Wild Thing!

October is coming up... Halloween is on it's way. We are normally not very big on Halloween, but this year we are going to make an effort. My daughter is having Halloween on her kinder and this year we are thinking of Max.

Here is a bit of inspiration I collected for our upcoming little project.


During my research I stumbled across this art website who is dedicated to finding art that is connected to the Where the Wild Things Are universe... so cool!
Terrible Yellow Eyes

MyKea

MyKea, is a concept store that sells adhesive decals made to fit the most popular IKEA furniture styles. The designs are easy to apply, easy to remove and won’t damage your furniture.
They got some pretty cool artists over there and I love how easy it seem to create a cool little feature in a room, without too much work...

Check out the company who's slogan is - say no to naked furniture!

What Should We Do?

Is a question that I have heard a lot this holiday (in Australia the kids have 2 weeks off for every term which is normally around 3 months). This holiday we didn't go anywhere particular and then it is good to have lots of nice ideas to keep the little ones occupied. Today we went on a treasure hunt. My daughter drew a pirate map, and I went outside and hid the arrrgh..gold, well in this case the gold were some organic lollypops! Super simple idea but kept the kids entertained for at least 40 minutes.

We also collected some nice white rocks, that we will turn into rock animals. We will paint them and then glue eyes on them. Both my kids will enjoy this and it is easy to clean up as well. Two simple ideas that sure has made this otherwise rainy day a bit more interesting and full of smiles. Below are some photos from today's treasure hunt. The school bag is from Bobo Choses, a lucky giveaway prize from Mash N Gravy!

Winter Water Factory

This by no means a new brand, Winter Water Factory has been around since 2002, but I recently had a look at their collection and I love their fascination for fabric and nice prints. I could do a piece on them to describe who they are and what drives them, but they do that so wonderfully themselves:

Fresh, bold and beautiful textile prints are the signature of the Winter Water Factory. Printed on soft organic cotton and fashioned into classic designs, these comfortable pieces are destined to become your little ones’ favorites! Winter Water Factory believes in creating high-quality products for a healthy planet. Every item is crafted from 100% certified organic cotton, and it’s all made in the USA—from the fabric to the final stitch.

Stefanie Lynen is a Brooklyn-based designer who draws inspiration from a variety of sources—from children's books to vintage wallpaper to envelope liners. In 2005, she rented a silk-screen studio and began exploring the possibilities of fabric design. The result has been a line of striking prints with just the right blend of bold graphics and whimsical illustrations.

Oh, and about that weird name. The original “Winterwasserfabrik” was founded in the early 1980s in Eschweiler, Germany, where Stefanie and her sister bottled melted snow and sold it to their parents as “winter water.” The tradition of creating fine products from all-natural resources continues here in Brooklyn. And who knows? We might even bottle some winter water again someday!

visit their website/webshop

psst! At the moment Bloesem Kids are having a giveaway with WWF, so head on over there and enter to win some nice items for your young ones!

Vertical Playground

How amazing is this vertical playground?? I love when architects gets involved in creating inspirational places for kids. This one is based in Belleville Park in Paris, France, and is created by BASE.

Rocking the social thing

I have no idea if it would be interesting to have some updates via facebook, from this blog, but if you would like to follow and get regular updates from the small universe, head on over here and press like. I will give it a few weeks to see if it is worth it :)

Spirit Hoods

I am loving these animal beanies/gloves!! Made by Australian Spirit Hoods they are a great fun way to stay warm and groovy during wintertime. They also come in larger sizes for adults and they have a clever little inner pocket and also a button to secure the scarf so it will stay put when you decide to go wild. And don't worry, they are not made from real fur, but quality faux fur, they even donate sales to non-profits dedicated to animal protection.

Find your favorite animal here!

Black Sheep - Brand Watch!

I recently found this brand called Black Sheep (formerly NUNUNU) the other day and I have to admit I am smitten by the simplicity and quality of Black Sheep. They blend high quality fabric, urban design, basic colours and personal touch, in one big great mix. We recently bought the star baggy pants and hoody and they are a dream to wear, at least if you listen to my kids.

