Babyccino Kids: Daily tips, Children's products, Craft ideas, Recipes & More » Beauty

Fig!

Esther in Amsterdam — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:16 +0000

I love figs. To eat of course, but also, very much the smell of them. I’ve lined up a few of my favourite fig-scented products below — hoping of course that you will share yours!!

1. Zenology Sycamore Fig — discovered recently in a hotel and love the entire collection.
2. Company de Provence Savon de Marseille Extra Pur Figue — I love Marseille soap, I love fig, so this combination is hard to resist. The hand soap is a fixed staple in our house.
3. Diptyque scented candle — Very rarely I splurge on a Diptyque candle. Figuier is one of my favourite scents (I love Pomander too).
4. l’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier — a beautiful perfume, that I’ve never owned but always run to in shops.
5. Rituals Under a Fig Tree fragrance sticks — the best fragrance sticks, I think.

xxx Esther

Seascape products from Jersey

Esther in Amsterdam — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:00:23 +0000

There’s something incredibly luxurious about the Seascape products — I just love the gentle smell and stylish packaging of them. All products are created with ingredients sourced from the Jersey shores (a little island which is part of Great Britain but located close to France). Lavender, beeswax and milk come from decennia old, local family run businesses who all share in the success of the company. So romantic! There’s a lovely maternity range and some beautiful products for children too — all paraben, silicone, petroleum and sulphate free and without artificial colours or fragrances. Just lovely!

xxx Esther

Little Bu Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Courtney in London — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:05:51 +0000

I’m hoping I have a few years yet before my daughter is interested in nail polish (out of curiosity, when does this happen?!)… but when the time comes, I’ll be buying her the Little BU non-toxic polishes. The nail polishes are water-based, odour-less, quick drying, completely non-toxic and free of all the nasty chemicals normally found in nail polish. They’re perfectly safe for little girls (and pregnant mamas!) and come in loads of great colours. You can buy them directly from the Little BU shop or from Harrods in London.

PS – Speaking of nail polish… don’t you just love this pair of peep-toe shoes, and that all her toenails are painted a different colour?! (Image found on the lovely Pinterest, which I have become completely obsessed about! You can find all of our pins here.)

-Courtney

MAC Skin Finish

Emilie in Paris — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:00:57 +0000

I need to preference this post: I am not big on products anymore. There was a time during which I had the false hope that a new pot of eye shadow would revolutionize my look — it never did. But sometimes I do discover something that makes my life a little easier. I am always tying to find an easy, simple and effective make-up routine — mornings can be hectic at our place. I sometimes find myself trying to apply mascara, while pouring milk into cereal bowls (proof that women are really good at multi-tasking).

Anyway, I recently discovered a new powder from MAC that works as a light foundation and powder all-in-one. Seriously great, a couple of brush strokes and I don’t look like a goth anymore! Just apply with a brush for a light cover or a sponge for a more intense cover. It also prevents you from having those horrible streaks around your jaw line, which turn up when you are applying foundation in a rush.

I am not saying I look as put together as Claudia Schiffer on a school run when I walk out the door, but maybe one day, they will invent a miracle make up to achieve just that!

-Emilie

DIY summer necklaces

Esther in Amsterdam — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:00:51 +0000

Last week on the beach, my kids and I spent quite a while looking for shells (I don’t know who enjoyed it more, the kids or I — it’s just so relaxing!!). And yesterday we made some fun, summery necklaces out of them. Look for the shells with a little hole in them, and use whatever you have around the house (wooden beads look good I find). A double knot after each shell keeps them tightly in place!

xxx Esther

Liniment Oleo Calcaire

Emilie in Paris — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:52 +0000

I am a total French pharmacy groupie. And I really thought that I knew every product available and then, recently, I stumbled upon yet another French wonder product! Linement Oleo Calcaire (I guess this translates to oil and calcium ointment) consists of only two ingredients: olive oil and calcium. The most common use for it is cleaning babies bottoms with it — instead of wipes. It cleans fantastically well and leaves a film of oil to stop irritations. Lots of people over here use it at home instead of wipes — so much cheaper and better for the baby and the environment — a no brainer!

