KidStyleFile

Here’s some names you won’t forget: Haggus and Stookles - www.haggusandstookles.com.au.

Named for the nicknames H&S’s owners, Donna and Andrea’s kids gave to their younger siblings, Haggus and Stookles equip you to handle every outing with your baby or kids, from a trip to the local park, to a multi-country overseas expedition. You will be oh-so-glad you’ve met them: they will absolutely revolutionise and improve your life!

Donna and Andrea joke that Haggus and Stookles began with ‘a poo in the park’: kids needing to go the toilet at a park with no toilets - who hasn’t been caught out that way when toilet training kids?

Donna and Andrea saw a need for good quality and functional products to handle these sorts of situations, and many others, that parents encounter every day whilst experiencing life with kids. They then searched far and wide for the best products to help make your life easier and more enjoyable when you are out and about with the little ones.

With shopping categories like ‘In the car’, ‘For the pram’, ‘Eating out’, ‘Play on the go’,  Naptime, For bums, ‘Packing for travel’, ‘Allergy Traveller’, and ‘For bums’ (my favourite! I’ll tell you why in a minute!), and an incredible range of top quality products from — hope you’re ready! — 4 My Earth, Aden & Anais, Adore-A-View, Alex Toys, Allergy free passports, Amadeus, Annabel Karmel, Baa Baa Blind, Baby Mel, Baby Nation, Baby Sherpa, Baby U, Bags & Boxes, Bazoongi Kids, Bella Tunno, Boo Boo Buddy, Brolly Sheets, Bubbaroo, Dad Gear, Danish by Design, Design Go, Djeco, Dripstik, Drop Buddy, Easyfeed, Ellaroo, Envirotrend, Fit & Fresh, Fridge to Go, Goldbug, Goober Baby, High Road, Hurphy Durphy, Infantino, Irony Homewares, Kaboodle Bags, Kiddysac, KidsAlert, Kindy Kamper, Kozyepi, Lalapanzi, Lollipop Monkey, Longitude 151, Made by Angie, Made by Mums, Medibuddy, Melissa & Doug, Moochie-Moo, Munchee Mug, My Little Seat, myBagTag, Nest, Oobi, Pigeon, Playgro, Pure Wipes, SIGG, Snug as a Bug, Stuffit, Tantrums, The Mummy Hook, Thermos Foogo, Vanchi, and Woobee, you’ll be set and ready for anything!

Ok, so why is ‘For Bums’ my favourite category? Well, it contains the Potette Travel Potty.

This little item has been a life-saver on many occasions I cannot count. One memorable incident where it came in handy was on a plane, just before take-off, when the on-board toilets were closed, and the seat belt lights were one. Cue a little voice from one of my 2 year olds: “Mummy, I need to do a wee”. Never fear, I whipped out my trusty travel potty, with it’s special liner fitted, and saved the day (and the plane seat!)

This little wonder folds flat, is small enought to fit anywhere - a small handbag, for instance, will save your bacon through an array of toilet emergency locations, and is extremely cheap to boot. This is definitely one for you out-with-kids survival kit!

Another great little innovation is the Design Go Mosquito Bite Reliever. Drug free and effective, add it to your first aid kit; it is sure to come in handy over the summer months.

Fit & Fresh lunch boxes are an essential when you’re on the road, or even for school days, as they keep food nice and cool for 6 hours. No more spoiled yoghurt at lunch!

Sleeping is a major issue, whether at home, daycare, or travelling, and Haggus and Stookles has the perfect solutions.

For little babes, you can’t go past super-stylish Lalapanzi Collapsible Moses Basket. For bigger kids, the Kindy Kamper Day Bed is just the thing. Fully featured with bottom blanket, top sheet, pillow and removable top blanket, it rolls up into a portable swag. (Miki reports it goes perfectly in a portacot, and also uses hers for her son at daycare.)

You’ll also need a picnic rug for outdoor expeditions. The super-luxe Woobee Large Blanket is the way to go! With weather-proof backing, and the snuggliest top layer, it’s great as a picnic rug, a tummy-time blankie, or pram snug.

My super cheap and utterly gorgeous pick of the day award goes to the Envirotrend EnviroShopper bags that Haggus and Stookles are stocking.  They are enviro-kind, incredibly stylish (choose from 4 beautiful designs) and, at just $4.25 each, are an absolute STEAL!

