KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

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Hello everyone! Time just flies by, doesn’t it? I can’t believe Easter is just around the corner so here are some fun ideas to get you going.

Several of these projects use googley eyes. These are a great little item to have in your craft stash – you can buy them plain or with a sticky back so think about picking some up the next time you’re out

Enjoy!

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1 - Sparkplugging shows you how to make these adorable finger puppets that are made from chenille stems, pompoms, and googley eyes.

2 - Everyone can make an Easter bonnet with this simple tutorial at Lottie Lulu.

3 - One More Moore makes an easy Easter treat with Oreo’s, chocolate, and candies.

4 – I think these sun catchers at 4 Crazy Kings are really cute – this is a great project to do with a group of kids.

5 - Paint some watercolor eggs with this idea at My Montessori Journey. Hang several from string and they would make a great Easter garland.

6 – You’ll get some beautiful eggs with this process at Full Circle, just be careful with the hot eggs!

7 - One Golden Apple has the directions for these sweet fuzzy birds – so cute you’ll want to make a whole flock.

8 - Kids can make these jelly bean bracelets found at Mrs. D. Lightful for a fun treat or party favor, or make them on your own and slip them into an Easter basket.

9 - More Mom Time shows you how to make these cute wobbly eggs.

10 - Get started now with these sprouting egg heads to have them ready for your Easter table – details are at A Number Of Things.

You’ll find many more great craft ideas at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow Presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Leah

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Bzzzzzzz….Bzzzzzyyyy…..Bzzzzzyyy……Bzzzzzzzzzz!!!

Do you know what that is? That’s the sound at my excitement at the news of the latest limited release Trunki just about to join the pack! This new striped and honey sweet addition to the Trunki stable is called Bernard the Bee and he is sure to have you swarming to grab him.

Perfect for your little travel bug, Bernard is the ultimate accessory for your trip away or sleep overs. He’s great on planes as he’s cabin-baggage approved for all major airlines, and your kidlet can even ride him, seated on his back gripping his horns for stability, while you wait for your flight to board. (Talk about a ‘board-om’ buster, haw haw!).

The limited edition Trunki Bernard the Bee model is expected to land in Australia in April 2010. He retails at $85.00 and is available for pre-order now from Metro Mum www.metromum.com.au.

Metro Mum currently stock the following Trunki models, from left to right: Trixie, Harley, Tipu and Terrance, with Bernard (top) joining his friends in April 2010.

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 Bec

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy the luck of the Irish with these green goodies, great on any day of the week, at madeit – madeit.com.au, the home of fine Australian artisan designer-makers.

You can read more madeit.com.au Five Fabulous {Handmade} Finds posts here.

		St. Patrick’s Day Loopy Wristband Teether Seller – FortandCrib Price – $9.50 More info/Buy It
		St. Patrick’s Day Nappy Pants Seller – tutusmuddyshoes Price – $12.00 More info/Buy It
		Bamboo, Baby! Seller – twirlingbetty Price – $12.00 More info/Buy It
		Luck of the Irish Singlet Seller – coconutkids Price – $14.00 More info/Buy It
		Emerald Green Gingham Ribbon Bow Non Slip Hair Clips Seller – VanillaPixie Price –  $5.25 More info/Buy It

All prices quoted are AUD$. Please contact individual sellers for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Anna

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With a six year old boy (with Go-Go Gadget length limbs!) I am quickly realising that dressing him in the coming months and years could provide me with some challenges. He is outgrowing many of my favourite children’s brands so I am turning my eyes towards labels that provide a more extensive range of sizes to help keep him dressed (and me happy on the style front!)

So I am personally very excited to be giving a big shout out to all KSF parents on the same page as me. Today KidStyleFile brings you fantastic news: Eeni Meeni Miini Moh – www.eenimeeni.com is launching e3M a fantastic new and edgy label available from size 2-12. Hooray! Please go right ahead and do your happy dance!

Does any of the following describe your tween?…individual, positive, energetic, adventurous, streetwise and confident.  All of the above?! Yes?!  Then e3M may just be what you have been waiting for – for it has been designed with your savvy growing and independent person in mind !

