{go shop} Mini Gourmets - For kids who love to cook!

Cooking. Everyone's doing it these days - including children. So it would stand to reason that an online store catering to this market would be a given, but no. While trying to find a car cookie cutter for her son's first birthday, Natalie was sure she'd find plenty of stores for our mini masterchefs, but she ended up having to get her cookie cutter from the UK.
She says: "I thought...I could do that. Having already run an online store for 2 years I thought I could pour my passion for cooking into a cooking store that focused just on things to get kids into the kitchen."

And so Mini Gourmets was born.

"It was born out of a passion for cooking and a love of my children. I love cooking with my children. They learn so much from textures, colours, smells and sounds to skills such as counting, patience and experimenting (which ties in beautifully with my previous life as a Science teacher!) And then there is the ultimate reward.. the eating!"

"The response to Mini Gourmets so far has been nothing short of amazing. Everyone is so excited about it and can see my passion for getting any items in the store that will encourage children into the kitchen."

So if you're looking for anything from cute cupcake wrappers, through to cookbooks, kids aprons, You'll need to check out Mini Gourmets - For kids who love to cook! Natalie will be giving away a super cute apron once she reaches 1000 fans on her Mini Gourmets Facebook Page, so visit her and tell her Mama sent you!

{Monday Mama} Well, me!

Since becoming a mum, and getting older (and lazier) my body shape has altered in ways that I'm not necessarily that thrilled about.
I'm not the show it to the world type who would happily share my muffin top, I prefer to downplay and cover up but online shopping for me has always been hit and miss. If I don't look like the model in the picture, how do I know if the clothing item is going to flatter or enhance the size of my butt and thighs?

Finding Birdsnest was a moment of joy! Every item they sell lists the body shape it is suited to. You can also search by body shape, and have listed each item that will suit a gal with Big Boobs or a Voluptuous Bottom. (They also have a pregnant search).

Actually, their search options are pretty awesome - you can also search by occasion, colour or personality, and they have some styled outfit suggestions for those of us who aren't so great at the ensemble. I can't save their outfit suggestions, so I'm going to take the liberty of playing with Polyvore to give you an example:

Elegant Crush by tikiboo on Polyvore.com

This styled outfit is named Elegant Crush.

Here's a little vest I bought last week, which is listed as being suitable for those with Big Boobs, Voluptuous Bottom, Big Hips or pregnant.



Plus there are loads more items on my wishlist, like this Anise tunic:



We are on the lookout for more mummies willing to give fashion advice and outfit suggestions. If you can help, email me!

Let's hear it for the boys!

Good gracious! Where has the time gone? I haven't blogged here since before Christmas - so I do hope you all had a fabulous festive season.

Back on board, let talk about things for boys!


I've been told so many times that both designers and retailers seem to neglect the boys when it comes to fashion. Julie Kourtesis has opened Everything Boys, an Australian online store 100% totally dedicated to Boys ONLY, from newborn to 8years old! Specialising in Clothing, Shoes, Manchester, Books, Toys, Accessories and more – it's a one stop shop for everything you need for the boy/s in your life!


Julie shares with us her inspiration for creating Everything Boys

I have 2 boys – Nicholas turned 3 in January this year, and Alexander is 15 months. Nicholas started Preschool for the first time last week, for 2 days a week – and is loving it and I’m the one sad and crying! Alexander is walking more and more confidently each day, and the 2 of them drive me crazy with their adorableness (is that even a word) - it still amazes how much love you can have for these little people in our lives!



When Nicholas was born, I realised how hard it was to get everything I needed for him in the one place, or how very little was on offer for boys compared to the amount of girls stuff, there was always pink as far as the eye could see and tiny little bits for boys, or no sizes left or everything had a monkey on it!!! I kept tossing the idea up, and before I knew it, Alexander came along – and I had 2 boys in the house and felt there was a definite need specifically to cater to boys. When I was made redundant in July, it was the perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling – I registered the business in October 2009, and we went live on the 4th December 2009!


