Archive for November, 2008

Nov 28 2008

Introducing “The Zaky” ~ Newborn & Premature baby comfort pillow

La Toriana introduces “The Zaky” 

 Ergonomic & award-winning bonding, therapeutic, comforting, positioning aid, as well as transitional item.

 
Also proven to assist with sleep, pain management, and your child’s physical/psychological development.
 
Imitates the touch, scent, weight, and warmth of your hands, helping your child even when you are away.

It is a soft but heavy pillow that imitates the look, feel, weight, scent, and warmth of the parents’ hand and forearm. It assures proper positioning, helps with pain management and sleep, provides a sense of protection, and assists with the physical and psychological development of the child.

It is all about feeling safe, loved, and protected:
When mums are pregnant, babies get four basic needs met from the womb: oxygen (breathing), warmth, nutrition, and protection.  The lack of at least one of the first three is life threatening.  At birth, babies that cannot do the first three on their own, they will get assistance from a machine (life support): if the baby cannot breath he is hooked up to a ventilator, if he cannot get warm he is placed in an incubator, and if he cannot eat he would have an IV or a feeding tube. Lack of PROTECTION, however, is not life-threatening but it is extremely important for his development. Protection, when not given by the womb, comes best from the touch, voice, boundaries, warmth, and scent given by the mother and father. No matter the size of the baby, he cannot comfort or position himself at birth, nor he is able to feel protected on his own - Contrary to popular believe, a baby is unable to “manipulate” the parents - sometimes all the baby needs is a hug and a touch that means “you are not alone”.

When the baby is not being held, The Zaky simulates the hands by weighing 500 grams, while providing boundaries, comfort, a soothing hand,allowing the baby to feel and a sense of protection 24/7.

     

It is proven that babies sleep better with the Zaky:
As an adult, you can’t sleep when you are stressed - babies are no different - they rest better when they feel protected and comfortable,however, you cannot hold him or swaddle restraining his movement 24/7, so give your baby a pair of Zakys that feel and, if possible, smell like you, until is time to hold him again!

When you are busy or away, The Zaky simulates your presence and helps you bond with your
child.  Moreover, it has been successfully used as a bonding and a non-medicinal pain management aid since 2001 in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.  When you are not there, leave a scented Zaky to assure him that he is not alone.

The Zaky is a must have for healthy newborns and for those children that are  ill or hospitalised. It is also a favourite newborn baby gift, baby shower gift and a “Thank you” gift given by families to the hospitals that cared for their children

Excellent premmie baby comfort pillow, a premmie baby or newborn baby gift.  Avaliable in the most popular cream, a soft pink or a soft blue, and in either a left hand or right hand. 

Check out  “The Zaky”

available at La Toriana in December 08… or email me at info@latoriana.com.au to reserve one. 

‘you and your baby will be so glad you did.

 

Warmly

Elizabeth xx

2 responses so far

Nov 27 2008

The BubBE Book ~ Journal for your Premmie Baby

Published by Elizabeth under Premature baby

The BubBE Book has been created to be a guiding hand along the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey.  It is essentially a ‘baby book’ for the premature child and their parents, in which all of the unique experiences that come with being born, or having a child, prematurely can be recorded.  

There are over 100 pages on which to record:

·     How the pregnancy proceeded;  

·     Mum’s time in the hospital prior to your child’s birth;

·     How, when, where and why your baby entered the world early; 

·     Your child’s vital statistics;

·     How you both felt when s/he arrived; 

·     Family details;                                                                                             

·     Milestone moments;

·     Medical information; 

·     A day-to-day journal of your time in the NICU;

·     Details of the day you finally get to take your baby home;

·     Important contact details of organisations and newfound friends from the NICU;

·     Messages from the doctors, nurses and other parents in the NICU. 

 

In addition there are pages on www.BubBornEarly.com.au  on which to include mementos from your childs journey, such as a first photo and hand and foot prints and all of the information found on this website (but in a portable form!) including tips for surviving the NICU journey; lists of premature baby support, clothing and nappy websites; a glossary of the terms used in the NICU and an account of the authors own journey after having her baby during her 23rd week of pregnancy. A page has also been added in which to record the names of those little angels who don’t make it home however this, and any other pages not required, can be easily removed.  Check out  www.BubBornEarly.com.au for more info.   The covers come in three colours: Opaque White with Purple Print; Translucent Raspberry with White Print and Translucent Blueberry with White Print.

