little winter wonders - walnut desert boots

For both the little miss and the little master in your household, these desert boots from Walnut are chic yet sensible footwear for keeping cute sausage toes warm (a quick aside - I absolutely adore children's feet - they are so adorable and chubby!). Available in an array of colours and in suede or leather, every child's wardrobe should include a pair of these this Winter.

See here for South Australian stockists (boots can also be purchased online through the Walnut website, but I think you're safer to try on before you buy).

etsy find - personalised world map print

I have blogged about My Sweet Prints previously (see here) and I was very excited the other day to discover they have added a customised world map print to their collection. Maps make an educational yet beautiful addition to any child's nursery, so why not consider treating your budding Christopher Columbus to his or her own personalised map?!

product of the week - hug a bub baby carrier

Shortly after bringing my new daughter home from hospital, I discovered that she is a baby that will often only settle when she is held. Obviously this poses a bit of a problem when also trying to care for ,and play with, a very active toddler. I already had a Baby Bjorn Active carrier, but, just as I had experienced with my first child, this felt a bit unsupportive for such a tiny baby with very little head control! After a lot of research and an afternoon spent trying out slings at my local baby mecca Baby Bunting, I settled on the fabulous Hug a Bub carrier. Basically, this is just a very long piece of lycra that you wrap around your body in a specific way as demonstrated on the dvd that accompanies the carrier (at first this tying technique is a bit time consuming, but, trust me, it quickly becomes second nature).

The beauty of the Hug a Bub is that you can carry your baby close to your body, and it feels very secure and comfortable. By tucking my baby's head under one side of the sling (called the "Peapod" method), I can even bend over without worrying that she will fall out or hurt her neck. There are four carrying positions that are demonstrated in the DVD.

Retailing from $79 upwards, the Hug a Bub comes in various colour combinations, and can be purchased with or without a front pocket. See here for stockists.

Image from http://www.hugabub.com/

product of the week - clarins beauty flash balm

Had one of those nights last night - you know, the type where your 3 week old baby doesn't want to sleep because she's slept all day, so you end up cat-napping in your feeding chair between 2 and 5am whilst holding a wide-awake baby, only to be waken by a screaming toddler in the next room. After negotiating with hubby, you agree that after the next feed you will deposit baby and toddler out in the family room with hubby so that you can grab a few hours of catch up sleep, which you know will not make up for the night you've just had, but at least it saves you from breaking down in tears at the thought of getting through the day on so little sleep!

All of this is really just an introduction though to this week's product of the week (a bit belated I know, but I figure I have a decent excuse at the moment!) ... Clarin's Beauty Flash Balm. The mother of all rescue products, I have long been a fan. It used to come in handy after a big night out, now it is invaluable after a night like I endured last night (oh how times have changed!!!!).

Beauty Flash Balm is an instant pick-me-up for the skin - I can actually feel my skin firming after I apply it, and it provides much needed radiance to sallow/tired skin. I can't recommend it enough for tired mums!!!!

Available from Clarins stockists throughout South Australia.

toytastic - decorate your own range from villa carton

This range of cardboard toys and costumes from Villa Carton are fantastic. Based on the premise that young children usually prefer the box a toy came in than the actual toy themselves, these products are the initiative of two dutch artists and are made out of cardboard that is left blank, ready for decorating.

Available in Australia exclusively through online "emporium" Ball and Skittle, the range includes a rocking chair, castle, dollhouse, costumes and textas specifically for decorating the items.

Images from Ball and Skittle

toytastic - doll's house furniture from plan toys

I am lucky enough to still have a beautiful wooden doll's house that my grandmother made for my sister and I. I have been searching for suitable furniture to kit it out for my little ones, and have finally found it in the form of the PlanToys dollhouse products. The beautiful furniture and accessories on offer are made from non-toxic, natural materials and can be purchased online from retailer of eco-friendly products, Black Eyed Green.

