Dancing in the rain

The weather Gods have been crazy lately. It is a roller coaster every day. Yesterday it reached a top of 38c and today we have a measly 17c and a lot of rain. I find it completely impossible to keep the kids inside no matter what the weather has to offer, so it didn't take long until Mika ran outside for a quick rain dance. I did my best to follow the fun with a camera. We recently received some nice clothes that we ordered from Nonchalant Mom and Oii, and what better time than this to try them out?? Beanie and leggings from Mini Rodini and Tee from Nico Nico.

INSPIRATION | Qoo Qoo Fashion

There are some downright awesome things on Ebay. These colourful and original pieces comes from Latvia. Graphic designer - Alyona Bauska used her unique graphic style and poured it into fashion and here are the results. I love everything about this collection. I had to share it here because it is quite rare to see such bold colours and prints for us adults, it is usually reserved for the kids. With that said I think if she would ever jump into the children's fashion world I think she would do VERY well there too. Check it out!!

VISIT: QooQoo Fashion

Grab a pen...

It is humid today. 33c and very little wind is what we have to play around with today. What do you do? You face paint of course... it is funny how something so simple and easy can be so much fun. It started with a star and a lightning and went crazy from there...needless to say it ended in the bath :).

Papa Foxtrot

What boy wouldn't like a big ocean liner like this?? Papa Foxtrot makes wooden toys in the finest wood quality. It will cost you a bit, but will be a sure hit with the lads. They come in three versions.

"Created by London-based design studio PostlerFerguson, the wooden cargo ships will be the first of a series of toys to be marketed under the brand Papa Foxtrot. The designers are marrying the traditional aesthetic of wooden toys with the technological marvels of the modern world – expect submarines, satellites, windmills, oil rigs and more from Papa Foxtrot in the future." - Babyology.

visit: Papa Foxtrot

ANIMATION | Octapodi

Loving this Oscar nominated short (2007) about two love struck octopuses...

10 minutes with...

Welcome to another look behind the scenes of another interesting online shop. This time we knock on the door of Australian shop Minibots. Run by mother and father of two, Amber and Chris Hall, Minibots main goal is to source the most unique and interesting brands out there. I had the great opportunity to ask them a few questions and here are their answers...

Can you tell us a little about how Minibots started? What is your inspiration, and how did you come up with the name?

Minibots is an idea come reality, where a world for children's fashion, toys and accessories intertwine to provide you with unique Australian designers through to the very trendy, funky and creative labels from around the globe, for children who aren't afraid to stand out in a crowd.
Our two beautiful children are the inspiration behind this reality and after our first child Sebastian was born our love of fashion naturally turned to the wonderful array of children's fashion and products.

What started out as endless fun searching for these items has now developed into a passion for acquiring all unique kiddy things. Whilst we love the thrill of finding and sourcing these amazing brands, we know how many of you just don't have the time and that's why we're delighted to be able to bring the things we love, our friends love and our Minibots love, to you!

Minibots stemmed from our son Sebastian's love for Vintage Robots, and of course mini referring to children. My Husband Chris created the name as we wanted something unique that stood out and that everyone would remember.

I am thrilled to see so many hard to find European labels in your selection at Minibots. So many Australian shops focus on local brands only, but you seem to have mixed local and expanded your search for unique brands to around the world. Tell me a little about how you go about choosing what should be in the Minibots store.

Our main focus was on setting ourselves apart form other stores by stocking cool and trendy clothing and products. And drawing on our own experience of purchasing for our own children, we chose those labels that were of amazing quality and uniqueness. Being parents ourselves we have tried and tested the labels and products that we stock and most importantly our children love the wearing and playing with our products!!

Christmas is fast approaching...If you could pick two gifts each for a girl, boy and a baby what would you choose from at Minibots?

