A new look for Dora?

From preschool to middle school....oh my.

With Addie almost at 2 I'm finally becoming part of the "Dora World". I have to admit, that Dora, along with Barney was once on my 'never' ever list but it changed when I realized the educational value of the show. So we are slowly becoming fans.

And now...sexy Dora? I'm not sure I'm ready for this! Sure we dance to Lady Gaga around the house but I'm still undecided on Barbie and now we have to make a call on the 'new' look for Dora that will come out next fall. They're trying to cash in on the tween market by having her grow up - but what does that mean for the preschoolers?

Share your thoughts! What other characters or shows that you think are more appropriate for little ones?

Kim

Check out this article with details about the launch Dora Gets a New Look

It's Baby Time

So I have a little announcement to make - it's officially baby time at Chick Pea - and maybe this will explain why we have brought in so many newborn and baby clothes this spring. I'm expecting in September and am officially 3 months along!

It's so exciting to be here and be having another baby. I have a better sense of what to expect, and all of the things I have yet to learn you are teaching me! I have become a sponge for knowledge on how to manage life with two (or more!) little ankle biters.

And for those of you who already know and love Petit Bateau - it's back! More posts to come, but in the meantime let's get busy making some cute little babies to fit into these little onesies!

With love to all the mamas out there,

Kim

xoxo

Imps & Elfs for our little ones

Julia, the designer and new mom behind Lola & Lucas, came in to see the new Imps & Elfs collection and I loved her story. She is a die hard fan, and mentioned that it was one of the lines that inspired her to create her own company. She searches it out every year on her travels to New York and Europe. I love that we're on the same wave length!

The baby line (3-12 months) is a mix and match collection of the softest cottons and natural fibres you'll find. The fact that it's organic doesn't hurt, and responsibly made is even better. The best part though is that with a few pieces you can create a whole little look that's soft and practical for baby - and simply mouthwatering for all of us parents admiring your little one! It's also a great item for registry as we have lots of sizes right now, and this line translates beautifully into spring and summer.

Call with any questions or for size information - these are just a few of the pieces - ranging from 14.99 up to 74.99 for the special little wool pieces.

See you soon!

Kim

xoxo

Spring for Layers

Layering is a great way to pull our kids clothes through several seasons. Mix in a few new pieces and you've got something fresh and fun. I was inspired today after a little walk along the river, and came back and played with some of the ways you could put it together. We have some great pieces on sale (up to 50% off) and spring arrivals to mix in.

For the boys - Joe's Jeans (sale $89.95), Ben Sherman T (sale $19.95), organic velour zip up (sale $34.95) and striped Kangol hat (34.95).

For the girls: New spring Imps & Elfs organic sweater ($74.95), striped long sleeve ($39.95), legging ($29.95) and skirt ($64.95). These are some great colors - bright but not too shocking - that are perfect mixed up with basics! I couldn't resist showing the new pieces together but they look fantastic with the Dagmar Daley chunky grey sweater and Lola & Lucas leggings.

So - have fun this spring - and look around for inspiration and things that make you happy. For me it's little things like the perfect shafe of cupcake frosting, a hair band or hat in a great fabric, or a clean floor with no dog hair!!!!!

Have a great week everyone -

Kim

xoxo

Hi everyone. Sorry for the long delay in blog posting! I love writing, and sharing ideas, and chatting about our kids, and great new stuff, and hearing your comments - I miss it! - but it has been a challenging time personally and I have been focusing inwards to get through this stretch.

I was really sad when Sarah decided to leave Chick Pea so suddenly last year. I love her dearly and wish her well in all her future endeavors - and cherish the time we did get to work together.

I'm now solo and excited to set a course for growth at the shop, keeping the same spirit and heart that has defined Chick Pea and made it such a special haven. There's nothing better than a new mom chatting away about her new little one, excited grandmas and nanas finding the perfect little gift, and sharing in the growth and development of all our families.

So - I want to send out a huge welcome to everyone and encourage you to drop in to see some of the great new (and favorite!) lines in the store this spring. Trina Schoenit and her mom Cindy have become a huge part of the shop, and I want to congratulate Trina in taking on a role as Store Manager this last week. She has such a warm and loving spirit - and a sense for style that I adore - if you haven't met her already! Trina is in Thursday-Saturday and Cindy is here on Mondays and Wednesdays. I'm in the store on Tuesdays.

