Pediped – Fall/Winter 2011

 Style  No Responses »
Oct 312011
 

When I first started working with children’s clothing I was surprised by how early the new season’s collection arrives in store; in the middle of summer the new winter range would come in and it would fly off the shelves, scooped up by fashion savvy mums who don’t want to miss out. Where most of us are on just getting our summer gear together the real trend watchers are already looking at the new winter styles from US labels where the autumn/winter products are now in store. Top brand Pediped has released over 80 new styles and colour combinations across the Pediped footwear range, these are some of the designs to look for when preparing for the colder season:

This season purple is more popular than ever with several designs sporting this hip colour for girls of all ages. The gorgeous Kat boots (USD $69, ages 1-8) are available in four different colours and feature the Pediped Flex Fit system which allows you to adjust the fit of the shoe for longer wear (you get more for your money!). As with all Pediped shoes only high quality materials have been used and the inside zip makes it really easy and quick to put on these stylish boots.

The slightly higher Bella boots (USD $69, ages 1-8) are decorated with three sparkly flowers on the side, something my oldest daughter will most definitely approve of. Normally I am not a big fan of sparkles and glitters but even I think this style is just lovely. The soft dark brown suede will not show every little mark so it is a great choice for winter and thanks to the Flex Fit insole I know they will last her through the whole season.

Within the Pediped footwear system there are three ranges: Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2), Grip ‘n’ Go (thin rubber-soled shoes for children ages 9 months to 3 years) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1 to 8 years). I have got my eye on these divine little Eva shoes (USD $32, ages 0-24 months) for my youngest who is starting to turn into a very confident little walker these days.

Some interesting facts about Pediped:

  • Pediped has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development so you can be sure your child’s feet are well looked after.
  • The Pediped footwear system has also recently been endorsed by researchers associated with Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston.
  • Pediped likes to give back which is why they created the Pediped foundation. Since the company’s founding in 2005 Pediped has given nearly $1 million in product and monetary support to children in need.

If you want to be the first to know about the latest Pediped products and special promotions keep an eye on the Pediped Facebook page or follow Pediped on Twitter.

For more information about Pediped, to browse the latest range and to locate your nearest stockist visit www.pediped.com.

Lifestyle Parenting giveaway

 Baby, Giveaways, Mum, Sales & Savings  72 Responses »
Oct 302011
 

Just after the twins were born I suffered badly from babybrain but I was still hoping this wouldn’t last forever, surely once the babies would start sleeping through my elephant memory would return to its pre-baby state? Yes the kids are all sleeping through, and I have managed to fit in baby number three, but my memory and concentration skills are far from what they used to be and I really need to write things down to remember them. The MUMentum Family Organiser is a great tool to help you remember not only your own plans but also the schedules of your other family members.

The MUMentum Family Organiser (RRP $15.95) was designed by two mums, who know exactly how hard it is to run a busy family and do it all without making double appointments or forgetting important meetings. This handbag sized diary has plenty of room to keep track of everyone’s plans in a clear overview so you can feel under control and on top of it all. The diary is packed full of clever features and you can fill in the dates yourself so you don’t have to wait until January to start getting organised.

The MUMentum range is distributed in Australia by Lifestyle Parenting who has a whole range of innovative products under it’s umbrella. For mums there is a selection of great products on offer for example Milkscreen, a home test which detects alcohol in breast milk. Thanks to Milkscreen mum can have the occasional drink or celebrate a special occasion with a glass of champagne, knowing that her breastmilk is safe for baby.

For babies and kids Lifestyle Parenting has selected some fantastic products too: from Cheeki stainless steel bottles and Playtex cups and mealtime sets to the funky Groovy Grippers utensils, from the Drop Buddy to the very clever Wee Target and much more. This last one is a real cool way to help boys aim in the toilet bowl saving you a lot of mess to clean up: when your son manages to hit the target a cool picture appears, how cool is that?

If you like the Lifestyle Parenting range you can sign up for the free Lifestyle Parenting Hot Offer Coupon Programme to receive regular email updates with great discounts on your favourite Lifestyle Parenting products. You can also keep up to date by joining the Lifestyle Parenting Facebook page, they are giving away a $50 gift card every week!