Speaking of steals, have a look at the great range of free activities for kids you can download from Haggus and Stookles, including colouring in pages, dot to dots, travel games and a fantastic travel diary for when you are on holidays. Also, make sure you check out Haggus and Stookles’ Tips for on the Go: there is a wealth of knowledge there on being out and about with the kids in the car, on holidays, international and plane travel and for general outings to the park, shops, toilet training when out and much more!

From top left in rows:

Design Go Mosquito Bite Relief $29.95
Adore-a-View Baby Car Seat Mirror in Teddy Bear $49.95. Also available in Butterfly design
Fit & Fresh Lunch on the Go Lunch box $12.95
Lalapanzi Collapsible Moses Basket in Retro Red $325.00, pictured with co-ordinating Lalapanzzi Blanket $70.00 , and Lalapanzi Travel Sack $70.00. Also available in Chocolate Sage colour- way
Danish by Design HandySitt $139.95 Available in Beech and Cherry
Annabel Carmel Small Bowls Set $14.95
Envirotrend EnviroShopper bag $4.25 Available in 4 designs
Potette Travel Potty $14.95
Kindy Kamper Day Bed $54.95
Sigg Drink Bottle $22.95
Moochie-Moo ID Bands $4.95
Baby Mel Camille Nappy Bag in red $99.00
Super Woobee Large Blanket in Chocolate/Pistachio $132.00

Haggus and Stookles’ poistage charges are based on weight, and start at $7.50. Express, registered, and international post options are available. See the Delivery information page for full details on shipping.

There’s a wise old saying that “Any man can be a father: it takes a special man to be a Dad”.

With Father’s Day galloping up on September 7, it’s time to turn our minds to suitable and special ideas for that special guy in your family.

Truly celebrate your man’s Daddy status at Metro Mum - www.metromum.com.au - by skipping the socks and undies, and buy him something that will optimise his life with kids.

There is a great range of stylish baby bags for Mums on the market, but not every Dad wants to tote a floral masterpiece. DadGear, developed by two American Dads answering the call of hands-on Dads everywhere for products geared towards Dads and their unique needs, is the ultimate answer!

The DadGear nappy bags are available in backpack and stylish messenger bag styles that are pretty much incognito - Dad can definitely get away with using these bags anytime anywhere. All DadGear bags incorporate the DadGear “hands free” approach which allows you to change, feed, and entertain your child without ever having to set the bag down.

DadGear also offers a clever ‘Diaper Vest’, a revolutionary twist on the traditional nappy bag bag. DadGear’s “hands free” concept combines comfort and style, allowing dads to change, feed, and entertain their child easily without anyone knowing they are wearing a diaper bag.

With strategically placed pockets, the vest is constructed with high quality materials for ultimate durability and longevity. Just perfect for minimal-gear trips to the park!

Read the full story on the DadGear products on the DadGear website.

I also like the Dad-focused Bathrobe, Slippers and book set (hey, if he doesn’t go for the gown and slippers, there’s always you ), and the journals for Dad to record his thoughts and stories about parenthood and life in general; a lovely bonding exercise and keepsake.

Clockwise from top left:

DadGear Diaper Vest $139.00
DadGear Messenger Bag - Professional Grey $145.00
Dad: My Hero Magnetic Book-Style Photo Frame $13.50
DadGear Backpack Nappy Bag $130.00
Microfleece Bathrobe and Slippers and Dad: My Hero Compendium $70.00
DadGear Sports bag - Retro Red $120.00
My Dad: His Stories Heirloom Book $14.95

While you’re over at Metro Mum scoping gifts for Dad, check out these great new products just landed.

Scout Organic clothing from the US, is so gorgeous for summer, and one of the most affordable organic cotton brands I have found. Trust me: once you’ve experienced organic cotton you won’t want to go back!

Also new in, are the French/English Language Littles dolls (I am so tempted on these: how divine it would be to have French-accented little ones in my midst, and what a life-long gift to be bi-lingual!), Caden Lane linen and blankets from the US - these prints and designs are exceptionally beautiful - iconic Oeuf baby loungers cots and furniture, Milk & Tickles BPA-free colour change baby bottles (a flashback to the Hypercolour ’80s!), and the new and exquisite Ellaroo Mei Tai Organic cotton baby carriers.

