KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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My two year old has recently been going through a new phase: monsters.

He’s obsessed with all things monster, whether it be playing ’scary monsters’ (it involves jumping out at me from behind doors and shouting ‘RAAAAH!’ at the top of his scary little voice), reading books about them (Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak $19.99 $17.37, and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson $19.99 $16.97, are his top picks), or wearing clothes featuring monsters.  There are also monster beanbags, monster backpacks, monster dinnerware, monster swimwear and monster games to be discovered.

So in his honour, today I’ve done a round-up of our favourite monster themed gear.  See the links below for where to buy, and enjoy!  RAAAAAH!

1. Monster Couture Beanbag, $99.95; Monster Couture Back Pack, $39.95 from Pastel Pink
2. For Walls Jumbo Chalkboard Decal – Monster, $59.95 from The Hip Infant
3. Tommy Rocket ‘Rocket Monster’ Tee, $26.95 from Paperartzi Boutique
4. Mister Mista ‘Ozzie’ Tee, $39.95 $20.00 from Little Pinwheel
5. Tkxi Rashee and Racer Pant, from $36.00 Ten Little Indians
6. Munster Baby Stampede Tee, $34.95 from Ten Little Indians
7. French Bull Monster Dinnerware, from $9.95 from The Hip Infant
8. Usborne Monster Snap Card Game, $14.95 from ShopHouse
9. ‘This Is My Monster’ Touchy Feely Book, $22.00 from Mummy’s Favourite
10. Penny Scallan Large Lunchbox – Monster, $34.95 from ShopHouse
11. Blue Baby Monster Brooch, $16.00 from Made It
12. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak $19.99 $17.37; The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson $19.99 $16.97, both from Fishpond Books
13. Munster Monster Board Shorts, $59.95 from Raspberry Rascals

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information. Also be sure to check the KidStyleFile Current Offers page, and the KidStyleFile Weekly Newsletter for discount codes to make sure you get the best possible deal – if you’re not a subscriber already then you can sign up here – it’s free!

Today’s post written by Miki

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It’s a big month for ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au- in the run up to Christmas there’s a lot going on, and all of it good!

Bronwyn has taken Christmas matters into her own hands and helpfully created a number of special Christmas categories to help out with the shopping.  Dress the tree and the house with the Christmas Decorations category; fill up those stockings with a great selection of Stocking Stuffers all below $10; get great presents on a budget with the Gifts Under $25 category; and go wild with Special Gifts of $50 and above.

There are some fantastic gift ideas to be found in all of the above categories.  The Lark knitted tree decorations are chic, adorable and fair trade – can’t ask for more than that!  I love the Annabel Trends bath caps in the Stocking Stuffers section; what a great way to make bathtime more fun!  Usborne (they of the ‘That’s Not My…’ book series) have some great activities and card games in the Gifts Under $25 section, and as for the special gifts section, the Oobi Darcy Pettiskirt and the Kobba Runna Balance Bike are shoo-ins.

ShopHouse have produced a Style Guide catalogue to help you shop this season. Besides being a great read and making for wonderful ‘window shopping’ from the comfort of your sofa, it contains an interview with Alex Riggs of Oobi who gives away what Oobi is planning for the upcoming winter collection. Can’t wait to see that!!

To save big dollars take a trip to ShopHouse’s Sale section, where markdowns up to 60% off can be found. You can also score free postage on all orders placed until 1 March 2010 with the exlusive KidStyleFile Shop 4 Kids magazine code: pickup a copy of the mag, or subscribe the the KidStyleFile Weekly newsletter get access. To top things off, all orders placed at ShopHouse between now and midnight Sunday 13 December 2009 will automatically receive a copy of the ShopHouse Style Guide, and go into the draw to win a Belle and Boo Lost + Found print, worth $99. Woo! Go forth to ShopHouse and be happy!

