KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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Every so often I stumble across an item that I absolutely can’t live without.  Strangely enough (or not - you’ll see what I’m talking about) a majority of them seem to be at Metro Mum - www.metromum.com.au.

Take the Oeuf nursery furniture range, for example.  I would kill to have this stuff in my nursery, as I’m sure would just about every style-conscious mama. It’s sleek, minimalist with a little hint of retro and just absolutely stunning.  Naturally, the quality of its construction goes without saying. The range is available in Beech or Walnut tones.

The Oeuf range has also been very cleverly designed to last for as long as possible - after all, these are investment-quality pieces and you want to get your money’s worth! The cot can be converted into a seriously stylish toddler bed and the dresser can have the change table added to the top during the baby years, and then removed during the older years to be a piece that wouldn’t look remotely out of place in a stylish teenager’s or adult’s room. The mini library (so cool, I love the cubbies) is also very flexible in that it would be perfect in a modern nursery but would work just as well in the living room or kitchen - or any room in the house, really!

At the opposite end of the size scale is the Munchee Mug, an ingeniously designed cup to hold toddler snacks which won’t spill them all over the floor.  I quite often pack some cheese cubes or home-made popcorn for Alex when we go out, but about and it drives me mad when he up-ends the container and they all fall out onto the supermarket floor! (ewwwww) The Munchee Mug could put an end to my woes by allowing him to comfortably get his fist into and out of the cup, but not letting him spill everything on the floor.  It’s available in four cool colour combos and it’s a bargain - $12.99!

For kids slightly older than my toddler, I love the KidsonRoof Cardboard Playhouse.  A cubby house (who doesn’t love them!) which can be decorated and personalised making it kid heaven, and then folded down flat to slide under the bed when it’s not in use. This’d be the perfect Christmas present for 3-6 year olds.It’s on special this week too!

Now speaking of specials, I’ll let you in on a little tip: keep a close eye on Metro Mum’s ‘What’s Hot’ box (you can see it on their homepage) as the specials in it will be changing weekly leading up to Christmas.  It’s a great way to get super deals on super products, including products which are rarely discounted.  This week’s Hot Box contains the KidsonRoof Cardboard Playhouse as mentioned above, and the uber-funky Mojo Mini Me Kids Beanbag Chair.  BaaaarGAIN!

And while I’m on a roll, here’s another tip: join the Metro Mum Club to receive exclusive discounts and offers during the year, and earn rewards points on all your purchases.

1. Oeuf Cot In Walnut, $1,380.00 (shown with Oeuf Changing Station In Walnut, $320.00)
2. Oeuf Dresser In Walnut, $1,210.00
3. Oeuf Mini Library Storage Shelving System In Walnut, $850.00
4. Totem 3D Puzzle Construction Toy For Boys, $49.99
5. Mojo Mini Me Kids Beanbag Chair, $55.00 $50.00
6. Softmats Multi Purpose BubbaMat, $199.00
7. Munchee Mug Anti Spill Snack Cup & Lid - Pink, $12.95
8. KidsonRoof Mobile Cardboard Playhouse, $65.00 $59.99
9. HappyMais Ecological Kids Craft Toy - Fox, $24.00
10. Babymoov Toilet Training Seat Reducer With Handles, $29.95

Metro Mum’s fabulous range includes products from Emotion & Kids, 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, Penny Scallan, and Caden Lane and Trunki.  Divine, each and every piece!

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.

STOP THE PRESS!

The fab Where Did You Get That? - www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au, stockists of superlative 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, and Zid Zid Kids, and the newly arrived Enchanted Faeries figurines (place your order now for November delivery) and Woolbabe sleeping bags, has just passed me this fabulous piece of information especially to share with KSF readers:

Get 20%* discount off categories listed below with code ‘STYLE20′ until August 10.

• Baby Accessories - Aden + Anais wraps, Bebedelice
• Bags - Zid Zid Kids, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy Baby/Anytime Bags
  
• Bath & Body - Bod, Bod for Bubs and eco.kid products
• Wall art - Coco Boheme Blackboard decals, and new Djeco Wall stickers
• Boy/Girl Shoes - All Lelli Kelly, and Morgan & Milo shoes
• Clocks - all Coo Clocks
• Craft - Djeco
• Toys and Games - Puzzles, Djeco

To add to this, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and Moppit winter stock is also now reduced by 30% (if you want another 10% discount on these brands, enter ‘STYLE10′ to get an you’ve just scored a KSF VIP 40% off!! - Please note you can’t use the two codes together, so you do have to make a choice there.)

Clockwise from top left:

Djeco 12 Colour Animal Cubes - $29.90 less 20% KSF discount = $23.92
Coo Clocks - $98.00 less 20% KSF discount = $78.40 Available in 7 different designs
Zid Zid Kids Giraffe Mask - $13.95 less 20% KSF discount = $11.16 Also available in Lion and Elephant
Zid Zid Kids Bag - $39.95 less 20% KSF discount = $31.96 Also available in Hippo, Monkey, Bird, Branch, and Elephant designs
Babymoov Bebedelice - $199.00 less 20% KSF discount = $159.20 This is a HOT price for the Bebedelice: you won’t find it cheaper anywhere.
Morgan & Milo Silver Sparkle Mary-Jane - $49.95 less 20% KSF discount = $39.96 Fantastic quality and comfort and spunky designs. I heart M&M!
Lelli Kelly Iris Cross Mild - $105.00 less 20% KSF discount = $84.00
Morgan & Milo Navy Flame Slip-on - $44.95 less 20% KSF discount = $35.96
Djeco Robinetto Waterworks Game - $19.80 less 20% KSF discount = $15.84
Coco Boheme Cat Wall Sticker/Decal - $39.00 less 20% KSF discount = $31.20 Also available in chicken and piggy
Djeco Poem Tree Wall Sticker - $44.00 less 20% KSF discount = $35.20 What a delight: 95 reusable stickers comprise this inspiring wall decoration.
Yummy Mummy Filly Bag in Black - $349.00 less 20% KSF discount = $279.20 Attention bag aficionados: This one is a must for your collection. Just fab, and what a bargain!

Just a couple of little tips for you when shopping at Where Did You Get That?

After you add products to your cart you need to click ‘Checkout’ (marked in red below) to proceed.

Set up your account, and to receive 20% off selected categories listed above at Where Did You Get That?, enter ‘STYLE20′ at the Redeem Discount Coupon section at checkout. Too easy!

Offer ends 10 August 2008.

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

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.

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.