EAT&DRINK | HENRIK'S CAFE

If you are on the look out for a kid friendly cafe in the Melbourne area, I can really recommend Henrik's Cafe in Mordialloc, VIC. If your family is anything like ours, there is always a search for that nice cafe that can cater to 4 different taste pallets. Why does there always seem to be one that doesn't like eggs, or waffles or one that loves spices while the other one don't. Well I am sure we are not alone, and today we stumbled across this little hidden gem called Henrik's Cafe.

For years the owners Lee and Chloe had dreamed of opening a cafe that would highlight some of the best of the south side while bringing some of that north of the river flare this way. Together with their chefs Adam Owen and Tom Crosswell, they have manged to just that.

The space is bright and so well laid out and the service & staff is so accommodating and fast! They are great with kids and ours instantly got crayons and menus with fun little colour in tasks and games. It's a small thing but oh so important when you are trying to decide on what to get on the menu. The nice design elements around the cafe was so tastefully chosen and it kept the place interesting to just take in while you were waiting. We quickly got ordering and before we knew it the food was already on the table. Low and behold we all loved what we had ordered and the kids gobbled up their breakfast orders while us parents were really impressed with our food. You can tell the menu has been carefully created with interesting flavors in mind, and a lovely surprise is their prices are so affordable too. The cafe has been receiving amazing reviews since they opened their doors on the 25th of March 2015, and now I know why. It's always nice to discover and share new places to eat at and this is one we will definitely visit again soon!

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HENRIK'S CAFE

Moments | Leap! Part 2

D wears: Hoodie by Frank & Lu / Tee by Quinn and Fox / Jeans by I Dig Denim / Trainers by Tip Toey Joey.

Some more photos of our test run with the Leap trainers from Tip Toey Joey. D pretty much took the shoes through all forms of terrain - sand, rock, water and they seem to do well on all surfaces (well I wouldn't recommend water but what boys don't try a puddle if they see one?).

At the end of the day they got the thumbs up from the little guy who hardly wanted to take them off and only agreed to do so after I had given him permission to wear them at Kinder. So overall a really lovely shoe who gets extra point for comfort, support and good traction. Mum here gives it points for looks as well as how easy they are to put on, were as the boy thinks the L on the side who reminds him of a kangaroo foot is the coolest because he thinks he can jump higher in them ;)

Too see the earlier close up look of them go here, and to read where to find these shoes, either click on the shop source under the photos or visit the previous post for more info.

Moments | Leap! Part 1

D wears: Hoodie by Frank & Lu / Tee by Quinn and Fox / Arizona Blue jeans by I Dig Denim / Hi-top Trainers by Tip Toey Joey.

We recently were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to test try the new Leap shoes in Tip Toey Joey's Junior range. We mentioned them earlier here, but we definitely wanted to put the shoes to the test, and luckily I know the perfect boy who would really do just that.  Living on the coast we often spend time close to the water and my boy loves to spend time jumping on the big rocks, checking out the sea life and ask endless questions about the big, black swans and boats that goes by every so often. On this particular day we also spotted a big squadron of Pelicans which are quite majestic when they glide by like giants in the sky. This truly seem to be the best playground for us, and definitely a favourite hang out, and a good place to test the trainers out.

I honestly think the Leap shoes are the perfect action shoes for my boy. Since they go up a bit above the ankle they give plenty of support which is great, especially if you got a jumper like my boy. They also come with a great tough sole, with plenty of traction underneath that even make the most slippery rock an easy task to navigate over. Personally I really love the vintage look but they are also available in a black colour version which is just as nice. It doesn't get much cuter than the toddler version which of course is also available (this is how we first got familiar with the shoe company since my boy loved wearing them as a young baby/toddler.)

