Category Archives: Other Stuff

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teepee with style

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Win Green Striped Wigwam
I was obsessed with finding the perfect teepee for Tabarlow before Christmas. Obsessed! It had to be cool and tasteful, and ideally in a ticking stripe (I know, I know…). In a nutshell, I wanted one that looked great (and it did, in the middle of the living room for a while…), but was obviously still fun for the twins to hide and play in (and large enough to house two small people comfortably of course). And believe me when I say that no stone was left unturned in my quest. Now this one was definitely not the cheapest, but it was definitely the nicest. It is pretty big though (I tend to forgot to check measurements of anything I buy online, which has got me into all kinds of scrapes with all manor of things, which I won’t bore you all with now…), so check out the dimensions on the website. You can also buy the matching quilt for the floor of the teepee, which although an extra cost, was a really lovely finishing touch. But to be honest, you could just lay a few mismatched quilts and blankets down for an equally lovely, cosy effect. There is currently a waiting list for this one, but you can pre-order now, which I would definitely recommend. And if you’ve already started searching for the perfect teepee yourself, you can call it off…
£120.00  wingreen.co.uk

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barefoot in the park

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Vertbaudet Knitted Blanket
Can it be true? Is it actually Spring at last?? Well it seems so (in London at least…). So time to dust off the picnic blanket and get down to your nearest park (Richmond in our case) quick, before it changes its mind! I love this patchwork style. And I love that these kind of blankets are multi-purpose (I always keep at least one under the twins’ pushchair at all times). Perfect for the park, the pram, the cot, the bed… The list is endless. And I love these colours…
£29.00  vertbaudet.co.uk 

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wipe clean

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Jo Jo Maman Bebe Unisex Wipe-Clean Tabard (1-3 years)
Kids get messy. Fact. There’s no getting away from it, that’s just what they do. It might make you tense (I’m not going to lie, a tiny shudder runs through me every time the box of paints and pens comes out within splashing distance of the Liberty sofa…). But we can’t let this stand in the way of creativity. All you need is a cute tabard (a bib is not going to cut it when things get really messy – you need full coverage) like this one. This is one of the nicest designs I’ve come across (how sweet is the old-fashioned farmyard print?). Love the handy pocket too (so convenient for all those extra, hidden felt-tip pens with missing lids). Just pop it on before embarking on any messy activity (cooking, eating, painting, you name it…), and you never need to be tense again.
£14.00  jojomamanbebe.co.uk

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stars & stripes

M&S 5 x Pack Star & Striped Muslin Cloths
I don’t know whether it’s my imagination, but there just seems a much better (and wider) selection of cute muslins around now compared to when I first had the twins. I just had to make do with a huge stash of plain white ones (which, don’t get me wrong were perfectly acceptable, but they definitely weren’t going to win any style awards…). These days the high street seems to be awash with lovely printed ones. I really like these M&S ones for their simplicity. If I was pregnant now, I would definitely be stocking up on these…
£8.00  marksandspencer.com 

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little & large

H&M Home 2 Pack Fabric Bags
I have these and I love them. I have to confess to having a bit of a thing for little drawstring bags (I have so many, I’ve actually lost count…). I just find them so incredibly useful – keeping snacks/spare pants/medicine in inside my bag when I have the twins with me, so I can lay my hands on things quickly and easily. Also for separating things out when I pack Tabarlow’s bag for a visit to their grandparents… These ones are great sizes, and made from 100% organic cotton. They would make a really sweet present if you’re a bit strapped for cash after Christmas. Have I mentioned how much I love H&M Home??
£6.99  hm.com 

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beautiful (bargain) blankets

H&M 2 Pack Baby Blankets
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love H&M Home! They have the best stuff, and the prices are incredible. I always find great things there, and now I’m obsessed with their increasing collection of baby/kids things. How cool are these? They are officially baby blankets, but you could use them as muslins, or to cover the top end of the cot mattress (a tip I learnt from my maternity nurse – so you don’t have to change and wash the sheet if baby (or babies in my case) are sick or dribble a lot…). And how chic would one of these look in the cot? I would just be happy to have these ‘around’ (if I had babies around that is). And they’re in the sale!
£4.00 (were £6.99)  hm.com 

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dribble in style

Snoodie Dribble Bib (one size)
I can take or leave a dribble bib. I mean, I did use them a couple of times for Tabarlow when they were babies, but I must confess I don’t really have any strong opinions on them style-wise. But I have to say, this one did catch my eye. You may or may not know that snoods are having a bit of a ‘moment’? So at a pinch, you could even say that this Snoodie bib is ‘on trend’. Hmm. I just think it’s a really cute one. I like that it’s more scrunched and ‘snood-y’ than the normal bandana/cowboy style versions. So to sum up: it looks stylish, and will keep your little one’s clothes dry and dribble-free. Which is exactly what you need it to do. Cute.
£6.95  mamascarf.co.uk 

