KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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This is a KidStyleFile Public Service Announcement:
In case you hadn’t noticed, Mother’s Day is coming up!

Mother’s Day is a lovely day for mums.

You can fairly confidently expect breakfast in bed (whether it’s edible or not remains to be seen), you’ll receive some sort of home-made card which, being a mum, you’ll treasure for at least the next 30 years, and – drumroll, please – you get a present – yay!

Now you *could* leave it up to Daddy and the kids to choose you something.  You really could.

But if you want to receive something you actually love, then I suggest you go to Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – and buy your own gift. Tamara and Francine will even gift-wrap it for you

The girls at MetroMum are making it super-easy to choose something divine, and at the moment there’s a deal on nappy bags: buy any nappy bag over $100 at Metro Mum between now and 30 April 2009, and you’ll receive a $50 Metro Mum gift voucher!

And in case you are wondering whether you can justify treating yourself to a Storksak, a Mia Bossi, an Il Tutto, an Isoki or a brand new Allerhand, you can.

Not only do quality nappy bags make great long-term investments (many of them, including the Il Tutto Chiara pictured below in black, make ideal stylish laptop cases when you go back to work), they retain their resale value – and you can put them on layby at Metro Mum!

That’s not all at Metro Mum though, not by a long shot. Check out the Zuny limited edition leather animal bookends; I literally squealed out loud when I saw them!  Then there are the incredibly clever Learning Towers, which are so new they haven’t arrived yet (order now for end of April delivery).  For loads of other hot new products, take a look here.

And I have one last little thing to impart: Metro Mum are giving away $1800 in prizes in the form of PixiPhoto photo shoots. Comp closes 30 April 2009. Click here to find out more.

1. Allerhand Trendy Courier Nappy Bag – Urban, $132.50
2. The Learning Tower – Natural, $120.00
3. Elodie Details Baby Bottle – Petit Royal, $16.00
4. Mia Bossi ‘Maria’ Designer Nappy Bag – Tangerine, $450.00
5. Isoki Bohemian Reversible Saddle Tote Bag, $199.95
6. Luna Lullaby Bounce-A-Bye Pregnancy and Baby Ball – Flutterby, $89.95
7. Zuny Limited Edition Leather Bookends – Lion and Elephant, $69.95ea
8. Il Tutto Chiara Tote Leather Baby Bag – Black, $449.00
9. Elodie Details Petit Royal Baby Pacifier – Peacekeeper, $15.00
10. Storksak Emily Shoulder Sak – Pewter, $209.00
11. Playsam Wooden Streamliner Classic Car – Black, $77.00

Metro Mum stocks these amazing brands: Mia Bossi, Oeuf, Caden Lane, Il Tutto, Trunki, Melobaby, Babymoov, FlatoutBear, Bilibo, Baufix, Prego Planner, Isoki, Britt, Lilbird, Mokopuna, Dadgear, Little Sprowtz, David Fussenegger, Little Beetle, Little Swish, Kipiis, Funpod, Lanugage Littles Paper Eskimo, Thermos, Pee Wee and Poo Poo, Snack Trap, Kiddie Food Kutter, Bilibo Mini, Nest, Kanoe, Qtees Designs, Mother Minder, Ocho, Compendium, Ellaroo, Boyle, Wall Candy, BabyTalk, Annabel Trends, Lupi Lu, Penny Scallan, Dwink, Scout, Milk and Tickles, Mishi Design, Leisure Learning, Keptin-Jr, Emotion and Kids, Kids Kitchen, Happy Mais, Mojo, Munchee Mug, Totem, Argan Oil Organic Care, OTi Organiser, Ellie Bellie, Beep Beep Slings, Hess-Spielzeug, Seed Organic, Fatboy, Kids on Roof and more.

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) – check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today I want to introduce you to a Swiss phenomena: the remarkable Cuboro Marble Run System. Cuboro (pronounced cue-bore-oh) is a set of solid wooden cubes (around 5x5cm) with holes, and/or half-holes, at various locations in the blocks, allowing the marble to roll through, and/or providing a ‘track’ for the marble to run on, depending on how you put your creation together.

Creator Matthias Etter originated the concept in 1985, driven by the philosophies of play, experimentation, and exploration, and competition and completion, from childhood to old-age. His work with disabled children also refined the ease of use of the product while retaining the focus on engagement, and stimulation.

