Spotted! :: New Kids Corner @ Brand Smart

 

 

We don’t usually blog about fashion, seasonal trends and killer heels. But when l received an invitation to attend a recent re-launch of the premium discount shopping centre Brand Smart, l thought l’d just had to go. I may not know loads about ‘what’s in’ and ‘what’s out’ this season but l do know how to save money and hunt around for bargain buys for my little peeps.

 

Afternoon Tea at Brand Smart Event

 

 

You may have already heard of Brand Smart in Nunawading, l know l have, it’s not in my neighbourhood but l have paid a visit on the odd occasion to hang a few laps around the centre looking for that ever elusive bargain for the kids. Recently Brand Smart, as one would say for the fashion world, underwent a cheeky nip and a tuck. Yep she’s all brand spanking new and soon will be filled with exciting new stores to visit.

 

Loving a cheeky glass of bubbles!

 

In a nutshell Brand Smart Shopping Centre is a premium brand outlet store. They showcase a range of brands like Espirt, Bed Bath N Table, Wittner Shoes, Converse, Sass and Bide, Royal Dalton, Pumpkin Patch and many more. Basically they cover everything from the bathroom and bedroom to the kitchen and wardrobe.

 

“Brand Smart, Melbourne’s Premium Outlet Centre, is re-launching with a competitive and unique offering, delivering a premium-shopping outlet experience through a new visionary design and a diverse”

 

Coffee - Need l say more!!

 

One of the newly renovated features l found fantastic was the kid’s corners at Space Café. This enclosed kid’s corner has the goods when it comes to keeping the young ones entertained while you stop in for a quick coffee in between store visits. With a rotating DVD showing a child’s movie, mini stools, crayons and lego this modern space is sure to keep any busy toddler amused.  They can even draw on the walls, which is totally acceptable as they are made from recycled cardboard and have been especially designed to be drawn on. Who’d have thought, that’s an innovative concept in itself! This amazing space is the brain child of Clare Cousins who is also well known for her amazing work at the Melbourne Central and Highpoint Shopping Centre family rooms.

 

 

 

Pram Parking for Busy Parents

 

Amazing Space for the Little Peeps

 

Space Cafe has a vibey modern feel and stocks all your basic favourites like cupcakes, babycinos, sandwiches and other hearty eats to re-fuel tiny tummies. Also Brand Smart has a change table in the disabled toilet for petite bottoms. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal then Degani would be the perfect port of call, or for a super healthy eat on the run then Sushi Sushi would be my snack of choice. But hey you don’t visit Brand Smart for the food, you go for the fantastic bargains and for the friendly customer service. So if you’re looking to an alternative to your usual shopping strip adventure pop Brand Smart of the list.

 

Time to party! Why not head over to Brand Smart this weekend to help them celebrate during their Grand Opening. They’ll be hosting activities for the kids like story time and games, exclusive shopping offers from mum and cooking demos and wine tasting for dad.
 

** I was an invited guest of Brand Smart and they provided me with a stunning lunch and some goodies to take home. To return their generosity I feel obliged to feature them on my blog – l think a few hundred words is a fair trade for a day out with wonderful women and brands **


Eating Out With Kids in Perth

Back in March this year our little family had the pleasure of having a mini–break in Perth.
The kids and l really had a great time exploring the local haunts while hubby trotted off to his daily conference. It’s a very clean city with all the latest mod-cons like good quality shops, friendly locals and an easy to use public transport system. The kids and l got to check out the Western Australia Museum, the Art Gallery and the State library which all had special kid’s corners that they enjoyed ripping through.  And of course we did some eating out and here are some of my favourite spots we visited. 

Our tour guide!

Little Creatures
High Chairs – Change Table – Kids Menu – Play Area
In my mind this spot is the ultimate venue to take the kids for a seaside lunch. We were lucky enough to get a table out on the deck, which overlooked the sea and the semi enclosed sandpit. While Mr Bambini and l sipped on local brews the kids had a wonderful time playing with all the truck, cars, buckets and spades in the sandpit. The kids menu on offer was super and tempted their taste buds with dishes like tasty fish n chips (with salad!) pizza’s and pasta. For dessert they do a simple scoop of ice-cream, which is always a crowd pleaser with my boys. Little Creatures have a change table and high chairs on site with loads of room for the pram. The day we visited it was jam-packed with families soaking up the sun, ales and good eats.  Our favourite feature was the sandpit, Mr Bambini and l actually got to have a conversation while the kids happily played next to our table.

Mr 2 LOVING the Sandpit at Little Creatures

Arirand Korean BBQ
High Chairs – Kids Menu
This restaurant was a hit with our family, not only for the food but for the laid back vibe. If the kids are into different flavours then this place is for you. With a special kids menu, highchairs and friendly staff this place is a must visit for quick and cheap eats. We got a few entrées and noodle dishes to share between us and then ordered the kids meals. The kids enjoyed honey chicken with rice plus a glass of juice. It was a no brainer place to visit and found all the dishes really tasty and fresh.

The Botanical Café
High Chairs – Change Table – Play Area
The Botanical Café is amazing spot to visit if you’re into views, as it takes in the whole Perth sky line, which is so tiny compared to Melbourne, but gorgeous all the same. Set in Kings Park this modern café gives off a casual friendly vibe with quick service and seasonal eats on the menu. For the kids they have high chairs and a change table. As for eats they don’t have a specific menu, but do offer dishes which would be suitable. For breakfast the kids and l shared a plate of fruit toast along with fresh fruit salad while Mr Bambini smashed down some poached eggs, bacon and avocado. On the entertainment side of things – well you’re in Kings Park, which has LOADS of room to run and play.

Mini Milkshakes at The Botanical



Cranked – Leederville

High Chairs – Toys – Kids Menu – Park Nearby
If you’re into loving the locals, then this suburban café with a chilled atmosphere is for you. The menu is stock standard and nothing jumped out of me to indicate they do something special here, but the staff were laid back and the beer was cold. They serve up all your traditional breakfast and lunch options and for the kids they had a basket of toys and high chairs. Cranked are also conveniently located next to a park – need l say more!

Giving the toys a workout at Cranked Cafe

Miss Maud – City Arcade
High Chairs – Parents Room Located in Shopping Centre
Hello morning tea! I felt like l had travelled back to the 80’s and was sitting in a Denny’s type department store diner, it was totally fun. Miss Maud (LOVE the name!!) is a bakery cum café cum diner. They serve toasted cheese, fresh sandwiches, soup of the day and of course they have a wide range of cakes and pastries on offer. We grabbed a couple of cupcakes here and they were a hit with Mr 4 and my Chai latte was spicy and sweet. For the kids they offered high chairs and sweet treats like gingerbread, cupcakes, biscuits and more. Cupcakes are the perfect thing to temp any moody toddler out of a public tantrum.


Please note: While l found Perth to be amazing l didn’t like their prices when it came to eating out. A simple coffee at some places came to $4! Which I thought was a little pricey – especially black coffee straight up, which is Mr Bambini’s poison of choice. And a bottle of water cost me $5 at another venue. You’ve been warned people! Have fun. xx