Experiencing the great outdoors

Have you been on a trip with your nestlings to the great outdoors? We have been on a number of day walks and overseas adventures but until last weekend hadn't actually taken on the camping experience. Some might claim ours was not the most authentic version of camping as we weren't in a tent and were in fact quite comfortable, warm and dry but it was authentic enough for a first time.

So it was with some trepidation, but also much excitement that we borrowed a caravan and set off. We packed lots of warm clothes (including jackets, scarves, gloves, tights and bed socks!), hiking boots and a few games in case of inclement weather. Our nestling also took a journal to record the details of our trip and an iPad for photos.

After a 3-4 hour drive we arrived at the caravan park and located our site. Getting the caravan in exactly the right spot, unhitched from the car and level, took a little bit of time but eventually we were ready and could open the doors to our home away from home. We set up the beds and, after hitting my head at least three times on the overhead cupboards, treading on each other's toes and falling over each other we headed out to explore.

With no-one much around (obviously camping in the middle of Winter doesn't appeal to everyone - who'd have thought!?) our nestling quickly identified the best "tracks" (gravel paths), "cliffs" (a medium size rock) and "caves" (small clearings among the trees). Unfortunately, there weren't any other children around, but luckily our little one has a fabulous imagination and was soon playing all sorts of fun games and leading us on expeditions to the best bits of the caravan park.

After a bit more exploration - made more fun by the fact it was getting dark and, even though the park was well lit, a torch could be used to enhance the experience - it was off to the local eatery for dinner. After dinner I went back to the caravan while the others went on a nature walk to the beach.

When they returned we grabbed our toiletry bags and headed to the amenities block to brush our teeth. Then it was back to the caravan and into our pyjamas and sleeping bags for a read and then sleep. Whilst there was almost no-one else in the park we still had to put on boots and coats to trudge up to the amenities block (twice) in the middle of the night so that was a bit of an ordeal, especially as it was so cold and took a while to warm up again once you got back into bed.

After a fitful night's sleep we headed to the amenities block again for a shower. This actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting. The shower stalls were big, the water was hot and strong and there was no-one else around. We cooked some toast outside for breakfast but drew the line at coffee so I slipped to the shop for the obligatory lattes!

We met up with some friends from the US and all went for a walk along the wintery beach. It was very cold but we were rugged up and spent hours walking, collecting shells, inspecting the shoreline, drawing in the sand and talking non-stop about any and everything. We heard great stories about the life stages of lobsters, the native animals of North America, and saw some cheeky butcher birds and other wildlife. Before we knew it the day was over and it was getting dim. Reluctantly we parted company, had some dinner then returned to our temporary home.

While I tried to warm up in the caravan the others went on another night walk - the highlight of which was seeing a shooting star. The following morning we managed to fit in one more beach walk (whilst certain members of our party went on a quad bike ride!) As well as collecting more shells and jumping over the rocks to avoid the waves (not completely in my case, but luckily I had spare socks!) we heard about camping in the US from our walking buddy. We listened avidly to stories of stargazing, dodging bears and being "treed" by a moose. Apparently this is not, as I thought being pinned to a tree, but rather being forced to climb a tree to escape!

All too soon it was over and time to pack up and drive home. What a great weekend we had. We will definitely go again, hopefully soon, but maybe Summer might be more pleasant - especially for those night time toilet trips!

I would highly recommend taking your nestlings out for a trip whenever you can and with school holidays coming up now could be the perfect time. Whatever happens you are sure to come back with some great memories and stories to share. 

The team at nestling.

Yippee it's sale time!!

Yes folks, it's sale time at nestling. As well as clearance items at up to 70% off, all summer styles are at least 50% off and now you can get 40% off all winter selections too! Clearance, summer clothing and baby accessories prices are as marked and if you use the code '40june' you will get 40% off all winter styles.

Don't miss out on bargains like these:

Tahlia Lace skater dress - available in sizes 5,6,7 & 8 - RRP $94.95 

now $56.97

 

Purebaby British tee in sketchy stripe and Moose tee - both available in 

sizes 3, 4 & 5 - RRP $44.95 now $26.97 each

Hootkid Hand on your heart onesie - available in sizes 3-6mnth, 6-12mnth & 

12-18mnth - RRP $36.95 now $22.17 and 

Bebe Maple print romper with frills - available in sizes 3mnth, 6mnth & 9mnth - 

RRP $39.95 now $23.97

Milky Rhino romper - available in sizes 0000, 000 & 00 - RRP $28.95 now $17.37 and