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make it personal

Percy & Nell Monogrammed Cushion
As you know, I’m a huge fan of anything monogrammed (my new Louis Vuitton ‘S.C’ bag is testament to that…), but particularly where gifts are concerned. How chic and stylish is this cushion? It would make the best present. It looks great, and shows that you have put a little bit of time and thought in (always a good thing in my book). It would make a great Christmas present, or gift for a newborn baby (Tabarlow were both given handmade T and M cushions when they were born, and I still cherish them now). This is a particularly chic one – I’m loving the grey on grey. There’s nothing not to love about that…
£25.00  percyandnell.com 

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a little interview

I was hugely flattered to be asked to be interviewed by Erica Davies for her fab blog ‘Modern Mum Must Haves’ aka ‘MMM’ (you must check it out if you don’t already know it). Here are some pics of me (excuse the bad hair) with Tabarlow, as well as some of my favourite things.
To read the interview click here

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muted muslins

M&S Assorted Muslins (5 pack)
Let’s face it, you can’t live without muslins when there’s a baby (or babies) in the house. I had at least one permanently draped over one shoulder when Tabarlow were babies (often when I left the house too). I always had a huge stash of plain white ones, and with the amount I was getting through, this was fine because I just chucked them all in a big white wash together. But these days, muslins are branching out in all sorts of colourful guises. I spotted these in M&S and just loved them. Such pretty (and unexpected) colours. Just makes a nice change from boring white. They are, of course, 100% cotton, as you would expect from M&S. And now they’ve been reduced!
£6.40 (were £8.00)  marksandspencer.com 

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sleeping on stars

La Redoute Baby Star Sheets (set of two)
I’m about to move Tabarlow into little beds (late I know, but the later the better as far as I’m concerned!), so sadly I’m too late for these as well, otherwise I would definitely be ordering them. I think they are the chic-est, most stylish cot sheets I have come across to date (well that don’t involve extending your credit card limit and lying to your husband anyway…). And such a great price. And perfect for twins! Make sure you check the size guide before you buy though – they come in two sizes. Sweet dreams.
£17.00  laredoute.co.uk 

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star suitcases

10 Little Birds Star Print Suitcases
How sweet is this set of three little cases? Tabarlow are obsessed with drawing and colouring at the moment, so I have accumulated quite a collection of crayons and pens (you can only imagine how tense I am about all those loose lids etc…). I have a case similar to these that I am currently using to keep them all in (although I have to admit, it’s not as cute as these). This is a perfect example of something that looks great, that you and your kids like (and we all know what a rarity that is?). And why stop at crayons – you could use these to literally store anything. They are also great to take out and about (I have started carrying said crayons and drawing pads with me when I’m out with the twins so that I know I always have their current favourite source of entertainment onboard to bypass any potential tantrums). Great for gifts too. Oh, and can we just talk about the price? £10.00 people! £10.00!
£10.00  10littlebirds.com 

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mini mushrooms


10 Little Birds Mushroom Fairy Lights
Looking for a cute alternative to a night light for your little one’s bedroom now that the nights are getting darker earlier? Look no further. Tabarlow still have their big toadstool night light on the floor in their room (which I love, but does need a new bulb, which is proving to be rather tricky to find, but anyway…), but how sweet are these mini woodland mushrooms? They come as a string of eight battery powered LED lights that you can simply hang anywhere in the nursery/bedroom. How cute! I have actually just recently discovered 10 Little Birds, and I am sort of obsessed with it. It’s a website that stocks a huge selection of adorable, original things for kids that are all £10.00 or less. So perfect for presents, pass-the-parcel, and those all important party bags. It’s a small, family run business, and the initial concept was based on ‘imaginative gifts at the most affordable prices’ (such a great idea). They also include many pieces from fair-trade businesses, and products that incorporate recycled materials. My only question is, are these mushrooms or toadstools?
£9.00  10littlebirds.com 

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time for a change

Vertbaudet Compact Changing Table
This post is dedicated to anyone out there with limited space for a changing table (including my colleague at Red, Laura Fantacci, who has just had a beautiful little girl called Greta), which I know can be a big problem. Laura was going to have my changing table now that I no longer need it, but realised at the last minute that it was simply too big for the space in her nursery. This is the perfect solution – a ‘compact’ (just a little smaller than average) changing table, that also happens to look incredibly chic and stylish (it basically looks like a Bonton one, minus the hefty price tag). I love the fact that it has wheels (and they have brakes, so not a safety hazard) so you can move it from room to room if you need to (I remember moving our changing table from the nursery to the living room when Tabarlow first came home from hospital). It’s not necessarily the cheapest one out there, but it’s definitely one of the nicest ones I’ve seen (regardless of size), and I would certainly buy it if I was pregnant (I’m not). Click on the link below for the exact dimensions.
£99.00  laredoute.co.uk

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hobby horse

Joules Jnr Dobbin Girls Hobby Horse
It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of these! I used to have one when I was little. This one is so sweet. I love that it has a bit of a vintage feel to it, (it sort of looks like it could have belonged to me!) and the paisley print fabric is so pretty. Oh and if you press his ear he neighs! Mine definitely didn’t do that. Would make a lovely gift for a little girl. And it’s half price in the sale!
£15.00 (was £30.00)  joules.com

ps: Tabitha’s Sun-San ‘surfer’ sandals finally arrived today. They are so cute. I forgot that I’d ordered the pale pink ones (most unlike me), but they are fab. And Tabs fitted the size 6, so they are quite true to regular kids’ shoe sizes (I wasn’t sure because they are American, which is why I held off on ordering Marlow a pair). Love.

