May 312011
 

I am sure I am not the only mum who sometimes feels like a packed donkey when going out with the kids. My nappy bag is generous in size but with three kids under three there is just so much I need to think of, even just the bare basics fill it up easily! I try to be prepared for everything but every now and then I still find myself out and about with a container of food and no spoon to feed the baby with, simply because I got distracted while packing. As the baby gets older she is also demanding bigger meals and multiple courses, so that means even more containers to carry around. Luckily I discovered a great solution for these two problems in the shape of the Tommee Tippee Twin Compartment Bowl with Spoon.

The Tommee Tippee Twin Compartment Bowl with Spoon is, you guessed it, a bowl with two compartments and a spoon, as well as a lid. The two compartments allow you to store different flavours in one bowl, so you can take different courses or a main and side dish without having to pack multiple containers. The bowl is very easy to hold as it features a non slip grip base.

The eating end of the spoon can be stored under a little flap lid, so after the meal you are not stuck with a sticky spoon in your nappy bag. It is also very easy for storing the set at home because if you always tidy the spoon up nicely there is a very small chance you’ll forget to take it when you pack your bag. This is probably my favourite feature because it keeps your spoon and your bag clean and you never have to dig in your full nappy bag for a missing spoon, food can be served straight away and baby is happy.

The very convenient Tommee Tippee Twin Compartment Bowl with Spoon (RRP $11.35) is BPA free and the bowl itself (not the spoon/lid) is microwave safe, the set is available in three different colours.

For more information about Tommee Tippee and to check out the great range of Tommee Tippee products visit www.tommeetippee.com.au. To find your local stockist ring 1800 890 011.

For your chance to win a Tommee Tippee Twin Compartment Bowl with Spoon visit www.tommeetippee.com.au and answer the following question: Which other BPA free Tommee Tippee product would you like to try?

Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.

If you really want to win you can earn up to ten additional entries, please leave separate comments for each entry:

  • Like Tommee Tippee on Facebook http://on.fb.me/jP0GRq
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘follow’ in the left sidebar or in the navigation bar at the top of the page)
  • Follow Hip little one with Networked Blogs (click this link and click ‘follow’ http://bit.ly/e1mCYT)
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  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (Win a Tommee Tippee Twin Compartment Bowl with Spoon at @hiplittleone www.hiplittleone.com)
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends July 1. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 302011
 

When I was pregnant for the first time I bought the famous book ‘What to expect when you’re expecting’, in the hope it would answer a lot (if not all) of my questions and offer me reassurance when I needed it. At the time I thought it was like a pregnancy bible so when I read that maternity and nursing bra’s should be wireless I accepted this as the truth and went out to buy some boring, overly decent maternity bra’s that were unflattering and didn’t offer the support I would have liked. If you dislike these bra’s as much as I did it is time you discover Cake Lingerie.

Extensive research conducted by Australian label Cake Lingerie has found that wearing a properly fitted underwire bra during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding can provide superior shape, support and a good overall breast health as it maintains the natural shape and curve of the breasts. Most pregnancy books will tell you that wearing wired bra’s during this time can cause mastitis, however the likeliness of this infection occurring is associated more with a restricted or compressed bra and cup size (hence the need for a properly fitted maternity bra, you can’t just wear your regular underwire bra as it could cause issues).

As a result of this divine revelation (one that should really be mentioned in the ‘pregnancy bible’) Cake Lingerie has designed several stunning maternity bra’s featuring flexible wire, made from a unique alloy blend to individually mould to each wearer. This means you can feel confident, comfortable and supported in a wired bra that is made to accommodate your growing breasts.

Cake Lingerie has even created different versions of the same bra to create the ideal fit for every breast size. Every woman and therefore every breast is different in shape, size and appearance and all of these will change during pregnancy too. Cake Lingerie uses high quality materials and designs to support, flatter and bring out the best of you so you can look and feel beautiful during this special time. A perfect example of the innovative flexible wire concept is this stunning range called Turkish Delight, featuring a feminine violet knit fabric covered by elegant black stretch lace decorated with rosettes and bows.

The Turkish Delight Balcony Bra is available in sizes 10DD-16FF and developed to both support and flatter larger breasts. The straps are a little bit wider for extra support and the balconette shaped cup offers extra coverage and is the perfect shape for larger sizes (nearly all my bra’s are a balconette design, I think it is very feminine and beautiful even for larger sizes). To make sure your bra will last you through the inevitable breast changes during pregnancy the cups also have a stretch in the top half, giving your breast the room they need to grow.

