Not so big
Tucked behind the Les Halles here in Paris, close to the lovely quartier around the rue de Montorgueil lies the kid shop treasure trove called Not So Big. It started out as a children’s concept store but quickly started to develop its own beautiful line, now available throughout France and Japan.
Why is it such a find? They stock a huge amount of the items the girls and I have reviewed… Courtney’s favourite Petits Démons toys? Check! My favourite Coco Boheme bedroom stickers? Check! Esther’s favourite rocking horse? Check!
It is a one-stop shop for special little finds, and you can order all the items on their website.
- Emilie
Woody?
This cute pencil, the Stabilo Woody, is a colored pencil, watercolour and wax crayon all in one! It’s a magnificent drawing tool for (little) children. It is extra thick, so it’s super-easy to hold, and because it is very soft it’s extremely easy to draw with (no hard pushing necessary). It works well on light or dark paper, even on glass or leather (although I’m not sure if you would want that to happen)!
Available through Amazon UK
xxx Esther
Bedtime with The Beatles
Did you have a giant-sized Beatles poster in your bedroom as a child? Do you know the words to all the Beatles songs by heart? Which Beatle did you want to marry?
Okay, seriously… The Beatles weren’t even close to being ‘my generation’ and I was still completely obsessed with them. And now I live in London and drive down Abbey Road almost daily, and my heart still pitter-patters when I pass the famous road crossing!
So… I really don’t need to explain why I love Jason Falkner’s Bedtime With the Beatles
-Courtney
Perpetual motion
If you thought perpetual motion didn’t exist, you are wrong… It is the combination of your baby’s constant activity and the Babybjorn Baby Sitter 1-2-3. This sleek bouncer will transform all your baby’s movements in a soothing, rocking/bouncing motion that will keep your little one happier for longer. If you add the clip-on toy then you will get close to an eternity of hands-free, (somewhat) quiet time!
I had the bouncer when my son was born and he loved it, and now I’m getting positive reviews from my 5-month-old daughter who happily smiles from the chair while we are having dinner or while I’m blogging. The chair has three positions: play, rest, and sleep — although my children never really slept in it. It is also super easy to take the baby out (if you put your feet on its base you avoid lifting the chair with the baby).
Kids’ fair for all the family
Les Fourmis Rouges is a kids’ clothes and accessories fair taking place this weekend in Paris, from the 30th of May to the 1st of June. It was started in 2005 and has grown from its humble origins in a loft space with 300 visitors to 2000 visitors in a museum in the 16th. The main goal is to give young designers of kids’ paraphernalia a platform to exhibit, but during the weekend you can also find fun workshops for kids — like creating a piñata and learning how to mime. So it is the best of both worlds: discovering new products for the moms and entertainment for the kids. Entrance is free and the kiddie workshops cost 5 euros a pop! Sounds like a fun day out to me….
-Emilie
Cool for the kids’ room!
I really love Vanity Fair; it’s my favourite magazine, and I’ve been subscribed to it for who-knows-how-long. Unfortunately, since the birth of my second child 15 months ago, I haven’t read one single magazine (or newspaper, or book, for that matter)…
But yesterday, struck by the cover picture of a 20-year-old-looking Madonna who IS turning fifty soon (hey, I didn’t miss out on the world for that long!), I picked up the latest copy from the pile of un-opened Vanity Fairs — and read about these wonderful carpets by Luke Irwin.
I especially like this children’s rug called ‘exercise‘ (although I love ‘ball games‘ too), but the company will also custom-design for their clients, or will translate your own design into a rug, if you feel inspired…
xxx Esther
Make your own monster!
I’ve already written and raved about Donna Wilson’s quirky creatures, but I just received an e-mail from her with a detailed list of new objects in her on-line shop, and I have to rave once again…
The list of new items includes a very curious, slinky little snail, some very cool tea towels, gorgeous cushions, and best of all — a ‘make your own monster’ kit. What a fun project for your kids!
