Mar 242012
 

If you have ever spilled some drops of olive oil during your cooking you have probably noticed that it tends to stay around for a long time, not so nice when you are trying to clean up your kitchen bench but ideal when you are looking for a skincare product that keeps your skin moist and fresh the whole day long. At Botáni they realised this too which is why they use olives as the main ingredient for a great range of skincare products.

Botáni offers Australian made eco friendly skincare products that are 100% plant based, so there is no need to worry about mineral oils, paraffin, parabens, petroleum jelly and lanolin. Botáni combines your skin’s natural processes and the healing benefits of botanical ingredients to make sure your skin looks and feels its very best. The gentle, natural Botáni approach also provides effective relief for common skin imbalances like acne, dehydration, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and fungal infections.

The Olive Skin Serum might well be Botáni’s signature product, it is small in size but the performance is far from small. The serum is based on the active key ingredients Olive Squalene which almost perfectly replicates your skin’s natural moisturising and protective properties. Just a few small drops of Olive Skin Serum will leave your skin hydrated, rejuvenated and protected from environmental damage.

As someone with dry skin who used to apply moisturiser several times a day I was very pleasantly surprised by the long lasting effects of Botáni Olive Skin Serum. From day one I noticed a real difference in hydration and my skin is looking much more even and calm, all day long. Many mums suffer from dry skin especially during pregnancy so they will be pleased to know that Olive Skin Serum can be used safely during pregnancy, nursing and even on baby’s skin.

To find out more about Botani, to browse the range and to order online visit www.botani.com.au.

For your chance to win the Botáni Olive Skin Serum (RRP $31.95) visit www.botani.com.au and answer the following question: Aside from the Olive Skin Serum which other Botáni skincare 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Submit your answer by leaving a comment below, your email address will not be published.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:

Competition ends April 24, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

Mar 232012
 

If your little one’s wardrobe could do with a bit of a boost but there is no room in the budget this is the sale for you: the Massive Milky Clearance is on right now at Outlet Shop for Kids with lots of items heavily reduced by up to 63%. Hip little one readers get an additional 10% off storewide, as if the prices in this bargain palace are not low enough yet! Simply enter the code ‘hip10′ at checkout to enjoy the savings, offer ends April 3, 2012.

We have a few Milky pieces in our cupboard and we love this Australian brand, to be able to pick up some of their gorgeous clothing at such great prices is a real big bonus. With prices starting at just $8 this is a perfect opportunity to stock up the wardrobe with some extra bits and pieces, for now or next year. You have to be a bit lucky with your sizes, but then where else can you find a pair of cool cargo shorts like these for only $15?

Australian kids swim all year around so an extra pair of bathers is always welcome. There is some fantastic Milky swimwear available in store for both boys and girls (up to size 7) ranging from rashies and board shorts to swimsuits and bottoms in lots of styles and colours. My favorite is this Milky Heart Rashie Set which is a real bargain at $15 (or even better: $13.50 with the code hip10).

Aside from clothing, sleepwear and swimwear the Milky range also contains some gorgeous accessories likes these cute Bow Ballet Flats. Plain, spotty or sparkly, silver, red, gold, black, pink, there is lots of choice and they are all on sale so you can easily afford a different pair for every outfit. Plus if you add the code ‘hip10′ you get an extra 10% off the already super low price of $12 per pair.

To find out more about Outlet Shop for Kids, to browse the Massive Milky Clearance and to order online visit www.outletshopforkids.com.au.

Mar 222012
 

Easter is often a cue for the weather to take a colder turn, which is why a new pair of winter PJ’s is always a popular Easter gift. If you are looking for beautiful Australian designed sleepwear that is classic, enchanting, a little bit nostalgic and of course super comfortable you can’t go past Four in the Bed.

At the latest trade shows Four in the Bed was a big hit, with retailers and mums from all over the country loving this fabulous Australian label. Four in the Bed was created by mum Ellie, who struggled to find high quality sleepwear that looked great and was durable enough to be handed down. The gorgeous new Winter range features timeless gingham prints and petite florals, PJ sets, nighties and super cuddly robes for boys and girls aged 2 to 10.

