KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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Mention Scandanavian-designed furniture these days, and chances are the very first brand that comes to mind is IKEA – www.ikea.com.au.

I am a rabid and unashamed fan of IKEA.  I love the fact that as a company they take responsibility for using sustainable materials and ensuring a good working climate for their many factory employees.  I love that the IKEA founder, Ingvar Kamprad (currently the richest person in Europe) still drives his 1980s Volvo and flies economy class.  I love the tiny prices – although the instructional diagrams on putting items together have been known to beat me! – and most of all I love the clean, classy, thoughtful design.

The IKEA children’s range is just as good as the adults’ stuff.  There’s a truly wonderful range of toys and small furniture for the kids, along with bedding and decor, right down to feeding accessories. A few of my favourites are below, but the POANG armchair rates a special mention as a brilliant feeding/nursery chair – so much more attractive than the ones you usually see in baby shops!  You can also get a mini kids’ version which I adore too.  IKEA stores in Europe have recently started stocking a rocking chair version of the POANG, so let’s hope it hits Aussie shores soon!

If I had to pick just one other favourite, it would be the DUKTIG children’s cooking series. It must be said that a lot of what I love about this series is that it’s unisex. As the mum of a nearly-two-year-old boy who loves pretending to cook (bless him), it drives me mad that the vast majority of play kitchens and tea sets on the market are so overwhelmingly pink! The DUKTIG range is not only extremely tough and durable, it also looks great and has barely a smigeon of pink on it! Hurrah!

If you live in a city near an IKEA, you can make the pilgrimage in-store. For the rest of us you can order online from the IKEA Perth Store (the only IKEA to offer Australia-wide delivery) with IKEA Direct. There is a minimum order of $200, and IKEA will phone you with 24 hours of your order placement to confirm and advise delivery costs – minimum postage is $15 and then depends on weight and destination. Click here for more information.

Editor’s note: We are also big fans of IKEA at our house. We have Sniglar beds, an Expedit bookcase, the LOMSK Swivel airchair (which we know as ‘The Big Egg’: this toy goes on and on: even a 9 and a 7 year old played happily in it only last week! This is one of my top 10 toys for kids), the Rocking Moose, Vippig seesaw, 100% cotton fitted sheets, plates, bowls and cutlery, doll beds, dress ups, and many and various other toys and items, all of which were bought interstate and lugged onto a plane by moi!

1. SMILA SOL Ceiling Lamp, $39.95
2. VIPPIG Seesaw, $99.00
3. POANG Armchair, $159.00
4. LEKA Baby Gym, $44.95
5. DUKTIG 10 Piece Tea/Coffee Set, $16.95
6. EKORRE Rocking Moose, $69.00
7. ANTILOP High Chair w/ Safety Belt, $39.00
8. TROFAST Storage Combination, $499.00
9. IKEA PS LOMSK Swivel Armchair, $149.00

Today’s post written by Miki

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I have no idea where to begin today.  I’m reeling, I’m speechless, I’m feeling dizzy and faint and I’ll warn you now, I’m going to be writing in lots of italics and capitals today, such is the strength of my feelings.

Why?

Bronwyn at ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au – has an offer for us which is so big that I’m willing to bet she’ll be sold out in the fastest time ever.

What is this spectactular offer?  Get this: every order over $60 entitles you to choose a completely FREE item from the Oobi Baby Animals Range, valued at up to $39.95. That’s right, you read me correctly: FREE Oobi with all orders over $60!!! <*Miki hyperventilates*>

This offer is for one week only, finishing at midnight on 23 June 2009, unless sold out beforehand, and you can bet that it will be, so put the pedal to the metal!

You aren’t limited to any particular brands to spend the $60 on either, anything at ShopHouse qualifies!  All you have to do to qualify is spend your $60 (not incl. shipping) and then in the comments box at checkout tell Bronwyn which piece you want and which size you want it in.  It goes without saying that this is only while stocks last, so believe me, you’ll want to get in FAST.

The Oobi Baby Animals range consists of the following items:

• Lounge Suits (or PJs) in Blue Owl/Pink Owl/Giraffe RRP $39.95 sizes 6mths to 2 yrs
• Rompers in Blue Owl/Pink Owl/Giraffe RRP $29.95 sizes 6mths to 2 yrs
• Hoodies in Blue Owl/Pink Owl/Giraffe RRP $29.95 sizes 6mths to 2 yrs
• Pink Owl Hoodie Dress RRP $34.95 sizes 6mths to 4 yrs (very limited stock)

Have a look at this link to see the full Oobi range at ShopHouse, and see below for a few examples of this gorgeous range:

As if that wasn’t enough, Bronwyn has marked down her entire range of OshKosh by an unprecendented and whopping 40% off – yes, every single piece!  So you could buy a few items of OshKosh so heavily discounted that you’d probably sell it for more after your kids have grown out of it, and as long as you spend over $60 on the order you can also choose a FREE piece of Oobi!