And there is more: it’s also good to wash dry skin or skin prone to ecxma, massage, use on sunburns and minor burns and also as a make-up remover. It must be the most multi-functional product in the world! You can buy the ointment ready made at most pharmacies in France or the pharmacist should be able to mix up a bottle for you. Alternatively you can get it online here in France and here in the UK and the USA.

-Emilie

Organic goodies from BabyBearShop

Esther in Amsterdam — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:08 +0000

Oh, I’m in love with the cute packaging of the BabyBearShop products. So adorable! This line of organic products is maybe not extensive but it is absolutely enough for what I need. Loving the cheeky baby butter that I’m using for Ava! The lip balms are delicious too (and they come in the cutest packaging), and how cute is the soap with the bird (and again, how beautiful is the packaging with the nest drawn on it and the little holes in egg shape). All available through BabyBearShop.

xxx Esther

Tiny People, Byron Bay

Sara in Melbourne — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:00:29 +0000

If only my daughter still let me dress her! Isn’t this little jumpsuit totally gorgeous? It is by sweet Aussie brand fabric from a shop called TinyPeople . Tiny People is in the eclectic town of Byron Bay on the far north coast of NSW. Byron Bay is quite a hippie little town. Think ‘bohemian cool’ … locals wearing tie-dye sarongs, frangipani sandals and wooden beads, organic produce markets every Thursday, and tempeh, veggie and chickpea burgers — a Byron Bay fast food staple. Unfortunately, I don’t get to visit Byron as often as I’d like to (it is a good 2 hour plane trip from Melbourne), but when I am there I always pop into this very cool little store. Not only do they carry some of my favourite local brands like Little Horn, Munster, Coco & Ginger, Paper Wings, Gaia, Polka and mamapapa… they also carry a small but well edited selection of imports — Wovenplay, Pop Up Shop and Mini Rodini just to name a few — lovely hand-made one-off objects and a beautiful selection of books and toys. Definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere in the vicinity! And if not, Tiny People have a great website with worldwide shipping available.

Incidentally, if you happen to be looking for a family holiday destination in Australia and you have never been to Byron, I can’t recommend it highly enough. As a melting pot of cosmopolitan chic, alternative philosophies, beach culture and hedonistic indulgence, there is definitely something there for everyone. We are hoping to drive up North this Summer and Byron will definitely be on our stopover list. I can’t wait!

- Sara

Some MOR pampering please!

Sara in Melbourne — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:00:31 +0000

Ok, I admit to a shameless obsession with beautiful packaging, even for the most mundane of items. There is an Australian brand, MOR cosmetics, which causes me to positively swoon… though there is nothing mundane about these decadent products. Inspired by traditional apothecary and the blending of age-old and contemporary ingredients, MOR’s lotions, aromatic oils and candles make up an exquisite range of pampering goodies, enjoying a cult following around the globe. Not only do they look amazing gracing the bathroom counter (trust me, you will be loathe to use them) but they are deliciously scented (kale and watercress, marshmallow, pistachio, kumquat…) and feel so indulgent to use. I think that their Little Luxuries collection make the sweetest stocking fillers — the marshmallow lip nectar and belladonna soapette are my favorites (check out the gorgeous re-usable tins!). For some serious eye-candy, have a look at MOR’s recently revamped website here . Good news too – they ship world-wide!

- Sara

Win! Inlight spoil-yourself-package

Esther in Amsterdam — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:00:32 +0000

Remember my write up on the 100% organic INLIGHT Nyp Balm? I love that cream and the fact that it’s so multi-purpose. Recently, I’ve also been using the INLIGHT Restorative Body Butter – very nice, and since I’m still breastfeeding also a very safe choice. INLIGHT, the 100% organic skin care brand, was created by Dr Mariano Spiezia, medical doctor, homeopath and herbalist, and contains only the highest quality plant-based organic ingredients. The best raw, food-grade ingredients that nature has to offer — oils, herbs and flowers– are taken to give your skin power-packed nourishment in its purest, most unadulterated form. You can really eat the whole skincare line, might you feel the urge.
INLIGHT is giving away a spoil-yourself package consisting of the Organic Face Cleanser, the Organic Floral Face Tonic and the Restorative Body Butter (RRP £78.40) to one lucky Babyccino reader. Interested? Then please leave one comment below by Friday, September 17th and we’ll pick one lucky reader at random. Good luck!

xxx Esther

P.S. Inlight is also offering a 20% discount on the whole range until the 17th!

