KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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It’s almost March – the official start of Autumn – and the days are slowly becoming shorter and colder, heralding the start of the new season.

I used to mourn the passing of the warmer seasons, but since I had children I relish each and every moment of the colder months for their unique pleasures. The release of the Autumn/Winter collections are a major thrill to me. It is such a treat to unveil them and take in the interpretations of the season and behold the colours and textures that will carry us through the chilly days, and today I am pleased today to be able to offficially launch the  Autumn/Winter 2010 collection of one of Australia’s most luminous baby and kids designers, Baobab – www.baobab.com.au.

This season Baobab designer Belinda Blooman delivers a standout collection of skirts, tees, hoodies and pants for babies and boys and girls from birth to 10 years (tween Mums, your call has been heard!). Taking her signature cotton jersey fabric, Blooman keeps the cuts classic, while bringing her unique eye to the details – extending the line of the classic grandpa shirt, playing with pockets – a mix of concealed, circular and oversized – and  her use of colour and print, which include bursts of regal purple, fuschia, pale red, lilac, grass green, sky blue and charcoal grey, is once again dynamic and inspiring.

I can’t get enough of Baobab: these pieces make it easy to dress your kids in style and comfort every day, with wash-and-wear sensibility and price points that please – all pieces are between $34-$50.00.

To celebrate the launch of the AW10 collection, Belinda at Baobab is offering KidStyleFile readers FREE shipping Australia-wide on all orders $100+. Enter code ‘KSFPOST‘ in the discount coupon box at the ‘My cart’ section at checkout to redeem this offer until 15 March 2010. Don’t forget to swing by the Baobab sale section, where you can scoop past season’s delights at on sale up to 50% off.

Clockwise from top left:

Fuschia Hoodie, $48.95 and  Red A-Line Skirt, $39.95
Blue Stud Tee with Motorcycle Print, $38.95
Blue & White Stripe Hoodie Dress, $45.95 and Red Patch Pant, $34.95
Charcoal Deer Stud Tee, $38.95 and Red Cuff Pant $38.95
Purple & Green Pocket Dress, $49.95
Red Envelope Tee with Feather Print, $33.95 and Blue Patch Pant, $34.95

Baobab ship internationally with charges starting at $7.50 per order. See Delivery Information for full details.

Today’s post written by Leah

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We all know what they say about rainbows. Find the end of one and there lays a pot of gold ready for the taking. Well today, I think I’ve found the end of the toy rainbow with the exquisite Rainbow Puppen -www.rainbowpuppen.com.au.

Browing the pages of Rainbow Puppen is not unlike strolling the cobblestone streets of Europe and peering into the windows of the finest stores. This store has sourced all of the finest in European quality toys, from Germany’s Kathe Kruse dolls and toys (celebrating their centenary this year) to Europe’s oldest wooden toy manufacturer (circa 1831) Sevi.

For a moment I’m in Moirans-en-montagne, France as I discover the delights of the 99 year old Vilac Wooden Toy company. I fall in love with the Vilac Rocket Money Box before blinking and finding myself in Bavaria, Germany amongst the Montessori Inspired delights of Selecta Spielzeug of Germany where I pounce on Montino, a gorgeous caterpillar that moves when his strings are pulled. Take a look at Rainbow Puppen and see where you are taken!

Shop at Rainbow Puppen and spend $75+ to receive FREE postage Australia-wide.

Rainbow Puppen stock brands including La Marelle, Kathy Kruse, Sevi, nic Toys, Elodie Details, Selecta Spielzeug, Erzi, Vilac, Moulin Roty, Trudi, L’oiseau Bateau Toys and home accessories, and Cuboro Marble Track System.

Rainbow Puppen charge a low flat rate charge of $5.95 applies Australia-wide, with orders $75+ shipped free, Australia wide. For further shipping details, read here.

Today’s post written by Leah

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Birthdays, christenings, baby showers and the birth of a new baby are joyous occasions that I eagerly anticipate. There’s nothing more special than welcoming a new little person into the world, and I often prepare months in advance. I seek out the finest gift  that my budget can manage; something, that when unwrapped will be loved, used and appreciated. I know it’s not all about the present….but for me the giving is extremely pleasurable.

I’ll let you in on a little secret spot where you can stock up on some of the greatest gifts around: Kids Gift List – www.kidsgiftlist.com.au. Filled to the brim with delights – Quirky – check; Fashionable – check;  Cute and snuggly – check;  functional yet attractive – check; unique – check;  affordable – check – the perfect gift waiting right here for you to snap up!  I have my eye on the Cuddle Cat and M is for Metal book (both featured in Shop 4 Kids magazine) for an upcoming ‘Lil’ Rocker’ birthday party and the Lark Easter Egg Box as a possible treat for my colleagues over the holiday break (they always refuse chocolate, but I’m sure they won’t be able to resist these!).

