Paul Smith for Kids

I know anything 'designer' is really wasted on my boys as well as my pocket at the moment, but I can but gloat over these handsome designs by the King of Stripes, Paul Smith. What resonates mostly though from looking at these shots is that a) the kids look like they are genuinely having fun, b) the clothes are totally age appropriate, coloured well and c) are above all super cute!

Fantastic Mr Fox

It's freezing here this morning and I'm almost scraping the ice off the screen! But when I set my eyes upon Foxy, the fantastic fox, he warmed things up considerably and put a very happy smile on my face.  I mean just LOOK at him, he's a creature of style, panache and looks terribly debonair, n'est pas?

Chompasauras!

OK for all you suffering from sibling rivalry, here's the very solution that will have them 'chomping' at the bit! Not only do they get to play monsters but wearing these 'Chomp' Organic T's, they do it together, get to hug themselves with a magic result of heaps of laughter - perfection!

Summer Sleepovers

Ah camping can't get more stylish than this! And if it's too chilly to sleep under the stars, then pack up your gear for a pajama party with a difference. Not only do you get a sleeping bag in this swanky swag set, but add a pillow, torch and water bottle to the equally lovely rucksack, and hey, you're ready to leave home!

The Ultimate Boys Adventure

OK - whatever your age, every male on the planet will be gearing up to see THIS, Christmas 2011

Hair Raising Kids

Ok so I'll admit it, I stayed up to watch The Eurovision and fell asleep! HOWEVER, I luckily didn't miss any of the hilarious Euro trash music and garish costume, but thankfully snoozed through the laboriously biased voting that never fails to bemuse me!
Although 'Europe' (since when has Russia joined the club?) voted for the rather disappointing Azerbeijan entry, the winner for our house was the 'hair raising' Irish entry - Jedward. Why? Well apart from the fact that they were from my home country, these two boys were so intoxicatingly happy and full of beans, they were just infectiously cute. The twins, from Dublin were bullied at school for standing apart from 'the rest' but never let that stop them, trying out in a popular music show in the UK and really never looking back.
And last week, they were the life and soul of the Eurovision, put smiles on millions of faces and are taking over the musical world's of eight year old's everywhere.  Apparently they don't drink, don't stay up late and as my Mum says - are harmless, entertaining kids. Let's hope so.

Pillow Talk

I've been a big fan of Third Drawer Down for a long time now and could easily own their entire range of bedlinen and maverick accessories! Those of you with an eye for humour and interest in indie artists will like these two pillowcases from musician and artist known as 'Shoboshobo' and Japanese artist Misaka Kawai

Shoboshobo monsters

Misaka Kawai

Alphabet Treat

Here's a gorgeous free gift from the talented hands over at Hand Made Home. I've been looking for a soft toned alphabet and I think having these as individual cards is a wonderful option for those who don't want to be tied down to a frieze or prefer to use them as flash cards. Here's the lovely link to Ashley and Jamin's beautiful blog.

Fabric First Aid

We love the trend of Make Do and Mend and think saving those elbows and knees for a little bit longer is an ace idea! You'll remember we shared these fabric patches with you? Well we are super excited to show some more we have found, thanks to the talent of illustrator Jennie Maizels. Not only are these beautifully embroidered iron-on's totally cute, but they are sold in traditional style Band Aid tins that are perfect for keeping secret treasures once the patches have been used up!

Turning the Tables

OK so I'm going to turn the tables today and as it's Mothers Day here this weekend, I thought I'd share a few things that I've been 'Pinning' lately for myself! So on Sunday, if I may, I'd like to drink from these straws, wear any of these shoes, swing in my hall and play in this garden. Boys, I invite you to join me and the elephant, and drink the milk. The rest...IS MINE!

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Freckles Underfoot

I don't know why I haven't shared these with you before! I've been oogling over them for months now  and am wishing for lots of them on our wooden floors... Not only can you find these Little Lamb rugs in multi-coloured freckles, but they also come in a Toadstool version too.

Game...Boy!

I am very fortunate to have befriended the passionate aMuse toy store in Baltimore. Ok so it's a shame I can't frequent their shop physically, but I can shop online and support them by sharing their greatness with you, because they sooo deserve it!  When I asked the team to come up with their favourite games of the moment, I was completely overwhelmed by their extensive selection. I hope you enjoy these options and get inspired!

At aMuse, we believe that games aren't just child's play. They are an important part of cognitive, physical and emotional growth in every child's development. Games teach young ones sharing, taking turns, winning & losing gracefully, thinking critically, strategizing, motor skill refinement and so much more. It's important that the games we choose are in-line with our values, and that they teach skills we wish to foster. Here is a list of games that are boy-approved and that exemplify our mantra of beautiful, purposeful play. 

Jishaku, which means ‘magnet’ in Japanese, is a strategy game like no other. Be the first to discard all of your super-strong hematite magnets in the playing board and you win. Great for solitary or group play. Recommended for 14+, though we know 7 year-olds that love to play as well...

HABA's Treasure Ready Go! is one of our all-time favorite family games. Players of all ages test their short-term memory, motorskills and ability to keep a cool head as sand timer runs out. It's the perfect game for participants of all ages to compete on an even level. 

For our littlest players we love HABA's Stacking & Construction. Slated for ages 2+ it's a fantastic cooperative game where young ones work together to accomplish a common goal. It's a great introduction to basic social skills, following simple instruction and learning to take turns.

 
Pigz Up is a quick test of motorskills. Be the first to stack your pig tower high with the correct color snout on top and you win the round. This is a silly game that gets everyone laughing while trying to maintain the focus you need to complete your tower. Great for players ages 4+

 
Eleminis is one of our new obsessions at aMuse. We'll do anything to coax passersby in to play a few rounds. We like to compare it to a complex variation on rock paper scissors combined with Uno specialty cards. It's a fun strategy card game that's easy to throw in a backpack for kids to play with friends at school. Recommended for ages 7+

 

Everybody Roarrrrr

Our 2 year old would be completely into this hoodie from Paul and Paula. He quite fancies himself as a bit of a T-Rex at the moment and so the chance to stand and roar at you with an outfit to suit would be a dream come true! You can find this terror-ific top in the latest issue of Tiny & Little

Tiny and Little Latest Issue

The movement towards a slower childhood is quite compelling and we have been lucky enough to be a part of the second issue of new Melbourne online publication - Tiny and Little. Beautifully edited by my new friend Natalie, she has brought together some powerful voices that have collaborated to celebrate the beauty of children, the importance of childhood and the precious time we must all share together. You'll find our little contribution on Page 12 - yep, I'm TOTALLY chuffed to be placed so prominently - and you can also enjoy our craft guru Emma's brilliant craft project on Page 98.

"Come lets play, lets sail away
We'll ride upon our seahorses
Be Kings
Spin roundabouts
Build castles hand in hand"

a quote from Kickcan & Conkers