So much beauty, so little time! Enjoy

Clockwise from top left:

Language Littles Bi-lingual Doll - ‘Jolie’ English/French (also available in Hebrew, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian and Japanese boy and girl dolls) $69.0
Scout Organics Tee $24.00
Scout Organics dress $33.00
Milk & Tickles BPA-Free colour-change bottle $14.00
Caden Lane Blankets from $48.00
Ellaroo Mei Tai Organic Baby Carrier from $140.00
Oeuf Lounger $165.00

Metro Mum stock the following brands: Caden Lane, Emotion & Kids, Trunki, Babymoov, FLATOUTbears, Il Tutto, Bilibo, Britt, Lilbird, The Prego Planner, Isoki, Mokopuna, Storksak, Melobaby, Mia Bossi, PeeWee & PooToo, David Fussenegger, DadGear, Little Sprowtz, Language Littles, Little Beetle, Baufix, Little Swish, Kipiis, FunPod, Keptin-Jr, Paper Eskimo, Foogo by Thermos, Snack Trap, Nest, Kanoe, Qtees, Mothers Minder, Ocho, Little Kitchen, Compendium, Ellaroo, Boyle, Milk & Tickles, Annabel Trends, Wall Candy, Lupi Lu, Mishi Design, Scount Organic, Oeuf, Mishi Design, and Penny Scallan.

PSST: Wanna get a 15% discount AND a FREE gift* when you make a purchase at Metro Mum? Pick up a copy of the current Shop 4 Kids magazine to get the code. Can’t make it to a newsagent? Drop me a line, and I’ll send it to you!

Also, don’t forget to sign up to the Metro Mum Loyalty Club before you make any purchases: you earn loyalty points for every purchase. Also, Metro Mum offer FREE delivery with orders over $200.00 - fabulous!

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.

*Terms and conditions apply. 

Earlier this week I gave you a sneak peek of the gorgeous new spring/summer collections coming to Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au.

Just wanted to update you and let you know that Urban Child is now in full bloom with a *very* chic new site, and with Neige, and Walnut Spring/Summer stock available on the site and ready to snap up.

The biggest news today is that Oobi Spring/Summer 08 ready to pre-purchase now at Urban Child, for delivery in mid September. Prices range from $29.95-$54.95: what an affordable luxury!

It’s a great time to buy, because you can take 10% off the prices at Urban Child both new and sale stock - now extended to midnight Monday 18 August. Enter ‘KSF10′ at checkout to redeem this offer.

Buy the above pieces from the Oobi Spring/Summer 08 collection now.

A special alert for all you bargain hunters/OobiWatchers out there. Melissa has discounted all her Oobi Baby winter 08 stock, so jump now and save a heap!

Urban Child stocks a superb range of toy, accessory and baby and kids clothing brands including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Baby Bonkies, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys.

View Urban Child’s postage charges here.

The days may still be short and crisp, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: the scent of spring bulbs is in the air and blossom is beginning to appear on the trees - spring is on its way. The thought of warmer weather, spending more time outdoors, and wearing lighter, breezier clothing fills me with pure elation.

Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au - has captured the joi de vive of spring and the coming summer months to perfection with her new season’s stock, which is blowing my cotton socks off with it’s grace and beauty.

I have an exclusive sneak peak for you of some utterly gorgeous summer clothing coming soon to Urban Child.

Firstly, I want to introduce you to the elegance of Neige (French for ’snow’) from the US. Catering for sophisticated little girls and boys, Neige’s designer, Adrienne Catrina worked as an assistant designer to Vera Wang, and it shows in the understated perfection of the designs which exude timeless class.

Secondly, the irrepressible Oobi. Alex from Oobi never fails to inspire with her collections, and spring/summer, is the best yet in my humble opinion! Oobi delivers their signature party dresses in new season’s prints which are truly stunning, and I’m loving the new broad brimmed hat designs, which evoke a chic 70’s silhouette with the added bonus of providing extra sun protection for your child’s delicate skin.

Next up, keep your eyes peeled for Dwell Baby & Kids at Urban Child. Dwell’s cot sets and their kids duvet sets, and a great range of accessories, will be landing very soon. I visited the Dwell Studio stand at the recent Life in STYLE/Kids inSTYLE trade fair in Melbourne, and I can tell you that the quality of the Dwell products is exceptional. Comprised of the finest high thread count cotton, the fabric has a divine softness and coolness to the touch, which equals a blissful night’s sleep for your little one.

