Click here to visit the Rascals and Scallywags website
Click here to visit the Buckets and Spades website
Click here to visit the Fairy Kisses website
Click here to visit the Giggle'n'Groove website

KSF Weekend Special Feature: Strollerama - Take a Walk on the Cool Side!

Posted: May 31st, 2008

This weekend, Miki brings you a fine selection of prams of strollers to drool over. The form of these baby-movers is just stunning, and their functionality is optimal. Just what every busy Mum needs in her life :)

Next weekend: Pram Accessories (including Bags!! Yay!)

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Silver Cross Dazzle

*The* name in prams is, and has always been, Silver Cross - www.silvercross.com.au. If it’s good enough for several generations of the British Royal family then it’s likely good enough for your precious bub!

Silver Cross have really updated in the last few years. Their latest model, the lightweight Dazzle stroller, is an iconic design - fresh, stark and simply beautiful. This is a stroller that really will become a modern classic.

I’m not lucky enough to have one of these (although I’d dearly love one!) but I’m told by people who do own a Dazzle that the build quality is second to none, and they love all the extra little features that come with it: the big viewing window in the hood which is held in place with magnets, the seat that lies almost flat so even the youngest baby can lie in it comfortably (there is also an optional carrycot), the hidden shopping basket, the suspension and foam-filled wheels giving the lucky kid inside a smooth ride, it’s light weight (only 7kgs), the five spectacular colours it’s available in… I’d better stop before I start dribbling.

The Dazzle comes with a ventilated rain cover too - that’s the last time you’ll have to take your raincoat off so the child doesn’t get wet!

Silver Cross Dazzle

The best price for the Dazzle that I’ve found online is from Nought 2 Five - www.nought2five.com. They have the Dazzle stroller for $395 in all colours, or $599 for the stroller and carrycot set. Have a browse around Nought 2 Five while you’re there, it’s gorgeous!

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Stokke Xplory

Another modern classic: the Stokke Xplory - www.stokke.com/en%2Dau/.

This pram made such a splash when it was launched in 2003! The world had never seen anything like it, and they still haven’t because the Xplory is simply in a class of its own. Designed for modern, urban parents, the Xplory motto is ‘higher is better’, and when you look at the pram you can see why.

The central ‘spine’ allows for height adjustability and for the seat to face forwards or back towards you. The extra height means that when walking you are closer to the baby in the seat, which aids eye contact and interaction between parent and child.

And the battle to get a highchair in a crowded cafe? Never again - the Xplory’s height means it can be wheeled right up to the table just as it is.

As you’d expect from Stokke, the quality is extraordinary; in fact, the aluminium and polymer structure is built to the same standards as automobiles and aircraft!

The seat and carrycot are interchangeable which makes this pram perfect from the earliest days of infancy right through toddler-dom.

Stokke are currently running a competition to win a Stokke Xplory: enter here.

Stokke Xplory

The best online price that I can find in Australia is at Bebe Online www.bebeonline.com.au - it’s retailing there for $1499.00, with the bassinet as optional retailing for $439.00. Orders over $100.00 are delivered free! Otherwise if you want the pram-and-bassinet package, the best price is $1899.00 at Babies Galore - www.babiesgalore.com.au.

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Phil & Teds Classic, Sport, Dash and Vibe buggies

LOVE my Phil & Teds - www.philandteds.com - Sport Buggy. It was a present from my beloved aunty when my little boy arrived, and so far it’s taken everything I’ve thrown at it without batting an eyelash. It’s rugged enough for walking all over the grandparents’ country property, it walks daily along the beach with no signs of wear despite all the salt and sand. It’s lightweight enough (11kgs) to throw in the boot for quick shopping trips and it even looks good enough for promenading up and down the city high street!

It has a whole swag of cool features (the big shopping basket, the adjustable handle, the nifty pouch in the canopy (I keep my phone and my shopping list in there), the great colours available. And then there’s the ingenious doubles kit, available for all P&T single prams, which quickly and cheaply converts your single pram into one which can take a toddler and a baby or two toddlers! There just isn’t another pram around which can match the P&T for flexibility, particularly if you have two kids or think you might at some point.

I’m not the only one who loves it - I’m in great company with Holly Hunter and Brooke Shields, to name but a couple of my fellow P&T fans ;)

Earlier this year P&T released three new models: the Classic, the Dash and the Vibe. These are already proving to be just as popular as the Sport buggy!

Phil & Teds buggies
Clockwise from left:
Sport Buggy, $699.95 $595.95
Vibe buggy, $1130.00 $899.95
Dash buggy, $859.95 $749.95
Classic buggy - currently sold out in Australia, shows you how popular it is! But I’m sure it will be back soon.

