Babyccino Kids: Daily tips, Children's products, Craft ideas, Recipes & More » Books & Paper http://babyccinokids.com/blog International lifestyle site for mums Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Petite Alma Birthday Card Packs http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2012/01/13/petite-alma-birthday-card-packs/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2012/01/13/petite-alma-birthday-card-packs/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:22 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=26805
Petite Alma have recently launched some new birthday card packs (for grown-ups and for kids) and they’re so cheerful and happy and just the perfect thing to have on hand for all upcoming birthdays this year. I love the vibrant watercolour illustrations, the fun greetings on each card, and I’m so smitten with that adorable little mouse on the ‘You’re a Star’ card in the Furry Friends set (above). So cute!

x Courtney

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2012/01/13/petite-alma-birthday-card-packs/feed/ 2 New Dallas Clayton book! For grown-ups! http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/27/new-dallas-clayton-book-for-grown-ups/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/27/new-dallas-clayton-book-for-grown-ups/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:10:54 +0000 Esther in Amsterdam http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=26491

Our love for Dallas Clayton is no secret — we’ve written about his talents here, here and here, and, by the way, you can find his ten favourite children’s books here. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I discovered his newest book, a selection of his poetry and illustration — this time aimed at his teenage and adult audience. I’ve read the book in one go, and it’s as beautiful and touching as his other two books. You can order the book here, or read it as a PDF. Do you love it as much as I do?

xxx Esther

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/27/new-dallas-clayton-book-for-grown-ups/feed/ 1 Personalised presents http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/13/personalised-presents/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/13/personalised-presents/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:00:08 +0000 Esther in Amsterdam http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=26294

Looking for a lovely, personal gift for one of your best friends, you mother (in law) or your spouse? I thought I would recommend these three great ideas that I love and know would make the most perfect and personal presents:

- What about a personalised iPhone cover, featuring a photo of the (grand) children? I love my iPhone cover with a photo of my kids! It’s super-easy to order through Giant Sparrows. The only thing you need is a sweet photo!

- I think a personalised notebook would make a great gift for anyone. Mine is from Sloane Stationary, and it’s gorgeous! (We now have an exclusive promotion running on the shopping portal where you get a free mini notebook with every notebook order from Sloane Stationary!)

- How sweet is this little bracelet with the names of my children? Every (grand)mother would love this! Available through Mum et Moi (and with a 15% exclusive discount for Babyccino Kids readers)!

Happy shopping!

xxx Esther

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/13/personalised-presents/feed/ 3 Rudolph Cards http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/02/rudolph-cards/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/02/rudolph-cards/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:00:20 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=26121

I already mentioned how I love to send out holiday cards every year… but I also like to have a stack of more generic cards at the ready for teacher’s gifts and other little holiday presents. How sweet are these Rudolph cards? They come in a set of 8, and I think they’re the perfect thing to have around for that reason. They’re available from The Indigo Bunting Shop along with other cute designs!

xx Courtney

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/12/02/rudolph-cards/feed/ 1 Holiday cards from Hello! Lucky http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/25/holiday-cards-from-hello-lucky/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/25/holiday-cards-from-hello-lucky/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:00:18 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=25997

Do you send out holiday cards? I know it’s probably the American in me… but I think it’s such a fun thing to do! I just love getting holiday cards, especially photo cards, from friends all over the world. It’s such a fun way to keep track of growing kids, yearly adventures, exciting travels, moves from one country to the next… etc. (Last year I got a holiday card from a family of six who had moved from London to Angola, Africa! Wow!)

Anyway, I have just ordered my holiday cards from Hello! Lucky, and I’m so excited about them. Hello! Lucky is based in both San Francisco and London and they offer so many cute, whimsical designs. I love their city scape ‘Greetings from…’ cards, and I like the Mediterranean-inspired design of this one… but the but in the end I settled on this sweet Joyeux Noel design. So cute!

Hello! Lucky is now offering Babyccino Kids readers a 15% discount. Click here for details!

-Courtney

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/25/holiday-cards-from-hello-lucky/feed/ 4 Nisee Made http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/21/nisee-made/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/21/nisee-made/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:48 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=25909

Do you recognise this illustration? It was inspired by this photo which I posted a couple weeks ago! Chicago-based illustrator, Denise Holmes, liked the photo and thought it would make a cute drawing… and I know I’m biased (it’s a photo of my daughter after all), but isn’t it indeed SO cute?!