So, for those with gorgeous little boys, there is no longer a need to wade through the sea of pink, fairy dresses or tutus, or turn up to the boys section to find it's already been ravaged and there's nothing left in the size you're after. Sick of shopping where all that's available is super cheap or extremely expensive, it's not in the one location, several different shops to get everything or the entire range is never stocked! You can find everything you need for the boy in your life, from newborn to 8 years old, in the one place with the choice to find something within your budget and taste!

Here's a very small selection of some of the fantastic things you'll find at www.everythingboys.com.au

{Giveaway} Sooki Baby

I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging again, and what better way to start than with a giveaway!

Its pretty unlikely you will find a mummy or a mum to be who hasn’t heard of the beautiful babywear from Tiny Tribe and Sooki Baby. For the best dressed bubbas and combining style, comfort and practicality, the two ranges of babywear are the ‘baby’ of fashion designer and mum of two Dijana Dotur. The ranges include leggings.
Tee shirts, overalls, singlets, hats, bibs and dresses for both boys and girls.

SOOKI BABY By Dijana Dotur – A mix of quirky, contemporary and retro designs create a unique look in the babywear market. Available from sizes 0000-2. Through fun prints and cute cuts, Tiny Tribe and Sooki Baby bring the quirkiness of Prahran, Melbourne and retro chic of Paddington, Sydney to the wardrobes of Aussie babies.
“I strive for quality in quantities. That’s why I have three amazing children and two successful fashion labels. Both these passions are intertwined and Sooki Baby"

Everything about these clothes screams gorgeous, practical and most important for little ones - comfortable. Adorable legging and bodysuits that make even me clucky...thank goodness I have a few pregnant or TTCing friends! Even the website is adorable www.sookibaby.com.au.

And just for you, my wonderful readers, we have a giveaway. Hurruh! 3 lucky readers will get a lucky dip prize.
You know the drill - be a follower, leave a comment. If you blog about this giveaway, leave another comment for a second entry. Draw ends Wednesday November 18th at 7pm.

Introducing Jen from Mini-Stylista

What is Mini-Stylista?
Mini-Stylista is one of the first Australian social network dedicated to Kids STYLE. A fully interactive website where parents,designers and online boutiques can come together to discuss latest trends in Kids Fashion, become friends and share their Mini Stylistas style!!!

When did you start Mini-Stylista?
Actually it all began with my vision for an Adult Australian Fashion website called My Style Australia a website where all stylistas: blogger, photographers and designers could come together to share their style. Before I had my son I was obsessed with fashion would study look books and buy so much just to have my own collections! Then I had my son Rocco and I just kept thinking about Kids fashion I just loved all the exciting things Kids designers are doing! So I ended up putting My Style Australia on hold and I started up the Mini-Stylista blog http://www.ministylista.onsugar.com in late July 2009! After only a few weeks I received so many wonderful emails and kind comments on Twitter about the blog and also wonderful Kids businesses started enquiring about advertising! The Kids fashion industry is so amazing everyone is so supportive!!! I then decided to turn my original ideas for My Style Australia into the social network http://www.mini-stylista.com.au.


What have you bought recently!
I recently bought a pair of Rittenhouse Denim pants and a Tiny Mammoth Singlet from Little Pin Wheel http://www.littlepinwheel.com.au

A Munster T'shirt from Kido store for my son to wear at his spooky party! http://www.kidostore.com



A typical day:
Wake up and feed my baby his breakfast (he just turned one) Read emails while I eat my breakfast. Take my little one for a morning outing. Lunch and Sleep time for Rocco- While he sleeps I work on my site or answer emails.
Play with Rocco/Dinner

Then work till midnight/1 on MINI-Stylista!

If I gave me $200 to spend only on you, what would you do with it?
Well like all mothers we would sneakily spend it on our children straight away!
But if I had $200 I would either:
Take a friend out for tea and a cupcake!
Buy the latest Vogue or Russh mag and read with a cup of coffee! or Buy some yummy stationery from KIKKI K Or buy/part buy a divine dress from LOVER, Karen Walker or if I could DIon LEE!

