KidStyleFile

That old adage “Time flies when you’re having fun” really resonates with me now I have children. The days certainly do fly past!

To help you preserve your precious memories comes Milestone Press’ - www.milestonepress.com.au - fabulous modern take on the baby book, A Book About Me: for memories of pregnancy and birth to age five ($44.95).

Half the battle for me is getting organised. A Book About Me takes the guesswork out of the process, providing clear direction while still being flexible to individual needs.

The book is A4 in size and is robust hardback. The unique design features screws allowing you to easily remove the pages that don’t suit your family, or add additional pages where you need them - no more blank space or empty pages. A zip-lock plastic pocket is included in the back to store items that are too special to glue.

Just a few of the special features of A Book About Me are extra pages to include as many families as possible (simply remove those you don’t need), free pages are available from the Milestone Press website to personalise the book for same sex families or for ‘mom’ instead of ‘mum’, it focuses on the father’s experience as well as the mother’s and it’s very tasteful.

A Book About Me is a winning combination which lets the uniqueness and richness of your family life shine.

If you have moved beyond the early years, and have been looking for a way to keep prized school mementos together, or a simple journal to record childhood experiences and dreams, then My School Days: a Record Book ($34.95) is for you.

It is designed for the Australian school systems from the first year of school (prep, kindergarten or reception) to Year 12, provides an easy way to record and remember the tastes and thoughts of the time (favourite subjects, TV Shows and friends), and the pages form pockets for each year level to store artwork, stories, photos and report cards.

What a good idea!

Keep your eye out also for Milestone Press’ Master Plan Diary, a revolutionary long range diary and planner, available at the end of July.

To celebrate the launch of their online store, Fiona and Annabel at Milestone Press are generously offering KidStyleFile readers free postage until the end of July 2008.

Enter KSF07 at the coupon code section at checkout to redeem this offer.

Hello Yummy Mummys, Gentle-Babies, and NADs* in the audience

Today I’d like to give you the heads-up on some very new news: there’s a brand new kid in town. The name’s Funk. Bubba Funk - www.bubbafunk.com.au.

Bubba Funk are new to our screens - they launched only last week - and they are making a great first impression.

Start with the high quality and usability of their website, work through the impressive stable of brands they are carrying including Aden + Anais, Annabel Trends, Babu, Baby Brands, Beautiful Soles, Bod, Bod for Bubs, Boon (if you’ve been looking for a Boon Frog Pod going cheap, jump now: it’s only $35.96 after all discounts have been applied!) , Britt, Bud by Designroom, David Fussenegger, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Grobag, Il Tutto, Isoki, John Crane, Little Chipipi, Luna Ninos, Marquise, Moppit, Nature Baby, Oobi Baby, Present Time, Quilt Baby, Ramalama, Vice Versa and Well Spotted, and work your way to their ultra-chic custom gift wrapping, and you will be nodding and muttering ‘yes, yes, ooh yes!!’ to yourself just like me!

To really make their mark, Bubba Funk are celebrating their debut in fine style with a 20% off store-wide sale.

Because KidStyleFile readers are at the forefront of all that’s hip and in the know, Bubba Funk want to reward your savvy gorgeousness with an additional 10% off. All you have to do is enter discount code KSF01 at checkout.

Offer ends midnight 15 July, so do not delay!

Here are some serving suggestions for you. As a nod to winter, my picks today are based around the theme of snug, warm and uber-stylish. Plus I couldn’t resist adding the bag de jour: the Il Tutto Mia. Read on!

Clockwise from top left. Quoted prices are after all discounts have been applied:

