KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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If you haven’t already swung over to Mini Eco’s – www.minieco.com.au – fabuloso 50% off Summer Sale with an EXTRA 5% disc for KSF readers, then now’s the time!

Get 50% off all summer clothes for kids and adults, as well as 50% off all organic toiletries and yummy organic treats.

KSF VIPs can also take an extra 5% off by entering the code ‘ summersale‘ at checkout until 28 Feb, 2009. Thank you, Catherine!!

Mini Eco specialises in organic and fair trade baby and children’s fashion and accessories (and there’s even some goodies in there for Mum and Dad too!)

Mini Eco’s stunning range of products showcases the fact that “eco” and “ethical” don’t have to mean daggy. Min Eco stock some of my fave brands including Fig, Scout, Sckoon, Binth, Lark, Lotus Linens, and La Queue du Chat, to name just a few.

To show you just how far eco and ethical has come, check out this, the entire list of brands Mini Eco stocks:

4MyEarth, Adiri, anamalz, Angelique, Artisse Organic, babba, Baberoo, Baby E, Baby Greens, Baby Nova, Baby Organics, Bamboo Baby, Binth, biobaby, Bobux, Boon Inc, Bossy Baby, Centro Style, Clothing of the American Mind, Cotton Monkey, Cuski, David Fussenegger, Dr Bronner’s, Earth Greetings, Eco Yarn Co, EcoLinen, Egg Baby, Envirosax, Ezy Peazy Babywear, Fig Kids, Fresh Baby, Fully Stoked, Gg and me, Go Natural, Green Pack, Hampstead Teas, Holy Cow Company, Imse Vimse, Indigo Goose, Irie Star, Jolie, Kailis Organics, Kee-ka, Kiwi Industries, Kwool Baby, La Queue du Chat, Lambykins, Lanka Kade, Lark, Lazy Baby and Plain Lazy, Lewis Confectionery, Little Blue Fish, Little Eyes, Little Green Radicals, Little Merry Fellows, Little Yogis, Look at the Wall, Lotus Linens, Luscious Liquids, Margaret River Hempco, Maria’s Organic Babies, Maud n Lil, Milk and Tickles, mini eco, My Vintage Baby, Nalan Collection, Nanny Pickle, Nappy Head, Nest, Nest Organics, O’Bon, Ocean Pure, Orgran, Piccalilly, Progressive Kid, pure potions, Pure Wipes, Q Collection Junior, Rattle Me, Rise Up, Rosie Flo, Sage Creek, Sahara Bloom, Sckoon, Scout, Serendipity, speesees, Springhill, Tot Seat, Turtlegreen, Under the Nile.

Impressed? Yeah! Head over to Mini Eco now!

Mini Eco charge $7.50 flat rate postage, Australia-wide. Orders over $200.00 are shipped FREE within Australia. International orders are welcome. Flat rate postage to New Zealand in AUD$20.00. See Mini Eco’s postage and delivery information page for full details.

oday’s post written by Angela

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Keiko (pronounced Kay-Co) means “rejoicing child” in Japanese, and new online boutique My Keiko – www.mykeiko.com.au – is cause for Mums, babies and kids alike to rejoice with it’s fine selection of affordable luxuries.

Within My Keiko’s clean, understated site lies a wealth of quality brands including Aden & Anais, Appaman, BABU, BabyLegs, babysparewear, Baobab, Custard Pie, Dripstik, Elegant Baby, Ellaroo, Fairy Floss Creations, hiPP, Hotbubba, Hullubullu, Il Tutto, Infancy, Jock & Tilly, Look At The Wall, Lotus Linens, Luv A Bub, Melobaby, Nature Baby, Penny Scallan, Scout, Skeanie, Sticky Baby Company, Uchi, and Urban Rituelle.

New to me, and exclusive to My Keiko, are Renee Pinto’s delicately hand painted Poppy Singlets. These pieces, available in sizes 000 to size 5, are a new take on the classic singlet, and are perfect for hot summer days, not to mention extremely affordable!

Hullubullu is another new Australian label producing a quality range for babies, with splendiforously colourful bibs, and restrained blue and pink organic rompers which come in a nice recycled gift box.

Another hot pick are babysparewear capsule wardrobes, consisting of a tee, long-sleeved top, and leggings in a handy pack format. These are a great idea – never be caught short without a change again! How I wish they made the black set in adult sizes…

Also highly recommended are the unisex Lotus Linens summer pyjamas. Made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, these PJs are deliciously soft. The Nature Baby Organic Cotton bibs are also on my ooh and aah list.

For older kids the Scout Organic (USA) tees and dresses are divine, as are the Appaman (USA) pieces. My Keiko is stocking some designs not found anywhere else in Australia, so cruise over and have a look.

Also, some very important news for fans of il Tutto: My Keiko have the il Tutto Mia and Chiara bags (as toted by Cate Blanchett, no less) on sale until December 31, 2008. Be very quick – they’ll fly out the door, especially considering the little piece of information below…

As a launch special, Jane at My Keiko is offering KSF readers 10% of store-wide*, including already  marked down products. Mention ‘KSF’ in the ‘Gift Voucher and Discount Code’ section at checkout to enjoy more quality bang for your hard-earned buck. 10% discount offer expires 31 January 2009.

*Excludes Appaman.

