KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

I’ve done nearly all my Christmas shopping now. My parents – check! My inlaws – check! My husband – check! My kids – nope, not yet!  It’s not disorganisation though, it’s strategy: I’ve been waiting for an event just like this one:

Until 7 December 2009, Little Styles – www.littlestyles.com.au – is offering KidStyleFile readers 15% off store-wide on all orders over $65 (yes, even on the extensive range of Sale Stock already reduced by up to 50%!!!). The code to enter at checkout is ‘xmas’.

Terri at Little Styles has really taken the ball and run with it when it comes to Christmas this year.  She has put together some incredibly helpful ideas, suggestions and categories to make Christmas shopping an absolute breeze.

For example, there’s a very extensive category full of ideas for the perfect Christmas outfit for your little ones.  There’s a wide range of outfits and special occasion pieces in there, ranging from the ultra-adorable Bluebird & Honey Nappy Pant, to pretty Oobi party dresses, to a range of very funky boyswear, plus an awful lot in between.

If you want even more kids kids fashion, you’re in luck: there are piles of new arrivals from Mon*star kids,  Precious Lil Things, Flirty Bird, babykids, Woolly Wugs and Alimrose, plus some absolutely fabulous BIG by Fiona Scanlan – think sparkles, sequins, fairy wings and frothy tulle; just what every party girl needs!

Also in the Christmas-y theme is a category absolutely bursting at the seams with festive goodies, including stylish wall decals from ForWalls, sweet little felt hair accessories from Flirty Bird, Lark & Friends knitted Christmas decorations and onesies from Annabel Trends, among others.  The extremely popular santa sacks from Cocoon Couture are a given, of course, but they’re selling like hotcakes so snap one up while you still can.

If you need more ideas for gifts, there’s a massive new range of toys from great brands like Sparkle T, Tiger Tribe, Deglingos, Dyles soft playbags & books.  There are also new books and party goodies from Paper Eskimo in the ‘books & stationery’ category.  If you’re on a strict budget,  there’s a truly enormous ‘Gifts Under $25′ category – and when I say enormous, I mean over 300 items!!

As always, Little Styles is offering FREE giftwrapping, next day delivery (which is FREE for orders of over $150), and no fuss returns and exchanges.  There are over 90 brands on offer (more than *1,800* products), all of which adds up to make it a very easy and enjoyable place to shop. To make sure you never miss a sale, competition, or new arrival, sign up to the Little Styles newsletter, and become a fan on Facebook where there are daily updates.

Don’t forget that if you spend over $65 you can take 15% off these prices using the code ‘xmas’. Code expires Mon 7th December 2009.

1. Sparkle T Cupcake Stand Puzzle, $52.95; Sparkle T Gingerbread Man Puzzle, $29.95; Sparkle T Christmas Card Hanger, $6.95
2. Bebe Jr Navy Gingham Shirt, $34.95; Bebe Jr Sand Shorts, $33.95; Walnut Tennis Shoe – French Navy, $29.95
3. Babykids Merry Christmas Bib & Wrist Rattle Set, $11.95; Babykids Christmas Reindeer Romper Set, $19.95
4. Oobi Melamine Spoon Set – Boys, $17.95
5. BIG by Fiona Scanlan Sequin Flower Wings Singlet – White, $34.95; BIG by Fiona Lilac Tulle Frou Skirt, $69.95; BIG by Fiona Sequin Tiara, $29.95
6. Tiger Tribe Games To Go ‘Ice Cream You Scream’, $19.95; Dyles ‘My First Garden’ Playbag, $38.95

Little Styles stocks fashion, toys and accessories from the following list of brands: Aden & Anais, Adiri, Albetta, Alex, alex & charli, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, Baby Gund, Babykids, Babylegs, Babylicious, Baobab, Bbox, Bebe, Bebe Au Lait, Belly Art, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Blabla, BLINK Designs, Bluebird & Honey, Bobbleart, Bonds, Busybee Friends, Cheeky Little Soles, Cheeky Monkey, Cloud B, Cocoon Couture, Deglingos, Elodie Details, Fish Lilly, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co., Flirty Bird, ForWalls, French Bull, Fresh Bakes, Gala Organic Cotton, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gimmo, Global Style custom, Haba, Hess-Spielzebug, Infancy, Infantino, Isoki, Itch Design, Jack & Lily, Jasnor, Kathe Kruse, Lakeland Design, Lark and Friends, L’il Fraser Collection, Little Chippi, Little Styles, Love Police, Mamas and Papas, Marquis, Melissa & Doug toys, Miatom, Milk Baby, Minimonkey, Minti, Moppit, Muddy Cloud, Noo Design, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Pink Thodore, Plum, Precious L’il Thingsm Purebaby, Rockabye baby!, Rush, Russ, Sevi, Sigikid, Skeanie, Skip Hop, Sooki Baby, Super Zeros, SwaddleDesigns, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Vintage Kid, Walnut, Well Spotted, Woof!, WOW toys.