This give-away is now closed!

Dear Avocado…Thank you.

Dina in NYC — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:00:09 +0000

The summer in New York City has been brutal. I’ve heard that it was the hottest July on record but August was pretty unbearable as well. Meanwhile, I have been outdoors most of the time, forgetting to re-apply sunscreen and definitely not taking care of my hair which now is the consistency of straw. So… the other day while sitting around making guacamole with a friend, she suggested I mash up an avocado, mush it around with an egg yolk and put it in my hair. So next thing I know I am massaging in the green goop and wrapping my head in saran wrap (sexy!) and after sitting with it for 45 minutes I was shocked! It really did give my hair a noticeable boost as it felt suddenly thicker and healthier. I am going to do it with the kids because I think they would love it — especially after a summer of chlorinated pools!!! I also hear that Mayo works well — I will try that next and let you know.
Just to recap: mash up avocado, mix in egg yolk, apply to hair (more at the roots), sit for a bit, rinse it, done.

-Dina
(Image from For The Birds)

Planter’s Crema Riparatrice

Esther in Amsterdam — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:18:32 +0000

A true discovery this summer has been the Viso Mani Corpo repairing cream from Planter’s. Made from all natural ingredients, and with a delicious, gentle smell, this cream is equally suitable to put on your body, hands and face. Perfect for when you’re traveling!
It’s lovely for after bath or shower and rich enough to give nutrition to dry skin. And good for children’s cheeks too! A summer favourite, but this cream will from now on live in our house the whole year around. Available in Europe through Soap.
xxx Esther

Sidewalk Shoe Survival Balm

Dina in NYC — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:00:10 +0000

Rejoice! Summer is here in full force and with the clunky boots now tossed to the back of the closet it’s time to break out the cute sandals and flats. But oh my… ouch… so uncool… breaking in the new shoes for the new season also means blisters and sore feet!

A very good friend of mine from college has been working on this product for years now and just recently rolled it out. She is a mama herself and one that always looks amazing and stylish. In her pre-mommy days she used to do all sorts of healthy San Francisco-ish things like ironman’s and triathalon’s and as a result was always looking for a lady-like product to ease her sore feet. Sidewalk Survival Balm was born out of her love for comfort and high fashion and her organic foot-saver is a god-send that smells incredible. After taking it for a bunch of test runs, I can attest that it really works. Basically, it’s a protective balm for feet, almost like a chapstick, and I keep one in my bag to offer instant relief from rubbing shoes. I am even going to use it on my kids as they break in their new summer sandals. She will ship internationally if you contact her directly and is offering Babyccino readers a discount of 20% off till the end of July. Just use promo code: babyccino.

-Dina

Original Sprout Hair Care for Kids

Dina in NYC — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:00:26 +0000

One of my twin daughters has stick-straight blond hair while the other is a brunette with a thick mane of curly ringlets. During the morning routine the blond is pretty easy — a quick comb through and she is good to go. The curly brunette however, takes a little more work to get camera ready and I have learned that the easiest (and least painful) way to brush her hair is to use a gentle leave-in conditioning agent.

I recently picked up a bottle of Original Sprout Detangler and it works like a charm! It was developed by a mom and is 100% vegan and made of all natural ingredients and free from all ammonia and chemicals. It also smells absolutely amazing! If you have a curly little one at home you might want to check it out. I am off to order some of their other all natural hair care products. Will keep you posted.

