hiplittleone

May 122012
 

Although the past week has been wonderful with many sunny days perfect for the park or playground we all know it won’t last forever. The days are already getting shorter and before we know it the kids will be forced to stay outside due to cold and rain. Luckily my three very much enjoy inside activities too and they spend lots of time playing with playdough, doing puzzles, drawing and, their big favourite, reading. And where better to sit down for a relaxing read than in a Lelbys Bean Chair from Avidiva.

Some gorgeous new Lelbys Bean Chairs have been released for this autumn season and the prints are just beautiful, they are a much more classy and timeless alternative to fluorescent pink Dora and in-your-face Spiderman couches. The unique prints will appeal to children and fit into your own decor too, proving you don’t have to give up your sense of style when you share a house with little people.

Based on the familiar concept of bean bags these bean chairs are filled with lots of little foam beans (not included but widely available in stores) to create a soft, comfortable seat for your little one. When filled the Lelbys Bean Chairs measure ca. 60cm wide by 60cm high, big enough for children up to 5 years old whilst not taking up too much room in your living room, play room or kids bedroom.

The Australian designed Lelbys Bean Chairs are available in 13 different prints to suit different genders, decors and colour schemes and all prints are made of high quality 100% cotton canvas. The bean chairs come with a no spill inner calico bag for safety and ease of cleaning (because no parent likes the idea of hundreds of beans spilling on the floor). And because they know little kids are curious the outer sleeve has a child proof zip which requires a paper clip to release and unlock.

To find out more about Avidiva, to take a closer look at the Lelbys Bean Chairs ($99.95+) and to order online visit www.avidiva.com.au, Australian orders ship free of charge.

May 112012
 

If you are a regular Hip little one reader you may have read before that I am one of the many mothers who has lost an unborn baby. I don’t usually share my personal story but I know there are so many mums out there who have gone through this too and it is something that will always stay with me and has defined me as a person and a mother. After losing our first baby in a missed miscarriage I was terrified of it happening again when I was carrying the twins. The doctors ordered plenty of checkups just so I could hear/see the babies, but there were still many times that I wish I could quickly hear that reassuring sound of a beating heart and I would have loved to have my very own doppler to use at home.

At Parents Like Us they know a lot of mums feel like this, which is why they stock a great selection of fetal dopplers so you can listen to your baby’s heart whenever you want in the comfort of your own home. With a Sonotech Fetal Doppler you can share those wonderful moment with your husband, children or other family and friends who would love to hear the heartbeat of your unborn baby from as early as 10-12 weeks.

There are different doppler models available in store ranging from the basic Sonotech Lite Fetal Doppler ($69) to the Sonotech Xpress Fetal Doppler ($89.90) and finishing with the top-of-the-line Sonotech Pro Fetal Doppler ($149.90). This last model has loads of amazing features like a TFT colour LCD with diagnostic graph display, out of range fetal heart rate alarm indicator, crystal clear sound with noise isolation (very important) and much more.

Your new Sonotech doppler conveniently connects to two sets of headphones and computer for listening to and recording of those wonderful, amazing moments of hearing your unborn baby’s heartbeat, movements and hiccups. All Sonotech dopplers ship free of charge with tracking and come complete with 250ml ultrasound gel and 12 months warranty directly through Parents Like Us.

If you were thinking of getting yourself a doppler you are in luck, right now you can enjoy 20% off storewide at Parents Like Us. Simply enter the code ‘MUM20′ at checkout, hurry though as offer ends May 13, 2012.

To find out more about Parents Like Us, to take a closer look at the Sonotech doppler range and to order online visit www.parentslikeus.com.au.

For your chance to win a Sonotech Pro Fetal Doppler in blue or pink (RRP $149.90) simply like Parents Like Us on Facebook AND answer the following question: What do you like best about being pregnant?

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 June 11, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 102012
 

With the start of kindy just 3 months away I recently picked up the twins’ welcome packs so I can read up on all we need to know and all they need to bring on this new adventure. As three of my children are allergic to dairy I am very aware of allergy policies at schools and I was pleased to see our future kindy is very aware of allergies too. If you are looking for that perfect lunchbox treat that is healthy, tasty and safe you’ll love these yummy bars from Freedom Foods.

