Friday Finds for Tea Lovers

Kristy & I are big tea lovers! Our day just isn't complete without a nice warm french earl grey (well decaf for Kristy) Add another level of delightfulness to your afternoon tea with these innovative and creative teabag designs.

{1}Teabag Royalty – found via swiss-miss {2} “Green Berry Tea” by Natalia Ponomareva - too lovely! {3}Origami Tea Packaging Hanging "Tea-Shirts" {4} Tea to go, forget about spoons you got the Tea Stick {5} Unforgettable tea packaging from Tea Forte

Unwind with Barefoot magazine

This afternoon's wine time will be finishing up on reading barefoot magazine. Lots of informative and interesting articles that are written by like-minded mums who are conscious about the environment, relationships, and the community. It is no shop til you drop but it is important to think about the eco-logical footprint we make to think about the future we are making for our children!

Yeee-haaaaw

Howdy! As Chic Mother and Baby are gearing up to throw a Cowboy party for master turning two, we have been on the hunt for cowboy/western materials from costumes to decor to party favour ideas. Luckily, we have a very supportive community over at Skout, who bought cowboy goodies to us and did half our homework.

{1} Amity Cowboy Invites {2} Cowboy invites by Invite with Style {3} Handmade Shorts {4} Cowboy Teddy Banners {5}Speckled Freckle also has a big matching range of cowboy party supplies too. 
{6} Liza O'Donnell from Dress Up Kids is ever so helpful if you ever need a costume made for your kiddo!

This is toddler-almost-two's cowboy inspired outfit - it is important to also be creative with items from their current wardrobe to make the most out of every clothing piece. Checked t-shirt + sturdy denim + tan boots or even black, red or navy wellingtons make a great cowboy outfit!

Cowboy inspired outfit is all from Chic Mother and Baby wardrobe: Moppit Neil Checked Shirt + Fresh Baked Skinny Leg Jeans + Alex and Ant Tan Cowboy Boots

Now that we are happy with our cowboy outfit. We are currently working on the party favour and table decor so stay tuned for our next installment. If you have any handy tips on throwing a cowboy party do share with us!!!

Pulp Furniture

How cool! Egg cartons super-sized! I love finding sustainable innovations, even though the set is made out of pulp paper, the furniture is strong enough for practical use. Welcome in my studio any day!

via Odelia & Dan

Chic Mother and Baby Mother's Day Gift Guide 2010

With 30% off storewide* and Mother's Day just around the corner, we've put together some gift ideas. We hope you'll find what you need for all the deserving mums and mums-to-be in your life at Chic Mother and Baby store. Including yourself!

Anna from Invite with Style has also put together a great collection too!


- M A S S I V E   S A V I N G S -
We've done the math for you after the 30% of: {1} Very Sisters Love Necklace = $86.80 {2} Vanchi Nougat City Sling Bag = $97.30 {3} Sexy HOTmilk lingerie {4} HOTmilk PJs Cami = $32.16 Pants = $34.96 {5} Vanchi Dr Nappy Bag = $125.50

Goodbye detergent!

Loving this range of environmentally-friendly cleaning products made in Japan but available here in Australia. Some of their products looks like typical soap but its actually natural abrasives such as pumice stone, walnut shells, peach seeds that can be used like liquid detergent and remove stains from coffee cups, dishware and even the basin.

Would you pay $11.95 for 4 pieces ?

30% OFF STOREWIDE MOVING SALE

Chic Mother and Baby is moving at the end of this month (thats only a couple of days away!!) so we are hoping to clear out our stock by offering 30% off storewide!! There is something for every mum, toddler and baby. Shop for upcoming birthdays, mums-to-be, special occasions and of course mother's day! Shop Alex and Ant, Vanchi Nappy Bags, Run Scotty Run, ErgoPouch, Fresh Baked, HOTmilk and much much more.

Take advantage of this sale as it includes new arrivals and current sale stock! Enter MovingSale at checkout. Valid until May 2nd, 2010 so hurry!

*Excludes Aden & Anais, Ellaroo, Seraphine, Fertile Mind, BYOG, Dandelion and Bottoms Up Range. No laybys.

Creative Party Invitations

Nice creative party invites from parents.