Gifts under $25: Usborne Animal Snap Card Game, $14.95; Bobble Art Mini Cupcake Bowling Bag, $19.95; Tippy Toes Superstar Socks, $19.95
Tree decor: Lark Hand Knitted Christmas Tree Decoration, $9.95; Lark Hand Knitted Rudolph Christmas Decoration, $9.95; En Gry + Sif Angels & Pixies Pack, $49.95
Stocking stuffers: Annabel Trends Frog Showercap, $9.95; ShopHouse Wooden YoYo – Ladybug, $6.95; Oobi Baby Bib – Apples, $9.95; Penny Scallan Wooden Bag Tag – Monster, $7.95
Special gifts: Oobi Darcy Ballerina Pettiskirt, $69.95; Kobba Runna Balance Bike, $149.00; Belle & Boo Print – Found, $99.00; En Gry + Sif Felt Doll House w/ doll & cat, $80.95

ShopHouse stocks the following brands: Adiri Natural Nurser, Alimrose, And The Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Baobab, Bod, Bonds, Cocoon Couture, Cookey Cat Artworks, Cuddlefish, Eco Kid.,Galmatic, Get Fresh, Huggalugs, ID Teen, Jedko Games Co, Kee-Ka, Kiddysac, Krooom, Lark, Lil’ Lana, Little Chipipi, Look At The Wall, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Moltex Nappies, Monday’s Child Pyjamas, OshKosh, Oobi Baby + Kids, Pebbles, Penny Scallan, Pure Baby, Red Wagon, Rileah Designs, Serena & Lily, ShopHouse, The Little Experience, Wotnot, Yunginz.

Wherever you live in Australia, ShopHouse delivers for the flat rate of $4.95. International orders are delivered for $20. See the Delivery Page for full terms and conditions.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Elizabeth at La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – has really let the festive season go to her head! I’m not sure whether it’s too much champagne or if she’s just feeling incredibly generous, but she has decided to give readers the most enormous pre-Christmas discount yet.  Are you ready for this?  Are you sure? Are you standing by with your credit card ready to pounce?

Because get this: Elizabeth has decided to mark down all full priced Oobi, Deshabille, BRITT, Miniwhisk, Thurlby Farm, Dolly Up, Huggalugs, Nanny Pickle and Penny Scallan by an extraordinary 35% (excluding sale items already reduced by up to 85%, and Tummy Bear). Use the discount code ‘Rudolph’ at checkout. Alternatively, you can get FREE shipping (with no minimum purchase amount) using the code ‘KSFpost’ at checkout. Both of these offers are valid until 10 December 2009 only, so go wild: they’re the last ones before Christmas!

There’s an awful lot to love at La Toriana at the moment, with some truly stunning labels on showcase.  There are the eternally popular Princess Ratbag pettiskirts, for example, which are adored by little girls all around Australia and fly off the shelves faster than the human eye can track!  And while we’re looking at pretty things for little princesses, take in the exquisite Tea Princess collection, which epitomises vintage chic.

I’m also quite taken by the range of aprons and tea towels by Ogilvie Designs.  High quality cotton and fun, eyecatching designs make these a winner, especially if you have a family BBQ on Christmas or Boxing Day.

If you’re looking for stocking fillers and bargains, make sure you look at the Specials section which is updated every Monday. You have to get in quick, considering that products in there are discounted by up to 85% off, they won’t last long! Cheers to that!

Prices quoted below are valid with code (read above) until 10 December 2009 only.

1. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirt – Scarlet Red, $80.00
2. Oobi Dinosaur Egg Short & Singlet Set, $39.95 Less 35% = $25.96
3. Oobi 1950s Flower Bloomers, $24.95 Less 35% = $21.20
4. Tea Princess Summer Crushed Baby Doll Dress – Pink or Blue, $79.95
5. Penny Scallan Pirate Paint Smock, $27.95 Less 35% = $18.16
6. Ogilvie Design Kids Aprons – Festive Designs, $19.95
7. Vanchi Bowler Bag – Geisha, $99.95 Sale Price: $64.95
8. Kee-Ka ‘Little Elf’ tee, $29.95 Sale Price: $14.97

La Toriana stock designer clothing, toys and accessories for babies, girls and boys, from the following brands: Acland, Alannah Rose, annieB, Britt, Boxy Design, Annabel Trends, ArgneshRose, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee-Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Eco Peko, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.95 flat for registered post Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift. International orders are welcome. See here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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For those new to the show, baby and kids emporium La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – is one of the most popular boutiques on the web to shop for your baby or child.

