love these red kids rooms...

just had a look at the design dazzle blogspot and fell in love... a few inspiring ideas for Ella's room I'm thinking.... hmmm....

love those little square shelves

soooo lovely and minimalist... hmmm..

little peter rabbit had a fly upon his nose...

lil'L just started singing this as we sit outside enjoying this glorious weather... really have no idea of the words or the song but am so loving learning them all and especially so when lil'L sings them is such an adorably sweet little voice.

My family migrated to Australia when I was 8 years old so I don't remember any of the nursery rhymes from Poland and was too old to learn the Australian ones... but am so loving this journey with my little monkeys!!!

things that made me smile today... little bunnies...

just such a cute little blog.. the little bunny just made my visual day...

fifi-lapin

beautiful quotes

"children reinvent your world for you." susan sarandon

so incredibly true... and in so many different ways... they reinvent the way you do things, the way you look at everything around you and also the way you manage to somehow exist on half the sleep (if not less) than you used to...

goodnight

itty bitty blankie giveaway

the first giveaway is here.. the cutest itty bitty blankie...

I was given many loveys, blankies, teddies and cuddly things when both of my kids were born. Although adorable for their first year, they were all very big, bulky and a little too cutesey for my liking. I didn't want either of my kids to become dependent on these purely because of their size... but since, I have read a lot about the benefits of having a security object. 

I made one of these itty bitty blankies for Zaccy and when making it, remembered about the fascination kids have with tags so I thought I would add these too... if he never bonded with it, at least it was a good little sensory toy for him while he was a bub. 

So I would love to start my pre-launch giveaways with this little guy..

 

This itty bitty blankie is made with snuggly blue minky fabric on one side and a gorgeous floral design by Kitty Yoshida on the other. I have used gross-grain ribbons and included a matching ring to clip the blankie onto pram straps when on the move. The fabric section measures 13x13cm, which makes it just a lovely size to slip into any pocket. This would make a gorgeous baby shower gift or a newborn gift. 

For your chance to win this itty bitty blankie, leave a comment telling me what you think of this little idea as a permanent item for kasiabear kids.

If you really want to win you can earn up to 4 additional entries;

• become a blog follower of kasiabear kids
• write about this giveaway on your blog and leave the URL
• become a fan of kasiabear on facebook
• share this giveaway with your friends on facebook

(please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Giveaway ends and will be drawn on February 1, 2010. International entries are welcome. 

who's your favourite hairdresser?

I am sooo very tired and exhausted after a 41 deg day spent at home with my little ones, parents and hubby... I think we all well and truly got cabin fever by the end of the day and it was pure chaos!! The only quiet moment was when my dad and EPL took Lil-L to the pool for a swim.

Cabin fever and chaos aside we still managed to get in so many laughs during the day that my stomach muscles are hurting once again.. I just had to share this one with you before I head off to the land of nod myself...

Lil-L and babu (my mum) are playing hairdressers... babu is combing Lil-L's hair and making her look pretty then its Lil-L's turn to play hairdresser so she simply says to babu...
"your not pretty.. you need to sit down so I can be your hairdresser"

This whole hairdresser thing started off when I was doing my final Christmas Pressie Drop-Off and took Lil-L with me to drop of a bottle of wine to my hairdresser. As we were walking out the door she turns around, looks straight at my dad (who is completely bald and the little hair he has, he shaves #1) and asks..
"who is your favourite hairdresser dziadzia? Followed up a couple days later with, "did a dentist cut your hair?"

Classic!!

beautiful quotes

"give a little love to a child and you get a great deal back." john ruskin

for my mama and tata...

You will never really know what kind of a parent you were or if you did it right or wrong. Never. And you will worry about this and them as long as you live. But when your children have children and you watch them do what they do, you will have part of an answer... robert fulghum

Having my parents back in the country after over a year of living in Australia completely family-less apart from my gorgeous husband and beautiful babies.. I am feeling really blessed to have them both back and in our everyday lives. The smiles that are shared between grandparent and grandchild is just an absolute pleasure to observe from a distance.

Each parent has a different approach and different style in parenting and although I may do a few things differently than my parents did.. I am who I am because of them and simply put it... I love my life.. I love my kids and I love being me..

Thanks mum & dad!!

xx

welcome 2010!!