Another great feature of the Kids Gift List site is that you can create your very own gift list to share with family and friends, which I’m sure will take the frustration of gift selection away from some of the relos who, despite their best intentions, never get quite right.

Now for the biggest celebration of the day – for the next 3 days only until midnight 28 February 2010, the lovely Monique at Kids Gift List is paying it forward and offering all KSF readers a whopping 30% off store-wide – including sale stock reduced by up to 65% (also be sure to check the Sooki Baby category for more sale pieces!): that means you can save up to ***75% off!**** Woo *hoo*! The magic code to enter at checkout ‘LOVEASALE‘. (Don’t we all?) Pass it on to give this gift to your friends

Prices quoted below are available with code (read above), while stocks last only until midnight 28 February 2010.

1. KGL Marble Game $8.95 LESS 30%= $6.27
2. Build-It Space Exlporer $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
3. Lark Easter Egg Box $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
4. Create it Daisy $14.95 LESS 30%= $10.47
5. Cuddle Mouse $64.95 LESS 30%= $45.47 OR Cuddle Cat $64.95 LESS 30% = $45.47
6. Oobi Eek the Chocolate Mouse $29.95 $14.95 LESS 30% = $10.47
7. Cowboy Dress Ups (featured in Shop 4 Kids) $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.97
8. Cowgirl Dress Ups $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.97
9. M is for Metal $31.95 LESS 30% = $22.37
10. Save Some Green for Me! Tee $38.95 $18.95 LESS 30%= $13.27
11. Sudo Frankie Skinny Jean Grey $79.95 $36.95 LESS 30%= $25.87
12. Farm Play Set Was $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
13. Sudo Lucas Tee Mint $39.95 $24.95 LESS 30%= $17.47

Kids Gift List stock an immense varirty of items from such brands as: Alex Designs. Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, CocoonCouture, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Knuffle Kid, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, The Little Experience, Little Red Pear, Look at the Wall, Maiike, Merrigold, Miriam Bereson, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Owly Shadow Puppets, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby and Zacharia Bier.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Heads up all residents of the nation’s capital: Mathilda’s Market is happening on your turf between 9am-1pm this Sunday, 28 February 2010.

Over 50 designer-makers of boutique baby and kids wares are lined up for this gala event to be held in the luxe environs of the Grand Ballroom and Gallery at Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel. Entry and parking is free, with easy pram access and food prepared on the premises available for purchase to sustain you and complete the perfect day out.

Check out my Mathilda’s Six Picks below, and click here for more info on who’s going to be there.

Mathilda’s Market holds events all around Australia. Check the full calendar of dates and locations to see when Mathilda’s is coming your way.

Six of the Best as picked by me:

1. Ensparkle Ceramics
2. Little Living
3. Pip & Co
4. Emperor’s Laundry
5. miller&harry
6. Paperklip

Today’s post written by Miki

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9 Months Waiting – www.9monthswaiting.com.au – was a regular haunt for me when I was pregnant and getting set up for the arrival of bambino #2. A beautiful store specialising in nursery bedding and baby clothing for babies aged up to 12 months, I love that the quality of everything stocked is second to none, and that there’s such a strong focus on boutique Australian brands.

It’s time to feel the love again today, with 9 Months’ Waiting amazing Sale section, replete with bargains up to 70% off from Bebe by Minihaha, Marquise, Eternal Creation, Three Little Trees and much more, PLUS there’s free postage Australia-wide on all orders over $100.

I think the Three Little Trees Ichi Ni Cot Bedding Set is an absolute steal at almost half price, and the Bebe by Minihaha Elle sundress, bloomer and hat are too adorable to be true!  I think the ultimate bargain is the Eternal Creation Classic Shirt for boys, which was $44.95 and is now a miniscule $15.00! Getting the picture? Head on over!

The sale prices below are as marked on the site, and are only valid while stocks last.

1.  Bebe Elle Print Summer Dress, $39.95 $29.95; Bloomers, $22.95 $17.20; and Sun Hat, $22.95 $17.20
2. Eternal Creation Classic Shirt, $44.95 $15.00; Bebe V-Neck Pullover Vest, $42.95 $32.20; and Bebe Blue Jeans, $41.95 $20.00
3. Bebe  Liberty Dress – Nancy Ann, $39.95 $29.95; Ruffle Back Bloomer, $28.95 $21.70; and Sun Hat, $28.95 $21.70
4. Apples & Pears Large Bib, $11.95 $8.50
5. Eternal Creation Soccer Ball Romper, $34.95 $17.50
6. Tees 2 Knees Lenci Ladybird Short Sleeve Top, $29.95 $19.95
7. Three Little Trees Ichi Ni Cot Bedding, $94.95 $49.00

9 Months Waiting stock a great range of clothing from Marquise and Bonds (be sure to buy a size up in Bonds, as it is known for its small sizings), Three Little Trees, Baobab, Eternal Creation, and Tees 2 Knees, linens from Living Textiles, Lotus Linens, Babyjo and wraps and baby bags from Vanchi.

