Igloo Zoo
No matter the weather, every Friday after school my children and I head down to Igloo Zoo for a fix of creamy frozen yogurt. YUM-OH! We patiently wait behind the hoards of teenage schoolkids who are equally excited. It is pure decadence and relatively sinless (I figure) given that it is made with real yogurt (live cultures) is 99.5% fat-free, high in antioxidants and low in sugar. There are 4 flavors on offer — original, green tea, cocoa and pomegranate. As an incentive (not that we need one) they offer an array of amazing accoutrements like organic kaffir, lime biscotti, white chocolate, pomegranate seeds, passion fruit puree, halva (a middle eastern treat made from sesame seed), choc-covered goji berries, lychee and a host of other treats. Admittedly, I usually eschew the more exotic toppings in favor of good old triple choc crunch, passion fruit puree and coconut…beyond divine!
If you are visiting Melbourne, the Gold Coast or Sydney check out locations here ! If you live elsewhere in the world and you are hankering for your own sampling of Igloo Zoo — I apologize profusely for the tease!
- Sara
Weebits — Beautiful Knitwear for Babies
Gosh, I am a sucker for beautiful knitwear — for myself and my kids. When I discovered Weebits at Magnolia Square recently I was mesmerized by the quality, texture, colors and design and just a tiny bit peeved that they didn’t come in sizes big enough for us! Pure merino wool from New Zealand is the world’s most exclusive natural fibre and it is as scarce as cashmere. Because of its natural elasticity, lustre, resilience, density, strength, warmth and softness, it is perfect for newborns. I totally love these hoodies (pictured) but the rest of the range (especially the ponchos and loop scarves) are equally drool-worthy. The colors are just superb and produced using eco-friendly dyes. Definitely worth checking out. The good news is they ship world-wide. For more details, click here.
- Sara
Native shoes in mini sizes
I am so excited… I just discovered that Little Fashion Gallery are stocking Native shoes in mini sizes! I have long been bemoaning the fact that these cool shoes didn’t come in kids sizes and…well...here they are! The perfect summer holiday shoe in my opinion — so versatile, so robust with the utility of a Croc but really so much more style! And in such delicious colors too. Made from 100% EVA, an environmentally amphibious material that makes them ultra-comfortable and all-terrain; molding perfectly to the foot. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair (for the kids and also for myself — I am eyeing the shell white here)!
- Sara
Think-ets
I love, love, love this! I keep berating myself for having not conjured it up in one of my brainstorming sessions (honestly I am still hopeful that one day I will invent the next ‘lego’). In the meantime, I just marvel at gems like these… it reminds me that the simplest of ideas are the best — a game powered by imagination rather than a USB cable! Think-ets is so simple in concept — a little pouch of random, very charming ‘trinkets’ from around the world. Along with the pouch comes rules for a few games, such as “I’ll take one away, and you tell me which one is missing”, or “Make a story about the item you’re holding” — educational in so many ways, inspiring story-telling, testing memory and just fun for kids to fiddle with. (more…)
Little Nutty Helmets — for the coolest bikey in town
Nutcase is the maker of awesome helmets and their Little Nutty line caters the under five set. In Oz it is legal requirement to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle and given that so many are so cringe worthy (seriously lacking in the style stakes) these make me so very excited to hop on my bike once again. There is a cool design to suit every member of the family — in fact there are so many cool designs I seriously defy anyone, young or old, not to find one that suits their personality or acceptable to their sense of aesthetic. The Little Nutty range is particularly adorable and ‘dial-to-fit’ sizing makes getting the correct fit for this helmet simple – just turn the dial on the back of the helmet to make it fit your child’s head exactly, growing as the head grows. So cool. Enough said!
For stockists of Nutcase and Little Nutty in the USA and Canada, click here; for Europe click here and for Australia, click here. For everywhere else in the world, see here.
- Sara
Ubabub — a cot that is uber cool!
