KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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Mention Scandanavian-designed furniture these days, and chances are the very first brand that comes to mind is IKEA - www.ikea.com.au.

I am a rabid and unashamed fan of IKEA.  I love the fact that as a company they take responsibility for using sustainable materials and ensuring a good working climate for their many factory employees.  I love that the IKEA founder, Ingvar Kamprad (currently the richest person in Europe) still drives his 1980s Volvo and flies economy class.  I love the tiny prices - although the instructional diagrams on putting items together have been known to beat me! - and most of all I love the clean, classy, thoughtful design.

The IKEA children’s range is just as good as the adults’ stuff.  There’s a truly wonderful range of toys and small furniture for the kids, along with bedding and decor, right down to feeding accessories. A few of my favourites are below, but the POANG armchair rates a special mention as a brilliant feeding/nursery chair - so much more attractive than the ones you usually see in baby shops!  You can also get a mini kids’ version which I adore too.  IKEA stores in Europe have recently started stocking a rocking chair version of the POANG, so let’s hope it hits Aussie shores soon!

If I had to pick just one other favourite, it would be the DUKTIG children’s cooking series. It must be said that a lot of what I love about this series is that it’s unisex. As the mum of a nearly-two-year-old boy who loves pretending to cook (bless him), it drives me mad that the vast majority of play kitchens and tea sets on the market are so overwhelmingly pink! The DUKTIG range is not only extremely tough and durable, it also looks great and has barely a smigeon of pink on it! Hurrah!

If you live in a city near an IKEA, you can make the pilgrimage in-store. For the rest of us you can order online from the IKEA Perth Store (the only IKEA to offer Australia-wide delivery) with IKEA Direct. There is a minimum order of $200, and IKEA will phone you with 24 hours of your order placement to confirm and advise delivery costs - minimum postage is $15 and then depends on weight and destination. Click here for more information.

Editor’s note: We are also big fans of IKEA at our house. We have Sniglar beds, an Expedit bookcase, the LOMSK Swivel airchair (which we know as ‘The Big Egg’: this toy goes on and on: even a 9 and a 7 year old played happily in it only last week! This is one of my top 10 toys for kids), the Rocking Moose, Vippig seesaw, 100% cotton fitted sheets, plates, bowls and cutlery, doll beds, dress ups, and many and various other toys and items, all of which were bought interstate and lugged onto a plane by moi!

1. SMILA SOL Ceiling Lamp, $39.95
2. VIPPIG Seesaw, $99.00
3. POANG Armchair, $159.00
4. LEKA Baby Gym, $44.95
5. DUKTIG 10 Piece Tea/Coffee Set, $16.95
6. EKORRE Rocking Moose, $69.00
7. ANTILOP High Chair w/ Safety Belt, $39.00
8. TROFAST Storage Combination, $499.00
9. IKEA PS LOMSK Swivel Armchair, $149.00

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Ok, ok, rainy days can be fun for watching raindrops on the windows and making puddles to jump in. But at our house it usually doesn’t take long before frustration and boredom can creep in. TV and computer games can be a good distraction but they usually don’t last the distance. So for the days when going out seems too hard it is good to have a few winter-time activities up your sleeve.

I thought I would share some of the coolest project I have found - some are more time consuming and complex, which would be good for the little ones who thrive on a big task, and some like indoor hopscotch from (mum-of-4!) Stephanie at NieNie Dialogues, and the fake moustache from Lisa at 5 Orange Potatoes can be quick projects that can spin off with a little imagination into an afternoon of fun.

I hope they help when a back-up plan needs to be instigated fast!

Cardboard Doll House at Esprit Cabane

Indoor Hopscotch by Stephanie at NieNie Dialogues

Fake Moustache Tutorial by Lisa at 5 Orange Potatoes

Carnation Flower Tutorial at Folding Trees

Block Printing by Daria at Glitter Goodes

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Marilyn once said diamonds are a girls best friend, to which I say hear, hear! I would only add that when it comes to day-dreaming Paris is a girls better friend. It is hard to resist the romance of this beautiful city and all that it has come to represent.

Chic, stylish, fashionable, and French - if only I was describing myself!

Luckily, I can console myself with a quick escape into some gorgeous Parisian websites for a virtual immersion in taste and sensibility. First stop is this fantastic blog, les vestiaire de jeanne, which is a delicacy of chic Parisian fashion.

I haven’t been able to find out much more information about the designer or whether the clothes are modelled by her daughter or sister. Either way the stunning Jeanne is delightfully French and she looks postively lovely in everything!  I love the simplicity of the pieces which are made from Belgian Linen and available at European boutiques and online at enfant terrible (in Canada).

I also check in on the enfant moderne website to keep track of more petit sweets for the lovely little ones.

For the ultimate in designer childrens wear with beautiful European styling you can’t go past Bonpoint. The boutique is famous for its party frocks and boiled wool cardigans. Apparently Suri Cruise wore a Bonpoint dress in her Vanity Fair debut, and needless to say, Bonpoint is a big favourite with celebmoms.

