Paul & Paula

Last one for January {Friday list}

2012-01-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

Summer collection from Coquito. Stunning!

Pink is the colour of the week at brebi. {special deals}

Love that picture from DouuoD.

Lovely boots for little girls...

Beautiful video from Jumina. Captures this very special label at its best...

Red fish sleeping bag.

The perfect birthday cake for Dutch kids... Miffy!

Papier Mache No3 - Print issue is out!

Exquisite hand made children's costumes - made in Berlin.

Giant Kitty Couch.

The only outfit she might need this summer.... Thank you Bonton!

I could eat this right from the screen...

... and I am so excited... tomorrow verrrrrrry early I will take the train to Paris and visit Playtime... watch out for my reports... and a week ago we launched The Hive....
... and I have something else launching very soon... so my excitement is actually a bit top top top... be happy you can't see my jumping and calpping in my hands and smiling and little happy screams...

Kisses and I wonder what else can happen in 2012.... I wonder...

Kidults & Co. - scarves for kids and adults

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

I think you know how much I love accessories. They can turn every outfit into an eyecatcher plus, like in this case, just make you feel pretty and happy.

Kidults & Co. is the idea of Lili and a collegue-friend and is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Scarves for kids and adults with the "kidult" concept... age does not matter!

All prints are digital and the material is cotton 100%.

These scarves are the perfect Spring detail and as we are heading towards the end of January... I would say we can start wearing those NOW!

To buy here or contact Lili {info @ kidultsandco.com} if the one you like is not available...

indikidual

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Indikidual is a unisex capsule collection for all kids aged 3 months to 4 years.
The range allows for layering and encourages mixing and matching to create individual looks and styles.

All garments are made using organic cotton and are designed to be practical and comfy as well as fashionable and expressive.

... it is all about fun, expression and individuality...

I am sosososo smitten with the pants and can really picture my boy in them... and these pictures... perfect little models for such a cool collection. Congratulations!

The brand just launched and will show at bubble London but you can always send them a message ...

The Hive - First European Blog Conference

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

... you might already know that I can be a bit crazy and that I like to follow my gut feeling...

This time I was just sitting in the car, during a family visit in Germany, and was texting with Yvonne... talking about blogs and social media and how we want to go to a conference but it is just too expensive and too much travelling as they are all in the US... I think you got the story...

I just said: Let's have one for Europe and we will organise it!

The Hive just launched!

We took Radostina on board and the 3 of us organize the First European Blog Conference!

There will be panels covering topics from ethics, copyright, finding your niche, online magazines, social media and many more as well as great work shops.

It is the perfect way to get more insight into blogging and we really have a good mix of speakers and visitors, small and big blogs, media lawyers, photographers and the ones who now live from blogging...

And how great is it to see the people you normally read or e mail with. Get to know more bloggers and exchange... have a drink and maybe get working on a great idea you had... this is The Hive!

All news and more info on the website and on FB and Twitter!

I really hope to see you there

tuss - the ultimate simple solution

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

tuss is a label for children's clothes based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Minimalistic in colors (think black, white, beige and grey) produced from the highest quality in small editions. Classic yet contemporary aesthetic!

So pretty and pure and leaving space for the child's personality...

Founder and designer Catti Aman describes the brand as the ultimate simple solution.

Available here.

The pictures below are from the collaboration with Acne called ACNE/TUSS.

Be lucky kids {Kleine Fabriek favourite}

2012-01-25T00:34:00.000-08:00

Images: Paul & Paula

This is my last post on Kleine Fabriek... but watch out because this week end I am in Paris... Playtime Paris to be precise and I know I will come back with lots of pictures, news and great inspiration.

Be Lucky Kids is a new label from Madrid, Spain bringing some Rock'n Roll to our kids' wardrobe...

Funky prints, tiny winy underpants and my favourites are the cool jumpers for their A/W 2012/13 collection.

A label to follow I would say...

Marie et Rose-Alice

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of the world of Marie et Rose-Alice.

The collections go from 0-16 years and always surprise me with perfect little details.

The teen collection makes me hope that my daughter will run around like this later...

And the bloomers are a must have in every girls wardrobe... swoon...

Kinder Kuenstler Kritzelbuch - the perfect colouring book

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is no ordinary colouring book, this is the best idea one could have for colouring books ever.

It is called the Kinder Kuenstler Kritzelbuch which means something like Kids Artists Scribble book.
What a wonderful book - unlike ordinary colouring books here the imagination of children is really required!

Every page has a picture as a starting point and a little "hint" like "my favourite pizza" or "baby had spinach" (And you see a baby with a big smile and an empty plate) or "What is flying there"... and they draw and have fun and laugh... Really lots of ideas, plenty of room for own ideas and no prescription what children should do.

Perfect birthday gift for all kind of ages!

Dreamers {Kleine Fabriek favourite}

2012-01-23T07:00:00.002-08:00

Dreamers is an Italian kids fashion label who designs beautiful clothes for 0-14 years old.

I already knew Susi from ninaluna and it was a big pleasure to meet her colleague Melania. Melania started dreamers by her own and last year both ladies decided to go strong, combine both brands and have fun working together.

This is the result. An absolute lovely collection that is made from the softest cotton, the most gorgeous details and how cute is that tulle?

The whole collection is really beautiful and the right combination of cuteness, elegance, easy, comfortable and happiness. Well done ladies!

Everything is made in Italy... ready to hit stores around the globe.

Melania & Susi

Brebì - little concept store

2012-01-23T00:56:00.000-08:00

Brebi is a cute little concept store with well chosen products.

Simple and modern clothing of great quality, but also toys, decoration and accessories - all selected for style, simplicity and quality.

So of course I am very happy to have this excellent shop as a sponsor here on Paul & Paula - perfect match don't you think?

And I have some good news to share:

At this moment a great SALE is taking place AND with discount code "saldi2011" - it takes off 20% on all fashion not on sale. YAY!
{It is valid 3 times and expires february 18th}

Shipping costs are reduced from 15 to 10 €!

And Brebì does weekly special deals, which change each week and always have a subject like stripes or accessories. To know which subject is ON you should check their updates on FB.

Have fun shopping!

A few things I liked this week {Friday list}

2012-01-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

Love this from the S/S 2012 Talc collection.

Cute kids clothes.

Love the pop up cards from kids on roof.

Last week we had some pretty chilly days. Perfect hat to keep little heads warm!

My latest project... will do a separate post on it very soon... but have a look and hope to see you there!

Cuteness in perfection.

Martin Margiela cotton calendar. Saw it in a shop here in Amsterdam last week end and it is beautiful!

Awesome fabric wall sticker.

Lucky Boy Sunday on sale at PetitHOOD.

I love all the different styles and great colours AND some come in kiddo sizes! Me, lil mis and lil mister... gonna rock those this summer! Espadrij.

I did a fun and interesting interview for my friend Chantale. To read it please click here.
{Her blog is amazing by the way}

And another interview with me... in French this time you can find on the cool Ma Petite Valisette blog.

Gorgeous French vintage kids table and chair at Molly Meg.

I might cook this.

Little Fashion Gallery added some nice bonus codes to their on going sale.
Valid till Sunday 22.1. :
get 10Eur off with 100Eur worth purchase - Code = SOLDESLFG10
get 25Eur off with 200Eur worth purchase - Code = SOLDESLFG25
get 40Eur off with 300Eur worth purchase - Code = SOLDESLFG40
Happy shopping!

Happy week end everyone. Here we will go for relaxing... because it is the only week end in January with no plans and all of us at home. We will go for a nice lunch, maybe some shopping, lots of cooking including a new pancake recipe I want to try out on Sunday morning...

Big hug to all of you! xoxo

Apünktchen {Kleine Fabriek favourites}

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Apünktchen is Anette Grundmann. And Anette studied industrial design, had kids and saw what kids need: comfortable, easy AND quirky clothes.

The label is very famous for its caps however the rest is just amazing too. I love this uncomplicated approach of kids fashion. And with the well chosen and high quality fabrics, kids can wear these pieces day in and out and will still look beautiful!

And I can assure you every single piece is an original. No button is the same {mostly vintage} and colourful {randomly chosen} threads are going through all pieces! Plus you will find a lot of really fun and thoughtful details like reversible dresses and jumpers, pleats and colourful cuffs.

Apünktchen is exciting, colourful and fantastic. The label got that little extra spark to make it special and individual.

Available at their own little online shop {German only} or via Niddle Noddle.

PS: Everything is designed and hand made in her studio in Cologne, Germany.

Macarons {Kleine Fabriek favourites}

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking about the extremly delicious French pastries called Macarons {I wrote about them here} then you are on the right path.

These colorful and exquisite baby clothes are named after Julie's favourite "treat" - macarons.

"We use only the finest organic and fair-trade materials that are produced according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Our intelligent textiles, which we develop ourselves, are made from organic merino wool and organic cotton and therefore incredibly soft and suitable for everyday use. macarons designs clothes for the pleasure of children and parents alike. Our garments give children the freedom of movement to be “real” kids while parents can be sure their children are perfectly dressed for all weather conditions. We proudly present top-quality products made in Germany."

I met Julie and Nina at Kleine Fabriek and they are such sweet and passionate people I could have spent hours at their stand chatting and looking at their beautiful designs.

These clothes are really adorable, made and designed with so much care, lots of details and the colours are sublime!

For now it is a pure baby collection (0-2) however bigger sizes are in the planning and I, personally, can't wait.

Such an inspiration and I wish them lots of success and luck for the future...

