Your very own personal baby shopper

There's a new blog on the block. 'Oh not another one!' I hear you cry, but this one is different, believe me...

babystylefile is the brainchild of an uber-stylist-turned-new-mum Poppy Norton, who's on a mission to make hours trawling the internet for style-savvy products for babies and kids a distant memory. If you're sick of all the same-old same-old twee products out there, babystylefile is a must for you. Offering a great round-up of products ranging from dolls houses to change mats to laundry bins, this blog does all the hard work searching for well-designed products, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the fab things that are out there if you know where to look. And if you manage to be on the hunt for a product that babystylefile hasn't covered (unlikely, but possible) just ping Poppy an email and she'll seek it out for you. Perfick.

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Sunshine-induced shopping

I've been trying not to get my hopes up, in case it all goes horribly wrong, but it does actually appear that Spring might be making an appearance this year after all. We had a lovely walk in the sunshine yesterday and I didn't even wear a coat. Imagine that! Yes, I know it's raining today, but I'm feeling positive weather vibes all the same.

The sunny weather has, however, made me look out at our garden, something I try not to do unless absolutely necessary. We moved into this house two and a half years ago, and to describe it as 'in need of work' doesn't really cover it. We've been renovating ever since we bought it, and just about got the place ready to receive babies, though there's still plenty to be done. The garden is one thing that has been sorely neglected. It's become a dumping ground for all sorts - I look out of the window now and I see array of stuff including an old toilet, an old, broken chair I bought from a junk shop and then realised was unmendable and the back of an old flat-pack wardrobe.

But still, I can't wait to spend time outside with the babies, and I think I've found the perfect accessories for our garden, once it's been tidied up a bit. Check out this gorgeous picnic blanket from Anorak - perfect for Miss E and Mr A to lounge about on. And I can get a matching Garden Kneeler and Garden Apron for myself while I'm at it. I love this Kissing Horses design, but there are some other great motifs to choose from such as Kissing Rabbits and Kissing Stags!

So let's hope for some dry weather this weekend....

This is not a sponosored post

Shopping on a budget

Now I love to shop, and it's one of the things I miss most now I'm a mum. My shopping has been depressingly curtailed by a number of different factors, including a lack of time, a serious lack of funds, and the fact that my monster truck (double buggy) doesn't fit through the doorways of most of my local shops. So I'm thrilled that the lovely people behind Vertbaudet have launched a new discount childrenswear website called Happy Price. I hate having to multiply each new purchase by two, so a site with 50% off lots of goodies is perfect for me!

Present from Great Gran

One of the best presents the twins got this Christmas was these Taggies Take Along Taggie Hugs from their Great Gran (available from Kiddicare). I've often noticed that babies seem more interested in the labels on toys than the actual toy itself so the design of Taggies is perfect, with lots of labels in different designs. A and E love gripping and chewing the teether ring and the fleecy Taggie squeeks when squeezed. And I love it because it's machine-washable!

Lovely legs

My friend Powell Mummy sent me the link to these fab kids' leg warmers today. Available from BabyKind, they can be used on legs or arms and are great as an extra layer for keeping warm, or to protect little arms and legs when babies start to crawl. There are some fab patterns - I'm a big fan of stars so I think Pop Diva is my favourite design. A and E might not be crawling yet, but it seems rude not to purchase some, right?!

The good ol' days of Clothkits

I can remember visiting the Clothkits shop as a child, and it was a firm favourite with my mum, who was really disappointed when it closed. I've just discovered that the company was relaunched last year with a gorgeous collection of outfits to sew at home. Instead of following a paper pattern, the cutting lines are printed directly on the fabric for no-fuss sewing. Plus they do sewing workshops for kids and adults too. I've got to wait a little while until E and A are big enough for the clothes, but I'm looking forward to the day they are. Until then, I can get started with the toys, dolls and fab haberdashery offerings. Oh, and I could make myself something from the adult designs!

Verbaudet gets my top shopping vote

Cavalli Mummy introduced me to Vertbaudet today and I think it's going to be a firm favourite, with the catalogue becoming well-thumbed. I'm definitely not a girly girl, and these clothes are the sorts of things I would wear myself so it's not surprising I like them. I'm glad I've discovered them just in time for Christmas!

Great legs here I come!

When I saw these boots in Grazia, I thought I'd treat myself (bought them on Mozimo). Cosy boots that tone my thighs and bum at the same time - what could be better? Especially as I've been doing so much walking recently, and I'm sure I'll continue to be out walking with the twins so I may as well maximise the toning potential of all this extra exercise.

Stella McCartney designs for kids

So Stella McCartney has designed a kids' range for GapKids. Apparently she wanted to create kids' clothes that are accessibly priced, yet I have to say that I don't think £75 for a jacket is that cheap! As a fan of fun, bright colours I reckon the collection is also a bit on the dull and grey side - a tad depressing as we head into the miserable winter months. Love the styling of this shoot though, and I'm tempted to pick up a tutu skirt for E, though it will be some time before she can fit into it.

A big case of the "I wants"

I'm so loving the offerings from Mini Boden. Me and Young Daddy aren't really into the traditional pastel shades that most babywear seems to come in, so these bright colours and funky prints are right up our street. It's just a shame that the clothes don't come cheap but maybe I'll add a couple of things to E and A's Christmas lists. So get growing please Young and Younger so we can start dressing to impress!