I can’t speak for elsewhere in the world but in Australia the nursery furniture market seems dominated with traditional slat style cots — with an occasional cool Scandinavian design thrown into the mix. Now, talented duo from Melbourne, Natasha and Daniel Dumais, have brought to the market some distinctly modern designs with their Ubabub range, creating a fantastic buzz in the process! One of the standout designs is the ‘pod’ (pictured). Talk about UBER cool! It is ultra modern and ultra sleek and quite different to anything out there that I have seen! (more…)
The Perfect First Shoe
I am indeed a big shoe fan, especially when I come across shoes as adorable and as clever in design as these! Handmade from one piece of leather and with no seamline, these All About Heidi shoes are ingenious… yet they look beautifully raw. Created by a mum from Bondi Beach in Sydney, they are the ideal first shoes. Not only does the soft buttery leather act like a ‘second skin’ for baby while she takes her first steps, but to ensure a perfect fit, the shoe can be adjusted for width by loosening the leather ties on the toes. So very clever! There are various gorgeous colors, and upon request are available for older children and adults too. Available for international shipment through online retailer DragonflyToys.
- Sara
A quick word on Baker’s Twine
I have a bit of an obsession with baker’s twine. I ordered 4 huge spools of it a few months ago and I am looking around for more. Now I’m no crafty, but even I can think of a million uses. In fact, we seem to be using it in some shape or form at least once a day (yesterday my daughter used it to make some bunting for her dolls house). Great for gift wrapping instead of ribbon, just team with brown butcher paper… It is also beautiful for wrapping baked goods. It adds a nostalgic, rustic look that is simple and classic. Traditional red and white baker’s twine is perfect but I am totally smitten with these delicious, eye-popping colors from The Twinery.
- Sara
Phoyo Playhouses
A playhouse that is portable, practically indestructible and NOT made of plastic! I’m so excited by this new discovery! Isn’t it great? New Zealand architect, Robin Hannah, set about constructing a nifty slot-together version for her kids way back in the ’70s and well … fast forward and she’s kindly decided to not only repeat the design for her lucky grandchildren, but also to make it available to us! The best part? The Phoyo is made made of sustainably grown pine so it’ll last more than one generation (which means technically I can classify this type of plaything as an ‘investment’ — should my plastic-loving husband question the viability of the new purchase!)
On a practical level, the Phoyo comes with a clear varnish or you can receive it bare sanded so that you and the kids can jazz it up with your own bespoke design. I must say though, I kind of like it au natural. Oh and one more thing — aside from the fantastic utility of being completely screw/nail free, the clever six piece set simply flat packs away when not needed. Perfect! For dogs too I would imagine…
- Sara
The brilliance of the SpringFree Trampoline
I was quite adamant that we would never get a trampoline. I had visions of concussions, broken limbs and teeth knocked out (hey, my brother-in-law is a neurosurgeon). That we live in a townhouse with a little courtyard didn’t help. The trampoline would take up at least half of this and wasn’t really the kind of view I had in mind for the glass walls looking out. But that was before I discovered the brilliance of the Springfree Trampoline.
