KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Edwina

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I have been up close and personal with many Portuguese Custard Tarts over the years, but I have never been to Portugal. It is on the list of places to visit, but until that day comes I will have to satisfy my urge for all things Portuguese with some visits to my favourite Lisbon websites.

The light in Lisbon must be pretty because the use of vibrant colour and pattern seems to be a common trait in the work of well-known Portugese bloggers like Ana Ventura and Rosa Pomar.

Ana Ventura is a paper artist that creates whimsical screenprints and paper cuts, mobiles, postcards, prints and even packing tape. She has a website and blog, and a you can buy directly from her via her shop.

Rosa Pomar is a designer-maker that also in known as A Ervilha Cor de Rosa. She is well known for her flower-eyed bonecos (dolls), but also makes lovely baby slings with African fabrics, bags and purses and has designed her own range of ribbon! Check out her shop to see what is available.

RS-Life are actually from Barcelona, but hey, they have some gorgeous contemporary furniture designs including some great pieces for the small ones. I love their padded shelf-pockets and the red modular bookcases can be made larger or smaller. More pictures here and here

I think my favourite folks are the artists from Atelier XT. My lack of any skills in the Portuguese language prevents me from discovering too much information about these colourful artists. But I have spent some time drooling over their painted and reconstructed furniture, paintings and accessories. They have an Etsy store with some pieces, but I am truly inspired to put a bit more colour in my life and that is their magic.

1. and 2. Inspired storage from RS-Life
3, 4, 5, 8 & 9. Paper work from Ana Ventura
6. Dolls from A Ervilha Cor de Rosa.
7. Lisbon Window display with tree and birds from Atelier XT

Please check individual sellers for postage and delivery charges and information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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A truly wonderful store for you explore today, Ollie Rose – www.ollierose.com.au – a unique boutique specialising in gorgeous hand-made toys, booties, accessories and clothing for babies and kids to 4 years.

Ollie Rose produce their own fine label of clothing and toys in fabulous quality printed fabrics – the lounge sets and tees for boys, and the sets and dresses for girls are soooo beautiful, and many are one-offs, which make them extra special – as well as stocking some super overseas labels, including Diaper Diddie (the cutest on-the-go nappy wallets!), Mountain Aven USA (lounge suits that make it so easy to dress your little one, while retaining a very funky aesthetic) and Apple UK (who make the grooviest sausage dogs in both mini and large sizes. I am madly in love with these puppies!!)

I suggest you sit down with a warm beverage and a biccie or three to pursue Ollie Roses’ wares. The shop is chock full of boutique and unique goodies that will have you drooling – and shopping: prices range between $5.95 and $50.00!

To welcome you to Ollie Rose, store owners Jemma and Kobie are offering all KidStyleFile readers 10% off store-wide until midnight 20 August 2009. Enter code ‘KSF-08′ at checkout to redeem.

Make sure you sign up to the Ollie Rose newsletter too: you’ll go into the August draw to win a $60 Ollie Rose Prize Pack.

A sample of the goodness at Ollie Rose is below. Swing by Ollie Rose to discover more fabulous products.

Discount prices quoted below are with 10% discount code ‘KSF-08′ until 20 August 2009 only.

a. Ollie Rose Babushka Taggie Rattle – $15.95 less 10% = $14.35
b. Molly and Max SookUms Taggie Toy – $17.95 less 10% = $16.15 each
c. Ollie Rose Little Bird 2-Piece Set Size 3 and Size 4 – $39.95 less 10% = $35.95
d. Ollie Rose Robot/SuperBoy/Cowboy/Pirate Taggie Rattles – $15.95 less 10% = $14.35 each
e. Mountain Aven USA Lounge 2-piece Set Little Hoot – $46.95 less 10% = $42.25
f. Ollie Rose Big Brother Tee (also comes in Little Brother and Big/Little Sister) – $22.95 less 10% = $20.65
g. Peaches in the Sky Felt Alligator Hair Clip – $5.95 less 10% = $5.35
h. Diaper Diddie in Juicy Jungle – $29.95 less 10% = $26.95
i. Ollie Rose Giraffe Taggie Rattle – $15.95 less 10% = $14.35
j. Apple UK Retro Robot Mini Dachshund – $21.95 less 10% = $19.75
k. Mountain Aven USA Aviary Lounge Set 12-18mths – $46.95 less 10% = $42.25
l. Apple Days Tunic Dress Size 3 and Size 4 – $26.95 $20.95 less 10% = $18.85
m. Ollie Rose Zoom Zoom Aeroplane Long-sleeved Tee 12-18mths – $19.95 less 10% = $17.95
n. Reusable Cotton Wipes – $12.95 less 10% = $11.65
o. Apple UK Retro Scandinavian Large Dachshund – $29.95 less 10% = $26.95
p. Ollie Rose Robot Parade Tee 18-24mths – $22.95 $19.95 less 10% = $.00

Ollie Rose ship Australia-wide for a flat rate of $5.95 per order. International orders are warmly welcomed. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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I’ll freely confess to being a ‘dog person’.  I had fur babies long before I had the human variety, and I still think there’s nothing like a dog for giving unstinting and constant affection while being as un-demanding as you could expect a living creature to be.