The name of the Nut Free Muesli Bars doesn’t actually do them justice, they are not only completely free from nuts but also free from gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and eggs. Surely a bar doesn’t get any more allergy friendly than that? On top of being safe the bars are tasty too, made with wholegrains, juicy Australian fruit pieces and nutritious seeds. Unlike most bars the ingredients of the Nut Free Muesli Bars are only slightly warmed to preserve nutrients and keep the naturally wholesome flavours.

If you are on track with all the latest health trends you have probably heard about the super food quinoa, this grain is tiny in size but it makes up for it in nutritional properties. The brand new nut free Ancient Grains Super Bar contains a puffed version of this hugely popular grain and together with puffed millet, cereals, seeds and fruit makes for a delicious bar packed full of goodness (think magnesium, antioxidants, protein and fibre).

Since starting my healthy craze on January 1st I have come to understand the importance of a good, healthy breakfast. I never used to have breakfast and just grabbed something quick when I could find a spare minute (some days nothing at all) and never realised the disastrous effect it had on me. I think the Berry Good Morning cereal looks and sounds fantastic and I am very keen to give it a try, cranberries are one of my favourites these days so combined with dates and tasty flakes it has to be a winner.

To find out more about Freedom Foods, to locate a stockist near you or to order online visit www.freedomfoods.com.au.

For your chance to win a Freedom Foods gift hamper filled with lots of delicious products (RRP $50) visit www.freedomfoods.com.au and answer the following question: Which Freedom Foods product would your family love 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 June 10, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 092012
 

GTH Loungewear
What? Closing Down Sale, nothing over $25
How? Prices as marked
When? Until stock lasts
Where? www.gthloungewear.com.au

Parents Like Us
What? 20% off storewide
How? Enter the code ‘MUM20′ at checkout
When? Until May 13, 2012
Where? www.parentslikeus.com.au

Tiny Trolls
What? 20% off storewide
How? Enter the code ‘TINYTROLLSD20′ at checkout
When? Until May 31, 2012
Where? www.tinytrolls.com.au

Mamma Bella Maternity
What? 30% off all maternity and nursing clothing
How? Enter the code ‘MUM30′ at checkout
When? Until May 13, 2012
Where? www.mammabella.com.au

Leafy Dreams Nursery Decals
What? Free library bag with every order
How? Indicate ‘Jungle’ or ‘Enchanted Woodland’ in the Notes section during checkout
When? Until May 13, 2012
Where? www.leafydreamsnurserydecals.com.au

Allsorts 4 Kids
What? 30% off storewide (+ free shipping for orders over $100)
How? Enter the code ’30ff’ at checkout
When? Until stock lasts
Where? www.allsorts4kids.com.au

Bright Buttons Toys
What? 15-50% off Toy Sale
How? Prices as marked
When? From May 9, 2012 7pm until May 11, 2012
Where? Bright Buttons Toys Facebook page

May 082012
 

There really is no escaping the cold weather now and it is going to be tricky to find something to entertain the kids inside with for the next few months. Like most other kids my twins enjoy drawing, playing with playdoh or doing a puzzle and they always love building things. I have learnt that everyday items can make the best building tools so I try to keep a stack of cardboard boxes and empty containers on hand for building activities. Don’t worry, you don’t need messy glue or sticky tape, just grab a Makedo kit from Little Obsessions and your kids can start creating too!

There are lots of different Makedo sets available to create anything from small one-child project like planes, flowers, robots and animals to super cool big projects like a shop, playhouse, car and more. The Makedo connector system lets you use ordinary items from around the home and connect them to eachother using reusable clips and hinges. You’ll be surprised at all the awesome things you can make, once you start you’ll find that there are lots of things you can recycle.

Makedo kits are very well priced, starting at $6.95 they make really affordable gifts especially when you consider the reusable aspect of it. There are so many options with a handful of Makedo basics, it is a great way for kids to learn to use their imagination and come up with creative solutions. And of course it is also a perfect opportunity to teach them about waste, recycling and looking after the environment, double win!

