, family run businesses (our lovely team of manufacturers, most of which we've worked with for 9 years!) this certification has taken quite some time to obtain. As the demand for organic cotton has grown, and with brands both larger and smaller than us beginning to offer this product, it has allowed our supplier to obtain this certification and access to organic fibres! We are super excited to add our Organic Cotton Basics to our already ethical and sustainable selection!       All our love, Miann & Co x

Welcome to Geelong, Miann & Co’s home! We would love to share with you an insiders guide to the best things to see and experience here - everything you should do, where you should visit, and where to eat! If you are a local in Geelong or you feel like venturing down for the weekend we have some awesome tips and ideas for you! We have collected all of our favourite things to do on a beautiful Summer weekend and we thought it would be a great idea to share these hot spots with you!  It is so important to take a break on weekends and step out of your work mind frame. We love surrounding ourselves in beautiful scenery, trying knew experiences and eating delicious things (who doesn’t?!) To make it simple we have broken it down into a simple list, all of these suggestions are amazing to experience with or without little ones: Top 3 favourite scenic locations, Top 3 activities, and Top 3 eateries.    TOP 3 SCENIC LOCATIONS 1. The Geelong Botanic Gardens Stimulate your senses with the stunning colours and sweet scenes of the amazing plant collection offered at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. There are peaceful lawns to soak up the sunshine on and beautiful paths to stroll down. This little beautiful space is also free! 2. Geelong Vintage Market The Geelong Vintage Market is a magical and quirky wonderland! With over 70 stalls the Geelong Vintage Market features beautiful antiques and down right weird and wonderful stuff! And you just might find yourself a little gem! The Vintage Market also has its own cafe which is perfect to stop by for a snack. 3. Geelong Waterfront Described as one of Australia’s most stunning waterfronts this beautiful cosmopolitan area is vibrant and full of stunning landscapes, attractions, art and eateries. The waterfront is definitely worth visiting as there is something to please everyone!    TOP 3 ACTIVITIES  source: https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/best-vintage-markets-geelong / https://www.wheretraveler.com/melbourne/play/lose-yourself-beauty-geelong-and-bellarine 1. Exploring the Geelong Gallery The Geelong Art Gallery is a major regional gallery in Geelong offering over 4,000 art pieces aiming to deliver artistic and cultural advancement for the community thus making Geelong a more liable city. This beautiful gallery is certainly worth checking out. 2. Go for a ride on the Ferris wheel Geelong's gorgeous waterfront is even more recognisable in Summer now due to the giant colourful Ferris Wheel that calls it home. In the evenings this spectacular wheel comes alive with over 24 light patterns. You are able to see endless views of Corio Bay from its height. The ride lasts for a total of 7-10 minutes and is a worthwhile attraction to visit if you are strolling along Eastern Beach. 3. Check out Geelong’s Street Art Geelong central in home to some incredible murals that add a creative flare to this wonderfully artistic city. These are 3 note worthy murals worth looking at. To The Unknown by Cam Scale - located on the side of the former Port of Geelong Authority in Brougham Street. Moi-Yo-Miller by Michael Cassar - located on the corner of James St and Mimms Lane Union Street Mural - a wonderful designated community art space where local artists are able to display their work.   TOP 3 EATERIES source: https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/about / https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/about 1. Born and Bread Bakehouse Located on Pakington Street Geelong, this is one of our weekend favourites. This humble little cafe specialises in beautiful sourdough, coffee and artisan goods. We can’t go past one of their divine gourmet sandwiches with all the trimmings! 2. Kilgour Street Grocer This is our daily regular as well as weekend! Located just a skip away from our offices you will often find us there hunting for a yummy lunch treat. With a strong belief in community this gorgeous cafe offers “old-school hospitality” and VERY good sandwiches (it seems we can’t go past a sandwich haha!). This grocer also offers top quality pantry essentials like eggs, milk, cheese and also gifts! It is an all round winner with awesome coffee. 3. The Village Door Geelong Craving that authentic European food experience in Geelong? Look no further than The Village Door! This homely cafe offers hearty meals and incredible coffee, what more could you ask for? A PLATTER! They offer them too! And they're good, really good. They offer an ultimate breakfast platter that includes every breakfast option you could ever want, and also a lunch platter that pays tribute to all of their very best traditional lunch items such as, cevapi, krajnksi, pita bread, chicken and calamari.    source: https://www.kilgourstreetgrocer.com / https://www.thevillagedoor.com.au I’m hungry just writing this!