{Giveaway} Let me just wipe that off your face...

Remember the days of Mum or Grandma spitting on their hanky to wipe that spot of chocolate off your cheek? How we always swore we would NEVER do that to our own kids and vowed to always carry a pack of wipes in our bags? Uh-huh.
I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of wipes. With an inquisitive 3 year old around they tend to get left open and dry out, and while they are fine for hands I find them a little harsh for faces. I do always keep a small bottle of antibacterial gel on hand - but again, it's far too rough for soft baby skin!

Two clever Mums obviously felt the same way as they have come up with a VERY cool new product. MOMSPIT.

Its not a sanitiser- it’s MOMSPIT- the universal no-rinse cleanser. It cleans dirt and grime, leaving the skin clean, moisturised and smelling divine. It comes in refreshing and fresh scents and even an unscented version for those people who prefer au natural. It contains no alcohol.
Foams up brilliantly, absorbs quickly and thoroughly and feels fabulous. Basically it’s soap and water, minus the sink!

• Moisturises like a lotion, absorbs quickly
• Alcohol free and biodegradable
• Gentle enough to be used on the face
• Cleans just like soap and water- minus the sink and tap!
• Recyclable and refillable packaging
• Not tested on animals, no child labour
• No rinsing necessary
• Definitely does not contain human saliva (‘cos that would just be gross!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for the best bit...the generous folks at MOMSPIT have kindly donated us three bottles of this very cool product! Just leave a comment telling us what sort of icky-sticky messes you'd be using MOMSPIT to clean off, and make sure you're following Mama loves to Shop.

Entries close next Monday evening, 7pm Brisbane time.

MOMSPIT is available in three unisex scents- Fig & Green Tea, Lemon & White tea and Unscented. From www.mumspit.com.au and selected stockists in Australia and NZ.

Introducing Stephanie of MooBear Designs

Name and Location: MooBear Designs, Sydney Australia

Your business? MooBear Designs Philosophy is "Designed by children, made by adults and not the other way around" All our designs are either drawn by Moo or inspired by Bear our two oldest children. All their designs use recycled materials which are sewn onto ethically made and environmentally garments. We have just extended our sizes to babies 000-1 and big kids size 2-10. We are also excited to be offering a MooBear Designs Baby Accessories Gift Pack very very soon.

How long has MooBear Designs been operating?
It's beginnings were stitched into concept back in 2006 and we finally launched our online store in May 2009. It was always something I wanted to do and now we are finally here.

What inspired you to start your business?
I have always needed to be creative. Keeping the kids involved in projects is always easy because they want to be creative too. Moo did a drawing when she was 5 years old and we just thought "Hey, that would look great on a t-shirt" and that's what we did. We found some old clothes and scrap fabric cut, out the pieces and after some careful assembling sewed it onto a shirt. After that people wanted their own. We are very Earth orientated and try to do our part for the planet. Our Family business is an extension of what we follow in everyday life. Our shirts have no negative impact on the environment which is like our family. We don't even drive as we live so close to everything it would be silly.

What are your top 3 best selling items?
Moo's Rocket has always been the most popular, Bear's Rar! & Bubble Factory are close behind.


What is a “typical” work day for you?
Hmmm A typical Day... All 5 of us get up. That's always a good start. Carlos and I take turns walking Moo to and from school so if I get to stay home I will often catch up on any sewing. Carlos and I do a lot of tag teaming so he'll play with Bear and Bubble while I do some sewing and then I'll get lunch ready while he does admin or there are always designs to trace and cut although I like to leave that for Carlos. We are lucky that both Bear and Bubble sleep during the day so we use that time to our advantage as well. We also have a policy of not working after 8.30pm. That's our time to sit and relax and enjoy each other with a good movie!! We aren't doing anyone any favours by not resting ourselves. We also have friends and family who like to pop round and help out. Often they play with the kids which frees up more time to tie up loose ends or sometimes they come round and ask what needs cutting.