2 Cute 4 Kids - www.2cute4kids.com.au - have the best prices on the P&Ts that I’ve seen in Australia and what’s more, they make these prices even more attractive by including a FREE doubles kit - or if you don’t want the doubles kit, take a further $50 off the price!

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But wait, there’s more!

If none of the prams I’ve shown so far has rocked your boat, then you’d better go and have a look around at Minimee - www.minimee.com.au.

These guys carry some of the top names in prams - Mountain Buggy, Emmaljunga and Bugaboo, among others - at fantastic discounted prices.

These are my picks:

Minimee Images

Clockwise from top left:
Emmaljunga Duo Combi - Edge $1299.95 $1202.45
Mountain Buggy Urban Elite Single $869.95 $804.70
Bugaboo Cameleon $1599 $1499
Mountain Buggy Urban Double, $1199.95 $1109.95 (Angela had one of these for her girls and loved it!)

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As a final note, if you’re looking for more info about prams & strollers then go to www.strollersandprams.com.

There are reviews on every pram you’ve ever heard of (and plenty you haven’t), and if you still can’t the answers to your questions then join the S&P forums. As I’ve discovered while researching this week, the members are friendly and helpful and if there’s anything they don’t know about prams (which I doubt) then it’s not worth knowing!

The Frock is still rocking 30% off everything!! NEW BabyLegs designs in store now

Posted: May 30th, 2008

Just a little update on - Frock You’s - www.frockyou.com.au - crazy-good 30% off store-wide offer, especially for fans (and air-conditioners ;) haw-haw) of BabyLegs.

New designs have just landed at The Frock are they are keeey-ute!! (See visual confirmation below).

Enter discount code ‘KSF’ for 30% of EVERYTHING at Frock You (while stocks last) until midnight 1 June!!!!!

This stunning discount brings the Baby Legs (RRP $16.50) down to a crazy low $11.55 after 30% discount

And don’t forget that for every pair of BabyLegs you buy, you go into the draw to win 6 pairs of regular range BLs of your choosing (finishes May 31, so not long to go to find out if you are a winner and a grinner).

Check my previous post on Frock You for more hot picks.

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Frock You stock the following baby and kids clothing and accessory brands: Ej Sikke Lej (”ay-sic-kay-lay”), American Apparel, Elodie & Elvis, Fully Stoked, Itch Design, Little Red, Monster Baby, Moppit, Smelly Welly, Smirk, Tippy Toes, Baobab, Cuski, TomTom, Deadly Girl Couture, with Sooki Baby and Lucca.P coming soon.

Frock You stock the following fashion clothing and accessories for women, including jewellery and shoes: American Apparel, Birds of a Feather, Blue Juice, Dolly Rockers, Fanciulla, GRAB, Little Potty Red Shoes, Living Doll, Mejikuhibiniu, Mermaid Sister, Moe Moe, Nude Footwear, One Teaspoon, Seduce, SUNDAY By Andrea & Joen, Sunny Girl, Tribu, and Vicious Threads.

Race on over to score your 30% off at Frock You now before all the goodies are gone!!

Frock You charge $5.00 flat, for Express Post Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free!

Kinder Kaboodle - Stock up on supplies 15% off! Penny Scallan, Feef, Chickpea, Mini Whisk, Bestever, Alex & Charli, Bump Buddy + more

Posted: May 29th, 2008

Looking for backpacks, bags, tags, drink bottles, sleeping gear, lunch bags and snack keepers, smocks and aprons, sun-hats, rain gear, hair accessories, dress-ups, creative play solutions, funky toys and gifts, and the coolest accessories??

Search no longer: it’s all here at Kinder Kaboodle - www.kinderkaboodle.com.au!

A concept store especially for the pre-schooler, school age and creche-going child, whether you need backpacks and bags, drink bottles, sun-wear, rain-wear, art-ware or sleepover supplies, Kinder Kaboodle is the place for you.

With an incredible range across brands including Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef , Fruity Faces, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club there is something for every taste and need.

No more rushing around different places looking, Kinder Kaboodle is *the* source!

The question here is not what to buy, but what *not* to buy!! Last week I purchased some new Feef smocks, Alex & Charli drink bottles, and extra Starfish Bump Buddy (can’t have too many of these!!), and I just noticed these socks, which I think we maybe can’t live without!!

I must say that Bernice at Kinder K really goes all out with her gift wrapping; it’s gorgeous! Also, she included a very sweet little gift with the order. Make a purchase and you’ll get one too :)

To get 15% off the purchase price store-wide pick up a copy of My Child or Australian Parents magazine and access the special discount code.

