August 2014 Issue

www.babybuzzmagazine.
com | Twitter: @BabyBuzzMag | Facebook: Baby-Buzz-Magazine 1

www.babybuzzmagazine.com | Twitter: @BabyBuzzMag | Facebook: Baby-Buzz-Magazine 2
If you have any questions or would like to
receive a hard copy, please email us at:
Baby Buzz Magazine Limited
London
Company No: 8234631
Editor
Nickie Evans
nickie@babybuzzmagazine.c
om
0208 440 1159
07957 731 617
Arts Editor
Cindy Evans
Website & Design
Emily Hewett, I am Emily
contact@iamemily.co.uk
Dean Baxter, ChimpMySite
Dean@chimpmysite.co.uk
Baby Buzz Magazine is a
monthly printed and online
publication.
No purchase is necessary. All prizes must be accepted
as offered. For products that have been reviewed and
then given away as part of a competition giveaway, it
must be noted that there will be minimal wear and
tear to that said product. All prize details and prices
are correct at time of going to print. Winners shall be
notified by email after the closing date with a delivery
date to be agreed.
If the winner does not acknowledge prize awarded
within 2 weeks, the prize shall be offered to the
runner-up.
The views expressed in this magazine are not always those of the
publishers. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated
with the production and publication of this magazine makes any
guarantee, warranties or claims as to the accuracy of any of the
contents of this magazine. We include and use products and
services that we believe to be of a reputable standard but we
advise readers to make their own judgements. The publishers and
magazine will not be held accountable and or responsible for any
loss caused by errors, loss or negligence resulting from Baby Buzz
Magazine Limited. We do not accept responsibility for any
unsolicited material/photographs published. Terms and
Conditions for our competitions can be found on our website at
the time of being published. No section of this magazine is
authorised for use or reproduction in any form without the prior
consent of the editor.
So half way through the year and already Ive been invited to 6 Christmas PR days! How scary is that?!
Im still trying to think about what to do this Summer with my girls - what is everyone else up to?
We have another packed issue for you to enjoy this month including a great interview with X-Factor
winner Sam Bailey on pregnancy, her relationships with the X-Factor judges and life in the public eye,
fantastic articles to help you through health, fashion and lifestyle as well as another great feature about
Raw Foods from our resident fitness and health expert to the stars, Ruben Tabares, ready to answer
any questions you may have! Ruben is one of the most in-demand strength and conditioning coaches
in the world and he boasts a client list with the likes of the former World Heavyweight Champion Boxer
David Haye. Former light welterweight champion, Amir Khan. Actor Mickey Rourke and rapper Tinie
Tempah, Ruben's world-renowned approach to weight loss, strength and condition, as well as nutrition,
continues to attract some of the most elite clients from around the world and now we have the privilege
of getting his insight, knowledge and experience to guide us too!
We also have our fabulous feature Parents & Business which showcases businesses started up by other
parents and their tips on how theyve managed to succeed and advice on what you should or shouldnt
do. We also have our regular legal advice which this month gives you the inside knowledge on what
to do should you wish to become a parentpreneur!
If you have any questions, or would like me to feature a particular topic, then please do get in touch
by email on nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com or give me a call on 0208 440 1159.
Wishing you all a wonderful July / August, x
Much love and thanks to Elena for my beautiful illustration: https://www.facebook.com/LiveLoveDoodle/info
......................................................
......................................................
P15 The Baby Bible
P23 Interview with Sam Bailey
P30 Announcing The Winner of The 2014 Tiny
Tux Competition
P16 Medela - New Research Reassures Breastfeeding
Mums
P18 An Holistic Approach to Fertility
P19 Back to Body Basics - By Abi Adams
P22 Postnatal Depression or Baby Blues
By Michelle Eshkeri
P24 Boots - Protecting Little Peepers
P33 JM Herbalist - Your Q&A
P40 The Benefits of Baby Massage -
Mumma Loves Organic
P42 Fitness Expert Ruben Tabares - Raw Foods
P58 Baby Buzz Fashion Guide - The Little Tailor
P59 Maternitywear - Seraphine
P45 Our Top Six Pushchairs / Travel Sys t ems
and Car Seats
P47 Childrens Health & Beauty Products
P48 Childrenswear & Acccessories
P49 General Health & Beauty
P50 Childrens Food, Meal Ideas and K i t c h e n
Gadget Reviews
P52 Childrens Toys & Games
P55 Baby Buzz Book Club Reviews
P06 Enterprising Mums
P07 Parents in Business
P14 Start Up Business of the Month
Raspberry Plum
P27 London Mum Finds her Live/Work Balance -
No Letting Go
The Rise of the Parent-Friendly Franchise -
Yoga Bellies
P05 Welcome to the World
P28 Little Signers Club - Signing Fun
P32 Designer Babies - By Elizabeth Hobson
P44 Dont Leave It To Luck - Busy Bees Benefits
P54 The I In Team - The Buggy Network
P60 Home & Furnishings with Piccoli & Co
P17 Toddler Damage Prevention Tips Fit For A Royal
Household
P20 How Much is Too Much?
P21 Competitive Parents Train Up For Sports Day
P24 Tinies Launches Summer Club for Teens
P25 Parents to Splash Out 500 this Summer
P26 Frugal Fun - Keeping Your Kids Busy this Summer
P34 UK Parents Fear Summer Repression
P36 7 out of 10 Parents Feel Judged on Decisions They
Make For Their Child
P37 Gaining A New Perspective - Parent Perspectives
P41 Kids Want Screens - The Fine Bedding Company
P62 Keeping Your Childs Imagination Active -
Maynards
P81 Aegon - Women Not Making a Financial Plan B
P72 Norweigan Seafood Council - Amazing
Salmon Recipes for all the Family
P74 Sizzling Summer Cooking with Santa
Maria
P63 The Isle of Wight
P66 The New Forest / Milford on Sea
P68 Martinhal
P26 Spoilt Rotten Babies - Supporting A
Good Cause
P76 Cake Lingerie & Competition
P77 Little Steps - Back to School with Geox
P78 Willows Farm - Maisies a-maizeing-
maze
P80 Hauck - Celebrating a Double Award
Win
Blinx - Eyewear Accessories for Kids
Which Guide - Tens Machines? Do
They Work?
P82 Disney Highlights for August
P.70 Baby Buzz Get Growing Challenge
P.71 Dawn Isaac - Little Green Fi
Weve been reading about a beautiful little girl called Matilda, born at
just 26+2 weeks and we would love for her parents to have the support
of all our readers! To read her incredible story so far, please copy and
share this link: https://www.facebook.com/matildakhatibsjourney
Name: Matilda Eve Khatib
Date of Birth: 7 June 14
Weight at Birth: 1lb 10oz (Now 5 weeks old and 2lb 4oz)
Parents: Laurie & Adam
Another of our wonderful mums, who has followed the magazine for a long
time and helps with our product reviews, also gave birth to two gorgeous little
girls born at 32 weeks as they were MonoAmniotic Twins (Monoamniotic twins
are identical twins that share the same amniotic sac within their mother's
uterus which poses a serious threat to their wellbeing).
Name & Weight: Brooke Smith - 3lbs 4oz
Name & Weight: Harley Smith - 3lbs
Date of Birth 30 June 14
Parents: Kirsty & Mike
Congratulations to Stacey and Matthew on the birth of their
beautiful little boy!! x
Name: Sonny Alexander Lewis
Weight: 9lbs
Date of Birth 11 July 14
Parents: Stacey & Matthew
PR is a great tool for promoting your business and is still one of the least
expensive forms of advertising available to you.
When looking at PR, there are several options available. You could hire
in a consultant or agency to work on a launch project and pay a one off
fee, or if budget allows, there are lots of good people out there who will
charge you a monthly retainer fee. There is the option to do it yourself,
but if you do, bear in mind PR takes a lot of time, as it is about building
and maintaining relationships with individuals.
There are a lot of journalists and bloggers out there and they can be
extremely hard to reach and they have very little time. They get
approached by hundreds of companies a week who think they should
give their brand coverage, so how do you stand out from the crowd?
Here are some 5 key dos to get ahead.
If you dont understand your story yourself
then how do you expect a journalist to? So, keep your words to a
minimum and to the point (for example a one page press release). Run
it past some people you know who dont know your business and get
their feedback, or ask them to tell you what the key message is, so you
know it is clear to someone other than yourself.
Will a journalist want to
tell your story? The best way to think about this is to look at the
publication, blog or website they are writing for and think as yourself as
a reader. Would you want to read an article about the story or product
you are putting forward?
It may be a more effective use of
time to speak to someone small who engages well with your target
audience, than a bigger publication who has mass coverage. Likewise if
your business is internet based, it would be better to target online
publications and bloggers who can put a direct link through to your site
rather than a print publication, where you are relying on people to keep
hold of the article and log on later. Look at bloggers as they tend to be
very focused and speak with a specific niche. Spend time researching
them and understanding their likes and dislikes. Social media is a great
way to do this.
Think about ways to grab their attentionphotos, videos,
research and case studies are always good ways to introduce a product
or service. Just be sure to make it relevant!
The world is built on human relationships. It
is sometimes easy to forget this in the social media and internet age, but
if you can find a connection with a journalist or a blogger it can go a long
way
For more information on Enterprising Mums networking groups or to set
up a networking group yourself, please visit www.enterprising-
mums.co.uk or tweet us @enterprisemums
AtEnterprisingMums,weaimtosupportandinspireeachotherthroughournetworkingmeetings.Inthismonths
advicecolumn,wehopetogiveyousomebasicPRtipstohelpyougetyourbrandmessageoutthere...
Parents & Business
When you become a parent, your priorities naturally shift. Many
parents are now seeking new ways to work around their family
and as a result, we have seen a rise in parentpreneurs parents
starting up their own businesses seeking a more flexible way of
working so they can balance work and family on their own terms.
The great thing is that there has never been a better time to get
your brilliant business idea up and running, thanks to the internet.
With a plethora of services at your fingertips, making the first
steps neednt be time-consuming or complicated.
Seeking guidance from friends and family is one of the best ways
to road-test your business idea theyre going to be the most
forthcoming! On your way back from the school run or whilst
waiting at the school gates, set up a phone call to bounce a few
ideas around and to garner honest feedback and advice.
They may also be able to give you a helping hand with funding to
get your business off the ground. If borrowing money from friends
and family, draw up a promissory note to record details of the
amount you are borrowing and when you will aim to pay it back.
