KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki

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When I was a little girl, my family moved from an old 1920s bungalow to a modern brick & tile house. This was significant for me – you see, it was two weeks before Christmas and the new house had no chimneys or fireplaces. How on earth was Santa going to get in? I fretted over it for the entire two weeks before Christmas (my parents only found this out recently, much to their astonishment). Thankfully on Christmas morning I discovered that Santa had managed to squirm his way in to the house somehow. If I’d had a Lil Christmas Door from Little Fairy Doors, I wouldn’t have worried. These magical little doors are perfect for homes that don’t have chimneys – Santa can just magically pop in through the miniature door when he arrives to fill the stockings and put the presents under the tree. Available at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – I think these little doors are a brilliant idea and really add some Christmas whimsy to any home.

Metro Mum also has loads of other goodies just perfect for Christmas. Take the KidKraft Backyard Sandpit for example. It is big enough at 1.1m squared for several children to dig happily in, and it has a jaunty striped canopy overhead to protect delicate skin from sunburn. Imagine the hours upon hours of fun the kids could have with this installed in the back yard! I also know for a fact that the BIG Bobby Car with Trailer would make my 2yo more excited than he’d ever been before in his life; with the high weight capacity he could even take his older brother for a ride in the trailer.

There are some brilliant special offers happening at Metro Mum right now; here are some of the extra special ones:

1. The Tidybooks Bookcases, Bunk Buddies and Book Boxes are 30% off, but strictly only until 27 November 2011.
   
2. All ride-on toys are 10% off until 30 November 2011, including Y-Bike, Wishbone, ooMoo, Trunki and more.
   
3. Buy any easel and receive a FREE Micador Painting Kit valued at $10.
   
4. And lastly, buy any cot or crib from Incy Interiors, Oeuf, Nurseryworks, Touchwood or Cariboo and receive a FREE Anstel Deluxe Double Spring Inner Mattress valued at $169.95.
   
5. Ooh, and do go through the four Metro Mum sale categories (for Mums, Dads, Kids and Babies) to find bargains at up to half price!

And just to put the cherry on top, Metro Mum’s Great Christmas Giveaway is now on with over $2,400 in prizes on offer, including an Incy Interiors Rupert Cot and Egg Chair!  You don’t even need to purchase anything to enter – see here for the competition details.

1. Trunki Ride On Kids Suitcases – Trunkisaurus, $89.00 less 10% = $80.10
2. Tidy Books Bunk Bed Buddy, $125.00 less 30% = $88.00; Tidy Books Children’s Bookcase, $299.00 less 30% = $209.30
3. ooMoo Pinkalicious Balance Bike, $165.00 less 10% = $148.50; ooMoo F1 Balance Bike, $165.00 less 10% = $148.50
4. Deluxe Wood Easel With Blackboard, $249.00
5. BIG Bobby Car + Trailer, $240.00 less 10% = $216.00
6. KidKraft Backyard Sandpit with Striped Sunshade, $249.00
7. Lil Fairy Doors Christmas Door, $38.00 
8. Oeuf Sparrow Cot + FREE Cot Mattress, $1,199.00 

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Post written by Miki

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Moving from a cot to a ‘big boy’s bed’ was a major milestone for both my kids.  Suddenly, or so it seemed to me, they weren’t babies anymore, and just as suddenly they were able to get into and out of bed whenever they wanted – it was a learning curve for child and parent alike!

Below is a list (in no particular order) of some of the most stylish kids’ beds available in Australia.  Have a glance through and pick your own favourite.  Something to consider when choosing a bed for your child is size: some children’s beds are smaller than single size to help your child adjust from the cot and fit into a smaller room; others are available in single and/or king single size to last the child for longer. Also think about what style will work with your home’s decor, and definitely get your child’s opinion – after all, they’re the ones who will have to sleep in it!

1. Ubabub Pod Junior Bed Kit, $199.00 at The Little Kidz Closet (note: cot sold separately)
2. Lilly & Lolly Upholstered Bed, $1250.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
3. Lilly & Lolly Colourbox Bed, $1250.oo at The Little Kidz Closet
4. IKEA Kritter Bed, $149.00 at IKEA
5. Treehouse ‘Matt’ Bunk Bed, $1599.00 at Treehouse Childrens Decor Co
6. Leander Junior Bed, $999.00 at Metro Mum
7. Oeuf Sparrow Single Bed, $1199.00 at Metro Mum
8. Incy Interiors Hannah Bed, $999.00 at Incy Interiors
9. Incy Interiors Oscar Bed, $549.00 at Incy Interiors
10. Treehouse ‘Jono’ Bed, $659.00 at Treehouse Childrens Decor Co

Please check individual sites for shipping details, noting that large items usually incur extra shipping charges. Also make sure you check the KidStyleFile All Current Dealspage to make sure you’re getting the very best deal.