Britt Baby My Favourite Long-sleeved T-Shirt in Deep Blue $37.00 $26.64 Also available in Pink and White
Oobi Baby Knee-Hi Boots - Navy with Green Dots $39.95 $28.76 Fun and funky Oobi wins the day! Buy the set for winter delight. Available in 3 colour-ways.
Oobi Baby Beanie - Navy with Green Dots $29.95 $21.56
Oobi Baby Mittens - Navy with Green Dots $22.95 $16.52
Quilt Baby Yellow Giraffe Long-sleeved onesie $29.95 $21.56 Direct from the US, grab a piece of contemporary cool exclusively at Bubba Funk.
Britt Baby Cuddles Pram Liner in ‘Midday Wolf’ $85.00 $61.20 Super snuggly faux fur on one side and luxury terry on the other provides trans-seasonal functionality.
Egg Baby by Susan Lazar Cable Hat and Bootees Set in Ivory $79.95 $57.56 From New York city, Egg Baby by Susan Lazar is a modern classy. This set makes for a *very* classy gift. Also available in pink and blue.
Bubba Funk Funky Parents Gift Box $90.00 $64.80 Gift-boxed quality products to indulge both bubba and proud parents. Super wonderfully priced, this gift is sure to be appreciated.
Bubba Funk Gift Box $9.95 $7.16 Buy a box and fill it with your own choice of products from Bubba Funks stellar range.
Bubba Funk Newborn Girl Gift Box $110.00 $79.20 Oobi mittens, hat and knee-hi booties, complete with a Korimco Squishee Pig comprise this superb gift box. Unbeatable! Also available in boy colours.
Luna Ninos Cotton Tree Bonnet in Indigo/Silver $49.95 $35.96 Luna Ninos (pronounced Lunar-Nin-yos) products are the pinnacle of quality and graceful design, bringing together modern sensibility and classic appeal that will last across generations. So so soft and made in Australia, I can’t recommend Luna Ninos highly enough!
Luna Ninos Cotton Tree Blanket in Indigo/Silver $89.95 $64.76

Finally, if you’re seeking bag heaven, then look no further than the luxe Il Tutto range, as favoured by A-list Aussies Cate Blanchett and Sarah Murdoch.

Why do celebrity endorsements mean so much? Well, money is no object to these well-heeled mamas: they can afford to, and do, pick the best products available, so their lead isn’t such a bad thing to follow, especially when the product of their choosing is within the economic reach of mere mortals.

Pick up an Il Tutto Mia Tote (or Ava or Chiara) available in red, black and cream at a bargain price for just $449.00 $323.28 at Bubba Funk. These bags have style and substance: they are a fabulous size, look great and come equipped with a removable nappy bag inner, so they have a lifespan way beyond the baby stage: you’ll be toting this one in style for years.

Bubba Funk postage charges start at $6.95. Visit the delivery information page for full details.

*NAD = New Age Dad. I kinda just made this up; it made me giggle? Do you think we can make it catch on? Let me know what you think

Welcome to the week, beautiful people

A couple of weeks ago I told you about the Buckets and Spades - www.bucketsandspades.com.au mid-year mega-sale, delivering you 30-50% off Eeeni Meeni Miini Moh, Fred Bare, GumBoots, Piccolina, Guess For Kids, Petit Bateau, Gant, Kaloo, Alex and Charli, Trelise Cooper Kids, BIG and ‘Fiona’ by Fiona Scanlan, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and the very finest footwear brands including Diesel, Giocattoli, Garvalin, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Lelli Kelly, Bimbi, and Tip Toey Joey.

Zlata at Buckets and Spades is pushing things into overdrive now: until 12 July you can take another 15% off sale prices!

Make sure you join the Buckets and Spades VIP Club first, and then enter ‘KSFW08SALE‘ in the comments section at checkout to receive your extra special savings.

Here are a few hot picks to get you started: don’t forget to take another 15% off these prices.

(Note: no links provided as Buckets and Spades is a frames-based site. The search engine works great though, so if you like what you see here, type type type!)

Clockwise from top left - don’t forget to take another 15% off these prices:

Gumboots Sparrow Oat Coat (available in sizes 2-10) $69.95 NOW JUST $39.00
Gumboots Pom Pom T-shirt (available in sizes 8 & 10) $34.95 NOW JUST $25.00
Eeni Meeni Miini Moh Front Pocket Dress $$99.00 NOW JUST $69.00
BIG by Fiona Scanlan Crochet Hood Jacket $89.95 NOW JUST $59.00
Little Horn Beautiful Girl Tee (also available in yellow) $39.95 NOW JUST $29.00
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Snail Boot in red (available in sizes Euro 22-28. Also available in pink) $162.95 NOW JUST $99.00
Piccolina Stripe Legging in red and white (also available in charcoal and white) $39.95 NOW JUST $29.00
Little Horn Pavalova Skirt in red $59.95 Get 10% off by joining the Buckets and Spades VIP club These are the best skirts *ever*. My girls wear theirs everywhere, from dress-ups to the circus to the supermarket. Indulge indulge!
Gumboots Owl Forestry Friends Top (also available in pink, and white) $39.95 NOW JUST $29.00

Garvalin Shoe (style 71132) $129.95 NOW JUST $89.00
Fred Bare Stripe Henley $48.40-$55 NOW JUST $35.00 (also available in charcoal stripe)
Gumboots Fur-lined Zip Sweat $69.95 Ooh, I LOVE this hoodie!! Get 10% off by joining the Buckets and Spades VIP club
Eeni Meeni Miini Moh Gauge Knit Beanie in Moss $41.00 NOW JUST $25.00
Fred Bare Diamond Print Hoodie sizes 1 & 2, $77.00 sizes 3 to 10- $87.40 NOW JUST $59.00
Gumboots Boys Plaid Pant (available in sizes 2-10 ) $59.95 NOW JUST $39.00
Fred Bare Jean (style 1303) $77.00 NOW JUST $59.00

Buckets and Spades run two impressive bricks and mortar stores as well as the online store, so there is a special process for placing orders.