Little Styles deliver Australia-wide for the flat fee of $7.50. Orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge! See ordering and delivery for more information, including international shipping rates.

Today’s post written by Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Well KidStyleFilers, you heard it here first: Ten Little Indians – www.tenlittleindians.com.au is a preferred supplier to Santa!  Yep, this top online store has an absolutely stand out list of labels with some funky gifts to get you sorted for Christmas gifts this year.

Just be warned:  What you are about to view comes with a very serious Wow factor rating!

It couldn’t be Christmas without seeing all the latest and greatest, so hit the What’s New Page at Ten Little Indians for an incredible array of gift lines.  Here you will find great wooden toys from Sparkle T, puzzles, magnetic play sets & sticker books from Mudpuppy, stamp sets, magnets and games from Tiger Tribe, beautiful hair accessories from Shanghai Ruby, new fashion arrivals from Miatom, Munster, Monstar Kids. Plus, new and exclusive to Ten Little Indians are the fabulous Ali Bird Singlet and Bloomer sets. Wow! Talk about a stellar line up – no wonder Santa shops here!

Plus, for a little bit more Wow for today: you have access to an fantastic and exclusive Kidstyle File Offer – Enter ‘KIDSTYLE’ at checkout to receive 20% off everything on all orders over $50 (excluding postage) until midnight 3 December 2009.  And yes, savvy shopper, this offer does include sale stock, which is already discounted by up to 25% = up to 45% off savings for you – woot!!

Prices quoted below are valid with code (read above) until midnight 3 December 2009 only.

1. Mudpuppy Magnetic Dress Up Monsters $34.95 less 20% = $27.96
   
2. Miatom Teacups T $27.95 less 20% = $22.36
3. Sparkle T Dudes Cruisin $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
4. Monstar kids Pink Ruffle Dress $44.00 less 20% = $35.20
5. Mudpuppy 63 Piece Lets Go Shopping Puzzle $32.95 less 20% = $26.36
6. Ali Bird A Little Batty Set $29.95 less 20% = $23.96
7. Alimrose Daphne Doll $27.95 less 20% = $22.36
8. Big by Fiona Multi Flower Wing Singlet $34.95 less 20% = $27.96
9. Shanghai Ruby Cleo Grosgrain Headband $7.95 less 20% = $6.36
10. TLI Doctor Play Set $18.00 less 20% = $14.40

2 Little Boys, Albetta, Alex & Charli, Alex Toys, Ali Bird, Alimrose Design,Bebe by Minihaha, Big by Fiona, Bluebird and Honey, Bobbleart, Books to Wear, BoyleIndustries, by OMA, Cheeky Monkey, Chook Leaf, Coco & Ginger,  Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Dumpling Dynasty, Emotion & Kids, Emperor’s Laundry, Fish Lily, Flash Harry Studios, GaiaOrganic Cotton, Gimmo, Heavenly Creatures, Itch Design, Knox & Floyd, Lakeland Mini, Lark, LilSpunk, Little Chipipi Moveables, Little Leona, Little Swish, Littlehorn, Lotus Linens, me2me2, Meet Me at Mikes, Melissa & Doug, Miatom, Mill&Mia, minti, Miny Mo, Monstar Kids, Monster Couture, Moppit, Mudpuppy, Munster, My Child Magazine, My Picture Story Book, No3No4, Noonoo, Oobi Baby, Peggy, Penny Scallan, Pidgeonhole, Purebaby, Raff + Lulu, Robert Gordon Australia, RosieFlo, Ruby Luxe, Rush, Serena & Lily, Sew Your Own, Shanghai Ruby, Sophie the Giraffe, SparkleT, Tayla-Lu Swimwear, TenLittleIndians, The Little Experience, The Source, Tiddles&Chich, Tiger Tribe, Tin Lid Designs, TkxiSurf, and tomtom designs.

At Ten Little Indians delivery is super fast and efficient (and cheap!) $7.50 flat rate EXPRESS POST shipping and postage is free if you spend over $150.  International shipping daily at competitive prices.  Plus up to 2 gifts per customer gift wrapped – for FREE.  See here for complete delivery details.

Welcome to the September edition of ‘Mixtape Monday’, our last-Monday-of-the month burst of inspiration.