What a year 2009 was!! A complete and utter roller-coaster in our family... but so many wonderful memories were made during the ride, I am kind of sad that it's all over.. but simultaneously am so excited about what amazing adventures with my beautiful family 2010 will bring...

Wishing each and everyone of you a gloriously, beautiful, fun and laughter filled new year... treasure each and every second with your kids and loved ones... catalogue it in your head, so when you get old you can go through the filing cabinet and put a smile on your own face...

welcome 2010!!

lil-L the talking tornado

When I was pregnant with lil-L I read heaps about talking to your baby about everything you are doing all day long to get their vocabulary up. Being a first time mum I went along with everything I ever read just in case it was right. I don't know what worked exactly, but at 2 years and 8 months she seriously does NOT stop talking.

It is truly amazing how much she picks up and just how quickly and even more so the fact that she has the vocabulary of a much older kid but the understanding of the world as a 2 8/12 yo. Funnier still is that she mimics everyone around her and especially me.

Look out for posts labeled 'Talking Tornado'....

beautiful quotes

"never fear spoiling children by making them too happy. happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow." thomas bray

beautiful quotes

"our children will create a world we cannot imagine, they will accomplish things we cannot even dream..." kathryn t. shaw

my first birthday as a mother of two

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday for the first time as a mother of two... it was just heaven! The kids weren't any nicer than normal.. they were just themselves and thats what made it so special. Daddy had organised a voucher from them for me to have a hot stone massage (something I've been wanting to do for ever) and a full facial (something that I never really intended to do in my life) and Lil-L refused to give me the present or the card she made for me :o) Eventually I got it and read the little book that came with the voucher about all these amazing things they have on offer at this new Wellness Centre.. wow!!

We headed off to mothers group and due to sicknesses there was only three of us so the girls sang me Happy Birthday and blew out my candles for me.. ate all the teddy bear cupcakes that S worked so hard at making for me... again... gorgeous as their little chocolate covered faces made me smile far more than consuming the decorations myself would have.

Both Lil-L and Zaccy slept for me beautifully when we got home and gave me a chance to have a bit of me time. A couple of my closest friends dropped by. Auntie G looked after the munchkins while me and EPL went out for a kid free dinner. When we got back I got to have a good old chat with Auntie G a great day in a nutshell...

What absolutely made my day though was when Auntie G and myself were giving Lil-L a bath and she said that I needed to soak my feet in her bath... so I did.. then she said I needed to take off the prickles off my legs... so I did.. then she told me to put keeem (cream) on my legs... so I did... and when I made the comment following this spontaneous pampering of "I love birthdays, I wish I had more".. Lil-L casually replied, "Santa can give you more birthdays". I just love her to bits!!

Have fun guys!! I sure am!!

fave finds for christmas

I've been a bit flat out fixing my hubbys computer.. in short... I soo love my mac!!! I just wanted to get these goodies on my blog asap so there is still time before chrissy to order them.

The website to check out is www.thehipinfant.com.au. They have some amazingly gorgeous stuff and really well priced.. I'll try and put up as many of my fave finds before little feet come tapping down the hallway to find me..

Goki House Wooden Shape Sorter.. the cutest shape sorter ever!! and its made out of wood which is even lovelier!!

Hip Stuff Bowling Set Giraffe.. just amazingly cute!!!! and so unique!

Hip Stuff Milk Tooth Holder Cat.. only $4.95... the best stocking filler ever!!! again so much sweeter than other tooth boxes i have seen

Goki Shaker Building Blocks.. two in one really, you get the rattles and building blocks in one. wish we didn't have so many building blocks or that one would most certainly be added to the toy box!!

Hip Stuff Wooden Fire Engine.. you can't go wrong with this one at $12.95, after all its red and wood and just stunning!!

Janod Magnetic Aeroplane.. this is my absolute favourite of them all... you will soon realise that i love planes and this has it all.. its wood, its magnetic and its a plane.

Sparkle T Party Favours Cheeky Monkey Whistles (set 6).. the hip infant has some great party favours too, check out that section great alternative for lolly bags!!! these are only $12 for a set of 6

Alimrose Handsqueaker Horse Denim.. both my babies had these... well zaccy still does... 

its a great toy to leave in the cot for them to play with when they wake up. lovely, safe, soft and a great toy to put in their memory box when its all over. 