9 Months Waiting postage prices start at $5.00 for Parcel Post and $8.00 for Express Post Australia-wide. Orders over $100.00 are shipped FREE, Australia-wide. International orders are warmly welcomed. Please see the delivery information page for full information.

Today’s post written by Peta

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Hi everyone! I’m Peta, KidStyleFile’s new resident book reviewer. I have a long history with books, and I’m so pleased to be able to acquaint with you some of the best new releases each month with you. Look out for me on the last Thursday of each month. Enjoy!

Looking to connect with some tried and true afavourites? Check out the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Children’s Books.

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10 Little Hermit Crabs by Lee Fox, illustrated by Shane McG, $19.99 at Fishpond Books

Here’s a book that will bring a beaming smile to faces of all ages, but will really hit the spot with kids aged six and under. This is a bright, colorful and Joyous rhyming tale written by Victorian author Lee Fox. I really loved the bold and slightly off-beat illustrations by Shane McG, which really set this book apart from the picture book pack. The story begins with the very endearing Hermit crabs, who gradually disappear as they face the challenges and the allures of the seaside.

10 Little Hermit Crabs is bound to inspire excitement and interaction amongst your little ones at story time – it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to read to younger children aloud, who will delight in helping you count the number of Hermit crabs on each page. The author’s background is just as rich and vivid and the book: prior to becoming a writer, Lee was a production assistant for a commercial radio station, a Mormon, and cook in a childcare center and the store manager on a remote Aboriginal community. Not to mention that five (count ‘em!) children call her Mum! The happy ending to this one had me grinning from ear to ear, and no doubt your family will love it too.

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham – $ 15.99 at Fishpond Books

‘How To Heal A Broken Wing’ is the latest literary offering from Sydney born author and illustrator Bob Graham, arguably Australia’s finest creator of children’s picture books. A touching and heartfelt book about the importance of looking out for other beings, the story centres around a young boy called Will, who is the only person in the bustling city to see a bird collide with a building and tumble from the sky.

The fact that Will is drawn in the book vibrant in colour, while the hoards of city dwelling workers are painted in muted tones of brown and gray speaks volumes. Will has a strong life force and love of living creatures, while the adults in the city are too caught up with their own concerns and the routine of their daily lives to notice the bird’s predicament.

Will takes the bird (your everyday, garden variety pigeon) home, and with the help of his parents, nurses it back to health. It takes considerable time, patience, kindness and care for the bird’s broken wing to heal, and this is beautifully portrayed in a series of illustrations. We witness Will lining a box for the bird with newspaper, gently cradling it in his hands, crossing each day off the calendar and finally, returning to the city to release it back into the world. This book has only a small amount of text, allowing Bob Graham’s distinctive illustrations that do the talking, and letting the reader draw their own conclusions.

‘How To Heal A Broken Wing’, was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards for Children’s Literature in 2010, and it’s not hard to see why. Kids from the age of three to seven years of age will enjoy this book of tenderness and hope, but older readers and adults will appreciate even more the important messages and wonderful light effect to be found in its pages. (If you were big and soft, you could even get a little tear over this one!)

Ginger McFlea Will Not Clean Her Teeth by Lee Fox, illustrated by Mitch Vane – $16.95 $15.25 at Booktopia

This is another giggle-inducing book from the aforementioned Lee Fox. You may have already heard of Ginger’s brother, Jasper, of Jasper McFlea Will Not Eat His Tea fame, and now it’s time to meet his twin sister in this fun rhyming tale, with its reminder that dental hygiene really does pay off!

No matter how much her poor mother begs, or how cavernous her cavities become, Ginger McFlea will just not brush her teeth, offering every lame excuse under the sun. (She gives her toothbrush to her pet turtle, Keith, and says to her mum,” It got pinched by a thief!”). But a visit to the dentist changes Ginger’s dental hygiene habits for good, when she is horrified when the dentist phones the tooth fairy, who confirms that she only builds fairy houses out of teeth of pure white.

If you have a child in the house who is a reluctant tooth brusher, this is one book you must own! ‘Ginger McFlea Will Not Clean Her Teeth’ is a light hearted and funny read that will win a devoted following.

Fishpond Bookstore charges $ 5.99 flat rate postage Australia-wide. Orders $50+ are shipped free. Booktopia charges a flat rate of $6.50 flat rate postage for all orders Australia-wide.