All things Elephant...

Elephants can be so endearing!

Style up your little girl toddler with latest collection from Chic Mother and Baby - {6} Alex and Ant Elephant Long Sleeve Tee with Diamante for the eye and {7} Monstar Folk Skirt on sale for $32 and {8} Alex and Charli pink booties, also on sale for $25. Accessorise with Sophie and Jack's Yoyo hairclips (free shipping!)

{1} Zzzoolight Lamp {2} Elephant Puzzle {3}Elephant storage bin {4} Elephant Hair Ties on Madeit {5} Elephant Party Mobile

Ingredient of the Month: Rhubarb

Another feature to our blog as most of us are foodie lovers - is ingredients of the month where I will pick less common ingredients.

The first I heard of Rhubarb is on a desert menu at a fancy restaurant. Is Rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable? It is like a red celery with beet like leaves. Technically it is a vegetable but it is treated like a fruit. So I decided to do some research...

• Can be eaten raw or cooked.
• Rhubarb is available all year round with best value being from May to August.
• A good source of dietary fibre.
• Rhubarb contains some vitamin C.
• The strange bitter taste is from the oxalic acid that is why it is commonly used for deserts.
• Crisp, young, plump stalks which are long and brightly coloured are the best ones to buy!
  (source via fresh for kids)

Some Rhubarb recipes:

• Caramelised Rhubarb & Custard Tarts (yummmy!)
• Waffles with Rhubarb
• Apple and Rhubarb Crumble
• Rhubarb Recipes from Lifestyle Food

Love to hear any Rhubarb recipes or tips you all have! I am yet to experiment with Rhubarb

Organic Tea Towels can be cute too!

I know tea towels aren't the most exciting item at home but why not trade them up for some nicely printed 100% organic cotton tea towels? This collection was also inspired by the latest issue of frankie mag. Not the most practical purchase but sure does sit pretty in your kitchen :)

{1} Ferm Living Australia {2} Hatena Organic Towels {3} Slide Sideways Etsy {4} Fairtrade Tea Towels Lisa Jones from Lark Handmade

Delicious Cupcakes

What I love more than blogging is handmade cupcakes with delectable pretty icing that puts a big smile on your face. Now it is easy to mimic boutique bakery goodness with handy themed cupcake kits.

My favourite flavour is banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
What's yours?

Unwind with frankie magazine

How are you all unwinding for Friday afternoon? Unfortunately I am sick so I will be trying to enjoy my hot water with lime and organic honey with the latest issue of frankie magazine.

Here are ten reasons why I love frankie magazine
1. Supports and features independent artists, musicians, illustrators, photographers, designers and creative goodies.
2. Superb Art Direction - love the layout and choice of images
3. It is a nice change from all those other celebrity-driven glossy magazines out there.
4. Frankie showcases cool collections of things like soap, buttons, tea towels, plates etc...
5. Entertaining writers who are so smart and witty.
6. Great choices of relatable topics. 
7. Genuine reviews on products and interviews on upcoming artists, creatives and your everyday person.
8. Dreamy pictures and creative illustrations
9. Printed on a nicely recycled uncoated stock
10. Even the ads looks good!

Birthday Shoutout: Newborn Caelan

Congrats to new mum Agnes Vinh, a Chic Mother and Baby customer whose water broke the same afternoon I emailed to tell her that she won the Easter Egg Hunt competition. I was so surprised that she had emailed back 30 mins later!
I have designed two simple e-baby announcements for her to email to her family and friends.

Hope you like it!

At Chic Mother and Baby we like to reward our customers with suprises and make sure you have a great online shopping experience with us. You just never know :)

Happy Earth Day!

There is no better way to honour earth day than to grow something in your garden with your child. Have some fun in the sun (well for sydney-siders the weather's looking AWESOME!!) or grow something indoor.

April 22, 2010 is the 40th Earth Day. What does that mean? It means celebration, education and action as a collective, locally and internationally. For me, I think its important we all practice eco-friendly practices everyday no matter how big or small, it would add up to a huge beneficial impact! However, it is good to have a recognised day where we actively learn, reflect and participate in Earth Day activities (particularly for school kids).