This provides security and clarity for you and the person lending
you the money. You can create one for free if you sign up to the
one-week free trial on Rocket Lawyer.
Or you can even seek investment from the public and crowdfund
through popular sites like Kickstarter and Crowdcube.
If youve been sitting on a brilliant business idea for some time,
you probably have a few ideas for the name of your business.
Keep them all in one place so you can refer back to them quickly
and this will make it easier to shortlist your favourites.
Enter prospective names through Companies House, it takes just
a few seconds to find out whether the name has already been
registered and could protect you from future potential name
infringement issues.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may only need to
create two to three social media accounts, Facebook and Twitter
being the most popular and valuable free marketing and
networking tools.
Alternatively spread the word by handing out branded business
cards - Vistaprint often offer free business cards (you just pay
postage) so this could be a really cost-effective way of promoting
your new venture. Hand a stack of cards to all those you know
family, friends, other mums you meet on the school run etc
you never know who could be a potential customer and a
personal recommendation is always the best way to secure new
business.
Its an unavoidable part of life but you do have to register your
business for tax purposes! You can easily do this online through
HMRC. Make sure youre organised with paperwork from the start
and keep all records and copies of invoices, receipts etc. as you
will need these to tally up the numbers at the end of every
business year.
As your business gets off the ground, you may need to think about
assistance and staff so you can get on with what really matters
growing the business. Even if you hire help from close family and
friends, you are still legally required to issue an employment
contract! Consulting a lawyer may sound daunting (and
expensive) but there are online legal sites like ours that allow you
to create your own professional document so you have solid legal
footing from the start and both employer and employee know
where they stand.
Set up a business bank account at your local branch; you can also
do this online very quickly. This helps you to maintain a high level
of professionalism and keeps your personal and business finances
separate for tax purposes, which will make it easier to calculate
in the long run!
There you have it! Dont be afraid to bring into fruition those ideas
youve been sitting on. Some of the best ideas are born out of
your everyday needs or surroundings, it could be a gap in the
market youve spotted at home or a problem that seemingly
couldnt be solved whilst running an errand. Look for inspiration
in those precious spare moments, possibly when youre on the
school run, which often goes by in a flash.
www.rocketlawyer.co.uk
How to become a parentpreneur
The company was founded by Julia Minchin, mother to three children Tom,
Ollie and Sophie.
Hippychick is a business that sells a range of essential nursery products that are
innovative, practical and designed above all, to make life easier for parents.
Hippychick sells a mix of its own products such as the multi award-winning
Hippychick Hipseat, the Hippychick Mattress Protector range and the Hippychick
Waterproof range as well as distributing a carefully chosen range of products
such as The Snoozeshade, the best-selling Wheelybug collection and Nattou soft
toys
I started Hippychick 15 years ago, after the birth of my first child, Tom.
I didnt want life to stop while Tom was a baby and was always thinking about
things that I could do that would complement family life, as well as provide an
income. What I discovered, as a first time mum with precious little knowledge
about the role I was suddenly plunged into, was the dearth of nursery products
actually designed to help ME.
The Hippychick Hipseat was the first product I developed a back-supporting belt
with a built-in shelf on which toddlers can perch, taking the strain off the spine.
It was instrumental in the take-off the business. As the orders started to flood
in, my husband Jeremy joined the team. Hippychick started life in the spare room
at our family home near Bridgwater in Somerset where I was able to work around
my brood. As the business continued to grow, the boxes started to pile up. We
realised that the business was starting to impinge on family life and needed to
look for commercial premises. We found a warehouse on a small industrial estate
in Bridgwater that was perfect for our needs and with plenty of room for
expansion.
I would like Hippychick to become a household name, and to be a widely
recognised nursery brand synonymous with products that make life easier for
parents. I also see the international side of our business as a huge opportunity
and want to establish a network of overseas distributors in order that Hippychick
grows as a brand right cross the globe.
There have been just so many. But probably all the feedback and testimonials
we receive, unsolicited, from our customers, as well as all the awards we have
won for our products over the years.
No downsides, just obstacles. My husband Jeremy had a terrible paragliding
accident in 2011, suffering life threatening injuries. He was out of action for four
months, leaving me to run the business and the family as well as function as his
primary carer when he came out of hospital. Though it was hard at the time, I
recognise in hindsight that the whole experience gave me greater confidence in
my capabilities as both a business woman and a mother.
If youre going to start a business, you really need to research the market. Be
sure that it hasnt been done before, or, if it has, that you are going to do it better!
Never underestimate the amount of time and hard work it takes to set up and
run a business. It sounds obvious but it is absolutely true that the more time you
put in, the more youll get out of it. Never be arrogant and assume you know it
all. Business is a continual learning curve.
Always spend enough time with your children. All too quickly, mine are growing
up but I feel good that I have tried my best to never sacrifice them for the sake
of the business. Its probably just taken a little longer to get the business where
I want it to be and thats the compromise.
For more information please contact:
Website: http://www.hippychick.com/
Email: enquiries@hippychick.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hippychick.nursery
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hippychick_com
Julia Minchin, Hippychick founder, with husband, Jeremy
The Wheelybug
The Hippychick Dream Tubes
The Hippychick Hipseat in a new Liberty Art Fabric
Parents & Business
Love 13 was started by myself, Denni and my husband Dan. We are
both extremely passionate about our businesses! I have a creative
background and a love for all things handmade. Dan, having previously
worked in sales, had run Love a Cup (Enfield Town Station) for over 4
years. He has the financial brain and is also a great barister. We employ
my mum, Lorraine who is enthusiastic, vibrant and a real asset to our
shop. We also recently took on our first apprentice.
I began to sell my handmade fabric flowers at designer-maker shops and
markets in London, such as Spitalfields. They were well received so I
decided Id like to also sell my creations locally, but there was absolutely
nowhere that specialised in creative or handmade goods. This was
frustrating, as I knew there must be a market for this kind of thing. Wed
spend our weekends in Crouch End or Islington (and even Brighton!)
trawling shops that stocked beautiful and unusual things Wishing that
there was somewhere in Enfield that we could shop instead. After a
couple of years gaining business experience at Love a Cup, we decided
to combine our skills and passions for coffee making and crafting and
opened Love 13 in 2011.
Our shop thrives on offering different things to different people. We are
more than just a gift shop, we offer unusual products many of which are
made especially for us. We offer coffee and cake in relaxed and
welcoming surroundings and we were the first place locally to run
professional social craft classes for adults. We have created drop-in
sessions which run weekly to bring the community together including
our 'Mums, bumps and babies' group and our 'Knit and Natter' which is
regularly attended by 20+ people aged 19-90! We hold crafty parties,
childrens classes, community charity craft projects and have raised over
400 this year for North London Hospice.
When we started, there was nowhere else in Enfield that offered this
kind of class or specialised in handmade products. We aim to keep
adding to and improving our offering, leading the way for classes to
teach adults new craft skills in a fun and social environment. We are
increasing our range of gifts, cards, classes, running more corporate
team-building sessions, baby showers and hen parties.
We always wanted our business to bring people together. When we
have a class, a mums meet-up or a Knit & Natter where there are a huge
group of people who didnt know each other before, chatting, swapping
tips and making friends it gives us an amazing sense of achievement. We
recently hosted the launch of the Enfield Breastfeeding Welcome
scheme, which was such a pleasure to be a part of both as a business
owner and as a new Mum.
You are always at work! We find it almost impossible to completely
switch off But maybe secretly we dont want to ;)
BE UNIQUE. For your idea to succeed it needs to be all you. Be
organised; this will free up more family time. Do something you are
passionate about. Work harder than anyone else, be braver, dream
bigger Oh and keep your accounts away from your baby! x
Website: http://www.love13.co.uk
Email: info@love13.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love13shop
Twitter: https://twitter.com/love13shop
Parents & Business
I, Neha Vyas, am solely behind BabyRoof, which was formed
earlier in 2014 in Wimbledon.
Early 2014 when my son was a few months old.
BabyRoof displays all recommended products, from the
biggest retailers, under one roof. As a new mother I realise
how many options there are currently, and how taxing all the
searching can get. BabyRoof was formed with the idea of
giving new parents (and even while they are pregnant) a one
stop shop where they know everything displayed is
researched, and hence, recommend. Nothing on the site is
something we dont swear by.
I hope to target new parents who are as confused as I was
back then, and give them peace of mind while online buying
for the love of their lives.
My son! And of course, getting great feedback in terms of
customer stories is always a delight.
BabyRoof is like having another son - hyper active and always
wants me. It sometimes becomes a challenge to detach
myself from BabyRoof, especially on the weekends when my
husband demands undisturbed attention.
I would say - GO FOR IT! I know what its like to be a new
mum and staying home can take a toll on your entire
personality. Treat it like your baby - have patience and dont
give up.
Website: http://www.babyroof.co.uk
Email: wecare@babyroof.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabyRoofUK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BabyRoofUK
Parents & Business
That would be me, Helen. I struggled to find un-processed finger
foods for my baby without added sugar and salt, e numbers etc. I
started making my own fish cakes and risotto fingers for Ted, a
couple of my friends from my antenatal and NCT group asked for
some of the items. I thought I might have found a gap in the market
andafter I was made redundant from my job I started making the
foods in my home kitchen to sell at a local farmers market.
In 2012 I learnt that the food needed to pass stringent analysis to
comply with the Processed Cerealbased Foods and Baby Foods for
Infants and Young Children (England) Regulations 2004, after some
experimenting I got the 9 items available approved for sale to
babies. A friend set up a website for me and I started to trade at
local baby shows. The food is now professionally made in purpose
built accredited kitchens by my business partner, acclaimed chef,
Richard James (Fuud ltd)
The companys about providing quality, nutritious, guilt free
convenient finger foods for babies, toddlers and young children.
The food is unique and not what you typically find in the
supermarket but above all its healthy, handy and yummy!
I hope to be successful in my business and make parents life a little
easier with guilt free, convenient food. Now the food is in
production I hope to be able to spend more time with Ted rather
than cooking. I would love to have Fab Finger Foods available to buy
in farm shops and deli's as well as online direct to customers.
I have found many highlights of starting my own company, a sense
of achievement, new friends but hearing from parents whose
children enjoyed the food has been the biggest highlight after all
that tells me that Im on the right track and heading in the right
direction.