For more information and background of this fantastic new luxury brand, read more here.

detta dada

2012-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

detta dada is the fantastic label of Lavinia Giordani from Italy and it was created because a baby girl was born and .... suddenly everything became a new meaning.

When I discovered her universe I fell in love the second I opened the look book.
O H M Y G O D! Amazing.

detta-dada is based in Rome, the creations are manufactured entirely in Italy, using artisanal methods and materials such as linen, organic cotton, bamboo.
{for the swimwear line they use lycra, which does not contain toxins}

All the models in this collection are available in three colours – ivory, pearl gray and navy blue. Polka dots and stripes are silk screened by hand onto the fabrics.

"detta dada's inspiration for the winter 2011/12 collection is vintage, taken from the sixties, from Andy Warhol's Factory and his sophisticated muse, Edie Sedgwick, that winks at the rock n roll world, while assuming the romantic aspects of the circus world."

Dedicated to boys and girls ages 2 – 10.

Check for retailers here.

PS: Long dotted skirt ... in mama sizes please....

Morley S/S 2012

2012-01-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

Remember the sensational A/W collection I showed you from Morley? I know that it was not only me who was instantly in love with their designs... and here we are woth Spring/ Summer and they do not disappoint AT ALL!

I lalalalove the sunlight and the flowers... so pretty and soft... and makes me really happy and get a short cut right into summer time. Fun and ludic prints and amazing colours which will brighten up your summer!

Available, including winter sale, here.

PS: I just could not decide whch pictures I like best... so you got looooots...

Kleine Fabriek - in pictures

2012-01-18T00:13:00.000-08:00

Arsene et les pipelettes.

Rice -sea of colours.

Petit Bateau - extending their shoes range. Nice high tops.

Esthex.

Cute coat from Marasil.

Neon at Studio Ditte.

L' asticot.

Images: Paul & Paula

On Sunday I went to the first kids show of the year - Kleine Fabriek - here in Amsterdam.
Apart from seeing the new collection it is always a good moment to meet people that you usually talk to via Twitter or email.

I found and saw some wonderful designs and people as well. I will show you my pictures and favourites the coming days and I hope you will like them as much as I do.

The exhibition space is beautiful with lots of light and space however I was slightly disappointed by 2 things:

1. Too much street wear. You know Diesel, Replay and all the little brothers and sisters. Jeans, Jeans, Jeans and lots of big labels {on the clothes} everywhere. However I do know that it is what people like here... and the stands were busy :)
Just not really inspiring altogether.

2. Too many agents. I hardly met any designer at the stands.. such a pity I think as I really enjoyed to see and meet them in Paris last year.

These are just 2 little points and of course my very personal opinion and feeling.

Above you see some impressions and little things that caught my eye... watch out for the "pearls" tomorrow and the days after...

mikielou

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is French fashion day :)

Mikielou is based in Marseille and does some deliciously vintage inspired creations.

For this autumn / winter collection 2011, mikielou offers a chic wardrobe with skirts that twirl, shorts, pants with suspenders, Peter Pan collars, shawl collar jackets, coats and aprons ...

All pieces are made from the finest materials and in very small batches.

Find the shop here.

Leoca Paris

2012-01-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

In 2010, Maud de Longevialle and Alice Teulières created the brand LEOCA Paris.

Their wish: To create elegant and contemporary clothes exclusively made in France.

The clothes are for children from 0 to 12 years old, true French style with the best quality you can imagine, perfect fits and adorable colours.

Aren't those skirts with the stripes just darling? Swooooooon...

Please open the website because you will find a very nice movie that gives you a really good and short introduction to the world of Leoca.

Did you already have a thought how the name Leoca came up?
Maud and Alice both gave birth to their children the same year as Leoca was born. And the children's names are Leonard and Bianca. :)

Leoca is available at The Kidsboutik!

Fubu - baby cradle and kids bed

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Fubu elf from Germany designed a very interesting and cute baby cradle.

Two flat parts made of wool felt and plywood form a cradle connected by zippers which you can hang on your ceiling.
Just as they say: for something small and very valuable!

The bed works the same zipping way: A coat made of wool felt and plywood can be zipped around a frame and creates a little space.

PS: For purchase please contact Claudia and David.

MIMI' lou

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Do you know the universe of MIMI'lou?

MIMI’lou is a French designer brand created in 2005 by Miriam Derville.

She started turning her illustrations into wall decals and with the success of the wall decals, the collection rapidly expanded into home decor, lamps, textile, and accessories.
MIMI’lou’s designs and products are inspired by the fanciful and quirky world of children. Creative and poetic, each design has a story to tell.

And do you see the sticker on the bottom, the girl with the rabbit? These are actually real kids life size stickers!

A few things I liked this week {Friday list}

2012-01-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

I like the new prints from the Ferm Living kids collection. Aren't those beanbags really cool...?

On a cold winter night, I would eat...

Love the baby quilts from moochicbaby.

Beautiful paper creations.

Foldable dolls house.

Block city.

PetitHOOD started their sale now...

Cool tees from Lacoste who worked together with Genevieve Gauckler.

News from Blogger - Google Friend Connect will disappear.

Ella Robinson - heart on driftwood.

Happy tiles.

Excellent crib!

I hope you entered the give away I host - a pair of Naturino shoes, your choice and from baby to nearly adult sizes. YAY!

And because my friend Angela found it so funny... I decided 2012 will be a** kicking... it started really good here... and for you?

I will be at Kleine Fabriek and have a look at the new A/W collections, meet some friends and report everything here very soon :)

Animal - perfect kids shelf

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Quentin de Coster asked 5 year old kids to draw. Draw tables and dogs. This is how animal was created - from dog and table drawings.

The outgrowth of the shelf which represents a head, gives the child a convenient storage within arm's reach communicating directly with the work plan.

This is one of the best looking, clever and practical things I have ever seen!

Please contact the studio to get one.

art can break your heart - letter stools

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

“Kitsch can make you rich, but art can break your heart.”

So says German designer Sascha Grewe, who created these great alphabet stools for kids.
Made of formaldehyde free MDF and no-VOC paint with a wax finish, they do double duty as storage for books, toys as well as little tables and building blocks...

Art Can Break Your Heart - these stools are available in 147(!!!) different colors so I guess the perfect colour for every house, gusto and design should be available!

PS: I lalalalaloooove that slogan....

Oh and you can get them here for example...

les pommettes du chat

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Les pommettes du chat - This shop could be called dreamland or something like that because every single item is just exquisite!

The most beautiful baby quilts and bed linen and some sweet little garlands. The prints are adorable and if you want to get some French chic into your home... this might be a good start :)

The shop is only in French but I am sure you can find your way, if you would like to order you just need to drop an e mail to here and voila.

PS: Wonderful blog to check out as well.

Marie Morenz A/W collection

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Linda Tippner started Marie Morenz because she could not find clothes for her niece that she really liked and I am so happy about it...

Marie Morenz is such a gorgeous line for babies, girls and boys as well as teenagers.

Classic yet comfortable yet stylish yet perfect for children with their very own style.

I am in love with the coats because the colours are just perfect and you should have a look at the knitted pieces too, this hoodie is to die for...

Based in Munich with a shop on Rumfordstraße 4 80469 Munich but everything is available online as well.

Tempaper by you - paint your own wallpaper

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Already such a clever idea to come up with temporary, repositionable, adhesive wallpaper. No mess, no pros... just a new look in little time.

But hey hey... it does get better. Tempaper tops it with the paintable wallpaper - Tempaper by You.

How many times have you wished for this? It is a vinyl coated self adhesive wallpaper, and you can use almost any art supplies to decorate it however you want.

And you can buy it directly from their webshop!

d.nik - awesome kids shop in Berlin

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Images: Paul & Paula

Remember my post about some cool kids shops in Berlin and that I told you about d.nik and that I totally have to go and see it?

I finally did...and this is such a gorgeous shop.

Jana, the owner, has an excellent taste and perfect eye for trendy, high quality and exceptional items. From furniture to fashion over to toys. Fantastic selection all over!
Everything is selected with great care, passion and a keen sense of aesthetics ... you should see Jana talking about her products... shiny eyes and happiness.

A rare diamond in my home town! Thank you!

d.nik - Wörther Straße 14 - 10405 Berlin

PS: Just around the corner you have Kollwitzplatz with 2 really big and nice playgrounds.

ESP No.1 - coloured denims and S/S 2012

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

My kids have these amazing coloured denims from ESP No.1 that you see on the first picture, coral for lil mis and faded mint for the boy.

I just love them. They are part of their pre- spring collection and are available from ESP No.1 directly or Kidsboutik (for Europe).

What better way to start the new year than in colour? And they do the best colours you can imagine. Happy, hip and super cool...skinny cut, just perfect!

Oh and if you find the idea of boys in skinnies not so charming... just go a size up and voila... these pants in these colours should be a wardrobe essential for all kids!

"... unisex clothing for children, quality basics, focused on classic styling and versatility, are an aesthetic response to the challenges faced when shopping for kids. We want kids to look cool without overdoing it, we want less embellishment, we want sophisticated yet understated garments at reasonable prices"

Here are a few looks from the coming S/S 2012 collection and I adore that denim jumpsuit. It is gorgeous!

WIN - a pair of Naturino shoes of your choice

2012-01-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Above you see KleinA with his Naturino shoes. I love that they are navy which is such a classy colour and a nice change from black. They are really comfortable and super quality.

My daughter has those lovely ballerinas (in black) and adores them. And believe me from my mum, to friends and actually nearly every person we met went like: Oh my... they look so comfortable, I want them too! Not kidding!