1. Register with the Buckets and Spades VIP club - Select the ‘VIP’ menu option, follow instructions, complete and submit
2. Collect all the items you love into the shopping cart
3. Submit your order to Buckets and Spades - Quote KSFW08SALE in the comments section at checkout to entitle you to an additional 15% off your purchases
4. Note that no payment is required at this stage
5. After Zlata and her team receive your order they will check stock, and then phone you to arrange payment over the phone.

Jump over to Buckets and Spades now.

Buckets and Spades send via Express Post only Australia wide. The charges are: up to 500 g $7.00, and up to 3 k $10.00 for postage. International orders are warmly welcomed; contact Zlata for a quote via the ‘Contact us’ menu option. Check out the Buckets and Spades blog to enjoy more of the Buckets and Spades vibe.

Today Miki brings you some more wonderful books to read with your kids.

I must say that ‘Goodnight Gorilla’ is one of my kids all-time faves: they are almost four now and still love it! A wordless masterpiece, exercise your imagination and have fun making up your own stories to accompany the illustrations

This month KidStyleFile’s chosen charity is Jeans for Genes, the major fundraiser of the Children’s Medical Research Institute. The CMRI work towards prevention and better treatments for the one in twenty Australian children that are born with some form of genetic fault or disorder.

Purchase from Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au by clicking through the links on KidStyleFile, and 10% of your purchases until July 31 will be donated to Jeans for Genes. Remember also that Fishpond also rewards all orders over $50.00 with FREE postage.

Alternately (or additionally!) follow our lead and make a direct donation to Jeans for Jeans here.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for fundraising merchandise and join the Jeans for Genes Day ‘Mass Denimstration’ on August 1.

Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

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This week I’ve decided to do a book for each year of your child’s life from birth to five. Keep in mind that these age divides are just a very rough guide and kids on either side of my recommended age are just as likely to enjoy them!

Books are such a great way for kids to grow and learn, and they provide really special ‘awwwww’ parent and child moments. Who can resist snuggling up with their clean, pyjama’d, sleepy little one for a bedtime story?

I’ve provided links to all the books at Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au, so introducing them to your library is easy peasy - especially at these discounts! And don’t forget that 10% of your total order, providing you include at least one of the books below, is donated to Jeans for Genes.

The first year:

Good Night, Gorilla (or Good Night, Gorilla Oversized Board Book, great for little fingers)

The real beauty of this book is that the text is very minimal, which lets those entertaining, detailed and vibrant pictures tell the story. It also means that parents aren’t limited to the words on the page when reading the book, they can talk it through in their own words to the baby. Follow the mischievous little gorilla who nicks off with the zookeeper’s keys at bedtime and the high jinx that ensue.

Two year olds:

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, from $20.99 $14.32

An alphabet book, and such a cool one! Kids will adore the vibrant illustrations and the rhythm and rhyme. There’s a real Caribbean feel which adds to the swing. This one really is perfect for two year olds, they’ll be chanting along with you by the second reading. You can’t do better for encouraging them to recognise letters either. It’s a favourite in every house I’ve seen it in, so you cannot go wrong here.

Three year olds:

The Family Book by Todd Parr, from $14.99 $13.46

Three year olds are very curious little critters, and chances are they’re starting to take some sort of notice of their friends’ family make-ups. Why does Milly live with her mummy but not her daddy? Why does Thomas have two mummies? ‘The Family Book’ is a great one to read, not only for the bright, simple illustrations but also for the central message: that families come in all shapes and sizes but all rely on each other for love and support. It’s a great one for the ‘warm and fuzzies’ and can be the kick-off point for some lovely parent/pre-schooler discussions.

Four year olds:

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett, $41.99 $22.37

A fascinating ‘re-make’ of the classic Goldilocks tale, and will be best appreciated by kids who already know that story, this is the three bears set in Alaska. Goldilocks in this case is a little Inuit girl named Aloo-ki and the bears are polar bears. Four year olds will love combing through the book and discussing the differences between this and the classic Goldilocks tale. You might even like to have a copy of both on hand, so here’s a link to just one of the many available at Fishpond.