If you are based in Australia you can get your hands on some Black Sheep clothes at
Charlie's Bucket

Check it out here.
BLACK SHEEP

Copenhagen

This poster makes me miss my second home Copenhagen, DK
from Ferm Living.

Bea Åkerlund

I don't think that anybody have missed that the collection (Rebel With A Cause) that B.Åkerlund collaborated with Mini Rodini is now out and available for purchase. You can read an interesting interview with Bea and her new
collection right here. (in Swedish)

Conversations with Mika

Star Wars (phantom menace) is on the tv when Mika comes walking by...

Mika: Wooh, what is this... who is that?
Me: ehh, that is Darth Maul, it is a movie called Star Wars.
Mika: Ah, he is a bad guy..he is like a mean one right?
Me: I guess you can say that.
Mika: ((silence))) ... wow he is going to be in trouble!
Me: What do you mean? Have you seen this before?
Mika: No, but look at his face! He has drawn all over it.. his mum is going to be so mad!!!

Lovely Things

Gathered some lovely things from the small universe...

1. Ceiling light by NON JETABLE
2. Convertable cot by LAURETTE - ROULOTTE
3. Design bunk bed for kids by PERLUDI
4. Poster "la pomme" by Blanca Gomez
   
5. Miffy kids lamp
6. Quilt pillow by JACK N'AQU'UN OEIL
7. Mr small robot by FERM LIVING
8. Jigsaw puzzle in 3 dimensions by KIDSONROOF
   
9. 5 Wall hooks, "offside" by RUNA KLOCK
   
   All items available at KidsLoveDesign
   

Walking on Disney!

I am trying to think back to when I myself was a child, and try and remember if there were shoes like these? Adidas has always co-operated with Disney, and these days there are cooler versions of Adidas/Disney shoes than ever. Just check these out!
It is like shoes bordering on toys!

All shoes are available at Adidas Kids & Toddlers

Vertical Car Park

This is one of the best DIY ideas I have seen in awhile :) Simply buy a magnetic knife rack from IKEA and mount it in your kids room, and voila all those cars have a great place to be displayed and even better...be found again! We sure have a room full of little cars so I will definitely have a look into making one of these!

ZARA Kids

Simple, beautiful and lovely small threads.
ZARA KIDS Fall/Winter 2010/2011

25% off all brands at Mash N Gravy!

Don't forget the smashing offer from Mash N Gravy to all of minor de:tales readers this week. 25% off all brands! Mash N Gravy stock brands like, Mini Rodini, Bobo Choses, Finger in the Nose, BOdeBO, Mini A Ture, Popupshop, to just mention a few... Just mention MD25 when you check out (code slot is on first page when you order). If you order I would love to hear what you ordered :) Here is our order!

Weekend bliss

We were lucky this weekend, Australia gave us some nice warm weather to enjoy. Lots of play in parks and beaches, and some good opportunities to test out some new outdoor toys, like a foam rocket launcher and some simple fun like drawing with chalk on the road.

Most of the kids in the neighborhood joined in... I love how kids can be so creative! I have to share some of the awesome drawings soon. For now here are some photos from today in one of our favorite parks.

Mini Fashion

Some gorgeous threads for the mini people out there. Am totally smitten by Louis Louise bloomers and pants! Not to mention their wonderful Simon knit vest... maybe it is good my youngest is getting bigger otherwise I would be over at Smallable right now, shopping away!

Weekend Read

If you are looking for a nice read, the new Small magazine (issue 19) is out and ready to be viewed in all its lovely small glory :) Have a nice weekend!

Win a CTH hat!

Here is your chance to win one of the coolest hats you can ever get for your little ones.
MrsAgatha is having a giveaway with CTH Mini, and all you have to do is to
go here, and read the instructions... Best of luck!!

Growing Imagination

Baupiloten is a group of architecture students who during their studies at Faculty VI, Institute for Architecture at Berlin Technical University (Technische Universität Berlin) develop their own projects from concept to implementation under professional guidance. Architect Susanne Hoffmann founded Baupiloten (Bau=build, Piloten=pilot) in 2003 and has headed it since 2004.