For me the biggest downside has been the time away from Ted at
baby shows and markets. I struggled with cooking until the small
hours, deliveries throughout the day as well as juggling my part time
job as an Audiologist along with general household jobs, Ted having
no clean clothes wasnt a highlight, but at least he had some healthy
food!
Advice I would give to a parent wanting to start up their own
business is to work hard and it will pay off. For me I live by the saying
"I would rather regret the things I've done than the things I havent"
and so far it's served me well. I would say give it a whirl!
Website: http://www.fabfingerfoods.co.uk
Email: fabfingerfoods@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabFingerFoods
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FabFingerFoods
Parents & Business
A Regular Mum of four, who had an idea and a passion for helping
people not to forget occasions.
I was discussing the Idea with my Husband for an e-organiser and
planner for all occasions, this led us to the idea of also stocking
cards and providing a handwritingservice. That conversation was
over a year ago now and Smartsenda is now up and running.
My husband isuselessatremembering birthdays and keeps getting
into trouble, and hes not alone. We understand that life is
evermore demanding and that people do notintentionallyforget to
send out cards. We provide a free service that plans out all
yourregularoccasions, and sends cards on your behalf, saving you
theembarrassmentof forgetting. Werememberso you don't have
to.
To be there for our customers and provide a service to those busy
people out there. We would like to be an online concierge facility,
maybe expanding to high end gifts as well as cards. Our main aim is
to provide premium top quality products at a competitive price and
provide a free occasion planning too.
The highlight has to be seeing my ideas coming to life, I get a great
deal of satisfaction every-time we help someone out, we also get
the occasional thank-you email from happy customers, which
makes it all worth while.
I am having fun being my own boss but if there was a downside,
I think it's trying to get to grips with all the jargon involved with
developing your own website.
Don't do it... Only kidding its rewarding but very time consuming
running your own business, it helps if you have a passion for your
product, tons ofpatienceand the ability to talk to people on a level
that they understand. It's not to different from parenting really!!.
Parents & Business
Website: http://www.smartsenda.com/
Email: hello@smartsenda.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartSenda
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmartSenda
Parents & Business
Louise Millard first thought of Thoroughly Modern Baby after having her first baby, Skye,
18 months ago,. She enlisted the help of her old friend, Nicola Martin and together they
launched their website at the beginning of June.
We did a huge amount of online research to find out what other websites offered and
what made a site popular. We were happy in our vision for TMB and appointed Atholl
Road Web Designers in February this year. Louise had a "hit list" of products we wanted
to showcase on the site and with this in hand we set off for Harrogate Nursery Fair in
March, test site up and running and a head full of great ideas!
Thoroughly Modern Baby is an online based shop that specialises in innovative and
modern baby products. It's a portal site that showcases the very best in new products
and ideas for babies and parents.
We would love to see the site be a huge success and expand into becoming an online
resource for mums and dads. We want to be able to give people easy access to all of
those gorgeous, practical and innovative products that keep appearing! We also hope
to offer great advice and real feedback from other parents and experts in all things baby
and toddlers. Because we have everything in one easy shop, making life easier is right
at the top of the list!
Seeing it all come together and go live! It was months of hard work and although there
were exciting little milestones - approving the brand, the site layout, getting our
favourite suppliers on board - it was that wonderful day on the 8th June when the
holding page came down and the site was there and live that we could breathe out
again and relax! We've had some amazing feedback from other Mums and Dads and
this has made it all the more special.
Midnight product uploads! We both have other jobs and we're running this at night.
The website has been built to automate a lot of the ordering and our suppliers all
dropship for us. However, we are there, resizing photographs and writing descriptions
until the wee small hours. Its hard work but worth it!
Go for it! Get your plan together, get your support network sorted out and just do it.
Be clear in your head but don't overthink it. If you think about it too hard your head will
explode - and lets face it, we'd never have had children if we'd been put off by all the
risks and tales of sleepless nights!
Website: http://www.thoroughlymodernbaby.com/
Email: hello@thoroughlymodernbaby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoroughlymodernbaby
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThorModBaby
That would be me, Aleksandra Stastic. I
design the entire range and the image of
the company. That is the most enjoyable
part of my job, but sadly it's the shortest
part of it. I am always getting excited by
new ideas for the brand, but there is just
not enough time or space in the collection
to realise all of them.
I am at that age when most of my friends are having babies. While
shopping for presents I failed to find kids clothes that suited my taste
and that were comfortable fork ids. I found that the vintage style that
I like is often uncomfortable and impractical. This brought me to design
a range that keeps that chic look of vintage clothes, without being
gimmicky, but also looks modern. Comfort is another priority. I have a
lot of experience in womenswear and textile design and I felt that it
was the right time to create my own range, and put my own vision out
there. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs therefor it was a natural
path for me.
Raspberry Plum is about embracing childhood, letting kids be kids, play,
get messy, be comfortable but always look cool a chic. I don't think
that clothes should be precious but I think that by letting kids express
themselves though clothing at an early age builds their self-esteem.
Having a business that is ethical is greatly important to me. This means
producing garments that are not only beautiful and original, but
ethically made and durable is one of the priorities of RaspberryPlum.
I also want to create a work environment for my employees where
they feel appreciated and a part of the team. I believe in a pleasant
work environments that embraces peoples skills, creativity and efforts.
Seeing my vision come alive and not having to compromise or conform
to somebody else's aesthetic standards. It is amazing when that vision
is recognised and embraced. I think children's clothes have the ability
to make people happy, and I love seeing my range bringing smiles to
peoples' faces.
Being in charge of a company is a great deal of pressure. There are so
many things you have to keep under control. Leisure time becomes
very sparse, so I've learned to make the most of the little free time that
I do have.
As I am not a parent yet, I can only imagine that it would be very tough
juggling family and a new business. I would mostly advise anybody who
wants to start a business to wait until their business grows a little bit
before starting a family, as while the business is still young most of the
work needs to be done by the business owner. If they are a parent
already I hope that they have some help with childcare, or they should
start a business with a partner who has a different set of skills to
themselves.
Website: http://www.raspberryplum.com
Email: info@raspberryplum.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raspberryplum
Twitter: https://twitter.com/raspberryplum
Start-Up Business of the Month
Have you ever had one of those moments when you stumble across
something, or in this case someone, that brings a whole new
definition to motherhood and makes you want to rejoice that
someone finally understands how you are feeling?
So did you or do you have the perfect pregnancy, the perfect family,
the perfect child. Uh, sorry - NO! So why is it that society keeps
pounding us with the illusion of everything is rosy pink and perfect
when you are expecting or have just become a mum! There are so
many books out there that paint the picture of perfection and tell
you what you should or shouldnt do, that when you inevitably fail
at living up to these impossible standards, you feel that youve
failed at being a mother!
For those of you who havent heard of Olivia Siegl and The Baby
Bible, pay attention. PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION! She is about
to become your life saver, your friend - hell your confidant!
I would urge all women out there who want a straight talking, no
bullshit sanctuary and an escape away from the shitty situations
we face daily on the battlefields of motherhood, to visit The Baby
Bible (http://www.the-baby-bible.com/). Im pretty sure you will
find yourself relating to most of the confessionals that have been
written by other like-minded mums whove dared to tell it as it is.
So what is The Baby Bible all about? The idea for The Baby Bible
started out as the ramblings and rants of writer and mum Olivia
Siegl, who after reading all the traditional baby books felt smugly
prepared to be the owner of a tiny human. What a load of Bullshit!
Once she had pushed her baby, sanity and any dignity she had left
out and into this world it suddenly dawned on her that the book
dealing with the hilarious, downright horrific and at times incredibly
dark realities of motherhood did not exist. To preserve her sanity
she decided to start writing about them herself and then to share
them with fellow mums.
It soon became apparent that she was not alone in the wilderness
of motherhood, trying to negotiate her way around the daily pitfalls
no one had warned her about pre baby, as she started to hear from
hundreds of women worldwide who were in exactly the same
situation but just not talking about it.
Following the overwhelming support from fellow mums, all after a
fresh and un-sugar-coated perspective on the reality of
motherhood, Olivia wrote a book, set up a website and is currently
inviting all like minded mums out there to join her in her No Bullshit
Revolution! We will be featuring regular features from Olivia each
month to try and give our readers some level of sanity in the world
that is motherhood!
Want to discuss how you are feeling about being a mum, warts and
all, NO JUDGEMENT? Come join the No Bullshit Mum Revolution
and pop into The Confessional to chat to other like minded and
straight talking mums at www.the-baby-bible.com, follow us on
Twitter @thebabybible and on the closed Facebook Group by
sending your email address to Olivia@the-baby-bible.com.
Exclusive
Health & Wellbeing
Every breastfeeding mother will, at some stage, question if she is doing
everything ok.
Common questions such as, how often do I need to feed my baby or, how
do I know if my baby is getting enough milk, will certainly play on their
minds. Breastfeeding mothers may also find they compare themselves,
wondering why a friends baby doesnt feed as frequently during the night
for example. These types of questions will be asked by mothers during
their breastfeeding experience and may cause anxiety or concern for some.
Now, thanks to a new study from leading lactation researcher Dr Jacqueline
Kent our understanding of breastfeeding is far
clearer. Kents work has outlined the
boundaries for what can be considered
normal breastfeeding and in doing so has
answered these common queries. This is music
to the ears of many mothers who find
themselves questioning their personal
breastfeeding experience and asking if it is
normal? Dr Kents findings were presented for
the first time at Medelas world leading
breastfeeding symposium in Madrid this April
and have since been shared far and wide
around the world. Her work confirms that in
fact there is no breastfeeding norm, no specific
pattern that infants will, or indeed need to
adopt, and certainly no set of rules that
benchmark the right way to breastfeed. The new research explains that
every breastfeeding relationship between mother and baby is unique and
that it will adapt and change throughout the breastfeeding period. The
differences may appear extreme, but are natural and not necessarily an
indication of insufficient milk supply or other problems. Kents findings
highlighted varying breastfeeding patterns between infants, but also
showed changes in each babys individual experience, sometimes changing
monthly. Between one and six months of lactation breastfed infants take
fewer, faster, larger feeds, but their total daily milk intake is constant. The
significant variability in frequency and volume intake of the healthy,
exclusively breastfed infant aged 1 to 6 months is as follows:
the number of breastfeeding sessions per day
minutes the duration of a breastfeeding session
ml volume of milk consumed in a breastfeeding session
ml the volume of milk consumed in a 24 hour period
All of the infants who were monitored as part of the study were considered
to be growing normally according to the WHO growth charts. At every age
there is a wide range in the number of breastfeeds in a day, but on average
the frequency decreases between one and six months, after which it
stabilizes. Similarly, there is a wide range in the duration of each
breastfeeding session at every age, but on average the duration decreases
between one and six months. This knowledge will undoubtedly provide
much-needed evidence to give health professionals confidence in various
feeding situations and to give mothers self-assurance in their role. Better
knowledge of the variability and expected changes in breastfeeding
patterns will also improve mothers confidence about their milk supply.