 

The BubBE Book also has GREEN credentials!! 

Printed  100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and is stored in 100% recyclable polypropylene binders. The health of our children is intrinsically related to the health of our planet…so it’s important that we take care of both!!

 

Every baby is precious, but having a premature baby makes you realise just how tenuous our grip on life can be.  Enjoy every minute, cherish every touch and record every moment spent together in The BubBE Book, a lifelong reminder of an extraordinary time. 

 

BubBE Book Competition

 La Toriana together with Natasha from BubBE Book  is giving you the chance to win a book of your own.

Simply comment to this post below or email me  info@latoriana.com.au   a tip or piece of advice that could help any mum with a new born baby. 

Competition closes Dec 14th, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No responses yet

Nov 24 2008

National Premature Birth Awareness week

Published by Elizabeth under Events, Premature baby

 

Solving the puzzle of Premature Birth.  Premature Birth Awareness Week starts today.

Having a premature baby can be a lonely and frightening experience. In our communities there may be very few people who understand the specific problems that parents of babies born very early face.

Sometimes our babies are transferred to hospitals far from home and this can make us feel even more alienated and lost.

Through Austprem, families who have experienced the complex challenges of parenting a premature infant reach out to other families facing this journey, and offer friendship, information and support.

2008 marks the second year of National Premature Birth Awareness Week and we hope that it will be as successful as the first.

As a part of increasing knowledge about premature birth, Austprem Inc. will be offering information to ALL pregnant women in the hope of decreasing the rising numbers of premature births in Australia with Austprem Inc.’s new brochure “Pregnant? It’s probably nothing but it might be something.

 The brochure will be launched during National Premature Birth Awareness Week. and contains a summary of the indications that may lead to premature birth and encourages women to check with their doctor, hospital or health care provider if they are at all concerned.

 Premature Birth Awareness Week starts today. Visit www.bornearly.org.au for full details.

Useful Premmie Information Links

      Austprem

Featherweight Club - Mercy Hospital for Women VIC
Lifes Little Treasures - VIC
Loddon Mallee Kids - Greater Bendigo Area VIC

Little Wonders - John Hunter Hospital NSW
Central Coast Premmie and Sick Newborn Support (CCPSNS) - Central Coast NSW
Miracle Babies - Liverpool Hospital NSW
NNICUPS - Nepean Hospital NSW

PIPA - QLD

L’il Aussie Prems

National Premmie Foundation

Moment by Moment

 Having had 3 premmie babies myself, I understand only too well the rollercoaster journey many families go through.  I am very passionate about supporting groups that support premmie babies and hope you are too.  Please support them by going to their websites and  gain lots of information. 

At La Toriana, we have a specialised catagory for premmie baby and are adding new premmie clothing and products all the time.  Our aim is to be a supportive place where people can shop for their premmie baby in a secure, supportive and understanding environment.

The above groups are amazing in their wealth of knowledge and support and we encourage you all to support those who support the families of premmie babies.  La Toriana in the near future will bring more and more information on the support of premmie babies, an array of new ranges of premature baby clothing and tips an advice along the way.  We are passionate about Premmie babies, their families and helping the community.

 

warmly

Elizabeth xx

(some of the products and premmie baby clothing collections found at (La Toriana)

 

We would love to hear your journeys and thoughts, travels and pics of your journey.  We will be posting some stories here on our blog in the coming weeks and months with events around Premature babies, so if you would like to join in… please email  info@latoriana.com.au

 

warmly

Elizabeth xx

No responses yet

Nov 22 2008

La Toriana opens Baby Boutique in Sydney, Australia

Published by Elizabeth under Events

La Toriana, renowned for the hip, funky and trend setting designer kids clothes has opened a high end baby boutique in Australia! 

nah… its only a dream…

but here is what it would look like if it were true!  Thanks to PHOTOFUNIA for the fun in thinking it may be a reality… one day!

 If it was true… and in my dreams seems so real….  you would see all your favourite kids fashion items from great Australian and New Zealand kids fashion designers that you find now on La Toriana,  close up and personal. 

 

   ahhh… and La Toriana on front cover of Vogue Magazine…..  wow… wouldnt that be unreal if it was true  (which its not of course!)  Can’t ever see it happening… but I am just letting my imagination run wild here.  lol

Visit the fun site of photofunia.com where I saw all this.  it had me amused for ages!