Haba Clutching Toy Buzz Buzz.. these are just adorable and absolutely timeless. 

I could stay here for ever and pick out stuff from this site, but little zaccy is starting to chat to himself and will be calling out for me any sec.. so must wrap this up... seriously.. check out this site there are some great finds here

xx

over and out and back to my favourite job in the world... mother

i got me a promotion too just last weekend.. the little guy is off and racing.. well crawling

fave finds for christmas

Alright... so its no secret that I love my kids and am slightly obsessed with sourcing the most adorable, exciting, educational and amazing things I can possibly find and afford... Christmas is not far away and I am happy to say that I am done.. and dusted!! as far as Christmas shopping goes.

I don't like shops, and thats not a secret either!! I hate spending valuable daylight hours walking around shops that are loaded with run of the mill toys and even worse.. branded toys. I have a marketing background and understand where these guys are coming from, but what my child watches on TV or at the movies etc does not need to plastered all over their clothing... just needed to get that out!

Online shopping was the go this year. I searched and found some amazing toys and would love to share them with you, as well as some really cool online shops..

My Fave Finds

Geomag G-baby
available at www.urbanbaby.com.au

The Geomag range of G-baby toys is a unique play system, where all the magnetic pieces work together in different ways. Use them in the bath, on the playmat or in the stroller - the possibilities are endless. Each G-baby element is made in Switzerland of Makrolon, a unique plastic with the highest level of reliability and safety.

A G-baby toy helps to develop your child's gross motor skills and imagination. Suitable for babies 9 months +

It's the perfect gift for a newborn, or for a first birthday party - a toy that will grow with your child's imagination.

Micador
available at www.urbanbaby.com.au

This range has quite a few fab items but these are my absolute favourite!!

Micador early stART Link & Learn are colourful shapes that click or link together for fun and educational play. They are designed just for 2 to 4 year olds and are safe and easy to use.

Link & Learn helps develop fine motor skills and creative expression in children through construction. The possibilities for unique creations are endless. They are also designed to develop problem solving and colour recognition, and they can be used as an aid to counting.

I just couldn't wait for Christmas with these when they arrived.. lil-L just loves them!!!

Badger Range
available at www.urbanbaby.com.au

After ordering the night night balm for lil-L and realising how amazing these products were, I ended up getting the whole set. My absolute favourite is the anti-bug-balm. I've put a bit of info about the anti-bug-balm below, but you have to check out this range for yourself! This would be a great gift for a new mom!!

Australia... summer... flies. Yes we all hate them, so you slather yourself and the children in chemicals to ward them off. Sure, we don't like the chemicals, but we hate the flies more! Not to mention those buzzing bloodsuckers, the mozzies.

Well, guess what - Badger Anti-Bug balm, with a great new formulation, is blended to strike fear in the hearts of biting insects everywhere.

It smells good, feels good, soothes dry skin & it works. What else do you need to know? Oh yeah, it's 100% natural, and nearly all organic, and totally good.

Online Shops

www.etsy.com.au - great handmade stuff for the whole family

www.urbanbaby.com.au

www.metromum.com.au

www.huggiesbookclub.com.au

www.thehipinfant.com.au

www.stuckupkids.com.au

www.haggusandstookles.com.au

www.mymunchkinhome.com.au

www.mummysfavourite.com.au

www.mybabyrocks.com.au


alright guys... I'm off to bed, I will post some more of my fave finds as soon as time allows..

happy shopping!!

best dollar ever spent

I keep reading about just giving in to the obsession kids have with pulling tissues out of tissue boxes for shear amusement of the child and five minutes to yourself.

Well... I needed a few minutes the other day (well a lot more actually) and I remembered the tissue box which was sitting peacefully on our bedside table as I tried to fold a few clothes while singing and dancing to my now crawling super zac... needless to say the singing and dancing while folding laundry was not as entertaining as I hoped it would be, and face it.. the bed was just too high off the ground for me to continue this lame form of entertainment.. after all, I have no musical bone in my body and certainly cannot dance to save my life...

  

So I gave in... and got sooo much more than 5 minutes!! I got the laundry done and zaccy zac just loooved this sensory experience (as you can see by the excessive drool marks on his bondsies). And for those environmentally conscious.. I saved the tissues as they were all clean for wiping up of little mishaps that happen around our house.

absolutely the best dollar ever spent!!

toilet training adventures

Toilet training has seriously been one of the funniest adventures in my life.. and it continues... I am hoping to be done by age 3 for lil-L purely so that she can enter the world of coloured balls in IKEA when we go shopping... just kidding...