Luckily for me, my two-year-old son agrees – he loves dogs and anything with a picture of a dog on it.  Ange gave him a large Brio Dachshund for his birthday which he adores, and so I’ve gone on the hunt for other cool kids products with a canine theme. Turns out there’s loads out there, and it’s all so cute! Dachshunds in particular are a hot design theme right now, which I intend to make the most of.

Below are a range of my favourite doggy products for discerning tots, both from Australian sites and some of the best of overseas. Enjoy!

1. BRIO Dachshund Pull-Along Dog – Small, $29.95 and Large $159.95 from Entropy
2. Urban Elk Dog Print Sweater Dress, $89.95 from I Want Fabulous
3. Ride-On Dog Moonhopper, NZ$29.00 from Pipsqueaks (NZ) (these are brilliant for toddlers; a friend has one and it’s a permanent favourite with every kid who visits her house)
4. No Added Sugar Blue Sausage Dog Shoes, $43.95 $34.92 from Minifashionista
5. Snoffs Red Dog Blanket, $57.95 from Baby Goes Retro
6. Offi Dachshund Light, £52.00 from Nubie (UK)
7. Ej Sikke Lej Doggy Summersuit – part of the Spring/Summer ’09/10 Collection and hopefully available in Australia soon.
8. Magis Puppy Chair, $119.00 at UrbanBaby
9. Djeco Brownie & Tractor Puzzle, $25.00 $22.00 from The Toy Bug
10. Ride-On Dogs – Golden Retriever and Dalmation, £55.00ea £38.00ea from Red Direct (UK)
11. Fred Flare Hot Dog Tote Bag, USD$26.00 (I thought this bag was too cute to leave out, but tragically Fred Flare doesn’t ship to Australia. You can still get it if you subscribe to a mail forwarding service in the US)

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 Angela

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Are your kids looking for a comfy place of their own to sit? Find the solution at Little Possums Toys – www.littlepossumstoys.com.au - in the form of a Missi Missi beanbag.

Missi Missi produces the ultimate child-friendly beanbag made of soft, durable and easy to clean leather-like material in a great range of colours and designs. Snap up these fabulous seating solutions for kids 15% off at Little Possums Toys. Enter code “missi15″ at checkout to redeem until 19 August 2009.

Little Possums toys are looking to expand their extensive range of junior size beanbags to include jumbo sizes and welcome enquiries from customers interested in purchasing jumbo beanbags – the 15% discount will also be applied to all orders taken for jumbo sizes during the offer period.

Missi Missi beanbags in a variety of designs at Little Possums Toys all $89.95 less 15% = $76.45

Also, don’t miss the Little Possums Specials section for great deals on quality brands. Check back regularly for fresh discounts on top selling toys, and sign up for the Little Possums Toys newsletter to stay in the loop.

A. Goki Philadelphia Wooden Block Train – $38.95 less 30% = $27.25
B. Le Toy Van Surcouf Wooden Royal Naval Ship – $120.00 less 15% = $102.00
C. Doowell I Spy Magnetic Activity Game – $22.95 less 15% = $19.50
D. Sevi Outdoor Target Practice Game – $120.00 less 15% = $102.00
E. Le Toy Van Bella Ballerina Doll with matching Bag – $29.95 less 15% = $25.45
F. Tolo Electronic Cash Register – $44.95 less 15% = $38.20

Little Possums Toys stock the following fine toy brands including: Alex Toys, annieB’s Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Folkmanis, Goki, Le Toy Van, Little Chipipi, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Co, Missi Missi, Orchard Toys, Papo, Plan Toys, Schleich, Sevi, The Little Experience, Tiger Tribe, Tolo, Travis Designs, Vtech and WOW Toys UK.

Little Possums Toys delivery charges are automatically calculated at checkout according to the Australian Post recommendation for product volume, weight and destination. Orders are delivered by either registered Australia Post or Fastway Courier. Contact Little Possums Toys for further details.

Today’s post written by Bec

Today I’d like you to meet wonderful designer/maker Rachael of Grandy and Baa. Rachael lives with her husband, daughter Stella (‘Minnie’), 3 years, a neurotic cat Daisy and a great big puppy named Molly, on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia, where she enjoys looking at the ocean from her front verandah. Find out more about Rachael below. You can shop Grandy and Baa here. Rachael also writes a fantastic blog here.

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Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?

I predominately focus on appliquéing designs onto tee-shirts, tops, and handmade skirts and dresses.  Appliqué is simply creating a fabric picture or scene and then stitching it to another piece of fabric, commonly an item of clothing or a quilt.

My appliqué designs include dinosaurs, a rhino called Reggie, elephants, a mad dog called Mervin, food like eggs and bacon, and Ethel and Elise the finches. I think that my most popular designs have been Truman Triceratops and a pig named Pedro.  I use new, vintage, and recycled fabrics and buttons in my appliqué work.  I also make girls skirts and dresses with hand embroidered designs, bibs, small babies quilts and softies (soft toys).

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making baby & children wears?

