#79 Portable Baby Chair

About a year ago a friend of mine bought the Little Beetle portable baby chair, a fabric chair that slips over most chairs (except for those that are very high backed), fastening securely at the back. I had never seen one before but quickly wished I had, it's such a handy little thing.

Great for holidays, visiting friends & family, as well as for cafes & restaurants. When you aren't using it it folds into it's own pocket & fits easily into your bag, it only weighs 160 grams so it's not like your lugging anything around in exchange for the convenience!

 

It's suitable for children who can sit unaided - 16kgs & is safety approved to Australian, US & European standards.
It's fully machine washable & is available in green, red & bright stripes.
You can find it online for $39.95 from Haggus and Stookles

Also available from Haggus and Stookles are these nifty little pieces..
The OnTray Trolley Snack Tray - clicks on to trolley handle & has a slide off lid: $12.99, Munchee Mug Snack Cup - stops snack spills (sultanas! argh!) as the lid is only open when the child's hand is inside: $12.95,  Baby U Juice Box Buddies - stops little ones squeezing juice boxes everywhere: $6.95

  

All 3 are BPA free & available in a range of colours.
We were given the Munchee Mug & both Master C & I love it. I'm particularly happy to not be wasting so much time crawling around on my hands & knees on the hunt for escapee snacks!

Cx

#74 Pebble Decor

Taking bringing nature indoors to another level, how fun & downright stunning are these pebble inspired furnishings!
Enchanting for children without sacrificing style, these wonderfully mobile pieces would surely be played on & around for hours on end. They are beautiful visually arresting statement pieces that would look just as perfect in a living area as they would in a children's space.


The majority of these pieces (viva terra/unseen/cs post&co/casa nova) are designed by the inspirational Ronel Jordaan, a renowned South African textile designer who has set up a women's workshop in Gauteng - Johannesburg where these 100% merino wool masterpieces are made. At present in this workshop Jordaan has personally trained 40 women between the ages of 18-40 who were previously unemployed & the felt sheeting is sourced from a self-help co-op of women from West Cape
Jordaan also has similar workshop/co-op set ups for her other product lines.
Workshop processes are all eco friendly with waste grey water being recycled into organic food gardens which grow on the roof of the work place,  the produce is for the women to either take home or sell.
Soaps are completely biodegradable & only lead free dyes that meet the European Eco Standards are used.
Interesting fact : "Unlike Australia, South Africa does not practice mule-sing. Wool traditionally undergoes a process called carbonisation - a bath of hydrochloric acid & other chemicals to clean the wool. As well as a residue of chemicals left in the wool, fine hair follicles are also stripped away. Wool that is itchy is because of carbonisation."
On a somewhat unrelated note, you know how there's this thing about some people that just makes you want to smile at them? Perhaps ask them preschool style if they will please be your friend? Have a look at Jordaans designer profile on the unseen website & you'll see what I mean! Bless.
There is also a pebble range for the outdoors available.


   
via viva terra/ africharisma/ cs post & co/ africharisma

   
via africharisma/ africharisma/ viva terra/ casa nova

    
via unseen products/ africharisma/ unseen products/ chiasso

   
via africharisma/ 2form/ 2form/ africharisma

  
via smarin - living stones/ smarin - living stones/ unseen products


The Smarin Livingstones are designed by Nice based designer Stephanie Marin & the 2form rug by designer Ksenia Movafagh.
All of these designs seriously blow me away, I love the pebble strands & would love to see a mobile made following this concept. Livingstones also offer an outdoor range.


This post has also lead me to discover Unseen Products, a fair trade, socially & environmentally concious online store that aims to make unseen or hard to find products from developing countries accessible.
A very admirable concept & some fabulous wares.


Cx

# 9 Lovely Lounging

I'm a pretty big fan of relaxing. I mean, I'm a pretty big fan of bean bags ;)

I remember when I was smaller, sitting in a giant one that my aunt had, and just feeling completely engulfed and snuggly.

I love these ones from Cocoon Couture.

Master C has one (A monkey) and it would seem he loves it too!

They are made from a sturdy, but still soft 100% cotton cord which is completely machine washable - making them nice and 'child practical' as well as easy on the eye!

They also come in heaps of different design and colour combos so there's one to match any colour scheme and/or personality...

Yup, my boy is a monkey.

Via Cocoon Couture

Cx