KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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There is no more beautiful a sight than a sleeping child. Sometimes sleep comes easier than others for little tots, but one thing is for sure is that it’s always easier to sleep if you’re comfy!

Snugglebum – www.snugglebum.com.au – produces some of the cosiest, snuggliest, 100% cotton PJs on the market for babies and kids from 3 months to 8 years.

Snugglebum are currently running a wonderful sale of up to 50% off selected styles, which includes summer PJ sets, short and longsleeved onesies and rompers,  in long and short-john styles, with looser fits for older kids, while stocks last.

Dig in!

Snugglebum charge from $8.00 per order within Australia. Please visit Snugglebum’s postage and deleivery FAQ for full details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Pottering through the vast array of handmade products available at Etsy – www.etsy.com – has to be one of life’s not-so-little pleasures.  Isn’t it delightful to see the heart and soul that those talented seamstresses and artisans put into their creations?  And it’s all available to buy which is even better!

When I was browsing through Etsy today, I came across the most adorable baby booties I think I’ve ever seen.  I clicked through to the Etsy seller’s online store and discovered a whole host of other baby goodies that she makes too – bibs, adorable pinafores and girls’ skirts, burp clothes, pram blankets and more.

The seller I’m talking about is Chicago-based ‘Little Lily’ of Lily Sky Designs. As I said above, I adore her baby booties which are a unique and ingenious kimono wrap style – check ‘em out below.

My other favourites in her range are the baby bibs with their fabulous designer fabrics.  They’re guaranteed to give any baby a cool new look!

Little Lily has a great blog; check it out for a beautiful display of her many creations.  She’s one talented lady!

All prices below are in US$.  There’s a great currency converter here.

1. Kimono Chirp Shoes, $15.00
2. Kimono Wrapped Sole Shoes, $15.00 (these are what I was talking about above – *the* cutest baby booties I’ve ever seen)
3. City Girl Reversible Pinafore, $26.00
4. Vote Vote Vote Peace Bib, $9.00 (and isn’t this a great message for the next generation to wear!)
5. Blast Off Bib, $9.00
6. Sakura Bib, $9.00
7. Urban Baby Burpies, $25.00
8. KOTO Stroller Blanket, $35.00

Please contact Lily for a quote for shipping to Australia.  Her shipping policies are here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Reasons to be cheerful:

1. It’s Friday: cool!

2. ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au are hosting their big summer sale: coooool!!!!!!!!

ShopHouse only have two major sales a year, and this is “The Big One” with over 150 items from Oobi 2008/9 Summer collection, And The Little Dog Laughed, Baobab, Cuddlefish, and Pure Baby, not to mention the *entire* current season’s mill&mia stock reduced by up to 50%!!!

Seriously, people, this is goooooooood!!!

Want a bit of sugar with your sale shopping? Simply spend over $80.00 at ShopHouse, and FREE Express postage of your order is yours!

You can also grab a copy of the latest Cosmopolitan Pregnancy magazine to get the exclusive KSF discount code for FREE xpress postage across the board! (Read the full terms and conditions here). Can’t get to a newsagent? Check the KSF Weekly Newsletter to pick up the code. If you’re not already a KSF subscriber, you can sign up here.

If you’re still reading then I want to take a moment to mention some of my fave sale stock over at The ‘House.

I cannot say enough good things about mill&mia. Both the boys and girls collections are utter joy in the looks department, and a dream to wear and care for. The new ‘Mini’ range is just perfection for babies. Lap it up!

The iconic Oobi 1950’s party dress with removable rosette is an essential for every little girl’s wardrobe, and the Can-Can skirts have to be seen to be believed – swirly, whirly heaven. The Oobi Sunday suits for baby boys or super-cute, and how cheap are they at ShopHouse right now? Woo!

My kids swimwear designer of choice is Australian kids swimwear label Cuddlefish. We have 6 sets of tops and bottoms in a range of styles and colours, which we ruthlessly thrash both at the beach (like we did yesterday) and in chlorinated pools, before tossing them in the washing machine.

Better let you go now, because these babies are ALL ON SALE, at up to 50% OFF!! It’s already flying out the door, so make haste, and scoot on over there.

Note that there are two (enormous) pages of sale items to navigate around at ShopHouse; make sure you visit both of them to get the full range of sale items.

Click on over for all the sale goodness!