The Taka-Tuka-Land kindergarten was originally erected as a temporary solution, but with the fantastic Baupiloten approach to the refurbishment, it has become a permanent place for children.

The Taka-Tuka-Land is part of the Pippi Longstocking lore created by the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Pippi in Taka-Tuka Country is a movie based on one of her novels. The children at the kindergarten and their teachers created collages, models, drawings and ideas based on Taka-Tuka Land with bridges, huts, merry-go-rounds made of blossoms and thrones made of seashells. The Baupiloten students then spent several days with the children observing their daily routines, their schedules and their ways of communication.

From this extensive groundwork, the design story for the space was developed. The building itself is Pippi’s old oak tree that contains a lemonade factory. The lemonade breaks through the bark of the tree and flows outside creating padded play areas. The story of the building is a trip through the seven stages of the lemon tree, each facilitating a different activity: The lemonade tree, Glittering lemonade in the sun, Lemonade drops, The lemonade island, Waiting for the parents, Lemonade gallery.

Ready, steady..GO!

Been a bit of a crazy day. Left the home 11 in the morning and came home 6 in the evening. Full throttle. Kinder gym with the 2 year old in the morning, nice lunch meet up and a Country Road sale stint, made for a good start. Then kinder pick up with the 4 year old and big play date for both kids after that. Wow.. you feel a bit knocked around now, when dinner is waiting to be done. Think I am going down early tonight... TGIF tomorrow!

"I have an english brain"

This morning at the breakfast table, a conversation with Mika (4)

Me: So are you looking forward to Swedish school this weekend?
Mika: I don't think you understand mama.
Me: What don't I understand?
Mika: My brain is an English brain. It thinks English thoughts, not Swedish.
Me: Yes I know, but maybe there is room for a bit of Swedish in there.
Mika: I don't think so, it is pretty full already.
Me: Not even a tiny little space?
Mika: Maybe... I think I can squeeze in one word in there.. like godis (lollies in Swedish).

10 minutes with...

Can you tell us a little about how Mash N Gravy started?
What is your inspiration, and where did the name come from?

Like the owners of many online boutiques I was essentially trying to fulfill my own needs. I had two baby boys and was struggling to dress them as individuals, in the same way that I like to be in command of my own style. The multiples on High Streets the world over seem to be obsessed with branding, predictable graphic themes and colour schemes for both boys and girls and define and separate the sexes by these means. My introduction to independent fashion of this nature was via Mini Rodini and I was hooked on their electric guitar and Leon the robot prints. I wanted to dress my children in effortlessly stylish clothes and resented the fact that I was paying my hard earned salary for clothes produced by those of limited imagination, dubious quality and unknown origins.




















Choosing a name for the store was difficult. If I was opening a bricks and mortar store the name would have been very different but when selecting a domain name, the process is slightly more complicated. I didn't want a name which sounded in any way similar to the handful of the existing online stores at that time as we certainly would not want to be thought of as emulating anyone, but it had to be something which resonated with me.

I ruled out anything with obvious childlike connotations ie anything with 'Little' or 'Kids', or anything to do with animals or colours and at that time we were struggling with my eldest son at the dinner table as he was beginning to turn from an adventurous eater to one who only liked plain flavours and soft textures.

Despite producing wonderful home made offerings, he insisted on mashed potato with every meal and very often with gravy. Therefore, it was something which was a constant in my life at that time.

Mash N Gravy seems to be a lot about individuality through fashion, but there is also a large sense of responsibility in the global sense as well, how do you go about when you choose your brands for Mash N Gravy? Is the process in which the garments are being made an important issue for you?

It is human nature to be drawn to something because it is aesthetically pleasing and having a strong sense of style, I know precisely what I like. But I consider it equally important to buy responsibly and not knowingly support poor practices as many of us are prone to do when faced with the choices available, be it in fashion or our grocery shopping. The majority of the labels which we represent either use organically produced fabrics or green technologies in order to lessen the effects of the manufacturing process on the environment.




