Elizabeth’s fine service is widely renown, and this, together with a quality selection of products from (take a deep breath!) Acland, Alannah Rose, annieB, Britt, Boxy Design, Annabel Trends, ArgneshRose, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee-Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Eco Peko, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds, keep customers coming back for more again and again.

For the next 5 days, La Toriana are inviting customers new and old to enjoy a massive 40% discount on the following fine brands: Three Little Trees, Oobi Baby and Kids, Eternal Creation, Babyjo Organics, Britt, Miniwhisk, Finnigan Finn, Huggalugs, Eco Peko, Grommets, Kee-Ka, Lazybones, Penny Scallan and Vintage Kid. Phew! Enter code ‘KSF20′ at checkout to redeem this wonderful offer. It ends on midnight 24 July 2009, so motor on over!

Elizabeth at La Toriana is a big supporter of prem babies – she had three herself – and is celebrating upcoming National Premmie Day (31 July this year) with a new premmie range that is the result of a collaboration between her and Lambykins range creator, Angela.

Elizabeth will also be donating 10 % of all premmie product sales to the National Premmie Foundation and the Loddon Malle Kids premmier support group ,from now until 31 July 2009.

The popular La Toriana blog is also focusing on prem babies this month, with many inspirational stories to help parents of prem babies through the journey.

Elizabeth is also putting the call out for photos, recipes, craft ideas, and garden tips for the Kool Kids section of her blog, so if you have a great idea under your hat that you’d like to share then now’s your chance – click here.

1. Eternal Creation Charcoal Winter Dress $69.95 after KSF 40% = $41.97 and matching Beret $24.95 after KSF 40% = $14.97
2. Kee-Ka ‘The Prince’ long-sleeved tee $29.95 after KSF 40% = $17.97
3. Finnigan Finn Navy with white stripes ‘Nelly’ tights $21.99 after KSF 40% = $13.19
4. Britt Faux Fur Newborn Booties $37.95 after KSF 40% = $22.77
5. Penny Scallan ‘Planes’ Library Bag $18.95 after KSF 40% = $11.37
6. Penny Scallan Small Stars Backpack $19.95 after KSF 40% = $11.97
7. Finnigan Finn Green with white stripes ‘Tabitha’ tights $21.95 after KSF 40% = $13.17
8. Three Little Trees Geisha Dress and matching stocking set $59.95 after KSF 40% = $35.97
9. Babyjo Organic Bamboo Baby Blankets $32.95 each after KSF 40% = $19.77 each
10. Huggalugs ‘Rocker’ arm/leg warmers $16.50 after KSF 40% = $9.90
11. Eco Peko Organic ‘Peach Blosson’ Kimono T-Shirt $39.95 after KSF 40% = $23.97
12. Oobi Baby and Kids Striped Pinnie Dress $39.95 after KSF 40% = $23.97 and matching Oobi Knee-high Booties $32.95 after KSF 40% = $19.77
13. Huggalugs ‘Pop Diva’ arm/leg warmers $16.50 after KSF 40% = $9.90
14. Three Little Trees Tokyo Romper $42.95 after KSF 40% = $25.77

La Toriana charge $7.95 flat for registered post Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift. International orders are welcome. For full postage and delivery information, please click here.

Today’s post written by Kat

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Today it rained -bucketed down. And my two-year-old could not have been happier!

In a brief respite, we threw on our wellies and jumped joyously in puddles in the driveway. If you haven’t tried it lately, I highly recommend it!