The Turkish Delight Plunge Bra is available in sizes 10B-16D and is designed with padded cups for a stunning look and great shape. Just like its sister the Plunge Bra is made with flexible wire, cotton lining for ultimate comfort and drop down cups for easy breastfeeding. Nice to know: This range is made special Oeko-Tex certified fabrics which are made of recycled cotton-blend yarns and are good for the environment.

The Turkish Delight range consists of the Turkish Delight Plunge Bra and Turkish Delight Balcony Bra (RRP $59.90) and the Turkish Delight Tanga Brief and Turkish Delight G-String (RRP $29.90).

For more information about Cake Lingerie, to check out the latest collection or to purchase your favourite design go to www.cakelingerie.com or visit your local stockist. There are Cake Lingerie stockists all over the world and online.

May 272011
 

When I moved to Australia in 2006 I knew I wouldn’t be able to buy most of my favourite European brands in my new home country. Over the past couple of years I have discovered lots of new labels and slowly all of my ‘old’ bits and pieces have made room for new ‘local’ products. In most cases I have been pretty happy with my new finds but when I do manage to find a fabulous, familiar brand from Europe I always get excited so you can imagine how pleased I was to find out there is an Ecco store not far from here.

For those of you who don’t know Ecco yet: you are missing out! This Danish label has been manufacturing beautiful footwear for nearly 50 years and although it started as a small family business by now it is everything but small, Ecco products are being sold in over 50 countries worldwide.

Funny enough when I think of Ecco shoes I always think of my mum, because she absolutely loves them and is always full of praise for the outstanding quality of their designs. To be really honest I always thought that Ecco only catered for women but when I checked out the Ecco range online I realised I was all wrong! Ecco looks after feet of all ages and sizes with shoes suitable for every occasion. They even make stunning handbags and other accessories (I have my eyes on this one) .

Ecco products are well known all around the world for the classy looks and high quality materials. The leather used for the shoes is (mostly) being made by the Ecco company itself, that way they can keep a close eye on the production process and guarantee a superior leather and satisfied customers. Each shoe is designed to be stylish, comfortable, durable and look after your feet.

As a Dutch girl I absolutely love winter, especially the fact that I can wear hip winter accessories and beautiful boots. This winter I am showing off these Ecco Essence boots. They do not only look divine on the outside, they feel heavenly on the inside too. The outside is made of smooth black leather (goes with pretty much every outfit) with detailed stitching and a zip so you can easily put them and off. The flat latex sole is ideal for a busy mum running after kids on the playground, it is flexible, durable and not slippery at all.

What I love most about these Essence boots is that they look smart, hip and fashionable and they are also comfortable, light weight and feel just like cushioned slippers from the inside. That is not a combination you find in many shoes as most often good looking shoes are extremely uncomfortable and in return comfortable shoes are usually rather ugly and sad looking. The Essence boots look fantastic and that is exactly how they make me feel.

Now that I know how fabulous these shoes are I might take my daughter to our local Ecco store so they can measure her up for these cute Mimic shoes. It is very important to buy children’s shoes in the right size so that they offer the support your child needs, the Ecco staff at your local store will help you pick the right shoe in the right size.

To find out more about Ecco and to check out the latest collection go to www.ecco.com/au or visit your local Ecco store, click here to locate your nearest Ecco retailer. There are over 800 Ecco stores worldwide and they are well presented all over Australia too.

For your chance to win a $250 Ecco voucher to spend at your local Ecco store (within Australia) visit www.ecco.com/au and answer the following question: Which Ecco product do you like most and why?

Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.

If you really want to win you can earn up to ten additional entries, please leave separate comments for each entry:

  • Like Ecco on Facebook http://on.fb.me/mMmLMe
  • Follow Ecco on Twitter http://bit.ly/kM6t7b)
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘follow’ in the left sidebar or in the navigation bar at the top of the page)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter here http://eepurl.com/fIZY
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (Win a $250 @eccoshoes voucher at @hiplittleone www.hiplittleone.com)
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends June 27. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 262011
 

In the past it has been said that eco friendly and hip do not go hand in hand (hippy maybe, but definitely not hip). Well the season has changed and there are some fabulous eco hip combinations out there. Danish label New Generals calls it ethicool and it’s a stylish combination of soft organic cotton and big bold colours and graphics, perfect for little green kids.

The New Generals range is designed for children aged 2 to 8 years old and consists of some great basics that will feel right at home in any kids wardrobe. Unlike most other labels New Generals uses a very easy three sizing system, the designs are available in sizes 2-4 years, 4-6 years and 6-8 years. Because each size lasts for a period of two years (roughly) you won’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe every time your child has a growth spurt, so New Generals is not only gentle on your child’s skin and the environment, it is also gentle on your wallet!