ShopHouse stocks Annabel Trends, Baobab, IDTee, Kee-Ka, Lil’ Lana, mill & mia, Mondays Child Pyjamas, Oobi Baby, Bod and Eco.Kid skin and hair care products, toys and decor pieces from Alimrose Designs, Moltex nappies, Organic Bubs baby food, Cocoon Couture, Krooom, Little Chipipi, Look at the Wall, Mon Tresor, Little Kitchen, and The Little Experience, Penny Scallan, PouchMISS and Rileah Design, and And The Little Dog Laughed.

ShopHouse post within Australia for an unbeatable $4.95 Express Post no matter the weight, and all orders over $80 are shipped for FREE!

Today’s post written by Edwina

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It isn’t very often that I cross paths with a toy that brings another universe into our living room.

My kids were given a the Eyeclops by their cousins for Christmas, and it’s really quite amazing. It is basically a giant microscope eye that enlarges its subject onto the TV screen – so little things get big.

We have had lots of fun checking out the carpet, our skin, and the top of the Milo!

It is also a lot of fun for a bunch of kids to play. Throw a nature party then view the intrepid explorer’s discoveries magnified 400 times.

This would be great for show and tell, or perfect to lend to your kids teacher or daycare centre for a fun science project.

I couldn’t get any good photos in our living room, so these shots are from a website created by Rob, a dedicated fan, who has lots more pics and information.

Get get you started, some sample pics from Rob’s site are below.

1. A clothing tag

2. A magazine

3. 100’s and 1000’s and table salt.

4. A close up of above.

The Eyeclops is available from Online Toys Australia for $99.99 plus postage.

Contact Online Toys Australia for a shipping quote.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I get excited by all sales on my favourite baby and kids’ clothes and products, but every so often a sale comes along that has me couch jumping in my best Tom Cruise style, and this is one of them:

Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – have 25% off all clothes (including organics) and 35% off all clothes in the Delicious Discounts category!!!

And *on top of that* you can take an additional 15% off store-wide. Enter discount code ‘CHICKIDS’at checkout to redeem. The sale and the code only run until 7 February, 2009, so make haste.

All this news brings us to about 40% off all clothes, and about 50% off all sale clothes.  And we’re not just talking about any old brands here, oh no.  Denise from Chic Kids only stocks the best so we’re looking at Baobab, Bebe by Minihaha, Marquise, Soda Kids, Moppit, Bay Bee Cino (adorable organics), Eternal Creation and many, many more.

But wait, there’s even MORE!

No steak knives, this is way better: enter ‘KSF’ in the comments section at checkout and you could win a Brio Push Along Race Car! All purchases go into the draw, just make sure you also add the colour of your choice in the comments section too: pink, black, red or green.

I bet you’re jumping the couch now too!

I have absolutely no idea where to start in showing you the fantastic pieces on sale.  Normally I’d have no trouble picking a few great things that should be highlighted, but the products on sale here are ALL so fantastic that I’m a bit stumped actually!

I’ll be brave and pick the first one, which is the Baobab Retro Car Stud tee, pictured below.  These tees have been such a big hit this season that hardly anyone has discounted them.  As far as I’m aware, Chic Kids is the only store to offer a significantly reduced price so snap at least one up now for your son.  Hot stuff!

I also love the Organics category – yep, the whole thing.  Organic cotton is just so beautiful to feel and touch, and I love that I’m not putting harsh chemicals next to my son’s skin.  I think organic cotton is especially great for newborns with their ultra-delicate skin.

That’s enough hints for you now – go forth and explore at Chic Kids, and have fun!!

1. Baobab Retro Car Stud Tee, $34.95 $26.21
2. Bebe Print Dress – Laura, $38.95 $29.21
3. Marquise Pink Spotted Romper, $17.95 $13.46
4. Bay Bee Cino Kimono Bodysuit – Pebble, $29.95 $22.46
5. Bebe Short Sleeved Boys Romper – Oscar, $29.95 $22.46
6. Bay Bee Cino Sleepsuit – Blue/White, $39.95 $29.96
7. Baobab Striped Raglan Dress, $45.95 $34.46
8. Bebe Jr. Windsor Striped Shirt, $37.95 $28.46
9. Moppit Therese Tank – Navy, $39.95 $29.96
10. Soda Kids Jeans – Babies, $32.95 $24.71
11. Dino Bucket Hat, $10.50 $7.87

Chic Kids stocks a great range including Beach Bums, Tkxi Surf, Mooo, Moppit, Bebe by Minihaha, Tickled Pink, Jacques Farel, Kate Finn Toys, Eternal Creation, Cheeky Monkey, Sckoon Organic Clothing, Starchild Shoes, Tippy Toes Socks, BabyLegs, Bay Bee Cino, Star & Rose, yoli-poli, Asthma Friendly, Plum, Annabel Trends, Mini Mermaid, Marquise, Sparkle T and verymeri.