This month Justine at Mixtape Zine, brings us this timely piece on traditions by Jessica Wilson from http://scrumdillydilly.blogspot.com. Jessica chooses to live a life of ‘scrumdilly’. Crafty gal, blogger, photo-boother extraordinaire and Flickr addict, she’s no good at choosing just one thing. She happily spends her days stirring up mischief with her mister as they plan their BIG road trip adventure.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Holiday music from the likes of Dean Martin and Elvis Presley would play day in and day out. We would make salt dough ornaments and tape up the dining room window so that it looked like it was a paned window, and not just the cheesy apartment-building kind. Mamos would bring out her box of Santas and I would help her place them about our cluttered condo in the San Fernando Valley in southern California.

Christmas Eve was spent with family or friends and I would fight sleep as best as I could. I would beg, beg, beg my Mamos to let me sleep in the living room with the Christmas tree all lit up to dazzle my sleepy self to dreamland. At some point she would nudge me awake and lead to me to my own bed (as a teen I would receive a ‘get in your own bed’ kind of shout as she shook me awake).

I would wake before the sun and rush out to examine the contents of my (and my brother’s) stocking which would appear bursting at the seams. We didn’t have a lot of money – fact is, we were poor, but my mother would save and plan the day after Christmas for the next year and I always felt so lucky to receive what I did, even if it wasn’t in the Sears catalogue.

I would grasp hold of my handmade stocking, the one I still have and use, and reach in and pull the goodies out one by one. There were always sweets, lip balm and art supplies. Often there were tiny books and miniatures. The best and most comforting thing, however, was the giant navel orange that was shoved into the toe of the stocking followed by the handful of exotic, still-in-their-shell nuts.

The orange would be eaten for breakfast or set aside until I whined about being hungry. The nuts were brought out to be cracked by my mother’s various nutcrackers, though I usually ended up using the old metal one that got shoved to the back of the silverware drawer. I came to depend on that orange, and years later when I took over the stocking stuffing, I made sure my brother and mother each got an orange in the toe of their felty goodness.

Most holidays in my mother’s house had traditions of a sort. Back-to-school meant a new surprise outfit on the first day back. Birthdays involved another new outfit, including one for my favorite doll, and a special letter of love. Valentine’s Day would have me on a scavenger hunt throughout the house following the clues to my mother’s gift for me.

My favourite traditions involved the kitchen. We did a lot of baking in that crazy, cosy, condo. The best thing we baked, no matter the occasion, was Snickerdoodles. Every year for any class party, I would bring a cardboard shirtbox full of the sugary cookies. The box would be tied up in pretty satin ribbon and the cookies would be nestled inside on cotton candy-like layers of pale pink and blue tissue, unless of course it was Christmas, then the tissue was green or red. Every year all my classmates looked forward to that shirtbox full of treats.

Since I can’t share a giant navel orange with each and every one of you, I would like to share the recipe for this cookie classic. I started making these at six years old and still make them today.

Snickerdoodles

1 ½ cups sugar (We always used the special vanilla sugar)
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening (the shortening is key)
2 eggs
2 ¾ cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar (this helps the crispy outer)
1 teaspoon baking soda
A dash of salt
Combined ¼ cup sugar & 1 tablespoon cinnamon to roll the cookies in

Method

Preheat oven to 200˚C (400˚F)
Mix sugar, butter, shortening
Add eggs and mix until pretty.
Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda & salt.
Shape dough into small balls. Roll to coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Love this article? You can read previous Mixtape Monday posts here.

This article can be found in issue 7  – The Kids Issue – of Mixtape Zine. You can buy current and back-catalogue issues of Mixtape here (the current issue is limited-edition hard-copy ; back-catalogue issues are available in PDF only.)

Today’s post written by Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

If all you want for Christmas is beautifully designed, 100% organic and ethically produced clothing – it’s certainly not too much to ask: you simply need help from the chic boutique CornflowerBlue – www.cornflowerblue.com.au.

At CornflowerBlue, you will find fabulous local and overseas brands including Serendipity, La Queue du Chat, Nanny Pickle, Eternal Creation, Zooey, Apple and Bee, Bacche, Bornsage, Sckoon, Cackleberry Kids, Eco Peko, Tiny Revolutionary, Cheeky Chickies, Green Eyed Monster, Blueberry Kids, Old Soles, Minime of Sydney, Foundation of Love, Kate Quinn Organics, and Speesees.

Plus, if there is a little princess in residence at your house, then Cornflower Blue will be of special interest: in addition to all of the brands just mentioned, proprietor Sarah and her team have created their very own label: CornflowerBlue ORGANIC which specialises in organic clothing for little girls.

The debut collection from CornflowerBlue ORGANIC consists of beautiful 100% organic cotton dresses and dreamy sleepwear.  Each piece has been aptly named with a soft and feminine name that has been chosen to match the whimsical style and outstanding quality of these garments: Lily, Jasmine, Annabel, Chloe, Lulu, to name a few.