Launching this autumn/winter season there is a very rich selection of colours across the entire range for both boys and girls. Blackberry, mulberry, cafe – not only do they sound delicious, they look stunning too! Silver is one of my favourite colours for girls and boys, so I am pleased to say it features as a prominent print colour in in this range for e3M.

There are some fantastic winter pieces, all designed to work together, and layered for a more ‘grown’ up, grungy style for your older child.  Plus if you have a strong willed, ‘I’ll dress myself ‘ kind of toddler:  buying from the e3M range you can rest assured, that whatever they choose, will match together. Phew!  My two most favourite pieces are the ’shake-it’ corduroy skirt with braces for girls and for boys it’s the ripped pocket hoodie jacket. There is so much to appreciate about this range, you simply must check it out for yourself!

This debut collection as well as the eeni meeni miini moh collection for 0-5 year olds is now in stores and at the EMMM online store.  While you are there, make sure you Sign up online to become a VIP. As a VIP hear first about great secret offers, competitions +a special birthday treat for your child (and you!): a $10 eeni meeni miini moh/e3M voucher.

Check out the e-Cash Loyalty Program to save $$$. Like this fantastic offer: Save $25 when you spend $275 at the EMMM online store simply by entering the code ‘eeni25′ at the checkout. How easy! So make sure you check out the full range of savings with the e-Cash Loyalty Program. The more you spend the more you save!

EMMM postage charges start at $9 for Express delivery. EMMM ship internationally. Click here for full postage and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Leah

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As parents, we can become the stage designer of our children’s imagination. With the bedroom as the set, we can arrange props (ie, toys) and create backdrops that will have our children conjuring up worlds and places, characters and story lines that will have them entertained for hours.  Monsters under the bed can be frightened away with a strategically placed favourite toy and change can be pre-empted with a story or two whispered at bedtime from the pages of a well chosen book.

This autumn, for the first time here in Australia, you can sprinkle some fairy dust on your nursery walls with Little Chipipi MOVEABLES’ – www.moveables.com.au – new holographic Fairy Dance with Sparkles wall stickers.  The 42 piece set has a shimmering effect, sparkling and reflecting amongst the light of the room. Like all of the MOVEABLES range, the fairies can be repositioned again and again – perfect for all the stories your little princess creates.

Another addition to the MOVEABLES range is Animal Alphabet. Much like working out the secrets of a magic trick, learning letters and words needs to be fun. What better way than hands on visuals. Create words on your walls, practice your letters at bedtime….expose your wee one to letters at every opportunity and they are sure to find the ‘magic’ of letters. I just love “o” with its wise owl within.

Designed and made here in Australia by graphic designer and illustrator Samantha Peters, the Little Chipipi (pronounced ‘chip-ee-pee’) range of MOVEABLES wall stickers are available  in 9 original designs: Butterfly Patch; Drive Time; Red Robin; Ships Ahoy; Baby Animals; Flower Power; Outer Space; and the new Fairy Dance and Animal Alphabet. For a full list of where to buy them click here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Fishpond Books – www.fishpond.com.au – Australiasia’s largest online bookseller,  is currently offering selected children’s classic fiction on sale at bargain prices even lower than their already extra low everyday prices, with free postage Australia-wide for orders over $49.

I’ve included just a few of the goodies on offer at super prices below. Use the menu options to browse to the Children’s Fiction section for more.

If you’d like some ideas on  top children’s reads, then go no further than the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice 2009: Top 40 Children’s Books.

Prices are correct at time of publishing, and may be subject to change.

a. The Lorax By Dr. Seuss, (hardback) $34.99 less 36% = $22.32
b. Harold and the Purple Crayon By Crockett Johnson, (hardback) $35.99  less 33% = $23.97
c. The Little Prince By Antoine De Saint-Exupery, (paperback) $14.99 less 47% = $7.99
d. Frederick ByLeo Lionni (hardback), $35.99 less 33% = $23.95
e. Harry the Dirty Dog By Gene Zion, Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham (paperback) $19.99 less 25% = $14.99
f. Corduroy Board Book and Bear ByDon Freeman, $33.99 less 32% = $22.97
g. Goodnight Moon: Board Book and BunnyBy Margaret Wise Brown, $33.99 less % = $22.97
h. Angus and the Ducks By Marjorie Flack, (paperback) $19.99 less 25% = $14.95

Fishpond Books charge $5 flat-rate postage for orders under $49, and post free for orders over $50, Australia-wide.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Helloooooo Melbourne! Mathilda’s Market is happening in Hawthorn this coming Sunday,14 March 2010, and you don’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet some of the finest designer-makers of baby and kids products this country has to offer.