Whilst going through postpartum you move through many changes, emotionally and physically. You are also learning how to look after a new human! During this experience it is important to take care of yourself to rebuild your strength. We have complied our top 10 tips to looking after yourself postpartum. We hope these small insights may help you! 1. REST  Getting as much sleep as possible is important as it allows your body to heal and to cope with fatigue. Your new little bub may be waking up every two to three hours so try to sleep whilst your baby is sleeping. 2. RECOVERY As babies have very different time clocks to adults it is common to become exhausted! To allow for rest and recovery try to allow someone else to take care of responsibilities other than taking care of your baby and yourself. As lovely as it is to have lots of visitors, to allow for a quicker recovery don’t feel like you have to entertain guests, if you need to excuse yourself for a nap or to feed you r baby do for it! 3. NUTRITION Eating a healthy and nutritious diet will promote healing. This may be achieved by eating lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein. It is also a great idea to increase your fluid intake! Especially if you are breast-feeding.  4. SEEK HELP If you have any concerns don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a healthcare professional, they are there to help. ”It’s common to experience postpartum blues, have some anxiety or feel overwhelmed or sad in the initial weeks after the baby comes, but pay attention to your feelings and seek help if it lasts beyond two weeks, or if at any point the feelings become too intense," says Dr. Chen 5. EXERCISE Although intense exercise may be off the cards for the first few weeks, eventually gentle strolls around the house and neighbourhood may help with constipation and also assist in speeding recovery as it allows for circulation and muscle tone. Gentle exercise can also help boost a positive mind set. 6. SUPPORT A really great tip is to distinguish your support people from your visitors. Find those special people that can provide you with emotional or practical support. This can be a really overwhelming time so taking support from loved ones is a great way to help. Your healthcare providers are also wonderful resources of support. 7. HEALING Up to six weeks after you give birth it is common to experience postpartum bleeding. This is similar to having a heavy period. The bleeding will be heaviest in the first ten days and will the begin to taper off. Taking it easy is key, doing too much too soon can slow down the bodies recovery process. 8. FEELINGS Having a baby is a life changing experience and it is normal to face some intense emotions due to a role coaster of hormones, minimal sleep and adjusting to having a new little human at home! This said it is important to check in with yourself and where your emotions are at. If you are having and symptoms of postpartum depression you should not feel ashamed or alone. Talking to a professional will help you in taking care of yourself and your baby. 9. SELF CARE Your body has just undergone quite an event so it it essential to take care! You may be experiencing some aches and pains, for breast pain try gently massaging with a warm compress or with an ice pack. If you are breast feeding allow them to air after each session and apply a cream to prevent any dryness. Treat your body to a massage! Or if you don't have the opportunity to do so treat yourself to a soothing soak. Herbal baths may aid in healing and are also a great excuse for some relaxing alone time. 10. APPOINTMENTS It is important to continue to check in with your doctor after giving birth. This allows to doctor to ensure than everything is healing properly and as expected. It is also a good opportunity to ensure that you are coping mentally as well. If you have any concerns or questions take this opportunity to clear them up with a professional. 

