Sneak a peek into someone elses shopping cart ;)

Every now & then I sneak a peek into the shopping trolley infront of me in the grocery store.  More often than not it jogs my memory that I had actually planned to buy something similiar - like yesterday I was meaning to buy a baguette & only remembered when I was behind someone with one! I couldn't face having to go to the back of the line again so I came home baguette-less but it did inspire this blogpost!

I thought perhaps someone elses purchases may spark that little thought of "Oh that's a great idea for such & such".  So here's a little peek into some of the handcrafted products people purchased from Little Kiwis Nest this week...

Interactive wallscape magnets by hjrd Design.  Shop HERE.

Rhino baby clothes by A.P.T CreatioNZ. Shop HERE

Bear floor rug & castle cushion by Cuckoonest. Shop HERE

Newborn dress, Toddler dress & cot duvet cover by Made it Baby. Shop HERE

Fairy Birthday Party

My beautiful first-born celebrated her 5th birthday today in true fairy style.  The house was awash with over 100 meters of pink tulle & alive with her beautiful friends dressed as fairies.

When I've recovered sufficiently I'll do a bit of a post on our other blog (http://madeitbaby.blogspot.com) with tips on how to host a fairy party.  In the meantime, have a browse through Little Kiwis Nest to sources some gorgeous creations for your special day.

Zharkita Cake Design designs the most gorgeous cakes.  Her fairy cake would delight any birthday girl!  Have a child with allergies?  Speak to Tania about allergy free recipes. 

Stuck for decorations?  Cuckoonest tea sets, felt cakes & mini cake slices are just adorable.  I have the pink set with colourful flowers & the girls are forever playing with them!

You can't go past a pettiskirt by PattiKat Designs for the birthday girl.  these skirts have serious wow factor! 

Speak to the very talented hrjd Design for your sweet invitations.  Oh so cute! 

How to travel light!!!

Ok, this isn't meant to be the 'be all & end all' of travelling light BUT there are some fabulous handmade products on Little Kiwis Nest that will help lighten the load.


On short trips, you really don't need to lug your big buggy (pram) around with you when there are just so many baby slings that will do the job for you. If you've never used a sling before, Michelle from Serenity Slings is just the person to give you the advice to choose a sling or pouch to suit your needs. (I'll post more on that subject on another day).



It's so nice to be able to carry your baby/toddler close to you without the hassles of maneuvering a buggy around shops or crowds.
Serenity Slings have the most gorgeous fabrics & only make limited runs of each sling - meaning you won't see every second mum with the same design. (Is it just me that loves something unique?!?) . Be sure to check out her latest designs available at Little Kiwis Nest :)



The second item that can save you the all important boot space needed in car travel are the Made it Baby moses baskets. They were oh so popular back when I was a kid (yep, my parents used to load me into the back of the Kombi just lying in my basket - oh how times have changed!) & is making a very loud resurgence of late.


Ditch the portacot & simply pack the moses basket! Baskets are great up until your baby starts to roll, or grows too long for the basket - whichever comes first.

If you're really pushed for space how about getting two days wear out of each outfit? Yes, it would depend on how messy your toddler is but I have been known to take advantage of the Made it Baby's reversible dresses! Our favourite reversible listings are ...




Beinzstalk reversible vest



Lylly-Fysh reversible shoes (they pack nice & flat)




Made it Baby's reversible denim jacket


KARRIC reversible pants



Don't forget that the products above are only a slither of what's available online.


Now for packing toys ... Cuckoonest has you covered with her toy houses. I have a 4 year old with an amazing imagination & this house would keep her entertained for a week!






The Little Red Riding House would also be a winner. Pack a few favourite toys in the house for easy transport - your child will love carrying around their own little suitcase!


Now if you are really wanting to know what/how to pack for kids this looks like a really cool site :) I think I should have found it when I started travelling regularly with kids!!! http://www.kidscantravel.com/tipstravelkids/travelwise/packinglight/index.html

Happy Travelling :)
http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/

(ps click on the photos to be taken to the products for sale)

Whooooo Loves Owls?!?

The designers at Little Kiwis Nest do!!!

Designer Kerry of Kazartz is painter extraodinaire & is especially passionate about all things owl - with a few dinosaurs thrown in! She LOVES small, bright, funky art for bedroom walls & her artwork is soooo affordable (ie starting at just $10!).

Amy of A.P.T Designs has a passion for authentic design, fine art and anything cute - including her cuddly owl toy.

Lisa's range of Cuckoonest creations are original, eclectic, high quality and upbeat. Although the owl pictured on her gorgeous cot/throw is a stage prop we think he's gorgeous & deserves a mention!

The girls behind 'made it baby' listened to the masses have just introduced sleeping owls to their 2010 baby clothing range. You'll find singlets & bloomers for both boys & girls in their funky, handmade collection.

Ducky Delicious Day

As a parent, it is always nice when you get to the end of the day & think "boy, that was a great day". Today was one of those days.

It all started with a trip to some fantastic fabric stores with a friend, followed by lunch & more fabric stores. Even with my 4 year old in toe it was great fun. She is showing a real gift at picking the most outlandish fabrics in the store, even if they're tucked right out of sight!

In one of the shops I bought packets of plastic duckies for my 2 year olds upcoming party (which should actually have happened two months ago!). Knowing it would be impossible to hide them until the party (date still yet to be finalised - heaven help me), we headed to the local park to give them a whirl. The squeals of delight from the girls at watching these little plastic ducks flap their wings and swim in the fountain was priceless. As was watching them double over in laughter at the ducks zooming down the slides & sitting on the see-saw.

The small things in life are often the best!

If you have a little one obsessed with ducks, check out the following home made products at Little Kiwi's Nest.


http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=72 - Made it Baby shirt
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=456 - Made it Baby onesie
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=40 - Made it Baby clip
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=170 - Made it Baby headband
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=386 (not quite a duck but it IS yellow!) - Cuckoonest coin purse
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=360 - Blossom Bums girls bib


And if you too have had a fun day with something as simple as a cheap plastic duck - please share!