Cuboro’s tagline is “The Marble Track for a Lifetime”, in alignment with Etter’s belief in llifelong learning. Cuboro has developed a huge following internationally with both children, and adults fascinated by the product’s simplicity and innumerable configurations – there are even Cuboro Championships held throughout Europe and in the UK – and it has won a plethora of prestigious awards.

Cuboro is recommended for ages from 4 years upwards. For children from 3 years, you can purchase the Cugolino, Cuboro ‘junior’, which is fully comptatible with the Cuboro System when you are ready to take the step up. You can start with the basic Cuboro kit and extend this with the supplementary kits (there are 12 base Cuboro kits and 70 variation/supplemental kits).

Cuboro and Cugolino are an environmentally friendly product; they are made in Switzerland from FSC accredited Swiss beech wood. Needless to say, the quality is exemplary!

My husband walked in while I was writing, saw the Cuboro and said: “WOW! Can we get one of those??” Way to go!!

You (and me!) can purchase the Cuboro and Cugolino Marble Run Systems at Rainbow Puppen – www.rainbowpuppen.com.au – who also stock the largest range of Kathe Kruse products in Australia, as well as quality European toys and accessories from La Marelle, Selecta Spielzeug, Erzi, Vilac, and L’oiseau Bateau.

Place an order over $75.00 of any products at Rainbow Puppen, and receive FREE postage Australia-wide. For orders under $75.00, a low flat rate charge of $5.95 applies Australia-wide.

I’ll leave you with a European cinema release of an ad for Cuboro. I can’t recall ever having seen an Australian cinema show an advertisment for a ‘toy’ (with the exception of electronic gaming systems): let me know if I’m wrong.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Happy Easter Everybunny from all of us here at KidStyleFile!

Here at my house we’ve all just had Easter eggs for brekkie – yum! We’re looking forward to heading out to a picnic lunch with family, and learning to ride our new big-girl bikes (mini Giants that have more bling than Zamels!!) – thanks, K-Rudd

There are a great range of Easter events happening all over the country today if you’re looking for some community and entertainment. Here are my picks for each state and territory.

NSW – Sydney: Royal Easter Show – Ticketed event. If it’s good enough for Elle Macpherson, well….
VIC - Bendigo: Polyglot Theatre’s ‘We Built This City‘ at Bendigo Easter Festival – FREE
TAS – Burnie: Kids In The Park – FREE
QLD – Townsville: Hatching the Past at the Museum of Tropical Queensland – FREE
SA – Marananga: Easter Family Fun Day at Whistler Wines – FREE
WA – Perth: Rockingham Easter Carnival – FREE
ACT – Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade – FREE
NT – Aileron Bush Weekend – FREE

If you’re planning at an-home day then check out the KSF Easter roundup for craft ideas and inspiration.

I’ll leave you with my top pick of events happening today – the Polyglot Theatre ‘We Built This City’ project, happening in Bendigo, Victoria, today. This project travels around, so be sure to keep an eye out for when it’s coming your way. Have a very Happy Easter

Today’s post written by Angela

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Mariana at Bubba Funk – www.bubbafunk.com.au – has just become a mum for the second time, with her delicious new baby boy recently arrived. With all the fabulous products that Mariana stocks at Bubba Funk, her newborn son is extremely well catered for!

Mums need love too, though, and Mariana has her pick of goodies in the Bubba Funk Yummy Mummy department, which offers mums a lovely selection of products to use with her bub: luxe baby bags and accessories from Australian designers Il Tutto and Isoki, top shelf baby slings from Minimonkey, and Ramalama, cosy Britt pram liners, and Bod body products just for Mum.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Bubba Funk is offering KSF members an exclusive 20% off all products in the Yummy Mummy department (excludes Gift Vouchers). Simply enter ‘YumMum’ at the checkout to redeem until 8 May 2009. Every order from the Yummy Mummy section will also receive a scrummy box of freckles. Mariana sure does know what a mum needs!