The classic black, white and grey colours of the short and long sleeve t-shirts, singlets and trunks/undies are very easy to mix and match with other items you already have (girls even get a tiny touch of purple to freshen it up). The bold graphics feature butterflies and ladybugs for the girls and creepy crawlers for the boys, as well as funky fantasy artwork. The colours and prints are timeless and durable (very eco friendly).

New Generals clothing is made of 100% certified organic cotton which is extremely soft against your child’s skin (especially for underwear this is important). Of course you are already doing a great job by purchasing eco friendly products but you can also help reduce the environmental impact and conserve natural resources by following the washing recommendations.

To find out more about New Generals, to check out the designs and to order your favourite visit www.newgenerals.com or visit one of the New Generals stockists, there are stockists in 12 countries. Prices start at just €12 and orders can be shipped worldwide, international postage is only €7. That is a fantastic rate and lower than what some Australian companies charge.

For your chance to win a Bumble Artwork Fantasy tank top (boys) or Ladybird Artwork Fantasy tank top (girls) visit www.newgenerals.com and answer the following question: Which design in store do you like most and why?

Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.

If you really want to win you can earn up to ten additional entries, please leave separate comments for each entry:

  • Like New Generals on Facebook http://on.fb.me/jtOnV1
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘follow’ in the left sidebar or in the navigation bar at the top of the page)
  • Follow Hip little one with Networked Blogs (click this link and click ‘follow’ http://bit.ly/e1mCYT)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter here http://eepurl.com/fIZY
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (Win a New Generals tank top at @hiplittleone www.hiplittleone.com)
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends June 26. International entries welcome.

May 252011
 

My regular readers and Facebook ‘liker’s know by now that I shop online all the time, it is very easy to compare prices (much easier than checking every shop in the shopping centre) and even though you pay for postage a nice discount or clearance sale will easily make up for that. I know it is a weakness but I can not resist a bargain, I really enjoy shopping around for a good price (just like my mum). At the moment you can fill up your trolley at Little Obsessions with a sweet 20% discount (code ‘sale’) and if you need any more encouragement to start shopping check out these fabulous new arrivals.

This fantastic store is filled with fun finds for kids, if you are looking for a great present for a special little person but you don’t know where to start look no further, Little Obsessions marks the spot. Search by age, theme, gender and product type to end up with the right gift for the right person.

The newest theme added to the range is Music, because don’t most (if not all) kids love music? They can play music themselves with plenty of colourful instruments, play a cool soundtrack game or go for a more quiet option and make a fun music puzzle. Not sure where your child’s talents lie? Try this awesome 7-in-1 wooden musical toy for just $35.95 (usually $44.95).

Now this is something every child will dream of sooner or later, a real watch. Learning to tell the time can be a little tricky but a cool watch on their wrist will keep them interested. This girly watch by Bobble Art features fairies and princesses and clearly marked hours and minutes. Other watches are available too with a rocket, garden or pirate theme, every little obsession is covered. Use your 20% discount code and pick one up today for $30.35 (usually $37.95).

This Windmill Stackeroo would be perfect for my little half Dutch/ half Aussie kids, I can’t wait to show them real windmills when we visit Holland next. Wooden toys are really durable and little ones will love seeing the top spin once they have stacked all the brightly coloured rings correctly. At just $14 this is my top pick for today (usually $17.50).

For more information about Little Obsessions and to enjoy your 20% discount visit www.littleobsessions.com.au and use the code word ‘sale’ at checkout. Make sure you enter the Little Obsessions competition for your chance to win a fantastic Melody Mix Instrument valued at $89.95.

May 242011
 

Last weekend I managed to do something I haven’t been able to do since the twins were born nearly three years ago: finish a book in just a few hours. To be honest in the past couple of years I haven’t come any further than a simple magazine and the weekly junk mail, anything that is short, meaningless and that you can put down and start again each time I need to attend to the kids, do household chores or simply sleep. But this time I started whilst the kids were having a nap and continued as soon as they went to bed after dinner. You understand that it must have been a good book for me to do this and Cocktails at Naptime sure is a great read!

Cocktails at Naptime is written by mums for mums. Of course there are plenty of serious, informative self help books for new mothers out there, written by doctors and professionals and (seemingly) written to make you cry and self diagnose with postal depression. Or maybe you read piles of hip magazines showing off super skinny celebrity mums who have been able to carry a baby without this having any impact on their better-than-perfect bodies. If you could do with a laugh just take a few minutes to yourself, sit down with a glass of bubbly and read this book (either in small bits or in one hit like I did).