The hours and hours of fun we have had (me included), not just jumping but reading, playing cars, throwing balls, picnics, performances… drying my washing and airing out my blankets — even taking our pillows out for a spot of stargazing. For my daughter it doubles as her ‘clubhouse’. For my son it is his batman cave. For me it is a padded cell to place my kids when I am in dire need of peace and quiet. All this has well and truly compensated for my view (or lack thereof). But really the best aspect of all is that it is a great and fun source of exercise for the whole family (apparently every muscle gets a go). (more…)
Vegemite — a great Aussie icon
Ah, Vegemite. Without doubt it is Australia’s favorite sandwich spread. But while it is loved by the locals, it is generally repulsed by our visitors.Visually, I will concede, it is a little unappetizing (hmm…black sticky tar?). And chances are, unless you grew up on it or follow the guidelines below (without digressing I should add) you will probably never acquire the taste for it. For first timers the taste of Vegemite is very unexpected, surprisingly sharp and in order to avoid gagging which so many of the uninitiated do on their first bite, you need to apply the Vegemite sparingly with liberal amounts of butter. But, rich in Vitamin B Aussie kids are brought up on the salty-tasting spread from babyhood (hooray for toasty Vegemite soldiers dipped into soft-boiled eggs!) and it is a school lunch box staple. I personally know many Aussies who won’t travel without a small jar or easy-squeeze tube of Vegemite for fear that they will not find it and then shock horror, what on earth would they have on their toast in the morning? (more…)
The Bergstein Boot
I was beyond excited to discover Bergstein Gumboots from Holland were now available in Melbourne! With torrential downpours of late (which we are so thankful for, especially after years of drought and serious water dam deficits…) we have even had plenty of opportunity for frolicking in puddles and sloshing in the mud! Apart from looking gorgeous in an array of bright colours (just check out that Lime!), the Bergstein gumboots are a durable shoe. Each boot is completely cotton lined for comfort, has a rippled safety sole to limit slip on wet surfaces and there’s even a reflective strip on each heel for added safety. The ‘Bergsteins’ are the first product from new online retailer Little Elk which owner Sally Clifford plans to expand over time into a small and exclusive selection of products — items that are stylish, timeless, fresh, simple and expressive, gathered from around the globe. Yes, I’m loving the sound of it already!
- Sara
For the cool boys about town
It’s not always easy finding the right balance of ‘cool’ and ‘classic’ for my son. He has strong ideas about what he likes to wear, which still surprises and amuses me — he is only 4 after all! Apparently ‘grey’ is cool but anything neutral is ’so not cool Mum’. Enter Sudo, a hip Melbourne brand for girls and boys aged 2-12 that we both like. It is ‘cool’ enough for him — he likes to sport the rebel rocker vibe which I am not so partial to ( I am still not sold on skinny jeans for boys but Sudo’s rocker boy jeans, my son’s favorites, I can just about cope with). But also, much of the collection still retains a ‘classic’ enough look for me — lovely lightweight linen shorts and fine muslin shirts! Think ‘preppy’ with a rocker edge! Practical and durable too. One particular pair of unfortunate grey marle shorts has been subjected to multiple rounds of Napisan and survived. Completely intact. A big plus in my books.
Sudo is available at retailers throughout Australia and internationally at many online retailers — just click here.
- Sara
Smiggle
If you live in Melbourne and you parent a tween girl then you are unlikely to need an introduction to ‘Smiggledom’ — after all, the Smiggle craze is rife down under, even infiltrating our schools. And, judging by the whims of my 8-year-old and her posse of friends, it is not disappearing anytime soon. So what is ‘Smiggle’, this tween sensation, also coveted by high-school and university students? Smiggle is the name of some extremely fashion-forward and innovative stationery — it is synonymous with great design, great value, bright colors and cool graphics; being coordinated and being eco aware.
I must concede that I, a 30 something mother of two, am not entirely immune to the Smiggle craze (I invested in the brilliant Cuattro Maxi Pen — a red pen, blue pen, mechanical pencil and highlighter all in one). I also love checking out their amazing concept stores, a kaleidoscope of bright colors and yummy smells, just beckoning you in. (more…)
Lark in Dayelsford
One place I always recommend (sometimes even insist!) our visitors to Melbourne see is the picturesque town of Dayelsford. Dayelsford is a village in rural Victoria in the heart of the Wombat Forest; so pretty, so quaint, peaceful & dignified, just as a spar town should be, but with the hippest cafes, shops and restaurants you can imagine! There are several things you must do when visiting this adorable town — have your tarot read, take in the local markets, stroll through the forest, visit the mineral spas (the Shire boasts the highest concentration of mineral springs in the country together with an equally large array of therapists) AND stop by Lark to indulge in some retail therapy! (more…)
Miriam Bereson
Prolific Melbourne designer Miriam Bereson is the creator of these striking animal ‘collective nouns’ prints. Aren’t they fabulous? Strong punchy graphics is her signature style and combined with a quirky educational element I think they would make a gorgeous and effective addition to any playroom or nursery. Hmm… am I showing my ignorance by declaring that I had no idea these whimsical sounding ‘collective nouns’ even existed? ‘A Parliament of Owls’ — sounds so dignified! ‘A Memory of Elephants‘ — rather fanciful and poetic, don’t you think?