The essential details for your diary are:

Hawthorn, Melbourne:

• Sunday, 14 March 2010
• Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
• 9am to 1pm. Plenty of free parking at the back of the Town Hall.

Check out my top 5 recommendations pictured below and click here for the full list of stallholders.

Mathilda’s Market holds events all around Australia. Check the full calendar of dates and locations to see when Mathilda’s is coming your way, and find out more about the Mathilda’s Market ethos here.

1. Tutu du Monde
2. Sweet William
3. Chickaboo8
4. Oishi-M
5. Miss Haidee

Today’s post written by Angela

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There are some labels that I was lucky enough to come across early on in my life as a parent. mill&mia – www.millandmia.com – is one of them and, after 7 years of loving this fabulous Melbourne label, it’s appeal hasn’t diminished one jot.

The qualities that keep me coming back to mill&mia are principally the exceptional quality (mill&mia fitted tees are like no other: a superior cotton elastane blend which grows with your child – we get 3 years wear out of each size!) and the beyond-trend designs that are unique each year, but which all retain their ‘mill&mia-ness’: the essence of the brand which makes it like no other.

mill&mia’s new season’s collection for boys and girls from o-10 years, Oriental Winter 2010, is another beauty. Referencing Japan with kimono styling, floral, dragon origami prints, lipstick pink, red, bright blue, black, grey and indigo denim, the overall effect is crisp , dynamic and instantly engaging.

My favourite pieces from this season’s collection include the striped hoodies and fitted tees for boys, and the jackets and coats for girls. The ‘mini’ pieces for babies are truly exceptional and offer sublime style without overdoing it. The bedlinen is also notable for it’s beautiful signature prints and extraordinarily high quality: I am yet to find anything that exceeds it.

mill&mia Oriental Winter 2010 is available now from the mill&mia online store and from stockists now. mill&mia’s summer 2009-2010 collection, including bedlinen, is now on sale at 50% off.

If you’re in Melbourne you can visit the flagship mill&mia store in Hawthorn, which houses the full range of fine mill&mia designs including bedlinen, furniture and accessories. mill&mia don’t miss the fact that parents often come shopping with their children, and the store is set up with little people in mind: it’s replete with unique play tunnels and toys to play with, as well as story-time on Friday’s, and craft classes on the first Saturday of each month. Click here for more information.

mill & mia charge $9.00 flat delivery, Australia-wide, with orders over $101.00 shipping free of charge. Click here for full postage and delivery information. International orders are warmly welcomed, and shopping can be done in your own currency on the site.

The Green Guide is brought to you on the first Monday of each month by expert in the field Raquel, from Growing Up Green (affectionately dubbed ‘GUG’), the Australian authority on modern eco options for kids.

Read previous The Green Guide posts here.

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1 – Parents will be wishing for cold days just so they can dress bub’s chubby mitts in these super adorable mittens. Made from bamboo fleece with extra long cuffs to keep them on, MimiTENS toasty accessories are a must have for animating winter wear! Learn more

2 - A playful statement in eco design, Twirls and Twigs clothes mix recycled designer remnants with eco fabrics to create pieces with a whole lot of twirl! And the best person to put those flouncy skirts to the twirl test is your little miss, who’ll no doubt be delighted to pirouette in one of their pretty dresses! Read more

3 – I’m not trying to hurry summer away, really, but aren’t these wellies the coolest? And you don’t need wet weather to warrant buying them; I could have done with these today when the children decided to make mud pies in the garden, their sandals did not fare well!  Note to self, need a pair of CaLavi’s natural rubber boots. Read more

4 – Another month, another cool lunch box! And this baby is ALL stainless steel, so it will last – not just a year or two – but all the way through school (r, not accounting for every school parents thorn: lost property!). You won’t need baggies either, its slick interior houses built-in compartments and kids can even customise the exterior with some colourful magnets! Learn more