To find out more about Lifestyle Parenting, to browse their range of products and to locate your nearest stockist visit www.lifestyleparenting.com.

For your chance to win a Lifestyle Parenting prize pack containing the MUMentum Family Organiser, Milkscreen 3-pack, Wee Target and a Drop Buddy visit www.lifestyleparenting.com  and answer the following question: Aside from the products mentioned above, which other Lifestyle Parenting product would you like to try?

Submit your answer by leaving 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 Lifestyle Parenting on Facebook
  • Sign up for the free Lifestyle Parenting Hot Offer Programme
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘Join this site’ in the right sidebar)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter using @hiplittleone in your tweet
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the left and right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends November 30, 2011. Sorry, Australian entries only.

Outlet Shop For Kids – 15% OFF Sale

 Sales & Savings, Style  No Responses »
Oct 292011
 

After a few days away with my parents, who are currently visiting from The Netherlands, we are back home and I am back to sharing my great finds. We had a great time away and it is good we were far away from any shops because my mum and I love shopping. We both have a keen eye for words like discount, sale, reduced and of course outlet. When I see the word outlet I immediately think ‘big bargains’ and that is exactly what you’ll find at Outlet Shop For Kids.

At Outlet Shop For Kids you can fill up your shopping basket at your own pace, no pushing in the aisles or fighting for a parking space and the best part is that you don’t have to empty out your bank account to get your hands on some great pieces. The prices are fantastic and at the moment you can get an additional 15% discount storewide with the code kids15 (valid until November 6, 2011). These are some of the stylish buys waiting to be snapped up:

Now I know that most of the times I only talk about the little kids and older ones miss out. I have also heard mums say that as kids grow the clothing prices grow even more rapidly, these mums especially will appreciate the $5-$10 Butterjam sale.  The Butterjam range is available in sizes 8-14 and with nothing over $10 this is the moment to stock up on some extra summer pieces. The discount code will bring most items down to just $4.25!

Outlet Shop For Kids caters for babies and children, boys and girls and offers many well known brands as well as some new names that you will love. This cute little girls top features the sweetest floral print with pink, blue and green tones. The long sleeves are incorporated into the button up shirt so it makes dressing your baby a breeze. This style is available in sizes 12, 18 and 24 months and costs only $8.99 (plus if you use the code kids15 it is yours for just $7.65).

The Milky Summer range has only just arrived in store and I have already scooped up two swim wear pieces for my oldest. The classic red and navy colour combination of these Milky Combi board shorts ($28.99, size 3-7) is timeless and fresh and the Combi van print adds a funky touch for cool little boys. Team them up with a matching long or short sleeve rashie and your son is ready to brave the waves.

To find out more about Outlet Shop For Kids, to browse the range and to shop with 15% off visit www.outletshopforkids.com.au, postage within Australia is $6.50.

The Mum Who Roared giveaway

 Giveaways, Mum, Toys & Books  57 Responses »
Oct 282011
 

When I visited the Bloggers Brunch in July I was lucky enough to meet the mastermind behind it all: a beautiful, talented woman called Christie who has a passion for motivating and inspiring mothers and women so they can make the most of themselves and be proud of who they are. She loves seeing women excited about life, not only enjoying their role as a mother and wife but also be happy women who are excited about themselves and the future ahead of them.

When you meet Christie in real life the energy just bounces off her and you are certain to leave with a refreshed view on yourself and your life. I wish every mother could meet Christie and hear her speak but unfortunately that is not possible, you can however read her fantastic book The Mum Who Roared.

‘The Mum Who Roared is your starting point to having a greater love and respect for your mind, body and attitude. It’s a friendly, real and practical guide to adjusting to your role as a mother, while still holding onto your identity and everything that once made you you.

It is not a parenting guide. Instead, this motivating resource provides simple and effective tips so that you can genuinely enjoy this next chapter in your life, feel in control, and stay in touch with your core needs and values.