Post written by Miki

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Today we continue our coverage of the most stylish and practical nursery furniture available to Australian parents today.  Following on from our bassinets feature last week, this week we look at the best to be had in cots.

Cots get a lot of use: after all, at one end of the scale newborn babies sleep for up to 18 hours per day, and then once they’re rampaging toddlers, getting them down for that sanity-saving midday nap needs to be as easy as possible. Features to consider are drop sides, teething rails, the ability to convert to a toddler bed, a space-saving design and a style that will suit your home.  Your cot may be used for your future children too, so you want something that will stand the test of time.

Here are our picks for the best 10 cots available in Australia:

1. Nurseryworks Aerial Cot inc. FREE toddler conversion kit, $1650.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
2. Ubabub Pod Cot, $1899.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
3. Boori Sleigh Royale 3-In-1 Sleigh-Bed-Sofa, $1189.00 $999.00 at Minimee
4. Pure Cot by Kaloo, $1149.95 at Minimee
5. IKEA Mammut Cot, $399.00
6. Jemima Cot by Incy Interiors, $1099.00 at Incy Interiors Online Store
7. Sophia Cot by Incy Interiors, $599.00 at Incy Interiors Online Store
8. Oeuf Classic Cot, $1399.00 at Metro Mum
9. Stokke Sleepi Cot, $1849.00 at Metro Mum
10. Bloom Alma Urban Cot, $599.00 at Metro Mum

Please check individual sites for shipping details, noting that large items usually incur extra shipping charges. Also make sure you check the KidStyleFile All Current Dealspage to make sure you’re getting the very best deal.

Post written by Anna

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There are some concessions that have to be made when you become a mother – mostly your desire for a full nights sleep! You need not, however, relinquish your desire to lead an ‘in vogue’ life!  It can be done so easily with all the beautiful designer products now on the market.  At hand to lead you in this collaboration of motherhood and style is the fabulous site Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au.

Proprietors Tamara and Francine are the epitome of stylish, busy, metro mums -  between them juggling 5 children, Vegemite smears and professional careers.  All their style advice and expertise on the best and most innovative parenting products is just a click away and beautifully displayed at Metro Mum.

There is much to behold for the autumn season at Metro Mum. There are a host of new arrivals like the stunning Alma Papa Cot and Dresser. And how about the intelligent Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Set? What a brilliant way to lift baby up into the up high world of your family and meal times. I love it! If you have any trips coming up with your little ones, I thoroughly recommend the resources put together by Usborne. Make  sure there is plenty of fun on your next family holiday with the Usborne 100 Games to Play on Holiday.

• Purchase any Oeuf Cot and receive a FREE mattress valued at $149.95;
• Get set up with a gorgeous nappy bag from Storksak, Babymel and Isoki all at 20% off; no code needed, prices as marked;
• Buy 1 x 300ml Green to Grow bottle and receive FREE 3-6mth Teats Pack valued at $11.50;
  
• Save $10 on MilkBar nursing pillows;
• Grab up to 40% off on autumn clearance sale stock.
  

Make your move and shop now – all offers run until 31 March 2011 only.

Discounted prices quoted below are as marked and are valid until 31 March 2011 only.

a. Babymel Big Slouchy Nappy Bag $99.00 reduced to $79.20
b. Oeuf Sparrow Cot $1199.00 (special free mattress offer)
c. Bloom Baby Alma Papa Dresser $999.00
d.  Usborne 100 Games to Play on Holiday $15.99
e. Isoki Reversible Saddle Tote Bag $199.00 reduced to $159.20
f. Storksak Olivia $225.00 reduced to $180.00
g. Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Set $224.95
h. Bloom Baby Alma Papa Cot (ex Mattress) $999.00
i. Green to Grow BPA free Baby Bottle 300ml Wide Neck $19.95 (buy 1 and receive a 3-6mth Teats Pack FREE)
j. MilkBar Nursing Pillow $64.95 reduced to $54.95

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Today’s post written by Anna

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With the arrival of a brand new baby boy to the already gorgeous Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au family, big congratulations are in order! Proprietors Francine and Tamara are sending the new arrival news far and wide with a celebratory baby shower that we can all take part in.