(Not near a newsagent? Leave a comment on this post, or email me, and I’ll send you the code.)

As the rain pitter-pats outside my window, my first pick of the day is the Penny Scallan rainwear, just landed at Kinder Kaboodle.

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The new Penny Scallan raincoats ($49.95) are so soft to touch (not stiff like as per usual ‘plastic’ raincoats situation) and look so groovy! Match them with the new Penny Scallan Boy Stripe and and Penny Scallan Girl Stripe Gumboots ($29.95 per pair) for wet-weather readiness.

Also, I’m loving the new Penny Scallan Pop-up Umbrellas ($19.95), which fold down to a compact 23cm - ideal for popping in school bags.

Other things on the shopping list today:

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(Beautiful, huh? Colours make me feel good!!)

I can’t let today’s post go by without mentioning the Feef smocks ($34.95) which I deem to be the best smocks in existence. I know this from experience; we have literally 10 different kinds, and the Feef smocks are the only ones that don’t soak through. They are a made from a thick, but soft, coated fabric that really protects clothes; no more Napisan-ing after playgroup!

If you’re in the market for a super-cool lunch bag for your little one, consider the Bestever Lunch Bags ($29.95 $23.95) How cool is this Croc? also available in Puppy Dog and Zebra.

For drink bottles, you can’t go past Alex & Charli’s Drink Bottles ($14.95) - goodness knows I didn’t ;)

A beautiful new addition to Kinder Kaboodle’s super range of bags are the Chickpea range of products. How gorgeous are these Chickpea Library Bags ($25.95) with their divine vintage-retro prints?

If you are looking for solid colour bags, I highly commend the Kiddysac bags. We have been using our bags for 4 months now and they still look new!!

To ensure your child’s bag doesn’t get lost, consider attaching a Personalised Bag Tag (only $9.95 including postage!) from The Bag Tag Studio. Bernice at Kinder Kaboodle will take your order, and send it to The Bag Tag Studio, who will create your tags and sends it direct to you on Bernice’s behalf to speed up the delivery process. These tags are great quality and come in a wide range of gorgeous styles.

Other things I’m eyeing off are the new cooking products from Mini Whisk (starting from $15.95), the super-cute Bestever bag accessories, $8.95, (pictured above in Bird and Dog, and also available in Sheep and Lion) and the My School Days Record Book ($34.95) from Milestone Press.

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!

International shipping is available. Contact Bernice at Kinder Kaboodle for a fast and friendly quote.

Kids Gift List Shake it Up: 45% off musical instruments plus 20% off everything else store-wide!!Yowza!!

Posted: May 28th, 2008

Okey dokey. There must be something in the water this week. The deals are just unbelievably good.

Today’s offer, from Monique at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - really is quite mind-blowing.

Get this: 45% off musical instruments plus 20% off everything else store-wide including sale items!! Whooooop-Whoop-eeeee!

PLUS, as a special offer exclusive to KidStyleFile readers, when you spend over $30.00 on musical instruments you will also receive a little gift FREE!

The discount code is SALE - enter it at checkout, and be seriously rewarded for your effort. Stunningly good! Yep, yep, yep!!!!
Mention ‘KidStyleFile‘ in the ‘Where did you find us?’ section at checkout to score your gift.

KGL stock fine products from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier.

You’ve got until May 31 to raid the joint :)

So go!……._NOW_!!!!!!

For those of you who don’t respond to orders and/or who want to build the anticipation just a tad more, here are my favourite things of the day.

kidsgiftlist_musical-instruments.jpg
Choose from a super selection of drums, clappers, maracas, whistles, tambourines, jingle sticks, castanets, flutes and xylophones, all 45% off!!!

Instruments start at a very low $2.95 and prices are automatically reduced by 45% at the checkout when you enter code ‘SALE’, so jump straight on into the Musical Toys section to save!

kids-gift-list-picks.jpg

Clockwise from top left:

Tiny Revolutionary “I’ll Change the World Someday” Tee $38.95 $31.15 $25.56 after 20% off discount I love the message of this tee, and it’s eco and kids friendly mode of manufacture.

KGL Classic Combi (available in assorted colours; here dark red) $9.95 $7.96 after 20% off discount Am I a broken record with these combis? Well, what if I am? ;) They are *the best* toy cars I have ever found (and you know I look!!). Every home should have one! (I’m off to pick up some more today!!)

Like a Bike Mountain in red $339.00 $271.20 after 20% off discount These ‘foot bikes’ are widely used in Scandinavia, where the design hails from. Riding one of these for a while is said to eliminate the need for training wheels when your small charge moves to a pedal bike. Plus, they look darn cool! I want one. Make that two, actually!!