The breastfeeding community must take from this study the understanding
that changes in an infants breastfeeding behaviours are completely
normal, as are differences between babies. Lack of milk is often cited as
one of the reasons mothers give up breastfeeding; the concern that their
baby is not getting milk is naturally a worry. Mothers may think that
because their baby is feeding more often it is a sign they are not getting
enough each feed, but thanks to Kent we have learnt that this is not
necessarily the case. Using Kents new work to further educate both
mothers and health professionals on the expected breastfeeding journey
can potentially irradiate breastfeeding myths, thus making it a truly
ground-breaking study in the field of lactation.
New Research Reassures Breastfeeding Mothers
For more information, please visit:
http://www.medela.com/
Dr Jacqueline Kent
AsPrinceGeorgeturnsone(22 July), the world is inundated with images
of a beautiful calm and well behaved little prince. But mums and dads know
too well that behind closed doors, every toddler can wreak Royal havoc,
especially in the home. In fact, damage by animals and children are a common
cause of home insurance claims. With Buckingham Palace now home to both
kiddies and the corgis, the Queen will need a good home insurance policy
more than ever to ensure the Crown Jewels are suitably covered. As the
nation prepares to celebrate the birthday boys big day, home insurance
specialist, Together Mutual Insurance, has compiled some top tips on
safeguarding the home for those with a little havoc-wreaking prince or
princess of their own.
1. When selecting the wallpaper and carpet for a room, make sure you
consider how easy it will be to clean them. Children love scribbling,
especially on walls. So opt for the easy clean wallpaper, or be pre-
pared to display your little princes masterpiece for quite some time.
2. Make sure that the little one doesnt get hurt by baby proofing sharp
corners and securing furniture that could topple. But also check that
in doing so, you wont damage or devalue your favourite piece of
furniture.
3. Standard contents policies include an element of cover for acciden-
tal damage - including stereo equipment and glass-in furniture - but
they don't cover accidental damage to other goods or actual furnish-
ings. So it is worth adding extended accidental damage cover to your
home contents policy, or investing in hard wearing sofas. Make sure
kids dont take food on to the sofa and if they are colouring in, that
they wash their hands and leave the ALL the pens and crayons in the
play area, not in back pockets.
4. Heres hoping Kate & Wills have insured their jewellery. Little ones
love everything that sparkles, and have a nasty tendency of hiding
them in the weirdest places. And if they havent stowed it away,
theres always the chance theyve flushed it down the toilet. Keep
your jewels and crowns out of childrens grasp and get them suitably
covered in your contents insurance.
5. Mummys handbag is a treasure trove of goodies, and wed all love
to know what Queenie carries in hers. If the tot gets into your purse,
your lipstick and mascara being used as crayons could be the least of
your worries. One spilt juice carton could spell the end for the bag
and whats inside. Make sure your bag is closed and kept out of reach.
6. It is said that children are a drain on finances. In addition to their high
maintenance cost, tiny tots often like to slip credit cards, crisp 20
notes, cheques and important business cards through the gaps in
floorboards. Avoid pulling up the flooring and make sure you have
your credit card details close to hand, stored in a safe place away
from the big spenders.
7. If your little prince is visiting granny, it might be worth her paying an
extra premium for accidental damage cover to be added to her
policy. That way, if your toddler knocks over the TV right before her
favourite soap starts, you can rest assured that it will be covered.
8. A standard home insurance policy doesnt cover portable electrical
equipment and clothing for accidental damage. So, as much as your
phone or iPad pacifies your child, it might be better to get them a
child friendly version and to hang your favourite expensive jacket out
of harm's way
9.Keep baby wipes with you at all times. They are great for any messy
activities, and can equally be used to clean up minor spills* as well
as mucky hands (*Before using wipes to clean furniture and uphol-
stery try wiping in a small inconspicuous area and only continue to
use if no adverse reaction occurs)
10. Last but not least, accept that Make
sure youre covered with a suitable policy for if, and when, the worst
does happen.
For more information, please contact:
http://www.togethermutualinsurance.co.uk/
Family Focus
TODDLER
DAMAGE PREVENTION TIPS FIT FOR A ROYAL
HOUSEHOLD
Jacqueline Hurst is a fully qualified
acupuncturist specialising in fertility, an
accredited BACP Counsellor and
Psychotherapist and a member of BICA. She
runs Fertility Support clinics in Warwickshire
and the West Midlands, alongside a network
of specialists and attracts clients from the
surrounding counties due to her reputation in
successful outcomes and the range of holistic therapies she
offers:
Acupuncture
Nutritional Advice
Fertility yoga & Pregnancy yoga
Fertility Reflexology & Pregnancy reflexology
Massage for stress reduction
Mindfulness Guidance and Breathing for relaxation
Monitored Cycles
AMH blood testing
Ultrasound Scanning
Here she offers some key pieces of advice.
I am often asked how acupuncture works. The common
consensus is that it helps to improve the flow of blood and energy
to the reproductive organs, balance the body, build up the womb
lining, grow follicles and help with implantation. It also helps with
endorphins to help calm and reduce stress levels, as stress can
impact significantly on fertility. I work closely with top fertility
consultant, Dr Rina Agrawal who practices at the Centre for
Reproductive Medicine at University Hospital Coventry and
Warwickshire and also from a clinic in London. Both clinics offer
fertility treatments, such as IVF, privately as well as through the
NHS. Clinics around the country are now recognising the benefit
of a holistic approach to complement IVF treatment.
Ideally you should have a weekly acupuncture session three
months prior to trying to conceive. For natural or clomid cycles
we work on a 4-phase plan to complement a natural cycle and
with assisted IVF or ICSI cycles I have a set protocol.
I am also associated with Tummy2Mummy who provide ultra
sound services with over 30 years experience. We offer a
monitored cycle, which provides valuable insight into our clients
fertility status, being able to see if and when ovulation occurs.
This is particularly helpful for sufferers of PCOS who have
extremely long cycles. Ultra sound scanning may also be able to
identify pelvic and gynecological disorders, which when treated
may eliminate the need for assisted conception.
Good nutrition, for the man and the woman must be a priority as
it impacts on every aspect of health and wellbeing, particularly
when undergoing IVF. I am a founding member of the Zita West
(London) affiliate network, specialising in all aspects of male and
female reproductive health. We advise all of our patients to take
a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamins
C, E, A and B complex, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron and
Co-enzyme Q10 play a vital role in egg production, fertilisation
and implantation. Vitamins can also help with more extreme male
fertility issues or very low ovarian reserve.
For clients going through IVF or ICSI I recommend a Detoxifying
Lymphatic Drainage Massage and a specifically designed
relaxation massage the night before embryo transfer has proved
to be tremendously successful.
My key pieces of advice for anyone preparing to start a family,
for those who are experiencing a delay in conceiving or those who
are facing IVF are:
Dont smoke and avoid smoky atmospheres, as cigarette
smoke affects the lining of the womb
For males, blood flow and heat affect sperm production,
so limit the amount of time sitting at a desk and avoid very
rigorous exercise
It takes 100 days to create healthy sperm (or to change it)
Try to limit your stress levels. We advise breathing
dynamics and visualization as excellent ways to combat
stress. Good breathing technique helps to circulate oxygen
around the body and into the reproductive organs. It will
also help to focus the mind and cope with the stresses of
the conception journey. Visualization is very important at
every stage of the cycle. I help my clients to visualize what
is happening in their body the follicles growing, the eggs
maturing, the womb lining thickening, the embryos
implanting. I also provide instructional CDs for my clients
to try at home.
Keep talking with you partner and spend time doing things
you both enjoy. You are on this journey together so you
need to be able to support each other throughout it.
You can read more about Jacquelines holistic approach to fertility
support, and read her successful client case studies at
www.fertility-support.co.uk
An Holistic Approach to Fertility
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
6 weeks...... Now, a 6 week holiday is awesome. 6 weeks of studying and
living in an ashram, meeting all warps of life and a few legends in between
is epic. 6 weeks (+ some for an emergency c section) of doing nothing
(aka resting) is not awesome or legendary. Yes I am a yogic sharer career
(aka teacher) and pregnancy masseuse and have advised many women
of the benefits of taking it slow and allowing the healing to take its
course. To all those ladies, I'm sorry. But we do have to look at the body
as a long term investment. Rush it and all that hard work could disappear
in the blink of an injury.
The first 4 weeks were a beautiful haze of resting and getting to know
Rafferty. And I really did immerse myself in the indulgence of not doing
much. But if I'm being honest, and to all those ladies out there that work
for yourself as a yoga teacher or fitness instructor I'm sure you can agree,
the thought of getting back to work (for the sake of your client base and
earnings and not neglecting your child) and back to body is never really
far from your mind. And getting back your body to all women kind is
generally slapping you in the face when yet another magazine is
dissecting some poor celebrity for going up a dress size to size 6 - EEEEK!
Ladies and warrior princesses of the world, I hear ya! Not only are we
getting to know our new little addition to the family, you're recovering,
you're healing, you're looking after your house, you're trying to get back
to a healthy diet and burning your biscuit tin, heck! You may even be
working?....... But if I'm being honest, the later of the above were all
issues I pushed myself into thinking I needed to do. Burn those magazines
ladies (other than Baby Buzz of course)! And get this: you. Are. Beautiful
just as you are (sorry to the producers of Bridgette Jones if this paragraph
is trademarked). I think its fair to say most of us worried early on about
getting our bods back, but remember, if your breast feeding the weight
will fall off anyway and as proof is in the pudding, lifting, carrying, pushing
and hanging your head in bewilderment as to what to do next burns
those calories to Mars. Dont be afraid to eat those carbs before Marbs
as your gonna need that energy to keep you going and most importantly,
emotionally stable.