You can find Miriam Bereson’s products, including her equally stunning number frieze and alphabet frieze at stockists across Australia, NZ and online. You can also keep up-to-date on new products and musings on the Miriam Bereson blog.
- Sara
The Ergococoon
Are you one of those slightly neurotic mothers (I include myself here) who creep out of their beds to double check their partner’s baby-wrapping techniques or sometimes just lay awake in the middle of the night obsessing over whether the baby is properly wrapped — not too tight, not too loose, not too high, not too low? Then this one is especially good for you! As an alternative to the traditional swaddle, this Australian creation by Ergopouch is nothing short of genius. The ErgoCocoon is a simple contraption which certainly would have given me peace of mind in those early baby days.
Made of stretch organic cotton, the Ergococoon gives your baby the security of feeling snug, but without strapping your baby’s arms down the way that a traditional wrap does. So whilst the baby can’t get his/her arms out, they are still able to move their arms around if they wish — but they are still protected from the startle reflex. At the bottom of the wrap, there is an open end which allows you to transfer your baby into a car or pram and also allows access to the nappy area without having to unwrap your baby. And, with poppers in the arms, the Ergococoon readily converts into a sleeping bag for when the time is right! Practical and simple!
Available world-wide, for stockists please click here.
-Sara
Gittabags
I was never really into the diaper bag thing. I think that the litany of awful maternity bags out there screaming ‘I am an unsightly post-partum bag’ with very little in the style-stakes really ruined it for me. Instead I opted to use one of my larger handbags, although I never found them particularly practical — mainly for want of a milkproof lining. Yes…sigh…regrettably I ruined a couple of my beloved bags (consider this a warning for those entertaining the very idea — milk spillage, inside bag, ruins bag). But, maternity bags have come a long way and if I had my time again I think the Gittabag would be a strong contender. In terms of practicality, it ticks all the boxes and then some and there is a design and color combo to suit almost everyone.
These diaper bags run the gamut from small backpack to medium and large messenger bags and even a handy tool-belt style kit for your waist. The colors are bright but neither too baby nor too feminine. The bags are of very high quality materials, meticulously sewn and machine washable with so many nooks and crannies that it is impossible to mention them all. But the standout feature is the ‘Activefold‘, a patent pending foldout, collapsible activity bar. (more…)
Colour-me-in T-shirt by Pure Baby
I can’t imagine a young child who wouldn’t be rapt to receive a gift like this ‘color me in’ t-shirt by Pure Baby. It is 100% organic cotton, handprinted with sweet animal motifs that will appeal to boys and girls alike and is ready for coloring in with 8 fabric crayons provided. So cute! Pure Baby is one of my favorite Aussie brands, especially for their soft organic pyjamas which always come in a cute little coordinating pouch (so handy for hair elastics, clips, pegs…). I spotted this little gem while checking out their new website and immediately made a mental note to keep it in mind for birthdays… and I can vouch for the softness and quality of their cotton — it’s just like butter and washes beautifully!
For orders, local and international, please check their website.
-Sara
Kouch
I absolutely love these children’s couches by KOUCH. Hand crafted in Melbourne, they are good looking, safe, sturdy, functional and built to last (with a lifetime guarantee to boot). And they don’t sport a single Disney/Wiggles character (so your living room won’t suffer in the name of your toddlers faddish inclinations). Although specifically designed for children 1 – 5 years, the Kouch has ample room to share with a ‘big’ person for a book, a play, a snuggle or best of all… all three!
It’s good to know that they are also endorsed by specialised children’s chiropractors for providing good postural support to delicate little spines!
For more information as well as color customised orders, just click here.
- Sara