Girl

• Bang Bang Cph Buzz Dress $85.00
• Spirithoods Kids Snow Leopard $99.00

Boy

• Lucky Boy Sunday Sailor Jack $95.00
• Little Lark Wolf s/s Tee $35.00

Baby

• Piqpoq Plibook Baby Book $35.00
• Little Bonbon Sleep Gown grey/cream $45.00
  

Since you are stocking so many nice European labels (and they are embarking on their winter season now) you must have a fair idea of what you are going to have to offer for the Australian winter 12, any favorite picks or labels you can share?
We are stocking some amazing labels in Winter 12. Here is a little Sneak Peek;
Nelly Stella Emma Blouse and Carol Jumper Dress, Bang Bang Cph Hooded Vest, Soft Gallery Fawn owl Leotard, Bodebo Tutu Bloom Skirt and Leggo Tights.

Minibots will also welcome two new exciting brands for winter 12. Organic Nico Nico and Ada Ada is next on the impressive collection of unique labels, so look out for those very soon!


Here are some of the labels you can find at Minibots: Munster, Mini & Maximus, Native Shoes, Lucky Boy Sunday, New Generals, Spirit Hoods Kids, Missie Munster, Bang Bang Cph, Soft Gallery... to just mention a few.



Huge thanks to owner and founder Amber Hall for the look behind the scenes at Minibots!
Right now there is a Pre Christmas Sale, and you can receive 25% off storewide if you enter code: Babyology 25 (vaild for 2 weeks only.) There is also free shipping on all Australian orders over 150$.
VISIT: MINIBOTS

Zara Kids

Loving the choices for Zara Kids (winter) shoes for girls. They seem to have ticked most boxes, sporty, preppy, boots, etc. Here are a few of my favorites.

You can find them here.

bRainbow

I am a sucker for all things quirky... bRainbow makes some pretty awesome jewellery that is just that. Here is how they describe themselves in so many words,

A rainbow always appears after the rain and makes people smile:) A brain represents ideas, thinking and imagination. bRainbow combines these two elements with our unique selection of handcrafts.

There are two halves of bRainbow: graphic designer / senior art director, Orrr and collaborator Akiko. All bRainbow products are created using laser-cut and pieced together by hand at their Sydney home studio. They use classic materials (leather, wood and acrylics) to create something unusual and fun, including their amusing range of 3D wooden products. Drawing inspiration from 80s retro and contemporary designs.

Visit bRainbow

Printing for a cause

Here’s a really cool, heartbreaking poster from Megabolt. Brett Stenson’s poster was made to embrace the doodle, and it was printed with a number of children in a Portland area hospital in America. It’s a 10″ x 26″ screenprint, has an edition of 75, and costs $20 (or $25 with a Megabolt sketchbook). Proceeds will help fund art workshops with sick kids. This is such a great art initiative and it is well worthy of support.

Visit Megabolt
Visit Brett Stenson

Young Art

My girl drew a sun today, I quickly scanned it and slapped it on a onesie, and I like the result. Very Bobo Chosesish. It just goes to show, kids really does the best form of art! I wish more children's clothing brands could get help from the younger artists out there. Here are a few labels that have caught on to the children's art prints (if you know any other labels out there I'd love to hear about it).

• Mini and Maximus
• Stella McCartney Kids

BLOG LOVE | VDJ

There are endless of inspiration at Le Vestiaire de Jeanne / VDJ blog. Everytime I look at this blog the creative cogs in my brain go crazy. The cuts, the shades of grey, the beautiful styling, the amazing model Jeanne who makes the clothes look so incredible comfortable and wonderful to wear, all these factors makes it my number one place to visit when I just want to get some pure clothes and fabric inspiration. The text is in French, but when the images are this good, I would say it speaks it's own international language!

Blog VDJ
Shop VDJ

Nature's treasure!

Living close to the beach is a blessing when you have kids. There are always hidden treasure where ever you look, and the sea air does magic to tired kids. Here are some Friday snaps! Have a nice weekend out there.

EXHIBITION | Board

I started skating when I was about 8 years old and kept at it for at least 12 more years. In between it I used a snowboard to fill those long dark days of Swedish winter. I have always loved the flow, the movement the freedom. Recently a new exhibition opened here in Melbourne at the NGV Studio called BOARD. The exhibition is all about the creative process behind the skate culture.

Presenting 1970s & 80s skateboards and ephemera from Tony Hallam’s collection alongside contemporary decks created for the exhibition, it explores the evolution of board graphics and design.