So how lucky are you that you have the awesome chance to win a pair of Naturino shoes OF YOUR CHOICE!

This includes the whole Naturino collection as well as Falcotto! (the ones from KleinA are from that collection)

What to do? Again I will use my great widget to help you... the only mandatory part is:
Please leave a comment and tell me: Which shoe you would choose if you win!

(To make sure you entered please do click the "Done that" button in the widget for the comment... as the widget together with random.org will find the winner).

For extra entries please see below in the widget...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fingers crossed everyone... and I am so curious to see which shoes you would choose!

All about silver...

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

... so far no snow... not a tiny bit... my daughter is very disappointed and asking me all the time when the snow will fall...

Until then we go for silver and wait xxx

Hello 2012 - the first Friday list for this year

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

I started to post Berlin pictures. More to come next week...

Funky socks!

When playing cards... then those!

What kids wear here in Amsterdam these cold days!

Kids jewelry from Saskia Diez!

French and English mothers - a story...

ismodern

For little jet setters!

Blib Blop... one of my Lucky Boy Sunday favourites!

So many cars make a rainbow...

Line + Liv sale!

Kidsboutik started their sale too, with code SALDI you get an extra 5% off AND (!!!) free shipping in Europe! YAY!

I love this grey/ yellow bed!

I am away for the week end, meeting with 2 lovely blog friends. Catching up, having fun and (!!!) discussing some very rad plans we have for 2012. So stay stuned and keep your eyes open...

cocon

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Stylist, designer, creator, artist, inventor.....that is Akatsuka Masami, a mother of two and currently based in Southern France.

Her universe is called cocon and is just wonderful.

You can find the most whimsical mobiles, cloud coasters, dolls and even some clothes and and and... Everything is just exquisite and very very charming!

I just love all her products because they look so full of love and passion. Perfect little items to add to cute little kids rooms and to make people happy.

*"I like things to be born ...At first, they float something like a dust in my head.
it often comes to music, poetry, film, personage, memories, smells and images that I kept deep in my brain ... my hands will get to work or rather play. And I realized until this becomes a form of floating dust. I like this itinerary, I think I'll continue this way as if it were obvious."

The shop is here.

Rose minuscule

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Rose Minuscule is the poetic universe of Laurence Bonnet.

Handmade in France in the designer’s atelier near Paris, Rose Minuscule creations are incredibly beautiful and very delicate. Cuddly toys, soft dolls or dreamy mobiles - all designs take are from a magical world.

And when I look at these amazing pieces lots of words are floating around in my head... and it goes a bit like this: fragile, tell a story, forgotten tales, treasuries, small and precious, poetic, featherweight and very delicate... too beautiful... perfect gift!

PS: You should check the blog as well!

Campini - kids furniture

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Campini, based in Munich, Germany creates some very fun kids furniture.

The dresser is a sheep. The cupboard a fox and the changing table an elephant... did you see it? They are based on the famous story of "The little Prince" from Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
For creative kids rooms!

All furniture is made in Bavaria and can be transformed into simple "non animal" pieces later on ...

My favorite is the cupboard with all the cool details. I really like that the fox parts can be used as a storage. With kids you can never have enough space for little things...

A few recent Etsy favourites....

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Canvas duck with a cute hat.

From TIMO.

Gorgeous Vintage pillows.
From Vintage Jane.

Beautiful necklace, perfect with a simple dress or tee.
From Irregular Expressions.

This is Elka. Sweet print.

From honey cup.

Something for us again. Parallel highway necklace.

From Chelsea Lawler.

Perfect little dress.

From Kimberly Critel.

Hand cut blue pumpkin.

From essimar.

Rittenhouse

2012-01-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

Australian label Rittenhouse does some serious cool dots. What do you think?

A little bit of silver anyone?

Tannhauser - finest cashmere for kids

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Images: Paul & Paula

I do wear a lot of knitwear, specially at this time of the year. You should actually see my collection of cardis... whohoooo :)

Anyway... there is is one important thing when I buy a woolen item: it has to be soft and it has to be wool. No acrylic stuff please... I really get goose bumps when I touch it.

And the same goes for the kids. I am all for the quality and I am fine to pay the price... in that case I am often going for colours and shapes that can be worn by brothers and sisters alike - so that I can keep them for the next little one to fit in.

Enough intro, what I want to say is that these Small Luxuries from Tannhauser tick all the boxes. Great colours, elbow patches in again really cool colours, the best cashmere you can imagine and lovely cut! 100 points. Thank you very much!
Above you see my kids, all happy and cosy in their jumper and dress...

PS: Here you can see what Tannhauser will have have this summer for you... AWESOME!

PSS: For stockists please have a look at their website...

PlanToys - garage

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is our Christmas gift for KleinA. The garage from Plan Toys.

3 stories of parking linked by ramps, with an elevator tower and movable lift. Helipad on roof, car wash and petrol station.
Cars and trucks whizzing up and down the ramps, passing by the parking attendant as you exit...

KleinA loves it and so does his big sister (which we expected) and it is just really cute to see them playing together!

It is part of the PlanCity collection, so it can be extended with lots of little and big extensions. His uncle already got him the fire station.

In case you do not know PlanToys yet:
The wood used is plantation rubberwood, which is recovered from old rubber trees after they no longer generate latex and are due for burning. It is processed in a chemical-free environment; no wood preservatives are used whatsoever.
The paint is non-toxic water-based paint which has been scientifically tested by independent accredited laboratories and found to be safe for children and non-polluting in natural water sources. Plan Toys uses natural latex glue and do not use PVC in their packaging.

mises en scène

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Not many words I have to tell you how much I like this little French line called mises en scène. It is just beautiful.

Handmade with the most delicate fabrics and worn by the most lovely kids...

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

image

... Happy New Year... everyone...

I hope you had a wonderful week end, celebrating the start of a new year...

I know mine will be fantastic, news and changes, things I do not know yet of course and lots of fun and I will meet a person that might make me speachless the moment we see each other (I cannot wait)...

2012 = Freaking awesome

Kisses and I wish you the exact same "pre view"... xoxo

PS: ...Champagne for everyone... it's my birthday today...

The last one for this year ... {Friday list}

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

... styling by FriedaMaria.

Sweet boy and girl cube!

Amazing and festive cake.

Donkeys.

Lets write more cards in 2012. by hand... and these are gorgeous and so lovely to send to someone you like.

Beanbag pit stop!

Love the girl and the hat...

Eliane et Lea - French fashion for girls and cool pieces for mums too.

Cute boy!

Lace Tape.

Kickcan & Konkers shop. Please have a look!

Golden Angel....

Now... Spring/Summer is getting closer and you can find some really great deals here. KidsCase dresses, Ketiketa and more... for small prices....

Toothbrush vases.

Sweet clouds.

I am very happy, because tomorrow we will host a breakfast here in Berlin and lots of old friends will join us. I cannot wait to see them all... all in one place...

Wooden pecanpals.

Lovely skirt.

Christmas Sale at Line + Liv as well.

I am running around with my camera all the time and found some really great stuff to share. All coming very soon... so excited...

Wishing you all a fantastic week end!

* * * Happy New Year! Frohes Neues Jahr! Bonne Annee! * * *

PS: Already got some new sneakers for KleinA here in Berlin :)

CAN - clothes, vinyl. art and much more

2011-12-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

CAN is located in Copenhagen and is a combination of a store and a gallery. CAN sells records, clothes and art. And because we have 2011 (still a few days) you can get this cool stuff online as well.

Above you see a selection (well my selection) of items... LOVE IT!

Strickliebling

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Nadine and Almut always liked to knit.

Their little garments became quickly popular and after it started to get really busy to knit everything by themselves they thought: Who can knit really good these days, by hand that is?

That is how the idea of working together with grandmothers started.

All pieces from Strickliebling (which you could translate to something like knit darling) are made from 100% Merino wool, which means: super soft!

The clothes are for kids from 0-10 years and there are lots of sweet accessories like blankets (perfect new baby gift), socks and booties or mittens and scarves.

I totally like these very traditional and simple cardigans that go with anything or these cute striped jumpers...

The website is only in German but I think it is really easy to navigate the shop otherwise just drop a line to Nadine and Almut and they will be very happy to help you!

PS: The grandmothers could creat some sweet friendships and a new social life as part of this adventure. I think it is perfect and shows how far you can reach with a great idea!

Gift wrapping {a guest post}

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

photo credit - please click

Jo Middleton is a freelance writer, living with her partner and two daughters in Bristol.
Jo writes the award winning blog Slummy Single Mummy.

To make sure you never again find yourself with no gift wrap five minutes before a kid’s party, all you need is a small cupboard, drawer or storage box, equipped with a selection of emergency birthday essentials. With the help of your well stocked gift tool kit you can always look like a well-organised and thoughtful friend, with a special card or beautifully wrapped gift for every last minute occasion. It’s also a brilliant way to turn the present wrapping into a fun family occasion, rather than a stressful last minute rush!

A bit of up front investment is required to stock your box but it is worth every penny and will save you money in the long run. It’s also a great activity to do with your children, as they’ll love shopping for ribbons and bows, and helping to create a beautiful box full of goodies.

So, grab your box, here’s what you need:

Start with the basics and buy a selection of cards and gift wrap. You will need a good range of age and situation appropriate items, suitable for everything from birthdays and thank yous to new babies and weddings. The key here is to go for simple but elegant. A card with a tasteful picture and a blank inside can be used for all sorts of different occasions. Good quality plain gift wrap, tissue paper and plain, bright gift bags and boxes can always be jazzed up with pretty accessories to adapt them to the right age or situation.