Five year olds:

10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle, from $48.99 $24.50

Eric Carle - yes, the same Eric Carle who brough us ‘The Hungry Little Caterpillar’ - based this gorgeous little story on a real life event: an incident in 1992 when a shipping container with tens of thousands of rubber bath toys (not just duckies but also beavers, frogs and turtles) was lost overboard at sea. This book is Carle’s imaginings of where ten of those little rubber ducks might have ended up and who they might have met.

Fishpond ships order over AUD$50.00 FREE.

Post written by Miki
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It’s bloody hard work being a mum.

For starters there are no coffee breaks, no lunch break, no sick leave and no pay. You’re on call 24/7, you don’t get annual leave or statutory holidays (if anything they mean even more work!) and there’s a constant niggling worry in the back of your mind that you smell of baby sick. You can’t even go to the loo without a small person bashing on the door and crying because you won’t let them come in with you!

Stands to reason then that mums deserve to be spoiled every so often. And if no-one else spoils them then they should darn well take the initiative and spoil themselves!

Mummy’s Favourite - www.mummysfavourite.com.au - makes it very, very easy to spoil yourself or another mum you know. They have the most beautiful range of luxe, gorgeous products from Alimrose Designs, Mor Cosmetics, Oobi, Anamalz, T2 Teas, Esprit, Pratten, Fish Lilly, Cocoon Couture, Euro Trike, Glass House Candles, Be Genki, Gertie and Me, Noonoo, Willow and Finch, Smirk, Bubbaroo, Laikonik, Milk Wrap, and Whisk and Pin, so you’re guaranteed to find something - a lot of somethings - that you just can’t live without.

What makes it even better is that Mummy’s Favourite have their up-to-60% off mega-sale on! PLUS KidStyleFile readers get an extra 10% off!!

Use the code ‘KSF’ at checkout to claim your extra 10% off until July 5 extended until 31 July.

Hop over there to peruse the fine goods on offer and score huge bargains.

To find the items on sale, look for the titles flanked by pink stars. They’re in virtually every category so go hunting - and don’t forget to take an extra 10% off those amazing prices!

Some items are perfect presents for a brand new or prospective mum, including the milk wrap, $34.95 $31.45 - wish I’d had one of these when I was struggling to learn how to breastfeed in public without flashing everyone! - and the stunningly beautiful individually handcrafted Laikonik ‘Once a Year’ album, $69.00 $62.10. These are such a great idea, all you need is to add a new photo of the child once per year with a brief update so it’s very easy to keep up to date and makes such a lovely record of the child’s growth and development.

And for the mum to toddler/s, what she really needs (besides a few extra hours in the day) is a bit of an indulgence. What about some T2 teas from $7.50 $6.75 - a refreshing and invigorating range of black, herbal and fruit teas which come in very funky signature orange boxes and tins. Or there’s the delicious Glasshouse range with beautiful candles to scent your room, body lotions and potions and divine body bars. What a way to unwind once the kids are in bed!

Speaking of the kids, they aren’t forgotten either. With lines such as the Wheely Bugs, Anamalz, Alimrose toys, Oobi Timorous Beasties, there’s a great range of toys for the munchkins too!

Have a look below at some of my favourites from the amazing range:

Clockwise from top left: Don’t forget to take an extra 10% off these prices too!

Alimrose lanky cuddle bear, $36.00 $25.00
Primo Super Mum mug, $9.95 $5.00
Alimrose Frilly Milly adult-size apron, $39.95 $25.00
Donna Hay Modern Classics book 2 $39.95 $20.00 BEST COOKBOOK! I have it and love it.
Avanti - Luxor stainless steel cup and saucer, $25.00 $10.00
Wheely Bug, from $105.00
Oobi Timorous Beasties ‘Percy the Parrot’, $29.95 $15.00 Brilliant price!
Anamalz, $9.95 $6.00
Laikonik ‘Once A Year’ book, $69.00
Hot water bottle & covers, from $9.95
Cocoon Couture squirrel bookends, $89.95

Mummy’s Favourite charge just $8.50 postage Australia-wide!

Have you heard about the benefits of baby-wearing? A more settled, healthy baby that sleeps better and so a happier, more well-rested mama are just the start of the benefits.

The Peanut Shell sling is billed as the ultimate functional, funky, fun baby carrier, and it’s easy to see why: it is suitable from birth up to 16kgs, it’s compact, there are no straps, clips, belts or adjustments necessary, making the Peanut Shell fuss-free and easy to use.