Labels as annieB’s, alimrose, anamalz, Babyjo bamboo, boxy design, BRITT, bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Cuski, Earlybirds, Eco Peko, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss Creations, fINNIGAN fINN, Footprints on me, Gaia Skin Natural, gertie and me, Grommets, hey baby, Huggalugs, i candy, lambykins, Lazybones, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Locolili, miniwhick, mon tresor, nan huchy, Nanny Pickle, oobi, oopsidaisi, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tea Princess, Teeny weeny, Three Little Trees, Tikiboo Kids, Tummy Bear, Vanchi, Vintage Kid, Wild things of Noosa … and so many more

ahhh….  we can only dream…..

 warmly

Elizabeth xx

One response so far

Nov 20 2008

Cool, Hip and Funky designer BOYS clothes for Christmas

Published by Elizabeth under Clothing, Kids Fashion

Looking for a trendy, hip, funky and designer wear for your little boy? 

Look no further!

“Sassy and sensible” boys wear is the theme for this Summer and you will love these stylish and affordable boys clothes available online.

  Available at La Toriana is the denim boys shorts by fINNIGAN fINN.  Stunning!

 Exclusive to La Toriana is the Wild Things Of Noosa bucket hat and matching shorts in “yellow dogs” animal print, annieB’s boys Summer Pj’s, Long sleeve T by fINNIGAN fINN, Britt Design “hip” boys vest, Eternal Creation red and white striped shirt with matching shorts.  All would be great for Christmas day and family photo’s

 

For a Groovy, surfy, casual look Grommets T is an affordable steal, and matches well with the Grommets denim 3/4 pants.  I just love the Lazybones boys cotton PJ’s, and the Cheeky Little Soles boys leather shoes. 

 Exclusive to La Toriana is the Wild things of Noosa “Black animals” shorts with matching hat, and to match the yellow dogs hat above Wild Things of Noosa have the matching shorts available (whilst stocks last).  For any young mans party wardrobe,   boys designer clothing  from the Eternal Creations collection is a stunning addition.  Why not grab the pants, T and vest that all match in well for a layering look?

 Now boys also love accessories and below are a few of our pics to accessorise with a hip designer boys clothing range.  Penny Scallan Back pack, hats and smocks, Huggalugs in a variety of prints and colours, Bump Buddy soccer ball or Dino is great for those little bumps and bruises boys seem to get too.  A great boys gift is the L’il Ned surf coast inspired boys jewellery collection of adjustable boys necklaces and bracelets.  And.. at the end of a hard days playing (or partying) your little man can relax in his own bean chair from annieB’s.  Another great boys gift this Christmas.

 

 

Too hard to choose just one designer boys clothing piece or boys accessory?  … go on…   spoil your little boy and buy him a whole range of things.  I bet you’ll be getting kisses galore… and you so deserve it too!

 

If there is anything I can help with give me a call or email me at info@latoriana.com.au….  otherwiwise

Grab a cuppa

sit back…

relax…

and enjoy

the La Toriana shopping experience

~  we know you will

 

 

warmly

Elizabeth xx

No responses yet

Nov 18 2008

Dressing up girls for Christmas

Published by Elizabeth under Clothing, Kids Fashion

We all love dressing up for Christmas,

and mums especially love dressing their little girls for Christmas too!

We are giving you a quick run down on some of our gorgeous girls designer clothing here at La Toriana.  I know… I know… its so hard to choose isnt it?  I suggest get a gorgeous outfit for Christmas day… something more casual for Boxing Day. something very cute for New Years day…. and don’t forget a couple dresses for all those Christmas parties leading up to Christmas Day….

Here is a collage of gorgeous girls dresses, girls tops, and shirts, hats, short and shoes.  Or check out the full range at La Toriana….

here are some of the best sellers in girls fashion to date:

Tea princess “Enchanted garden crochet” dress, fINNIGAN fINN White cross over blouse, fINNIGAN fINN, Red Viole shirt  (my all time fav!!!), Tea Princess “Bow Pretty ” dress (centre),  Penny Scallan strawberry Hat, Cheeky Little Soles Cuddles duck baby leather shoes, Three Little Trees, Sandalwood Pinni.  These affordable, stylish designer clothes for girls are are all Australian Designed and collections that are unique and  very “girly”

 You certainly cannot go past the stunning OOBI babyRed 1950’s Scarlett pinni, matches well with the Cheeky Little Soles ”Summer” baby shoes, and don’t forget the Tea Princess White crochet singlet and the Sunset Ave denim vest and matching short set.  Have you seen the Wild things of Noosa gorgeous ruffle bloomer in the Spring cheery with the matching hat?  its by far the best made collection i have seen to date! 