Above all, it recognises that you are a woman, not just a mum. So by following some of the suggestions, reading other real-life accounts and survival tips, and using the practical pull-out goal cards, you can continue your journey as a happy, healthy, passionate, balanced woman, who is also a mum … A mum who roared!’

To find out more about The Mum Who Roared by Christie Nicholas ($29.95) and to order online visit www.themumwhoroared.com.

For your chance to win a copy of The Mum Who Roared visit www.themumwhoroared.com and answer the following question: Which chapter of the book would you most like to read and why?

Submit your answer by leaving 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:

Competition ends November 28, 2011. Sorry, Australian entries only.

Rosie Roo giveaway

 Giveaways, Out & About, Style  143 Responses »
Oct 272011
 

As I said a few days ago we have been spending a lot of time in the garden. Where my son mainly cares about the dirt and making a mess my oldest daughter is more interested in the pretty things: a sweet flower, some colourful leaves and of course her oh so hip boots. Because even when you are getting dirty you can still do it in style if you wear the Rosie Roo Designer Wellies.

Rosie Roo Designer Wellies are designed in Australia and they are not only stylish and hip but also practical, functional and of high quality. Kids can be quite rough when playing outside so good gum boots need to be durable and sturdy and of course waterproof to be able to withstand a good splash in a muddy puddle. Rosie Roo Designer Wellies are hand manufactured with a 100% natural rubber upper and sole which are bonded so they are completely waterproof.

The outer is decorated with bright colours and prints that kids will love and you don’t even have to help them put the boots on, they can easily do it themselves thanks to the handy cut out handle! On the inside the Rosie Roo wellingtons feature cotton lining and foam inner soles to make them extra comfortable. There are currently four different Rosie Roo Designer Wellies for kids available including designs for both boys and girls.

My daughter loves her purple Rosie Roo Cupcake Wellies and would wear them wherever she goes (if I let her), I even spotted her baby sister trying to put them on! Unfortunately they don’t make these hip booties in her size so she will have to wait a little longer, the children’s range is available in sizes 6-14. After that girls can move on to the extensive Rosie Roo range for ladies but more about that next time…

To find out more about Rosie Roo Designer Wellies, to browse the range and to locate an online retailer or stockist near you visit www.rosieroo.com.au.

For your chance to win a pair of kids Rosie Roo Designer Wellies in your favourite style (subject to availability) visit www.rosieroo.com.au and answer the following question: Which children’s wellies do you like most and why?

Submit your answer by leaving 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 Rosie Roo on Facebook
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘Join this site’ in the right sidebar)
  • Follow Hip little one with Networked Blogs (click this link and click ‘follow’ http://bit.ly/pjPo0k)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter using @hiplittleone in your tweet
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the left and right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends November 27, 2011. Sorry, Australian entries only.

LeapFrog Count & Draw

 Out & About, Toys & Books  1 Response »
Oct 262011
 

This week we are heading off for a very short 4-day holiday with my parents, just before they head back to the Netherlands. The kids are very excited about the prospect of going to the beach, Daddy can’t wait to eat a (lot of) donut(s) from his favourite bakery and I am just worried about what to take and what not to forget. One thing I do know: to keep the kids entertained during the trip we are bringing the LeapFrog Count & Draw.

The LeapFrog Count & Draw is a fantastic new learning toy for kids that is all about numbers and shapes. It teaches kids how to write/draw them, counting, adding, subtracting as well as some games to practise their new skills. The handheld toy features a generous sized screen for kids to draw on with the attached stylus pen. A series of little lights placed under the screen guides children in their writing and drawing.

Like most other LeapFrog toys this design can be used in different modes: The Numbers Mode helps children to learn how to write the numbers 1 to 10 by tracing the lights underneath. The Shapes & Lines Mode focusses on lines and shapes as well as position words (above, inside, under etc). Once kids have got the basics under control they can test their addition/subtractions and more than/less than skills with 2 games in the Games Mode.