The Peanut Shell pouch can be used in a variety of positions including:

- cradle (suitable for newborn breastfeeding)
- tummy-to-tummy
- kangaroo carry (upright facing out)
- hip carry
- back carry

The Peanut Shell is beautifully made in a variety of fabrics to suit different climates - from microfleece to stretch cotton - and the colours and prints are just gorgeous!

To celebrate winter baby-wearing, Babes in Arms - www.babesinarms.com.au - is offering 20% off microfleece Peanut Shells. (No code is needed; prices are already reduced on the site. Offer ends July 31).

Babes in Arms also offer FREE postage within Australia on all baby carriers and accessories on their site.

You can choose from single layer or reversible varieties of Peanut Shell. What’s the difference?

Single layer microfleece is a fabulously luscious lightweight version of fleece that mimics the feel of Cashmere (without the fussiness of care or handling), and is super soft on your baby’s sensitive skin. It feels warmer to the touch than a cotton, but is a breathable fabric and so is suitable for year-round use.

The reversible microfleece sling features one layer of fabric printed a different color on each side for fashion conscious mamas.

Both are just perfect to banish the winter chills.

Lovestruck (choc/pink) Reversible Microfleece Peanut Shell- $89.00 SALE NOW $71.20
Squirt (green) Single Layer Microfleece Peanut Shell - $75.00 SALE NOW $60.00 - That’s Brooke Shields pictured above with her ‘Squirt’ Peanut Shell: you’ll be in good company with this one!

Also, while you’re over at Babes in Arms, check out the reversible cotton varieties. I just love these prints!

Red Yoko 100% cotton Reversible Peanut Shell- $98.00
Retro Blues/Chocolate 100% cotton Reversible Peanut Shell- $98.00

If you’re a fan of the Peanut Shell and you’re looking for a great gift for your own or friend’s children then you should know that Peanut Shell also make a miniature Peanut Shell ($32.00) so the littlies can sling their own doll or ted just like mum or dad. These are unbelievably cool and they also minimise the risk of ted being left behind at the supermarket!

Beside the Peanut Shell, Babes in Arms also sells, ERGO baby carriers, Hug-a-Bub Slings, and Maya Wrap Baby Slings, so there’s something for everyone, and for every baby-wearing need.

Lastly, Babes in Arms also have a great competition running until August 31. No purchase is necessary, so head on over to enter, and go in the draw to win a Microfleece reversible Peanut Shell & a pair of rainbow BabyLegs - yay!

Contact bella mama Anita at Babes in Arms for information on sizing the Peanut Shell and/or to discuss your baby-wearing requirements.

Do you, like me, often see baby and kids goods that you find so irresistibly attractive that you find yourself asking total strangers “Where did you get that?”

Well today I’d like to introduce you to style-savvy sisters Toni and Melony, who through their passion for everything unique and high quality in the realm of baby and kids, can help connect you with all the coolest threads, shoes, toys, accessories and decor from both faraway and nearby via their new web store ‘Where Did You Get That?‘ - www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au.

Where Did You Get That? stock exquisite brands including Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Zid Zid Kids.

I want to have a little rave about a few of my personal favourites new to Australia, and brought to you exclusively by Where Did You Get That? Firstly, Tea Collection, a US brand that promotes a multi-cultural ethos in design and celebrates children as “little citizens of the world”.

Before Where Did You Get That? came along I always sourced Tea Collection from the US. Needless to say, I am so thrilled to have a local supplier!

Tea Collection make two affordable ranges: Tea Collection for kids 2+ and Daily Tea for 0-2 years.

I can tell you from personal experience that the quality of Tea Collection is just superb. The cottons they use never pill or fade, and the cuts are tailored beautifully.

Their jeans are the best fit I have found (adjustable waist joy!), and the denim is softened to prevent chafing.

The dresses are thoughtfully designed, and always feature beautiful detailing. To prove that I put my money where my mouth is, see the picture below of one of my daughters wearing one of her Tea Collection pieces: the Journey Dress, happily available at Where Did You Get That? so you can get a piece of the action too

Clockwise from top left:

Tea Collection Mendoza Boys 3 piece outfit - $155.00
Daily Tea Flower Fan Tunic - Limon - $29.95
Tea Collection Mopti Print Dress - Birch - $84.95
Tea Collection Journey Dress in Aubergine - $56.00
Tea Collection Tereli Yarn Dyed Indigo Pant - $64.95

Next on my list of faves is Morgan & Milo. An inspired addition to the world of children’s footwear, Morgan & Milo is the creative output of Mia Abbruzzese, who started Morgan & Milo to fill the gap for affordable, classic shoes. Morgan & Milo shoes have their heart in the quality of the past, and their head in the modern day, fusing fun and fashion in a way that is infinitely wearable, and never too precious.