Coco Boheme XL Monkey Blackboard Repositionable Decal $99.00 $79.20 after 20% off discount Makes a super stylish impact anywhere in your home, and will keep your child amused for hours!

Rosie Flo’s Johnny Joe and Rosie Flo’s Animals colouring books $14.95 $11.96 after 20% off discount Just add a head, legs and arms. These books are a delight, and bring creativity into the colouring book experience. Snap ‘em up!

Merrigold Circus Tent Playset $37.95 $30.36 after 20% off discount We have one of these in our home and it is sooo sweet. Five friendly characters dance in and out of the tent. I just love the monkey’s little removable skirt!!

Sparrow Kids DIY Felt Sparrow Bag (red available only) $28.95 $23.16 after 20% off discount I remember having kits like these when I was a child. It was so satisfying to complete a project, and now, as a parent I realise they are a true joy, as everything you need to make it is in the pack! Just gorgeous, and functional to boot!

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Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

Kids Gift List offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!!

Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Head on over to the Kids Gift List site to celebrate and get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

My Munchkin Home: Divine Decor Solutions for Kids - FREE postage offer for KidStyleFile readers

Posted: May 27th, 2008

As the weather cools and the days get darker earlier, we tend to spend more time inside. It’s the perfect time to jazz up your home environment with a little colour, and My Munchkin Home’s - www.mymunchkinhome.com.au - fine selection of wall decal designs, from the giant to the mini varieties, are guaranteed to lift your mood.

All designed and made here in Australia, My Munchkin Home’s designs are so clever in that they transverse the age and stage progressions beautifully, ensuring longevity of appeal from birth through early childhood and beyond.

The designs are the perfect combination of playful and stimulating, and calming and soothing. Most designs are available in a range of colour options, so you can easily work them in with your existing colour scheme. Also, if you move around, or like to change decor frequently they peel off cleanly, leaving no marks.

Amanda at My Munchkin Home is generously offering you free postage on all orders over $30.00 within Australia only until 3 June 2008.
Enter KIDSTYLE in the coupon field at checkout to score your free postage on your super purchases!

Also, be sure to enter the “Munchkin Giveaway”. Simply answer a few quick questions to go into the fortnightly draw to win a pack of Twinkle Stars (valued at $24.95). Check out Amanda’s new My Munchkin Home Blog regularly to find out if you’ve won, to keep up with the latest style tips, and get sneak peaks on new designs.

It’s sooooo hard to restrict myself just to one or two design here…..so I won’t!! Enjoy, and happy decorating :)

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My Space $89.95 (available in 6 colours) Blast into the outer reaches with this superb kit. I can’t think of any better way to fall asleep than amongst the night sky!

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My Giraffe in Mint $89.95 (available in 5 colours) This jaunty giraffe makes a happy statement for boys or girls. You can choose left or right facing too! Now that’s thoughtful!

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My Butterflies $99.95 (available in 5 colours) Bring the outdoors in with these glorious fluttering butterflies.

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Springtime $89.95 (available in 5 colours) Why wait for Spring to come when you can bring it to you. Bright and buoyant, this will bring sweetness and light to those cold winter days!

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Twinkle Stars $24.95 (available in 1o colour choices), Mini My Butterflies $24.95 (available in 5 colours), and My Name Is custom name decals: starts at $6.50 per letter, and available in 10 colour choices!

Every child love to see and recognise their name, and it’s a great foundation for letter recognition and reading. The stars are great used on their own, or in combination with the larger decals. Land the butterflies in unexpected places around the room for extra whimsy.

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Last, but certainly not least, my very favourite MMH decal: My Elephant $99.00 (available in 10 different colour options, and pictured here in Red)

A whopping 110cm this happy fellow will tread lightly on your walls while making such a delightful statement. How can you resist?

My Munchkin Home calculates shipping costs at checkout on the basis of the size of wall art selected. Check the My Munchkin Home Ordering/Delivery page for details. International orders are welcome, and US customers, USD$ prices are listed on the site for your convenience.

The Frock Goes Wild - 30% off all week!! Oobi, BabyLegs, Ej Sikke Lej, Moppit, Gabrial Saynte, American Apparel, Cuski & a tonne of quality womenswear labels!

Posted: May 26th, 2008

In case you have been hiding under a rock, Frock You - Frock You - www.frockyou.com.au - sells the most dynamic and spunky blend of women’s street fashion and accessories, and zesty, fun baby and kids threads you’ll find online.

There’s everything for littles and chickens from birth to 6 years.