Chic Kids post Australia-wide from $7.95 using Express Post.  Please see here for further details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Welcome to the world of Nixie Clothing – www.nixieclothing.com – catering for girls aged 1-8 years, and coming to you from the UK, via designer Nicole Frobusch’s incredible imagination.

Nixie presents as an eclectic mix of 1970’s era fabrics: recycled silk scarves, organic hemp and reclaimed wool, creating a sophisticated bohemian effect which truly stands out from the crowd.

The philosophy behind Nicole’s designs is equally inspirational: only sustainable fabrics are used in the production of the Nixie collections; the materials are locally sourced and are all garments made in London, UK, in adherence with fair-trade and sweatshop-free policies.

Nixie Clothing is an eco label to watch: it’s just been picked up by the prestigious Harvey Nichols stores in the UK. Expect big things!

Nixie Clothing’s Autumn/Winter 2008 range is now heavily discounted through the Nixie Clothing online store – just perfect for savvy Antipodean parents looking to stock up for this coming winter.

Nixie Clothing is UK based. Contact Nicole at Nixie for a postage and delivery quote.

Today’s post written by Angela

Today’s post written by Angela

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Would you love to design and make your kids clothes, but lack the time or skills? Never fear, The Zipper Tree – www.thezippertree.com.au -  have just entered the scene and come to your rescue!

The Zipper Tree allows you to select your favourite designs, fabrics, and trimmings, which they then custom handmake for you right here in Australia.

In a word, WOW!

The whole premise of The Zipper Tree is based around the number four: four seasons, four designs, four fabrics, and four trimmings.

The Zipper Tree maintain their four signature designs each season, while changing fabrics and trimmings to give you extensive choice of combinations each season.

The Zipper Tree use light cottons in Spring/Summer, to medium weight cottons, corduroy and denim in Autumn/Winter, and their choice of fabrics ranges from florals, ginghams, spots and stripes through to basic seasonal colour trends, with co-ordinating trimmings.

You’re able to pick and choose from the offerings to create a unique piece for your child.

And the price for this luxury? Starting at $19.50, every child can be lucky enough to wear their very own creation.

Please note that The Zipper Tree is currently limited to girl’s skirts in sizes 000-6 years. Watch this space for further developments!

The Zipper Tree use Australia Post Parcel post for all deliveries and charge a flat rate of $5.50 Australia-wide. Please see The Zipper Tree Customer Service page for full details.

Today’s post written by Miki.

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If you’re already a mum, or especially if you’re currently pregnant, then you’ll fully appreciate the beautiful site 9 Months Waiting – www.9monthswaiting.com.au.  Specialising in babywear and essentials for the first 12 months, you’ll find everything you need to clothe your precious little bundle.

Nine months is a long time to wait to meet your baby, but it’s probably a good thing as it gives you a chance to get used to the idea, to prepare yourself for parenthood (even the second or third or fourth time around!) and of course, to do all the shopping you need to do.  After all, even second and subsequent babies deserve to have something new and special just for themselves, something that isn’t a hand-me-down!  You’re spoiled for choice at 9MW.

The great thing about 9 Months Waiting is that although Cathy is careful only to stock brands of the highest quality in fabric and workmanship, none of their products break the bank.  You can choose from Bonds or Marquise for everyday pieces which will hold their shape and softness, Baobab for something a bit different (you’ll love the feel of the Baobab pieces), and Eternal Creation for sweet little ‘going out’ outfits.  There are also Trees 2 Knees and Three Little Trees tees and rompers which are just adorable, and very individual.

New to 9 Months Waiting is the Bonds range, and I have to say, this is the most brilliant range for every-day basics you could ever find.  My son lived in Bonds Wondersuits for the first couple of months of his life, and they were his winter PJs until he was over a year old.  Bonds pieces wash incredibly well and they last forever – I would recommend thinking about buying a size up though, as the sizing is on the small side.

I definitely recommend checking out 9MW’s cot and bassinet bedding range too.  There are some very handy packs including the super-good-value 8 Piece Starter Set from Living Textiles (great quality, even better value), and I also love the deliciously soft Lotus Linens Bamboo bassinet and cot sheet sets which are high on my list of ‘must haves’ for next time around.

Now for the great news: KidStyleFile readers can take 15% off store-wide at 9 Months Waiting before 15th February 2009.  Just enter the code ‘KSF15′ at checkout.

The prices below show the 15% KidStyleFile discount (see above for details), which is valid until the 15th of February 2009.