All the kits are unique and include all the bits and bobs (including a pre-stitched creature shape and stuffing) you need to create your own wooly friend! I’m just loving the idea of letting your kids decide where to put the eyes, ears and teeth! You never know what kind of creature you could end up with…
-Courtney
Zolo Linko
I bought a few Kushies linking rings when my son was a few months old and we were still living in London. Now these colourful, irregularly shaped, soft rubber rings are everything my newborn daughter wants to chew on. They are so handy and cute; I really wish I could buy a few more… or even better the Zolo Linko: a whole set of teethers and toys that link together. Like so many of the Kushies-Zolo toys (including the Beanstax Esther has written about), they are just so cool. They are unfortunately not that easy to find here in Europe (impossible in Italy), but do check their international retailers — you may be so lucky to have one around the corner!
-Michela
A little bit of (fake) sunshine
Though I am half French, I have inherited my father’s Irish skin. So for me, every springtime it is the same old story: I look as pale as a ghost when the sun finally comes out! I have always been prejudiced about fake tan, ever since I got a bit carried away with a bottle once and looked like an orange, and it took at least a week to get rid of that special look.
I have not attempted fake tan since, but last spring I really felt like I needed a boost and now I am hooked. I got a sample of Nuxe Soleil Prodigieux and have not looked back since. It is a self tanner, tan activator and suntan lotion in one. It feels great on my skin and it just gives me that extra little colour — not enough to make me go orange but enough to make people ask me if I went to the countryside for the weekend….
In France you can buy NUXE products in most Pharmacies and if you check out their website there is a long list of outlets all over the world.
- Emilie
A celebration and a coronation
In the Netherlands, when children celebrate their birthday, we have the custom to decorate the room and the birthday boy/girl’s chair with garlands. We also provide the ‘party-pig’ (Dutch saying for birthday boy/girl) with a crown for the day. Also at school, the ‘party-pig’ gets to wear a crown for his or her entire birthday, which obviously makes the whole day even more special!
Normally the crowns are home-made, and even though they might look endearing in the beginning of the day, they don’t usually survive to the end of it! Which is why I think these birthday crowns by Lizzy en Bobby are a much better (looking) alternative. (more…)
Hope for your feet…
The most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn? Not to mention — the coolest?? Emma Hope’s by a long shot!!
These stylish sneakers are just one of many styles of shoes from one of the UK’s most prominent footwear designers. Emma Hope’s range of shoes includes sneakers, boots, sandals, flats, pumps and platforms. They are designed to compliment all areas of your life from casual and business wear to evening wear and wedding shoes! And there’s even a men’s range (which my husband is way too familiar with)!
All her shoes are beautiful, well-made (in Italy), and unique. If you live in London, it’s worth a visit to one of her 3 London shops just to see the designs! But you can also shop or check for stockists from the new online shop. I promise — they are the best!
-Courtney
Changing mat covers
Plastic changing mats can feel a bit cold and not comfy enough for that soft bundle of joy. That’s when changing mat covers step in and exploitation begins. Generally, covers are not that easy to find and once you get a hold of them their price is definitely not low (The Netherlands is a possible exception to this). So in the end, if you get them, you may not buy enough… and some days you need loads of them!
So I was quite happy when last week I found out Ikea is finally making some covers to revamp their quite dull changing mat. They are made of a soft, stretchy poly-cotton fabric with a simple unisex embroidered detail. Our changing table looks much better and my daughter seems to appreciate the new upgrade.
At 5,99 euros for the pack of two, you can really stock up and always have an immaculately clean changing station!
-Michela
White asparagus
It’s that season again! Currently, white asparagus is available all over the Netherlands…
Originally from the south of the Netherlands (which is considered the asparagus epicenter of the country), I remember that as a small child eating the first asparagus of the season was considered a ’special meal’! And this special meal usually took place at my grandmother’s house…
Traditionally we eat white asparagus with thinly cut gammon, hard boiled eggs, tiny new potatoes and a butter sauce… Delicious!
Now, if you can get your hands on some nice, fat and fresh white asparagus – here is what to do with them… The Dutch way! (more…)
Good Tone
Bonton (literal translation: good tone) is fast becoming one of my favourite fashion labels for babies and kids. You know when you want something a bit special for your kids and are willing to spend that little bit more? Then Bonton is the place to go. The colour palate is lovely and the clothes are very French without being over the top.
I have especially fallen for the Bonton furniture line; they have lovely classic French highchairs and great baby room soft furnishing such as sleeping bags, duvets, and crib bumpers.