Choose from onesies, tees, dresses, pants, skirts, legwarmers, bunny rugs and hats from Ej Sikke Lej (”ay-sic-kay-lay”), American Apparel, Elodie & Elvis, Fully Stoked, Itch Design, Little Red, Monster Baby, Moppit, Smelly Welly, Smirk, Tippy Toes, Baobab, Cuski, TomTom, Deadly Girl Couture, with Sooki Baby and Lucca.P coming soon.

For Mamas, choose from a super range of clothing and accessories, including jewellery and shoes! Labels stocked include American Apparel, Birds of a Feather, Blue Juice, Dolly Rockers, Fanciulla, GRAB, Little Potty Red Shoes, Living Doll, Mejikuhibiniu, Mermaid Sister, Moe Moe, Nude Footwear, One Teaspoon, Seduce, SUNDAY By Andrea & Joen, Sunny Girl, Tribu, and Vicious Threads.

It might be the cold, it might be because Kat’s just got the joie de vivre (or cos it’s my BIRTHDAY!! - It really is. What did I get? Hmm, well a “face cake” for starters…) whatever it is, Kat has decided to pull out all the stops and give us 30% of EVERYTHING at Frock You all this week (while stocks last) until midnight 1 June!!!!!

Ok, now I’m having a GREAT birthday!! (Face cake aftershock is substantially diminished.)

Enter discount code ‘KSF’ for 30% off everything. This brings the prices for these fine products down to ridiculously cheap, so let your credit card rip!!

Is Kat crazy? Well, maybe ;) But in the best possible way!! Love ya Kat!! (Check out Kat’s Frock Off blog too check it out. You will laugh your cotton socks off. This girl’s HOT!)

If you’re still reading then there are a few items of interest that I’d like to alert you to:

New Moppit and Ej Sikke Lej stick is now in store.

Ej is simply the most delightful Scandinavian label. Their fairy-land prints of toadstools and birds are just the thing to get your child’s imagination going, and the Strawberry Skirt’s superlative credentials are confirmed in the current edition of LMNOP online magazine.

Moppit is a great Aussie label that gets the balance right every time. I love their ‘Apple’ onesie; it just radiates the essence of a happy baby. The Nigella Hoodie for boys or girls is effortlessly cool, and the Trina Owl Dress is perfect winter style for girls.

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Clockwise from top left:

Moppit ‘Apple of Mummy & Daddy’s Eye’ long-sleeved Onesie $29.95 $20.96 after 30% discount
Ej Sikke Lej Bird long-sleeved Tee $28.00
$19.60 after 30% discount
Ej Sikke Lej Toadstool Romper $49.95 $34.96 after 30% discount
Moppit Nigella Hoodie $49.95 $34.96 after 30% discount
Ej Sikke Lej Strawberry Skirt $59.00 $41.30 after 30% discount
Moppit Trina Owl Dress $64.90 $45.43 after 30% discount

For every pair of Baby Legs you buy, you will get one entry into a draw to win 6 pair of BLs of your choosing.
That means you could buy one pair, and end up with a pair for every day of the week! The more pairs you buy, the more entries you get, and the more likely you are to WIN!
Hop straight over to pick up some ‘Legs.

Free badge and “Baby’s First Mixed Tape”CD when you buy a Gabrial Saynte Tee
Apparently the CD contains tunes from the cream of the cool old-skool crowd (David Bowie, Michael Jackson, U2!!) to help kick start your child’s musical education. How cool is that? Personally, I think the BLs worn as arm warmers with the Tees is a stellar look :} Jump straight to the Gabrial Saynte product page.

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Gabrial Saynte “THE THE” Tees are printed on 100% cotton American Apparel tee. Baby sizes (envelope neck) up to 24mths are $23.99 ($16.79 after 30% discount); Kids (crew neck) 2Y-6Y $25.99 ($18.19 after 30% discount). Available in Grey marle in sizes 6/12M, 18/24M, 2Y, 4Y & 6Y.

BabyLegs retail at $16.50 $11.55 after 30% discount

Race on over to score your 30% off at Frock You now before all the goodies are gone!!

Frock You charge $5.00 flat, for Express Post Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free!

KSF Weekend 2 Part Special Feature: Decor and Accessories Part 2 - Decor Delights and Accessory Heaven

Posted: May 25th, 2008

Today, Miki brings you part 2 of her special feature on Decor and Accessories. There are heaps of fab products to delight in here, and some great deals happening, so dive on in! (Read Part 1 of this Special feature here.)

Stay tuned for next weekend’s Special Weekend Feature - Strollers and Prams

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My Munchkin Home
Does your kid’s room need updating? Or even better, are you expecting a new baby and need ideas for the nursery? Well there’s a goldmine of ideas at My Munchkin Home - www.mymunchkinhome.com.au.

