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Cute books and more by Claudia Boldt…

January 13, 2014

I recently came across this book – Melvin the luckiest monkey. I checked out the author Claudia Boldt and found that she creates the cutest drawings in soft colours that aren’t just for her range of kids books but they’re also used to create adorable stickers, place mats and other stationery. The stories look like they’re fun to read and often have messages on life lessons like friendship or creating your own luck or beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I especially love the illustrations in Odd Dog which is all about a dog who prefers apples to bones. You can get Claudia’s books on Amazon

Hold on to your memories…

January 10, 2014

… and keep them forever. This year I’ve decided to get better at actually printing my photos. There’s no point taking a load of pictures that end up stuck on a hard drive somewhere or on your phone or social networks. There’s something much more special about holding your pictures. And with all the creative printing options on offer, there really isn’t any excuse. I recently found Pinstagr.am and it’s the perfect way to print all your instagram photos, especially if you use instagram a lot. I love the teeny little books they offer as well as the stickers of your instagram photos but there are loads more fun products. Apart from keeping memories for myself, I think they’d make inexpensive little gifts for my mum, brother and other close family who don’t live in this country so feel they’re missing out on Anya growing up. Pinstagr.am are US based but they offer a reasonable worldwide flat shipping rate.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Groovy magnet wallpapers…

January 9, 2014

When I first saw these magnetic wallpapers I wasn’t sure but they’ve really grown on me. I’ve been wanting to create a little inspiration board for myself and I’m now loving the idea of using one of these cool wallpapers.

In our kitchen I want to create a wall where Anya can put up her drawings and this could be just the thing to use. With magnets there’s no sticking and no mess so you can chop and change your wall hangings anytime you like. I especially love that these Groovy Magnets wallpapers are for any room and any age.

Cute city guides for kids…

January 8, 2014

Traveling and exploring the world has always been a big priority for my husband and me. Once Anya came along, we probably slowed down our travels a bit but didn’t let having a baby stop us from exploring with her. Up till now she was a bit young to appreciate and get involved in the different countries she’s been to but now that she’s 5, it’s the perfect age to encourage her to decide on some things she would like to see and do whenever we go somewhere.

I’m not the best at finding kids activities in new places so when I came across these ZigZag city guides for kids, I thought they would be perfect to help us make our holidays a bit more kid-friendly and to help Anya get more interested. The guides come as a set of cards with a map and some postcards, all with the cutest illustrations. They feature Zig and Zag, two sweet characters who guide you through the city. At the moment, there are only 4 cities on offer but they are adding more to their collection including a London guide which is due out in April this year. We’re hoping to go to New York later this year so if we do, I plan to start with that guide and will of course let you know how we get on.

Cosy animal hats…

January 7, 2014

I was never a fan of kids animal hats until my brother recently sent this mouse one for Anya. When she tried it on, I totally changed my mind and now I’m all for these animal cuties especially the ones with ears. Around the same time I discovered Happyeti and and loved their selection of hats which includes a panda one, a koala, deer, polar bear (my favourite) and many more.

All the Happyeti hats are handmade in Nepal and look so warm and cosy. Kids aren’t the biggest hat fans but I think any child would be happy with an adorable animal hat like these ones. Anya has has always refused to wear her Winter hats but now whenever she needs one, she happily reaches for the little grey mouse and keeps it on. And I don’t object because it’s fun, it’s cute and so soft and warm.

Goodbye 2013, hello 2014…

January 6, 2014

Here we are, already 6 days in to 2014. I hope you’ve all had a fun and restful break. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with my family, eating, catching up with friends and having a few lazy days too. When the clock strikes midnight on January 1st each year, even though nothing really changes, it feels like a fresh start. A chance to go after what you want, to make the changes that you’ve been meaning to, to dream, to plan but it’s also a moment where I always look back at the year that was. While I’m not a fan of resolutions, I like looking back at the good and bad and thinking about what I can improve in each new year.

Continue Reading "Goodbye 2013, hello 2014…"

Happy Christmas!

December 23, 2013

I seriously can’t believe Christmas is so nearly here… where did the year ago? As the year comes to an end, I wanted to thank you all for visiting my blog and supporting me in 2013. It means a lot. I have lots of fun stuff planned for 2014 including a new look for the blog which will be revealed early next year. I will be taking a break over the holidays to spend time with my family and of course to enjoy all the delicious food and treats that Christmas brings with it. I wish you and your loved ones a magical Christmas and a very happy new year. See you back here on January 6th 2014 and I leave you with a few images of our Christmas so far ~ nomita xx

4 easy Christmas DIY projects…

December 19, 2013

Here are 4 fun and most importantly easy Christmas DIY projects that I found around the web. Those giant baubles are just the best!

1. Giant baubles: made from balloons, this is such a fun DIY and I can’t wait to try it. 2. Character cookies: a tasty looking treat and the kids can help decorate too. 3. Snowman ornament: a quirky take on a traditional snowman, perfect for kids to make and hang on your tree. 4. Elf ornaments: cute little tree hangers that can be stitched but for the easy option just print out the paper versions.

7 things I love about Christmas…

December 18, 2013

There’s so much to love (and possibly hate too) about Christmas. I like to focus on the good things and so here are the 7 things I love the most about Christmas:

1. Sitting round a big table and eating an even bigger meal stretched out over hours with your closest friends and family.

2. Sparkly, twinkly lights everywhere you turn. Makes everything feel magical and if I had my way, I would have lights throughout the dark Winter months.

3. Decorating a tree or just decorating your home is fun but watching your kids do it is even better.

4. Cookies, cakes, sweet treats in abundance… what’s not to love?!

5. Snow… this of course isn’t ever guaranteed but I always dream of a white Christmas.

6. Hot chocolate especially the Italian kind.

7. The endless craft possibilities that Christmas brings – from the little decorations that Anya brings home from school to the fun of getting creative with your gift wrapping.

What do you love about Christmas? I would love to hear about your favourite things.

Crazy cuteness from Korea…

December 17, 2013

Even though I’m normally more of a minimalist, sometimes I come across colourful cuteness that I find hard to resist. When I saw the offerings from Juju Bunny shop it was instant love. The clothes are from Korea and are quirky, unusual and seriously cute. There are lots of bold patterns, bright colours, fluffly ears and so much more. It’s all a bit over the top but it works.

Right from their accessories to their pyjama sets, there is bags of character and sweetness in every piece. Take that floral print sleep suit – while the print is delightful, it’s that unexpected big, fluffy pompom that makes it for me. Then there are the cutest bunny hats and accessories like that snowman backpack. Juju Bunny Shop has some seriously cute and different stuff which will look totally adorable on any kid.