June 2012
2 posts
5 tags
The Ark - A Cultural Centre for Children
So much good stuff going on at the Ark as usual, I really must get in there with Cal now he is finally old enough to take part. Look out for Toddler Tuesdays - The Magic Turtle and the Jellyfish, Awakening Curiosity interactive exhibition as part of Dublin City of Science 2012 and so much more. Full details of all events here.
8 tags
Third Drawer Down - Crayons to wear and build with
I was always fond of candy necklaces as a kid but they never really lasted very long and you were soon left with a wet discoloured pieces of elastic around your neck. Third Drawer Down’s crayon necklace should however last a bit longer. And if you don’t want something to wear, then these crayon blocks are double fun too. See all the Third Drawer Down products here.
May 2012
7 posts
6 tags
Mothercare Ireland turns twenty
Today Candepop had an excursion into town to celebrate Mothercare’s twenty years in Ireland and launch their new Family Rewards card. Guest blogger Mina’s Mum, Mina, Edie and I headed into the party in the lovely Little Museum of Dublin on St Stephen’s Green where we enjoyed cupcakes, tea and toys. Both Edie and Mina appropriated some balloons for entertainment as well…...
5 tags
Wary Meyers Online Kids Shop
Run by Linda and John Meyers, designers, artists and parents, the Wary Meyers kids shop is now open. Including vintage and items inspired by the 60s and 70s there is plenty to get you started creating your very own vintage nursery. Check out the full collection here.
4 tags
H&M Kids Home Collection
Really hoping this kids home wares collection from H&M will be coming to Irish stores this summer. Very much liking the log storage, would definitely go with my effort of a woodland themed bedroom for Cal. More detail over on the style files.
6 tags
Farmleigh Market - Phoenix Park Dublin
Despite the chilly weather the Farmleigh summer markets are in full swing. As always this weekends market has the usual foody treats but with the addition of Art in Action event there are plenty of crafty activities for the kids to take part in. And if all else fails there’s coffee and ducks to feed down at the boathouse. Details of this weekends and future markets here.
5 tags
A Grand Day Out at Bekonscot
We travelled over to Buckinghamshire recently to introduce Edie to some of her English relatives and took the opportunity to bring her to a place I was very fond of as a child, Bekonscot Model Village. It is the oldest model village in the world and is located in Beaconsfield, just half an hour from London.
It is a complete haven for children, they can play at being giants, watch tiny trains...
6 tags
Child's Own Studio - custom made soft toys
I love the concept of soft toys made from the drawings of children. There are a few of these crafters popping up around the web and Child’s Own Studio seem to be one of the best. Over subscribed with requests currently they have also very kindly supplied a listing for other crafters who supply the same service in their Softiemaker Showcase. Check out more of their creations here. (via...
7 tags
The Hueys - New series of books and competition...
The Hueys in The New Jumper is the first in a new series of picture books by one of our household favourites, Oliver Jeffers. Featuring a group of characters, the Hueys, who all look the same until one day, Rupert decides to knit a new jumper. To follow the progress of the book tour follow ‘Oliver’s Tour Diary’ and make sure to enter the make your own Huey competition here. If...
April 2012
11 posts
4 tags
WatchCapturing Childhood
As a mother whose children know the back of her phone-cum-camera more than her face I am definitely a supporter of recording your children’s special moments. Capturing Childhood is a new online site providing ecourses to inspire and help you to save those childhood moments in the most natural way possible. Run by photographer, Slugs on the Refrigerator blogger and mum...
6 tags
Children's Story Posters - Christian Jackson
Trying really hard to convince myself that I don’t really really need these posters for my own room, never mind the boys. Minimalist children’s story posters from Christian Jackson of Square Inch Design. Buy them here.
8 tags
Babatude - Online boutique for kids, mama and home
I have so many lovely things in my inbox that I want to share and so little time at the moment to do it. Babatude Boutique is the newest loveliness to come our way. Introduced to us by director Joanna Barclay they stock a range of products for play, decor and to wear from an international collection of artists and designers including many which are fully fairtrade, organic and pledge part of their...