Little Lucas who loves to water the garden is wearing Run Scotty Run Dodgem Shorts on sale for $42 and Run Scotty Run Dog Tee.

{1} PostCarden - How clever is this? what a great card to get in the mail {2} Cutest idea ever Mini Rainboot Gardens {3} Green Indoor Gardening Kit 

We have two winners!

A big thanks for everybody's input via facebook, blog and email. It was one tough decision - I really wanted to give vouchers to everyone who commented! I actually have two winners.

Winner #1 is to Miss Laurelle J (who doesn't have a URL link so I hope she is reading this please get in contact with me!) If not it will go to the runner up...(I now have an image of the runner up with their finger's crossed :)

Winner #2 is Miss Kellie from Mini Style Hive who emailed me the winning b'day present that I have decided to purchase but I can't say yet or the birthday boy's mum will see!!

Again thank you all who put in suggestions - I wish I could give away more.

Please take a seat...

This is how much Kristy loves shopping online - she's ordered her dining chairs online and she spotted the chair I would absolutely LOVE to have {1} Matt Blatt RRP $295 (*sigh let it go, could never justify that spend on a chair*)

{2} Bloom Chair by Kenneth Conbonque. {3} Multi-purpose shelf stool from Yanko Design {4} Felt Chair via share some candy.

Wednesday Wonders: Online Shopping

You would have to think that an online shop owner loves online shopping right? Well yes! I could spend hours on end (if I had this amount of time to myself) surfing the net looking for goodies for myself, my boys, & even my hubby!

Give me any reason & I’ll find it on the web. Shopping centres are a thing of the past for me!

The web is a great resource for information and products, and you usually find things cheaper online than at the shops. The beauty of online shopping is that you also get your purchases delivered directly to you, which makes receiving the mail so much more fun!

I even sometime forget that I’ve bought stuff, so it makes it a real surprise!

I know that some people don’t like paying for postage, but if you think about the time driving to the shops (using petrol) and then finding a park, looking through the shops for that prefect item, sometimes it’s just easier to shop from home. No crying kids in the pram, no checkout lines, and no pushy sales people.

All things Robot...

Today's theme is based around our loveable Hello Hanna Robot Placemats (there's 8 in a set). Your toddler will love the entertaining placemats at the dinner table. Mister-almost-two loves to decorate the different robot pop-up figures (other themes are jungle animal or dolly) with removable stickers (gears, faces or pets) and use pencils to doodle the activity area (on the otherside). A great birthday present idea.

{1} Robot Hooks {2} Hello Hanna Robot Placemats set of 8 for $20. {3} Robots Art Folder by Poppy Bean & Boss {4} Collectable Robot figurine

Trouble Concentrating?

"Frequently checking your email is worse for your IQ than being stoned"

According to the latest issue of Yen Magazine - Email, Facebook and Twitter are to blame for our lack of focus. Apparently, we allow technology to decide and prioritise our life - in a sense it is true, for example when my mobile rings I pick it up without hesitation (unless I am in a meeting) or when I hear the 'ping' incoming email sound, I immediately check it. Having an iPhone makes it all too conveinent to electronically socalise when I am (suppose) to have a break from the computer.

Now that I think about it, there hasn't been a DVD I haven't watched without checking my email, twitter or facebook on my iPhone (I am terrible! I have Scrubs DVD playing on the LHS whilst I write this blog post on the right of my screen). It has become a bad bad habit - and it is hard to live without it especially working online but I think it is important we all take a step back and have quiet time away from our e-gadgets!

My Colour Palette: Denim & Pink

Hot and Funky denim looks with a dash of pink at Chic Mother and Baby store accessorised up with Australian handmade accessories sourced from Made It and Skout Trade Fair.

1. Sophie & Jack Red Tulip Ponytail Hairtie + Alex & Ant Denim Bird Dress + Alex & Charli Booties (on SALE $25)

2. Little Choppie Headband + Piper + Lily Caplet + Alex & Ant Elephant Tee + Fresh Baked Puff Dress + Alex & Ant Pink Cowboy Booties



P.S Little Choppie is giving away $85 worth of accessories on their blog!