Images courtesy of Black Eyed Green

product of the week - oops-a-baby! couch covers

I have to admit that, thus far as a mother, I have deprived my toddler of his own little fold-out couch. It's not so much that we don't need another piece of furniture in the house (although this is probably true), but more to do with the fact that I haven't wanted to introduce such a large piece of cartoon imagery into my lounge room!

Teeny Me offers gorgeous alternatives to the Thomases and Doras, but at $249.95 a pop, I just can't justify one knowing that it will end up covered in yoghurt, watermelon juice and who knows what other culinary delights!

Luckily a friend of mine recently put me onto these flip out couch covers from oops-a-baby!. They are made to fit onto a child's foldout couch and come in an assortment of non-offensive colours (shown above in Chocolate)! Retailing at $49.95 each from oops-a-baby or $59.95 at Out Of The Cot on Magill Road, they make a less cost-prohibitive alternative to the Teeny Me sofas for keeping Thomas on the tv rather than on my furniture!

just cubbies - new store now open in adelaide

After reading my recent post about cubby house inpiration, my husband informed me that Just Cubbies has opened a store on Goodwood Road at Kings Park. Selling a range of timber cubby houses, forts, and accessories, the store features working displays so that you can take the children along for a try-out before you buy. Check out their website for photos and explanations about their current range.

Just Cubbies

259a Goodwood Rd, Kings Park

(south-side of the Goodwood subway)

ph 08 8357 7796

Open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.

Images from Just Cubbies

product of the week - "a book about me"

Image courtesy of Milestone Press

I must confess to being a bit of a journal fanatic ... not only do I have a baby book for my toddler, I have also kept separate journals documenting my pregnancies. I only wish I had had this journal from Milestone Press! Designed by mothers, "A Book About Me" is a journal designed to record memories from pregnancy through to age 5. I love the flexibility of this journal, including the ability to remove unwanted pages. See here for further details. This would make a great gift to someone who has just fallen pregnant, so that they can record all the special moments from conception!

desiring this bag ...

Images Rachel Ruddick (top) & http://www.cedarleaf.com.au/

Words cannot describe how totally in love I am with this Bronte Baby Bag in Domino Watersnake (yes, that is the actual colour name!) by Rachel Ruddick ... if I didn't have to fork out for a speeding fine, the airconditioner getting fixed, council fees for a development application, nappies, and other such mundane yet necessary expenses, I would seriously consider purchasing this little slice of bag heaven (then again, if I didn't have to buy nappies, I would have no excuse for purchasing this bag ... such a conundrum).

delicious design - inspired by alphabet wall decals

I have recently finished decorating my toddler's new "big boy" room. Finding appropriate artwork for his walls became a minor (although my husband might argue "major") obsession, as I was determined to source pieces that would grow with him so that I would not need to be spending a lot on updating his room every year. I was very keen to find an alphabet wall decal that would be educational, but that appeared modern and not too "babyish". I was keen to avoid cartoon characters, pastels, and certain fonts.

My search was long - I discovered that there are an infinite number of alphabet wall decals on the market - but fruitful. There are some wonderful designs out there if you have the time to browse the multitude of web sites offering wall decals (what did we do before google?).

I finally settled on a vinyl alphabet (pictured top) from tasty suite at etsy.

I also love a similar one (pictured middle) available from from Harmonie interieure, a beautiful French company (you must also check out their other gorgeous decals!).

If I hadn't been so set on a decal, though, I think I would have chosen a plywood alphabet (pictured bottom) from bookhou - maybe I can justify purchasing one of these for the playroom!

product of the week - commemorative jewellery from uberKate

With baby number 2 due to arrive in less than 3 weeks, I've been dreaming about ways to commemorate her birth (I know that having her in my arms will be enough, but a girl can always fantasise about more jewellery can't she???).

