Hello Summer

Okay, so spring was apparently a bit of a drag on the East Coast. I heard it's been raining in Columbus, Ohio, for four straight weeks... but as they say "April showers bring..." I missed out on all the cruddy cold weather - I was in Uganda, and lucky enough to watch the dry earth come to life as rainy season showed its face (in Uganda, we rejoice when it rains). We were busy working on One Mango Tree's Summer 2011 collection, and it's here - available for pre-order now!

start shopping

What does pre-order mean? You order and pay now (take advantage of free shipping May 3 & 4), and you'll get these awesome new products as soon as the shipment touches down in the USA - we expect to start shipping May 11-12. The horrible riots that have been going on in Uganda these past few weeks delayed our shipment - we were unable to get downtown to the Ministry of Tourism and Industry, which is where we pick up the paperwork needed to ensure our apparel shipment is duty-free (under the African Growth and Opportunities Act, or AGOA).

We're expecting the order to ship any day now, so go ahead and get your hands on these amazing new bags, skirts (yes, those adorable tribal skirts) and Party Dresses in three new colors!

'Things We Love' Fridays: Tribal Prints!!!

So, lucky for YOU – guess what the number one style across the boards by everyone from Free People to Nordstrom is right now? That’s right, you guessed it, TRIBAL PRINTS! We’re so excited about our soon-to-be-released Spring Collection – bursting with color, patterns, and a strong ethnic feel.

Check out these beautiful prints from designers such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese, and Dries Van Noten from one of our favorite style blogs, Fashionandotherstuff.com.

As stated by the socialvixen.com: “Primal and tribal print is a spring summer 2010 trend that “dances to the beat of a tribal drum with modern, African-inspired pieces.” Almost every designer includes some exotic influences in their spring summer 2010 collection.”

And lastly, one of our favorite stores LF’s ode to Native Prints, endorsing tribal influences and fearless fashionistas.

Get ready to see new releases by One Mango Tree - bags, clutches, and aprons, as well as a new line of incredibly colorful skirts, shirts, and dresses. Pre-order launches this week!

Happy Mother's Day!

At One Mango Tree, work and mothering are often one and the same. Alice does her best to care for the smallest kiddos, but moms will pop in and out of the workshop to feed their babies and give them some love and attention. Just like moms the world over, the One Mango Tree tailors put their children first, doing everything they can to keep food on the table and school fees paid.

Betty chases naked little Obama, who escaped after his bath

Lawill Margret holds Ogen Rwot Alex, just after feeding him lunch

Anena Betty and Obama, her youngest

We know that moms all over the world work so hard to see their children thrive and succeed. We're spending this week honoring the One Mango Tree ladies, and of course thinking of our own moms and everything they've done to make us who we are. Are you ready for Mother's Day?

We're going to sweeten the deal and give you FREE SHIPPING on orders of $30 of more - you have two days to take advantage of this offer (ends midnight May 4th) before Mother's Day. Get your mom a token of appreciation - and there's no better way than to support the moms at One Mango Tree!

Mango Season Semi-Annual Sale!

Every April, everyone's eyes are on the trees in Gulu, waiting for the little mangoes to ripen from soft green to golden yellow. The day has come, and right along with it is The Mango Season Semi-Annual Sale. That's 50% off your favorite handbags, aprons, headbands, yoga bags, lunch bags, eye pillows, and more! Check out our sale page to see all the deals!

Just about everything is on sale!

We're clearing the shelves for Spring/Summer 2011, which will hit our online store very soon. Stay tuned!

Things We Love Fridays: Sseko Sandals

Today's "Things We Love Fridays" is coming on Saturday because of a four-day power outage the city has decided to bestow upon it's citizens. You can imagine how thrilled we all are. 

Last year we joined up with Sseko Designs to begin supporting their endeavors and promoting one of the cutest products we have seen in Uganda: Ssek Sandals! 

The women who make these shoes work in Kampala, about five hours from our workshop in Gulu.

We love these sandals because they’re adorable, fair trade, and so versatile. You can see the video on our blog of different ways to tie them, or make up your own way. They can be easy and comfortable or intricate and trendy. The possibilities are endless.

The money from these sandals goes towards the empowerment of women through education. By purchasing these sandals you are helping Uganda up their count of female doctors, lawyers, and professionals.

We are currently selling them for $42 on our website.

April Giveaway: Coffee Break Hobo Bag

Get ready friends! This month’s giveaway is our newly updated handbag, the "Coffee Break Hobo Bag" (a $32 value!). We have added new details {cute twisted handles} and changed to a more stylish shape we know you’ll love {big and slouchy}. It’s a perfect, comfortable, throw-over-your-shoulder bag for every day, and it's neutral enough pattern to wear with anything and everything. The print is inspired by the fabrics found in African markets, and we make the fabric locally from organic cotton grown in Northern Uganda.

Hobo Bag, in Coffee Break, $32

To win this adorable new bag, all you have to do is help us spread the word about One Mango Tree. Here's how to do it:

1. Mention us on Twitter
2. Mention us in your Facebook status
3. Talk about One Mango Tree on your blog
   

If you mentioned us on Twitter, you're all set, if it's a Facebook or blog post, leave a comment here so we can find it and enter you. We value any help we can get promoting One Mango Tree's work and sending out positive messages for our products. Thanks you so much in advance for all the love you send our way this month!

Things We Love Friday: Scented Eye Pillows

What is a scented eye pillow, you ask? And why do you need one? Let me tell you. Weighted eye pillows help relax the eye muscles, which then triggers a relation response in check muscles, jaw, chin, and neck. They are perfect for savasana, the final resting pose of your yoga practice, or for use instead of messy cucumbers or wet tea bags that are also very good for relaxation, aging, stress, and wrinkles.

Our eye pillows block out light, and relax your muscles. They are ideal for meditation, massage therapy, resting fatigued eyes, and napping. When combined with essential oils they offer a therapeutic value perfect for physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health.

They can be kept in your dresser drawer, infusing a fresh scent into your intimates or tank tops. Ours are so cute they can be left out in your bedroom as a reminder to take those daily minutes of meditation and rest – so important for vitality of the whole body.

The weight is gentle and relaxing, the fabric is soothing and calming, and the texture is soft and luxurious. They are easy to wash, and scents are refillable as needed.

They are filled with a chamomile and lavender scent, picked straight from an organic herb garden in Uganda.

Smell is the strongest sense we have and millions have experienced the therapeutic value of aromatherapy. Our eye pillows are currently on sale from $15 to $10.50! Order your One Mango Tree eye pillow today and enjoy the fragrance and feel of relaxation.