My favourite of the dresses is the Ondine Dress in a striking blue colour and delicate crocheted flower detail; this is one dress that can be worn to suit lots occassions and as the customer reviews indicate; this is a dress that is being worn over and over again!  All of the CornflowerBlue ORGANIC sleep-ware is made from very soft woven cotton making it a great choice for girls with sensitive skin, and a top breathable choice for our balmy summer nights.

CornflowerBlue have a most excellent Pre-Christmas sale coming up; starting 1 December 2009. A fantastic 25% will be reduced from most brands, plus KSF readers will receive an additional 5% discount, bringing the savings in at up to 30% off. Enter “KSF_XMAS” at checkout to redeem. Have a good browse now and be ready to pounce come December 1.

Visit Cornflower Blue on 1 December 2009 to see if these products are included in the up to 30% off pre-Christmas sale.

1. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Jasmine Dress $59.95
2. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Annabel Dress $74.95
3. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Chloe Nightie $45.95
4. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Lulu Nightie $45.95
5. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Lily PJ’s $49.95
   
6. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Ellie PJ’s $49.95
7. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Charlise PJ’s $49.95
   
8. cornflowerblue ORGANIC Ondine Dress $74.95

When orders are placed before 1pm, CornflowerBlue offer same day shipping for the fantastic rate of $6.95 Australia-wide.  They will also happily ship internationally.  For full delivery information please see here.

Today’s post written by Leah

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

This weekend let me blow your mind with the mother of all sales at Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au – who have the original reversible Peanut Shell baby sling, favoured by celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Garner, on sale while stocks last, at 50% off. OMG – bargain alert!!!

I’ve used the Peanut Shell a lot. I use it for quick trips to the shops with Miss N riding in the hip position. It’s the perfect sling with 5 hands free positions. What’s more, it has the lowest learning curve of any sling on the market – I worked it out without even using the instructional manual, and there are some great videos to watch if you’d like a demo.

The Peanut Shell has many virtues: it’s the perfect sling for premmies right through to your 16 kg toddler, it’s formaldehyde-free, making it both safe for your bub and environment, it can easily be thrown in the washing maching for a quick clean between wears, and it comes in a range of funky, fun and chic patterns and colours.

There’s not much else to say now, other than be quick: sizes and patterns will sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss this once-off opportunity.

PS Stay tuned: new Peanut Shell fabrics and patterns are due in early 2010.

Discounted prices below are valid while stocks last only.

1. Peanut Shell Red Yoko Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
2. Peanut Shell Retro Pink Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
3 & 4. Peanut Shell Mudpie Adjustable Sling available in 2010
5. Peanut Shell Flor Cafe Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
6 & 8. Peanut Shell Retro Blue Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
7.  Peanut Shell Adjustable Sling Patterns: Choco Cream, Cirrus Whisper and Mud Pie – available early 2010

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $13 Express Post Shipping or $6.50 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $11 Express Post Shipping or $4 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped via Express Post for FREE.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, see here.

Today’s post written by Miki

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Christmas is a always special time when you have children, but no Christmas is more special than your baby’s first one.  Whether your tiny newborn is a week old, or a speedy crawling 10 month old chewing through the wrapping paper with new teeth, it’s incredibly exciting.  And don’t even get me started on the proud new grandparents!

But where do you go to get tasteful, attractive ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ keepsakes – you know, the sort of thing you’ll still pull out of a box and cluck over in 30 years’ time?  I’ll tell you exactly where: you go to Babybuds – www.babybuds.com.au.

There are some lovely Christmas keepsakes, Christmas books and stocking fillers, almost all of which are under $20, and there are also some really lovely gift sets for those extra-special babies born close to Christmas (I was one of them!). I particularly like the Christmas Playtime Gift Set, which includes Baby Buds’ signature baby clothing bouquet, a beautifully intricate ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ Cloisonne bauble and some scrumptious gourmet chocolates. The amazing Christmas hampers are also a fabulous option.

Become a ‘Babybuds buddy’ to qualify for exclusive monthly offers – I’m talking up to 25% off exclusive and sought after brands such as StorkSak, Mamas & Papas and David Fussenegger, just for starters. It’s FREE to join, so sign up now!

1. Peekaboo Christmas Gift Set, $75.00
2. Books: Christmas Peekaboo $19.95; Room For A Little One, $12.95
3. My First Christmas Stocking, $29.95
4. Keepsake Baubles: Toy Cloisonne Ball, $19.95; Baby’s First Christmas Cloisonne Ball, $19.95
5. Reindeer Beanie, $19.95
6. Christmas Jiggle Toys, $19.95
7. Christmas Playtime, 85.00
8. Christmas Blankies, $19.95

Baby Buds charge from $7.00 for overnight delivery, Australia-wide. View all postage and delivery information here.