1. Marquise Baby Studsuit – Stone Spot, $19.95 $16.95
2. Eternal Creation Baby Girl’s Top and Knickers, $50.95 $43.30
3. Tees 2 Knees Mertie Martian Tee (S/S), $34.95 $29.70
4. Lotus Linens Bamboo Kimono Short-Sleeve Romper, $24.95 $21.20
5. Three Little Trees Dove Tree Romper, $32.00 $27.20
6. Living Textiles Smart Swaddle Muslin Wrap – 3 Pack, $24.95 $21.20 (best wraps ever, I wholeheartedly recommend these)
7. Bonds Wondersuit, $17.50 $14.87
8. Lotus Linens Bamboo Bassinet Sheet Set, $36.95 $31.40
9. Geisha Change ‘N’ Away, $34.95 $24.95 $21.20
10. Bonds Pink Mondial Leggings, $11.50 $9.77

9 Months Waiting ship via Express Post within Australia. Prices start at $7.70. International orders are warmly welcomed. Please see the Delivery info page for full information.

It’s a very exciting day, today. Not only is a Australia Day, it’s our first ‘Mixtape Monday’!

“What’s it all about?”, I hear you ask. Well, Mixtape is a stunning independent zine published by two talented Melbourne girls, Justine and Nichola, and contributed to by a raft of very talented women. Mixtape covers a wide range of topics including art and craft, cooking, eco and ethical tips and businesses, as well as baby and kids and parenting articles, a taste of which we’ll be bringing you on the last Monday of every month.

Enjoy our first Mixtape Monday, and let me know what you think!

Angela x

PS Want a win a copy of Mixtape Zine’s Kids Issue? 6 of you will do just that! Read to the bottom of the page for full information.

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We like telling stories in our house, almost as much as reading books (sometimes more), so this project is dedicated to making stories.

My helper was 6 years old, and does like to draw. If your helper is younger, or frustrated by things not turning out perfectly, you may wish to substitute the drawing part with cut out pictures from magazines, or the internet.

You will need:

• 6 ready-made small canvases (or however many you would like)
• Acrylic paint
• Permanent markers
• Hanging wire (or string)
• Staple-gun – or screw eyes if you’d rather.
• If your helper is not a drawer, prepare pictures that will be suitable for cutting out, and have some PVA
• glue handy.

Step 1

Lay the canvases out on newspaper and paint them with your background colour. Use one colour, or a different colour for each canvas if you’d rather. If you do this in the morning, they should be dry by the afternoon.

Step 2

Ask your helper to draw one picture on each canvas with permanent markers – a dinosaur, a spaceman, a cowboy, a princess, an octopus, toothbrush – whatever you think might be good fuel for a story. My helper just did whatever popped into his head.

If your helper isn’t an able drawer, stick cut-out pictures onto each canvas at this point with PVA glue.

When the glue is dry, coat each canvas with a solid layer of PVA glue. Don’t worry if it is looking milky – it will come clear when it dries.

Step 3

Attach wire (or string) to the back for hanging by marking at the same level on each canvas (eg – 6cm from top). I am handy with my staple gun, but screw eyes from the hardware shop work just as well – they just make the pictures stick out from the wall more.

Helper should hang the pictures along the wall and proceed to tell the story as they do. The pictures can be changed around every time to make a new story, updated as often as you like with a new coat of paint and a new drawing, or added to with a new painting from time to time.

Written and photographed by artist, Michelle Giacobello. This article can be found in issue 2 of Mixtape Zine. You can buy current and backcopies of Mixtape here.

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Go into the draw to Win 1 of 6 copies of Mixtape: The Kids Issue

Giveaway Question:

1. What issue number is Mixtape up to? (Hint: visit the Mixtape blog or shop to find out).

All you have to do to go into the draw to win is answer the question above by leaving a comment on this post. To do so, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page where you’ll see some boxes for you to fill in.

Please leave a valid email address: I will need this to contact you if you are a prize winner. Your email address will not be visible on the site.

NOTE: Comments are moderated, and will be approved and made visible after the closing date for the giveaway.

Mixtape Giveaway Terms & Conditions

Giveaway commences 11am Tuesday 27 January 2009, and ends at 10pm Monday 2 February 2009. The giveaway question must be answered correctly to be eligible to win. Six (6) winners will be drawn randomly on 3 February 2009, and will be contacted via email. Winners have 3 days to claim their prize, after which date the prize will be redrawn. Value of prize is $6 per prize. Open to Australian residents only. Only one entry per person/IP address is permitted.