5 - Tightology’s leggings are all a funky flutter in butterflies, birds and the odd cupcake or three: a no fail way to take your daughter’s outfit from so so to WOW in seconds! The tights are made from organic cotton and if you fancy some eco cool for yourself, you’re in luck; Tightology also make women’s leggings. Read more

6 – Whenever I look at these toys I conjure up meringues, but these handmade sweets will enrich playtimes, not rot teeth! The vintage look toys are stunning and flash free, their appeal lying in the classic push design, a childhood favourite. Simple, safe, and finally available in Australia! Find out where

7 – You’ve packed a super healthy sandwich in his chemical free lunch box. What’s missing? A lovely organic napkin for little master to clean up with! He’ll have fun choosing which to take: maybe a lion today, and monkey tomorrow? And there’s even a label to write his name on. Learn about Fabkins

8 – Like our real friends, your kid’s best doll should be a one of a kind that’ll stay with her as she grows up. The Earth Friends are handcrafted heirloom pieces fashioned from organic and recycled fabrics that are as smart as they’re cute. Each comes carrying a backpack with seeds, ready to introduce your little guy to our wonderful natural world. Discover The Earth Friends

9 - I know a sneaky way to get the kids to clean up your household junk, and they won’t even mind, in fact they’ll be delighted to pick up the rubbish! Australian company Makedo’s craft kit contains 68 pieces children can use to transform those cereal boxes etc., into recycled toys/ Now, when they’re bored, you really can tell them to Makedo! Read more

10 – I’m having a huge love affair with linen at the moment, so when I spied these unique coated linen lunch boxes, trimmed in a lash of colour and stamped with funky graphics .. well, I’m completely smitten! These lunch boxes don’t just look cool, their insulated interiors keep things fresh, and of course there’s no BPAs or other nasties. Check them out

Discover more green finds at Growing Up Green the Australian authority on modern eco options for kids.

Please check individual stores for postage and shipping information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today, in all it’s glory, I bring to you the incredible ‘The Future Is Now’ Autumn/Winter 2010 from Polka – www.polkakids.com.au. Never an outfit to disappoint, design duo Marika and Jo, exceed expectations once more with their latest collection pieces for babies from size 000 through to size 7.

Comprised of bold and colourful geometric knits that pay homage to the 1960’s space-age aesthetic for girls – think mini dresses and knee high boots – and ‘cool-geek’ for little boys, Polka once more breaks the mould to deliver a highly unique and individualistic collection.

Responding to the demand from tween mums for fashion that suits 8-12 year olds, Polka are also launching their spin-off collection, Geogami, this season. Available in sizes 8,10,12 and14, independent minded tweens to teens and their parents are bound to be impressed by this collection, which is indefatigably cool in it’s reference to Japan’s Toyko, and Scandinavian street culture.

With nary a muffin top or surfie motif to be found, Geogami offers tweens and teens a sophisticated alternative to the usual street fashion available to them.

Polka Kids A/W10 Collection and Geogami A/W10 will be available in stores from 12 March. Check here for Polka stockists, and contact Polka for Geogami stockists.

Polka Mod Pod Balaclava Beanie and Mod Pod Dress

My Plastic Heart Knitted Jumper and Euro Trax Black Concave Track Pants, Try This Angle Knitted Jumper and Euro Trax Navy Concave Track Pants, My Power Knitted Jumper and Euro Trax Black Concave Track Pants, Monoscope Knitted Jumper and Euro Trax Black Concave Track Pants

Synery Balaclava Beanie and Synergy Knitted Dress, Synergy Balaclava Beanie and Alpha Beta Pocket Play Dress, Mod Pod Balaclava Beanie and Mod Pod Dress, Kaftania Cotton Lycra Dress and Pandamonium Leggings

Prism Triangle Panel Tee and Euro Trax Black Concave Track Pants, Nemesis Knitted Sleeveless Hoodie and Euro Trax Navy Concave Track Pants, Stylus Velour Jumper and Euro Trax Black Concave Track Pants

Hello Tokyo Cotton Knitted Dress

Wolfgang Black Cap and Future Boy Knitted Jumper and Odyssey Salvage Denim Skinny Leg Jean, Wolfgang Grey Cap and Nemesis Knitted Sleeveless Hoodie and Euro Trax Navy Concave Track Pants