If you don’t have a hot bath to jump into after your aquatic adventrues, check out these stylish (and splashproof) options:

Gumboots:

Available in a plethora of colours and prints, these options make sure your wellies are anything but boring! Puddle Beach have a bright and cheerful range of boots from several brands, including Western Chief’s Ladybug and Camoflauge ($41.80ea), which offer cotton lining, handles to make putting them on so much easier for litle people, and non-slip soles, which is always handy.

They also have a more basic, but equally as cute, range, with designs such as Aeroplane and Worm ($36ea, currently on sale for $29) sure to delight kids of all ages, as well as your purse!

Hunter Wellington Boots are just about the creme de la creme of the gumboot world. Originally designed for traipsing through the Scottish Highlands, they’ve been in production since 1856 and therefore really know their stuff (and the website reassuringly informs us their boot-making technology has since been updated). They do a kid’s range in simple colours that will set you back $70 a pair, but they are so jam-packed with every orthopaedic advantage, it’s definitely where I’d put my dollars..if I wasn’t so attracted to polka dots and sparkly bits…

..and stripes, like this adorable pair by Morgan & Milo, available at Tiny People, for $60. Or the gorgeous Rasperry Birds print on these Ouch wellies from the Hip Infant ($26.95). So many choices, I almost wish winter was a bit longer (almost)!

Raincoats:

I used to have a sensible bright yellow raincoat that folded neatly into a little square, in it’s own pouch in my schoolbag. Man, it sucked. Thankfully, when my daughter starts school she can have her cherry-pickin’ choice of all that is bright and beautiful -

ShopHouse have a handy wet weather section which includes a nice range of Penny Scallan raincoats. The Navy Star print ($44.95) is subtle yet cool, or for a pretty pattern to brighten up your day try the sweet Daisy print ($44.95).

You could also head back to Puddle Beach for a coat to match your wellies – the Ladybug and Pink Kitty($64.35ea) by Western Chief are perfect for little girls, while the blue Dino coat for boys ($64.35) is just too cute to resist!

Got a little monster? Kit him out appropriately with this cool Monster raincoat ($49.95) from Moochie-moo!

Umbrellas:

There are oodles of umbrellas out there, so let your imagination (and your mouse) run wild!

That said, you might not have to look much further than Kinder Kaboodle, who also have a nifty section devoted to rainy days. Their umbrella pages are just glorious! My picks are the Rush Strawberry Flower and Green Dino brollies, or Penny Scallan’s Star and Spot designs (all $19.95ea).

Wrigglebots have a great range of Kidorable wet weather gear, including the very sweet Butterfly and Lotus umbrellas for girls, and this very cool Pirate for boys (all $18ea)!

I also found a whole shop devoted to brollies (so Mum can grab herself a funky new one as well!), StellaBrella where they not only stock gorgeous prints for kids (like Butterfly and Frogs, $19.95) but uber chic clear options with coloured trims (I love the yellow, despite my prior negative association) – oh la la!

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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For back to childcare/pre-school/kinder/school supplies you just can’t go by Kinder Kaboodle – www.kinderkaboodle.com.au. This fabulous store, run by genuine sweetheart Bernice, is purpose-built to make life kitting your kids as easy as pie.

For backpacks, large enough to accommodate lunch, snacks, art projects, and a change of clothes, whilst still being small enough for a little person to carry, choose from Kinder Kaboodle’s fab range from Rush, Tiger Tribe, Mini Rhubarb, Fleurville (my personal faves!), and Zebra Crossing (now on sale!). For swim bags and library bags, check out the range from Kiddysac. Choose from the cute range of bag tags from The Bag Tag Studio to ensure that your backpack is easily identifiable.

Drink bottles from Alex & Charli, Rush and Tatiri are essential to keep your little one hydrated.

Lunch boxes are another essential, and the insulated varieties are great for keeping food fresh and bacteria free. Fleurville Kids, and Fridge-To-Go lunch bags are just the thing. There are also a super selection of lunch bags from Penny Scallan, Bestever, 4 My Earth (fantastic eco-friendly options!), Crocodile Creek, and Rush.