Bebe Ryder wrap romper with feet - available in sizes nb, 3mnth & 6mnth - 

RRP $38.95 now $23.37

 

Paper Wings Heart paisley drawstring dress - available in sizes 4, 5, 6 & 7 - 

RRP $79.95 now $29.95

Bebe Myles stripe knit jumper and Ralph jersey lined pant with cuff - available in sizes 3mnth - 18mnth - RRP $47.95 (jumper) and $59.95 (pant)

now $28.77 (jumper) and $35.97 (pant) 

Some of the fabulous savings in the clearance category include:

One Red Fly Eyelet yoke cardigan - only sizes 7 & 8 left - RRP $72.00

now $28.00

Purebaby Deep sea gingham shirt - sizes 00 & 0 - RRP $49.95 

now $19.95

Make sure you snap up a bargain in this amazing June sale.

The team at nestling.

Do you like muted or bright colours for Winter?

We've got your nestlings covered this Winter. Whether you like soft, muted colours or bright, striking designs there is something for everyone. This week's selections are from one extreme to the other.

We're highlighting another beautiful baby brand that is new to nestling this Winter - Cable Baby. These gorgeous pieces will keep baby warm on the coldest of days and are wonderfully soft for winter time snuggles!

Cable Baby

If your nestlings are a bit older how about getting their Hoot on? Hootkid's Winter range is as bright and playful as ever - especially when you mix and match.

Hootkid

Try combining some of these...

Whatever you select your nestlings will look and feel great, so have fun choosing some fabulous Winter clothes!

The team at nestling.

Wilson & Frenchy

New to nestling this Winter is the gorgeous baby brand, Wilson & Frenchy. The muted colours and soft textures are perfect for little babies and a number of styles will suit both boys and girls.

With sizes from 0000 to 0, this Melbourne-based brand uses only the finest cotton and ensure their garments are produced in fair trade factories. Each design is unique and individually hand illustrated.

In case you haven't already viewed our Wilson & Frenchy collection here's a sneak peak of what's on offer and how to team them up.

If you like all-in-ones these are sure to impress:

Fly away zip suit with feet

Lark print zip suit with feet

The top two feature zips and the Little forest one has studs, and is also the only footless option. 

Little forest long sleeve studsuit

Almost a complete outfit in one but they can be enhanced with the addition of the Petite stripe knot hat or the Little lark bib.

             

Petite stripe knot hat

Little lark bib

                                             

The Little lark easy neck bodysuit can be worn by baby boys or girls and can be teamed with any of the leggings to suit.

Little lark easy neck bodysuit

  

The boys' Little fox easy neck top looks beautiful with the Mini blue stripe leggings and the girls' Little family easy neck top looks gorgeous over the Petite pattern leggings with frills.

 And of course the Bunny rug can go under, or over, all of them!

Petite stripe bunny rug

We hope you love our new brand as much as we do.

The team at nestling.

Inside activities for a dreary day

Its a windy, rainy, cold day so what can you do with your nestlings? Try some (or all) of these. You're sure to find something the children will enjoy, and hopefully you will too!

10. Dressing up - a perennial favourite with boys and girls of all ages (and some mums and dads). If you haven't got a dress up box let them have some of your old clothes and jewellery. Accessories are always a hit.

Fox & Finch Planes tee

9. Cooking up a storm - anything that requires mixing by hand is good for little people. Just keep it safe and don't stress about the mess.

8. Face painting - make sure its the kind of paint that washes off easily and go easy on the black, just in case...

7. Reading a story (or being read to) - important and fun for the reader and the one being read to. Stuck for ideas? Check out our blog: Children's book suggestions by age.

6. Drawing or colouring - as long as its on paper, not the walls, or carpet, or the dog...

5. Making an inside cubby house - there is something about pushing the chairs together and throwing a blanket over the top that always makes me smile.

4. Writing a story - rainy days are great for creativity. If your nestling isn't old enough to write their own, write a story just for them. Everyone likes being the hero/heroine.

Fox & Finch Faith colour block dress

3. Playing in a nice warm bath - fun for the whole family if your bath is big enough. This one can be combined with number 7, and may be necessary after 8 and 9.

2. Dressing up the cat or dog, or a soft toy - the soft toy may be the safest option, depending on the temperament of your cat or dog. I'd suggest you make sure the face paint has been put away before you start this one too.

1. Snuggling in front of the fire/heater - possibly while watching a movie and drinking hot chocolate. What better way to spend a dreary day?

Don't let the weather get you down. There are lots of fun things to do inside - you are only limited by your imagination. Just ask your nestlings, they're sure to come up with something creative. Enjoy!

The team at nestling.