All things ‘baby’ are now on sale 15% off store-wide (*excluding furniture, gift vouchers and sale items) at Metro Mum! Enter code ‘BABY15′ at checkout to redeem this offer. You can also take 10% off baby furniture brands Oeuf, Nurseryworks, Cariboo and Leander with discount code ‘SHOWER’. Together, these codes aren’t  just a sprinkle, or a shower; they are a torrent of baby love coming right at you! Make use of these codes quickly, as both offers expire at midnight on Wednesday 30 June 2010.

Throughout June you can also participate in 2 great competitions at Metro Mum:

• The first competition is in celebration of the release of Disney’s DUMBO Special Edition DVD coming out 1 July 2010. Together with Disney, Metro Mum will be giving away 10 x Disney DUMBO Special Edition DVD’s: enter here.
  
• Secondly, to be in the running for a $100 Metro Mum Gift Voucher, simply become a fan of the MetroMum Facebook page.

Ok, so where to start on this shopping trip for baby? Well, baby will need somewhere to sleep, and Metro Mum have some very stylish options to choose from. I just adore the Leander Cradle with Tripod and at 10% off, now is a great time to purchase one. Metro Mum also have a great deal on Oeuf furniture – get a free mattress with the Oeuf Cot & Change Station – or plan ahead and pick up the Nurseryworks Aerial Cot, which comes with a free toddler conversion kit.

Baby also needs gorgeous wraps and blankets to be snuggled in. You’re spoilt for choice at Metro Mum, as there’s an entire section of blankets and wraps to choose from.

Plus, what baby shower would be complete without some special new clothes for baby like a ‘Famous on Facebook’ Growsuit from hip brand Babytalk? Find more baby clothes here -  which, don’t forget, can be discounted by 15% thanks to the arrival of Metro Mum bouncing baby number five. Enjoy! 

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable with codes (see above) until 30 June 2010.

1. Smart Moms – Pendant Teething Bling $22.95 less 15% = $19.50
   
2. WeilBaby – Gift Pack – Growing Up Tritan™ Gift Set $119.95 less 15% = $101.95
   
3. Mokopuna Merino Wool Newborn Value Pack $90.00
4. Cariboo – Wooden Baby Activity Gym (Mahogany) $199.00 less 10% = $179.10
5. Nurseryworks – Aerial Cot + FREE Toddler Conversion Kit $1649.00
6. Babytalk – Growsuit ‘Famous on Facebook’ Growsuit 6-9mths $14.95 less 15% = $12.70
   
7. Leander – Cradle with Tripod $609.90 less 10% = $548.91
   
8. Disney DUMBO Special Edition DVD competition enter here
9. Oeuf – Cot & Change Station + FREE Mattress (Walnut) $1,778.00

For all your in-vogue parenting products, Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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US-based Inhabitat – www.inhabitat.com – is a design blog dedicated to uncovering stylish and practical products that are designed to be sustainable and smart.

On a mission to spread the word about good design that thoughtfully considers the user, the experience, the social context, and the impact of an object on the surrounding environment, Inhabitat suceeds spectacularly with its constant feast of exceptionally beautiful and throught-provoking artefacts and ideas.

Inhabitat’s spin-off site for kids products and design Inhabitots – www.inhabitots.com – is equally (if not more!) delicious. Here are just a few products I have fallen in love with via their pages.

Amy Mohlenhoff’s Bear Hat, made from 100% organic cotton, and is pretty adorable. The Oeuf Hug-Me and Angel Sweaters are to die for, and to feed my ongoing love affair with Pandas there’s the cute Dwelling Collective Knit Pandas together with her cute friend the Baby Elephant.

Inhabitat make it easy to shop for superbly designed, ethical and environmentally friendly products via their shop, and, happily, they ship internationally!

1. Daniel Michalik Cub Children’s Chair USD$224.00 at Inhabitat Shop
2. Dwelling Collective Baby Elephant USD$24.00 at Inhabitat Shop
3. Dwelling Collective Knit Panda USD$88.00 at Inhabitat Shop
4. Bambu Bamdino Kids Utensils USD$9.00 at Inhabitat Shop
5. Oeuf Hug Me Sweater USD$92.00 at Inhabitat Shop
6. Amy Mohlenhoff Bear Hat USD$68.00 at Inhabitat Shop
7. Green Sprouts Cornstarch Hand Teethers USD$20.00 at Inhabitat Shop
8. BabyBearShop Mama Belly Oil USD$32.00 at Inhabitat Shop

Inhabitat Shop ships internationally. Contact them for a quote.