There are a number of artisans out there who are producing what I like to call "commemorative" jewellery - items that celebrate and commemorate family members - but my favourite would have to be the Combination ubercircles from uberKate (are you reading this hubby dearest?!). I love the idea of having a large circle for my husband and me, and a medium circle for each child. Designed by Sydneysider Kate Sutton, the uberKate range is sleek and contemporary, yet classic. See here for uberkate products and to order online.

product of the week - family planners from kikki.k

With the family continuing to expand, I am loving the 2010 family diary and 2010 family calendar from kikki.K. Each provides space for each family member's commitments, activities and events so that you (and hubby) can keep track of what everyone's up to and when. Essential for keeping organised!

P.S. Does anyone out there know what happened to Sorted Space on the Parade? It used to stock lots of kikki.K products and was a heavenly store for obsessive organisers like myself!

blackboard piggy bank

Just spotted this on Kimberlee's blog - loving it to save my gold coins up for something special in 2010! Available from Brown Button Trading, Kimberlee's fabulous Adelaide-based homewares/gift online store, for $39.95 (comes with chalk!). What do they say? You have to spend to save!!!

friday focus - the white shed

Regional South Australia has a number of must-visit homewares stores (think Balhannah By Design), and now, thanks to mother-of-two Letitia Linke, the Yorke Peninsula can boast its own homewares store to rival anything on offer in Adelaide. The White Shed, located on the Linke's farm just outside of Maitland, is a homewares and gift store which offers an Interior Design consultancy service. I caught up with Letitia to find out more about her new venture, which will officially open on 5 February.

Why did you launch this business and how did you get started?
I have always had a huge interest in beautiful homes and interiors and decided that I would like to do what I love. I undertook an Interior Design course by correspondence, which involved designing a retail space - that was how The White Shed was born. There are so many amazing homes and beach houses on the Yorke Peninsula, but there was a major lack of stylish, modern homewares available locally.

What items/services do you offer?
The range includes Modern and French inspired cushions, throws, clocks, ceramics, wicker, glass jars, hurricane vases, picture frames, tea towels, placemats, mirrors, baby's bibs, boutique baby singlets, hair clips, jewellery, olive oil, soaps ... just to name a few! I offer colour and decorating consultations which can be for just one room or an entire home. I can also source items for clients to meet their personal requirements. Mail orders are welcome.

How do you manage juggling mum duty with running your business?
I am lucky to have two very low maintenance boys! Ollie is now at Kindy and Tommy in day care on Tuesdays, which is the official day that the store is open. I am also open by appointment, and this works well as other mums can ring up and make a time when I am here with the boys, and they are more than welcome to bring their children with them.

What do you love about living on the Yorke Peninsula?

The beautiful countryside, beaches, easy going lifestyle and the fact that we are so close to Adelaide, yet far enough away! There are great people here too.

Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from some amazing stores that I have bought from in the past! I have tried to pick all of the best items (in my opinion) I've seen and bring them together in The White Shed.

What is your favourite room to decorate/design?
All rooms ... even a bathroom can be changed dramatically with a few accessories!

What items in a room do you think are splurge-worthy?
Definitely cushions - they can have so much impact. Also, good quality fabrics.

What kind of questions should a potential client ask before hiring a designer?
Ask to look at some photos of their previous work. The most important thing for a designer to do is capture the client’s likes and style, rather than force their own style on them.

The White Shed

Lot 805, Clinton Road

Maitland SA 5573

08 8832 2936 / 0439 532 836

product of the week - play kitchens

I have to confess to a "thing" for play kitchens - I think it harks back to cooking up weird and wonderful concoctions in my cubby house utilising Mum's herbs and spices, flour and water.

However, finding a decent one amongst the offerings can be difficult. I was adament that I would avoid anything too plasticky or garish, and thankfully there are some companies out there who have taken the initiative and produced play kitchens with sleek, modern lines whilst avoiding cartoon characters.

Here are my two current favourites:

Ikea Duktig play kitchen (part of the Duktig range)

I love the Scandinavian simplicity of this kitchen, and my son loves the stove top that lights up at the touch of a button! The microwave and top unit are an add-on that need to be purchased separately.