Senior Curator of Contemporary Art Alex Baker states: ‘Tony Hallam’s collection digs deep into the formative years of skate culture during which board graphics evolved from simple lettering to elaborate artwork. Once a professional skateboarder, Hallam has gone to painstaking lengths to track down some of the most important boards in history. On view at NGV Studio are gems such as Tony Hawk’s first signature model (1982) and an early Zephyr board (mid-1970s) personally owned by skateboard legend Stacy Peralta. The selection of skateboards and ephemera in Board allows an insight into skateboarding’s surfing roots through to its cross-fertilisation with punk rock and other renegade sub-cultures. Hallam’s is considered one of the most comprehensive skateboard collections in the world, and the NGV is honoured to present it to both avid skate fans and non-initiates alike. This is an important lesson in another form of art history – one that speaks a language that originated on the streets and is ongoing today.’

Juxtaposing the old with the new is a wall of decks by 50 Australian artists working across a range of media curated by Just Another Agency in support of the Three Sixty Project.

Don't miss this great exhibition if you are in the neighborhood. I know I wont!
Located on Flinders Street at the corner of The Atrium at Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia.

Board runs from 12 Nov - 5 Feb

Doodles

I love watching what M draws in her little pink sketch book. All the way down in the corner I found this little doodle.. When I asked her about it she simply proclaimed it is a bear in "hibination", Ah you mean hibernation? Yes that is what I said, she replied. So here is the bear in hibernation, sleeping his days away... too cute!

Atsuyo et Akiko ♥ Disney

Collaboration collections are normally never this good! I am loving the beautiful and delicate lines that seems to be coming straight out of a sketch book. Atsuyo et Akiko has done a wonderful collection with Disney this time. The lovely characters from Winnie the Pooh are featured on some of the tees while the classic Minnie and Mickey on the others. I am especially liking the Winne collection, because it really would be like wearing a sketch book page, especially with their wonderful thin and soft fabric they have chosen for their t-shirts. You can find Atsuyo et Akiko in numerous places, here are a few of them:

Storytime (Japan)
Atsuyo et Akiko Shop (US)

MOLO Kids 12

Here are some samples from the upcoming summer 12 collection from Molo Kids. How awesome is the vintage feel in these pieces! The colours are as usual right on the money and I have to say the old Polaroid sensation is something to look forward to. I am always impressed with just how crazy Molo can get with their prints. A sure hit with all the kids, and if I could say so myself, I wish I could go back in time just so these clothes could fit me. Go wild I say!!

images from petitfashion.se

The Glow | Christiane Lemieux & Kids

I love reading the blog The Glow. They have just put up another mom&kids edition. This time it is Dwell Studio's founder and creative director Christiane Lemieux we get to do a home visit with. Happy reading!!

Details

New toys and sunshine... sometimes life doesn't have to be more amazing than that.

BIG Kids Magazine

I am head over heels in love with this magazine... Big Kids Magazine. It is a contemporary arts publication for children. Driven by discovery, experimentation and response, they invite children to participate in topical conversations about art and the world. With a senior editor that is eight years old, BIG challenges hierarchies of who is listening and who is speaking to amplify small voices in BIG ways...

The first page of the BIG story was scribed in a note flown from Perth, Western Australia to Sydney, NSW. In it, Jo shared her dream of making a creative arts-based children’s magazine with Lilly which sparked a rapid-fire correspondence and the co-creation of BIG Kids Magazine. Jo’s world is dance. Lilly’s is visual art. They are artists, educators, mothers and now publishers. They have not seen each other for over 12 years and work side by side on BIG from opposite sides of the country.

Check it out!!!

The Story Tellers

Sharing some of the monsters my girl Mika has drawn for the Mini and Maximus drawing competition, The Story Tellers. Get your kids drawing and send in the results for a chance to win some great prices. See more info here.

Harajuku Mini

Harajuku Mini has landed in US Targets this week. Haven't made up my mind regarding the clothing line yet, but I am digging the commercial for sure!