Many schools are now requesting that your child front up with a hand towel with a loop. Kinder Kaboodle saves the day, with towels from Feef (who also make the world’s best smocks, in my opinion -  *nothing* can soak through these babies!).

Name personalisation services are also available on many of the products at Kinder Kaboodle – Kinder Kaboodle is a full service!

To further sweeten your shopping experience, you can enter ‘KSF’ in the discount code/coupon section at checkout to receive 10% off all orders at Kinder Kaboodle until 31 January 2009.

PS: Don’t forget to check out the Sale section at Kinder Kaboodle for lots of quality goodies for less.

Take 10% off all the prices quoted below with the code mentioned above until 31 January 2009.

A. The Bag Tag Studio Bag Tags $9.95 each
B. Fleurville Kids Backpack $59.95
C. Feef Hand Towels $10.95 each
D. Penny Scallan Lunchbag $19.95
E. Rush Dinosaur Backpack $39.95
F. Bestever Alligator Lunchbag $29.95 $23.95
G. Crocodile Creek Lunchbag $29.95
H. Kiddysac Library bag $19.95
I. Fridge-To-Go Lunchbag $26.95
J. Zebra Crossing Backpack $39.95 $31.95

These top brands are stocked at Kinder Kaboodle: Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef, Fleurville, Fruity Faces, Giddy Giddy, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club.

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 4.3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!

Posted in Bobble Art, Cocoon Couture, Fleurville Kids, Kinder Kaboodle, Rush, Tiger Tribe
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Today’s post written by Miki

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Chances are, you’ve now caught up on yourself after the Christmas/New Years rush and you’re starting to look towards what this year will bring.

And what this year will bring, without a shadow of doubt, is cold weather in surprisingly few months!

Fortunately I’ve just discovered a cache of winter goodies in the sale section at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – which means that you can get prepared for a stylish winter at bargain basement prices!

Choose from the winter wonderland which has Britt Design, Mokopuna (divinely silky-soft merino from NZ), Lilbird and Penny Scallan, and have a look at the fantastic toys and summer gear in the sale section too.  There are some great discounts in there! (Hint: the winter gear starts on about page 3 of the sale section).

Now if you’re interested in what’s new and what’s hot (aren’t we all?) then it’s always worth paying a visit to the Metro Mum ‘New This Month’ category too.  Tamara and Francine really have their finger on the pulse when it comes to stocking hip new products!

I’m seriously in love with the Oeuf nursery furniture, and if I had my way then my next nursery would have nothing but those pieces in it… except for an organic cradle (or maybe a moses basket and stand?) by Seed!

Both ranges just have to be seen to be believed – oh, and the prices for them on Metro Mum include shipping so the price you see there is the total of what you’ll pay.

Also new this month are adorable kids birthday invitations from Paper Eskimo, cute backpacks from Little Beetle and a great range of nappy bags for both dads and mums.

Now finally, grab your copy of My Child Magazine or check the latest KidStyleFile News & Reviews Weekly Newsletter (sign up for it here if you haven’t already) and use the code to take 10% off everything except sale items and furniture at Metro Mum until 19 February 2009.

See details above to find information on how to score a 10% discount at Metro Mum.

1. Little Beetle Kiddie Backpack and FREE Drink Bottle – Lady Beetle, $29.00
2. Seed Organic Cradle, $330.00
3. Seed Organic Pod – Moses Basket & Stand, $355.00
4. Penny Scallan Girl Stripe Raincoat, $42.50 $29.75
5. OTi Organiser for Busy Women, $39.59
6. Paper Eskimo Birthday Invitations Pack – Glamour Queen, $18.95
7. Lilbird Basketweave L/S Tee – sz 2, $45.00 $29.98
8. Mokopuna Merino Wool Wrap Tunic Dress, $57.00 $48.45
9. Little Beetle Kiddie Backpack and FREE Drink Bottle – Train, $29.00
10. Paper Eskimo Birthday Invitations Pack – Space Cadet, $18.95

The range of brands at Metro Mum includes 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.