Designed for children aged 5 and up the Makedo range is great for older children, both girls and boys, because there is nothing girly about being an ‘inventor’ is there? Little ones can enjoy Makedo too but they would need some help and supervision from an adult, you don’t have to worry about cutting accidents when shaping the cardboard as a special ‘safe-saw’ is included. A Makedo project will keep kids busy for ages and once finished just store the pieces for your next Makedo creation.

To find out more about Little Obsessions, to take a closer look at the Makedo range and to order online visit www.littleobsessions.com.au.

May 072012
 

When tidying up our wardrobe on the weekend I came across a big bag full of beautiful necklaces and bracelets in all the colours of the rainbow. Before I became a mum I always used to wear jewellery, a different design every day to match my outfit. But that all changed when the twins came along and there were always little hands pulling, and tiny mouths chewing, on my precious jewels and I packed it all away. Especially for mums AND babies there is the new MummaBubba Jewellery.

MummaBubba Jewellery is designed right here in Australia by lovely mum Tash. Using high quality hospital grade silicone (also known as organic silicone) Tash has created a range of stylish jewellery pieces for mum that is free from BPA, PVC, cadmium and lead, so they are completely safe for baby! The current range consists of round pendants, twisted bangles and tulip bead necklaces and bracelets in all the hip colours of this season.

The MummaBubba Jewellery necklaces are fitted with a breakaway clasp so when pulled hard (something babies are surprisingly good at) it will just click open instead of the cord breaking and beads flying everywhere (or even worse, ending up in your baby’s mouth). Of course the range complies with AS NZ IOS 8124.1 2010 standards taking any safety worries off your mind.

The silicone will offer your baby much needed relief for tender gums when new teeth are trying to cut their way through and when your accessories need a wash after all that chewing they can easily be cleaned in warm soapy water or even the dishwasher. With prices starting at just $14.95 the MummaBubba Jewellery is very affordable so why not grab a few pieces so you always have a suitable colour to wear? After all, mums want to look stylish too!

To find out more about MummaBubba Jewellery, to browse the range and to locate a stockist near you visit www.mummabubbajewellery.com.au.

For your chance to win a 3-piece MummaBubba Jewellery prize pack (RRP $64.85) in colours of your choice visit www.mummabubbajewellery.com.au and answer the following question: Which colour Tulip Bead Necklace is your favourite?

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 June 7, 2012. Sorry, Australian entries only.

May 062012
 

This Sunday we are sitting down for a virtual coffee with Lou from Budburst Kids. I have had the pleasure of meeting Lou personally twice now and she is absolutely gorgeous and so very friendly. Budburst Kids is a lovely online store and I have always been really pleased with my orders, a real bonus for me is that Lou lives in South Australia too so my mail arrives in the blink of an eye!

Sadly I can not introduce her to you in person but at least I can show you the face behind Budburst Kids:

What does your ideal Sunday look like?
A sunny day, pancakes for breakfast on the balcony, a family walk through the nearby Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, and drinks with friends in the afternoon.

Why did you start Budburst Kids?
After selling kids clothing on Ebay as a hobby for several years, I found many Australian suppliers that I wanted to showcase in my own store where I could sell quality products at great prices, but with my individual style and beliefs shining through. Having previously worked in the viticulture industry, I loved the process of “bud burst” where the bud of a plant begins to spring into life and comes into its own; much like a child developing and growing. So “Budburst Kids” was born along with our slogan, “See your child bloom!”

What can we expect of Budburst Kids in the future?
Budburst Kids continues to expand and grow. Expect to find more and more gorgeous dresses, accessories, toys and gifts for kids & mums, plus more fun party wear – because kids love a party!

What is your favourite item in store?
I have many favourites but I just love the MOGO charm band range as it is inexpensive, extensive and suitable for boys, girls and even Mum!

What is your top tip for mums preparing for a new arrival?
I can only narrow it down to two top tips:
1. Buy a maternity dress you love, that makes you feel beautiful right up until the baby comes along, it will do wonders for your self esteem when you need it most!
2. Be prepared for a tough (but beautiful) start to motherhood. I think that if you make it through the first six weeks with a smile, you can get through any of it!

To find out more about Budburst Kids, to browse the range and to order online visit www.budburstkids.com.