7 tags
A Mighty Girl - books and movies for mighty girls
Interesting new site A Mighty Girl has launched, compiling books and movies for smart, confident and courageous girls of all ages. Featuring books such as Philip Pullman’s Golden Compass and movies from Bend It Like Beckham to Coraline there is something for everyone who wants to see girls as leaders and heroes not just sidekicks and love interest. Check out the site for mighty girl...
6 tags
Corby Tindersticks - design for kids
Always nice when new people say hi on twitter, especially if those people make beautiful designs for kids. Corby Tindersticks are Nick and Carly and they turn Carly’s wonderfully imaginative designs into a range of fairtrade clothes, prints and toys (particularly loving the Plumpy Nut toy!). Check out the full collection and follow their blog here.
6 tags
Early Rider - Conran Special Edition Spherovelo
About a year ago we featured the original version of Early Rider’s Spherovelo balance ride on. But now it’s back with an all new super sleek look. The Conran special edition, currently in white and grey, will be available from May. See their full range here.
6 tags
Sian Zeng - Magnetic Wallpaper
I am starting to see images of textile designer Sian Zeng’s all over the internet and it’s easy to see why. Not only has she created beautiful fairy tale like textiles in the form of cushions, plush toys and wallpapers, she has also created the ever changing magnetic wallpaper which comes to life with her range of magnetic characters. See her full range here.
5 tags
5 tags
Eco Friendly Crafting with Kids - Mini-eco
If you are already a follower of Kate Lilley’s blog, Mini-eco.co.uk, you will be well aware of her impressive craft projects for kids and very happy to see the release of her first book, Eco Friendly Crafting with Kids. If not…well isn’t it time you started. Check out her blog and craft tutorials here and buy the book for more here.
6 tags
It's all in the latch (a story about boobs)
Disclaimer: all information contained in the post below is based on my personal experience. No medical or scientific knowledge is included so please take everything with a pinch of salt and for any breastfeeding or breast anomaly issues please see an appropriate doctor and/or trained lactation support representative.
This is not the normal type of topic we cover on Candepop, we generally focus...
3 tags
And we're back (welcome baby Elliott)
New baby Elliott, brother to Cal, arrived in the world a little over a month ago, on March 1st. So it’s been a quiet month here on Candepop - but not so quiet at home. But we’re back! A little bit wearier and with a little less free time but we’re here.
February 2012
9 posts
5 tags
Books, books and more books - World Book Day
It’s World Book Day! Or, as we call it in this house, another great excuse to read some new books. In honour of the day, you can buy a number of children’s books including titles by Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson and many other favourites at a special reduced price at the World Book Day site. There are lots of activities taking place in libraries and bookshops all over Ireland and...
5 tags
Lemony Snicket returns
My World Book Day excitement was only added to by an email I received yesterday from none other than Lemony Snicket. The elusive author has another mysterious work on the way, the first clue being the picture below which was captioned - why would anyone want to steal this statue? Older kids (and adults) can sign up here to receive more clues from the enigmatic Mr Snicket.
4 tags
Outsiders
Not the S E Hinton characters but recycled plush toys, turned inside out and made into new, more unique and often more charming soft toy creatures. Collected from second hand shops and nursery schools by Samuel Coendet and Lea Gerbe, of Atelier Volvox, the Outsiders recycled toys have won Germany’s Recycling Design Preis 2012 and show us that there is no unloved toy that cannot be reformed....
4 tags
Elfie - Children's Boutique
I am a bit of a sucker for children dressed as children and particularly in fashions that could have been worn by the characters in books like Swallows and Amazons. And London children’s boutique Elfie fits that bill. Created by Rafaela Van der Heyden & Victoria Roper-Curzon, Elfie is inspired by the classic outfits their own mother had dressed them in and saved carefully for her...
7 tags
8 tags
Henri's Walk to Paris - Saul Bass & Leonore Klein
More widely known for his film poster designs, today marks the re-release of Saul Bass’ picture book, Henri’s Walk to Paris. With text by Leonore Klein, Henri’s Walk tells the tale of a boy who dreams of going to Paris and one day, packs a lunch and sets off. Originally published in 1962 this classic picture book is definitely one for the children of graphic designers...