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.

Today’s guest really needs no introduction – I’m sure many of you have ‘met’ her through your shopping expeditions – it’s Bronwyn O’Loan, the vivacious personality behind dynamic online boutique ShopHouse.

Bronwyn lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband Greg, their three children Finn , 6 years, Tara, 5 years, and Grace, 2 years, Greg (Husband), and Fred, the 6 year old golden retriever who goes to work with Bronwyn every day. Read on, to find out more! – Angela

PS ShopHouse has some lovely offers happening for KSF readers right now, including FREE postage! Click here to get all the details. There’s also up to 55% off selected Penny Scallan stock today only!!

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Tell us a bit about yourself: what makes you tick?

I live in the beautiful leafy suburb of Wahroonga in Sydney, NSW and I absolutely love running my own business.

I started out as a primary school teacher, moved to marketing and product management in the IT sector, and ended up lecturing at a university.  Sounds a bit dry doesn’t it?  Wait, it gets better!! Three children later I worked on a plan to be able to have more time to be right amongst their lives as well as feeding my own appetite for working and ShopHouse was born.

My friends and family mean a lot to me, they are my world.  So I’m happiest when I’m with them – this means lots of impromptu dinner parties, good red wine and laughter.  (I sound so middle-aged don’t I?!)

Apart from my family and friends, my other great love is coffee.  I’ll meet you in a coffee shop for a chat anytime.

Tell us a little about your business?

ShopHouse was born over a coffee (of course) at our kitchen bench.  Operating for just over 2 years, we have strived (and our customers tell us we have succeeded!) in developing a wonderful shopping experience through our gorgeous products, new and improved website, with a priority on customer service (we ship overnight delivery for just $6.95 Australia-wide).

I have a great team of people working with me: Brenda, our customer service and finance team member, and our two part-time packing fairies, Rachael and Sharon,  without whom we couldn’t get all of those wonderful parcels out the door and on to your doorsteps within 24 hours.

Our customers are very loyal and we love seeing them come back again and again and again.  We have created a business that I am just so proud of.

ShopHouse is a great name. Does it have a meaning?

Our name originates from the wonderful traditional Shophouses found in South East Asia.  The concept of a Shophouse contains a shop with a separate space for living. Especially found in Singapore, the old-fashioned Shophouse has recently been revived with a urbanised edge.  One of the most important features of a shophouse is the open-to-sky spaces that provide lots of natural daylight and fresh air (we designed our website on that brief).  Residents of a traditional Shophouse would use this space for quiet reflection, places to dry laundry, or for cooking, playing and reading.  It’s a space for living, and we see our store as a place for living too.

You stock a lot of beautiful products. Where do you find them, and what do you look for when finding them for your store?

I spend many hours researching the best and most unique brands available.  We have an extensive selection process to ensure that only the finest quality of products are presented. Products have to be useful and/or very very beautiful!

What are your 5 favourite baby and kids designers right now?

I absolutely love Oobi Baby + Kids.  The Summer 09 collection has been extremely popular and is so easy to mix and match.

ShopHouse and Cocoon Couture are right in the middle of a love affair at the moment!  The quality of these products are absolutely amazing.  The beanbags, wall charts, wooden charms and Christmas sacks should be a part of every single home – truly an inspiring decorating dream.

ShopHouse is very loyal to mill&mia, who are the epitome of designer children’s fashion, in my humble opinion.  The cut and fabric of every piece is superb and so wearable for kids. Think ‘the perfect Christmas Day outfit’.  It is a wonderful day when we receive our mill&mia shipment for the season.

One of our all time faves is Penny Scallan.  Renowned for fabulous backpacks, insulated lunchboxes, bags for Mum, swimbags and overnight bags – the designs are scrumptious and so very popular.  My favourites this season have been Navy Star, Blue Stripe and Daisy designs.  What I love most about this brand is that you can give your kids the ‘designer traveler’ look so simply – team a Daisy lunchbox with matching overnight bag and you’re all set for a weekend at Nan’s place. Or how about grabbing your Navy Star swimbag and matching mini backpack and heading down to the beach.  You get the idea.  Sweet.