Coming soon in the footwear department, are Walnut - Melbourne shoes. Quality cotton-canvas, these shoes are comfy and infinitely wearable, while delivering a dose of cool to the feet of your child without breaking the bank.

For the little bebes, you cannot go past Baby Bonkies. The best baby wraps I have ever encountered, Baby Bonkies look super stylish on the outsidem, while keeping you precious bundle snug and warm by virtue of the cuddly minkee lining.

Finally, Aravore Babies summer stock is on its way. The voile dress pictured below says it all. (Melissa at Urban Child is hanging out for this to arrive as she wants one for her own daughter, and who could blame her? What a delight!)

Ok, that’s the big tease over, now Rest assured I’ll be keeping you up to date with when these gorgeous products are available for you to buy.

A special alert for all you bargain hunters/OobiWatchers out there. Melissa has discounted all her Oobi Baby winter 08 stock, so jump now and save a heap!

To sweeten the deal further, KidStyleFile readers can 10% off store-wide at Urban Child (including sale stock) until midnight Monday 18 August. Enter ‘KSF10′ at checkout to redeem this offer.

Select from a superb range of toy, accessory and baby and kids clothing brands at Urban Child including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Baby Bonkies, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys, and fill your Monday with great bargains, and pure delight!
View Urban Child’s postage charges here.

Look at me, look at me, look at me now! It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how!

Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au certainly knows how to have fun: she has just turned the volume up to 11 on her fab sale.

In addition to the stock already reduced by up to 40%, Urban Child is now offering 20% off store-wide (with the exclusions of Aravore Babies, Robbie Adrian and Red Plum Linen).

And that is not all, shoppers, that is not all!

Because Melissa has so much love in her heart, KidStyleFile readers can take another 5% off those prices. This means that you will score a minimum of *25%* discount, up to a maximum *45%* discount. Enter ‘KSF5′ at checkout for joy!

Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yay!! Now, that’s what I’m talking about!!

25% off: what a great opportunity for you OobiWatchers out there!! Urban Child stock a huge amount of this season’s Oobi collection, and there’s plenty of winter left to make good use of some Oobi bargains this year. These prices are so good, why not stock up for next year too?

Select from a superb range of toy, accessory and baby and kids clothing brands at Urban Child including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys, and fill your Monday with great bargains, and pure delight!

Offer ends 30 June, so leap over to Urban Child pronto!

From top left in rows (discounted prices include additional KSF 5% off):

Oobi Betsy Sweater Dress - also available in 2 other colour ways $49.95 -25% discount = $37.46
Oobi Tabitha Cardigan (Yellow with Pink Hearts) - $49.95 -25% discount = $37.46
Oobi Mittens (Yellow and Pink stripe) - also available in 3 other colour ways $22.50 -25% discount = $16.87
Oobi Baby Bear Beanie - also available in 3 other colour ways $29.95 -25% discount = $22.46
Oobi Legwarmers (Navy and Green stripe) - also available in 2 other colour ways $22.00 -25% discount = $16.50
Oobi Knit Zippy Jacket (Blue with White Dots) - also available in 1 other colour way $54.95 -25% discount = $41.21
Oobi Knee-high Booties (Blue with White dots) - also available in 3 other colour ways $39.00 -25% discount = $29.25
Oobi Bubba Overalls (Blue with White dots) - also available in 2 other colour ways $43.95 -25% discount = $32.96

Clockwise from top left (discounted prices include additional KSF 5% off):

Alex Toys One, Two, Tie My Shoe- $16.95 -35% discount = $11.01
Mamas and Papas Knitted Bunny $39.95 -25% discount = $29.96
Crocodile Creek Lunch Bag $28.95 -45% discount = $15.92
Alex Toys Water Flutes $22.95 -45% discount = $12.62 Buy these! We received ours and they are a major hit at bath-time, and make shampooing a breeze!!
Infantino Turtle Rattle $11.95 -45% discount = $6.57
Wow Toys Motorbike Max $24.95 -25% discount = $18.71
Crocodile Creek Barnyard Floor Puzzle $34.95 -40% discount = $20.97
Brio Classic Car $16.95 -25% discount = $12.71 Also available in black, green and pink. One of my all-time faves!
Urban Child Wooden Theatre Jungle $19.95 -25% discount = $14.96
Little Chipipi Fridge Magnets- $24.95 -25% discount = $18.71  The best magnets I have ever found. Fantastic quality!
Urban Child Laughing Lions Mini Bowling Set $13.95 -25% discount = $10.46 Oh my goodness!! Watch out, credit card!!