Denise has a paper goods studio called Nisee Made and  sells her products on Etsy. I love all the cute and happy little designs like this panda holding the yellow balloon!

-Courtney

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/21/nisee-made/feed/ 1 Japanese crafting (This and That Japan) http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/02/japanese-crafting-this-and-that-japan/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/02/japanese-crafting-this-and-that-japan/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:00:03 +0000 Esther in Amsterdam http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=25345

The Japanese have an amazing eye for style and simplicity. I’ve never visited the country, but I’m pretty sure I will love it as I love their food, their architecture, and their product design! The Japanese also make the most amazing fabrics and print the most wonderful craft books — it’s all so tasteful and simple and inspirational. Now that I’ve decided to start being creative again (I’m attending a craft night every 2 weeks), the gorgeous Japanese craft shop ‘This and That Japan‘ is a true treasure chest! They have an amazing selection of Japanese fabrics and books in stock, plus a good selection of stamps and stickers and haberdashery. I’ve recently ordered some fabulous fabrics (this one with buttons is gorgeous!) and a few books — even though I don’t read one word of Japanese the photos are inspirational and the drawings are clear enough. So now I have to decide — which project to start first? Pot holders? Shopping bags? Baby shoes???

xxx Esther

PS This and That Japan is now offering an additional 15% off to Babyccino Kids readers for one week only! Just enter coupon code Babyccinokids at the check-out page. This discount is additional to the current sale but excludes shipping. Happy shopping and crafting!

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/11/02/japanese-crafting-this-and-that-japan/feed/ 6 Doolittle – more than just a parenting magazine http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/12/doolittle-more-than-just-a-parenting-magazine/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/12/doolittle-more-than-just-a-parenting-magazine/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:46:20 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=25206


The French magazine Doolittle is one of these fab magazines which thankfully hasn’t forgotten that parents are interesting (and interested!) people.  It’s nice to see a magazine focus a bit more on unconventional parenting topics rather than the obvious ones. In fact, I would describe it as a really great lifestyle magazine for parents, rather than just your everyday ‘parenting magazine’.

Doolittle has been around for about 2 years now and I always eagerly await the latest edition. I love the very natural but beautifully styled fashion shoots and the really interesting and international articles about life, children and the world. There is always a cute (and do-able) craft section, interviews, delicious recipes — genuinely interesting stuff!

Now here’s the rub: at the moment, Doolittle only exists in French, but if you are not in the mood for exercising your school French, there is an English version on the Doolittle website.

-Emilie

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/12/doolittle-more-than-just-a-parenting-magazine/feed/ 0 Jeeetje! Wallet size photobook http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/03/jeeetje-wallet-size-photobook/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/03/jeeetje-wallet-size-photobook/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:09:18 +0000 Esther in Amsterdam http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=25037
Good news: the cute ‘Look at Me‘ booklets are now available in English! Yay! Once a year, just glue a passport size (school) photo in this cool harmonica style booklet. How fun will it be to see how your kids have grown in a few years to come! On the back of the photos you’ll find some questions that are fun to answer now and sweet to read again later. A darling little keepsake (how cute is that little button on the front?) that is also great to give away as a present — it fits exactly in an envelope.

xxx Esther

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/10/03/jeeetje-wallet-size-photobook/feed/ 0 Perfect by Felicity Cloake http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/09/08/perfect-by-felicity-cloake/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/09/08/perfect-by-felicity-cloake/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:00:30 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=24557
I am a big fan of Felicity Cloake’s “How to make the perfect…” column in the UK’s Guardian newspaper. She saves me a huge amount of time and energy by testing the same recipe on loads of different cooks and then taking the best bits out of every recipe to come up with the “perfect” dish. Genius idea, don’t you think?

She has now published a book of her best recipes. Spag bol, poached egg, mayonnaise and brownies… all things I have wondered how to make and now have the solution for. I love the fact that they are all basic, simple recipes but they are all the kind of dishes that can either be sublime when done well, or taste like the sole of a shoe. I cannot wait to start cooking with this book!