Also in the shoe department at Where Did You Get That? is the unrestrained embellished decadence of Lelli Kelly from Italy. Not just a pretty face, Lelli Kelly shoes are designed for optimal comfort and foot health.

Clockwise from top left:

Morgan & Milo Navy Flame Slip-on - $44.95
Morgan & Milo Silver Sparkle Mary-Jane - $49.95
Lelli Kelly Iris Cross Mild - $105.00

Finally, you know I can never go past a good toy or decor piece. Where Did You Get That? is thrilling me with its well considered selection.

Firstly, Djeco from France. Djeco make a wonderful range of toys, puzzles and craft sets for kids, and Where Did You Get That? is stocking a comprehensive amount of them.

I just adore the Stamps Magical Dresses set which features ink pads, 14 stampers and 20 cutout princesses to decorate.

If you’re looking for amusement for smaller kids then the Djeco block puzzles make for a sweet occupation with their classic illustrations. Where Did You Get That? is selling the 4 packs so affordably too!

If you’re looking for an imaginative and unusual buddy for your little one then the divine Deglingos, again from France, fit the bill perfectly. Everything but run of the mill, Deglingos creatures are constructed of a range of high quality textured fabric that is sure to last a lifetime of companionship,

A delightful decor element is the Coo Clock from the USA. Besides being utterly whimsical this clock is clever too: it has a sensor that detects when it’s dark so it won’t bark, cheep or moo at midnight!

For out and about check out the Bella Tunno Designer Diner. It’s a funky, wipe-clean placement on one side and a reusable chalk mat on the other. It’s a portable imagination station for little artists and a traveling table for little eaters! Includes a 12 piece box of non-toxic colored chalk and a detachable chalk pouch. Never be stuck for entertainment when you’re out and about again!

Finally, one of my most beloved favourite brands, Zid Zid Kids.

Zid Zid Kids are pure imagination realised. Zid Zid Kids is a fair-trade company based in Marrakech, Morocco, and is the fusion of the creativity of husband and wife team Moulay and Julie, and Moroccan crafts-people. The result is stunning!

Where Did You Get That? is stocking bags, belts, shoes and these fabulous dress-up masks from Zid Zid. Bring the magic of Africa into your home!

Clockwise from top left:

Djeco Stamps Magical Dresses - $33.00
Coo Clocks - $92.00 - Available in 7 different designs
Zid Zid Kids Giraffe Mask - $13.95 - Also available in Lion and Elephant
Bella Tunno Funky Floral Designer Diner - $28.00
Djeco 12 Colour Animal Cubes - $29.9
Deglingo ‘Molos’ the Lobster - $59.95

To receive 10% store-wide off your order* at Where Did You Get That?, enter ‘STYLE10′ at the Redeem Discount Coupon section at checkout. Offer ends 31 July.

Gotta rush now. I’m off to grab some Zid Zid Kids masks

Where Did You Get That? charge $7.95 flat-rate postage Australia wide. *Discount applies on purchases before shipping charges are applied.

Trust Bronwyn at ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au to come up with something extremely special to kick the new financial year off with.

She’s stocked The House to the rafters with finery, and now she’s releasing it into the wild at 30% off!

Yep, you heard it right: get 30% off store-wide at ShopHouse for 5 days until Saturday July 5*

Enter this code at checkout to revel in your exclusive 30% KSF discount: KSFClearance

For those of you new to the program, ShopHouse stock a superb range of baby and kids clothing - check out Annabel Trends, Baobab, IDTee, Kee-Ka, Lil’ Lana, mill & mia, Mondays Child Pyjamas, Oobi Baby - skin and hair care products (Bod and Eco.Kid), a lovely range of toys and decor pieces from Alimrose Designs, Cocoon Couture, Krooom, Little Chipipi, Look at the Wall, Mon Tresor, Little Kitchen, and The Little Experience, must-have accessories from Penny Scallan, PouchMISS, Rileah Design, and even nappies (Moltex brand) and baby food (from Organic Bubs)!

I know that many of you are already big fans of the products and great service over at ShopHouse, and that you’ll need no incentive to head over and snap up the goods, however just wanted to keep you informed and up to date and let you know that ShopHouse is now stocking the *entire range* of Cocoon Couture products!!