This leads us on to the other gift box basic – accessories. Ribbons, bows, flowers, gift tags - this is where you can let your imagination run away with you. Invest in a few basics and you can add to your collection as you go along. Save pretty ribbons or bows from presents you are given and scour thrift stores and markets for vintage buttons, fabrics and lace. Once you start looking you’ll be amazed at how many bits and pieces you can accumulate. You can then customize your gifts with pretty extra accessories that will have everyone convinced that you have put in a lot of thought and effort.

Equipment is next. There is nothing more annoying that having everything in place for the perfect gift but not being able to find a pair of scissors to cut your vintage ribbon with. Get together a little box full of scissors, tape, glue and pens and enjoy the smug feeling you get every time you go to wrap a gift and find everything you need right there waiting for you. Don’t forget to include stamps for posting last minute cards.

It is also useful to keep a few generic gifts for last minute presents. You can pick things up on sale whenever you come across them and build up a good store of books, toys and generic gifts. Always go for style over fashion – you don’t want your gift to date if it spends a year in your cupboard.

And that’s your box done. The next time a guest unexpectedly announces it’s their birthday the next day you’ll be able to make your excuses, sneak off to your secret store cupboard, and reappear with a thoughtful looking card and gift as if you knew all along about the imminent celebration.

Happy wrapping!

{Thank you Jo, I think these are brilliant tips!}

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

one /two

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thank you all so much for reading my blog, following me through this year... with all the exciting things that popped up and even more to come in 2012.

I wish you all a very fabulous time with your families and loved ones. Lots of love and happiness and that all your wishes will come true...

I feel so grateful for all the wonderful people I met and the new friends I have made through blogging.

xoxo

The just before Christmas list

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous {Christmas} trees from Lovi. In various sizes...

Playful industrial.

Cute party invitations.

Ginger&Ruby cashmere star scarf in various colours and for mum and kids.

Would you think that this toy was designed in 1965?

A shelf, a desk, a storage unit... whatever you like. I love it!

Happy scarves for cold days.

Elfie London.

Hand-printed plates by Lisa Grue with neon pom-poms - YES please!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Have a fantastic week end and great gifts and amazing food!

Hugs and Kisses xoxo

PS: I will be away next week and the blog a bit more quiet. I have posts scheduled to give you something to read and look at... :)

Club Cinq

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

CLUB CINQ is a new elegant and timeless children clothing label which came to live on a mountain in Switzerland and everything is just totally up my alley. The colours, the cuts and actually I would wear it myself if it would be available for adults!

Kathelijn Ruys-Quist started designing and making her own clothes since the young age of eight. During her childhood and her years at Utrecht university (Kathelijn has a law degree) she developed her own style, a beautiful harmony between minimalism and elegance.

In 2007 Kathelijn gave up her job and followed her husband to Switzerland together with their children. Here she picked up her hobby and started designing stylish, high quality and comfortable children’s clothing with magnificent fabrics. Club Cinq was born early 2011.

In case you wondered about woolen cardigans and summer shorts, Kathelijn chose for a continual collection with summer and winter items as she reaches clients all over the world via her web shop. Clever!

Wonder Box

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Wonder Box was created by Monica Förster and is a really cool children’s furniture piece from Sweden.

I just love furniture that looks good, is practical, can be used for different things and is not too big either. This box is a bench, table and/ or storage unit!

It appears as a {tiny} monochrome cube. However, it is a table with a matching bench that perfectly fit into one another to form a block.
On one side, the rotating tabletop can be used as a writing desk, while the other has a blackboard finish. How cool is that!

This little Wonder Box measures 50 x 70 cm. Kids and Parents {will} love it.

Available here.

Winter Small Style

2011-12-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

These pictures are a bit older. They are from the week end we visited a Christmas market in Germany beginning December... I saw them just again and thought they are perfect for some small style just right before Christmas!

Coat: Jacadi
Hat and Scarf: Benetton
Tights: BodeBo
Boots: Bisgaard

Whohooooo... quick as the wind :)

Coat: Jacadi
Chapka and Scarf: Zara
Jeans: H+M
Shoes: Naturino

Same coat and a hat from: Zara
Neckwarmer and gloves: knitted by mama
And the dress you can hardly see is from: Petit Bateau

Dress (and I love her in it): Shamo
Neckwarmer: Fournier
Hat: Local shop
Tights: Hema
Wellies: Bergstein

And what you might think are gloves are actually socks that daddy got her some time ago... :)

Please hop over to Mama loves Papa for more small style...

Diamond in the snow

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Images: Paul & Paula

The cover of this enchanting book sparkles silvery white as a friendly mole stands in the snow. And this is how it got my attention, it is so beautiful to look at and does not disappoint in the inside as well!

The story:
Little Mole finds a magical ice "diamond" in the snow. As he carries the wet and slippery treasure home, the diamond disappears in his hands.
With his woodland friend, he retraces his steps to the foot of the tree where he found it to see hundreds hanging from the branches...

As you turn the pages you see the wood transformed by the ice, capturing the real beauty of snow on a sunny day. It is just magical!

I got this book when we went to Germany recently and the kids love it...
They now want to search for their own "diamond" next time it snows!

German and English version.

Molly Meg

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Whenever I open the site of Molly Meg I have a smile on my face.
Why? Because I love the pictures of the hanging chairs so much... it just really makes me happy!

I am delighted to write another sponsor highlight today and even more delighted to have this awesome shop on my blog.

"Molly-Meg is dedicated to bringing 20th Century Modern design icons to the world of children.By offering a carefully selected range of “Miniature classics” for children by leading designers, our aim is to show that good design is not just for adults. Taste and style can appeal to every age and blend seamlessly into any modern home."

Molly Meg is inspiration.
Absolute fantastic designer furniture, mixed with vintage and some cool toys from Lucky Boy Sunday, Little Red Stuga and the likes... This handpicked selection will add uniqueness to any child’s room.
The coolest chairs in miniature sizes... and I am in love with that Acapulco chair!

Hop on over and find...

.:: Molly Meg on Twitter ::.
.:: Molly Meg on Facebook ::.

Anamalz - wooden animals

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

These cool animals were found in the advent calender I made for the kids and I can tell you - they are a big hit!

Designed in Australia, anamalz are made from sustainable wood and textile products, which have the unique function to bend in different poses with their moveable head and flexible rope legs.

Perfect as a little gift for any occasion!

One possibility to buy them is here.

Bunky bed for Magis

2011-12-20T01:00:00.001-08:00

London-based australian born designer Marc Newson created a sturdy, secure sleep and play environment for kids. The Bunky bed.

"Kids like to have fun. they like their privacy and they like to feel safe – preferably all at the same time. bunky provides this environment for them. it is cozy and exciting – it is their very own space in which they can climb, hide and sleep."

All surfaces are smooth with no sharp edges, and the material is highly durable and easy to clean. The parts can be separated to make two beds. The Bunky features a cool ladder for reaching the top bunk and also comes in a single bed version.

Right now it’s a concept and made for Magis but I do hope it will be available very soon!

Cheme Designs - kids furniture

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Play tables, art tables, desks, chairs and stools and all eco-friendly - this is Cheme Designs.

All pieces feature rounded corners that create a modern look while adding safety. Made from high-quality wood, products have clever design elements. The art table, for example, has an adjustable height for sitting, standing, or growing. All the finishes used are low-VOC and the furniture is Green Guard certified.

"At Cheme Designs, we believe in play. It is in this belief that we offer a line of furniture that is inspired by kids, the masters of play. Our goal is to offer original designs that are enticing to kids, appealing to adults, and safe for us and the environment."

I do love the water play tables with a central basin. Plus they come with a lid so you can store toys inside and use it as a play table when the water play season is over.

Small Wings

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Small Wings is a Danish brand for kids 3 -12 years for both boys and girls. And with all the stars and stripes and some fur it is very much rock n roll!

"The collection mixes the urban casual feeling with a clean cut silhouette always focusing on great comfort and a cool attitude."

The company was founded in 2005 by designer Charlotte Vadum and her partner Vibeke Bernhoft. And Small Wings saw its first daylight in January 2007 in the wish to create a “little sister/brother” to the women´s wear brand Vadum (which rocks too).

I would wish that they expand the age range - up to 16 or something because I think teens will love this!

The online shop is here.

Red Red Christmas Red

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Red symbolizes the blood that Jesus spilt to redeem us from our sins.

Yes that sounds very tragic but apparently this is the reason why red is one (next to green) of the Christmas colours...

And because we celebrated a little Christmas here at home yesterday, and will have another one at my mums place this Saturday... I thought it is time for a red post.

Happy Monday everyone!

A few things... I liked this week

2011-12-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

This is pure inspiration.
A wonderful little e mag on how to dress your Christmas table and much more...
Plus you can download all patterns. It is in French... at first sight... scroll down a bit and you will find the English version incl. instructions. Enjoy!

Skirt from Sweven. Love the satin ribbon.

Love these cute gift tags that you print - for free.

Cute poster from jäll & tofta.

And here are some cute Christmas cards to print.

Charlie Brown rocks.

Great styling!

If you happen to be in Paris... check out this Private Sale from PetitHood... till Sunday!

I want that kid...

Cool wing boots!

Lovely shop with cool prints...

Great tee for us.

Last day to get 20% OFF at this stunning Christmas Selection at Little Fashion Gallery.