My mother is a very skilled crafter and as I small child, I would sit at her feet in her sewing room and between sewing our clothes, she would teach me how to sew little quilts and dolls from scraps of fabric.  I continued with sewing at school and on and off throughout my 20′s. I started making babies and children’s clothes after Stella was born in 2006.  I wanted to dress her in things that were a little different to what was on offer at mainstream baby wear stores.

After deciding not to return to my job in the city, I thought that selling some of my sewing would provide me with a focus other than being a stay at home mum.   As much as I love caring for Stella, I think at times we all need something else to do and starting Grandy and Baa gave me this outlet.

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?

At times it is incredibly difficult managing Grandy and Baa and being a full time mum to Stella.  When Stella was smaller I would sew whenever she slept and I would ignore most of the house work!  It helps if you have a very supportive husband, who is also a great cook!

Now that Stella is at pre-school one day per week, I am able to dedicate a little more time to sewing.  Being able to sell my designs on websites like madeit has meant that I can work in my PJs or in the middle of the night if I have too!  It’s hard to always get the balance right but all working parents have this dilemma.  I am very fortunate that I have been able to remain at home with Stella and to be able to do something that I love.

Do you have any advice to other mums who are wanting to start creating handmade wares?

I say go for it!  There is a wonderful sense of achievement from hand making clothes that you or your children can wear.

If you are starting out sewing, consider getting some lessons and perhaps borrowing a sewing machine from a friend or family member. The internet is also a wonderful resource – check out the many hundreds of craft blogs that exist, full of tips, tutorials, free patterns and advice.

There are many simple ideas, like making a babies bib or a set of napkins that can look really stunning with the right fabric. Remember that you can always unpick your sewing mistakes – I still do!

Today’s post written by Anna

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Playing “shop” was one of my favourite childhood games; my siblings and I spent many fun-filled hours running ours. And for me here is something of the whimsy, fun and magic of this captured at ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au. Big on style, it’s this simple: they stock so many of the brands that make me happy!

I just love, love, love: Oobi: and love it even more on sale!  I did a little hunting through the ShopHouse clearance bin and game away with glee! I found heaps of Oobi items on sale like the knit cardigan pictured below in white, and the Oobi Nanna’s Strawberry Knit Dress in Raspberry.

ShopHouse also stock the beautiful brand mill&mia, and you will be pleased to know that the entire Winter 09 range is on sale at up to 50% off RRP – yay!  There are some great items for styling up your little man from this brand, including the Long-sleeve Stripe Hoodie now just $24.95, and the Check Cowboy shirt now only $29.95.

ShopHouse also stock many beautiful gift items for babies and children like the Cocoon Couture Bean Bags - and they’re on sale too!!

I love the ShopHouse Suitcases, in three sizes and a great range of colours. They also have many of the great Alimrose Squeakers; Angus Cow is just too cute!

Plus it just gets better:  this week; as a KidStyleFile reader you can hit the checkout and enter promo code ‘KSFDELIVERY’ to have all your goodies delivered FREE of charge! Free Shipping closes midnight on Tuesday 18 August 2009.

So, what are you waiting for?!  Off to ShopHouse to shop ’til you drop!

1. Cocoon Couture Tiny Toucan Navy on Light Blue Bean Bag – $99.95 ON SALE $79.95
2. Cocoon Couture Early Bird Book Ends – $89.00
3. ShopHouse Rich Red Suitcase – Small $9.95
4. Mill & Mia Black/Grey Marle Stripe Long Sleeve Hoodie $59.95 ON SALE $24.95
5. Oobi Red Cable Knit Hat $29.95
6. Mill & Mia Navy Check Cowboy Shirt $69.95 ON SALE $29.95
7. OshKosh Baby George Blue Pre-Walkers $32.95 ON SALE $16.48
8. Alimrose Designs Hand Squeaker – Angus Cow $15.95
9. Baobab Chocolate Racer Dress $45.95 ON SALE $24.95
10. Krooom Follia Manooo Organiser $35.95
11. Oobi White Cable Knit Cardigan $64.95 ON SALE $44.95
12. Oobi Nanna’s Strawberry Knit Dress in Rasberry $49.95 ON SALE $39.95

Shopping is so much fun at ShopHouse and they stock a diverse range of products from the following brands: Adiri Natural Nurder, Alimrose, And The Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Baobab, Bod, Bonds, Cocoon Couture, Cookey Cat Artworks, Cuddlefish, Eco Kid.,Galmatic, Get Fresh, Huggalugs, ID Teen, Jedko Games Co, Kee-Ka, Kiddysac, Krooom, Lark, Lil’ Lana, Little Chipipi, Look At The Wall, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Moltex Nappies, Monday’s Child Pyjamas, OshKosh, Oobi Baby + Kids, Pebbles, Penny Scallan, Pure Baby, Red Wagon, Rileah Designs, Serena & Lily, ShopHouse, The Little Experience, Wotnot, Yunginz.

Wherever you live in Australia, ShopHouse delivers for the flat rate of $4.95. International orders are delivered for $20.  See the ShopHouse Delivery Page for full terms and conditions.