Oooh!!! And Ahhhh!!

ShopHouse have the lot: the complete range of appliquéd beanbags (30 in all!), kindy/library bags, bookends, height charts, divine cushions (which I am seriously eyeing off), and that fabulous 3D wooden tree in both mini and mega sizes. Bliss!

Peruse my top picks for today to drool and delight You can view more picks from ShopHouse in my previous posts on ShopHouse here.

Also, while you’re over at The ‘House, don’t forget to take a look at the Sale section to score some goodies going ridiculously cheap.

Clockwise from top left. All prices quoted are after 30% discount.

mill&mia Round Neck Stripey Owl Tee $49.95 $34.96 - mill&mia tees are the best quality, and the cut is great. We wear them daily and get two years out of them!!
mill&mia Red Floral Folklore Clips $12.95 $9.06 - A lovely finishing touch to the ‘Folklore’ outfit.
mill&mia Denim Pinafore Folklore Dress $71.95 $50.36 - Nice heavy denim to keep your little girl snug and warm and looking good all winter. Wear as a top, as the little legs grow, and you’ll get years out of this piece!
mill&mia Ivory Leggings $39.95 $27.96 - Gorgeous quality, and oh-so practical.
mill&mia Red Round Neck Creepy Things Tee $45.95 $32.16- Cool in a Tee for little boys.
mill&mia Boys Classic Jean $62.95 $44.06 - mill&mia do the best jeans. Great cut and quality.
Look at the Wall Squirrel Wall Art $120.00 $84.00 - Beautiful wall art which ties in beautifully with the Cocoon Couture pieces.
Cocoon Couture Enchanted Forest Tree $495.00 $346.50 - A delightfully decadent and utterly magical decor element.
Cocoon Couture Appliqued Bean-bag $129.00 $90.30 - Absolutely gorgeous soft pinwhale cord fabric. Top handle makes these easy to move around.
Cocoon Couture Cheeky Squirrel Book Ends $89.00 $62.30 - Super cute!
Cocoon Couture Enchanted Forest Tree Shelf-stand $89.00 $62.30 - If you haven’t got the space (or the dollars) for the mega-tree, then invest here to get a slice of the magic.
Mon Tresor Wall Motif $19.95 $13.96 - Sweet wall motifs for your childs room. So affordable too! Buy several to create a bedroom menagerie.
Cocoon Couture Blue Little Foxy Kinder Bag $49.00 $34.30 - head off to creche, kindy or the library in style with these cool retro-styled bags.
Cocoon Couture Patchy Bunny Cushion witn Insert $55.00 $38.50 - I want, I want!! I do!!
Alimrose Designs Stripey Monkey Rattle $26.95 $18.86 - These monkeys are a regular gifting item for me. Suitable from birth, with a friendly face and bold stripes that little bebes really appreciate. Long lanky limbs to clutch on to, and a rattle for sensory stimulation.
Little Chipipi Drive Time Repositionable Wall Decals $82.95 $58.06 - You want them, and now they’re here, on sale! Jump now while they’re hot!
Moltex Nappies - Eco and baby-friendly nappies. Available in a range of sizes and quantities. Buy in bulk and save 30%.

Check out the ShopHouse Blog for news and great articles from ShopHouse.

ShopHouse charge just $4.95 for Express Post delivery Australia wide. Orders over $99.00 are delivered FREE. International orders are very welcome. Check the ShopHouse Shipping and Freight info for full details.

*This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Happy New Financial Year everyone!!

This might not have the same ring to it as Happy New Year, but it many ways it’s just as fun, because it’s Tax Return time - yay! - and I have just the plan for what you can spend it on

The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - is one of the icons in Australian online baby-wear and accessories. If it’s cool and for the under 5 set, then The Hip Infant has it.

There has been a very exciting development over at The Hip Infant: they have just launched their very own product range, The Hip Infant Basics.

The Hip Infant Basics is essentially a capsule wardrobe for babies. It is comprised of the finest quality singlets, rompers, separates and sleeping suits, all in super-stylish and flattering colour-stripe combinations.

Mel at The Hip Infant has four children (three boys and a girl), and in a previous life was a neo-natal nurse, so there isn’t much about kids that Mel doesn’t know.

Mel has designed The Hip Infant Basics drawing from her wealth of experience as a mother, and as a children’s health professional. These products are a winning combination of comfort, style, and practicality, and as an added bonus they are inexpensive!

At $19.95-$29.95 you can afford to wear them every day, and why not when they look this good!?