-Dina

Get Your Glow On

Kaela in LA — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:00:28 +0000

When I was pregnant it came to me that what was going on my body was also going in my body. I was conscientiously eating organic food while I paid very little attention to the ingredients in my cosmetic products.
After my daughter, baby #2, was born, I figured make-up could be a quick fix for a life that was short on sleep. I wanted to appear composed and rested (how about beautiful — would that be too much to ask?) and at the same time I was determined to be healthy. I began to search for natural cosmetic products. The make-up shelf at the natural food store was a start, but I was far from convinced that the ‘naturalness’ behind the products justified the cost.
Enter Josie Maran Cosmetics. Josie Maran, eco-activist, Los Angeles-based model and mother came up with a line of natural cosmetics, free of petrochemicals and toxins found in most commercial brands. I came across her line at a launch party for a cool women’s “green” website that offered complimentary mini makeovers using Josie’s make-up. I felt great about the company’s commitment to the environment, and I felt great about their commitment to a fabulous product. I went home that night with a sample of JMC Organic Argan Oil in my goody bag. I had never heard of Argan oil, and there was a mini education in that product alone. Argan is a light, nourishing oil from the Moroccan Argan tree’s seed, believed to have potent anti-aging properties – a plus for us “mature” mamas! All Argan sold today is produced by a women’s cooperative that shares the profits among women of the Berber tribe.
Josie Maran recently came out with something new, Bronzing Argan Oil, a product that nourishes your skin AND makes it glow. I’m already addicted. When I use it, people compliment my complexion and ask if I’ve been on vacation. My girlfriends, all fairer-skinned than I am, have now become total converts. The light, nourishing base leaves your skin in a moist, happy place, with not a trace of greasy residue – and makes a sleep deprived mama feel pretty!

xKaela

Liz Earle, natural skincare

Esther in Amsterdam — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:00:09 +0000

I’ve been on the look-out for skincare that works for a while now. I have my requirements, of course: it should be gentle, natural, affordable and smell really good. It should also be simple and straightforward — what I don’t like are those brands which offer a million products to be used on top of each other depending on your specific skin type, age, mood, and financial situation. I mean, I’m never sure of my skin type, nor of my age, not even of my mood and surely not of my financial situation. I’d rather not know! Lastly, they should be available on my doormat. I’ve tried some French brands that I liked but had so much trouble finding them outside France, it was a disaster!
I recently discovered Liz Earle Natural Skincare, and I must say I’m a fan! Her face essentials line is as easy as 1,2,3 — clean (cleanser), boost (tonic) and repair (moisturiser). The cleansing part is done with the mulim cloths provided, and it does the trick wonderfully well, exfoliating at the same time! Oh, and the smell of the moisturiser is divine!
The products come with very clear instructions on how to use them, they are very affordable, all natural, locally sourced and as organic as possible, and best of all, they smell really good. They can be ordered on-line, and shipped worldwide. Easy does it!

xxx Esther

Coola Sun Care

Dina in NYC — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:00:59 +0000

Is there anything more mentally taxing then applying sunscreen to small kids? I love the summer and all, but the one thing that really causes anxiety during the morning routine is when we have to apply sunscreen to the family. I hate it. The chase….The begging them to stand still…The sudden jerky movements while you try to rub the pasty lotion back to the color of skin tone. I am sure you have all been there.

In the past I have opted for the spray-on kind but I have found that they are very drying and don’t protect nearly as well as the thicker lotions. A friend of mine from home had told me about Coola Sun Care and I decided to pick some up before heading out on vacation this year… and so glad I did! It’s a lotion but it is not greasy and it rubs in very quickly! It’s also made with 100% organic ingredients but it’s not holier-than-thou about it. I really like the simple sleek packaging and they carry a full line for the body, face and lips. So far it’s the best sunscreen that I have come across and I am definitely loading up on it for the summer months!

-Dina

Safe to be polished, with Priti Princess

Esther in Amsterdam — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:00:38 +0000

Things change when you become a mum. You start behaving differently — you suddenly do things that you’ve previously thought you’d never do. Like changing a nappy in public. Or buying loads of pink for your little girl. Or letting them sleep in your bed. Or letting them use make-up.
I think if you had told me 3 years ago that I would allow my nearly-5-year-old girl to use nail polish, I would have fainted. How vulgar!

Well…

At least the nail polish my daughter has is completely non-toxic and safe for children, and the nail polish remover I use on her tiny nails is completely soy and corn based (infused with coconut, soybean esters, and essential lemongrass oils). No nasty aceton, no petroleum… And 100% biodegradable!
Both are from Priti NYC, a NY-based company that aims to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the earth and supports organic farmers. Check it out, they also have over 100 colours of grown-up nail polish available.