If you happen to be visiting Paris any time soon then do have a look at the new(ish) department store called Merci. It is a uber upmarket op-shop and is the brain child of Bernand and Marie-France Cohen the couple behind Bonpoint.

It has a few levels that includes coffee shop, florist, habadashery, second hand books and even a fragrance store. There is of course vintage designer bags and clothes and also a designer corner where designers such as YSL, Stella McCartney, Azzaro, Alexis Mabille and Marni design new pieces that sell at a lot less, as well as cut price kids clothes from Bonpoint.

All of the profits are channelled into a foundation to support children’s charities in Madagascar. Bravo for shopping with a conscience!

For more inspiration and dreaming head over to the Paris Pool at Flickr - Bon Voyage!

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Today I’d like to introduce you to Three Potato Four - www.threepotatofourshop.com - the ideal place to pass some time with a cuppa and a piece of toast and invest in some quality products.

A truly inspiring mix of vintage, new and limited edition pieces from design duo Janet Morales & Stu Eli, this delightful store is full of the kinds of desirable objects that would fill any home with cosiness and comfort.

Three Potato Four’s kids section is super cute: there are dreamy vintage toys, French money boxes, home decor and accessories to be found here.

There are also some wonderful new and vintage prints in-store and exclusive to Three Potato Four. I love the photographs by Elizabeth Soule of toy cars out on adventures - perfect for boys rooms.

I am also completely smitten by the retro feel of the Manhattan Poster by Jim Datz, the colour, the boroughs - I love it!

Also look out for some lovely 1960’s Montessori Posters with inspiring quotations, the artwork is done by Lucia Pearce, an artist who went on to work for Charles and Ray Eames.

Here are some images to get you inspired, head over and check it out for yourself. Enjoy!

From left to right in rows:

Hand Decorated Zoo Bank - USD$65.00
Tin Wind-Up Globe - USD$35.00
Bird Botanical Print - Sunflower - USD$30.00
“Missouri” by Elizabeth Soule - USD$62.00
Around The World Children’s Tin Pail - USD$25.00
Montessori Poster - USD$120.00
Plush Blue-Eyed Bunny by Shinzi Katoh - USD$32.00
French Money Box - Owl - USD$32.00
Denmark Coin Bank Kit - USD$10.00
French Money Box - Pear - USD$24.00
Manhattan Poster by Jim Datz - USD$48.00
Chubby Nutcracker Drummer Musical Wind-Up - USD$65.00

Three Potato Four ship internationally. Email the store for a quote for postage to your location.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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There have been countless Christmases, birthdays, and other events, where Mum’s and Dad’s the world over have thought to themselves after enduring harrowing queues at the toy store, nightmares in the car park, insufficient wrapping paper, and months of research and effort to procure the most visionary gift of all time have thought “Why do I bother?: all they are interested in is THE BOX!”

Well folks, relax, put your feet up. This year get them what they really want… Cardboard Heaven!

Canadian company Paper Pod - www.paperpod.ca - have created a range of sturdy playhouses made from recycled corrugated cardboard. They are designed to fold flat for storage and are a blank canvas for painting, sticking, drawing all over.

If your child as a penchant for interior decorating then this might be the perfect size for them to realise their vision before starting on their bedroom make-over. The cardboard is also strong enough to be painted over again and again, so you can really let them go wild.

Also keep an eye on Australian company Puggy House as they also sell a similar cardboard play house and have more designs coming online.

Paper Pod currently only ship within Canada, so if you want to purchase one of these fabulous creations you’ll need to seek a reshipper. We’ll let you know as soon as Paper Pod ships internationally.

Today’s post written by Angela

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The second KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey will run from today right through to 30 June 2009. As well as giving you the opportunity to express your views on online shopping, favourite stores, labels, toys, magazines, and more, you’ll go into the draw to win from the prize pool of over $12,000.00!!

This year’s prize sponsors include prestigious Australian baby and kids fashion labels Moppit, Toetum, Baobab, Oobi Baby & Kids, and Polka, high end baby-goods brands Babymoov, and ERGObaby Carrier, award-winning decor pieces from Cocoon Couture, state of the art toys from Intelliplay, and magazine subscriptions from established parenting magazine My Child, and new baby and kids style publication Little One Baby.

In support of granting children with life threatening illnesses a wish come true, KidStyleFile will be donating 50 cents for every completed copy of the KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey to national children’s partner charity Make-A-Wish ® Australia - http://www.makeawish.org.au.

The KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey is an official Make-A-Wish ® Australia Supporter Event, endorsed by Make-A-Wish ® Australia.

Make-A-Wish ® Australia helps bring light into the darkness for many families who are experiencing the difficulties and trauma of a critically ill child, and by donating to this important charity, together we can help make a wish come true.

You can support Make-A-Wish ® Australia by completing the KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey, and by donating direct here.

Thanks for your generous support, and a special hello to KidStyleFile readers who have a ill child in their family: we’re thinking of you!