-Emilie

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/09/08/perfect-by-felicity-cloake/feed/ 2 One for the Guys http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/31/one-for-the-guys/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/31/one-for-the-guys/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:07:19 +0000 Esther in Amsterdam http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=24246
When we were staying at my dad’s house in France a few weeks ago, there was a copy of ‘Fired Up‘ by Ross Dobson hanging around in the kitchen. Obviously left behind by one of the house guests — my dad never cooks! My husband on the other hand, even though not the cook in our house (that’s me!), does like some occasional, manly ‘outdoor cooking’ (modern term for BBQ), and spent a good few hours digging through the book. Consequently he cooked up a salmon, which was wrapped in a newspaper (the FT, of course, he’s such a nerd), and slow cooked it on the hot plate. And it was the most delicious salmon I’ve ever had!
We’re now back in Amsterdam, and his own copy of ‘Fired Up’ has just arrived (and I have also renewed our subscription to the Financial Times). Next on the menu is Beer-can Roasted Chicken — exciting!
If you have a man in your life who loves to BBQ, then this book comes recommended. Available through Amazon (UK and US).

xxx Esther

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/31/one-for-the-guys/feed/ 0 Where Children Sleep http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/24/where-children-sleep/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/24/where-children-sleep/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:36:37 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=24278

I just came across James Mollison’s photographic essay, Where Children Sleep, and I can’t stop staring at those touching photos. Mollison provides stories of diverse children around the world, told through portraits and pictures of their bedrooms. Some photos are simply heart wrenching, others totally fascinating. Isn’t it incredible how wide our world is and how differently people live? The book is written and presented for an audience of children 9-13 years old with the intention of showing kids the lives of other children around the world. Would you show your children? I will definitely show mine!

x Courtney

via The Littlest Blog

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/24/where-children-sleep/feed/ 3 The Baby Chase http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/23/the-baby-chase/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/23/the-baby-chase/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:08:05 +0000 Dina in NYC http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=23937

I must say, I am really liking that more and more information is starting to come to the forefront regarding the issues surrounding infertility.  My mother pointed me towards this article entitled “My Fertility Crisis” which ran in the Wall Street Journal a few weeks ago and I thought it was a real eye-opener.   All too often, when we DO actually hear about a woman’s struggle with conception, it is usually only discussed and disclosed only once “success” (aka a baby )  is achieved.  Rarely do we hear about those who have been unsuccessful in the journey to motherhood and/or have been dealt multiple blows over the course of years and years.  Infertility is still one of those closely guarded secrets that women keep to themselves, which is why I need to commend Holly Finn, the author of the article and of the new e-book “The Baby Chase” who bravely and honestly shares her experiences of IVF and the quest to have a child.  While not the usual post you would find at a place like Babyccino Kids — I know that many of the moms out there can totally relate and I thought it was a good article to share.

-Dina

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/23/the-baby-chase/feed/ 2 Hummingbird cupcakes http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/07/01/hummingbird-cupcakes/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/07/01/hummingbird-cupcakes/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:54 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=23335

If there is medically such a thing as a cupcake addiction — my kids and I might need to be treated for it! Please picture the following scene:  We had visitors from London last weekend who very nicely brought over some cupcakes from the amazing London bakery Hummingbird (Thank you, Debbie!). I woke up in the morning at 7 am and walked into the children’s room and their beds were empty. I then went into the kitchen and found two very quiet little girls at the kitchen table, each eating a huge butter frosted cupcake with a big, sheepish smile on their face. They had snuck in and helped themselves…. seriously not the balanced breakfast I had planned for them!

Now, we cannot get Hummingbird cupcakes over here in Paris, but to feed our addiction, I did get the cookbook. I know mine might not look as nice as the professional ones but if they are going to be devoured for breakfast, who cares!

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/07/01/hummingbird-cupcakes/feed/ 2 Junior Magazine Design Awards http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/06/15/junior-magazine-design-awards/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/06/15/junior-magazine-design-awards/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:00:53 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=23123

If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of this month’s Junior Magazine, this issue comes highly recommended. For the first time ever, Junior Magazine has featured a Design Awards section handing out awards in many categories, including fashion, interiors, toys, books, food, etc.  Check out the Design Awards section online for winners, shortlisted entrants, photo galleries and other related articles.

