Scandinavian Minimal ship to the US

Scandinavian Minimal is a new online baby and kids shop that sells top fashion brands from Scandinavia. I have added the store to the Design & Fashion page. Brands they sell include: Mini Rodini, Monamici, Cheap Monday, How to Kiss a Frog, Finger in the Nose, Swedish Hasbeens, Brandstrom company, Tuss, Geggamojja and Tuss. 


The shop is based in the UK but they ship internationally and right now they have half price shipping on international orders until the end of June. I have already found some really cute stuff for both girls and boys.

Since the prices and sizes are not american here are a few guides to help you get what you need. They have a size guide on the website that you can find here. I like to use Google for my currency conversions. All you have to do is type in the conversion in the search field, i.e. "45 GBP to USD" and it will give you the conversion. Or you can use an exchange rate website like http://www.x-rates.com/.

Sweet William Memorial Day Sale

I am posting this sale on the main blog since I don't see these Scandinavian brands on sale very often. Sweet William is having a sale on their Scandinavian brands starting today and ending May 30th. Their scandinavian brands include Milibe, Mini Rodini, Monamici, Mor Mor, Popupshop, Shampoodle, Soft Gallery and Tuss. Here are some of my favorites from the sale.

Toys for all ages

The Danish Toy designer Kay Bojesen was recently featured in the New York Times for his wooden animal creations. as appealing to all ages. I love the designs of his timeless toys but don't really feel like it is something I would let my little girl play with, especially not considering the cost of his creations. You can find them at Unicahome or Fjorn Scandinavian.

Unique baby toy

I found these really cute plush toys by Klt:works at Etsy. It's a little critter is made with some Marimekko fabric and oh so cute. I can see a little boy or girl really go to town on those antennas made of organic fleece.

Our baby girl is a week old

We have been doing really well this first week. She has started to gain weight and is getting stronger every day. She was 8lb and 20inches when she was born (although she would have been heavier had she not peed right away). You can already tell the difference in personalities from our other little girl. LL is doing great as a big sister. She wants to give her little sister kisses and hugs all the time and asks where she is almost as soon as she wakes up.

Stuff & Things

• This new Swedish children's design store makes me want to start sewing again. I used to be very handy and crafty but I just don't have the time anymore.

• Smudgetikka gave us an early preview of Mini Rodini's 2011 winter collection.

• This stacking throne chair looks like a lot of fun.

• Babygadget introduced me to a Danish shoe brand I have not seen before, I love these yellow shoes.

• This tree bookshelf would be perfect in BabyGilr#2's nursery - the colors I have used there are green yellow and white and it includes a lot of flower details. But with that price tag, I think we will have to come up with a different solution.

Nurseryworks Tree Bookcase in Green

Danish Bunnies at My Sweet Muffin

I have visited the "My Sweet Muffin" online shop several times before but only recently discovered they have some Scandinavian brands to offer. They have a couple of Plastisock items, but what I wanted to show you was these adorable bunnies from the Danish toy maker Maileg. I have had a weak spot for bunnies ever since I was a kid - I have a small collection that LL loves to play with.

Småfolk or Little People

Småfolk means little people in Danish. I have seen the brand in many places lately so wanted to tell you a little more about it. It is a Danish brand established in 2005 that designs fun children's clothing with a 70's retro style feel. I think they are most known for their apple print like the blue shirt below. You can see this print throughout their product line, but they also have many many other fun prints like lions, cows, motorcycles, elephants and tractors. Their clothes are oeko-tex certified and made with high quality fabrics to last for a long time. The clothes below are from their 2011 spring collection.

To find retailers that sell Småfolk in the US click here.

Baby Girl is here

Born yesterday. We are all doing well. I'll give you a more detailed update in a few days. In the mean time enjoy the posts I managed to schedule last week since it was kind of slow for me at work (including the baby blankets post). It's the first time I have used that feature and it seems to be working great.

Klippan baby blankets

Klippans Yllefabrik makes some really cute eco baby blankets. Klippan is a small city in the part of Sweden I grew up. Their collection has bright colors and fun kid friendly designs. To view Klippans Yllefabrik childrens catalog click here. You can find some of their blankets at Scandinavian Design Center and Fjorn Scandinavian and right now you can find some at sale prices.

Pregnancy Update

Well, I'm still pregnant. The doctor was wrong last week. I did make it until Friday! I have dilated another cm, but still no contractions. I am hoping this little girl decides to make an appearance on her due date tomorrow - so I can be done being pregnant. Although JJ thinks she should wait until Sunday or Monday so we can watch the Derby.

This years mayflower

I wrote about the Swedish Mayflower (majblomma) last year. This years flower is pink and green, created to help Swedish children affected by poverty and disease.If you want to vote for the colors of next years flower you can so so here.

Marimekko Shop @ Crate and Barrel

I am not sure how it looks in the stores, but the Marimekko Shop at Crate and Barrel online has expanded significantly. They even have a kids section with some really great stuff. I love the Memory game for the older kids, place setting for the toddlers, bibs for the babies, or one of their classic bags as a diaper bag. I have one in red and it works really well as a diaper bag for me.

Wall hooks for kids

I am in need of some wall hooks for LL's room and found some really net once at Scandinavian Design Center.

I also really like this wall storage basket:

A little nervous

Only four days left until D day. I am actually getting a little nervous about this new baby. I am usually a very relaxed person, so it’s a weird feeling. I am nervous about going in to labor and having to deliver quickly. JJ is trying to stay close by but his job does not always let him be here in town, and I don’t want to drive myself to the hospital. But I am probably more nervous about what happens after the baby is home. How am I going to entertain a 2 year old and keep a baby happy?

Are rain pants a Scandinavian invention?

I just can't seem to find any decent rain pants here in the US - for me or my little girl. We have had a crazy amount of rain so far this year and our driveway has running water for a long time after it stops raining. LL loves to go out and put her hands in the water, and eventually her knees or but ends up in there too. So I was looking to see if I could find a cheap pair at Walmart or Target or a place like that, but nothing. They have raincoats, umbrellas and rain boots - but no pants. I could use a good set or rain wear for myself too so can go out and play in the rain. JJ looks at me like I am crazy, but I think it is good for kids to get out in all sorts of weather. Maybe not when there is a tornado warning, but if it is just raining...

I am not sure how much longer it will keep raining, but had I though it was going to be this bad in the beginning of the spring I would have purchase a pair of these great pants from Polarn O Pyret a long time ago.