I love the classic look of Four in the Bed, truly decent and proper sleepwear that looks as if it comes straight out of an enchanting picture book. I can just picture Goldilocks stepping around in a Four in the Bed nightie. My favourite design is the Miranda PJ set ($39.95), the combination of sweet florals and cute polka dots is just lovely and the little details add a beautiful finish to a high quality product.

As sleepwear is worn directly onto the skin it is more important than ever to choose natural materials that are soft, comfortable and breathable, synthetic fibres on the other hand can be itchy and sweaty which can interfere with your child’s sleep. Four in the Bed garments are generally of made of 100% cotton and comply with Australian Safety Standards for sleepwear.

At the start of the colder season Four in the Bed is setting one lucky boy or girl up with a cosy warm Four in the Bed Winter prize pack valued at $89.90. Our lucky winner gets to pick either a girls pack, containing a pair of Georgia Petite Floral Brushed Cotton PJ’s and Girls Super Soft Fleecy Robe or a boys pack, containing a pair of Max Stone Gingham PJ’s and a Boys Super Soft Fleecy Robe. Bring on the cold nights I’d say!

To find out more about Four in the Bed, to browse the range and to order online visit www.fourinthebed.com.au.

For your chance to win a Four in the Bed prize pack for girls or boys visit www.fourinthebed.com.au and answer the following question: Which Four in the Bed design do you like most?

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 April 22, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

Mar 212012
 

Little Boo-Teek
What?
Up to 60% off Summer Sale
How? Prices as marked
When? Until stock lasts
Where? www.littlebooteek.com.au

Little Treasures
What? 50% all Cheeky Butts Cloth Nappies and Gift Sets
How? Discount automatically applied at checkout
When? Until March 25, 2012
Where? www.littletreasures.net.au

About a boy
What? 50-80% off Three Little Trees
How? Prices as marked
When? Until further notice
Where? www.aboutaboy.com.au

Belly Beyond
What? Up to 70% off HOTmilk
How? Prices as marked
When? Until March 26, 2012
Where? www.bellybeyond.co.nz

Molly & Me
What? 15% off storewide, even already reduced items
How? Enter the code ‘new15′ at checkout
When? Until 5pm March 25, 2012
Where? www.mollyandme.com.au

Three Little Owls
What? Up to 60% off sale
How? Prices as marked
When? Until stock lasts
Where? www.threelittleowls.com.au

Bright Buttons Toys
What? 1000 Likers Sale, savings up to 50%
How? Prices as marked
When? Until March 25, 2012
Where? Bright Buttons Toys Facebook page

Mar 202012
 

As a mum of three year old twins my days are often filled with role playing. A princess, a fireman, a doctor or a ladybug, I have seen them all and every week they come up with brand new characters. They take their new personalities very seriously, of course it helps when you wear a special princess dress and step around in shiny princess shoes with diamantes but it becomes even more real when mum gets out the Pure Poppet Play Makeup Kit

The Pure Poppet range is developed by Georga, an Australian mum with two little girls who love dressing up just as much as my two. Face paint or play make up can add lots of fun to a game of make believe but it is the invisible side of those brightly coloured pots and tubes that can really ruin the party. Many kids have sensitive skin that responds to the harsh ingredients used in ordinary make up sets. Georga decided to create a natural alternative that lets your little poppets enjoy their games the pure way.

Pure Poppet products are made right here in Australia using natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about nasties like ferric ferrocyanide, artificial dyes, FD&C colours, talc, carmine, bismuth oxychloride, mineral oil and paraben preservatives. The Pure Poppet range is perfect for use at home or a party, boys and girls, butterflies, princesses and clowns, just simple and pure dress up fun for little ones.

Within the range you will find Play Makeup Crayons, Powders, Lip Balm and Stencils as well as a complete Pure Poppet Play Makeup Kit with lots of different goodies. All you need is a few drops of water and you can start transforming your kids into a character of their choice. The Mineral Powder can be used dry or wet and is very easy to apply, the result is just fantastic! Pure Poppet Play Makeup looks (and smells) amazing, an ideal gift for little ones and with prices starting at just $4.95 the price tag is very sweet too.

To find out more about Pure Poppet, to order online or to locate a stockist near you visit www.purepoppet.com.

