These handmade wooden toys made me smile with their quirky and creative looks. But when I read about them, I fell even more in love. The little whimsical people are called ‘Hurbanos’. Hurbanos are people who love city life for all it’s complexity and diversity. Each of these wooden characters is unique and come with it’s own ID, much like every city dweller. In addition to the characters and their wooden cityscapes, I’m also loving that unusual circus balancing toy. All these toys are handmade in the Netherlands by The Watermelon Cat Company. Even their company name reflects their quirky creativity!
Creative & quriky little toys…
July 15, 2013
Jammies in a jar: A royal gift?
July 12, 2013
How cute are these jammies in a jar? This is the creation of a pair of siblings who got the idea because in the 1980’s their dad used to buy pyjamas, put them in a jar and gift them to anyone who was expecting. So when brother and sister, Meryl and Brian, decided they wanted to pursue their interest in kids and babies clothes, they took their dad’s cute idea and turned it in to Jammies pret-a-porter. The pyjamas come as all in ones or in a top and bottom combo and are for babies up to 9 months old. I love all the colours they’ve chosen for the trim on the pyjama sets but my favourite is probably the watermelon trim. I also love the simple white pyjamas. These jammies would be an unusual gift for any expectant mum but especially for one who already has everything. Yup, I’m thinking Meryl & Brian should send a jar to Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.
Happy Friday friends. Have a wonderful weekend.
mama & baby…
July 11, 2013
Last Thursday I brought you something special purely for mama’s. This week it’s back to mama & baby and today’s picks are this gorgeous red and white striped wrap bodysuit* for mama and that retro inspired red swimsuit for baby.
*via pinterest
A summer wardrobe favourite…
July 10, 2013
I’ve already mentioned before how much I love Pola & Frank, a new-ish mama and kids brand from Poland. So when they sent my daughter Anya this wonderful black and white polka dot dress in the post, we couldn’t have been more delighted. I love polka dots and so does Anya. This dress has quickly become a hot favourite in her summer wardrobe. Thank you to Judyta & Paulina – the two mama’s who are the creative force behind Pola & Frank.
A {head-turning} nursery collection…
July 9, 2013
Some years ago while holidaying in Marrakesh, I went to a fun restaurant for dinner with my husband. I don’t remember too much about the food or decor as it wasn’t that memorable but I will never forget that woman who walked in. Tall, lean and statuesque with chocolate coloured skin, wearing a very large brimmed hat and a dramatic outfit. There was a moment of silence as all heads turned to look at her. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman I’ve seen, nor the prettiest but she was definitely unique and the entire package from head to toe was jaw droppingly striking so you couldn’t help but stare (think Grace Jones). And that is how I felt when I first saw this new collection of nursery bedding by Anatology on Peggy’s inspiring blog. Bold, graphic and head turning-ly striking, there’s no holding back here and that’s why this collection really stands out like that statuesque stunner!
Anatology is the creation of Delphine Miquel, a French mama and designer who has obviously got a unique aesthetic sense. All her creations are made in France from soft, natural materials that are perfect for a baby’s skin. Of course this collection has bags of style, of course it has loads of visual appeal but what I love most is that there are no half measures here. This collection was designed to make heads turn and it does without apology. This is Delphine’s first collection called ‘Graphic Jungle’ and and I just can’t wait to see what comes next. If this is the benchmark for all her collections then all I can say is wow!
Poland’s got style…
July 8, 2013
My husband recently visited Warsaw, Poland on a work trip. I so wish I had gone along with him because in recent months I have seen absolutely amazing design come out of Poland. I’ve discovered some fab kids brands like Kids on the Moon and Pola & Frank and today I wanted to share my latest discovery… Booso. The one thing that stands out for me with all these Polish brands is that they keep it simple. There is no unnecessary fuss or frills but instead the clothes shine with their simple, clean styles and what’s more they look super comfy to wear too. And the clothes from Booso are exactly that… stylish and fun clothes that won’t restrict a child in any way. I also love their colour palette of mostly blacks, whites and soft browns but often complimented by a shock of bright colour. That orange turban style hat is just too cute! Booso don’t sell online yet but you can contact them through their site.
Imagine and play…
July 5, 2013
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of wooden toys. And when they’re as beautiful as these one’s by Kedublock then it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Besides their good looks, these toys encourage thinking and imagination. That catfish is just great. It comes in pieces and you can build a cat, a fish or a catfish. And those construction sticks are deliberately simple (and pretty) so that everything is left up to the child’s imagination. These wooden toys are handcrafted too and made of natural materials. Beautiful toys, imaginative toys and handmade too… what’s not to love?
Have a lovely, sunny weekend!
mamas & other stories…
July 4, 2013
Instead of my regular mama & baby post, this week I wanted to focus purely on mama’s. And in the coming weeks and months, occasionally I plan to bring you more stuff for just mama’s because I don’t do enough of that and fashion is fun. Besides, stylish babies and stylish mama’s go hand in hand! 
I’ve had one of my closest friends from Mumbai in town for the last week. While she claimed that she only came to spend time with me I think she had a secret mission too. That mission was to shop till she dropped. Returning from one of her mammoth shopping days out she told me about a new store she had spotted on Regents St. She said it looked amazing but didn’t go in because her credit card was already screaming from severe over-use (and possibly her husband too)! She said it was called ‘& other stories’ so of course I promptly looked it up and I was stunned. I want everything! 
& other stories is a new high-end venture by H&M that screams style. Their clothes and accessories wouldn’t look out of place in Vogue, yet the prices are still affordable. I’ve seen about 10 things I already want and I haven’t even visited the shop yet but I plan to go tomorrow simply because I can’t wait! The collection is big and includes clothes, bags, shoes (to die for), lingerie, beauty products and more. Apart from the London store, they have a few stores in some Western European cities but they also deliver worldwide so it doesn’t really matter where you are. I’m already a huge fan of H&M especially for my daughter but now I can see & other stories becoming a go to store each time I need (or want) a fashion fix! The only problem is finding a way to exercise some amount of control…
A little bit of magic…
July 3, 2013
If I was asked to describe the world through a childs eyes I think I would say it’s a place where anything is possible, where every little experience becomes an epic adventure, where you can go from being a princess to a dragon in the space of a second. Full of magic and fairytales, a child’s world is enchanting. And this new little boutique captures that spirit so well. 
Leuie has clothes, toys and accessories that fit perfectly in a world where imagination and creativity rule, in a world where each day is an adventure. From whimsical mobiles to beautiful hair accessories, there’s a little bit of magic in every piece sold in this store. And they’re currently having their Summer sale so you can get a nice little discount too. Each time I visit Leuie, I really feel like I want to be a kid again… if only!
The cutest sunsuits…
July 1, 2013
I think I might be a little bit obsessed with these sunsuits and playsuits… how sweet are they? Made by wolfechild in Brooklyn, New York, these little clothes just scream cuteness. That red and blue vintage floral print one is my favourite because it’s such a happy piece. Wolfechild only have a small range of clothes mostly for babies up to 2 years but each piece is quite beautiful.