One week to go and we will travel to Germany. One week and one day and it is Christmas.

So this week end we will actually celebrate Christmas here in Amsterdam, the four of us. Mainly because it is impossible to take the gifts with us and I am looking forward to spend a cuddly and cosy day with my family and see the kids be all happy with their gifts...

And I will make some yummy things to go with it :)

Breakfast international {part twenty nine}

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Kerstin
Shop: www.paulandpaulaclothing.com

Where do you live: Melbourne, Australia

Kids name and age: Iggy, 19mths

What does he have for breakfast:
There is not much fussing around with food in our house...we are very lucky as our little one has a pretty healthy appetite. HE LOVES HIS FOOD!
So for brekky there is weetbix ( THE! australian cereal!) ...with a little milk and some stewed fruit...rhubarb..apple...whatever there is in the garden or in season.
A slice of sourdough bread with butter or avocado and fresh fruit...we loooove fruit!

...we have a Kelpie labrador dog and she knows not to ask for food while we are eating. She will sit there patiently, stalking Iggy eating his food, while drooling ( actually drops) on the floor. Iggy likes to share and there is a lot of clapping laughing and throwing involved on his part. Luckily dogs love to clean up all the mess!

What do mum and dad have for breakfast:
We are a pretty late starter family..we get up anytime between 8-9am....first thing is a coffee otherwise none of us would function ( kinda sad!)
Andy has his toast with jam while I stick to my good old german habit of Nutella...( with lots of butter!) eeeeek!
We are very lucky to have such a variety of fresh food grown in Australia. You can get pretty much anything anytime....yummo!
So at the moment we love our watermelon, stonefruits and rhubarb....

{Thank you Kerstin and with Iggy the 2nd round of this series goes to an end.}

Nigella Christmas - cooking book

2011-12-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Some long time ago I raved about another cooking book from Nigella here so I thought it is time to introduce you of another favourite as it is just the perfect season.

Nigella Christmas is THE festive season cooking book you need.

Easy-to-follow recipes and reassuring advice about planning and cooking ahead (if you plan to throw a party or do the Christmas diner at your house). This book just makes you feel comfortable and enjoying this time of the year.

From party canapés, cocktails to scrumptious Christmas cakes and puddings; from no-fuss brunch to quick and easy homemade presents (chutneys, preserves and other delectable standbys) and edible tree-decorations. There are mouthwatering recipes with a seasonal twist and simple menus for feeding friends over the extended holiday season with minimum stress and maximum enjoyment.
Exciting variations for the Main Event itself - super-juicy turkey with all the trimmings, festive ginger-glazed ham or a special vegetarian Christmas feast just to name a few...

Happy cooking! Yum Yum Yum...

Breakfast international {part twenty eight}

2011-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Sara Pike
Blog: ex- blogger for babyccinokids

Children: Zoe 10 years and Nicholas 6 years

Where do you live: We live in Malvern, in Melbourne, Victoria.

What do they have for breakfast?
Morning for me is the happiest time of day and the first thing I do even before I make myself a cup of tea is open the back doors to let the fresh air in!

I then get started on my sons brekkie as he is usually the only one who escorts me into the kitchen. He has either rolled oats or weet bix with milk, manuka honey and blueberries. If he is still hungry, and usually he is we follow this with some Jalna yoghurt and whatever fruit is in season - usually cut up apple and banana.

My daughter, who once upon a time ate everything is getting progressively fussy as she matures. Usually for Zoe it is a homemade smoothie which she often now makes herself in the vitamix ( she doesn't trust me not to sneak in some spinach, LSA or wheatgerm which she unwittingly drank for years in my smoothie concoctions!!!) If Zoe makes her smoothie it will include frozen mango, banana, honey and jalna yoghurt. She may have wholewheat toast with butter and a 'scraping' of vegemite and some berries (if in season otherwise too expensive). If I can, I will also try and get them to eat some raw almonds and walnuts. But this takes a fair amount of bribing ((: like the promise of an ‘Igloo Zoo’ (frozen yoghurt) after school.

This is what they eat during the week. On weekends we often enjoy pancakes with jam or maple syrup (courtesy of my daughter, inspired by the junior master chef series) maybe a bagel or two for a late lunch with brisket or smoked salmon and cream cheese ; or we will go to a cafe for some eggs on toast which we love to do as a family. And on holidays I let them 'go crazy' and choose whatever sugary, chocolate - coated, preservative laden cereal they so desire!!!!!

What are mum and dad having?
Mummy- for me it is a cup of Earl grey tea, milk and one teaspoon of sugar followed by a piece of wholewheat toast, butter and vegemite. Maybe some fruit too - whatever is cut up that the children haven't eaten! After school drop off it is always a weak soy latte with 1 sugar and 'extra, extra' chocolate on top. For my husband it is just coffee, coffee, coffee although he is partial to one inch thick vegemite on toast which is unusual for an Englishman! Oh and I try and give him a Berocca on his way out the door too for an extra boost of energy!

{Thank you Sara for that Australian breakfast.}

HATCH by twobirds

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

HATCH is a collection of chic, timeless and comfortable wardrobe essentials to wear before, during and after pregnancy.

Ariane Goldman understood that the group of style-savvy expectant mothers is growing:
"At a time when well-dressed women are investing in timeless clothing that can go the distance, there's just no reason to buy a dress or blouse half-heartedly you will only wear for nine months.
It's your new ultimate go-to destination for that adaptable but chic dress you've been searching for forever, super-cool street style inspiration, and advice for women who just happen to have a tummy that won't quit"

I totally adore the dress on the first pic, looks like something I would wear day and night and forever...

Shopping is here.

Breakfast international {part twenty seven}

2011-12-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Julie Klear
Blog/Shop: Zid Zid kids and zidzid.tumblr.

Where do you live: Marrakech, Morocco

Your kids name+ age: daughter Noor age 10 and son Zak age 8

What do they have for breakfast:
I get up to make a good breakfast every morning, all as fresh as I can make it. Breakfast time though tends to be too rushed every morning!
Homemade cinnamon toast (on local daily baked Moroccan bread) with Marrakech cinnamon or homemade cinnamon pancakes in fun shapes.
'Louisa' (Moroccan lemon verbena) tea with honey or hot chocolate
Fresh fruit + yogurt salad
Music of the day!

What do you and daddy have for breakfast:
Mom (I always eat after the kids go + stay to work in my home studio)
Homemade Moroccan pancakes
Apple, Marrakech ricotta + honey salad
Earl grey tea

Dad (eats in a rush w/kids, he drives them to school, out the door by 7:30am)
Homemade cinnamon toast or pancakes
Granola with fresh fruit
Green tea (recent switch from coffee!)

On the kitchen laptop, every morning I line up music or top news stories to get the kids going and to give them something to talk about over breakfast and during their day. Recent music via youtube/internet radio:
- Prado Perez, music - just listen + dance
- Animal Collective 'Merriweather Post Pavillion' video - household fav
- Bossa Nova music - we talk dance style + style of music (my daughter is learning this style in dance school)

{Thank you Julie, another really great breakfast!}

LIHO

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

LIHO is a kids designer label created in London and I fell in love with these cuts and the stylish yet kiddy chic pieces.

Thick wool and big bows for the girls. Straight cut trousers and coarse-meshed cardigans for the boys.

Available here.

Breakfast international {part twenty six}

2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Oum
Blog: unblogunemaman for a glimpse into my life as a mum and petites-inspirations for my favorite design and fashion kids’ pieces

Where do you live: (Suburban) Paris, France

Your kids name+ age: Little R. 3,5 years old

What do they have for breakfast:
Since she discovered cereals, she asks for them every single day. She
is in love with the Miel Pops bee but enjoys the occasional more
chocolate Coco Pops or Chocapic (same stuff, different manufacturer).
We are really struggling to have her eat any diaries in the morning
but she is always open for some fruit and/or compotes.

What do you and daddy have for breakfast:
I am not a breakfast person, actually, come to think of it, I am not a
morning person: I clearly prefer to use the breakfast time for my
sleep... But we take turns with my hubby in preparing breakfast for
little R. So for me, it is Cracotte with some salted butter and or jam
and for my husband, he loves his Nespresso (what else !) with a piece
of bread and honey.

The pictures are for a typical Sunday breakfast where we take more
time to have a proper meal. Usually, in the weekdays, little R. and
myself or my husband eat in the kitchen where a small IKEA table is
set as a play area for little R. but also for breakfast. In the
weekends, it is the big table in the dinner area. There is special
poke for you Peggy in one of the pictures, could you find it?

{Thank you OUM and yes I found it... :) }

All about purple

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Purple it is today!
Do you or your kids wear a lot of purple? I think Wovenplay master this colour to perfection... but I could find a few other pieces here and there to complete the collection...

Not much of a boys colour I am afraid...

Happy Monday everyone...

Breakfast international {part twenty five}

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Jacqui Miyabayashi
Shop: Mee a Bee

Where do you live: South Osaka, Japan but I'm originally from New Zealand

Your kids name+ age: Noah, just turned ten and Tyler, five

What do they have for breakfast: The boys alternate between a Japanese breakfast and a New Zealand breakfast. Most days they eat with their father as they are all very early-risers, up at 5.30am most days. He feeds them hot rice, nori seaweed and miso soup. He also cooks Japanese egg omelet and tiny sausages on the days they need a packed lunch - they get the extras. Other days they'll eat toast with marmite or cereal. Tyler cannot live without weetabix. They also love fresh fruit, especially kiwifruit. And they drink Yakult pro-biotic drink everyday.