You’ll recognise yourself in some parts (yay, you are normal!) and you’ll recognise others too (the annoying mum at the playground, the childless friends who never call you anymore, the family member who keeps visiting unannounced and the grumpy midwife who scares the living daylight out of you). Straight from the start you’ll find yourself giggling, laughing out loud and reading out bits to your tv-watching husband who doesn’t understand what is so funny. I can’t count the times I heard myself say, ‘that is so true, that’s exactly how it is!’…

The book tells you all you need to know about the first 12-months ‘after baby’. From ‘what to expect of your changed body’ (what can you change and what is just inevitable?), ‘how to survive your time in hospital with the horrible midwife’ and ‘how to pick the best suitable mummy friend’ to ‘how to get the new dad to help out at home’ and ‘how to get back in between the sheets’. They are topics we all deal with sooner or later and this mummy manual might just be able to help you out (or not), but at least it will make you smile and forget about the dirty dishes and stinky nappies for a while.

The two mums behind Cocktails at Naptime met on the internet and even though they have never met in person they have lots of things in common. Because no matter where in the world you live, your life changes the moment you become a mum so you might as well accept the ups and downs of your new mummy status and have a laugh.

For more information about Cocktails at Naptime and to have a little sip of this tasty refreshment (read some snippets) visit the Cocktails at Naptime website. You can purchase the book ($29.95) through Finch Publishing.

For your chance to win a copy of Cocktails at Naptime check out the chapter menu on the Cocktails at Naptime website and answer the following question: Which one of the chapters do you think you’ll like most (but believe me, they are all funny!)?

Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.

If you really want to win you can earn up to ten additional entries, please leave separate comments for each entry:

  • Like Cocktails at Naptime on Facebook http://on.fb.me/lt84gV
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘follow’ in the left sidebar or in the navigation bar at the top of the page)
  • Follow Hip little one with Networked Blogs (click this link and click ‘follow’ http://bit.ly/e1mCYT)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter here http://eepurl.com/fIZY
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (Win a copy of Cocktails at Naptime by @finchpublishing at @hiplittleone www.hiplittleone.com)
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends June 24. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 232011
 

When I was a child we used to go to the library nearly every Saturday (I even used to go on my own by bike during the week because I had already read all my books). I could spend hours at the library, picking as many book as I could possibly borrow on my card and I always tried to find the thickest books so they would last me until the next weekend. Whilst I looked for ‘normal’ books my brother spent his time in the comic book section because normal books were boring, he wanted action and cool pictures. To encourage little boys to read, Australian mum Angela created WOW books 4 boys.

The idea behind WOW books 4 boys was born when Angela’s son didn’t enjoy the regular readers at school. He had always loved books and she feared that without fun ‘boy books’ he would lose his love for books. When she couldn’t find any boy specific books Angela decided to write her own cool, exciting, adventurous books for boys.

The first WOW series features two cheeky monsters called Scratch and Patch, who spend their days doing what boys like most: going on adventures, swimming, skateboarding, fishing and more. The books are graded into recommended reading levels 1, 2 and 3 so your child can learn to read just like others do whilst reading about and looking at things he really enjoys.

‘I can ride a surf board’, said Scratch

In the level 1 and 2 books the short text on the left page is the same on each page except for one or two words, this repetition will help little readers to recognise the reoccurring words. The sentences are accompanied by a colourful, comic book style illustration on the right, boys will love these. Whilst they read an ‘awesome’ book they are actually learning to read, they just don’t know it!

On the last page the high frequency words are repeated individually, so you can test if your child recognises and remembers them. Each book contains 16 pages, a perfect length to keep little minds interested but not long enough to get boring.

The WOW books 4 boys are carefully developed by a team of four talented professionals so you can rest assured that these books are not only fun but also contain all the necessary educational elements (don’t tell your kids!). If your kids love the WOW books keep an eye out for the newest range, a cool dude called Jimmy Ka-Chow is about to make an appearance very soon.

For more information about WOW books 4 boys, lots of fabulous reading advice for at home or school and to buy your own Scratch and Patch adventures (RRP $8.90 per book) visit www.wowbooks4boys.com.

For your chance to win the WOW books 4 boys Scratch & Patch series (3 books) visit www.books4boys.com and answer the following question: Name one of the criteria of the level 3 books.

Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.

If you really want to win you can earn up to ten additional entries, please leave separate comments for each entry:

  • Like WOW books 4 boys on Facebook http://on.fb.me/lSaI8v
  • Follow WOW books 4 boys on Twitter http://bit.ly/ltgCCr)
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘follow’ in the left sidebar or in the navigation bar at the top of the page)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter here http://eepurl.com/fIZY
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (Win the @wowbooks4boys Scratch & Patch series at @hiplittleone www.hiplittleone.com)
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends June 23. International entries welcome.