In the coming weeks three of my friends are having a baby. Although I am daily searching for beautiful things for children, I still have difficulties deciding what to buy (probably I know too many things and am far too critical...). So, I was happy to receive an email newsletter from StyleKid and to find Admiral Road. A Canadian company that makes personalized fleece blankets. All blankets are made in Canada and part of the proceeds of the animal blankets will benefit the African Wildlife foundation. Admiral Road ships internationally. Now I just need to decide which one I like most...
Optimist
- modern designs, cool stuff, beautiful items and handy gadgets for babies and young kids by a Dutch mom who was living in Toronto, Canada and is now living in Germany.
To sleep
Green Gate from Denmark
With current temperatures of 10-15 degrees in Frankfurt, it feels like autumn has arrived. Although the sun is shining, the wind is cold and I long for hot chocolate and a warm duvet to keep me warm. The bed linen from Green Gate looks very cosy and comfortable for long winter nights. Romantic patterns for girls and more cool colors for boys. Browse their online catalogue and you will find many beautiful items for you, your house and your child. Green Gate is sold in many countries around the world.
Mintandchocolate
Although mint and chocolate is definitely not my favorite combination, the colorful products of Mintandchocolate are. I am glad that Susana from Amsterdam sent me an email and introduced me to her handcrafted items. 
Everything is one of a kind and the variety is enormous. From dresses to pillows and from soft toys to blankets. All items can be ordered online.
Spanish blankets
Mantita means blanket in Spanish. Mantita offers one of a kind blankets with cheerful patterns. Different materials like velvet, teddy or flannel are being used with vintage or new fabrics. Mantitas are great for wrapping around your new-born, as a blanket in stroller or car seat or just to cuddle with. You can order online. Shipping costs within the Netherlands are included in the price; for other countries just ask about it.
Kukunest
Teri and Laura were aspiring designers, painters, and photographers in their pre-Kukunest lives. Their passion for color and design, and several late-night cups of coffee, gave them the inspiration and energy to start Kukunest in 2006. Kukunest offers a fresh collection of children's bed linen. I fell in love with the Lantern Festival style; it is so cute with the lanterns, dragons and Asian characters. You can order online. For countries outside North America, you need to send them an email.
Fleuresse bed linen
Yesterday I was shopping and came across a bed store with beautiful bed linen. I did not have time to write down all brands (I had a very impatient 2-year old with me) but Fleuresse immediately caught my attention. Their bed linen is plain white with gorgeous embroidery in different colors and styles. Unfortunately the Fleuresse website (only in German) is hard to navigate and you will not find an international store locator on their site. I suggest to send an email if you want to know more.
Merino Kids Go Go bag
No more sleepless nights...That is what the Go Go Bag from Merino Kids promises. It is is a snug,perfectly adaptable sleeping bag designed for babies and toddlers. It uses 100% natural fibers, including a merino wool inner and pure cotton outer. It sounds too good to be true, but the feedback of happy customers and the IF design award make me believe it could be right. Merino Kids is sold in Australia, New Zealand, North America and the UK.
{This is my last post this week because we will be away for a few days because my mom is turning 60!}
Freckles from Australia
Freckles offers a great collection of homewares for kids. They offer a wide variety of themes in different color settings. Of course the nautical theme is my favorite and I would love to have a few items of this range. Unfortunately I could not find a lot of information about this company on the website, besides that Freckles comes from Australia and sells in North America, UK, Australia and New Zealand. For all visitors from Australia: they currently have 40%-70% sale on some items...
Rice from Denmark
When I was pregnant more than 2 years ago, I bought a very nice melamine children's dinner set. Recently I had a look underneath and saw it was labeled Rice. When browsing their website, I was amazed by the great collection they have for both grown-ups and kids. In the Rice kids' selection you will find a wide assortment from bedding, wall decorations to photo frames and storage boxes. Rice was founded late 1998 by a French-Danish couple. After living for 15 years in Paris, they felt the need to slow down. Now 9 years later they have their headoffice in Denmark in an old shipyard building and they sell across Europe. Have a look at the retail page for locations.
Dwellbaby and Dwellkids
Dwellbaby is probably known by most of you. Unfortunately it is hard to find Dwell in Europe and Asia. Dwellbaby was launched as a separate brand in 2002. It started with crib bedding and the line now includes stuffed animals, bibs, towels, and stroller accessories. 
Of course I admire the patterns and colors but what mostly impressed me is the softness of the material. When I first felt the hooded towels, I could not believe how soft it was. You can shop online or go to the store locator.