What do you and daddy have for breakfast: Daddy goes for a Japanese breakfast but occasionally likes a piece of toast. He drinks green tea. Mummy has weetabix 365 days a year and when there's time, a cup of tea. Most days there's no time as we're out the door by eight.

Funny story: I haven't had breakfast with both of my kids for months. I like my sleep-ins and anything before seven is a bit too early for me to face the day. On this sunny morning I convinced Noah to join me for a second helping of breakfast! Since he's ten he can eat anywhere and anytime!

{Thank you Jacqui, so interesting a breakfast of 2 different worlds.}

A few things I liked this week

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Little black dress for little sweet people.

Petit Bateau and shoes we already know. Now they added models in leather.

Molly Meg has a great sale going on including these amazing dream bag cushions/ play mats from Little Red Stuga. 50% OFF - in yellow, pink and white.

{ Did you enter the amazing give away I am running? You could win a SURPRISE package from Ada Ada. Ha! Is this great or what? }

I am so hungry...

And don't get me started with this...

Colorku Game.

Lovely for us.

Newest addition to the great products from Pepillo - posters. Available at L'Affiche Moderne.

{Use code FREE and get free shipping on my entire shop - till December 21.}

I am so looking forward to this week end because one my best friends is visiting and the weather looks promising too... big kiss to everyone xxx

Breakfast international {part twenty four}

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Miriam Bernstein
Website: Ada Ada

Where do you live: Pardess Hanna, Israel

Your kids name and age: Inbar 4.5, Ulla 1

What do they have for breakfast:
Eggs, toast, goat cheese, water, green salad, tahini, honey, watermelon, olive oil with spices and bread.

What is mummy having for breakfast:
Coffee, black Turkish very strong coffee, at least 2 cups of it in a glass cup.

{Thank you Miriam, I would love to have my breakfast outside at this time of the year.}

Small Style

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

My little pixie... and the little brother had to be on the picture as well... of course... he will never quit his sister.

Hat: Jumina
Dress: Kik Kid
Tights and leg warmers: Le Big
Slippers: Collegien
Scarf: Fabric is lined by me :)

Big eyes with a chapka from Zara.

{I love that picture}

Yep not leaving her alone...

Jumper: Petit Bateau
Dress: Stella McCartney kids
Leggins: H+M
Boots: Bisgaard
Headpiece: Noa Noa

If you follow me on Instagram you might know that picture already... I am just really busy right now and somehow missed to take some decent pictures of the kids ...

But I received some really cool stuff which will bring my little models in front of the cam... hopefully this week end... can't wait to share with you because I just KNOW you will love it...

But now to my little boy... this year I am so happy that even in December we can still spend time on the playgrounds without freezing our a** off...

Jacket: Benetton
Jeans: H+M
Sneakers: Springcourt
Scarf: Hema
Hat: Kik Kid

Please hop over to Mama loves Papa and see more kids in hip outfits...

PS: We had some fun with masks this week as well... xoxo

Breakfast international {part twenty three}

2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Suzanne
Blog: Cinderella Patch

Where do you live: New York

Your kids name+ age: Laura, 11 and Jane, 7

What do they have for breakfast?
Cheerios with milk and strawberries but their favorite are enormous waffles with maple syrup though when they were little grill cheese sandwiches were the favorite breakfast- Go figure!
My girls favorite breakfast: Cinderella Waffles with Maple syrup (totally kitsch but always fun)

What do you and daddy have for breakfast:
On a regular day it can be oatmeal and fruit or yogurt and fruit or wheat chex and strawberries, always with a glass of Orange Juice and frequently a cappucino too! On weekends we like scrambled eggs, bacon and toast- typically American but delicious and a good way to start the day!!

On Sundays we like to add something a bit more sophisticated:

fritattas and popovers.... Delicious with Bonne Maman strawberry jam

And I like to make a fritatta like this tomato zucchini fritatta with cheddar cheese.

{Thank you Suzanne and the Cinderella Waffles.}

Tegu - magnetic block sets

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you might know Tegu already, specially readers from the US.
I have good news today. Tegu arrived in Europe.

If you have not heard of Tegu, they are the eco-friendly, Honduran-made building blocks with magnets inside. The hardwood cubes and planks are simple and beautifully smooth and the appeal is remarkable - which totally justifies the price. It is a premium, heirloom-quality toy that will last for generations and it is safe: no lead, no plastic, non-toxic and water-based lacquer finish!

Magical blocks... and who thought blocks are blocks... uhm... not anymore!
Here are two videos for you to get an even better idea and don't you think that grey little travel tote is ubercute?

Exclusive at the coolest online toy shop Toyella!

PS: Tegu provides for tree planting, child education, and holistic employment in Honduras!

Breakfast international {part twenty two}

2011-12-07T00:11:00.000-08:00

Name: Dana M. Tannhaeuser-Baker
Website: Tannhauser

Where do you live: Mauterndorf, Austria

Your kids name+ age: Rosa is 1 and Emil 9

What do they and you have for breakfast:
During the week breakfast is somewhat nonexistent, as Jonnie starts work at 6 am every morning (in the house, but only with coffee) and Emil starts school at 7:30, getting up at the very last minute. Rosa and me eat porridge and fruit. On weekends, we are a bit better off. Jonnie still works from 6:30 until 10 and is sort of left out, but we others try and eat together. as we love to hang out in our huge bed and we usually never have time to do so, we love to have breakfast in bed. As a toddler is involved, we have to have something sort of dry...pancakes and fruit. Boring but cereals and other stuff can be consumed afterwards at the table. Usually we eat so many pancakes, though, that we are full up and we just graze on odd fruit from my grannies garden. On the weekend we took the pictures, we ate a really odd fruit called MISPELN (engl.: medlars) which are related to roses and are a sort of giant rosehips. An odd taste, but actually very very nice.

Rosa loved to squash them into the bedding (not pictured). We also ALWAYS have tea from this old silver tea set Jonnie's granddad got in an awards ceremony. it was handed to him by Princess Anne....how cool is that. It has a fab wooden handle and we LOVE it, actually it is supposed to be all silver, but we found out it is silver plated. What cheapskates....

The old cups are cool too. From a scottish charity shop. Very frilly but the tea simply tastes better from them, i think. it must feel at home with the pot and the cups.

oh, and we often have our dog earnest on the bed too, although he is horrid when food is involved and he is actually not allowed up. But he is sneaky and cunning and rosa loves to have him cuddle up to her, so i turn a blind eye now and then.

anything else: ha, yes, our bed is actually made up from two old, old (i would say maybe 100 years) beds from a priests house (!!!). As befitting a priest, he did not have double beds but two different ones, one for him and one for his housekeeper. and in different rooms. we joined them together and it is a massively wide but supershort bed. Nothing for you, Peggy. We actually almost have to sit up a bit. Luckily Jonnie is so short (hehehehe). But it is a great bed for lounging in. and the bead heads feature two transfromers from vintage american kelloggs boxes. How very exotic...

{Thank you Dana, love your story and the tea pot.}

Machooka - comfy and stylish clothes for kids

2011-12-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

There is this really lovely shop called Machooka with the most adorable kids clothes all made from 100% cotton.

Perfect for some warm days and cool enough for a cold drink with mum.

And yes, that red haired girl... she is sweet as a pie!

Breakfast international {part twenty one}

2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Steffi
Blog/ Shop: mini and me kids / OnceAroundTheSun

Where do you live:Massachusetts, USA

Your kids name+ age: Marlo, 6 and Heide-Maria, 20 months

What do they have for breakfast: on Sundays pancakes and chocolate milk

What do you have for breakfast: tea, coffee, pancakes, everything bagels, marmalade, peanut butter, almond butter, hard boiled eggs

This is how we eat breakfast on Sundays:- first cuddle in bed- make pancakes together- Marlo and Heide have to eat right away, then we eat and talk while the little ones enjoy Sunday cartoons- the perfect way to start the day :)

{Thank you Steffi... I saw the chocolate chips in the pancakes... hmmmm}

ADA ADA {give away}

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Awesome give away starting here today.

You can win a supercool SURPRISE package from Ada Ada.
Why surprise? Because surprises are the best and because it is Ada Ada which means... just everything and anything is fantastic.

Exactly it means that Ada Ada will put together a supersweet surprise for the winner after you told us the gender and age of your child.
Note: Age is from 0-8 years old.

To win please leave a comment and tell me: How many sisters are behind Ada Ada?
Hint: Check out their site or search my blog...

For extra entries please use my new best friend here below:

Good Luck and fingers crossed everyone!

Breakfast international {part twenty}

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Celina Bailey
Blog:petitapetitandfamily

Where do you live: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Your kids name+ age: Mathis (4) & Elsie (2)

What do they have for breakfast: Usually during the week my kids wake-up and have a bowl of cereal (CornFlakes or Cheerios) with milk or perhaps some toast with a hot chocolate. Mathis usually likes his toast with strawberry jam, whereas Elsie prefers her toast cut into 4 pieces, one with butter (her favorite), one with peanut better, one with jam and the last one with honey. Once in while the kids get to have Nutella on their toast... their favorite! Most of the time my kids will have a second breakfast at daycare, a little more of the same!On the weekends, however, we like to go out! Elsie will have a croissant and what she thinks is coffee, but really it's a cup of warm milk with foam on top. Mathis usually has a chocolate muffin or perhaps a "petit pain au chocolat" (what do you call those in English?), where he tries to eat only the chocolate! Once in a blue moon, I will whip out the pans and make pancakes, crêpes or French toast and we will pour Maple syrup all over it. Yummy!