I think I spent 90% of my waking hours in the toilet for two solid weeks when lil-L first started toilet training... and that was a loooot of hours seeing my little angels were not sleeping at all well at this stage.

The first days were truly funny! Not long after we started, lil-L did a seriously ingenious thing.. She did not know how to open doors at this stage and we had forgot to leave the toilet door open for her. I was busy changing Zaccy and she was busting to go to the toilet. Knowing that I couldn't leave him on the change table, she didn't even ask to go to the toilet, but instead, got one of her pull-ups out of the drawer and put it on, did a wee in it, took it back off again and gave it to me to put in the bin... I would have never thought of that... my little legend!!

After a mums group gathering with 8 kids all lil-L's age, their mums and now 5 new siblings.. chaos as you can imagine, the hosting mum yells out to the kids "if you do a poo on the toilet you get Smarties in this house!" So lil-L runs for the toilet.. not the slightest clue what Smarties are mind you.. but never the less.. runs for the toilet and yes... she managed to squeeze one out, despite already achieving one at home before we left.. so now she knows what Smarties ('farties' as she calls them) are.

So now lil-L believes that doing a #2 on the toilet deserves a reward of some kind.. I gave in and we got some of those Natural Confectionery Dinosaurs.

So she is sitting on the toilet the other day... doing a #2 and I am squatting down in front of her to assist her if needed. She was having a little trouble but was determined to get her hands on that dinosaur.. "My do it my-by-self, go away, make some dinner" comes flying out her gorgeous little mouth.. I was dumbfounded and seriously had no response... so I went and made dinner.

I was sitting on the toilet a few days later doing a #2 and she comes in and squats down in front of me as I do when she is on the toilet and says "I'm just helping you".
So I reply as she does to me, "I'm alright, I do it my-by-self, I'll let you know if I need your help".
She doesn't budge... "go make your dolls some dinner lil-L, I think they're hungry" I add...
no, she's still there... so I continue.
I'm done and reach for the toilet paper... my hand gets nudged out the way and she gets a hold of the toilet paper "I wipe your bottom, just to make sure you don't get poo everywhere"... (is this what I sound like?)

As frustrating as toilet training is sometimes, and especially accidents, you've gotta look on the bright side.. it is kinda funny too, and face it.. you only go through it once.

Enjoy it when your time comes!!

i love a clean house, but hate chemicals......

check out this blog...

I haven't come across these products before but they look great!!

absolute balance acupuncture: i love a clean house, but hate chemicals......

Kids Websites

With the change in weather, I've been madly late-spring cleaning the house and yard.. it never quite gets done with two mini variables running around, getting sick and not to mention me getting side tracked playing in lil-L's kitchen or lying around on the trampoline with zaccy Zac.

I have however stumbled onto a few pretty cool sites lately while playing on the iPhone during those 3am feeds that I'd love to share..


www.kidstylefile.com.au - just a coool comprehensive site
www.picknicksbrain.com - great sleep website
www.5minutesformom.com - some nice mom things here
www.huggies.com.au - good old favourite
www.shoeszoo.com - my favourite kids slippers ever...
www.haggusandstookles.com.au - great kids gear
www.urbanbaby.com.au
www.thehipinfant.com.au

If you know of any other great kids sites please share them here :o)

Get Creative

Something I have decided to do next year and actually put it into my schedule, is to dedicate 5 hours a week to recycle and hand make things. There are so many gorgeous fabrics out there, so much stuff we throw out that we could reuse and so many things I just want my kids to have but seem to always be out of my price range.. my answer.. just make the things yourself!!

One of my favourite toys, which I still remember to this day, was a little basinette my mum made me from an old shoe box. She covered in wrapping paper and attached a couple of handles to it so I could carry my doll around everywhere with me. I just loved it so much that it travelled with us all the way from Austria to Australia.

The website that has inspired me to start creating is www.etsy.com. This is seriously the best site ever... an ebay style site for all things handmade and supplies to hand-make your own things.

If you know of any other great sites that either sell supplies, reasonably priced fabric, patterns or have some great ideas for recycling, I would love to hear about them...