Through fabulous eco-boutique Shak Shuka (ships worldwide).

xxx Esther

A possible saviour called Cupcake

Mo in London — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:00:39 +0000

My friend calls winter ’soft-play-season’ and she dreads it every year. Year one of having children I thought she was just being miserable, and I loved watching my baby boy smile as some slightly clownish adults sang nursery rhymes to him in a church hall. In Year two I was too preoccupied with the new baby in our lives to care much where we were or what we were doing. Now in Year 3, with two children and myself desperate to leave the house on these typical English drizzly days, I am pulling my hair out about where to go and dread the inevitable soft-play options. It is true — the kids have fun, but at the sacrifice of my sanity. I find myself looking around wondering sometimes what has happened to my life? I know that I’m lucky to be hanging out with these two brilliant people, but is it a requisite that places for children should totally alienate adults? I realise I’m sounding grumpy (seriously … if you could see the weather!) but do not fret, here I come to the good bit…

Since moving South I have often heard of the place ‘Cupcake’ (in Putney and Wandsworth) in association with descriptors such as ‘haven’ and ‘God-send’. And so last week I asked whether it was OK to come and check it out (Cupcake is a members only club and I’m not a member …. yet!). The minute I walked in I felt a sort of happiness come over me. This didn’t feel loud (from noise or from an interiors-carnage) — no this felt like being in a (stylish) friend’s living room… only a bit bigger and with a bar to order lattes, brownies, babyccinos or something for lunch — perfect!

And that’s not all. There was also: a Snug — a cosy room with a few more toys and a ball-pool for the kids, a Creche — ofsted registered where members can leave their children for up to 4 hours (of which 2 can be off-site), a Gym and Studio with the typical equipment, a special ‘lounger’ where Mums and (especially) Mums-to-be can lie down for a comfort power-snooze, and lastly (and this is where it gets really good) an array of treatment rooms.

Cupcake was deliberately set up to support women in that most fabulous life transition from ‘lady with only herself to worry about’ to ‘Mum with baby/children to worry about’. After speaking to Mums they found that they wanted a place where they could: have some me-time, re-tone their bodies after pregnancy, have special ante-natal fitness classes during pregnancy, have bespoke spa-treatments, have a chance to talk about the new challenges in their lives and to learn ways to deal with them, and most importantly meet some like-minded Mums – all in a welcoming, child-friendly environment (not much hey!).

Amazingly that’s just what Cupcake has achieved. They offer a wide variety of spa-treatments (and have the largest selection of specialist Pregnancy treatments in London) and have a really broad spectrum of classes, seminars and kids activities. Whilst there I attended a puppet-show (which my children loved), but I love the sound of ‘Brainstorm in a Teacup’ where women have a chance to discuss business ideas to help each other find answers to any worries or hurdles they have come up against (I do find having children brings out an entrepenerial streak in many women!). There is also a packed fitness-class schedule and talks which cover typical concerns e.g. “Establishing Good Sleeping Habits” or “Finding the right Childcare”.

What struck me most about Cupcake was how everyone knows each other. The fact that it is a members club means you get to see the same people there and immediately a community is formed. All the people working there know everyone (including the children) by name and it therefore feels so much more personal. I can’t believe that my birthday has just passed otherwise Cupcake membership would definitely be on my wish-list.

For details on membership or the treatments available (which are also open to non-members) you can e-mail Cupcake at: mumcierge@cupcakemum.com.

-Mo

Papaw ointment — an Australian treasure

Courtney in London — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:12 +0000

I’m probably not winning any points for originality with our Australian readers, but before coming to Australia I had never heard of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment and it has since become our favourite Australian discovery. This natural remedy, made from an enzyme in papaya fruit, can be used on burns, boils, cuts, insect bites, open wounds, chapped lips, haemorrhoids, and the list goes on. And it is definitely the best treatment for nappy rash I’ve ever used.

After stockpiling these little tubes to take back to London with me, I discovered you can actually buy it in London (the creator was, in fact, British)! Dr. Lucas formulated the papaw ointment more than 100 years ago in Australia after leaving London for a warmer climate. Its natural antiseptic quality is great for preventing infection in wounds, it’s totally safe to use on babies and children, and it is so natural it can also be taken internally to aid digestion. It also smells nice — an added bonus!

-Courtney