Our final favourite designer right now is Milestone Press, and my what a buzz they are creating around the place at the moment.   We are so proud to be offering our customers the beautifully bound ‘Master Planner’ diary (perfect Christmas gift for busy Mums) – the diary for right now and up until Jan 2010, ‘About Me’ baby book and ‘My School Days’ record book (document each precious year of school in one brilliant folder – get one for each child).  The girls at Milestone Press know exactly what we need in these essential items – good looks, quality and usability.

What’s your favourite thing about running an online store?

The best thing about owning and running an online store is the limitless boundaries available to the business.  I get a great feeling when we receive orders from faraway countries where buyers are seeking fantastic Aussie designer products.  I have found that an online business can also move quickly with changes and trends which is gratifying – it means we can keep up with our discerning customers, and what they want in an online shopping experience.

Our suppliers are another great part of running an online store.  Developing long term business partnerships is important to us, and this, coupled with working daily with the wonderful ShopHouse team, keeps my days busy and brilliant.

Apart from all of that, my most favourite thing about running an online store is the people I get to meet, the customers, who never fail to impress with beautiful compliments and comments about their experiences at ShopHouse – Cheers!

Visit the ShopHouse blog for news on what’s happening now, and coming soon to ShopHouse.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Ready? Steady. GO!!! It’s the La Toriana - www.latoriana.com.au – 48 hour Pre-Xmas Sale!

Scoop 30% off the following labels: Oobi, Penny Scallan, Britt, Djeco, Finnigan Finn, Eternal Creation, Grommets, Huggalugs, Kee-Ka and Lazybones. This discount also applies to items from these designers already on sale, which means some products are discounted by <quick calculation> up to 80%!!!!!

Enter code ‘Twinkle’ at checkout to redeem. This sale runs while stocks, finishing at midnight on December 4.

Elizabeth at La Toriana has assembled a fine range of clothes and accessories for babies and kids, and a great selection of toys. Elizabeth is making Christmas shopping very easy for us too, with a section of La T just for Christmas 2008.

I highly recommend the Anamalz range: we have the whole collection, and now there are 4 new characters for us to collect!

Eco friendly, and very affordable, these are great stocking fillers. The Xmas set is lots of fun; my kids love to make up Christmas scenarios any time of the year, and the CD is quite addictive (“the Anamalz are so excite-e-d, tomorrow is Christmas Day, to-mo-rrow is Christ-mas daaay!”).

If you’re looking for Xmas day attire, you just can’t go past the Oobi party dresses, and matching bloomers for girls up to 2 years (we had these too: I love them because they do wonderfully as tops after they are no longer feasible as dresses, and the detachable rosette means you can dress them up or down). For boys up to 2 years, the Dino egg set is both cool, and comfy.

For kids of any ages Egglings are wonderful. Plant the little seeds in the Japanese ceramic egg (you have to crack the top open first!), and watch them grow. These are great gifts, as they teach kids about how things grow, and also a sense of responsibility and care, as they have to be watered daily.

Looking for toys? Djeco from France offers high quality and imaginative options. The Djeco Cubanimo set, and 6-Sided block puzzle are true delights.

For Penny Scallan fans, the 30% is just incredible. Those looking for the limited edition spot designs should jump in quick – these won’t last long!

Also, check out TikiBoo Kids and G& T Kids, both new to La Toriana.

All orders placed at La Toriana between now and 14 December also receive a FREE Oopsidaisi All Natural Lip Balm, and you’ll also go in the draw for the La T Great Christmas Giveaway: an annieB Play Palace worth $399. Shop away: you may just be the lucky winner…

Don’t forget to swing by the La T blog. Elizabeth is a very busy bunny, and there’s always something exciting happening over there.

Discounted prices listed below are after the 30% discount has been deducted. Prices return to normal at midnight on December 4.

PS If you would like a 10% discount on products listed below that are not included in the 30% sale click here. Note you can only use one discount code at a time.