Looking at a white Christmas? the Tea princesswhite baby muslin top with matching bloomers is a Divine outfit, but not many left so best hurry!  comes in size 0 and size 1.  The Hey Baby pink wrap has been ever so popular with travel, every mum who has bought one has raved about it.  do you have one?  makes a great baby gift! The signature dress by OOBI is a classic and will never go out of style as will the Tea Princess white crochet singlet seen here with the Tea princess rose hair clip (that is often used as a brooch)

 ooohhh… now we all know little girls love to accessorise just as much as their mums do!  below are some favourites from the La Toriana website.

Mon Tresor, “Chloe” bracelet, Fairy Floss Creations pink hair clips assorted, Little Pearls for Little Girls fresh water pearl bracelet and necklace, Fairy Floss Creations heart beaded necklace, Locolilli reversible headbands in summer colours, Fairy Floss Creations heart bracelet. 

 

 

So C’mon

Grab a cuppa

Sit back

relax

and enjoy the La Toriana shopping experience….

we know you will!

Warmly   Elizabeth xx

2 responses so far

Nov 14 2008

Rural mums no longer isolated when it comes to shopping

Published by Elizabeth under Kids Fashion, mums

For so long the many country and rural women, especially mums, have been disadvantaged when it come to shopping and buying the latest fashion trends in gifts and clothing for themselves and their kids. 

Many rural families are set amongst an isolated area, hundreds of kms to major shopping centres and the local general store with shearing supplies, drenches, stock …. just doesnt cut it.  Wanting to also be in the midst of the fashion stakes with their fellow city sisters, it was so much harder.  I remember going to a wedding in the city when i was a teenager and people looking at us as real country hicks.  We didnt have much to choose from in the country town we were in, and the prices were sky high for limited choices and clothing labels that were seasons behind.  My word… times have changed.

 

 

Elizabeth (founder of La Toriana) ….in her backyard

The internet has bridged the gap and rural women no longer need to feel isolated by geohraphy! 

The internet has fast proven invaluable on the land in farming and in and around the home.  Modern technology has helped farmers find information quickly from price of wool to the latest weather reports, keeping in touch with sister sheep stations and abilty to help in schooling of the kids.  Its also helped mums network with like minded people, do their banking and share trading online, find gluten free  recipes and how to treat aphids in the garden… organically!

The internet has helped mums save heaps of money too!

No longer do they have to take a day to drive hundreds of kms to the nearest shops to get supplies, or drive into the next biggest town to find their children clothes and gifts.  It now can be done in the comfort of their own home, and around their busy schedule. 

Buying a gift for a newborn baby, a unique childrens clothing label or even a latest fashion release was near impossible for country and rural women, unless they ordered from catalogue or made the big trip to the city.

 Women are now savvy shoppers and no longer feel the “country cousins”.  A quick “click” online, and knowing where to “surf” for latest designs, new releases and great specials are a norm now. Amazing websites like my favourite kidstylefile where you can get great kids shopping at bargain prices everyday and  Never Shopped Out which is a great shopaholics resource guide where you will find quality  womens  designer wear and accessories.   Babyology is another one that takes the leg work out of shopping to find you amazing and unique products fom around the world.

kidstylefile      

 

Going direct to the shoppers favourite websites, and shopping directories, is as popular now as mums sourcing inforation on baby development, farm practices and amazing recipes.  Many rural mums also belong to great forums and have networked, making lifelong friends over the internet with like minded people.  Some have used the internet whilst they were pregnant, whilst starting a new hobby and so many other life situations.  all for women is a great womens network as is one of my favourites for warmth, friendships and making new friends. 

Finding the latest Summer release of Tea Princess girls vintage clothing for instance, or trying to find a designer boys clothing collection with shorts and matching hats, like Wild Things of Noosa, is easy and quick on the internet.  It is as easy…. by doing a google search and finding these designer kids labels andwhere in Australia.  Wanting to support Australian kids fashion designers? … the internet will not only show you who they are, but also where to find their collections.