And those fabulous library bags from Cocoon Couture that I mentioned in my last post: now 25% off! Why pay for wrapping paper when you can pop pressies in one of these, and tie with a ribbon? Voila! Eco-friendly, and time saving - always makes me happy!

Cocoon Couture Early Birds Library Bag - $13.50 -25% discount = $10.12
Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owls Library Bag - $13.50 -25% discount = $10.12

View Urban Child’s postage charges here.

This really is your lucky day, shoppers

Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au has come up with something really special to banish any superstitious thoughts today: she has laid out 200 fine products and reduced their prices by up to 40%.

Select from a superb range of toy, accessory and clothing brands at Urban Child including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys.Jump straight to Urban Child’s Sale section to start filling up your shopping cart, or indulge me by browsing my hot picks (of which there are quite a few today!!)

From top left in rows:

Alex Toys One, Two, Tie My Shoe- $16.95 -30% discount = $11.86
Crocodile Creek Lunch Bag $28.95 -40% discount = $17.37
Oobi Space Hopper $28.95 -30% discount = $20.26
‘Where is the Green Sheep’ by Mem Fox- $14.95 -15% discount = $12.70 This is one of our all time fave books!
Urban Child Cheeky Monkey Mini Bowling Set $13.95 (not on sale) This are such a great price, I couldn’t resist putting them in!!
Urban Child Wooden Spinning Tops $1.20 each (not on sale) 8cm wooden tops at an unbelievable price!! They are sold out at the moment (because of me! I scooped them up last week to put in party bags Melissa will be getting more in stock, so keep your eyes peeled!)
Crocodile Creek Barnyard Floor Puzzle $34.95 -35% discount = $22.71
Alex Toys Water Flutes $22.95 -40% discount = $13.77 These look so much fun. I’m intrigued, so I bought some!
Urban Child 50’s-style Tea Set in Case $39.95 -25% discount = $29.96 I am seriously wondering if I can justify buying these for myself…
Infantino Turtle Rattle $11.95 -40% discount = $7.17
Brainy Baby Animals DVD $24.95 -40% discount = $14.97

Clockwise from top left:

Albette Cupcakes Babygrow- $42.00 -40% discount = $25.20
Albetta Wild West Babygrow - 42.00 -40% discount = $25.20
Albetta Wild West Bib - $14.95 -40% discount = $8.97
Albetta Wild West Wrap - $39.95 -35% discount = $25.96
Pebbles PouchMISS - $36.95 -15% discount = $31.40
Pure Baby Woven Smock Dress; Classic Print - $39.95 -40% discount = $23.97
Baobab Crown Tee - $30.95 -30% discount = $21.66
Oobi Deer & Forest Textile Applique Tee - $24.95 -40% discount = $14.97
Ellaroo Mei Hip Organic Baby Carrier - Helsinki Print - $119.95 -20% discount = $95.96
Oobi French Velvet Boy/Girl shorts - $39.95 -40% discount = $23.97

Ok, that’s it for sale picks, but I couldn’t go past these fabulous library bags from Cocoon Couture, and at $13.50 each, they are practically at sale prices!

Cocoon Couture Early Birds Library Bag - $13.50
Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owls Library Bag - $13.50

Also, just wanted to alert you to a hot new brand at Urban Child: Aravore Babies, from the UK.

What you see below is a divine mix of classic taste, and eco-awareness. Aravore’s clothing is comprised of 70% organic cotton, and 30% merino wool to keep your ultra-classy bebe snuggy and warm this winter. Oooooh. And aaahhhh!

AraVore Babies Organic Jumper Dress - $95.00
AraVore Babies Organic Cream Shawl-neck Jumper - $85.00
AraVore Babies Organic Pom Pom Beanie - $49.95

View Urban Child’s postage charges here.