As a very special exclusive offer to KidStyleFile readers, Mel at The Hip Infant is offering two incentives to buy from The Hip Infant Basics range.

OFFER 1: Spend over $50.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Teddy Hat (Valued at $14.95)
Enter code KSF-TED to claim your gorgeous hat free!

OFFER 2: Spend Over $100.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Long Eared Bunny (valued at $19.95)
Enter code KSF-BUN to claim your sweet bunny free!

We are a very privileged lot over here at KidStyleFile as these gifts are limited edition items, and this promotion is exclusive to KSF. I keep thinking of what a fab gift this will make for a little new-bub…hmmm

While we’re on the subject of new products at The Hip Infant, check out their new The Hip Infant Sneakies soft-soled pre-walkers.

At just $27.95 a pair, these are such a steal!!

You are bound to find something beautiful to make you smile at The Hip Infant. They stock over 85 high end baby and kid brands.

Choose from clothing, accessories, nursery products, decor pieces, baby carriers and slings, and toys, from AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

You can pick up a lot of products up for less at the moment at The Hip Infant’s end of financial year sale.

My picks from the sale are the Peanut Shell baby carriers, David Fussenegger blankets, and Trunki kids ride-on suitcases (the Trunki Towgo is one of my top 10 picks for kids), all going cheap as chips!

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Today I’m heading over to the baby-goods aisle.

Oftentimes I do this after spending a little time with a new little babe

Contemplating the intrinsic perfection, and smelling that sweet milkiness has a profound effect on me. It’s an incredible thing!

Inevitably though, my thoughts turn practical. Looking after kids is the world’s most rewarding job, yes, but if you’re a Mum too, I think you’ll agree that it ain’t always easy.

Getting together a good routine and having a few efficiency-creating tools at our disposal are steps we can take to make the everyday tasks less tedious, leaving more time to have fun with our kids.

Introducing solids is a big landmark in your and your babies life. Making the task of preparing healthy mini-meals easier is the BabyMoov Bébédelice (pronounced Baby-Delish) from France.

The Bébédelice is a 5-in-1 appliance that helps you make fresh, fast and nutritious baby food every day. How does it do this? Get a load of this capability -

• Cooks and steams – Place chopped fruit, vegetables, meat, fish or a combination in the steamer, push the start button and in just 11 minutes, food is steamed to perfection. The gentle steaming function retains the food’s natural vitamins and minerals.
• Blends – It has a built in blender: twist the knob and you’re off and racing! The blender bowl capacity is 500ml, and it comes with a separate lid for use when storing food in the fridge.
• Warms bottles & jars – Safely warms all size baby bottles and jars. It switches itself off when the appropriate temperature is reached.
• Sterilises bottles – Quickly and hygienically sterilises all size & brand baby bottles or jars.
• Defrosts frozen food and breastmilk – Does this safely without the use of microwaves in just 11 minutes.

Although my time making mashes for littlies has past, I really love the idea of the Bébédelice, and would jump to get one if ever the need arose again.

Why?

I love the idea of being able to make fresh meals for my babies everyday (and oh, it is so much cheaper than buying pre-packaged food - the Bébédelice will end up paying for itself!)

Generally I would make a week’s worth and then freeze and microwave as the need arose. I was pretty committed to keeping everything organic for the first 18 months, but I did feel the irony of then freezing and zapping the life out of the gorgeous produce I spent hours making.

With the Bébédelice the cooking is done by steam, so none of the nutrients are lost in the process, and if you need to freeze, the Bébédelice defrosts quickly without the use of microwaves (great for expressed breast-milk too!) The built in blender is another boon: less washing up! And as the Bébédelice operates on preset timers, it is possible to attend to other tasks, rather than watching vigilantly so you don’t miss the mark and overcook the meal.

To boot it is small enough to leave on the bench for every-day use, and all parts are dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean too.

The Bébédelice usually sells for $199.00, but Metro Mum currently have it on sale for $179.00 - even better!

Check out Metro Mum’s stock-take sale for incredible discounts on more great Baby Moov products too! (Metro Mum post for $7.95 Australia wide, and only $5.95 if you’re in the Sydney metro area).

BabyMoov products, including the Bébédelice, are distributed in Australia by Rose & Lily - www.roseandlily.com.au.

Rose & Lily carry the full range of Baby Moov products including the Lovenest, a pediatrican designed sleeping innovation which helps resolve positional plagiocephaly, or ‘flat-head syndrome’ in babies 0-4 months, and a high-quality range of eating, bathing, sleeping and traveling accessories and toys.

Check the Rose & Lily website for the complete list of stockists.