A. ISOKI Reversible Nappy Bags – assorted designs $189.95 -$199 $151.96-$159.20 each
B. Bubba Funk Gift Vouchers – Choose from $50, $75 or $100 denominations (no discount applies)
C. Minimonkey 4-Way Baby Sling $79.95 $63.96
D. Ramalama Leather Baby Carrier $185.00 $148.00
E. Bod ‘Princess’ Gift Pack $54.95 $43.96
F. Bubba Funk ‘Yummy Mummy’ Gift Box $125.00 $100.00
G. ISOKI Reversible Nappy Bags – Saddle Bag, Urban $199.95 $159.96
H. Melobaby all-in-one nappy wallet & change mat $59.95 $47.96

Woah, any Mum would be thrilled to receive Il Tutto this Mother’s Day! Select from the range at Bubba Funk – each Italian Nappa leather bag is available in cream, black and red – and take 20% off until 8 May 2009. Sale prices are listed below; they snap back to normal on 9 May, so hustle, hustle!

Clockwise from top left:

Il Tutto Chiara Nappy Bag – Red $449.00 $359.20
Il Tutto Ava Nappy Bag – Black $299.00 $239.20
Il Tutto Monster Teddy Keyring – Red $19.95 $15.96
Il Tutto Bella Mini Bag – Red, $149.00 $119.20
Il Tutto Olivia Mini Bag – Red $129.00 $103.20

Bubba Funk’s stunning range of brands include Aden + Anais, Annabel Trends, Babu, Baby Brands, Beautiful Soles, Bod, Bod for Bubs, Boon, Britt, Bud by Designroom, David Fussenegger, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Grobag, Heavenly Creatures, Il Tutto, Isoki, John Crane, Sproutdesign, Little Chipipi, Luna Ninos, Marquise, Missi Missi, Moppit, Nature Baby, Oobi Baby, Present Time, Quilt Baby, Ramalama, Skeanie, Tiny Mammoth, Vice Versa and Well Spotted.

Bubba Funk ship Australia-wide starting from $7.95 per package, depending on weight. Please see here for more information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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I really don’t know how Mel over at The Hip Infant – www.thehipinfant.com.au – does it: she has *four* children, one of the web’s most successful online baby and kids boutiques, AND she designs not only her own label (The Hip Infant Basics) but also the Coco & Eli label.

Mel is a master of time management (I want to know where she has her time machine hidden!) and is a perfectionist who knows what works for babies and mums inside and out.

No surpise then that the newly released range of Coco & Eli cot linen, onesies, and separates, adding to the existing range of generously sized muslin wraps, is to die for!

These pieces are 100% cotton and deliciously soft, and the designs – funky spots and the sweetest most mellow birds – are contemporary, yet gentle, in keeping with with those who they are designed for: delicious little babies.

Coco & Eli is also well-priced for the style conscious mum on a budget: a winning combination!

To celebrate the launch of the new additions to the Coco & Eli range, Mel at The Hip Infant is giving away a Coco & Eli Muslin Wrap in Buttermilk Spots (you can choose pink, or blue) valued at $24.95 to every KSF reader who spends $100+ at The Hip Infant between now and midnight, Monday 13 April 2009, while stocks last. Enter ‘KSF’ in the gift message section on checkout to claim your free wrap.

This run of Coco & Eli is small, and stocks are limited so if you love it, you know what do do!

The list of brands stocked by The Hip Infant includes Aden + Anais, AKA Pipik, Albetta, ALex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, Bobble Art, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Candela, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, DwellStudio, Elegant Baby, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, Foogo By Thermos, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Funtainer By Thermos, Gertie and Me, Gifts Ideas Under $25, Giimmo, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Milk & Tickles, Mill & Mia, Minimonkey, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Room It Up, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, The Hip Infant Basics, The Hip Infant Birthday tees, The Hip Infant Limited Edition Basics, The Hip Infant Sneakies, The Hip Infant Wall Graphics, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide.  All orders are shipped via Courier or Express Post.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today is Good Friday. It’s a day of religious observance for many, and a day of rest for most.

However you spend your day, I hope you are surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and that you can put your feet up for a moment.

For those who were curious about the outcome of our Kindergarten Easter Chick Cupcake Adventure, a few pictures to show you what a success it was – they became the centrepiece of the Bunny Brunch; saved on packaging and time. Give it a try over the break; it will make you, and your tiny charges, smile big!

Angela x

Above: Kid-made Easter Chick Cupcakes ready and waiting for their owners to return from playtime for the ‘Bunny Brunch’.