5 tags
Valentine's Cookies for Daddy
This morning Cal and I decided to make some Valentine’s cookies for his daddy…and a few for us too. Things we learnt today; you barely need any red food colouring to make icing a nice pale pink (this was learnt after we made some less than pastel pink icing) and 25 month old toddlers and hundreds and thousands may be a very fun mix but you may be sweeping up hundreds and thousands...
6 tags
6 tags
Earth Blocks - Eco friendly Lego
For those who’s aversion to plastic goes above and beyond the standard recycled and BPA free purchases Colors Tokyo bring you Earth Blocks. Lego type blocks made from cedar bark, coffee beans, saw dust or green tea leaves. Not only an uber eco toy but also fresh smelling for your home. Purchase them here. (via Design Boom)
January 2012
15 posts
5 tags
The Numberlys - Alphabet story app from Moonbot...
Some time ago we purchased the highly rated app called The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by Moonbot studios, and sadly we never reviewed it here as it felt more like an animated movie being forced into an app format, and at the higher end of the app price range we really couldn’t recommend the purchase (although clearly the short film works better, Oscar nomination...
4 tags
Mary Blair - Prints and illustration
You know when a type of illustration seems so familiar but you don’t really know why, seeing the beautiful found Mary Blair print on Meet Me At Mike’s earlier brought a whole flood of images to my mind prompting me to find out more. Working on Disney animations from 1943 to 53 and creating art, children’s book images, theatrical sets and advertisements in the 50s and 60s...
3 tags
30 x 30 - Limited edition building blocks from...
30 x 30 is a series of limited edition products from illustrator Laura Barnard. The first run is a set of 9 cityscape building blocks with road print post cards, and with only 30 produced if you want them, buy them here now. (via Pinterest)
4 tags
The Great Explorer - Chris Judge
Irish writer / illustrator Chris Judge is back with The Great Explorer, his follow-up to the award-winning The Lonely Beast, and it’s another winning tale of a journey into the unknown.
Our protagonist Tom takes a trip to the North Pole, in search of his father who is a famous explorer. On the way, he enjoys a slew of hair-raising adventures and beastly encounters.
The story affords...
5 tags
Tootsa MacGinty - Spring / Summer 2012 collection
Perfect for families where hand me downs are a must, regardless of boy or girl, or mamas who just want their kids dressed like kids and not mini mr or misses, Tootsa MacGinty’s Spring / Summer 2012 collection is out now and is as lovely as always. Plenty of bold stripes, bright colours, rabbit details and the odd irresistible denim dress check out the full collection here.
6 tags
Augustina Woodgate - Stuffed animal skins
When the kids have moved onto Xbox, rugby or chasing girls, Augustina Woodgate’s process of converting once loved soft toys into stuffed animal skin rugs may be the way to save those memories while still having something useful and even beautiful in your home. See more of her work here. (via CMYBacon)
10 tags
BabyLit Books - Classic literature for toddlers
For tiger mums or mums who just want a change from Gruffalos and penguins, Gibbs Smith brings you their range of Baby Lit board books. The BabyLit range include toddler suitable adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet, with Jane Eyre and Alice in Wonderland soon to be released. Loving the idea and look of the illustration style I impatiently downloaded a copy of Little Miss Austen...
4 tags
Toideloi - Dollhouses for boys and girls
Dutch design, made in the USA, Toideloi modular stackhouse is made entirely of birch plywood and the self assembly walls simply slot together. It can be separated into two houses for separate play or combined to make one larger house for playing together and create many unique combinations from castle to sky scraper. Suitable for boys and girls, this is a blank slate dolls house with plenty of...
4 tags
Molly Moo - Mum to Mum
Molly Moo blogger, Michelle McInerney, must be one of the busiest online mums around. In addition to her own blog, the National Children’s Gallery and the International Children’s Gallery she has also made time to go to Northern Kenya as part of the Become a Friend team. This initiative twins Masai schools with junior schools in Ireland and the UK. Michelle is also reaching out to the...