There’s loads more at ShopHouse besides Oobi and OshKosh, and my personal favourite is the enormous range of Cocoon Couture: beanbags, kinder bags, cushions and other decor, it’s all just exquisite.  There are a couple of beanbag designs at 25% off too!

1. OshKosh Oh So Foho Guitar Print Tee, $34.95 $20.97
2. mill&mia Padded Blush Bubble Rabbit, $21.95 $12.95
3. Rosie Flo and Johnny Joe Colouring Books, $15.95ea
4. Cocoon Couture Whale Kinder Bag – Chocolate/Blue, $39.95
5. Purebaby Henley Caravan Growsuit, $34.95 $19.95
6. OshKosh Angel Wings Balloon Long Sleeve Tee, $29.95 $17.97
7. OshKosh Club Marina Stripe Knit Vest, $42.95 $25.77
8. OshKosh Club Marina Girls Skinny White Jean, $69.95 $41.97
9. OshKosh Aviator Stripe V Neck Jumper, $59.95 $35.97
10. Bod Vanilla Smooch Lip Balm, $12.95 (Mums, get yourself a treat while you’re shopping for the kids)
11. OshKosh Roman Holiday Overalls, $69.95 $41.97

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, plus of course OshKosh B’Gosh!

ShopHouse is famous for having the cheapest shipping rate around: an unbeatable $4.95 flat rate delivery Australia-wide, and all orders over $99 are shipped FREE! Bonus!

Today’s post written by Miki

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Whether you’re preparing for a new baby or changing your baby’s nursery into a ‘big kid’s room’, it can be really difficult to find furniture that you – and they – like.

After all, furniture is a big investment at any time, and with children it’s important to find pieces that will grow with them.  To this end I’ve rounded up some of my favourite brands and lines available in Australia, all items which look fantastic and are designed to last for the long haul.

If you want something to jazz up the kids’ rooms but can’t afford to splash out too much, bean bags are jut the thing.  They’re relatively inexpensive, plus you can get them in a huge range of stunning designs – see Cocoon Couture and Missi Missi for some ideas – and kids absolutely adore them.

It’s also worth mentioning that Metro Mum currently have 10% off their large and extremely stylish furniture range, and that the furniture prices shown on their site includes shipping.  Enter ‘FUR609′ at checkout to get the 10% discount.

If you’re after something with a real ‘wow’ factor, head to Miss Tati & Friends as you’re bound to find it there!  Whether you’re shopping for a budding pirate, surfer or princess, there’s something there which is bound to make you ooh and aah.

Here are some of my favourites – see the links below for where to buy them.

1. L’il Buccaneer Bed, $1,495.00 from Miss Tati & Friends
2. Missi Missi Jumbo Beanbag – Hot Pink w/ Stars, $129.95 from Bubba Funk
3. Oriental Princess Bookcase, $1,390.00 from Miss Tati & Friends
4. Gertie & Me Moses Basket & Stand, $349.95 from The Hip Infant
5. Fresco Bloom Classic Contemporary High Chair – Midnight Black, $699.00 from Metro Mum
6. Cocoon Couture Gorgeous Giraffe Bean Bag – Yellow/Blue, $99.95 from ShopHouse
7. Oeuf Cot in Birch, $1,449.00 from Metro Mum
8. Seed Organic Cradle, $315.00 from Metro Mum
9. Teeny Me Roar Flip Flop Sofa, $249.95 from The Hip Infant

As always, please check individual sites for postage details, and have a look at the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your purchase.

Today’s post written by Miki

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When I was a little girl, there was very little I enjoyed more than dressing up and spending hours in my own little fantasy world.  It didn’t matter whether I was a princess or a mermaid, a fairy or a ballerina, I loved dress up costumes and the way they could transfer my world into a fairy tale.

And I don’t for one moment think I’m alone in this – I think most little girls (and many little boys!) love to dress up, and Denise at Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – has cottoned on to this.  She stocks a lovely range of dress up outfits including fairies, mermaids, tutus and ballet slippers, even pirates, at extremely competitive prices.  (They’re mostly in the Playtime section at Chic Kids, but also check out the Princess Ratbag pettiskirts for fairy/ballerina play, as well as the party circuit).

Now is a great time to stock up on dress ups too: not only are the school holidays rapidly approaching (and we all know how vital it is to have rainy day play options up our sleeves, especially at this time of year), but Denise is giving KidStyleFile readers 15% off store-wide!  The offer finishes at midnight 21 June 2009, and the code is ‘CHICKIDS’.  Grab a few outfits at this discount!!

