• Main
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Editors
    • Meet the Bloggers
    • Press
    • FAQ
  • Magazine
    • Current Digital Issue
    • Past Digital Issues
    • Purchase Print Issue
    • Stockists
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Advertise
    • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Babiekins Magazine

A Trendsetting Magazine & Online Community For The Trendsetting Child + Parent

Travelkins // Exploring Lizard’s Mouth

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

With temperatures in the 70s nearly year-round and as much of a rugged backdrop as the coastlines we’re known for, Santa Barbara is a perfect place to explore with little ones. We added a $10 Batman camera and binocular kit this particular Sunday morning and ventured 20 minutes from our front door to Lizard’s Mouth, an easy quarter-mile walk to some rock outcroppings where we scaled boulders, meandered along trails and took in views of our town and the ocean below.

The ten years between my son and daughter really narrow in a place like this, as it’s fun to explore no matter your age. A perfect couple hours in the Santa Ynez Mountains before heading down to hit the beach.

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Exploring Lizard's Mouth

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

“There’s A Whole World Out There” tank by Children of the Tribe: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Filed Under: Fun Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, children of the tribe, childrens fashion, Fashion, fashion kids, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends, lizard's mouth, santa barbara, santa ynez mountains Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Fashionkins // Letter to Santa in RUUM American Kid’s Wear, J.CREW

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

“I have received and read all the letters which you little people have written me with your own hands. For although you did not use any characters that are in grown peoples’ alphabet, you used the characters that all children in all lands on earth and in the twinkling stars use; and as all my subjects in the moon are children and use no character but that, you will easily understand that I can read your jagged and fantastic marks without any trouble at all.”

– Your loving Santa Claus
{Mark Twain}

All season there’s been a flicker in you that radiates the wonder of Christmas, and for me upholds the value in establishing childhood traditions. Just as every year, we went to Macy’s to mail your letter to Santa. Your truest four-year-old wishes mostly decipherable and in mostly numbered order, spelled out in your own handwriting with a little help from your big brother:

1. Batman Lego

2. Bike with pedals

3. ?

unnumbered in pink and blue. Reindeer antlers

MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2014

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Letter to Santa in RUUM, J.CREW

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Letter to Santa in RUUM, J.CREW

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Letter to Santa in RUUM, J.CREW

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Letter to Santa in RUUM, J.CREW

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Vest by RUUM American Kid’s Wear: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Crown headband by J.CREW: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, #RUUMKIDS, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, childrens fashion, Fashion, fashion kids, j.crew, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends, la cumbre mall, ruum, ruum kidswear, santa barbara Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Fashionkins // Getting the Tree in Mary Helen Clothing

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

Our Christmas Tree Farm is a giant asphalt lot at the show grounds two minutes from home, where I take my kids to the fair each spring and where we contended for parking with a gem show Sunday when we went to redeem our Groupon on the tree.

To me, tree shopping is one of those classic holiday rituals that never happens how others say it should, how it happens in movies and books, or even how you play it out in your mind the morning you wake up to go. This year was no exception. First, we were in a parking lot. And then of course, an hour later my hands were black with sap and dirt, my hair a mess from the branches, I’d fought with my clippers, the tree stand and three strands of lights, then vacuumed, swept and finally chose a shower and bed over the rum drink I’d pictured myself capping the night with earlier that day.

But the moments on site this year were fun. It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold; no one hurt themselves. Yes Isaac complained that I “had to take pictures” and threatened to sit in the car. Yes Fran couldn’t take her eyes off the bouncy house, but they wound up letting their gripes go and chased each other through the firs, hid within the branches and turned against me and my camera once I caught on and came their way. I know there won’t be many more years of this. In the small picture that is my son’s age, but more so in the larger picture of life. Getting the Tree: it doesn’t really happen all that much.