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toadstool cool

Little Bird by Jools Toadstool Doorstop
This is one of my favourite things from the collection (and one of Jools’ too apparently). I just love toadstool things for kids, and this is so cute. I love that it’s knitted, and has a really old-fashioned/vintage feel about it. But not only does it look adorable, but it’s practical too – great for little ones who are scared of the dark and need their bedroom door ajar. It would make the loveliest present too. I was going to buy one when I was in the store last week, but I was already a bit laden down, (and en route to see my great friend Des and her new baby, Missy) and it’s pretty heavy, so I had to (reluctantly) leave it. The great news is, UK delivery is free (hurray!), so I’ll be ordering one online (and a few extra for gifts too). In fact, I am going to do that right now…
£16.00  mothercare.com

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gorgeous maternity bag

Zara Home Kids Maternity Bag
Now this really is a first for me. A ‘maternity bag’ (‘hospital bag’ to you and me)! How gorgeous is this? I have seen the baby bags that Zara Home do, and love them, but have yet to see their slightly smaller ‘sister’ bag until now. And the thing is, this would make a great baby bag afterwards anyway. Plus you can buy a matching changing mat and little zip-up sponge bag (I have loads of these for all Tabarlow’s varoius bits & bobs – they are so handy). It’s just so pretty. But I also love that it is slouchy so it has that whole ‘pretty cool’ thing going on. Would look great with jeans or khaki cargo pants. And I love the option of the long and short handles. And you don’t need me to tell you how adorable this Liberty print is. Plus I like that it’s cotton, not nylon. Just chuck it in the machine if it starts to look grubby. Obviously it would help to know that you were expecting a girl, but if you do, this is the bag for you. Treat yourself! It would also make a lovely present from say, work collegues (and if they’re feeling extra generous with the whip-round, they could even throw in the changing mat and sponge bag!) for someone about to head off on maternity leave. Love.
£39.99  zarahome.com 

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toy baskets

Laura Ashley Set Of Two Oval Baskets
I can’t seem to stop buying baskets at the moment! These are the ones that I mentioned in my last basket post a few weeks ago. I’d just bought them in the Laura Ashley sale, and I’m still loving them now. They are perfect for storing toys, and still look stylish in your living room. Anyway, I was excited to see that these are still available, so wanted to share the love…
£52.00 (were £65.00)  lauraashley.com 

ps: I am posting this from the most gorgeous beach house in Amagansett in The Hamptons, the location for my Knits story for Red. I think it is the most beautiful setting I have posted from to date. Anyway, I’d better go – need to get organised for the shoot…

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stick it

Belle & Boo Parade Wall Sticker (small or large)
I bought two of these charming wall stickers for Tabarlow’s bedroom when they were babies. In fact, they still had them right up until we moved house in June. They are just gorgeous (they have a real vintage feel which I love), and are such an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your child’s bedroom. They are fabric with a matt finish, so don’t look cheap, and instantly transform a room. I am a big fan of Belle & Boo’s illustrations, and first discovered them on birthday cards a few years ago. The ones I bought are the large size, and are approximately the length of a standard cot, and look great on a wall next to a cot, positioned just above the top of the cot (which is also lovely for the child, when they can eventually stand up and study them – Tabarlow were fascinated by all the different children, animals etc). They can also be moved around once they have been stuck, so you can re-position them (without ruining your wall in the process). So sweet.
£20.00-£50.00  booboobelle.com

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b is for for bits & bobs

Oliver Bonas Alphabet Bag
I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have things that can only be classed as ‘bits & bobs’ (well there are other, even less technical terms, but I won’t be sharing those with you now!) that I carry around when I am with Tabarlow. These can range from a bottle of Calpol, to little snacks, to tissues, to well anything… But I don’t like to just chuck them into my bag because then I can never find them quickly when I need them. So I always have a little bag like this one onboard at all times. Ok, it’s technically a make-up bag, but the size is always perfect – not too big, not too small, and has a zip to stop everything falling out. I also really like the Liberty print ones that Zara Home always do – I have a few of those. They always go in the sale, so look out for them if you are in there over the next few weeks. Anyway, I love this one because you can choose your letter (like the tote bag I have already posted), so you can have your child’s initial, which I always think it really sweet. Obviously you could just have your own of course. As I’ve said before, I just love anything monogrammed – it always looks so chic. And this is going in your bag, so you don’t want it to look ‘baby-ish’. I love the grey with the yellow contrast zip. And a great price too!
£12.50  oliverbonas.com