Many of our brands use this feature as their USP, for example, Popupshop, Kidscase and Imps&Elfs, then there are those who fly just under the radar, making all the right moves, but use other tools in their marketing strategy, for example, Rich and Sam Brown, founders of Munster, moved their young family to Vietnam where their garments are made in order to supervise the production and give back to the community through initiatives like their T4T project which recurs each season with specially designed garments by renowned artists. For each one sold, Munster donate a T-Shirt to an area of need.

Therefore, I tend to adopt the responsible position when selecting brands to sell and it would be wonderful to think that everything could be fairly produced at an acceptable price for every consumer, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out like that. I appreciate that customers need to make choices to suit their budget and consequently prefer to be more subliminal in my strategy as opposed to taking the tree hugging, sandal wearing approach.

There seem to be such a nice balance between brands for boys and brands for girls at Mash N Gravy, having two boys yourself, do they embrace your passion for fashion and what are their favorite brand to hang out in?

I do worry that my boys will turn into real clothes snobs, they seem to have a passion for what they will and will not wear with or without my intervention. Neither, have ever expressed a desire to hang out in a football strip as is common among their peers. Instead, they prefer the classic Munster/Vans combo. Skinny jeans and performance skate shoes, unbeatable in the style stakes for Captain Chaos and Major Disaster. Teamed with a cotton tee, graphic or plain and finished with a cotton shirt by Scotch Shrunk and they are good to go - anywhere!




















I love your wish list feature on your website, what is on your wish list at the moment?

Although I am crazy about fashion, when the season turns colder as it has done here in the UK in recent weeks I tend to look at my home and fall in love with it all over again, knowing that the next few months the majority of our time will be spent indoors and out of the cold. I love the classics and would have a house full of chairs if I thought that I could get away with it. We have white Eames DSR chairs at our dining table, but I have just ordered a black DSW for my office and I'm now swooning over a recent discovery - Icelandic sheepskin rugs and intend to buy one from this web site to line my nest, as it were over the cold months to come. http://blacksheepwhitelight.com/category/gray-sheepskins

A new season has just landed on the shelves at Mash N Gravy, can you share your favorite picks from the autumn & winter 2011 collections with us?

For boys I love the Grinner Rain Jacket by Munster, their Bleaches Denims and a Polo Shirt by Scotch Shrunk, and for girls the Talc dresses are just divine.
However, it seems like we've barely started, we still have Imps& Elfs, Talc, Finger in the Nose , Lucky Boy Sunday, No Added Sugar, all to come.

Big thanks to founder Julie Reid for an interesting look into the world of Mash N Gravy!

All minor de:tales readers can get a whopping 25% OFF ALL BRANDS from this Friday 16th of September, running one week! Use code MD25 at check out.

And don't forget the wonderful offer of FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING (orders over £70) this week!!

VISIT MASH N GRAVY

Yikes!

This cafe seem to have had one too many tantrums
to deal with..haha

Country Road

Australian label Country Road has packed their shelves with some achingly hip summer gear for both girls and boys this season. It is going to be hard to hold on to the wallet this Thursday when they are doing their end of season sale with up to 75% off (card members).

I can already see a few items that will have to come home with us to be aired this summer. Here is a few of my favorite picks for the girls... Boys coming up soon!

Guðrun & Guðrun

There is something so classical yet intriguingly fresh with Guðrun & Guðrun.

Guðrun & Guðrun is owned by two Faroese women and the creative process of design is very closely linked to the isolation of the place. “It’s good to come to Europe for input and inspiration, but it’s crucial to come back home to the silence and not be disturbed by the hectic life of fashion” the designer concludes.

The Faroe Islands are 18 tiny islands situated in the North Atlantic, between Iceland and Norway. Only 45.000 people live on the islands. Still it’s a nation of it’s own with own culture and own language. So tiny and still the frames of the myriad of life.

This selection and more is available at Pipsqueak.

2D Puzzle

These 2d characters by Ingela P Arrhenius makes me smile!
There is also an animal version available which are totally adorable as well...