PS – How cute is that yellow Hucklebones top featured on the cover?

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/06/15/junior-magazine-design-awards/feed/ 1 La Parisienne http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/19/la-parisienne/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/19/la-parisienne/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 05:00:58 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/?p=22522
If you have ever wondered how Parisian women manage to dress so well and make it look totally effortless, you need to get the book, Parisian Chic . Written by Ines de la Fressange, the former model, muse and designer. It is the ultimate insider guide to shopping, eating and sleeping in Paris. It is also a great source to discover what to wear and especially what not to wear in this fair city.

Maybe for most Parisiennes these tips are self evident. As a non-Parisienne, this type of vital information was not handed down to me from generation to generation, so I need the rules written down in hardcopy! I have not yet achieved the dizzying heights of effortless Parisian chic (especially not on the school run) but I am hoping with a bit more study one day, I might be able to make a pass for a local. The book is available from Amazon (UK and US).

-Emilie

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/19/la-parisienne/feed/ 5 The delightful Anne Taintor http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/02/the-delightful-anne-taintor/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/02/the-delightful-anne-taintor/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:38 +0000 Dina in NYC http://babyccinokids.com/?p=21615

I always see these silly quotes from Anne Taintor in novelty shops in NYC and they always make me smile.  I saw these two refrigerator magnets the other day and immediately made an impulse purchase and they have worked wonders to keep me mentally intact when I hear one of my kids break into a “yodel-style” whine for something.  Part of me would love to get a giant size poster to hang on my wall, in fact, I am going to look into that asap – maybe I should even look into wallpaper.  Here is a link to some of their favorite quotes but there are a ton to browse through so enjoy hard-working mothers of the world!

-Dina

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/05/02/the-delightful-anne-taintor/feed/ 2 Milk and Paper http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/26/milk-and-paper/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/26/milk-and-paper/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/?p=22020
I am a bit obsessed with this little website called Milk and Paper. I think it is because lately I have developed a taste for the Anglo tradition of wrapping presents prettily with all the bells and whistles, and it’s really hard to find nice simple paper, cards and string in France.  We don’t even have brown paper bags! Milk and Paper have brown paper bags and so much more. I love the little take-away boxes, the baker’s twine and the cute little stripy bags.

The website is in French but google translator does a pretty good job at translating, and Milk and Paper deliver internationally.

-Emilie

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/26/milk-and-paper/feed/ 4 Tiny Prints — cards for every occasion http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/20/tiny-prints-cards-for-every-occasion/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/20/tiny-prints-cards-for-every-occasion/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:01:25 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/?p=21809

After months of renovations, we recently moved into our new house! Hooray! Can you believe it was my sixth move in 8 years?! Insane. I’m so happy to finally be settled and to not have to move again any time soon. Phew!

After all the moves, I figured everyone must be a bit confused about where to find us, so I decided to send out cards with our new address. I turned to Tiny Prints, the fantastic online resource for stationery of every sort. Of course they have a wide selection of moving announcements, so choosing my favourite was the hard bit. I ended up picking this yellow moving dots design (pictured) by one of my favourite of their designers, Petite Alma. So cute!

Tiny Prints has cards and stationery for every occasion and has an enormous selection. Plus, customising your cards is super easy and their customer service team is extremely helpful.

-Courtney

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/20/tiny-prints-cards-for-every-occasion/feed/ 1 Personalised notebooks from Sloane Stationery http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/11/personalised-notebooks-from-sloane-stationery/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/04/11/personalised-notebooks-from-sloane-stationery/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:37 +0000 Courtney in London http://babyccinokids.com/?p=21693

Esther and I each received the loveliest gift from Nathalie at Sloane Stationery – a personalised tabbed notebook for keeping our thoughts and ideas all organized! Super clever and oh so useful. And I love that it says ‘Courtney’s Thoughts and Ideas’ written across the front. My husband will surely know to keep out of this one!

Sloane Stationery specialises in handmade books, photo albums and small leather goods, placing great importance on the quality of the paper and leather of each product.

-Courtney

PS – Whenever I get a nice, new notebook I always have the dilemma of not knowing what to write or how to start (not wanting to mess up that beautiful new notebook). Does this happen to you?

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