1. Djeco Cubanimo 17 piece set $45.95 $32.16
2. Penny Scallan Small Backpack $19.95 $13.96
3. Finnigan Finn White Crossover Blouse $39.95 $35.95 $25.16
4. Oobi 1950’s Party Dress $42.95 $30.06
5. Anamalz Christmas Set with CD $39.95
6. NEW RELEASE Anamalz $9.95
7. Djeco 6-sided Puzzle $16.50 $11.55
8. Hansel and Gretel Twin Elves $22.45
9. G&T Kids Bib, Placemet, and Cushion set $72.95
10. Annabel Trends Xmas Romper $14.95
11. Oobi Egglings $19.95 $13.96
12. Oobi Dino Egg Short and Singlet Set $39.95 $27.96 and Oobi Dino Egg Bib $9.95 $6.96

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, and new to La Toriana, Britt, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide. Orders over AUD$150.00 are posted FREE, and receive a FREE pressie too!

Today’s post written by Miki.

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It’s a chilly old spring this year, isn’t it?  I’ve just had a look at a weather forecast chart for Australia, and there’s not one capital city without a little cloud or rain picture hanging over them for today.

That’d be fine – heck, we can use the rain! – but if your kids have grown out of last winter’s raincoats and boots, like mine has, you’ll be a bit stuck because they’re hard to find at this time of year.

Luckily for us Kinder Kaboodle - www.kinderkaboodle.com.au – comes to the rescue.  Not only do they stock ravishing rainwear (Smelly Welly, Western Chief and Penny Scallan among others) but it’s discounted at 20% off!

It’s rare to find top brands like this at less than full price so snap ‘em up while they’re hot!  Be smart and buy for next winter as well while you’re at it.

Kinder Kaboodle always stock the latest and best in gear for kinder, pre-school, childcare and school. There’s currently a heap of new goodies to feast your eyes upon, for example the totally adorable new hair clips and accessories from Giddy Giddy – huge range and really affordable.

The new Charlie & Lola range from the popular ABC TV series and the books by Lauren Child will also be a winner – put some of it away for Christmas and you know there’ll be huge smiles on the day.

I think my absolute favourite at Kinder Kaboodle right now is the brand new Bazoongi Kids Mushroom Play House – check it out!  How fantastic is that?!  Boys and girls (and parents) alike will love this one, it’s a great size for mini tea parties and whispering secrets and giggles while being small enough to pack away compactly when it’s not in use.

If you want a 15% discount storewide – including sale items!! – then grab a copy of Shop4Kids magazine for the magic code inside.  If you can’t get hold of the mag, then watch out for the code, included in tomorrow’s KidStyleFile newsletter (if you haven’t already subscriber, do so here).

Kinder Kaboodle are also noteworthy for their stylish FREE giftwrapping!

Kinder Kaboodle stock the following brands: Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef, Fleurville, Fruity Faces, Giddy Giddy, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club.

From top left in rows:

All prices include the 15% Shop4Kids discount.

Giddy Giddy hair clips are scattered across the image above, $10.95 $9.30 each
Rush Wall Hook – Space Alien, $17.95 $15.25
Alex & Charli ‘Pearls For Girls’ Bracelet, $35.95 $30.55 Beautiful Christening/Baptism/Confirmation gift for a special little girl
Penny Scallan Raincoat ‘Boy Stripe’, $49.95  $41.95 $35.65 and ‘Boy Stripe’ Boots, $29.95  $24.95 $21.20
Tatiri Little Plane Drink Bottle, $14.95 $12.70
Giddy Giddy Fabric Pouch – Red Elephant, $31.95 $27.15
Locolili! Pink Freckle Reversible Headband, $10.95 $9.30
Fleurville Kids Messenger Bag – Olive Green, $59.95 $50.95
Bazoongi Kids Mushroom Playhouse, $129.95 $110.45
Smelly Welly – Strawberry Wellies, $39.95  $27.95 $23.75

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!