The Duktig play kitchen is not currently featured on Ikea's website, but is available in-store (I purchased one about a month ago). You may wish to call the store to check availability and avoid disappointment, as they are selling like hot-cakes. I had to wait for a new shipment before making the treck down to Adelaide Airport (Ikea do not take personal orders).

$139 without add on
$60 for add on

Plan Toys Kitchen Centre

My eco-friendly choice, this kitchen is two-sided, with one side featuring a cooking centre, and the other a washing up space. Featuring an oven, sink and dishwasher, the entire set is made from  recycled rubberwood.

It can be difficult to find Play Toys in-store in Adelaide, but there are plenty of online retailers that stock the Kitchen Centre (just Google Plan Toys Kitchen Centre for results).

This kitchen retails for around $400.

product of the week - chux magic erasers

My cousin recently put  me onto the Chux Magic Erasers after I complained to her about my toddler's crayon artwork that had suddenly appeared on my kitchen wall! They are great for removing most marks (crayon and ink included) and scuffs fom hard surfaces.

If you haven't already tried Chux Magic Erasers, they are definitely worth a go. You should be able to find them in the cleaning aisle at your supermarket.

product of the week - concealer

Exhausted already from multiple functions in the lead-up to Christmas and dealing with a toddler whose sleep patterns have taken a beating thanks to afore-mentioned functions, I have to admit that I'm not looking my "freshest" at the moment. Not exactly how I want to appear in all the family photos that are part and parcel of the holiday season.

Thankfully the makeup industry provides us with a wide array of concealers to (hopefully) provide cover for those tell-tale signs of fatigue (and ageing!). To cover dark circles, you need a yellow or peach toned concealer.

My all-time favourite concealer (Sue Devitt Automatic Camouflage) is not available in Australia, but here are my two alternatives that are readily available in Adelaide ...

Splurge on:
Touche Eclat Radiant Touch by Yves Saint Laurent
This award-winning concealer claims to be "8 hours of sleep in a pen" and I've certainly found that it effectively covers dark undereye circles. Available at David Jones Rundle Mall, this concealer will set you back $78.

Save on:
Concealer by Napoleon Perdis
Okay, so at $30 it's still not the cheapest concealer on the market, but it does work, and lasts a long time. You may want to use a brush to apply it from the pot, but I must admit that I just use my finger (freshly washed of course so as not to introduce bacteria into the concealer ... when I remember!). See here for South Australian Napoleon stockists.

great summer toy - scrunch bucket

I love these scrunch buckets from Sun and Snow. The last trip I made to the beach with my toddler was exhausting to say the least - all by myself, and about 5 months pregnant, I dragged my McLaren stroller, nappy bag and beach bag all down onto the beach whilst grappling with S who wanted to run headlong into the waves! Needless to say, after that experience, anything that lightens the load is a winner in my books. The scrunch bucket does exactly that - no need for a separate bag to carry a bulky bucket, just wrap this one up and stick it in the nappy bag or, as the website suggests, in your pocket!

product of the week - baby jogger city select

With only 2 months to go until I become a mother of two (!) I have attempted to get out and purchase the final required items for baby’s imminent arrival.

Top of my list – the perfect double pram. After much research and advice from friends, I thought that I had found it – the Baby Jogger City Mini Double. However, I found out this week from a mother of four (who obviously has a wealth of knowledge of all things pram-related - thanks Bronny!) that Baby Jogger has just released this little number. Upon seeing the City Select Twin, I just knew I HAD TO HAVE IT!!!!

Due to hit Australian shores in March 2010, this pram has been likened to “the double Bugaboo if Bugaboo made one!” – the City Select can start off as a single pram, with either a bassinet or seat, and then allows for either a double seat or single seat and bassinet combination. The bassinet and seats can be attached in a variety of positions (see photo for just some of the combinations).

I spoke with the Australian distributor for Baby Jogger this week, and was advised that current Baby Jogger stockists should be able to stock the City Select. I have put in a call to Baby Bunting to place my order, and am currently waiting to hear back from them.

You can view a demonstration of the City Select here.