At Miann & Co we always design and create with ethics and sustainably in mind. We thought it would be a great idea to give you a run down on the fabrics that we use in our products and generally the types of fabrics you want to be looking out for. We recommend shopping fabrics that have been sourced and produced ethically and without the use of harmful chemicals. Hopefully with this knowledge you are able to shop in future with a little bit more knowledge and understanding of the fabrics used to create the garment.  Not only is there benefits to dressing yourself in natural fibres but we also think it is very important to dress your little ones in natural products. Baby skin is much more delicate than our own and because of this is is more likely to absorb any harsh chemicals within clothing. Due to it's fragile nature it is also less resistant to bacteria and harmful substances in the environment, especially if they have sensitive skin and irritations like eczema and psoriasis. Natural fabrics are not produced in the same was as synthetics fabrics, they are not created with the use of petrochemicals and crude oils. Rather they are produced with much safer methods, which are not only better for us in regards to the end products but also for the planet. So here are the facts!  GOTS CERTIFIED ORGANIC COTTON Organic Cotton means that the cotton crop is harvested without the use of any toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilisers or genetically modified seeds. GOTS- certified organic cotton means that this process has been traced from start to finish to ensure that the product is 100% natural organic cotton. It places an importance on people and planet from start to finish. As there are no chemicals being used in the production process of natural cotton, it in turn means that the working conditions for the farmers harvesting the fibres is improved. Removing the possibility of breathing in toxic chemicals improves their quality of life, and also provides huge benefits for the manufacturers. 100% COTTON Cotton is a gentle, natural alternative to toxic synthetic fibres. Babies & Children's skin is much more delicate and porous, therefore it is extremely sensitive and less resistant to bacteria. By selecting a 100% cotton product you are ensuring that your little ones skin can breath - keeping your little one more comfortable for longer and their skin free of sensitivities. LINEN Linen is a natural fiber made from a flax plant. This wonderful plant has been used for centuries due to its incredible properties. Linen is extremely durable and can last for decades if cared for correctly. This fabric is great option for the conscious consumer. Here are a few key facts and benefits of natural linen: As linen is washed it becomes softer, it improves the longer you have it! Linen is hypoallergenic, therefore it is perfect for sensitive skin. This is due to the fact that natural linen is grown without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides. Linen in environmentally friendly; made from the flax plant it is able to be grown without chemicals and pesticides and can grow without any additional water other than rain water. Linen is also organic, biodegradable and recyclable. RAMIE Ramie is harvested from the stem of the Chinese Nettle, a similar plant to the European Nettle - sans the thorns. A single Chinese Nettle plant can be harvested up to six times a year and does not require herbicides or pesticides to grow, making it a super sustainable option.  Ramie has a linen like feel and wear (it is sometimes referred to as China Linen!). Like linen, it starts out as stiff and sturdy but relaxes over time and becomes softer and better with each and every wash. Our ramie fabric was sand washed, making it soft and smooth against the skin without the worry of having to wear it in - but it will continue to get more soft and supple over time. As it has been sand washed, it doesn't have the typical lustre of normal ramie.  We hope this helps you understand the importance of natural fibres!

  Earlier this year we relocated to South Geelong! This was such an exciting move for us, as now our warehouse, offices and shop are all located in one. Not only is this location absolutely beautiful, we also love that our entire team is together! We are able to be part of each and every process and that is beyond important to us! Let’s take it back to the beginning. When we first moved into this new warehouse, it wasn’t much more than an empty box. After relentless amount of effort and time we were able transform this space into a stunning piece of us, a second home and the epitome of “Miann & Co”. It has been a long process but earlier in the month we finally completed our office! The most important part of this process was getting the warehouse into perfect working order, and then creating a beautiful shop from for our wonderful customers to experience and try our products and clothes. Last but of course not least we have finessed our workspace. It is a dream - this light, airy, plant filled peace of heaven is sure to inspire anyone. With hand selected pieces to tantalise our creative senses we have created a small but impactful place where all of our dreams can come true! We hope you enjoy getting a sneak peak into our office life! We would love to now what you think about our space!  Our very first warehouse! (In North Geelong) The exciting transformation of our new offices!