4 tags
Paper Town - carboard fold up toy
Recycled and recyclable, Paper Town is a sturdy cardboard town inspired by Polish suburban life. Delivered flat pack and ready to fold, perfect for use with existing toy cars and action figures. (Via Handmade Charlotte)
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Kodo 30th Anniversary One Earth Tour
If you have children who like loud noise, the Kodo Family Experience in the National Concert Hall, February 12th, might be the event for you. Featuring Japanese Drum ensemble, Kodo, this is an informal performance where the members talk about their life in Kodo Village while demonstrating their techniques and music. Aimed at children aged 3 and up, you might want to check out their performance...
4 tags
4 tags
The Ark - A Cultural Centre for Children
Spring is just around the corner and The Ark has an excellent season of Spring Sing events on the way. Including digital songwriting workshops, beatbox workshops and joyful singing workshops, for the really little ones, there is plenty to suit all age groups and creative kids who don’t necessarily want to be a Billlie Barry. See full details of their Spring Sing programme here.
Ark...
8 tags
Big Blue Cuddle - buy clothes, help kids
For those of you who aren’t already aware of them, Big Blue Cuddle are an online clothes store that sell bright and colourful kids clothes (0-10 years), while also donating 15% to 50% of the value of each sale to charities such as Ambitious About Autism and The Sick Children’s Trust. Stocking brands like Small Paul, Hektik CC and name it, and helping fund charities, now there’s a...
8 tags
Si and Lu Children's clothing
I really must keep an eye on our excellent twitter followers more often as in there are wonderful discoveries like local children’s clothing company Si and Lu. Currently making a limited but quality range of children’s knits for up to 4s Si and Lu are definitely one to watch (especially if like me you are far from mastering the art of creating wearable home grown children’s...
December 2011
17 posts
5 tags
So this is Christmas...
From the Christmas eve feast at my sisters house we continued the celebrating and feasting through two more days of dinners with grandparents on both sides. Enjoying two different styles of family Christmas we still made time for our own new little family Christmas morning with a quiet breakfast and some not too frenzied present opening with Cal, who at just two and a week really doesn’t...
8 tags
International Children's Gallery
From the excellent National Children’s Gallery of Ireland comes the even more wonderful International Children’s Gallery. Created by Michelle McInerney, Limerick based graphic designer and creator of blog Molly Moo, the International Children’s Gallery is a space to allow children from 0 - 13 to display their artwork with no judging or conditions. A great start for any aspiring...
4 tags
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night
Christmas has caught up with us very quickly. The last wrapping, cooking and cleaning was completed just in time for us to be treated to a wonderful Christmas eve feast in my sister’s house, all we need to do now is fall asleep and wait for Santa Claus. Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Christmas night!
6 tags
Cal's Second Birthday & Some Christmas Baking
Last weekend Cal turned the very grown up toddler age of two. Instead of an afternoon birthday party the week before Christmas, we opted for a playdate / coffee morning with all his little pals and their parents. The plan: a feast of baked goods for adults and little ones alike. In doing this, I discovered that I cannot make fudge. It also appears that I am much more skilled at rice krispie...
5 tags
The Gruffalo's Child - Christmas Day TV Picks
Fans of Julia Donaldson and the original animated Gruffalo movie should set their recorders so they don’t miss the snow filled production of The Gruffalo’s Child on BBC1 at 18.30 on Christmas day. Featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon, Robbie Coltrane, James Corden, Shirley Henderson, John Hurt and Tom Wilkinson, if the Gruffalo Christmas ident currently showing is...
7 tags
Little Fashion Gallery - Online Deliveries in time...
For those of you who are plagued by the joint deadlines of Christmas gifts and finishing off work before the holidays there is still a last chance to do some online shopping and still get them delivered within Europe in time for Christmas. Little Fashion Gallery’s last day for online delivery within Europe is today, 20th Dec and stocks a unique selection of toys which will make it look like...