I promised myself I would indulge in the healing from others and I'm
proud to say I've kept my word. Acupuncture was great to clear all the
drugs from my body and help clear up restless leg syndrome. Deep tissue
massage helped with the acutely tight shoulders I had from lifting Raff.
And the pice de rsistance was the Thai abdominal massage from my
teacher and friend on her trip to England (more on this in another blog).
The question I would ask myself when I began to consider cancelling my
appointments due to finances was: if money wasn't an issue would you
go? And the answer was always yes. A lot of my work is to change the
mindset of others in that YOU are WORTH any therapy you get called to.
This has also been a learning curve for myself. Instead of always giving
therapy to others I now know how important it is for me to receive and
that I am WORTH it too. Is your health really second best to that handbag
(even if it is Mulberry)!
And after 3 months I'm getting back to my practice. Slowly. And you know
what? I'm really enjoying going back to the beginning. Practicing the most
easiest of postures that unlock the key to issues I've been experiencing
of late. The Joint Freeing practice by Mukunda Stiles (RIP) and Yoga For
Emotional Balance by Bo Forbes have been wonderful integrating into
my practice. Simple, but so effective. Remember, the body is a long term
investment. Respect it and don't rush it.
Back to body
business...
YOGA - LESSON SEVEN
This is just sooooooo good for the shoulders! And I can involve Raff,
who absolutely loves it when I make faces when lifting my head (no
better yoga than hearing a baby laugh):
Lay on your back with soles of the feet as close to the buttocks as
you can.
Lengthen out through the crown of the head and then gently draw
your chin backwards, bring the arms up to shoulder height and then
bend elbows so fingers are pointing upwards.
Strongly draw the shoulder blades down towards the feet and keep
them like this at all times.
Inhale with head on floor, exhale and slide shin up chest and lift head,
inhale to lower.
Soften your face, jaw and tongue
Keep repeating until the upper body starts to shake. This means
you've had enough!
As you get stronger, increase repetitions. You can also include your
pelvic floor by drawing it up on the exhale and head lift. Enjoy!
Abi Adams
Oolong
07951 101 049
www.loveoolongtime.com
As parents, Im sure many of us are guilty of giving our child a games
console, mobile, iPad or some other gadget in order to give us 5 (ok
maybe 10) minutes to get something done. But how long are children
using these devices on a daily basis? Are kids spending too long looking
at screens and backlit devices and, if so, what effect is this having on
their health? Lenstore conducted a survey across 2,000 parents in the
UK with children aged between 2 and 16, to see which digital devices
children use and how regularly they use them. The results of this have
been really astonishing and highlighted some really concerning areas
such as overuse of digital devices, social media and online safety. Weve
been given some of the key stats to highlight the point of how much is
too much!
are the age range spending the on
digital devices with an average of with 14-16
year olds spending 9.48 hours on devices per day.
Interestingly parents who have children aged said they
thought a day was for their child to
be spending on digital devices.
Interestingly, the majority of
about how long their children were spending on
digital devices (57%) but identified that the average 2-4 year
old was spending using digital devices.
Parents identified that their children within the age brackets
below were using digital devices predominantly for the below
functions:
Nearly 1 in 3 children aged 2-4 own a tablet (30%) and 10%
have a mobile phone.
37% of children aged 5-7 own a tablet, 22% own a mobile
phone and 12% already have a Facebook profile.
1 in 5 8-10 year olds (20%) already have a Facebook profile
with 41% owning a tablet and 36% owning a mobile phone.
8-10 year olds are also the most likely to have an Ask.fm
account (8%).
Nearly half of parents surveyed with children aged 11-13 said
their child owned a tablet (49%), 75% said their child owned a
mobile phone and 46% already have a Facebook profile. 11-13
year olds are also more likely to own a tablet than 14-16 year
olds (43%)
The survey revealed that 83% of 14-16 year olds have a mobile
phone which enables 69% of them to already have Facebook,
1 in 3 to have Twitter (33%), 27% to have Instagram and 26%
to have Snapchat.
Less than half of parents surveyed with children aged 5-7 (41%)
and 8-10 (49%) said they check their childs online activity or
even monitor their use of digital devices (5-7 year olds 47%
and 8-10 year olds - 48%)
The majority of parents with children aged 2-4 DONT worry
about any of the identified side effects of digital use e.g. sleep
quality, attention deficit, obesity, eye strain
The main worries for parents with children aged 5-7 years old
were behavioural problems (31%), attention deficit (29%) ad-
diction (24%) and eye strain (24%)
The main concerns for parents with children aged 8-10 years
of age were behavioural problems (34%), sleep quality (31%)
and headaches (30%)
The main concerns for parents with children aged 11-13 years
old were sleep quality (41%), eye strain (40%) and headaches
(34%)
The top worries for parents with children aged 14-16 were
sleep quality (44%), eye strain (40%) and headaches (29%)
The majority of parents with children aged 2-4 (35%) have
never taken their child for an eye test
The majority of parents with children aged 5-16 have taken
their children for an eye test within the last 12 months
The survey results show that children learn to manoeuvre their
way around a tablet(52% based on children aged 2-10) before
learning vital skills such as swimming (42% based on children
aged 2-10) and telling the time (37% based on children aged
2-10)
They are also more likely to confidently use a mobile phone
before being able to read or ride a bike.
Lenstore have explored these results and in particular the damaging
effects our childrens digital aptitudes are having on their health and
eyesight in a blog post where doctor Rob Hogan has offered his expertise
on how to keep our childrens eyes healthy while using digital devices.
To read more, please visit:
How much is too much?
Age Main reason for digital use
2 - 4 years Additional learning
5 - 7 years Online gaming
8 - 10 years Online gaming
11 - 13 years School and homework
14 - 16 years Social media
News & Features
Ever since David and Victoria Beckham took part in their sons
schools parent relay race last year, the anticipation of Sports Day
has seen parents preparing months in advance to impress their kids
and beat fellow mums and dads.
Amazon.co.uk has seen the following increases in sales:
Sales of Adult Racing Sacks are up by 263% month on
month
In order to beat their personal best, sales of stopwatches
are up 221% month on month
To improve accuracy, parents have been buying ring toss
sets up 142% month on month
Extending the trend to the family picnic, rounders kits
are also up 1,100% month on month
As the popularity of the Parents Race continues, it appears that
parents are now going the extra mile to impress on Sports Day,
commented Xavier Garambois, Vice President of EU Retail at
Amazon. Dont be surprised to see parents practicing the sack race
in their back garden or training with an egg and spoon in the local
park.
Whether youre encouraging your children to be the next Andy
Murray or see yourself as the next Judy Murray, Sports Day is a
great motivator for all the family to get fit and have fun together,
commented Ian Bradley, Sports & Outdoors Store at Amazon.co.uk
Ltd.
Not all parents are quite as successful on the field as they might
like, and for those that fall at the first hurdle, First Aid Kits have also
risen 11% month on month.
Find a range of products to help get a head start before Sports Day
with the Sports & Outdoors Store and Toys & Games Store at
www.amazon.co.uk.
COMPETITIVE PARENTS TRAIN UP FOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY
News & Features
Between 10-15% of women will suffer from postnatal illness
10% of new fathers also get depression following the birth of
a baby
Where women have suffered depression during pregnancy,
the statistic for postnatal depression rises to 33% and of these
25% will still be experiencing symptoms up to a year later.
Recent research by charity 4Children shows that 49% of wom-
en who thought they had suffered from postnatal depression
did not seek treatment, mainly because they either did not
believe the symptoms were severe enough or they were
concerned about how they and their baby might be impacted
by seeking treatment.
Postnatal illness occurs after the birth of a baby. It is a form of
depression which can affect both the mother and the father. Many
experts believe it is caused by genetic, environmental and social
factors and hormones also play a part.
8 out of 10 women experience a brief period of feeling depressed
which occurs 3-4 days after birth and can persist for a few days. This
is known as baby blues and coincides with a large release of
hormones associated with milk production. Postnatal depression,
however, often occurs between 4-8 weeks post birth, or later and is
often longer lasting with more symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
Crying a lot
Feeling exhausted
Difficulty eating
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling guilty about not being about to cope
Feeling guilty about not loving the baby enough
Difficulties in the relationship with the partner
Low libido
Withdrawal from family and friends
There are two usual treatments for postnatal depression: medication
and talking therapies (counselling).
For mild to moderate depression, the recommended treatment is
counselling and a course of at least 6 sessions can be as effective as
anti-depressants.
For severe depression, a combination of anti-depressants and talking
therapy should be offered.
In the first instance, women should access support through their
health visitor or GP, but partners or other close family member may
be the first to spot the signs and may need to encourage women to
seek help.
Puerperal psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition
which affects around 2 in 1000 women after birth. Symptoms include
hallucinations, delusions and suicidal thoughts. Help must be sought
promptly at a mother & baby unit or psychiatric facility. Most women
improve significantly within one month following the correct
treatment.
For support with postnatal illness, visit
www.anpi.org
www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
www.mind.org
The NCT helpline on 0300 330 0700
This article was written by Michelle Eshkeri, director & founder of Parent
Partner, a Barnet-based company which provides private and NC group
courses as well as tailored individual birth and parenting coaching
sessions and baby/child first aid sessions.
Family Focus
Postnatal Depression
or baby blues?
For more information, email:
info@parentpartner.co.uk or visit
http://www.parentpartner.co.ukor
callMichelleon07789928530
By Michelle Eshkeri
Five months pregnant with her third child,
X-Factor winner Sam Bailey spoke exclusively to
Kiddicare. Candid, down to earth, a real
womans woman this is a lady weve got a
whole lot of love for!
Looking tanned and relaxed, fresh from a
holiday in Gran Canaria (we stayed in a German
hotel so no one knew who I was) Sam tucks
into a cheese toastie and reveals that shes
always longed for baby number three but says,
I was working 41-hour weeks at the prison,
leaving home at 6 in the morning and getting
home at 9 oclock at night. Craig and I were like
ships in the night. Then after the X-Factor our
circumstances were different. And we were in
a better financial situation.
With honesty she reveals I had a bit of a scare,
when I had a bleed, and had to go to hospital
says Sam, but they checked me out and
everythings fine with my little girl. Even
so, Sams decided to take it easy two
months before her October due date,
particularly as her first came eight weeks
early and her second was two weeks early.
I dont want to be on stage in the middle
of a show and have my baby! Mind you it
would make great TV if I did!
