StorkUp: Funky, Quirky, Original & Affordable Shopping

Hands up if you find shopping a bore sometimes?! When shopping online (which should be considerably easier than trawling around shopping centres) jumping from place to place, looking for inspiration and endlessly searching for different shops may become wearying after a while.

lego-zipbin-storage-case--playmat
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StorkUp offers an alternative to those who are shopping for baby and children’s items, from clothing to toys and beyond. I have been “watching” StorkUp since it launched as I was intrigued by the one stop shop idea however since those early day the business has grown rapidly, incorporating hundreds of retailers into their catalogue ensuring that there is something for all styles, preferences and budgets.

Cream Bunny All In One
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I might have mentioned once or twice recently that I am very soon (approx. two weeks) going to be becoming an aunt to a niece for the time on “my” side of the family. My sister is expecting her first and this time I will be spoiling a girl rather than boys. I had no idea shopping for girls could be so much fun! My two ratbags are of course loveable boys so there is no pink in sight so browsing this site has been a joyful experience!

There are other stores that give you a wide choice of goods and I’ve used many of them at one time or another however StorkUp seem to have the edge on the more trendy, quirky and unique finds which make shopping for yourself or for others that much more enjoyable.

The site itself is ridiculously easy to use. You may sign up with Twitter, Facebook or your email address, add your children’s details or pregnancy info, start lists for saving items or for those who just want to get down to the nitty gritty of seeing what is on offer there is a big SKIP option so that you can start exploring.

StorkUp-Raspberry Red
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The site is set out very much like Pinterest in a way, enabling you to scroll through hundreds of items quickly and easily. It is simple to customise your searches by keyword, theme, price or even by what is “trending” at the time. A brilliant way to get your shopping done!

Thankfully pink, blue, green, purple and any colour you could want is catered for as I seem to have plenty of friends and family all expecting at the moment.

Whether you are searching for clothing, toys, equipment, interiors or indeed anything related to babies, toddlers and children “just because” or for birthdays and Christmas you won’t go wrong using Stork Up. A huge plus point for me is that StorkUp introduces savvy shoppers to a wide number or independent retailers who perhaps might have been missed otherwise.

I will certainly be hitting the site for Xmas ideas and have already “liked” and follow their Facebook page so that I don’t miss out on news, offers and competitions. This year why not make shopping for new, fun and high quality items from independent sellers and established businesses easier, saving yourself both time and money.

From Small Beginnings
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*Written in collaboration with the mentioned business yet true to my own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Growing Boys and Clothes

I love having boys. They are enormous fun and like to run, jump, climb (fall), skid and generally just enjoy boyish fun. This is what boys do however finding clothes that look good, fit well and can survive the type of pressure that boys put on them isn’t as easy as it sounds.

The problem I have had in the past is that firstly, they are growing so quickly! Kieran is now a lanky 7 year old with a tiny waist and long legs. Taylor is 2.5yrs old and still tall for his age, stockier on top but again with a narrow waist. Finding kid’s clothes that fit properly, wash well and looks nice has been a bit of a battle at times to be honest.

My first mistake was to buy dirt cheap. I figure cheap and cheerful for rough and tumble and repeated washing would wear ok and when they were done it wouldn’t be a big deal to throw them away and start again. I underestimated the number of holes through knees and how shapeless items became very quickly when going for bargain basement prices.

Buying top branded clothing for kids this age doesn’t appeal to me either. While they might look great I’ve learned from bitter experience that my kids can annihilate such clothing ridiculously quickly which irks somewhat when I’ve paid over the odds to ensure a good fit etc.

Don’t get me wrong, the boys aren’t really little ruffians but they play hard, they paint, colour in, stick and enjoy a wide range of activities that boys (and girls) love which result in mess.

My solution to finding clothes that fit well (both of mine need adjustable waists and slim leg for a start, Kieran is super-skinny but long in the body too which is fun for tops and t-shirts), look great and last more than five minutes is to buy what I call mid-brand clothing.

Mid-brand to me is affordable yet doesn’t compromise on quality; K and Co are an example of a place that sells mid-range and are someone who I’ve ordered from before.

Balancing quality, style and budget isn’t as easy as it sounds but after some trial and error I have found a few stores online and off which tick all of the boxes.

Now I’ve sorted my clothing issues more or less I need to get to the next item on my list…. How to protect cream carpets from boys (and husbands!).

Not the easiest kids to clothe at times!
Not the easiest kids to clothe at times!