It's no secret how much I LOVE the work of Draw! Pilgrim. She is definitely one super-talented and creative gal. So, although I'm a bit late to the table with the whole Christmas themed posts this year, (and there's only a few days to go till Dec 1) I spotted this vintage-style matchbox Advent calendar over at Pilgrim's blog and knew that you'd all love it as much as I do. Available from Pilgrim's Etsy store for only $3.50, the PDF kit comes complete with easy-to-follow templates, including faux-vintage matchbox covers and templates for making favour slips. 

Trunki definitely put the 'fun' into travelling with kids. We already have two of their fabulous ride-ons in our house so unfortunately for my two little people this one won't be making it's way through the door. However, if you're sans Trunki and planning a Christmas getaway this should definitely be at the top of your travel list. Trunki's travel toy box is a ride-on, cart-along storage case designed for 3-6 year olds.  Available in pink and blue from here.

Isn't every girl's dream to be a mermaid at some point? I remember when my own little mermaid phase started as a child, thanks to a certain 80's mermaid movie. Back then though, the only thing that turned legs into fins was the imagination. So, how totally fabulous that one eco-conscious and 'real-life' mermaid Kazzie Mahina has developed a range of Merfins to bring mermaiding to a new generation. Oceanika Merfins are designed to inspire the hearts and imaginations of little ones as they play, swim and discover the beauty of the ocean. To celebrate the launch of her brand Kazzie is offering the complete mermaid experience with the Merfin Package, including the never-before-seen mermaid monofin. Soft, flexible and functional, the monofin is safe to use with just a flick of the ankle to set legs free. Along with the matching mermaid swim tights and bikini, this package is sure to be at the top of every little girls wish-list this Christmas. 

Purrfect Summer dress from AU based label, Red Chalk. Totally in keeping with the little cat theme I seem to have going with Poppy's wardrobe. 

It's quite possible you have a 5 year old as fussy about footwear as mine is. So when an introduction to Mina shoes landed in my inbox I ran the pics past quality control. Her verdict? "Ooh, can I have them all?" If only. The sneaky eyed cat and watermelon number had her name written all over them in my humble opinion. Swedish based footwear designer, Linda, created this gorgeous range following the birth of her daughter and the trouble she had trying to find the perfect shoes for her mini-fashionista. The solution? Mina shoes. Creatively humorous, adorably cute and super comfy. 

I suppose you've been wondering where I've been of late? The blog posts have definitely been few and far between and I've been feeling a tad guilty for not checking in more often. Sometimes though life just simply gets in the way. Between planning two kiddy birthday parties (only 13 days apart), applying (and being accepted!) into a Master's degree course for 2012, taking on extra work (tutoring), training, and all the run-of-the-mill, daily dramas that inevitably crop up (just when you really, really don't need them) I simply haven't had much time to do anything else. 

I've put together a little snippet of the kiddy parties that have kept me so pre-occupied these last few weeks. First cab off the rank was Poppy. Five going on fifteen and full of opinions about her big celebration. I totally caved and gave in to the request to have the party at a local play centre, which actually turned out better than I could have expected. No food to prepare, kids completely and utterly entertained the whole time (we love that) and the best part – no mess to clean up! A small group of friends, close family, a fairy party host and a rainbow pony cake. Yep, this is what 5 year old dreams are made of. Apparently.

By the time I'd recovered from one party I was onto the next. My little guy celebrated his 2nd birthday with a backyard BBQ, family, friends and some spontaneous party games put together by my other half. I decided to go totally old-school with the cake and made the classic Women's Weekly train. The kids went NUTS over it. A tonne of sugar, scorching Sydney sun and by the end of the day mini-meltdowns all over the show. That's just how two year olds roll. 

Maybe this sweet little guy will save my sanity. Two kids scrambling for the same tired looking bath toys each night does not equate to my idea of fun. I think this octopus ring toss from Skip Hop might just about do the trick. 

via Swiss Miss