We look forward to seeing you!!!

Kim

xoxo

PS I'll be blogging regularly with all the new lines coming in so check back soon!!!

A Perfect Little Hat

It's been three weeks of snow snow snow and so I have to say I'm glad we had a couple of extra warm hats for all of the sledding and general mucking about that's beeing going on. This is a variation on our little stripe hat - beginners knitting class - and it's definitely a favorite with Addie. This is a great way to use up some extra yarn and an excellent pattern to let your creativity loose on!

We have a beginners knitting hat class, a little stripe sweater class, and a baby duvet class all coming up in January. Send me a note and reserve a spot! (Class fee is $10).

See you soon,

kim
xoxo

Happy Hollydays

Today was simply beautiful, and reminds me what a wonderful community can be created around a store! With deep soft snow everywhere, a few people decided to brave the chill air and head outside. All of our customers today came in on foot, spent a few peaceful moments on the sofa, browsed for some special little gifts, and when I closed it was with a sense of peace that all was well in the world. I hope you feel the same way!

It inspired me to finally post some of my personal favorite 'moments' from the Santa photo shoot on our website.

Watch the slideshow

Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy your last few days of shopping! We're open 10-5 until Christmas Eve, when we'll close around 3pm.

Kim

xoxo

Chick Pea Friends' Christmas Sale! (Brrrr it's cold out here!)

It's cold, and I'm coming up with great reasons to stay inside tonight, and what's more fun than blogging? So I thought I'd post a little pre-Christmas sale notice, in case you've had your eye on something extra special for a gift, a cozy play outside, or your family dinner!

All Ben Sherman - green, grey, and navy (including 3 great coats) - 2nd piece is 25% off

All Sophie Catalou - the gorgeous lilacs - 2nd piece is 25% off

All Joe's Jeans - remaining pairs are $20 off!

We don't have sales often - but we have a special reason for the Joes. Sadly, Joe's Jeans (famous for their ladies styles you can find at Aritzia and Fab and other notable shops!) is not going to continue their kids line, so since we're not able to carry them year-round, I'm searching for a new line for Fall 09 and that means you can find a steal on this great denim line right now. Sizes 6mo-6years for girls and boys.

Happy snowball fights tomorrow (and we've got the heat on so drop in for a visit to warm up!)

Kim

xoxo

PS ...the photo is addie learning to use the "chi" machine to improve her energy at Gran and Napa's house on Salt Spring...

Kangol for Kids

I've been getting a hard time (in store - not here in comments - you guys are too nice!) for long posts. So here's a short one! Kangol winter hats have arrived. And they are great.

I love the classic tan wool - but the bumble stripe has enough energy to make an old sweatshirt look good. Historically British and urban appropriate. Hard to go wrong!

Kim

xoxo

PS Boys are in tan, red, black, blue/grey stripe, and green/black stripe. Girls are in tan (great with classic chesnut Uggs!).

The season of giving and it all started with Santa...

So I have only one thing to say - WOW - what an amazing group of parents came out for some Chick Pea holiday style and showed their support for Free The Children.

More than twenty families spent a few precious moments with Santa last week, and between the hugs, and shrugs, and looks of awe, and fear (i have to be honest!) every child had their moment.

I love the simple and fresh photography from Revival Arts Studio, and the way it contrasts with the old world velvety Santa. So sweet and classic. I cannot even pick one as a favorite - I ended up posting this one from my short list of about 12!

As a special thank you to all of the Chick Pea families, Marc Kielburger at Free The Children has sent a copy of their illustrated book for kids - It Takes A Child - to pick up along with your 5x7 photo. It tells the story of Craig, who started the charity to end child labour, when he was 12. It's a heavy topic for young minds, but what better time to start teaching about social responsibility than the very beginning?

So now the biggest job of all - deciding where to put our $400+ in donations to good work! At Free The Children we can allocate it to any number of their Adopt a Village programs. We can give 8 goats - or a 6-month lunch program to an entire primary school! I think I'll leave it to the people on the ground in Kenya to decide where it will help the children the most.

A huge thank you to all of the families and the precious little ones who joined us for the festivities!

Kim

xoxo