The bond between Sam and her mentor
Sharon has been strong from day one.
Shes going to be the babys godmother.
Shes always there if I need her. Were both
mums and we have a lot in
common. Weve become really
close, shes definitely someone I
can trust and tell anything to. I
dont have the same relationship
with Simon!
So how did she break the baby
news to Craig? I did a pregnancy
test in Asdas toilets. Classy, me! I
just came out and said Craig Im
pregnant. He had a huge smile on
his face. And how did her
management react to the news?
I thought they were going to go
ape! They were really supportive though,
everyone was delighted. We had to let everyone
on the X Factor Tour know not to manhandle
me especially Nicky (McDonlald) and Luke
(Friend) getting me in a headlock!
The pop star says in her typically down-to-
earth way, I dont want to move house, she
says. The kids are happy and I dont get
hassled. I dont get the paps outside like
Nicholas and Luke do, so were extending the
house and Im going to swap my 4-seater Mini
for a 5-seater. The extension wont be finished
until early next year so the Babystyle Aspen
(linktoKiddicare.com) furniture Ive got my eye
on will have to wait - there wont be anywhere
for it to go!
Its chip shop chips with loads of vinegar that
have got her through her pregnancy. That and
ice lollies. I love a Twister its a very fine lolly.
Then I was into Nobbly Bobblies, now were on
to white Magnums.
With her children, Sams had two very different
labours. I didnt have any pain with my first.
My waters broke, I had no contractions, then I
had an epidural and C-section. I went natural
last time and I screamed! I was off my face on
gas and air which was great, then had an
epidural and played on the Nintendo DS for 4
hours!
Sam agrees that the last 24 months have been
an incredible journey. Highlights were
definitely winning X-Factor and singing with
Michael Bolton at the NTAs. My actual audition
was more terrifying though, I was petrified. I
sang Listen by Beyonce and I got a standing
ovation from all four judges. I was also a fat
heifer at the time! Funnily enough, Sam
admits that she cant actually remember the
exact moment she won the X Factor title. Its
all bit of a blur. Almost like it didnt happen. I
heard Dermot say And the winner is then
that massive pause that seems like ages. Next
thing I see Sharon on the floor. It was just
bizarre. I genuinely dont remember it.
Does Sam have any words of advice for fellow
mums-to-be? Yes, just go with the flow and
dont commit to anything because kids always
come first. And when it comes to juggling make
sure youve got a good support network. I
believe in favours for favours Ive given my
Leicester season ticket to my child minder!
When chatting about our #WIWIK (link to
Kiddicare.com/wiwik) campaign, Sam reveals
the one thing she wishes shed known was
about storing formula milk. My son really
suffered with gastroenteritis. He was very sick
and lost a lot of weight. I wish Id known that
you shouldnt make up bottles in the morning
and keep them in the fridge for the day. New
research says you have to make them up fresh
to prevent babies getting poorly. He was ill for
years I really wish Id known!
Sam spent an afternoon browsing our
Peterborough store and enjoying a Bump, Baby
& You 1-2-1 consultation with colleague Rachel.
She and Craig scooped an impressive haul of
baby gear including: Funky Friends bedding
bales, Jumperoo, some beautiful Pumpkin Patch
dresses and matching shoes, nursing pillow,
just4bums nappies, Ewan the Dream Sheep and
a Little Bird Told Me Butterfly play gym.
For all your baby essentials visit
and for more
parenting inspiration, advice and offers
visit
Sam Bailey enjoying Kiddicares
new Bump, Baby & You service.
Celebrity Interview
As the summer holidays arrive parents with teenagers will be racking their
brains to find fun and innovative ways to entertain them during the school
break. For parents in London, the challenge has been made significantly
easier as Tinies launch their first ever holiday camp specifically for
children aged 11 to 16.*
Activities vary each day and include rock climbing, kayaking, crazy golf,
go-karting and trips to the movies.
Situated just behind Victoria Station, the holiday clubs at St Peters are
perfect for London residents and commuters who can easily drop their
children off onsite before heading to work.
at Tinies says: Kids who are
11 to 16 can be a really tricky age group for parents who are unsure how
to keep them busy over the holidays. The last thing parents want is them
sitting around the house all day or hanging out with the wrong crowds.
At Tinies weve experienced a high demand in parents asking for advice
on how to keep their children entertained when they hit their teenage
years. For parents who work or have children where there is a big age
gap, it can be particularly difficult, so weve sought to make it easier for
them and helped to make the Summer holidays a time for kids to enjoy
life and have fun, as it should be!
The first camp will take place from Thursday 24 July and will run
throughout the summer, ending on Friday 29 August.
The teen trials cost 37 for a day from 8.30 until 6, including all activity
costs and food. Parents can book their child in online at
tinies.com/stpeters, as last minute as they like. Places are currently
limited to 14 spots per session, giving kids the opportunity to make new
friends and experience things they have never tried before. Situated
beside St Peters Club which caters for children aged 4 to 11, taking care
of childcare has never been easier.
Tinies organised a teen trial over the Easter holidays this year and one
attendee was Sam Williamson. He said: I really enjoyed going and trying
new things every day, like kayaking and climbing in a castle.
Tinies Holiday Club Westminster is taking place at St Peters Primary
School, Eaton Square, Lower Belgravia Street, Westminster, London,
SW1W 0NL. For more information visit www.tinies.com/stpeters or call
020 7384 8368.
*Children are eligible right up unto their 16 birthday.
Family Focus
Tinies launches new summer kids
club exclusively for teenagers
Boots Opticians now offer UV protection and toughened lenses as
standard.
With so much to see and do, little ones eyes need to be kept in tip-top
condition to ensure they do not miss a moment of the fun. Now, Boots
Opticians is making it easy for parents to keep young eyes protected
by including its Protect Ultratough UV lenses, as standard, with every
single pair of childrens frames it sells. With the majority of the eyes
lifetime exposure to UV light reached before the age of 18, childrens
eyes are particularly susceptible when it comes to UV, with evidence
suggesting up to 70% more light reaches the retina than in an adults
eye. With only 10% of people aware that eyes are up to 10 times more
sensitive to UV damage than skin, Boots Opticians is committed to
helping parents understand how best to protect their childrens eyes
in order to maintain great eye health in the same way that they would
protect their little ones skin by applying sun cream. Championing
every childs right to UV protection, Boots Opticians is making its
Protect UItratough lenses - which filter UV rays from the front and back
surface - available at no extra cost. Its new clearer prices, clearer
vision promise will apply to even the most basic frame range and NHS
prescriptions the first time UV protection will be available, as
standard, to NHS customers.
With every pair of glasses from Boots Opticians now coming with UV
protection, as standard, parents can rest assured that their precious
pride and joys eyes are protected - even when its overcast, when up
to 40% of UV rays still penetrate through the clouds. And knowing
children are prone to a bit of rough and tumble, the Boots Ultratough
lenses are also scratch resistant, reflection free and are so tough,
theyre virtually unbreakable!
Victoria OConnor, Eye Health Condition Manager, Boots Opticians
comments The risks associated with UV exposure are cumulative so
its important to protect eyes at an early age. UV damage can occur
even when it is cloudy, so everyday UV protection is essential to
minimise chances of your child experiencing sight problems as they
get older. 80% of childrens learning is through sight, but one in five
primary school children have an undiagnosed vision problem so it is
important to ensure your child visits the optician at least every two
years and has a check before they start school.
http://www.boots.com/en/Opticians/
Protecting little peepers
Over the six week period, parents will spend 492
entertaining their children a 26 per cent increase on last year
Ontopofthis,anaverage119willbespentonpetrolanda
further 106 on childcare
Summer worries: almost two thirds (58 per cent) of parents
worry about the cost of entertaining their children
Onein10wouldmissbillpaymentsinordertocovercosts
UK parents will splash out 492 entertaining their children this summer
a 26 per cent increase on last year suggesting that parents are feeling
a renewed sense of confidence, according to annual
Parents also expect to see further damage
done to their bank balance as they shell out 66 on other peoples
children, 106 on childcare and 119 on petrol.
While children all over the UK are eagerly awaiting the summer holidays,
more parents than ever before (58 per cent) are still fretting about the
cost of keeping their kids entertained despite planning to spend more.
Worryingly, nearly half of all parents (46 per cent) also feel under
pressure to keep up with other parents spending. To cover costs, one
in four parents expect to dip into savings (24 per cent), and a further 16
per cent would consider stopping saving altogether to make ends meet.
Nearly one in five will rely on their credit card (18 per cent), while 17 per
cent are prepared to work overtime to boost the familys monthly
budgets. In an effort to keep costs down, one in 10 (12 per cent) will rely
on auction sites to pay for activities over the summer holiday.
When it comes to spending, the bulk of money will be spent on admission
for various attractions, including theme parks and museums (47 per
cent), while two in five parents (42 per cent) also plan to spend a
significant amount eating out. A family holiday abroad is where nearly a
third of all parents (29 per cent) expect to spend the most of their money.
This is nearly double the amount of parents who planned to head off last
year (15 per cent), perhaps indicating that the average family is feeling
more confident about their finances.
Many mums and dads would also consider making personal sacrifices. A
third of all parents would give up buying new clothes (34 per cent), while
others would miss out on their regular takeaways (34 per cent) and resist
buying treats such as magazines or coffees (34 per cent) this summer.
Others would be forced to rely on more drastic methods as they watch
their bank balance. Nearly one in ten (eight per cent) admitted that they
would skip paying household bills and around one in twenty (six per
cent) might take another type of holiday this time from their mortgage
payments.
However, two out of five savvy parents (41 per cent) have saved in
advance for their summer holiday expenses. This represents a 12 per
cent increase on the number of parents who planned ahead in 2013 (29
per cent) indicating that families have learned lessons from previous
summers, with 29 per cent admitting that they spent more than they
expected to last year entertaining their children.
The
significant rise in parents spending this summer may be due to families
feeling a renewed sense of confidence as the signs of economic recovery
take hold.
The summer holidays are an exciting time for all and while its important
to keep your children entertained during the summer break, its a good
idea to plan ahead and budget wisely. There are a number of ways to
manage your finances, including options such as credit cards, savings
and overdraft facilities, but it's important to work out which one best
suits your needs. Its encouraging to see such a significant rise in the
number of people saving in advance to cover their costs this year.