For your chance to win a Pure Poppet Play Makeup Kit visit www.purepoppet.com and answer the following question: Aside from the Play Makeup Kit which other Pure Poppet product would you love 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:

Competition ends April 20, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

Mar 192012
 

With three kids very close in age our house is filled with toys and many of them are doubles. Aside from the fact that it is expensive to buy two or three of everything there is also the issue of space, not that little cars or dolls take up much room but walkers, ride-on’s. trikes and bikes certainly do. In fact our playroom looks a bit like a parking garage with a whole row of rides in all shapes and sizes along one wall. If you are just about to start investing in wheels for your little one make sure you check out this awesome 3-in-1 Transformable Toy by Mishi Design, available at Shop For Tots.

From just 9 months old your baby can start using this toy as a Walker, complete with toy basket for all his/her favourite belongings. The sturdy wooden construction will offer all the support your child needs when learning to take those first wobbly steps and before you know it your inquisitive toddler will be exploring every corner of the house (and collecting treasures on the way).

The second stage of the 3-in-1 Transformable Toy is the Ride-On mode, turning the sturdy walker into a funky bike. For kids this is the start of learning how to steer and how to use their little legs to get the bike moving, it will be a bit tricky at first but once they get it there is no stopping them. Ride-on’s are fun for all ages, my three (3,5 year old twins and an 18-month old) are always racing theirs through the hall way.

The last fase, but definitely not the least exciting, is the transformation from ride-on to trolley. A trip to an imaginary shop to stock up on groceries and pay with plastic money or hanging up the washing, there are hours of fun to be had. The pretend play stage will last for quite some time so the trolley will be thoroughly enjoyed by children up to 6 years old. Conclusion: Invest once and do it well and you’ll get years out of this fantastic 3-in-1 Transformable Toy.

To find out more about Shop for Tots, to take a closer look at the 3-in-1 Transformable Toy ($150) by Mishi Design and to order online visit www.shopfortots.com.au.

Mar 182012
 

As a regular online shopper I have come across many fabulous businesses and in many cases I have been lucky enough to get to know the incredible people behind them. I love being able to put a face to a name or website and it makes my shopping experience so much more personal and enjoyable. Behind every store is a hardworking owner, a family, a dream and I would like to share some of them with you.

Every Sunday we will sit down for a quick virtual cup of coffee with the owner of one of my favourite stores and labels, this week’s turn goes to Amanda from Bright Buttons Toys. Bright Buttons Toys is a brilliant store with lots of educational and developmental toys for your bright buttons, handpicked by Amanda herself who is a trained Educational Psychologist. You can shop with confidence, knowing that every single item at Bright Buttons Toys is selected by an expert so you are making the right choice for your child.

What does your ideal Sunday look like?
My ideal Sunday is being woken by a sweet ‘good morning’ and kiss from my two little girls, having a yummy breakfast in our pyjama’s and just relaxing with the little ones at home in the yard or pool, or local park. I love the sound of our girls playing and giggling. Just beautiful.

Why did you start Bright Buttons Toys?
I started Bright Buttons Toys as a way of combining from professional background as an Educational Psychologist and the love of playing as a way of teaching my girls. I was always looking for toys and products that taught a specific skill I was wanting to introduce or enhance. I thought this was a wonderful extension of my skills and a wonderful way to work from home and be with my family.

What do you enjoy most about running Bright Buttons Toys?
The thing I love most about Bright Buttons Toys is seeing children interact and grow from toys that I have selected and sold as a quality and valuable product. A happy and stimulated child is one of the most wonderful things to see in life.

What is your favourite item in store?
My favourite item in store at the moment is from one of my favourite brands called Dyles. I have loads of brand new stock arriving from Dyles this week. I will keep you posted.
I have so many favourites but I adore My Quiet Book ($45.95), it has been a firm favourite of my for quite a while.

Keeping preschoolers entertained at home can be tricky, what is your top tip?
At my home we just love the new cubby house that my husband and the two grandfather’s designed, built and painted for the girl’s for Christmas. We love playing home corner in there, with pretend kitchen and play food, fruit markets, dolly feeding and putting to bed. We also love making play dough and using this in the kitchen pretend play. Craft is also a very big love and interest in our home. The Easter theme is beginning already.

To find out more about Bright Buttons Toys, to browse the range and to order your favourite educational toys online visit www.brightbuttonstoys.com.au.