*****Click here to start the survey now*****

Today’s post written by Miki

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Fair Trade Fortnight started yesterday, and the next couple of weeks will give us us even more reason than usual to contemplate where our purchases are coming from.

To not think about this aspect when buying an item - any item - is the equivalent of a child assuming that milk comes from the supermarket shelf as opposed to a cow.  Everything we buy is made, produced or handled by people somewhere in the world, and many of those people are appallingly exploited and work in conditions which would horrify us if only we could see them.

Luckily, the Fair Trade movement works to give people like this fair treatment, by paying a ‘fair price’ for their goods or services, and by monitoring their social and working conditions.

As the FairTrade.com.au website explains:
“Fair Trade is about giving disadvantaged people power: by paying producers and workers fair prices for their work, by helping them gain the skills and knowledge they need to develop their businesses and to operate in the global economy, and by challenging unfair trading practices. It is about providing fair go, not charity.”

There are plenty of easy ways for us to support the Fair Trade movement.  I now buy only Fair Trade coffee, for example; it’s on the supermarket shelves and I’m more than happy to pay an extra dollar or two to make a difference to people’s lives.  And Ange and I can both testify that Fair Trade chocolate is absolutely delicious

It’s easy to outfit your kids with Fair Trade clothes and gear too, and it’s never too early to start teaching them about social responsibility.  Check out some of these gorgeous examples, and click on the links below the images to go to some wonderful stores selling Fair Trade kids fashions and toys.

1. Lark Designs Knitted Fleur Tortoise, $55.00 from Lark Designs
2. Purebaby Knitted Dress, $59.95 from Purebaby (NB: Purebaby clothes are not officially Fair Trade, but they are registered with Made-By which works to similar principles)
3. Rock Babies Salt Crystal Lamp, $19.95 $18.00 from Anklebiters Duds
4. Eternal Creation Overalls, $59.95 from Eternal Creation
5. Fire Engine Red Boots, $39.95 from Skeanie
6. Wooden Fruit Basket, $21.95 from Mudd Kids
7. Romantic Ballerina Dress by Piccalilly, $46.95 from Generation Wonder
8 Lion & Friends Finger Puppets, NZD$19.00 from Finger Puppet Heaven (this is a New Zealand site, but they post cheaply to Australia and the exchange rate is on your side!)

Please check individual sites for postage details, and as always, check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck!

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today marks ANZAC Day, a time to remember those who gave their lives during WWI.

It is also a time to spare a thought to those who have lost their loved ones to war.

In support of those left behind, KidStyleFile has today made a donation to Legacy - www.legacy.com.au - a volunteer organisation providing services to Australian families after the death of a spouse or parent during or after their defence force service. Legacy currently cares for 120,000 widows and 1,900 children and dependants throughout Australia.

We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it, and work towards a peaceful future. Please take a moment today to send out a message of peace: together we can make a difference.

Online donations to Legacy can be made here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Happy Easter Everybunny from all of us here at KidStyleFile!

Here at my house we’ve all just had Easter eggs for brekkie - yum! We’re looking forward to heading out to a picnic lunch with family, and learning to ride our new big-girl bikes (mini Giants that have more bling than Zamels!!) - thanks, K-Rudd

There are a great range of Easter events happening all over the country today if you’re looking for some community and entertainment. Here are my picks for each state and territory.

NSW - Sydney: Royal Easter Show - Ticketed event. If it’s good enough for Elle Macpherson, well….
VIC - Bendigo: Polyglot Theatre’s ‘We Built This City‘ at Bendigo Easter Festival - FREE
TAS - Burnie: Kids In The Park - FREE
QLD - Townsville: Hatching the Past at the Museum of Tropical Queensland - FREE
SA - Marananga: Easter Family Fun Day at Whistler Wines - FREE
WA - Perth: Rockingham Easter Carnival - FREE
ACT - Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade - FREE
NT - Aileron Bush Weekend - FREE

If you’re planning at an-home day then check out the KSF Easter roundup for craft ideas and inspiration.

I’ll leave you with my top pick of events happening today - the Polyglot Theatre ‘We Built This City’ project, happening in Bendigo, Victoria, today. This project travels around, so be sure to keep an eye out for when it’s coming your way. Have a very Happy Easter

Today’s post written by Miki

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Silver Cross - www.silvercross.co.uk - have been at the forefront of baby product design since 1877, and it’s not hard to see why. The latest fabulous product to come out - in fact, it hasn’t even hit the shops in the UK yet, so it’s super-new - is the ‘Doodle’ high chair.

Designed to be both a high chair and a child-sized table & chair set, it can convert between the two modes in 10 seconds, and comes with a raft of accessories included: crayon cups, storage basket and plastic blanking inserts (nope, I don’t know what they are either!), as well as a magnetised, removable top tray.

You can even buy extra ‘Doodle chairs’ to add to the package, so you can seat two or three or more children around the generously sized table for snacks or art if you want to.

The SX ‘Doodle’ isn’t available in Australia yet, but here is a link to the Silver Cross stockists in Australia.  If you’re interested in this product, contact your local stockist and ask them about ordering it in.