Trackdowndealsonline,therearegreatdiscountsand2for
1 offers to be found to theme parks, the cinema, family days
out and restaurants
Look out for offers at local attractions and events organised
by your local community, these are often free or inexpensive
Travellingbytraincanalsobecheaperifyoubookticketsin
advance and avoid travelling at peak times
Somemuseumshavefreeentrythroughouttheyearandthe
summer break is a great time to make the most of this
Whether youre heading to the park, a museum or simply a
day in town, take a packed lunch as eating out can be expensive
Lookoutfordealsatsupermarketsthatcouldsaveyoumoney
on packed lunches or simply eating at home
Organise a funfilled day at home such as cake making,
painting, crafts or start a reading club
Fillingupatalessexpensivegarageordrivinginawaythats
fuel efficient could mean you save extra cash
Adayinthegardenorhelpingwiththegardeningcanbejust
as fun as a day out at an amusement park and may save you
some time on gardening yourself!
Research conducted by Opinium on behalf of Post Office between 30 May to 02
June 2014. 2,004 online interviews took place, of which 585 were parents with
children aged 18 and below. Parents expect to spend 82 a week entertaining
their own children 6 X 82 = 492. The cost in 2013 was 391.50.
PARENTS TO SPLASH OUT ALMOST 500
ENTERTAINING KIDS THIS SUMMER
Family Focus
Since Spoilt Rotten was founded in 2010, with a vision to
always provide beautiful organic cotton baby clothes and
gifts. This vision has grown from selling baby clothes, to
now having an extensive range which includes organic
maternity tops, ethically made mum and dad t-shirts &
gifts and kids t-shirts. Spoilt Rotten are proud to present
the Whatever It Takes babygrow featuring artwork
kindly donated celebrities such as Tinie Tempah, Daniel
Craig, Dave Grohl, Kanye West and Pink. Each celebrity
has created a unique hand drawn piece of artwork
featuring different designs. Their original artwork has
been donated for the exclusive use of the Whatever It
Takes campaign, which has so far raised over $7 million
for 21st Century Leaders. The babygrows are 100%
Organic cotton manufactured to high standards of the
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Fair Wear
Foundation (FWF), and the Soil Association. The
packaging has been specially designed to hold the
babygrows, making it a perfect gift packaging, and
designed around the artwork donated by the celebrity.
Spoilt Rotten is committing to raise a minimum of $26,000
from the sale of this Babygrow collection for 21st Century
leaders, for selected projects in support of key global
development causes poverty alleviation, environmental
conservation and the protection of children.
We were thrilled to be sent a babygrow with the Tinie
Tempah design and it really is gorgeous whilst supporting
an amazing cause! Tinie Tempah's artwork features,
"Love, Live, Life" with a life line and heart below which
cleverly incorporates the words. It is printed in red,
yellow, purple, green, blue and orange giving it a vibrant
look and feel to the babygrow. It comes carefully gift
wrapped in Spoilt Rotten's exclusive Whatever It Takes
Tinie Tempah Milk Carton which is reusable with a lid.
Artist: Tinie Tempah
100% Certified Organic Cotton
Each packaged in exclusive Tinie Tempah Milk
Carton
Easy change with envelope neck & 3 Nickel free
poppers.
No chemicals used in manufacture. NONE.
http://www.spoiltrotten.com/
Have you got
whatever it takes?
News & Features
Im bored- two words that all parents dread hearing, especially during school
holidays. Yup its coming up to THAT time of year again, when parents around the
country are faced with the challenge of keeping their children busy and entertained
for six whole weeks and, if your purse strings are already frayed from repeated
tightening, the thought of yet more cost can be really quite overwhelming. The latest
figures from Child Poverty Action Group and the Joseph Rowntree foundations
calculated that it now costs 148,000 to raise a child, an increase of 4% on the
previous year, so its no surprise that many families are struggling. Keeping your kids
busy, and maybe even getting out and about a bit during the summer hols can really
stretch already tight budgets, so weve thought of a few ways to help end boredom,
without snapping the purse strings!
Its fun, educational and cheap whats not to love? Websites like Nature Detectives
have great ideas to get you started, and with headlines regularly appearing about
how our children are becoming increasingly detached from the natural world, its
important to reconnect them for their education and wellbeing. Whilst you might
have to pay a bit for transport, the GreatOutdoors is mostly free, plus activities like
tree climbing, den making and playing classic games like pooh sticks are free and
fun! For those of us not blessed with having the countryside on our doorsteps or
within easy reach, dont forget your local park, many of which will have special events
on during the holidays. Its LoveParks week from 25 July to 3 August this year, so
keep an eye out for activities and events taking place that week in particular.
Most venues and attractions (us included) have some kind of online offers or
discounts available, so you can usually save a few pounds even when planning a
grand day out at a large family attraction. At Eureka!, for example, were a member
of Yorkshires Magnificent Attractions, and by registering on their website you can
get 10% off the cost of entry, at any time of year. Hit your favourite search engine
and look for discount or offer codes, and its always worth having a check on sites
like moneysavingexpert.com and maybe even signing up to their newsletter. It only
takes a few minutes, and you can definitely save a few quid!
Plan any major excursions as far ahead as possible. Book travel well in advance to
take advantage of the cheapest rail and coach fares. And pack a picnic - theyre great
fun and, whether youre planning to sit on a blanket on a nice patch of grass, or
heading to the seaside for a family outing, they could save you a small fortune as the
cost of snacks, lunches and drinks soon stack up, though if the sun is out you may
well get your arm twisted to buy ice-creams.
With scientists and meteorologists currently predicting that that summer will be the
hottest on record, slather your children in sunscreen, grab your hose and plan a
couple of playful days splashing about with water. Youd be amazed how many hours
of activity can be generated with a tap, a hose and some buckets or washing up
bowls. You dont even need a paddling pool. Got a garden sprinkler? Brilliant lets
play dodge the spray. Grab those spray bottles (who needs a super soaker?) and
have a splashing shoot-out. Its what summers were made for!
Eureka! National Children's Museumare celebrating a summer of creativity with a
6-week event Made By Me culminating in Yorkshire's only Maker Faire this summer
at the museum on 30/31 August.
Frugal fun keeping your kids busy
without breaking the bank this summer!
Mum of three Jay Kerai joined No Letting Go as
an inventory clerk six months ago providing
property inventory reports and check-in services
for Letting Agents and Landlords around London
and the Home Counties. She had been working
as a data analyst for a pharmaceuticals data
company in a pressured environment that was
quite stressful. When the company made some
redundancies at the end of last year Jay decided
it was an opportunity to look for something
different that would bring her more flexibility and
a better fit around her three children aged 14, 13
and 8.
As you can imagine my life is very busy; I am constantly in the car running
my children to their various activities and I am also a level 2 qualified football
coach so there are a lot of commitments to juggle. Whilst I didnt really
know much about the role of being an inventory clerk I do have an interest
in the property sector, I am a Landlord and understand the importance of an
accurate and properly recorded inventory to protect the both the landlord
and the tenant.
I particularly enjoy the flexibility of
the role, being out and about. No
two days are the same and I am
constantly meeting new and
interesting people. Ive met actresses, writers and even a band in my day to
day work! The range of properties also keeps things fresh and interesting.
Ive visited some stunning properties that have had amazing make-overs that
inspire me. I am effectively my own boss and not micro-managed, its rather
like running your own business. On a typical day Ill probably do between
three or four inventories/check-outs but there is an ebb and a flow and
typically the end and beginning of months are busier as you would expect
with tenancies ending and starting. No Letting Go provides me with a car
allowance and I do my reports on a tablet so I am able to work efficiently and
without paperwork. I take a lot of photos as these are an important part of
recording the condition of a property.
I am much happier now, I have more time to spend with my children and at
the same time an interesting and varied job that I enjoy. Its a perfect job for
a mum who wants to have an income without compromising her family.
No Letting Go are currently recruiting in the London and surrounding areas.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nolettinggo.co.uk/
Family Focus
London Mum f inds work-life balance with property
inventory company No Letting Go!
There are more mothers working today than ever before and for many,
getting a healthy work-life balance seems an impossible task. However,
dozens of mothers across the country are managing to achieve the elusive
work-life balance by starting up their own business. YogaBellies, yoga and
therapies created especially for women, mothers and babies, is one business
that has proved hugely popular with new mums across the UK as, not only
can they bring their babies along to take part in the classes, but they give
them an opportunity to work where they like, when they like.
Founded by Cheryl MacDonald in
2009, the business has grown
exponentially since it launched and
she now has 105 franchises in the UK
and beyond. Cheryl says: I have
always loved yoga and was teaching
it to friends and family in my spare
time as a hobby but it was only when
I was made redundant while on
maternity leave that I thought yes, perhaps I can make a business of this.
While I was pregnant I realised there was a real need for more activities
suitable for pregnant women so I merged the two ideas and YogaBellies was
born a form of yoga that is suitable for both new mum, and mum-to-be.
Cheryl has worked hard to attract other women in similar situations to herself
who have struggled to balance work and family and ensures that she supports
them all thoroughly from day one, promoting a community feel so that each
and every instructor feels a part of the wider team, while running their own
business. She says: I know exactly how hard it is to find time for work and
family and I always advise my teachers to ensure they book holiday and put
their family first. YogaBellies suits my franchisees down to the ground
because they can bring their children along to take part in the classes and
can arrange the lessons to fit in with their family, while making some good
money.
Almost all of YogaBellies instructors are women who had very successful jobs
prior to having a family and then either found it difficult to maintain their
career with motherhood. And rather shockingly, like Cheryl,
of the 105 YogaBellies franchisees were made redundant while on maternity
leave and so came across YogaBellies while looking for new options in
employment. One franchisee who struggled to balance work and family
before starting her own YogaBellies franchise is 39 year old ,
from Glasgow. She says: I was working in Events Management and was
struggling with anxiety and severe stress. I met Cheryl at a conference and
was so inspired by her story and ambition. Audrey had already been
practising yoga on and off since she was 21 and saw the opportunity of
combining a hobby that she loved with earning a living as too good to be
true. In May 2011 she launched her own YogaBellies franchise and with two
children, aged 10 and four, she has been able to get the flexibility, freedom
and enthusiasm to live a happy life.