The twins are at the perfect age for the LeapFrog Count & Draw. Having just turned three they are so keen to learn and their first school day can’t come quick enough for them (not for me!). They can both recognise and write most letters of both the alphabet and their names, and they have mastered recognising numbers so they are really enjoying learning how to write them too. The handheld has a limited number of buttons and the stylus pen is thick and sturdy for small fingers. The lights give them a lot of confidence, kids love getting it right and the lights are a very good teaching aid.

I know not everyone is a big fan of electronic ‘toys’ for young children and I understand that (althought I think there is a difference between ‘game’ toys and ‘learning’ toys). In fact my children spend a lot of time writing on paper, spelling with magnetic letters, reading books, counting with flash cards, do matching letter/words card games and they really enjoy that. However, when taking regular paper and crayons (or markers) in the car or on a holiday we often encounter some issues: How much paper and how many crayons do you bring? What do you put the paper on and how do you make sure the crayons don’t roll away? What do you do when all the papers are full or your child keeps dropping the crayons? What about marker stains or crayons crushed into car seats or clothes? When you multiply these ‘problems’ by the number of children that you have you need to bring a big supply and mum will sit turned-around the whole trip to pick up crayons.

With the LeapFrog Count & Draw kids can do what they really like, learn new things and practise their new skills again and again, and mum can do the praising not the grumping! Your child will not run out of ‘paper’, the Stylus pen is attached and can’t be dropped or make stains and your child will enjoy practising basic drawing and writing skills.

To find out more about the LeapFrog Count & Draw ($34,99, ages 3+) visit www.leapfrog.com.au. LeapFrog toys are available at leading retailers all over Australia, click here to find out where to buy your favourite LeapFrog products.

Protect-a-Bed giveaway

 Baby, Eco, Giveaways  86 Responses »
Oct 252011
 

When parents bring their new baby home from hospital there is usually a freshly made cot or bassinet waiting. The sheets are carefully washed, maybe even with special ‘baby washing powder’ so they are nice and clean, because everyone wants the best for their baby. You might even have selected organic sheets to make sure there are no dangerous chemicals near your precious bundle. But what about the mattress protector that is no doubt hiding under your fitted sheet? How safe and clean is that? Make a healthy choice by choosing Protect-a-Bed.

The award winning Protect-a-Bed Tencel Mattress Protector is made with 100% natural eucalyptus fibre offering a lot of benefits for babies and children. Tencel is a natural fibre which is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and free of pesticides and chemicals so your baby can sleep safely without breathing in anything harmful. Babies have very sensitive skin which can get irritated quickly, but as the Tencel textile is very soft and smooth it is gentle on your baby’s skin.

Unlike with regular mattress protectors your baby can sleep directly on the surface of the Tencel protector so it saves you both washing and work changing the bed. Of course the protector is waterproof and absorbent (as well as stain proof) yet still breathable and very cool (perfect for the summer months). The Protect-a-Bed Tencel Mattress Protector is a fitted sheet design available in two different cot sizes

After reading all the scary facts and figures about dust mites and bedbugs I pay a lot more attention when choosing bedlinen for my family. The Protect-a-Bed range covers it all, from tiny bassinets to king size beds and from mattresses to quilts and pillows. The products are designed to create a so called healthy sleepzone so everyone can sleep in a safe and dry environment. Protect-a-Bed products are available at nearly 1000 retailers across Australia.

To find out more about Protect-a-Bed, to read about the many benefits of Tencel textiles and to locate stockist near you visit www.protectabed.com.au.

For your chance to win a Protect-a-Bed Tencel Mattress Protector (cot size 130x68cm) visit www.protectabed.com.au and answer the following question: Name two of the features of the Tencel Mattress Protector you really like.

Submit your answer by leaving 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 Protect-a-Bed on Facebook
  • Follow Protect-a-Bed on Twitter
  • Follow Hip little one with Google Friend Connect (click ‘Join this site’ in the right sidebar)
  • Subscribe to the Hip little one newsletter
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter using @hiplittleone in your tweet
  • Write about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page and leave the URL
  • Visit up to four of my sponsors on the left and right and tell me your favourite item (1 entry per sponsor)

Competition ends November 25, 2011. Sorry, Australian entries only.

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