Perfect for kids’ bedroom doors (or walls or even windows) are the personalised name decals - after all, don’t all kids love to have their name on their bedroom door? Or you could combine the name with one of the big wall decals, like the bunting or the circus tent.

The ‘scatter’ decals, such as the butterflies and the fighter jets are also a brilliant idea, because not only do they look fantastic, but the kids can help decorate the room with them too. Let your (and their) imagination run wild!

My friend Marisa is expecting her first baby at the start of August and she has decorated her nursery with the completely adorable dancing elephants in mint green (so no clues for me as to the sex of her baby, hmph) and the ‘sweet dreams’ decal - so, so cute!

My Munchkin Home images

Clockwise from top left:
Sweet Dreams, $29.95
Princess Castle, $129.95
Pirate Ship, $159.95
Dancing Elephants, $34.95

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Kinder Kaboodle
It’s a well known fact that we at KSF LOVE Penny Scallan. Well, who doesn’t?!

Luckily for us, Kinder Kaboodle www.kinderkaboodle.com.au have a plentiful supply of Penny Scallan for us to drool over - lunch bags, art smocks, hats, library bags, gumboots… ooh, I could go on and on and ON, but instead I’ll stop teasing you and give you a link straight to Kinder Kaboodle’s massive Penny Scallan range.

In actual fact, there is so much to choose from and such a huge variety of brands at Kinder Kaboodle that I could never hope to do it all justice.

Everything your kid could possibly need for kinder or school is there, and it’s all gorgeous and stylish and practical, and oh: I want it all!

Just to draw your attention to a couple of products that made me giggle though, have a look at the Western Chief umbrella and backpack pictured below - wouldn’t that just get you grinning at the start of every day?

And the inflatable Fruity Faces fruit holders are just so cool. Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re only for kids either - one of my former colleagues used to frequently bring a banana to work safely encased in its Fruity Faces case. Made for some hilarious conversations around the lunch table, let me tell you!

Get yourself 15% off store-wide at Kinder Kaboodle with the My Child or Australia Parents magazine codes. Find out more here.

Kinder Kaboodle images

Clockwise from top left:
Western Chief backpack, $32.95 $24.95; and umbrella $19.95 $15.95
Penny Scallan daisy art smock, $29.95
Fruity Faces - Mengi Fruit Carrying Case, $9.95, and Fenne Fruit Carrying Case, $9.95
Penny Scallan apple lunch bag, $34.95

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Babes In Arms
Baby wearing is becoming a big thing in our part of the world nowadays. Keeping your baby close to your chest is known to help soothe fussy, colicky babies, and it makes older babies and toddlers feel more secure and content. Besides which, it’s just so darn convenient for the parents! Your bub is snugly hugged in to you and both your hands are free to get on with what you need to do.

Babes In Arms - www.babesinarms.com.au - carry some of the best names in baby carriers and slings on the planet.

As Angela pointed out earlier in the week, the ERGO is very much in favour in Hollywood at the moment, and when you look at the design features it’s easy to see why. It can be worn on your front, your hip or your back, can take premmies right through to hefty 18kg toddlers and is designed to support the baby’s physical development and make the baby feel lighter for the parent!

And if that wasn’t enough to pursuade you, Babes In Arms have 10% off the ERGO until the 31st of May!

Another option for baby wearing is a sling, and the Peanut Shell is one of the funkiest out there. With no fewer than seventeen colour/print options you’ll be spoilt for choice, and the simple design is a breeze to use. The other great thing about a sling is that it’s easy to breastfeed discretely in public while wearing one!

Babes In Arms also stock the ever-popular Hug-a-Bub and the Maya wrap, plus the innovative reversible Papoose coat (see pic below) and the extremely nifty Little Monkey Mirror! And one final note - Babes In Arms include free Express Post delivery with all items!

Babes In Arms images

Left to right:
Papoose Coat, $240 $170
Peanut Shell (shown in ‘royalty’ 100% cotton reversible fabric), $98.00
ERGO baby carrier, $143.10

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5 Little Monkeys
5 Little Monkeys - www.5littlemonkeys.com.au - is always a favourite of mine, but that goes double for when we’re talking about decor for kids’ rooms. The products here are great - funky, a bit different, well designed and cater to a wide range of tastes.

To start with, have a look at the big range of the Cocoon Couture beanbags. I love them!!

Not only do they look great, but the covers are machine washable while the beans stay intact in their internal safety lining, which means they will keep on looking great.

Other gorgeous products here are the Tiger Tribe mobiles for the nursery - again, a big range to choose from but I love the cupcakes (pictured below) for a little girl.

Tiger Tribe also have rather gorgeous magnets, just the thing for sticking your little darling’s artwork to the fridge.