What do you and daddy have for breakfast: Daddy will have the same things as the kids, a hot chocolate with some toast or cereal. I on the other hand cannot live without my "cafe au lait", the bigger the better... and I don't recommend talking to me before I've had at least a sip!!! We also enjoy, our croissants and on occasion a good old diner style breakfast with eggs, bacon and potatoes. Now on special occasions, such as birthdays or mothers day, we throw the best brunch with bagels and lox with cream cheese, mini quiches, croissants and petit pain au chocolat, baguette and cheese... If you come to Montreal you have got to try our bagels, they are the best in the world! Seriously, whenever we travel to Europe or if family comes to visit, our suitcases are filled with bagels and cream cheese... the lox doesn't travel so well!

{Thank you Celina for a breakfast from Canada!}

The First in December {Friday list}

2011-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

FLOT - fun and playful pouf.

Animal tees.

Borgen is a 2m high play castle.

The baby guest book. In the book each "new baby visitor" gets two full spreads on which to share his or her knowledge.

Amazingly creative!

kids room inspiration

Cute cabinet.

If you live in The Netherlands - this is a great list of Christmas events and markets happening.

Suitcases for the little ones...

Did you see that the second round of "breakfast international" started this Monday?

♥ ♥ ♥
Djäknemala is a collection for girls, all in cotton, where freshness and lightness is transmitted.
Available exclusively at Little Fashion Gallery!

This afternoon we are finally OFF to our Christmas Market week end and I am more than excited. I packed some very yummy treats for the train and now we just need to cross fingers that the weather will be nice... Happy week end everyone!
xxx

Breakfast international {part nineteen}

2011-12-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

Name: Anne Duramois Czinczenheim
Travel site and blog: Luvaville

Where do you live: I live in Copenhagen, Denmark

Your kids name+ age: Liv: 2,5 year old and Stella: 9 months

What do they have for breakfast:
During weekdays and now that it is winter my daughters eat porridge made of organic oat with some fresh fruits like blackberries that by daghter loves. If we don't have any fruit in the house, we would add some raisins or cinnamon sucker. In weekends, they will have the same as us, bread, fruits and eggs. We tend to make a bigger effort on weekends where we have a bit more time.

What do you have for breakfast:
For weekdays, my husband and I eat cereals like oatmeal, juice and coffee. My husband can't get up in the morning, so breakfast has to be easy and fast. With two young children, it is only very recent that we sleep through the night, so coffee and I'm sure a bit too much of it, is an important part of our morning rituals. In the weekend, we enjoy spending more time around the table and have homemade bread "boller" with Danish and French cheese and homemade jam from my mothers garden. Sometimes we make eggs the French way with small pieces of bread to dip in it (mouillettes).

{Thank you so much Anne!}

Paul & Paula Christmas house

2011-12-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

I thought it is the first of December so I will give you a little sneak into our house and share our Christmas decoration. Parts of it.

The advent calender made its "debut" today as well... and these little stars making me still happy... they are hanging above my desk...

Wishing you a merry, happy, delightful and white December... xoxo

PS: The drop print you see in the background is from here.

Paul & Paula shop FREE shipping

2011-12-01T04:37:00.001-08:00

* Use code FREE and get free shipping on your entire order.

* Now till 21.12.11.

.:: Paul & Paula shop ::.

* Cute stocking fillers, gifts and inspiration... Thank you and enjoy!

Breakfast international {part eighteen}

2011-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Erica Knecht
Blog: Expatria, Baby

Where do you live: We live in Southern Japan, in a sleepy costal town of 1.4 million.

Kids: Stella, 17 months old.

What do they have for breakfast:
Mostly air. She throws oatmeal on the floor, puts toast on her head, paints with yoghurt, and might, if I’m lucky, suck the juice out of one orange segment. This kid will not eat breakfast, no matter how enticing and delicious. Occasionally she will take a sip of milk out of my empty coffee cup, so there’s that. Good thing she’s still nursing.

What do you and daddy have for breakfast:
Most days, like a good Canadian hippy, I have oatmeal with raisins, walnuts, chia seeds, and a touch of honey because one can not be virtuous all the time. I always have two cups of coffee (okay, most days I have three), and some fruit on the side. Right now persimmons are in season, so soft and sweet. Japan has beautiful fresh, seasonal produce. You’ll never find dry, tasteless out of season fruit here. If it’s not good, it’s not for sale!

Stella’s Papi eats at work (one advantage of being a chef), but on special weekend breakfasts when we’re all at home, we eat Swiss style, with bread, butter, a collection of yummy jams, and yoghourt. Once in a while my husband will even make a Zopf, a delicious, buttery Swiss bread. And then I’ll gain about two pounds in a weekend.

Kiki & Coco in Paris

2011-11-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

You know I love Paris and you know I love Jess Brown dolls... so when I read about this book called Kiki & Coco in Paris ... I was sold instantly!

The Story:
Kiki & Coco in Paris is a delightful tale, following the journey of a young girl, Kiki, and her favorite friend, Coco, on their trip to Paris. It is heartfelt and beautiful, with lively images by Stephanie Rausser illustrating their warm relationship. The doll is from Jess Brown and the two together are brilliant. A book for kids and adults alike. Reminding you about the beauty of Paris...

If by any chance you happen to live in San Francisco, there is a book signing tea party at the Tea Salon Crown & Crumpet on December 9th, from 4 to 6 PM for moms and daughters- or anyone who loves the book!
Stephanie Rausser will be there for the signing, Nina Gruener (the author) will do a reading, and Jess Brown will be selling the dolls. I wish I could be there... sounds like a perfect afternoon!

STEK - kids furniture

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

Robust sturdy wooden children's furniture from STEK. Made in Holland.
Simple and timeless. Chairs and rocking chairs, beautiful table and bench set or that cute storage stool.
Simply designed to sit and play with and these pieces fit in any room, any atmosphere ...

And definitely pieces to keep for your grand children...

PS: The website and shop is only in Dutch but I think it is easy to understand.

Breakfast international {part seventeen}

2011-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Sunna Dögg Ásgeirsdóttir
Blog/ Shop: sunbirdkids.com / shop.sunbirdkids.com

Where do you live: I live in Reykjavík, Iceland

Your kids name+ age: I have one daughter. She's 3 years old and her name is Lóa Magrét (Lóa is a migrant in Iceland and we say the summer is on the way when you spot the first Lóa).

What do they have for breakfast: On weekdays she get oatmeal with fruit at her kindergarten or she´ll order Bran-flakes at home.

What do you and daddy have for breakfast: We eat Greek yogurt with granola and maple syrup or just cereal.

Breakfast and brunch on weekends is our favorite and we often invite people over for brunch. Then I will make bread, a grainy cake with jam (see recipe below), waffles and a fresh fruit and spinach smoothie. We´ll have homemade tea from my sister in law and a good cup of coffee. Freshly made rhubarb jam from my mom, cheese, bell pepper, tomatoes, smoked salmon, cream cheese and eggs are also on the table.

Cake

200gr butter (soft)

200gr brown sugar

200gr flour

150gr oatmeal

50gr coconut

2 tbls flax seeds

1 egg

1 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

2tbls raspberry jam

1tbls blueberry jam (or any jam you have in the fridge)

Put the mix in a baking pan, leave some to sprinkle on top and put around the edge.

Mix the jam and spread on top. Sprinkle dough on top.

Bake for 15-20 min in a preheated oven, 180 C, or til slightly brown on top.

{Thank you Sunna, specially for the great recipe}

gommini

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

“Gommini“ is a word used in the Swiss canton “Wallis”, where children don't get a visit from the sandman at night, but instead it is believed that the gommini are coming round for a visit. Gommini are legendary inhabitants of the Gomser high valley in Switzerland. The gommini take the children to a beautiful world of dreams, a world full of ideas and phantasy.

This German design duo, Jette and Jochen, created the "ROSS" (rocking horse) for their daughter's first birthday. They wanted something special, eco friendly and creative.

The biggest priority for all Gommini products is the creative play. The toys should stimulate the senses and the phantasy of the little ones and encourage a natural and intensive play.

They came across the wood-based material Valchromat. This certified, durable and solvent-free panel material is perfectly suitable for manufacturing children's toys.

The products are really very creative. Minigoms is a landscape game with single pieces that can be connected to each other. A “predisposed” result that has to be connected isn’t there, but the landscape can be interpreted, combined and enlarged again and again.It can be used as a dolls’ house as well as a train rail or or or...

The cradle table is very multifunction as well.Depending on the position, it can function as a dolls cradle, table, stool, bus, petrol station or phone station. It is easy to turn it around as it is weightless and handy.

And their latest addition is Rupert. Made from cardboard - kids can put him together and then paint and decorate as they wish.

Available via Toyella or directly with Gommini.

Breakfast international {part sixteen}

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Amanda
Blog/ Shop: urchinknits

Where do you live: Las Vegas, NV

Your kids name+ age: Evelyn is 2, and Flora is 1

What do they have for breakfast: Today Daddy made them Nature's Path organic pancakes- our weekend treat :)
Usually I make us scrambled eggs and turkey bacon.

What do you have for breakfast: I'll eat eggs and bacon with them- but with a strong cup of coffee on the side!

{Thank you Amanda!}

All about Gold

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am still in the festive mood... Gold it is today!

And I love that cute little bag and a sequin head band.... hmmm... why not :)

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle lit and the knowledge that this year is really nearly over... which is crazy... but on the other side there are so many awesome things going to happen next year... I actually cannot wait for 2012 to start.