 

At La Toriana, we pride ourselves on bringing you quality, stylish and affordable baby and childrens designer clothing that is unique and different.  We know and understand you want to dress your precious little ones in something that is affordable stylish, and not commonly found, and you can be assured of this at La Toriana.  Come check out a great party outfit for you and the kids for this coming Christmas season …

We invite you all to grab a cuppa

sit back,

relax and enjoy

the La Toriana shopping expeience

~  we know you will

Elizabeth xx

 If you have any great websites you would like to share, please email me at info@latoriana.com.au or post here we all would love to know your favs.

Enjoy all your Christmas festivities, and please be safe on the roads.

Warmly Elizabeth xx

             

One response so far

Nov 08 2008

Introducing ~ “Mouse Grayson Campbell”

           

Following on from our competition to name this mouse……
 
 we have finally had our mouse choose a name… he ceratinly hs mulled over this name for a very long time…. and so we like to formally introduce you to
 
Mouse Grayson  Campbell   
 
with a nickname “ Squeaky” (but only to his close friends)
 
Grayson was submitted by Michelle S
Campbell was submitted by Kim
squeaky was submitted by Meredith
 
Rosie guessed the place correct  (Torquay)  and wins a $10 voucher
 
It was a wonderful competition so much fun…. however… there is a glitch
 
He has decided he wont leave? ”I know… I know….tell me about it”
 
He likes it here as he has taken on the role of  # 1 advisor in designer childrens fashion at La Toriana.  He has also been my PR agent and website stylist and feels he is far too valuable to be ” let go”.  He has set up residence in the warehouse with his own phone, lap top etc.and.. to be honest, I dont think I would be able to afford to pay anyone else or who would do half as good a job as he does.  The amount of work he does is incredible, and for the cost he charges me  (a slice of cheese a day)  he is a great asset.    But like I explained to him… “a deal is a deal….”
 
so he slept on it and came up with a brilliant plan!
 
well….
we all know how mice are excellent breeders, right?… well …. he has lots of brothers and sisters in the warehouse., He explained the situation to them, and so they are all so excited to be be going to new homes!!!  (yay).  So… Michelle, Kim and Meredith who were the winning entrants all get to adopt one! 
  • all Mouse Grayson  Campbell  asks is that he be sent regular emails and updates on his brothers and sisters through this blog.  Can you do this?  So… when they arrive take a pic and let us know what name you called them,  a bit about the family, town etc, where you go on holidays (always take them with you and get some pics)….   keep regualr updates and we will post them on his blog.  In turn, “Squeaky” (best known to his friends)  will keep you all up to date each month on whats been happening in his life through the La Toriana blog.
 
There are still a couple more brothers and sisters here so if you think you could provide them with a home this Christmas, (or their distant cousins 500 times removed) Edwardo the donkey, Sophie Sheep, …. and friends, please visit and adopt them please.
 
so… with no further to do….  ,we now have Mouse Grayson  Campbell   helping out at La Toriana.  He is off to go help his brothers and sisters pack and pop them on the right path for their new home.  
Everyone is so excited!
Warmly
Elizabeth xx
.
 ”Squeaky” (known by his friends) pops his head around the corner and gives us a cheeky smile and a little wink
Now what IS he up to?……..

One response so far

Nov 01 2008

Introducing ~ “Wild Things of Noosa”, Kids designer clothing

Wild Things of Noosa

 

For the love of fabric, design and the imagination. Wild Things is a collection of contemporary toys, clothing, accessories and ideas for our little ‘Wild Things’.
.
Wild things of Noosa kids designer wear
Summer 08/09 Collection

 

Australian Baby and Kids clothing designer, Selina of Wild Things of Noosa is taking this season by storm!

This children’s designer label is fast becoming a household name in being up with the latest children’s fashions in looking Hip, funky, cool and being practical.  The finest materials and quality stitching is paramount to this Australian designer and her latest baby and kids fashion collection is no exception.  

You have to agree its striking!!

Australian kids fashion designer and 100% Australian made.

We love supporting Australian designers  and Australian businesses in the kids and baby  industry… we hope you like these products as much as we do!

Keep an eye out for future collections as i am sure you will be hearing a lot about

Wild Things of Noosa

ps/  what’s your favourite?  I just love the yellow dogs hat and long shorts… so cool.

Elizabeth xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 responses so far