  What actually is sustainable, or the true definition of being sustainable? Do a quick google search and you'll find:  'The ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed. Environmental Science. The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.' So how, you might ask, does this translate to fashion? How can a brand be sustainable? And more importantly, how as a consumer can you ensure that the brands you support actually are sustainable? I am not going to lie - last night I received a beautiful newsletter from a service based company talking about sustainable and ethical brand. The problem here was that one of the brands they where promoting frequently uses synthetics and non-recyclable in their raw fabric choices.  For anyone that doesn't know, synthetic fibres are one of the most commonly used fabrics - and the most common synthetic fibre is Polyester, derived from coal and petroleum. Polyester is the result of a chemical reaction between acid and alcohol. The exact process which the material goes through varies, though the specifications are kept secret because of competition between different companies. Many companies use this fibre due to costs, synthetic fibres are so much cheaper to manufacture and purchase. For example, a garment made from cotton can be halved in price by using a synthetic yarn - in essence, larger profit margins is why this fabrication features so regularly in our clothing. Polyester is also long-lasting due to its synthetic qualities. It's resistant to stretching, shrinking and wrinkles. This is due to the synthetics 'plastic-like' characteristics, meaning they are non-breathable and unfit for young children, and in particular babies with sensitive skin. Polyester is man-made from toxic substances that can be uncomfortable and irritable on the skin; think of that dress you have that always itches in a funny place, or a top that makes your body odour seem worse every time you wear it. Even worse, these are fabrics that we put on our children - what would happen if they got it in their mouths? I have found out first hand how damaging the effect of a toy made from synthetics can be when it has direct access to the skin. Our first born had eczema as a child, and as all parents do to help ease their child's suffering, we began the quest to change all our products to the most natural possible alternative. The hardest alternatives we found to replace were soft toys, underwear and nappies. Our Large Softies were born from this initial need, and this is how we started our brand and continue to run our business 9 years later. We have since extended our selection to include clothing made from cotton, silk and this year linen. So, why did the newsletter hit a spot? Because this brand frequently polyester in their production in one breath, then screams sustainability from the roof top in the other. Polyester is in no way sustainable - the impact it has on the environment is utterly devastating. Now, of course, every single fabrication has an impact on our earth - no matter if it's a synthetic man-made fibre or 100% natural. Here's the punchline: some have a lesser impact than others, and I am happy to break this down too. Polyester was developed in a 20th-century laboratory, formed from a chemical reaction between an acid and alcohol. In this reaction, two or more molecules combine to make a large molecule whose structure repeats throughout its length. Polyester fibers can form very long molecules that are very stable and strong, and ultimately are derived from coal, air, water and petroleum.     Cotton is a shrubby plant, a member of the Mallow family. It's name refers to the cream-coloured fluffy fibres surrounding small cottonseeds called a boll. The small, sticky seeds must be separated from the wool in order to process the cotton for spinning and weaving. De-seeded fibres is cleaned, carded (fibres aligned), spun, and woven into a fabric that is also referred to as cotton. Cotton is easily spun into yarn as the cotton fibres flatten, twist, and naturally interlock for spinning. Cotton fabric alone accounts for half of the fibre worn in the world. It is a comfortable choice for warm climates in that it easily absorbs skin moisture.  Now, there has been a lot of controversy around the water usage and also the chemical sprays that exist in cotton farming which decrease substantially. Did you know, there are apps to monitor water/pest control etc? Technology is an enabler for better and more environmentally friendly farming. While the amount of water used to produce a cotton plant is widely known, what isn't talked about is the new farming practices being introduced to support this water usage. Practices like land being lasered for farming/paddock rotation, and catching water run off straight into recycling systems. Farming has evolved, and people that live on the land also fiercely want to protect our beautiful Earth. In recent years more environmentally friendly practices have been put into place - but with the mass production of polyester and other synthetics, the base and the raw materials used cannot be improved on. Again, synthetics are harmful since they are made from fossil fuels and