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?:
I am down the park with the kids, Crafting with the kids. Moo is learning to sew and Bear doesn't mind sewing either. I love to go to my local coffee shop and read over a hot cup of coffee. If I am not crafting at home I am out somewhere. Oh I love Op shopping. I have to be doing something I am a little bit hyperactive... I need to learn to stop and just watch the world spin round sometimes!!

Introducing Jemma of Handmade Kids

Name and Location: Jemma - Midwest of WA.

What is Handmade Kids?

Handmade Kids is a blog site dedicated to showcasing all the fabulous creators of handcrafted items for kids in Australia.

When did you start Handmade Kids, and what was the inspiration behind it?

Handmade Kids was started in August 2008. I started the blog a I had discovered places such as Made It and Etsy and from there found I was shopping for and looking at handcrafted more and more, and when I would tell me friends they had no idea what I was talking about. So I started a blog of all the items I would find and hoped one day someone would read it.

If you can possibly narrow it down, show me three of your favourite handmade products.

Very hard task, as I have so many favourites, so to narrow it down decided to focus on some softies, otherwise if I covered a bit of everything we would have a list a mile long.

I love toys and softies, and adore One Red Robin, she uses such fabulous fabrics and designs, really individual and so detailed, such as this gorgeous owl. I also love her patterns and dream that one day I will manage to make one (I did try once, it did not work out well lol)


My other favourite softie maker is Nooshka. I have always loved dolls, even tho I have never been a girly girl, so love the character in these dolls.


Another store I am always drawn to is Two Little Banshees, I love the fabrics and the shapes, this fish is especially cute


What is a "typical" day for you?

A typical day starts with at least 4 cups of tea to get the motor running a quick check of email before we head off to school. My days are not interesting in the least, I wish I could say, I pop off to the salon, a quick girls lunch etc, but I have an 20 mth old at home, so my day is spent playing trucks, working on the blog, playing more trucks and cleaning up all day after the cyclone in between more truck playing.

If I gave you $200 and two hours to spend it only on yourself, what would you do?

I would use it to pay for a flight to go to Perth for the day and go shopping (so can I have more than that please). A quick plane trip to the City for a wander around the shops for a day on my own would be lovely, I can pretend I am rich jet setting about the place, I might even pretend that Skywest is my private jet.

Raegan from A Little Bit of Cheek

Let us introduce to you the newest kid on the boutique block!

Name and Location: Raegan - Adelaide, South Australia

Your business? A Little Bit of Cheek

How long has A Little Bit of Cheek been operating? Hmmmmm 3 days.

What inspired you to start your business?
I always wanted to be self employed. Before I had my daughter I was obsessed with real estate. I wanted to be a real estate tycoon. How things change! Once Violet was born two years ago my world was turned upside down (for the better). My focus in life has changed. I have a beautiful family and nothing in this world is worth more to me. I want to be able to spend as much quality time with my family as possible. It is time to enjoy what I do. So I joined my love for funky children’s clothes with the idea of being self employed. A little Bit of Cheek was born!

What are your 3 favourite items from your store?

Dittany Baby – Black Stars Luxury Tights

Loves Hugs & Rock N Roll tank by JettRoc

Two Belles Magic Tee

What is a “typical” work day for you?
Don’t really have a typical day. It’s a bit hard when your daughter is two and likes to go to the shops by herself to buy a new book (A very long story, that ended with me balling my eyes out and Violet not having a clue that walking the streets by herself is not safe). I guess I always turn the laptop on first thing to check emails, twitter etc. Then go about whatever activities Violet or I have for the morning. We have lunch and then I pray to god that Violet sleeps for 2 hours so I can get some work done on the computer. Violet gets up and we do more activities until Violet has tea and goes off to bed. As soon as Violet’s head hits the pillow the laptop is on and I work, twitter etc until bed time. Unfortunately at the moment I am very time poor!

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?
What I love most is spending time with my family and friends. I love taking Violet to swimming lessons, I love to travel overseas and without netball twice a week I would be a ball of stress.