Cool Jewellery

New to Chic Mother and Baby and all the way from Paris is elegant and gorgeous Very Sisters Jewellery. This is our best pick for Mother's Day gift!!!


Found cool jewellery pieces via design boom too made from pencil bits to shape it to wearable design accessories.

Wine Time... How do you Unwind?

This will be a new Friday feature "Wine Time" - How do you unwind on a Friday Evening? For me it's a glass of wine, a good o' hot gossip magazine and using my sticky notes to tab all the things I want but can't afford.

Not that I want to encourage alcohol... but I thought a great way to start this feature is with a lovely showcase of Australian wine packaging. I know it sound so superficial but when I am at the liquor store I like to try different brands and I go by the label design.

Friday Finds: More local talent

I love the world of Skout where I discover amazing Aussie talents - mostly mums who can still draw creative strength from their everyday hectic life! Here are just a few I had to share with you all...

{1} Flobib
I love the design prints and the colour palette on these burping bibs - a very chic accessory. 

{2} Invite with Style
How delightful are these invites. I would order them just to pin it on my wall as inspiration!

{3} BaldiBearArt
Wonderful gentle and charming illustration style - this really different to anything I have seen!

Boy O Boy

As you may know I have been on a tough search for the right birthday present for a two year old boy - the challenge is that his mum is in the kids industry so it is hard to find something that the boy doesn't have! I have come across some pretty nifty gift ideas thanks to some suggestions.

I want to be the 'cool aunt' that gets a big kiss! So help me find gift to win $25 gift voucher.

{1} Constructive Cutlery {2} Car Rally {3} Toolkit {4} Car Chalkboard Clock

Another Celebrity Spotted with Aden + Anais

Gorgeous Heidi Klum model mum of 3 has been spotted with Aden + Anais - US celebrities seem to love them but that's not just the reason Chic Mother and Baby loves aden + anais 100% organic cotton muslin baby wraps.

If you are not familiar with muslin, you may wonder what makes them great. They are so soft, light and breathable. With a generous 47" x 47" (thats about 120cm) size, aden + anais organic wraps are big enough for a toddler or adult to cuddle up with.

I also take one shopping, and drape it over my pram when the little one is napping. The added dash of style makes me feel a little more chic too.

Mums can get creative with them - use your aden + anais wrap as a light weight blanket, swaddling blanket, stroller cover, nursing cover, burp cloth, and more...

Birthday Competition

Hello Ladies

I know an adorable terror toddler that is turning two early next month... I need some birthday gift ideas. I know what I do not want to buy - clothing, shoes, feeding sets or car/truck toys (he has enough of those :) ... I want some out-of-the-box ideas... um help me watch my wallet too :)

So I'd love for all your help - the best birthday gift idea for two year old boy toddler will be rewarded with $25 Chic Mother and Baby store gift voucher... You help me go shopping and I'll reward you with some shopping at our Chic Mother and Baby store

Please leave your lovely gift ideas as comments - I'll announce the winner next Wednesday 21st April.

Thanks in advance!

All things Felt..

Yesterday I purchased a {1} black felt wastepaper bin today from Myer and I love it! (there was 20% off :) - I cuddled it to the car.

When I used to think of felt, I'd picture kindy arts and crafts project but after my lovely bin purchase - I did some research and discovered that felt wool is one of the oldest textile with perks - It's renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, and sustainable!

I hope felt makes a big comeback ! 

{2} Michelle Mason’s rugs {3} Kikki.K felt notebook cover {4} Gorgeous felt ipod pockets

Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous...

Did I mention gorgeous? I can't vouch for the product's effectiveness but I can definitely say I LOVE the packaging range from Archipelago Botanicals collections. It's definitely got the Anthropologie touch to it - this style is very vintage hip and chic.

Sweet Dreams My Child...

Our favourite item of the month at Chic Mother and Baby is the {1} Zzoolight lamp made up of a polypropylene sheet shade that is unbreakable and child-safe. Zzzoolight also guarantees that the lamp won't heat up. We only have a few left they have been very popular. If you want to buy this lovely lamp email me and I'll give you a special code for a special price :)

Here is a small showcase of quirky kiddish lamps:
{2} I am a bit on the fence about the Teddy Bear Lamp by Matthew Kinealy - is it scary or quirky cute? {3} This Dog Lamp is a very cute innovation - a pet on dog's head will turn the light on and off, and will control the light's intensity. {4} Fire Lamp - something childish and kitsch about it! Perfect in a room that has an outdoor theme and tent too!

