The Museum of Childhood


CLB finally made it to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green and what a fantastic afternoon we all had. Set over three floors, this huge open-plan building holds a vast selection of antique toys, accessories and clothing alongside changing exhibitions (the current is the brilliant Food Glorious Food; a look back to how food is incorporated into childhood, on until April 25). But to top it all off there's an excellent cafe and shop, both located handily on the ground floor. Evie loved looking at the old dolls houses and stopping at the numerous play stations (there's also a very popular sandpit on the second floor). But mummy and daddy genuinely enjoyed it too - so much nostalgia. My heart fluttered with joy when I spotted the 1980s Care Bear collection. Brilliant all round.
V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA (020 8983 5200/www.vam.ac.uk/moc) Bethnal Green tube. Open 10am-5.45pm everyday. Admission is free.








CLB hits London Fashion Week

Yang Du's clown scarf...for grown ups!

CLB hit the first day of London Fashion Week yesterday to check out the a/w 2011/12 catwalk collections and exhibition at Somerset House. It's always interesting to see how many designers are inspired by childhood themes. We spotted this jolly collection of woollens by brilliant, madcap designer Yang Du. How much would your toddler love it if you wore a pair of these finger puppet gloves this winter? Love the concept of accessories for grown-ups designed to delight little ones; what a novel idea. Thanks Yang!

Finger puppet gloves anyone? Yes please Yang

Yang Du, the lovely designer herself poses for CLB



Lounge Lover: yummy mummy leisurewear

A recent CLB crush, Lounge Lover make luxurious clothes for lounging: surely the ultimate leisurewear for chic mamas? Created by Sylvie Gabriel, the range includes super-soft jogging pants, wrap tops and dressing gowns so ideal for that post-natal, breast-feeding period where clothes should be cosseting and comfortable. I can't think of a more thoughtful present for a mother-to-be - how stylish would she feel with it in her hospital bag? Available at Harrods, Selfridges and Net a Porter.







CLB ♥ Everyone Dreams of Peace colouring book


We love the humorous, spidery line drawings in this new 64 page colouring book which encourages your little one to read, colour, draw and dream. Perfect for little peace crusaders in the making. Divine! Everyone Dreams of Peace by Freddy Deane £18 at www.e-side.co.uk





Eeny Meeny: a stylish new kids exchange shop


Nothing beats the thrill of discovering a new independent children's wear boutique for CLB. Our good friend Rachael alerted us to this new local shop selling gorgeous second hand clothing alongside unusual new clothes, toys and nursery accessories (ages 0-6) and so Evie and I headed down there on Sunday morning. Tucked away in residential North London 'hood of Tufnell Park, Eeeny Meeny is bright and elegantly designed children's wear shop with the added bonus of selling well-priced exchange clothes - a rarity in London. The nearly new range includes good quality labels like Petit Bateau, Cacharel and Ralph Lauren but the owners will also take the odd piece of Gap or Monsoon kids (50 per cent is paid for clothes selected up front). Everything has to be in excellent condition - check the website here for specifics. New ranges include vintagey looking frocks, hand knitted tank tops and a fantastic selection of old-fashioned toys (it's a great place to fill party bags with lots of bits and bobs under a fiver). The latest addition to CLB's sacred little black book.

Eeny Meeny, Campdale Road, Tufnell Park, London N7 0EA (020 0011 4202/www.eenymeenykids.co.ukOpen Tue-Sat 10am-5pm (closed Mon), Sun 11am-4pm. Tufnell Park tube. Parking if free after 12pm and all day Sat and Sun.








Beautiful books: save our libraries

The Magic Donkey Ride (Orchard) Giles Andrea and Vanessa Cabban

Today is Save Our Libraries day - authors and celebrities across the country are hosting reading sessions at libraries (check the Guardian website for a map of activities). Evie has adored books since she was about three months old. This morning we have already read four books, all of which we picked up at Islington's wonderful Central Library off the Holloway Road yesterday. CLB has never spent so much time in libraries and the thought that 450 libraries and mobile library services are under threat makes us weep. On our library visits we always meet interesting people and get to see a whole lot of books we'd never come across on Amazon (you can learn so much from the librarians). Plus, many libraries now do loads of children's activities such as baby bounce and there's currently a reward scheme where you get a free book after several borrows. Here are Evie's current top five books (naturally, this changes frequently!). The best way people can show support for their local libraries is by visiting them and get borrwing. I have given up Amazon in favor of the library, save a fortune and never read so many interesting books. Find your local library here

Mr Pusskins Best In Show (Orchard) Sam Lloyd

Stickman (Alison Green Books) Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler



We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Walker Books Ltd) Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury


Lulu's Clothes (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC) Camilla Reid and Allie Bushby



Valentine's gifts you can all enjoy!

I Love You biscuits, £37.50, Biscuiteers

Cashmere baby dress, £36, Les Tricots de Margot

LOLA's LOVE cupcakes, £2.50 each, LOLA's

Mama and bebe slippers, from 22Euros, Collegien

Heart measuring cups, £8.50, Heal's

Olli Ella SAMPLE SALE




Yes, you read it right: Olli Ella is having its first sample sale - display chairs and ottomans are being sold at over 20 per cent off (that's about £200 off per chair). Yeeee-hah! The sale starts at 9am on Weds 2nd February on a first come, first served basis. All available models, pictured here, will be listed on the Olli Ella blog (www.olliella.com/blog) which will be updated live. Orders can be placed over the phone, in person, or via email. Now could be the time to snap up one of these super-stylish nursing chairs mamas!