1. Renee Pinto Hand Painted Poppy Singlets $12.95-$14.95 each less 10% = $11.65-$13.45 each
2. Scout Organic Dress $33.00 each less 10% = $29.70
3. il Tutto Chiara Baby Bag (in red: also available in black and cream) $449.00 $395.00 each less 10% = $355.50 – SALE PRICE APPLICABLE UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2008 ONLY
4. il Tutto Mia Baby Bag (in cream: also available in black and red) $449.00 $395.00 each less 10% = $355.50 – SALE PRICE APPLICABLE UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2008 ONLY
5. Lotus Linens PJs $36.00 less 10% = $32.40
6. Hullubullu Blue Organic Romper $49.90 less 10% = $44.91
7. Elegant Baby Squirty Bath Animals $24.95 less 10% = $22.45
8. Custard Pie Kids In the Kitchen Sushi Set $34.99 less 10% = $31.49
9. Nature Baby Organic Cotton Bibs $15.95 each less 10% = $14.35

My Keiko charge a flat rate of $7.95 for standard post, Australia-wide. Express Post is also available. Orders over $150.00 are shipped FREE Australia  Wide. See the My Keiko delivery info page for full details.

Today, Miki visits the wonderful Metro Mum, and brings us news of new delights in store. Lap them up!

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There’s a new Trunki in town, and its name – or should I say ‘her name’ – is Frieda.

We’ve raved on about Trunki in the past, quite a number of times actually (Ange has them for her kids, and counts the Trunki in her ‘Top 5 Kids Products Ever’ List!) The British kids suitcase designers have developed quite a fan base in the Antipodes, and it’s not hard to see why.

Cleverly sized to be carry-on size for all airlines, these little suitcases are designed to be ridden on by their pint-sized owners.  Strong enough to carry not one but two preschoolers, with horns for the little tackers to hold on to and a strap for the parents to tow them should they so wish, Trunki suitcases make waiting in airports with small kids a million times easier!  Even better – once the kids have tired themselves out the Trunki can be easily carried by the parent.

Joining her friends Towgo, Terrence and Trixie, Frieda Trunki is a limited edition cow design.

You can get your Frieda at the ever-wonderful Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – with the merest click of a mouse, but you’d better skidaddle on over quickly, now as only one shipment has arrived from the UK, they’re mooooving out the door fast (pun intended )  and once these adorable little cases are gone, they’re gone for good!

Read the Metro Mum blog post about Frieda to find out more about this new fun and funky friend.

Prices quoted are after 15% Shop 4 Kids discount until 31 October 2008 only, at which time regular pricing is applicable. See below for more info*.

Frieda Cow Trunki $74.95 $63.70
Terrence (blue) and Trixie (pink) Trunkis $64.95 $55.20
Towgo Trunki $69.95 $59.45

Also new at Metro Mum are the gorgeous textiles from Caden Lane.

Direct from the US, Caden Lane is the savvy mum’s choice of nursery décor and accessories with celebrities such as Tori Spelling creating their entire nursery theme around this stylish collection. Comprised of bold colours and playful prints the Caden Lane collection is infused with pink, browns, blue, striking swirls and pinstripes and a twist on the traditional neutral prints.

Check out the range of luxe bibs (all mums know that you can never have too many), the laminated spill mats, ruffle blankets, hooded towel and washcloth sets (these are perfect gifts!). Also, bag lovers take note: do not miss the extremely stylish (and very affordable!) bowler-style nappy bags. Divine!

Prices quoted are after 15% Shop 4 Kids discount – see below for more info*.

Caden Lane ‘Kane’ – blue – Nappy Bag $150.00 $127.50
Caden Lane ‘Kate’ – pink – Nappy Bag $150.00 $127.50

Come to think of it really, everything at Metro Mum is divine. The product range is truly enormous and includes designers such as 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, as you know

Here’s a way to get a 15% discount AND a FREE gift until 31 October, 2008, when you make a purchase at Metro Mum: pick up a copy of the current Shop 4 Kids magazine to get the code and then enter it at checkout.

Here are my product picks for the day – I want them all, and a Trunki besides!

From top left in rows:

Prices include the 15% Shop4Kids magazine discount*. Read above for more info.

WallCandy – Animal Chalkboad Room Decor, $99.95 $84.95
Emotion & Kids Knitted Patch Blanket – $30.00 $25.50
Mothers Minder – UV Colour Change Stainless Steel Reminder Bracelet, $29.95 $25.45
Lilbird Signature S/sleeve Onesie, $39.95 $33.95
Scout Organic Cotton Baby Top Voyager ‘Sunset’, $22.00 $18.70
Scout Organic Cotton Long Shorts ‘Ocean’, $29.00 $24.65
Paper Eskimo Baby Thank You packs – Pink, $18.95 $16.10
Caden Lane Reversible Coated Bibs, $20.00 $17.00
Caden Lane 2 Piece Bib Set – Red Circle Dot, $29.99 $25.45
Caden Lane Laminated Kids Spill Mat – Blue Swirl, $49.95 $42.45
Bilibo – Award Winning Toy For Children, $39.99 $33.95

Metro Mum also have a fab loyalty program. Sign up to Metro Mum’s MM Club to receive exclusive offers and discounts all year round.

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) – check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

*Terms and conditions apply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clockwise from top left:

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

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

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

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

So much beauty, so little time! Enjoy

Clockwise from top left:

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

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

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

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

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) – check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

*Terms and conditions apply.