As well as that, all orders will receive a Star & Rose ‘Touch of Spice’ Votive Candle in Vanilla Pod fragrance, but only while stocks last so make sure you get in quickly.  These beautiful candles (see no. 2 in the image collage below) are perfect for helping busy mums maintain their serenity surrounded by shrieking children during the term break!

While you’re at Chic Kids, let’s have a look at what else you might be able to snap up using your 15% discount.

For starters, I don’t know of any household who has enough Kiddysacs on hand.  Perfect for everything from swimming (their swimbags have a waterproof lining – brilliant) to libary bags, toy storage, and everything in between, these inexpensive, eye-catching and practical bags are fabulous to have around.

Lastly, the 15% off applies to the Delicious Discounts sale section too, and oh my goodness will you find some bargains in there!  Snap up Bebe by Minihaha, Eternal Creation, Baobab, Le Bon and many more top brands at bargain basement prices, AND take an additional 15% off too! If that’s not enough to put a smile on your dial then I don’t know what is

Take an extra 15% off all prices below using the code ‘CHICKIDS’. Code expires 21 June 2009.

1. Baby Ballet Shoes – Pink and Black, $18.95/pr
2. Star & Rose ‘Touch of Spice’ Votive Candle in Vanilla Pod fragrance, FREE with all KSF purchases while stocks last
3. Fairy Rainbow Dress, $32.95
4. Mermaid Dress Up Outfit, $32.95
5. Bebe Romper – Mia, $29.95 $22.46
6. Bebe Long Sleeved Romper, $29.95 $22.46
7. Kiddysac Bags, from $14.95
8. Freshbaked Boys Puffa Vest – Mocha, $48.95
9. Freshbaked Tee – Orange, $29.95
10. Freshbaked Boys Pant – Latte, $45.95

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

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Ok, ok, rainy days can be fun for watching raindrops on the windows and making puddles to jump in. But at our house it usually doesn’t take long before frustration and boredom can creep in. TV and computer games can be a good distraction but they usually don’t last the distance. So for the days when going out seems too hard it is good to have a few winter-time activities up your sleeve.

I thought I would share some of the coolest project I have found – some are more time consuming and complex, which would be good for the little ones who thrive on a big task, and some like indoor hopscotch from (mum-of-4!) Stephanie at NieNie Dialogues, and the fake moustache from Lisa at 5 Orange Potatoes can be quick projects that can spin off with a little imagination into an afternoon of fun.

I hope they help when a back-up plan needs to be instigated fast!

Cardboard Doll House at Esprit Cabane

Indoor Hopscotch by Stephanie at NieNie Dialogues

Fake Moustache Tutorial by Lisa at 5 Orange Potatoes

Carnation Flower Tutorial at Folding Trees

Block Printing by Daria at Glitter Goodes

Today’s post written by Angela

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Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…Baby Legs, Baby Legs, Ba-by-Ba-by-Ba-by Legs…

I am singing it our home-grown BabyLegs big-style right now as Anita over at BabyLegs – www.babylegs.com.au – has decided it’s party time for KSF readers. What can I say? Get ready, get steady – SHOP!

Buy 3 pair of BabyLegs and get a fourth pair* FREE!!!! Yes, FREE BabyLegs!! Nix, nada, zero: brilliant! But that’s not all, nope, the goodness continues with FREE POSTAGE!!! This is the best deal you will find on BabyLegs anywhere. Offer ends at midnight 23 June 2009, so don’t delay!

*Free pair is 1 pair of Standard range BabyLegs ONLY – i.e. any pair that is priced at $16.50 on BabyLegs.com.au.

Here’s how to redeem the FREE BabyLegs and postage offer – You have two choice for purchasing:

1. Head on over to the BabyLegs website, pop 3 pair of BabyLegs in your shopping cart & pay as usual. Then email BabyLegs (info@babylegs.com.au) and mention KidStyleFile, and which pair you would like to receive FREE, and Bob’s your Uncle; your booty will be on its way.

2. Phone BabyLegs on 1300 725 276 9am-5pm weekdays, and place your order. Make sure you mention KidStyleFile to score your FREE BabyLegs.

Just a heads-up, too, on the hot new products coming soon to the BabyLegs range: fabulous and funky patterned socks and tights, and a ‘Black Label’ cashmere blend collection. I have seen some preview imagery, and I can tell you that these socks and tights really lift the bar. BabyLegs socks and tights will be available to purchase in Australia from August 2009.

BabyLegs charge from $6.50 postage Australia-wide.