other chemicals - their production destroys habitats due to the process of extracting these non-renewable resources and the raw materials can not evolve, unlike the faming of a natural product. Fibres like cotton are also also biodegradable, however the garment as a whole needs to be considered - down to elastic, buttons and thread - You need to source items that will eventually breakdown after being discarded. Unlike polyester, natural fabrics can be reused, which requires 97% less energy than brand-new material requires in manufacturing. Clothing created from synthetic fibres are non-biodegradable, and typically spend about 30 or more years in a landfill before they begin to decompose. Though polyester can be made of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles (which reduces waste in other ways); polyester production rates are continually increasing, vastly exceeding the decomposition time after disposal—inescapably creating more waste on our planet. As a small business who has chosen to use natural fibres, it is not a cheap alternative. Sometimes using natural fibres makes choices in the design process limited, as some synthetic fabrics have incredible drape qualities that natural fibres don't always have.  But as awareness of the impact we have on the Earth increases, in comes the greenwashing - Brands who promote themselves to be sustainable and ethical, but use otherwise dubious fibres or manufacturing, just like the brand mentioned above. Consumers, do you research - read garment labels just like you would a food label. Understand and teach your children what's in our garments, be aware of what you are putting on your body and how these products are made.  Small changes and education make consumers aware of the impact these products have on our body and also the environment. Are we as a family perfect? No we are not, but like many we continue to make changes - Our journey started with clothing and toys 11 years ago when our lives changed forever with the blessing of our beautiful son.  So how as a consumer do you know when you are being green washed? Best practice is to buy fabrications that last and are in as natural state as possible.  Certain certifications like GOTS also help with transparency when buying. Avoid synthetic fabrics where you can, purchase vintage or used clothing from thrift stores, pass loved and considered purchases on to the next child and above all, when buying, make sure your values and ethos reflect that of the companies you purchase from.   All our love, Miann & Co. 

On an overcast, humid summers day we gathered at home to shoot the campaign for our Autumn/ Winter 2020 range, Flourish Part 2. What seemed an insurmountable task – purely because it was 30 degrees outside – soon turned into a dream shoot. As midday struck and the shoot began, the clouds opened and broke the humidity with a wild thunderstorm, complete with thunder and lightning. The thunderstorm brought with it the cosiest atmosphere, coffees and tees were poured, cardigans and jumpers were shouldered on and we were ready to go. With t-shirts proclaiming kindness and happiness, it was super important to us that we featured sisterhood, human bonds and friendship. So we gathered a group of close friends together and let them do their thing, and we really think you can feel their warmth through the photos.  Flourish Part 2, just like it’s children’s counterpart, is very close to our hearts. Full of warm wishes, comfort and cosiness, and somewhat 70’s vibes - we hope you love her as much as we do.    All our love, Miann & Co.

  We all know the narrative driven by consumerism – Valentine’s Day is the holiday to spoil your loved one with expensive gifts, cards, lingerie, toys, red roses, chocolates. If you’re not extravagant in your declarations of love, you’re not doing enough, it doesn’t mean enough. We’ve compiled a list of all the things we think are better ways to feed your love language, while also leaving a lighter impact on the environment and your wallet!    1. Make your own cards For those who are more gift inclined, we think there’s nothing more precious than receiving something handmade. To know your loved one spent time on a creation just for you makes us feel all warm and snuggly. To further show appreciation, we love adding cards to our gallery/portrait walls for a piece of homemade art. 2. Get outside, skip the presents For some of us, spending quality time with a loved one is all we need. Surprise the one you love by taking them to the beach, to the forest – spend some time really catching up with each other. Take a homemade picnic sans single use plastics, take a blanket and snuggle up under the stars.     3. Cook up a storm Let’s be real here, the best feeling ever is coming home and someone has already fixed dinner for you. We think this is such a great way to treat a loved one, and even better, you’ll probably have leftovers for the next day if you have a cheeky little wine induced morning after headache. 4. Treat the Earth Roses, who needs them? Plant a tree to symbolise the ever growing love you and your partner share. Look after your little ‘Love Fern’ together and cherish watching it flourish with you.