I hope these images continue to remind me that there is no “supposed to” when it comes to a holiday ritual. This year, sure it was hectic, but I got to take pictures of Francesca in a stunning, pink dress. I got to hear my teenager squeal and chase his sister through aisles of trees. Maybe one day these pictures will remind me of being a passionate photographer, of how I got to share my stories on a really cool blog, of my daughter who was always so eager to dress up. And that that, even if isolated to this one year, would be our special tradition.

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

 

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

 

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Christmas Tree Lot in Mary Helen Clothing

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Dress by Mary Helen Clothing: Website || Facebook || Instagram

 

 

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, childrens fashion, Fashion, fashion kids, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends, mary helen clothing, santa barbara Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Fashionkins // A ‘Magical Forest’ Overlooking the Sea; Sunset in Toto Knits

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

In recent weeks, this new spot has become something of a second home. Just miles from my house, office, the kids’ schools, the ins and outs of our daily routine lies a field, where golden grasses ascend to a fairytale thicket just inches from the edge of craggy ocean bluffs. I hadn’t known it too well before this, but thanks to my business photographing children and families {and the frequency of it now at holiday time}, I’ve spent the last four Sundays in this place, the same time every week. So now I know just the spot where the sunlight comes through the eucalyptus branches at the bottom of the hill; where exactly to start hiking up so the golden light will fall perfectly on the field; at what precise moment to enter the “magical forest” so the sun will shine in like a spotlight, creating visible rays and casting long shadows.

The children I’ve photographed here have been wowed, particularly in the thicket. My own daughter was no exception last week when I took her up during a break between clients to capture not just the gorgeousness that exudes from the Ellwood Bluffs, but that which lies in these stunning knits. I became familiar with Toto Knits last year and have since remained taken by founder Erin Brennan Allan’s mission for her company. I’ll introduce it this way: my order confirmation email stated not that they’d retrieve my items for shipment, but that my request would be handed over to “the knitters” to begin work.

Toto Knits is a line of organic, handmade cotton knitwear made by a group of single mothers in Kenya, who sign each piece upon completion. The knitters are paid by the item, which gives them the freedom to work as much or as little as they like. As Erin says, “It’s all about putting family first, especially for moms. This makes our work fun. We love what we do and we hope it shows.”

The quality and uniqueness of the sweaters, beaded crown and scalloped bonnet I received from Toto Knits is really something special. These are items I’ll tuck away after my daughter outgrows them and save for my grandchildren some day.

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Toto Knits

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Toto Knits: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, childrens fashion, ellwood bluffs, Fashion, fashion kids, goleta, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends, santa barbara, toto knits Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Travelkins // Exploring Victoria Beach

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald DahlBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach-0189

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach-0200

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

 

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Laguna Beach

 

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Bikini by Roxy: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Poncho by LAmade: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Filed Under: Fun Tagged With: childrens fashion, kelly sweda, laguna, LAmade, roxy, travel, traveling with children, victoria beach Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Fashionkins // Autumn Walnut Picking in DL 1961, Imoga Collection, La Miniatura

By Kelly Sweda Leave a Comment

When what was meant to be a morning picking apples became trespassing on private property and scouring for walnuts || Somehow last weekend we missed the memo that the apples in all three orchards we attempted to visit were “sold out” for the season: each farm stand boarded up with handwritten regrets taped to the planks and row after row of empty little trees and not a soul in sight. I took “sold out” more like “all dried up.” With record heat and no rainfall for months upon months upon months, the barrenness quickly all made sense.

Fortunate for us, my company and I happened upon the most beautifully lit walnut grove in someone’s front yard. Albeit a big yard, which we held in our favor. Parking down the way and slipping through the slats of their fence we stayed toward the far end and enjoyed the place all to ourselves.

Babiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut PickingBabiekins Magazine || Kelly Sweda Photography, Walnut Picking

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Clothing courtesy of: Dani BOY Kids || Facebook || Instagram

DL 1961: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Imoga Collection: Website || Facebook || Instagram

La Miniatura: Website || Facebook || Instagram

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, childrens fashion, Dani BOY Kids, DL 1961, Fashion, fashion kids, Imoga Collection, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends, la miniatura, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Walnut Picking Posted By: Kelly Sweda

Fashionkins // Exploring in Children of The Tribe

By Leslie Schor, Senior Fashion Editor Leave a Comment

Photographer Kelly Sweda has graciously shared this post with us.

I was nearly finished compiling the images I’d planned to share in this month’s 11-on-11 post {a personal project I’ve been working on all year} when this series unexpectedly fell into my lap it feels, and ended up stealing my heart. I’d been gifted this dress for my daughter Francesca from the gorgeous Australian line, Children of the Tribe, in exchange for a few shots of her in it.

Photographing the dress had been on my mind for weeks, and of course I could find no time, so on a whim last week I picked up my grubby little child up from school, tossed her dirty clothes onto the floor of my car, unbraided her hair, fished a bow from my purse and slid her into the dress, which I’d grabbed on my lunch hour earlier.

You must see where this is going. I was quasi-flustered/quasi-stressed and jittery as I always am when shooting for someone, particularly someone halfway around the world. But then we got there and {here comes the cliche} it aaaaaaaaaaallll just melted away.

We spent an hour “dexploring” the half-dry lake bed, grasses and reeds and delicate, green plants that are somehow growing happily from the deep cracks in the eroded ground, which is literally hard—no, harder—than cement. Last year nearly every shot from this series would have been well under water; it felt eerily apocalyptic and kind of like paradise all at once.

We went through all the old bread I’d stockpiled in my freezer. Ducks ate from Franny’s hands and the swan that typically charges you while hissing remained calmer than I’d ever seen him. I was recharged by a change in scenery and the unexpected pleasure of some new favorite images coming when I least expected them.

Babiekins Magazine|Exploring in Children of The Tribe

Babiekins Magazine|Exploring in Children of The Tribe

Babiekins Magazine|Exploring in Children of The Tribe

Babiekins Magazine|Exploring in Children of The Tribe

Babiekins Magazine|Exploring in Children of The Tribe

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, children and nature, children of the tribe, exploring nature, Fashion, fashion kids, kelly sweda, kids fashion magazine, kids trends Posted By: Leslie Schor, Senior Fashion Editor


Start Exploring!

  • DIY
  • Editorials
  • Editors’ Lifestyle
  • Farm + Homesteading
  • Features
  • Food
  • Hey Pretty Mama
  • Homeschooling
  • Interiors
  • Kids’ Parties
  • Street Style
  • Travel


























































Archives

ABOUT

  • Our Story
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

ADVERTISE

  • Media Kit

MAGAZINE

  • Current Digital
  • Past Digital
  • Print
  • Stockists

CONTRIBUTE

  • Submit Work

Copyright © 2021 · Babiekins Magazine | A Trendsetting Kids' Fashion Magazine and Online Community for Parents and Children Alike · Since the Southern California birth of Babiekins in 2010, the magazine has grown from into an internationally-recognized print publication with a global circulation and now a thriving online community. We are more than a kids’ fashion magazine. We search everywhere for inspiration, and go beyond trends to bring you fashion, style, decor, design, books, DIY, parties, and playthings. Our readers look to us to keep up with the best and most up-to-date concepts in the children’s market worldwide. We have an eye for quirk. We’re high-fashion, but we value whimsy over tradition. Playful childhood is more important to us than making kids into copycat adults. We believe life is beautiful, life is valuable, and life changes when you see it through the eyes of a child. We seek to transcend skin color, language and zip codes and bring out the real, wild, magical creativity inherent in every child. And behind Babiekins is an optimistic team of mothers-turned-editors, working from home, often with our own little babiekins climbing on, under and around the desks. We want to encourage you, and challenge you to see something different — something special — in yourself and in this world we all share. Welcome to Babiekins!

Privacy | Terms of Use