You can visit Raegans store here: A Little Bit of Cheek

Lou from Buttons by lou Lou

Name and Location: Buttons by Lou Lou - Melbourne, Australia

Your business? Fabric buttons and Accessories

How long has Buttons by LouLou been operating?
Buttons by Lou Lou started about 9 months ago on a bit of a whim and has grown from there. Now I love it and so even though I struggle to spend enough time on it I can't give it up!

Where do you get the inspiration for your range?
Fabrics, fabrics and more gorgeous fabrics. There are so many nice fabrics around that I always have too much! Of course there are lots of lovely designs for girls but I always make sure I have a few boys fabrics in my range as well as I have 2 little boys myself. Ideas for the accessories that I add my buttons to tend to come from people asking for something in particular and if it works then I will make more.

What are your top 3 best selling items?
Anything with Russian babushka dolls or little red riding hood on them and my robot sewing buttons.

What is a “typical” work day for you?
There is no 'typical' for me except that it is typical for me to fit little bits and pieces of things into little bits and pieces of time. Luckily I have a product that suits that! I spend most of my days with my one and three year old boys so a lot of my making is at night when I have the energy or on weekends when I can convince my husband to look after the boys. I am working on having more of a set routine and some more dedicated business time over the next few months and beyond as my business is getting too large to squeeze into those slots these days.

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
Sleep in, lazy brunch and read the newspaper, shopping, coffee, movie, eat out for dinner...this is what I dream about...please people with older children don't spoil it for me and tell me that it won't happen in a few years time!


Plus links to your website and blog if you have one.

website: www.buttonsbyloulou.com.au
blog: http://buttonsbyloulou.blogspot.com

Lou has generously provided us with a gorgeous giveaway!
All you need to do is have a look at her website Buttons By LouLou and tell us your absolute favourite product. You'll then go in the draw for a set of little red riding hood hair elastics and set of 3 robot sewing buttons. (That's if I don't snaffle them myself!). To be drawn next Tuesday, 8PM.

Sarah from Little Billies

Name and Location: Sarah in Sydney

Your business? Little Billies

How long has Little Billies been operating? 12 months in October

What inspired you to start your business? I wanted to encourage my son in good behavior with a reward chart. When I searched what was already available I didn’t find anything that rewarded kids for heart attitudes! What was available was all about life skills like going to the toilet, making the bed, etc (which is important, but I wanted both life skills and heart attitudes). I wanted to encourage my son (and children to come) in things like sharing, kindness, manners and other values that we as a family deem as important in raising our kids. When I drew up my first chart it was just a laminated sheet with a few stickers. I soon found that I got lazy in using it because it required me to draw up new charts and purchase new stickers. I then decided to move the chart into a magnetic form. The chart is magnetic and the reward stickers are magnetic. It means that it is so easy to use, and is reusable time and time again with no need to purchase anything else! Then making the step into business was easy, I had a new friend over and she was ecstatic when she saw the chart on the fridge and immediately asked where she could get one….. and then just spurred me on.


What are your top 3 best selling items? Definitely the Reward Charts, probably in the pack form, the Morning Routine Chart would come next and then My Week (which is personally my favourite!)




What is a “typical” work day for you? A typical work day is worked around the kids routines. A couple of hours in the middle of the day during sleep/rest time for the kids, a few stolen moments to check emails while the kids are watching tv and in between doing housework and all the domestic duties. The day then finishes off sitting on the lounge with hubby with my laptop while he watches tv for a few more hours of solid work!

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? My work is my fun, I love it! It re-energises me and I love the thought that perhaps I am helping mums and dads to have a more positive and proactive approach in their homes.

If I gave you $200 and two hours to spend it only on yourself, what would you do? I love stationery supplies. Kikki-K could very well be the lucky recipient of the $200 and I would spend the two hours just browsing through the shop deciding.

You can visit Sarah's fantastic store here: Little Billies. She also has a very imformative blog: Little Billies Blog.