And lastly, the IKABOO Mini-Glow nightlights will bring a smile to anyone’s face :-D especially as they’re discounted too!

5 Little Monkeys are offering 20% off EVERYTHING (including sale items) PLUS a FREE pressie exclusively for KidStyleFile readers, until Monday 26 May, so race on over!! Enter KSF5LM at checkout to receive this incredible discount.

5 Little Monkeys images

Clockwise from top left:
Tiger Tribe cupcake hanging mobile, $29.95
IKABOO Mini-Glow nightlight, $39.95 $35.95
Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owl beanbag, $140 $125.00
Tiger Tribe Flowers magnet set, $9.95

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Please check individual sites for postage details.

 

KSF Weekend 2 Part Special Feature: Decor and Accessories - Accessorise, darlings!

Posted: May 24th, 2008

This weekend, Miki delves into some of the finest decor and accessory products available for babies, kids and mamas. Today, plan your child’s birthday party, shop for winter footwear, find the perfect present, or indulge in some retail therapy just for you!!

Pop in tomorrow for Part two of this Special Weekend Feature.

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Giggle ‘n’ Groove
I have a problem with Giggle ‘n’ Groove www.gigglengroove.com: there’s just too much that I want! And it’s all so perfect for presents too, but how on earth do you give it away?

I’ve yet to meet the little girl who wouldn’t go gaga over the GNG Princess Charm bracelet. It’s so feminine and sweet, and yet not too much, just in the right quantities. Mums don’t miss out either - there’s a fab selection of earrings and other ‘mum’ jewels, and don’t miss the hair section (what I’m really coveting is the ponytail clip pictured below).

And if your boy has yet to discover the manly joys of wearing bling, fear not! G’n’G have name bracelets for boys that are funky and, yes, masculine too. The G ‘n’ G jewels are handcrafted and beautiful quality - see Angela’s post on how much she loves her Giggle ‘n’ Groove purchases.

Great gift ideas, so even (or especially!) if it’s a gift for yourself, go nuts with my blessing ;-) And don’t forget to use the special code in this month’s My Child magazine to receive a free pair of Classic Bows with your order!
Giggle n Groove images

Clockwise from top left:
Boys name bracelet
, starting from $50
Millefiori earrings
, $9
Cats Eye ponytail clip
, $12
Princess charm bracelet
, $65

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Betts Kids
I’m a long-time devotee of Betts Kids www.bettskids.com.au. Almost all my shoes came from then-Betts & Betts when I was little, and now my family is into the second generation to wear Betts kids shoes. Betts Kids have their lovely shiny new website up and running now, so it’s easier than ever to get great quality shoes for little feet.

While my little munchkin is still in pre-walkers, I do love to nosy around the ‘big kids’ section, and there’s plenty to nosy at here, believe me. Actually, don’t believe me - go and look for yourself! There’s a huge range of all sorts of kids shoes; school shoes of course, but also casual and dressy and sporty… not to mention the rather fabulous gumboots pictured below and some very cute slippers too. You’ll never have to wrestle your toddler or child through a shoe fitting in a store ever again!

Betts Kids have FREE SHIPPING AND RETURNS on orders of $69.95 or more until 8 June, and don’t forget to enter their competition to win one of five Little Chipipi wall sticker sets! See here for more details.

Betts Kids images

Clockwise from top left:
Attitude
by Patrick, $49.99
Alyssa I by Osh Kosh, $59.99
L. Token by Pepper, from $20
Sweet Heart by Bb Kids
, $24.99
Total.S by dakota, $74.95 $37.49
Jolly Roger by Bb Kids, $24.99.

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Imprintables
If you’re looking for cool stationery then go no further than Imprintables www.imprintables.com.au. For invitations themed for pyjama parties to pool parties, from garden parties to baby showers, there really is something for everyone here, not to mention plenty of stylish generic invitations. My son’s first birthday is coming up and I’m torn between ‘roaring birthday party’ and the vintage-inspired ‘pinwheel’. And have a look at the adorable ‘icecream’ invitation for a little girl’s party!

I also think that the playdate invitations are such a great idea. Playdates are a wonderful way for kids to cement both new friendships and old, not to mention allowing the mums to get to know each other too! There are three different designs and each pack of five includes the invitations, envelopes and seals.

Imprintables images

Roaring birthday party invitation and Icecream invitation, $4 per set + $20 set-up fee (set includes invitation, printed envelope and thank you tag)
Paper plane play date invitations and Bobbin stick play date invitations; $15 for a set of five, includes invitations, envelopes and seals.