You can order Bonton internationally over their website and can check out the site for shops that stock their items all over the world, but if you ever happen to be in Paris and enjoy shopping, the boutiques are well worth a visit!
-Emilie
Because there’s “more to life than dirty diapers”…
A few weeks after my first son was born, when my husband went back to work, and when my mom flew back to the States, I remember looking at my new baby surrounded by all his ’stuff’ in my tiny Notting Hill flat and thinking… ‘now what?’ The thrilling and cozy feeling of a new baby had quickly turned into a slightly harsh reality: life with a new baby can be monotonous, dull and tiring. I needed to get out of my house and keep myself busy!
I wish I would have had The Rookie Mom’s Handbook
Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss, both moms to two, offer up activities that will keep you organized, sane, entertained, confident and social. (more…)
Reading to your children
If you think that reading aloud to your 6-month-old has no particular benefit, then think again! A recent study by paediatricians at Boston University School of Medicine, featured on some Italian newspapers and the Guardian, brings evidence of how book reading from a very early age gives children a head start when entering school. Children who have spent time reading books with their parents will have a richer vocabulary which helps them do better at school and boosts their confidence. An early success will lead to many others.
Reading books to your children will also improve their emotional development and create a very strong bond between parent and child. And you should not forget the fine motor skills exercise they get from learning how to turn pages! (more…)
Little Fashion Gallery
We all shop (or at least browse) on-line at places like Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, or Revolve Clothing for the latest designer pieces and accessories for ourselves. One-stop shopping is life saving, especially if it’s from the comfort of your sofa!
So, why not do the same for your kids? Pay a visit to Little Fashion Gallery where you can find great brands like: Album di Famiglia, Little Marc Jacobs, Maan, Quincy, Maloles, Paul and Joe Little, and even Bonpoint! They also sell kid’s accessories and toys, bed linen, and furniture.
The lovely (and stylish, I’m sure) owner, Marie, even writes a monthly editor’s letter with the latest news and additions, as well as her favorite selections. It is shopping made easy for your trendy tots … (more…)
Good enough to eat
When I had my first daughter, I must have spent a tiny fortune on different lotions and potions for her. They all smelled so good! So I was really shocked when, after the birth of my second, I was told in the hospital by the midwives that the only thing I should use on a newborn baby is olive oil!
I haven’t bought any expensive lotions since. The girls might smell like food when they are finished with the bath, but their skin is as soft as silk and I have never had any problems with dry skin patches or nappy rash. That could be coincidence, but I reckon it is the power of good quality Italian extra virgin oil from the local supermarket!
- Emilie
Non-spill, for real!
Tired of drinking cups that claim to be spill-proof and prove to be not?
I am, for sure! Not so long ago, we went to a very posh antique show in the beautiful old church of Naarden (thanks Antiques Diva for the tip). While admiring the exquisite antiques, the solemn surroundings of the location and the general upscale-ness of this event, I suddenly noticed a big puddle of water appear under the push-chair… Oh no… Sure enough, the ’spill-proof’ drinking cup we brought had started leaking. Ouch. Everything in the nappy bag was wet, spare nappies had swollen up to the size of a beach towel, and you can only imagine what sort of impression we made amongst the chic antiques audience…
As far as to date, the Tommee Tippee Tip it up Flip Top Drinking Cup With Straw – what’s in a name? – has never let me down like that (I should just throw away all the others)! It’s simply the best drinking cup around – in my opinion.
Go clubbing… WITH your kids!
Sick of hitting up your local Starbucks every time it rains because you just have to get the kids out of the house? Grossed out by the commercial malls you have to trek through to get your kids to their French class? Want a place you can pop into, where you can grab a cappuccino while your kids play? Boy do I have the answer for you…
Maggie & Rose is a brilliant private members club for families here in London. Situated in Kensington, this unique haven offers families a place to relax, be entertained and be creatively inspired. The club offers workshops and classes (art, cooking, language, ballet, dance, gardening, etc.), as well as a café, a soft-play area, a cozy cinema room, a patio garden, and a large private room for parties. It is designed to be a home away from home, and that’s exactly how it feels immediately upon entering. (more…)