When your children wear new shoes for the first time there is often a bit of "breaking in" period with the shoe, or even a few falls because they haven't adjusted to them yet, but with these it was almost opposite. My boy fished up palm tree branches, jumped between rocks and set new records in how long he could jump out in the sand, all while I didn't hear a single peep about any chafing or soar heels. D gave them a real going over, and even stepped in a few rock pools, but all that happened to the shoes is perhaps they got an even better vintage look! I can definitely say two thumbs up from both mum and boy and definitely something we can recommend for both active boys and girls.

We had such a good afternoon by the bay that the camera worked on overdrive. I would like to share some more photos so tune in tomorrow for part 2!

New In | Leap by Tip Toey Joey

The first time I saw these sneakers I literately did a double take. Ever since my boy was a tiny toddler I had one pair of favourite shoes for him. They were tiny, soft sneakers by Tip Toey Joey, the Australian/Brazilian shoe company (created by an Australian Dad and Brazilian Mum). They were so perfect for his little exploring feet and the best thing for me was that they were so easy to put on and looked deliciously cool as well.

After my boy had grown out of his sneakers I thought that was the end of that lovely shoe era but guess if I was happy to discover that they also have a Junior Range, catering for kids from size 29 - 36 (european) 12 - 4 1/2 (US).  

The Junior range has the same soft quality as their Baby and Toddler shoes with a big focus on comfort and fit but they are also made to last with sturdy soles and neat features.

These high top vintage trainers entitled Leap, are made of a mix of graphite nylon with toffee and old tan leather. It has a worn, distressed look which gives them a great touch. The inner is cushioned and leather lined for comfort. The full 100% rubber sole provides the flexibility needed while protecting active little feet. The Elasticised laces also come with the option of normals laces and the velcro closure helps keep shoes on. These are a perfect shoe to add a bit of spunk to an outfit, while looking after growing feet.  

I can't wait to capture these in action and knowing my boy they will be through a lot! I will be back with a review of these trainers after they have seen some adventures on my sons feet! If you are looking for Australian retailers, please visit their Australian/NZ facebook page for more info on where you can find their Autumn/Winter line for purchase.

:: TIP TOEY JOEY ::

REVIEW | FLATOUT FRANKIE

One of the great benefits about writing a kids blog is that you get chances to review things like toys! We were very happy to hear from the makers of Flatout Frankie - a New Zealand brand of cardboard designed toys. The flat pack toys are not only creative but also easy on the environment and very smart on space!

The kids were very excited to fetch home a large flat packed parcel containing one racer car and a cooking oven. I had to explain to the kids that it was like making a big puzzle which they thought was a great idea. Today we had a chance to build it all together with the kids in the afternoon sun and it was such a fun thing to do together.  We started with the racer car and our 3 year old was very excited to get to help Daddy put it all together. We are happy to report that the putting together part was easy! Sometimes you buy things that sort of takes too long to put together and by the time its done there might be frustration in the air, but no such thing here. The design is well made and you just need to fold and insert. The racing car was done in about 10 minutes and then the little guy was off....Vroooooom!

Since its made of cardboard its easy to lift and run with for the little ones. It was a big hit straight away. All sorts of car noises came out of him as he ran around trying it out. While he was occupied we started on the cooking oven. It was made in 3 easy steps and then it was ready to start cooking with. M was so excited to see it done and it took her no time at all to run and get some play food and start cooking away. In fact the announcement of a newly opened restaurant came after only 10 minutes of playing with it. We were all invited of course to try out the menu.

These sort of toys get a big tick of approval from us. Not only are they fun to play with but they are something you can build with the kids and they encourage creative and active play. I also love the fact that they are 100% recyclable and when the kids are done playing with them you can always flat pack them for easy storage and take them out again and again.

Another plus is the fact that they get a second life after the kids have decorated them (you can of course also leave them in their white, striking bold graphic state as well). My son had a great time painting on lights and racing stripes on the side of the car and I think it added to the love of the car since he made it his very own. After the kids had a go with the car and the oven they switched toys and then another hour passed and new experiences were had. Definitely four thumbs up from this family!!

For more info and finding a stockist near you go to >>

:: FLATOUT FRANKIE ::