**Little Billies is offering one lucky reader a $25 gift voucher to spend at the Little Billies store! All you need to do is visit Little Billies and leave a comment HERE at Mama Loves to Shop, telling us which product you think would be the most useful in your own home. Winner will be drawn on Friday, 8pm.**

Andrea from Design & PR Girl

Name and Location:
Andrea Hogben
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Your business?
Design & PR Girl Boutique Design and Marketing

How long has Design & PR girl been operating?
Only two months but it's kickin goals!!!
I have been in business before a few years ago having ran my own design agency!

What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired by all the dedicated women and mothers in business. I too wanted to be a part of that too!
I am a passionate designer and business promoter who loves to help small businesses grow and soar to greater heights.
My Fav saying is: "Ignore everything they say - pay attention to what they do!"

What was your first ever job?
I was a greeting card designer (e.g. birthday cards, wrapping paper etc)

If I gave you $200 and two hours to spend it only on yourself, what would you do?
I would spend the $200 shopping online for my 2 year old son Nate and then soak in a bubble bath. ha!


Have a look at Andrea's impressive portfolio of stunning designs here at www.designandprgirl.com.au

If you visit www.designandprgirl.com.au today
and book any project, you'll receive an ANIMATED BANNER FOR FREE!
(Consisting of 5 frames. Customed designed to match your business/product Sizes available: 125x125 or 150x150)

Fleur from Mint and Lilac

Name and Location:
My name is Fleur Brooks and I live with my 5 beautiful girls and my gorgeous husband in Sunny Queensland.

Your business?
Mint and Lilac, an online Baby Boutique.

How long has Mint and Lilac been operating?
My close friend Kathryn and I started Mint and Lilac towards the end of 2007. Recently Kathryn has gone on to help her husband run their new bike store, and Mint and Lilac is now solely owned by myself – a thrilling new challenge!

What inspired you to start your business?
We were frustrated at the lack of unique brands and products available in Australia, as most stores seemed to simply carry the same basic brands. We wanted to venture out and give discerning mums the opportunity to find something New, Stylish, Luxurious and Affordable without having to leave the comfort of their home.
Shortly after our initial launch, we also made the decision to stop selling clothing and focus on our niche, which is Gifts, Accessories and Nursery items for both Mums and Bubs.

What are your top 3 best selling items?
Without a doubt, Pediped shoes are our most popular brand - We receive SO many email requests for them that we started placing new orders with Pediped every fortnight! We are the top ranking Australian supplier for Pediped on Google and can access great deals on these gorgeous baby shoes.
Our second best selling product would be the Lalapanzi Travel Beds and then thirdly would probably be the beautiful leather Designer Nappy Bags.


What is a “typical” work day for you?
A typical day?!
Well, there is the morning rush first off (older girls to school, hubby to work, younger girls set up with morning activities and feeding the baby), and then I usually sit down to check and respond to emails. Between feeding and amusing the younger children (2 & 4), and feeding, changing and playing with the baby (12wks), I will organize customer orders to be sent, place any new supplier orders needed, upload new inventory and follow up with any needed admin tasks. Of course, then between all this, there are always the household duties as well!
In the evening, once the girls have all gone to bed, I may also spend a few hours being ‘creative’ and design a new homepage, newsletter or product image etc




When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?
We are a household of Mountain Bikers! My husband designs and builds Mountain Bike Tracks , runs a Mountain Bike park and organizes Mountain Bike events. The three older girls (4, 6 & 8) all compete in biking events too. So, my ‘downtime’ is usually spent out at the Bike Park walking the bike tracks with the two younger girls, while the rest of the family rides!

Tell me three things on your own wishlist?
Oh, easy! An iPhone (who doesn’t want one of these?!), a night out with just my hubby, and a lock for the toilet door!

WEBSITE: Mint and Lilac

Thank you so mauch for participating, Fleur! Anyone who is expecting, or has a newborn should also check out the gorgeous new range of slings Fleur has!
If you are interested in participating in an interview with Mama Loves to Shop, please contact me!