I am wishing you all a very happy and merry pre-Christmas time xoxo

Breakfast international {part fifteen}

2011-11-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Kerry

Blog/ Shop: Seventy Tree and here to the shop

Where do you live: North London, UK

Your kids name+ age: Maisie (10, very nearly 11) and Albert (known as Bertie) 20 months.

What do they have for breakfast:

On an ordinary weekday, they are very much cereal eaters. Both enjoy Cornflakes, Rice Crispies, Bran Flakes, or whatever we have in the cupboard. Maisie likes to have a mixture of cereals in one bowl. Bertie always shares a smoothie with daddy; who makes his own with bananas, oats, yogurt and berries each morning. He also likes to help put everything into the mixer and watch it whirl!

What do you and daddy have for breakfast:

As mentioned, daddy has a smoothie and sometimes porridge (he’s very particular about his porridge)! I like my cereal too, sometimes I have porridge or toast with marmite or marmalade. Oh, and I almost forgot, we can’t start the day without a nice cup of tea! Essential to my being able to function (if you can call it that).

The breakfast I have shown you in the pictures, is our weekend (often Sunday) breakfast/brunch. My husband makes drop scones, which we have with bacon and maple syrup. In this instance, as you can see, the food is a little ‘well done’ because I managed to smash a lightbulb during cooking, so clearing up broken glass took priority! Oooooops, silly me! It’s nice to all sit around the table together (although Bertie more often than not likes to throw his food/cutlery and then inevitably escapes). Afterwards there is usually some newspaper/comic reading. It’s a lovely part of the week :)

{Thank you Kerry for making the start of the 2nd tour and sharing your breakfast with us}

PS: See all entries from the first round here.

The last one in November {Friday list}

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

... first a dress then a jumper... Une Sardine a Rio.

Butic Blanc.

I put together a little Amsterdam mini guide for Luvaville.

.:: Have you seen the super -40% sale at Little Fashion Gallery? So perfect just right before Christmas... ::.

Playlovepop in Berlin!

I like this simple tunique.

A real market basket to play with.

He is watching you...

La Maison Paris has 17 rooms designed by Martin Margiela. Lets start saving the pennies.

Adorable baby slippers.

Dufflecoat from La Faute a Voltaire.

I found the perfect Advent Calender fillers for you...

This adorable calender is the best thing ever. It is cute, it is filled and it is made with love. There are only 10 made and exclusively on sale at The Kidsboutik...
Pssssst... there is free shipping for the whole of Europe from 25.11.-25.12..... wooot... if that is not perfect!

I wrote a guest post over at GingiberSnap with a Dutch new born set!

And next week the 2nd round of Breakfast International will start. I am beyond excited and I can already tell you that there will be some very excellent breakfasts...

Have a good week end everyone! xoxo

Lacoste Kids Fall/ Winter 2011

2011-11-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

The crocodile has never been on my list to be very honest... out of my fashion radar... however when I saw this Fall/ Winter lookbook I was instantly very very happy... I mean what is not to love here?

Balloons, great colours, cute kids and autumn light! Lacoste rocks it.

See the complete lookbook here!

trippen

2011-11-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Shoes that express an individuality not to be found in the traditional mass market!

Trippen is Angela Spieth and Michael Oehler, who have been creating innovative footwear in Germany since the early 1990s and the children’s shoes are irresistibly cute.

Don't you just love the dragon boots? They do them in black for adults as well :)
And how cool is Wanja, the one with the felt? I think it is one of the best boots for kids around...

Trippen is committed to socially responsible production methods. Most of their shoes are made in Germany, and the rest are made in Italy by small collectives of artisans.

You can find a long list of retailers on their website!

2 boxes and 1 day of fun

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last week the kids were both not very well. KleinA had fever on Monday and KleinR some kind of gastro on Tuesday.
And even so the weather was beautiful, it was too cold to go out because we wanted to be fit for the next day!

Good we just received the first Christmas gifts and had 2 big boxes in the house. Same size both.

I put them together like a mini house, took out the pencils and GO!
The kids had a lot of fun. Drawing, inviting "friends" to their house, going in and out..., sticking and lots more colouring... so simple and 2 kids very happy :)

GRO & Sprout

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

The idea with the GRO collection was to make a line for girls and boys from newborn to 10 years.

To celebrate the life of children, Anette Nordrup called the collection GRO which means GROW – because each mum and dad know that the most devout time is when our children grow up and we wanted to design clothes for all the children which each day grow.

The materials are smooth organic cotton, fine woven cord, and cashmere, comfortable and contemporary. Inevitably clothes each mum and dad would like the children to grow up in.

There is also a fabulous collection for girls called Sprout, a collection for the "between girls" how they call it: ... to make a collection wish is designed for the between girls – wish is not adults style and wish is not children style but style made for the betweens. We don’t want to make tops that are too short, because the girls are still children, but what we would like to design is, new shapes with a simply sophisticated edge...
Mission succeeded I say!

What I wore...

2011-11-23T00:31:00.000-08:00

It is ages ago I know!
Sorry for that but this Sunday I finally managed to find 5 minutes and get hubby behind the cam. Click Click.
And I look so tired... was a little tough week ... continued funny this Monday and hopefully will get better ...

Dress: Edelweiss
Shoes: local shop {for big feet}
Cardi: Jucca
Snood: Cream
Tights: Falke

No photo without the kids... of course... still the same... nearly impossible to make them wait a sec... :)

So we ended up with a family picture!

She
Earwarmers and shorts: Zara
Cardi: Petit Bateau
Neckwarmer: Fournier
Tights: Ada Ada
Boots: Merrell
Headband: Once around the sun

He:
Pants: Bennetton
Tee:Mads Norgaard
Shoes: Falcotto

I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Miss Valentina

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ok... today's post might be a bit funny because I actually do not understand much of what they are saying on this website because it is all in Spanish but I know that I really like these clothes.

Classic pieces with a nice fresh twist and affordable prices. From Miss Valentina which sounds very girly buuuut they do a very nice collection for boys too!

I am over the moon with that skirt and this baby outfit!

Guðrun & Guðrun

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

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}

The kids line is full of chunky knits, warm lamb skin pieces and organic jersey to wear underneath.
If just hand knitted pieces would always look that cool... but anyway now we have the perfect address. Warm and stylish...! Winter... here we come!

PS: The women collection is to die for too...

Coquito

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Designed in Berlin and hand crafted in Argentina is Coquito .

"We dream for a fairer world where Artisan's are respected for their trade. We aim to provide a decent and dignified standard of living and develop individuals to their full potential."

Guillermina, the founder of the label Coquito is from Argentina. She moved to Europe but first to Paris, where she studied philosophy and then finally 6 years later she came to Berlin, to follow her heart.

She started to knit for her kids and because all her friends were super enthusiastic about her designs she decided to convert her "knitting passion" into a small business.

You can admire her creations in her studio in Berlin, which I will soooo do this winter {Kanzowstraße 13a/ Prenzlauer Berg} or check the list of retailers on her site... just scroll down a bit.

Oh so soft...

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are approaching the festive season and that means that even I am drooling over pastel colours and dresses that look like a cupcake...

Even so I like Christmas and LOVE it since we have kids it never came into my mind to buy a special outfit to sit under the tree. You?

We might dress up a bit but what I most enjoy is that we are all together. Spending time and feeling no guilty whatsoever to have everything with an internet connection switched off.

This year we will go to my mum's place for the holidays and THEN... YES!!! we go to Berlin. I am so happy, like a little girl... and we will be in Berlin over New Year and back in Amsterdam to celebrate my birthday... in between we celebrate my brother's birthday too... so lots of happy occasions for some sparkle...

The middle of November {Friday list}

2011-11-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

I could hop on the train just to see it live! Christmas decoration at the Bonton store in Paris. Amazing! ♥ ♥ ♥

Merry Merry over at Creme Anglaise!

Need some gift inspiration? For yourself? Maybe... :)

Help Japan with this candle from Bonpoint !

Freunde von Freunden launched their first book! Amazing! And on my wish list... which seems to get longer and longer... good my birthday is just short after Christmas :)

Cute pieces at modaspia.

Cool tumblr with lots of kids room inspiration.

This is the Amsterdam family selon Goose Grease.

The new issue of Sweet Paul is out! Wowster!

Usually this is not really the type of music I am listening to... BUT... I can listen to this song again and again and... well... and it's been out for a few years by now and just today I thought I will send you into the week end with it... :)

{And yes... I was listening to it a couple of times whilst writing this post... }

Happy and relaxing week end to all of you! xoxo

Maverick Baby - stylish babywearing

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

You might remember that I am a big fan of baby wearing. Having my baby close, warm and all snuggled up is such a comfort for both of us. (please read here and here for more info and my preferences)

We do have a carrier, 2 wraps and a Mei Tai and I could extend the collection all the time. There are such beautiful designs on the market that definitely make you a very hip mum whilst wearing them.

And there is one shop who brings them all together: Maverick Baby.

Ali has such a great taste that if you want to buy a sling, wrap or carrier this is THE place to go. {She does provide quality advice as well, please read here}
I could not even choose a favourite because there are too many... but maybe this one with the stars, this beauty or that indio one.

Tell me, did you carry your baby? I know a lot of people who got weird feedback from friends, family or on the street. This never happened to me, on the contraire... generally people smiled at me and found it "cute". What is your experience?

PS: If you would like to know a bit more about Ali, she was part of the series "The people behind the online stores" and you can find her here.