KidStyleFile

Notice anything different about KidStyleFile. Yes, you got it! We went and got ourselves made up all pretty!

What do you think? Love it or loathe it, show me some love either way and leave a comment.

No new post today, but a few special things are coming in the next few days, so stay tuned.

Ange x

I love the Australian artist Mirka Mora. I think I love her philosophy even more than her art.

In her book Love and Clutter she explains that she collects, houses and retains a wild menagerie of objects, from handbags to birdcages, because each one reminds her of a point in time. An event, a person, the thrill of the moment in which she acquired each piece.

I think there is a little of the hunter gatherer instinct still left in us as human beings, and in the Western world this often manifests itself through shopping and acquiring new things. Shopping is basically one of the only thing the average person has left to exercise this instinct on.

I once aspired to minimalism in my life, but I have now let my natural tendency to be a magpie take over, and I’m all the happier for it. These things that surround me, they give me context for my life, who I am, where I am and where I have been.

In my pursuit and documentation of all the wonderful kids products on sale out there I am not advocating buying things just for the sake of it. Buying things on sale just because they are cheap.I am expressing my appreciation for all the love, thought, care and hard work that has gone into the production of each piece.

By waiting until sale time, I am not only saving myself precious funds, but extending the pleasure of noticing, and being inspired by, the exquisite beauty within each creation. Treasuring - especially - the things I have waited patiently for, savouring them far more because of it. Maybe there’s truth to that old saying “Good things come to those who wait”…

So, Dear Reader, does this theory resonate with you, or do you think I’m just justifying my large soft toy collection? Drop me a line, I’d love to know:)

How are you? How are you finding KidStyleFile?

Am I catering for your needs? Pointing you in the right direction? Providing a bit of light entertainment?

Or maybe not?

I wanna know!

Let me know what *you’d* most like to see found for less in the world of kids.

Leave a comment or email me at finditforlesschallenge[at]kidstylefile.com.au NB remember to replace the [at] with @ when you send

A long time ago, BC (Before Children), I read an interesting philosophy on how a person might develop their aesthetic: that what you are exposed to starting from infancy, has a profound and defining impact on your developing and final aesthetic taste . The example given was, that everything on the family table, from the tablecloth, to the cutlery and food influences the sensory impressions of how you see the world. This process repeats across all contexts and experiences and eventually determines what you see as the norm, and what you like.

Certain objects, shapes, patterns colours and sounds stimulate us, and conversely, bring us calm throughout our lives from infancy to old age. Think of the smells that remind you of your childhood, or music that reminds you of a particular time, place of person.

I guess in the things I love, and in many of the objects I document in this blog, I am rediscovering and redefining my aesthetic appreciation. For me, these material objects are not about acquisition or status, but about art and beauty; seeing, feeling, hearing, touching and tasting again the magic of childhood.

What a joy to have children in my life to bring all this back to me so clearly again.

Hello and welcome to KidStyleFile, your Australian-based one stop location for insider knowledge on what’s beautiful, functional, and fun in the wonderful world of kids.

The purpose of this blog is to provide somewhat of a scrapbook for me, to record the things I see and to share with others the super bargains and great people and stores I have encountered through extensive research and practical experience.

My mission is to bring you the lowdown on what’s hot and where you can get it and a great deal to boot. Each product has been picked because it’s fun, stylish, and practical, and each store has been picked because they offer great deals and great customer service.

I should also let you know that I am on a tight budget and that I shop widely and without prejudice, judging products on their merits, not their label - there is beauty everywhere; you just have to know where to find it.

So stay awhile, visit often and get ready to save a bundle!

Angela