Jamie Oliver Packaging

I came across the Jamie Oliver Magazine this morning (I didnt even know he had one!) and its a lovely designed in a nice square format printed on uncoated paper with great food photography and recipes. I love all of Jamie Oliver's food product packaging designed by Pearlfisher. I'd just like to collect his products and display it in my kitchen...

Packaging images via lovelypackage

My Colour Palette: Passionate Pink

New feature on Chic Mother and Baby blog is "My Colour Palette" featuring kids, mum and home related products and also meaning of that colour.

Pink is the sweet side of red, its romantic and gentle. It's cotton candy and bubble gum and babies, especially little girls.

In the Pink colour family: salmon, coral, hot pink, magenta, blush, flesh, flush, fuchsia, rose.

If you have products and would like to be featured in our colour features. Post a comment or contact me and we'll see what we can do! Next week's colour palette will be Navy.

1. Run Scotty Run Cord Skirt 2. Run Scotty Run Cord Dress 3. Flowie Pillow  4. Love Lollipops Flag 5. Pink Lantern 6. Pink Cupcake Wrappers

Revive with an Afternoon Boost

Been running around since 5.45 am? Then comes mid-afternoon and you are all out of energy. The key is small high-energy snacks that are nutritious and yummy for a revive boost.

Here are our favourite to go munchies pick which will get you through the day.

1. Green apples
2. Whole-grain Rice Cakes (try spreading with soy cheese, honey or tomato)
3. Almonds
4. Earl Grey Latte

My favourite is T2 French Earl Grey Tea wih a dash of low fat milk & 2 tablespoons of honey (instead of sugar). Ahh so comforting - sipping on one as I post. A good teapot is a must too - like French Bee Teapot at Malmaison. If you know any other tea brands to try let me know!

Friday Finds: Some Aussie Talent

Rittenhouse  – uber cool fashion - I'll have the whole ladies collection - size S - thanks :)

Birdy & Me – how gorgeous are the illustrations super talented!!!!

Um... What the?

Pet High Chair?? I rather have my puppy on my lap or on a chair but not a high chair. Too OTT for me.

Found via Incredible Things

We are loving...The Storybook crown

For all the kings, queens, princesses and princess wondering what their kindgom is like. Lovely Idea from Ellie Bellie xx

Kristy's Wednesday Wonder: To daycare or not to daycare...this is the question!!

My son LOVES to put everything in his mouth… including other childrens, hands & feet.. (I know.. the thought makes me squirm), but this is a fact of being a toddler! So when we started Daycare again this year, I was looking forward to a peaceful day at home alone where I could finally get some work done!

Honestly, my son went for an orientation & admittedly he put a play phone in his mouth… and we got the daycare runny nose 2 days later! After week 2, we had to call up sick the following Monday as he had caught the flu!! Flu season hasn’t even really started.. .and this is what made me wonder…. to daycare or not to daycare??

Do other mothers experience this? I love the day of quietness at home, but honestly, this does not outweigh the little guy getting sick! Your up for hours at night (for at least 2-3 nights!), you get little sleep, your wiping an endless runny nose & also dosing them up on medicine! Is this all worth that one day without them?

I’d love to hear your thoughts mums…

5 Delectable Chocolate Packaging

Ok I have indulged in chocolate easter eggs for the past 4 days so I have put together a yummy collection of different chocolate packaging designs. If only they could all be delivered to my door step.

100% Chocolate Cafe - I am so annoyed I didnt have this on my list of things to do while in Tokyo!

Hahaha - the truth hurts. You do have to visit Fat Pig Chocolate for laughs.

Chocolate Pie Chart data visualised by Chocolate Editions! It's also sold here in Australia at Third Drawer Down.

Mast Brothers Chocolate – Artisan-made chocolate bars come wrapped in imported Italian papers.

{Coco} Absolute - very sleek and nice information strip