Little Cute Mokkasin

It is rare that so many great little things are collected in one place, but here it is. A little treasure trove in fact! Little Cute Mokkasin is a Swedish online shop that handpicks everything the owner Sofia loves. You can find clothes (Mini Rodini), interior, arts and craft,toys, posters etc. Basically anything that tickles your fancy. Here are a few of my favorite things from her shop!

Little Cute Mokkasin.

3 Seasons

There has been some crazy weather here in the Southern part of Australia. Feels very much like 3 seasons in 3 days. Friday was hot summer, Saturday turned into rainy winter and today offered us windy autumn. Very typical for this part of Australia. You never know what you are going to get. Somehow that is OK though, you know that if it is unbearable hot one day, it won't stick around for too long. Same goes for bad weather. We headed down to a rock pool beach and explored the treasures the tide offered us. We found a crab, a mini squid, lots and lots of sea shells. We had a hearty lunch and ended the day at a local playground. Perfect Sunday in our book. Hope you had a great weekend to recharge on as well...

Happy clothes

It has been a day of non stop raining here in Victoria. So I put together a collage of happy clothes instead :) loaded with a big dose of colour and smiles!
All available at Oii barnkläder.

• long sleeve tee by Modéerska Huset
• corduroy pants by Anïve For The Minors
• Sweater by Anïve For The Minors
• Dress by Mini Rodini
• Beanie by Mini Rodini
• Jacket by Hummel
• leggings by Mini Rodini
  

TGIF

It was hot today... really hot. 35c to be exact so this is what we did today.
Our CTH Mini hat from an order from Oii came the other day and it went straight on the head on both kids (they took turns). We lost our Eco Denim one that we really loved the other day :( , so it was good that another one came down here. Only problem is that now both kids wants to wear it. I feel another order is coming up ;). Happy Friday out there!

Zef

Some nice items from French Zef's baby section. I am loving their star theme!!

Knitted Goods

This winter there are so many gorgeous light knits. Just check out this selection from Oii barnkläder. With over 102 different designers you are bound to find something in your taste! If you are based in Sweden there are no shipping cost either, a clear bonus for an avid shopper. Stay warm out there...

1. Heavy knit + Popupshop
2. Petworth knitted Sweater + Mini Rodini
3. Cardigan + FUB
   
4. Sweater + FUB
5. Melange cardigan + Norlie
6. Cardigan LS AW11 + Imps & Elfs
7. Sofia cardigan + Memini
8. Thin Sweater + FUB
   

Hoptimist

The Hoptimist was designed by Danish furniture designer Gustav Ehrenreich in 1968 but has since then been reproduced in the spirit of his original drawings using a circle and an ellipse, and that is how the classic and the new generation of figures are still drawn today. The characters simple mission is just to make you smile... and it certainly succeeds with just that!

Eco Toys

How neat are these toys made of bamboo? We saw them in our local toy shop and it was instant love for my two year old. We love their shape, the chunky wheels and the fact that they care enough to make them in an environmental friendly way. One of their new projects include letting international design students to come up with new cool designs. Check out Hape Toys for more great looking toys.

Press Pause

We are a bit in a pause mode over here. Summer seems to have moved in and gone are the days where you have to put the heater on in the morning to warm your frozen feet. We are liking this new change, t-shirts and shorts on, chunky sweaters off. Ice-cream eating on, beanies off. Rock on summer!

Maria Corte | ILLUSTRATION

Spanish illustrator Maria Corte has a love affair with bright colours, round shapes and engaging compositions. She has a diverse collection of work, ranging from animation to editorial and children's illustrations to moving paintings and numerous prints as well.

Make sure you check out her website, and have a look at her amazing blog as well (her latest work is updated regularly).

Bobo chairs

Neat little chairs for the juniors room. The classic Bobo Choses prints, apple, cars and clouds on a wooden frame. The fabric is easy to take off and put in the wash. Simple yet oh so wonderful! Available at Little Fashion Gallery.

Je t'aime

Went through some photo folders to make a new blurb photo book. Found these from a couple of months back. Such a nice day, playing on the sand dunes, smelling the salt water, eating apples and rolling down the dunes. Photos are magical, they are like a little time machine, that transport you back into that exact moment in time. Warm sun on your skin and sand in between your toes. Perfect.