Interview :: Virginia From Charlie and Rosie

The very creative Virginia from Charlie and Rosie has given us a little insight about her cafe adventures with one busy little boy and one sweet pintsized girl in tow. Virginia is founder and creator of Charlie and Rosie and in between caring for two young bubs Virginia makes cushions for little people using designs that are unique, fun and a little bit arty.

Day Job/Occupation :: Founder of Charlie and Rosie and creator of cushions for kids.

How many kidlet's do you have? :: Charlie 2 years and Grace 6 months

Tea or coffee? :: Both (and at any given opportunity) but if you ask me early in the morning after a night of caring for little people then Skinny Latte with one and three quarters is the preferred choice.

Sweet or Savoury for breakfast? :: Savoury without question. Eggs Benedict with hollandaise on the side PLUS bacon, avocado and a hash brown (spinach if I’m feeling healthy).

How often do you dine out with your little people?:: We are only just coming up for air after the birth of Grace so dining out is more of a distant memory. However under more normal circumstances we like to dine out at least once each week. Whether that be breakfast somewhere at a child friendly cafe or dinner at 5.30pm (!) in an empty restaurant.

Keeping it local. Where does your family hangout the most? :: Jellybread Café in West Footscray. Other than Charlie getting into a scrap with some older boys in the caravan, the backyard is a great area to let toddlers roam free safely.

Miss Marmalade in Brunswick is another favourite. We love the back room which is dedicated to mums and kids, it can get a little cabin feverish at times but it's nice to know that kids are welcome all the same. (P.S Bambini readers we have donated some beautiful cushions to Miss Marmalade and they are using them in the backroom for the little people to cuddle and love.)

What is the ultimate family friendly feature you love in a kid friendly café? Separate areas for children to play (safely). Preferably sound proof and with barricades. Just kidding! Barricades would be ridiculous!

What do your kids love to eat when they go out? :: Charlie: cupcakes, scrambled eggs, babycinos, bread soldiers, porridge with fruit, toasted sandwiches, dirt. Grace: boob



The Charlie & Rosie cushion's in action at a kid friendly café

Best thing about eating out with kids :: My husband and I believe what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I definitely think eating out with children has improved our fitness (running to catch Charlie before he makes it into the kitchen).  It is also a joy to share a meal as a family, to laugh, enjoy each others company and make memories together.

Worst thing about eating out with kids :: The cost of bribing a toddler  "I’ll get you a cookie if you hop off that table top"

Describe Eating out with Kids in Three words :: Stop. Ouch. Sorry !

Thanks so much for your time Virginia, we know how busy you must be! Also we are super excited that you’ve kindly donated some cushions to various kid friendly cafes around Melbourne, we’ll have to keep a look out when we’re out and about next.

To get your hands on some of Virginia's gorgeous creations head on over to Charlie and Rosie. You can also find them on Facebook - Pinterest and Instagram.