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Mummy’s Favourite
Here’s a site which we have recently discovered at KidStyleFile: the incredibly beautiful Mummy’s Favourite www.mummysfavourite.com.au. I’m going to break with KSF tradition in this segment and show you accessories for gorgeous Mummies rather than kids, because why should the kids get all the good stuff? (Just so you know, though, Mummy’s Favourite do have loads for the littlies, including toys and decor from two of my favourite brands, Oobi and Alimrose - check ‘em out.)

So if you have the post-Mothers Day blues and need a little pick-me-up, browse through the huge range here. Whether you want beauty products to pamper yourself with or an accessory for taking out and about or putting on your desk at work, you won’t be disappointed.

Mummy’s Favourite images

Clockwise from top left:
Willow and Finch heat pack, $24.95
Apogee address book, $64.00
Primo yummy mummy coffee mug, $9.95

MOR cosmetics peony lip silk, $21.95
Pratten eel skin wallet shown in ‘powder’, $55.00, available in eight colours.

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

Super-Happy Friday: FREE postage at beautiful Baobab!

Posted: May 23rd, 2008

Boy oh boy, I *love**love**LOVE* Baobab - www.baobab.com.au. I am smitten, wholly obsessed and completely besotted.

The Baobab site was off-line for a little while, and I barely survived. Thank goodness it’s back up now: I’m ready to plunge in and snaffle up more Baobab goodness.

Belinda at Baobab is making it nice and easy for me (and you too!) with FREE postage on all orders until June 14 just for KidStyleFile readers.

Enter KSFMAY at checkout to redeem this offer. Super-yay!

Ok, by now you will have gathered that I am a seriously huge fan of Baobab.

It is fair to say I went bananas when this season’s collection was released (hey, love makes me crazy ;) ).

But rightly so: Baobab pieces are well cut, affordable, fab quality, wearable for any/every occasion and have a healthy dose of individuality.

I have purchased substantial amount of the current collection. Girls, boys, babies; I’ve bought it all!! (Friends with newborns, or chickens with birthdays coming up, heads up!!)

It is very very hard for me to isolate pieces of the baobab collection to highlight, because it’s all so strong, so I’ve made a little scrapbook of (almost!) everything I have bought.

View my scrapbook of purchases below, then jump over there yourself for some well-deserved Friday frivolity!

Take note of the sale section - a favourite haunt of mine - for some tremendously cheap ‘bab. Go to it!

anges-baobab-scrapbook-part1.jpg

anges-baobab-scrapbook-part2.jpg
Have a happy Baobab-lovin’ day :)

Shake, Rattle & Roll On Up with 25% off musical instruments plus KSF exclusive FREE gift offer!

Posted: May 22nd, 2008

Musical instruments are some of the best items you can have in your toy box/parenting tool box.

They can be used from a very early age, bringing delight (and teaching cause and effect) to the smallest of infants, and they continue to be used and enjoyed as your child grows through primary school, not to mention the fun you can have with them as a parent - I find a jam session with my kids most relaxing!

Monique at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - wants to share the love, so she’s giving us a massive 25% off musical instruments until May 31.

As a special offer exclusive to KidStyleFile readers, when you spend over $30.00 on musical instruments you will also receive a little gift FREE!

Just mention ‘KidStyleFile‘ in the ‘Where did you find us?’ section at checkout to score your gift.

Choose from a super selection of drums, clappers, maracas, whistles, tambourines, jingle sticks, castanets, flutes and xylophones!

Instruments start at a very low $2.95 and prices are automatically reduced by 25% at the checkout, so jump straight on into the Musical Toys section to save!

kidsgiftlist_musical-instruments.jpg

Kids Gift List also stock the divine Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, Cheeky Little Soles, Little Red, Tiny Revolutionary, Cinti Does Vintage, Sooki Baby, Oobi, Sudo and Zacharia Bier.

There’s a bounty of cheap products heavily discounted, and going cheap, awaiting you in the sale section. Browse each brand to discover some superlative bargains.

Kids Gift List also offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!! Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Head on over to the Kids Gift List site to celebrate and get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

Premiere

Click here to visit the Chic Kids website
Click here to visit the Ekidna Kidswear website
Click here to visit the La Toriana website
Click here to visit the Rose & Lily website
Click here to visit the Stork Baby website
Click here to visit the BabyLegs website
Click here to visit the Babes in Arms website
Click here to visit the Mummy's Favourite website
Click here to visit the Bubba Funk website
Click here to visit the Kids Gift List website
Click here to visit the Urban Child website
Click here to visit the Itty Bitty Yuppy website
Click here to visit LMNOP Magazine
Click here to visit the ShopHouse website
Click here to visit Where Did You Get That website
Click here to visit the My Child website
Click here to visit the baobab website
Click here to visit The Hip Infant website