Many YogaBellies franchisees are women who had high pressured jobs in the
city who then struggled to balance work and family due to the lack of
understanding from their employers. One mum who struggled to return to
work after having a baby is 31 year old . She returned to her
role as an HR Service Manager at a large agra-pharmaceutical company after
a year at home with her daughter. The plan was for Leah to do a job share
but this fell through and she found herself fitting in a full time job into her
contracted three days a week. She says: I was finding it such a struggle,
commuting three hours, three days a week, and trying my best to be a good
mum. I was getting ill all the time; whenever there was a virus going around,
I would catch it as I was so run down and my little girls behaviour was
becoming very challenging. After a while I realised there must be more to
life and resigned. It was extremely scary but I am so pleased I did. Leah has
since re-trained as a yoga teacher, running her own Yogabellies franchise,
teaching pre-natal, post-natal and baby massage classes in her local wellbeing
and community centres. She has managed to get a healthy work-life balance
and work flexibly but only by leaving her past career behind her.
Women interested in becoming a YogaBellies franchisee can visit
www.yogabellies.co.uk, request a prospectus pack and have a quick phone
chat with their recruitment co-ordinator, Jo, who will help you figure out
whether this is the perfect career for you.
The rise of the parent-friendly
franchise!
LARAH AU-PAIRS
ESTABLISHED SINCE 1992
01932 341 704
www.larahaupairs.co.uk
To help with childcare and housework
Carefully selected with references and police checks
Personal friendly service with back up
Harrison Kayden Sami George
Winner:
Our Runners Up:
Genetic engineering
has made it possible to
cherry-pick and even alter human embryos so that
particular features become more or less likely to be
born in the individual. One technique intended to
maximise the number of genes available (which has
long been known to lead to healthier beings from the
anecdotal evidence of the dangers of inbreeding in
humans and other animals) is to insert genetic material from more than
two people into an egg. Despite the bizarre outcome of children being
born with more than two genetic parents this practice really represents
little more than a fast-forwarding of natural selection (my children's
children would have both mine and my partners genes and their partners
for example). In my opinion, this is an inert science at the very worst
and potentially useful. Another technique is the selection of zygotes
(eggs and sperm) bearing desired or not bearing unwanted bio markers.
These markers could indicate anything from predisposition to particular
illnesses to physical attributes or intelligence. I find this technique more
challenging ethically.
My concerns about designer babies constructed using the latter
technique are scientific and social. Socially, as a mother I have major
concerns for children whose parents have very prescriptive expectations
of them. I believe that a parent has no ownership of a child (thus no
moral choice in who that child will become) but a duty to nurture the
child as they find them. Where parents elect to choose physical or
mental attributes for their child I worry both for the child for whom the
experiment didn't work out and whether they'll be affected by their
parents possible disappointment and the child who comes out exactly
as per order to parents who may, as a result, expect their child to
continue to develop within their narrow parameters of ideal. As
opposed to rather superficial preferences such as eye colour, height or
even IQ it is far more understandable for parents to seek to protect their
children from the likelihood of inherited illnesses however I still think
we need to practice caution here. In Dmitri K. Belyaev silver fox
experiments in selective breeding (started in 1969) foxes displaying
greater docility were chosen to parent successive generations. The
results, as hypothesised by Belyaev, showed not only domesticated
temperaments but changes in physical appearance- fur patterns
changed and the foxes gained droopy ears and curly tails that are rarely
if ever seen in wild populations. What this shows is that
genes have many functions that may be totally unrelated
to the primary function. Now, of course, we know far
more about genes than Belyaev, we have 'mapped the
human genome' but it would be a fallacy to believe that
our awareness is significantly more than rudimentary.
As a friend pointed out: what parent would not want to
spare their child the difficulties associated with any
illness? But we do not know what we could be depriving
them and their communities of (either as a direct or
indirect result of the illness) in the process of
determining genetic information. I suffer mental illness
and I'll be devastated if I've passed that on to my progeny
but I feel that it's made me a 'better' and more valuable
person and I'd never change it in myself- should I
welcome the promise of changing it for my offspring?
Naomi Wolf is, as you may be aware, an academic,
journalist and activist of illustrious career. In her
adulthood she discovered that she'd been born with a very mild form
of Spina Bifida whose effects she successfully treated. Had the gene
responsible for that been removed and replaced with a 'healthy' gene
would she have been the same person and achieved what she has? We
just don't know. Our ability to treat illness improves everyday.
Furthermore I suggest that what we view as illness (particularly mental)
may be subjective and could potentially come to be viewed as strengths
within nurturing societies and/or in the future. Autism can be challenging
but there is a greater prevalence of the 'illness' in the worlds role call of
genius, notably of course Einstein. Currently due to the exponential
increase in data we are exposed to (internet) our preferred methods of
presentation are becoming less linguistic and more visual. Visual thinking
is often seen in Autistics and could easily surpass traditional academia
in it's usefulness to society.
I do see a place for this, even now despite our ignorance, there are fatal
complications that will be just swept away and lives saved but I feel this
should be carefully managed and I really hope no one makes any mistakes.
Family Focus
Designer Babies
By Elizabeth Hobson
By Elizabeth Hobson | Twitter: ElizabethHobso6 | Blog: http://elizabethkhobson.wordpress.com
Take the edge off your
hangover, or indulge in
Sunday cocktails at Reform
Social & Grill with the Sunday
Rock n Roast every Sunday.
Celebrated guitarist, singer,
songwriter Julian Burdocks
mellow blues-inspired beats
will accompany the
quintessential British roast
dinner in the heart of
Marylebone. You can even call in for some of your favourite song requests!
Reform is taking it a step further. At the centre of every hangover cure
is a Bloody Mary, and at the centre of every extra large Yorkshire pudding
at Reform, you can have your Bloody Mary literally! Sink into a green
leather banquet and indulge in top-notch cooking (even better than your
mums Sunday Roast some say and no washing up) with all the trimmings.
Choose from Roast Aged Topside of Beef or Roast pork belly with apple
sauce, both with roast carrots and potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower cheese,
gravy and the perfect combination of crispiness on the top and sogginess
on the bottom of the Yorkshire Pudding. Fish & chips and a vegetarian
asparagus and white stilton salad are also options for the non-meat
eaters. If you have room for dessert, try the jam roly poly with custard,
or toffee apple crumble with brown bread ice cream. If youre not free
that week, dont despair; Reform Social & Grill will still serve up the same
delicious roast dinners every Sunday to satisfy anyone with that gravy
craving. Worth noting is that kids eat for free at our Rock n' Roasts (with
child-sized portions of the adult menu) and that the roasts are an existing
event which run every week.
Sunday Roast from 14.00; Available from 12.00 17.00
Sunday Roast 3 course with free flow prosecco 32.50;
Available from 12.00 15.00
REFORM CREATES YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY ROCK N ROAST
Reform Social & Grill
Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Place, London. W1U 2BE
0207 224 1624 | www.reformsocialgrill.co.uk
Family Focus
Hi Joanne
My 15 year old daughter suffers terribly from hayfever; for the last three
years from about the end of May onwards she gets streaming, itchy eyes
and a constant runny nose. This doesn't seem to respond well to
antihistamines and she is at her wits end; she struggles to do much outside
on days when the pollen count is high and this is of course really difficult
for her because it makes sport and socialising with friends difficult.
I'd appreciate any insight you have into this!
Thanks
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne
A common problem, hayfever can be quite tricky to treat because the
symptoms can vary so much from person to person so I do feel your
daughters pain in not being able to find something which has helped her
so far. First off, I'd suggest locally produced honey; if possible this needs
to be produced within 3 miles from where you live/spend most of your
time. Start that off as soon as is possible, about 1 tsp per day.
Supplements like Quercetin have been shown to help, so I'd look at the
possibility of using that too - though it's important to stick to the
recommended dosage for her age, as with any supplement, check out a
good local health food shop for a suitable product, many independent
stores will also be able to order things in for you if they don't have it in
stock. Simple things such as wearing sunglasses and washing your face
with a cool flannel can be really helpful too, but of course this is not going
to solve the issue entirely! For allergies like hayfever, I love nettle and
elderflower. Nettle is amazing, one of my favourite herbs as it contains a
really strong antihistamine, its own antidote infact! It's a brilliant anti-
inflammatory and very good for allergies. Elderflower is another anti-
inflammatory and very specific to the mucous membranes, helping to
reduce excessive production of mucous, so really helping with that runny
nose! I'd use these as teas - which you should be able to get from a good
local health food shop, or even use from your own garden. I do a great line
in nettles myself, so I use gardening gloves to pick them and brew in a
teapot.
I'd also really like to have a chat to you - these are helpful tips but I could
probably help a lot more if we spoke in more depth, for example some
foods can really have an impact on allergies but of course this does differ
so it's difficult for me to reel off a list to you. I have had some great success
in treating this kind of allergy, including in my own son, so I am sure that
we can do something to help - I'll drop you a line and we can discuss in
more depth, but do look into the teas and supplements in the meantime!
Speak Soon!
Joanne xxx
Tel: 07729 891 083
Email: info@jmherbalist.co.uk
Website: http://www.jmherbalist.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmherbalist
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JMHerbalist
With school summer holidays
kicking off in the coming days,
research announced to coincide
with the launch of Parragons
Gold Stars series of activity
workbooks for children reveals
that almost half of parents (47%)
are worried their children will fall behind in their education by the time
they return for the new school year in September. The study was
commissioned to investigate how over 18m parents across the UK plan
to approach the six-week summer break, revealing that many parents
are concerned that the good learning behaviour of term time could be
replaced by bad habits during the summer recess. Almost half of parents
(49%) admit that bed-time reading with the children is either reduced
or goes out of the window altogether during the summer months. The
research also finds that the number of nights that the average child is
either read to or reads to their parents drops by more than 10%
during the summer break. As summer approaches, over one in four
parents (28%) are already worrying about their childs performance in
school exams next summer. Parents in London are the most concerned
with over 39% admitting to being concerned. Parents are also alert to
the possibility of their child falling behind compared to other children as
over a third (34%) worry that other parents are investing more time and
money in their childs education than they are able to during the summer.
More than one in eight (13%) are planning a private tutor to help their
children stay ahead this summer. Six out ten parents (60%) think its
important to reinforce their childs learning over the summer months,
with parents believing that over 2 hours a day should be dedicated
towards education.
However nearly three in ten (29%) said they think they would be unlikely
to meet their own learning time targets. Nearly one in four parents (23%)
describe their state of mind as worried when considering the
forthcoming summer holidays. Chief concerns beyond education include
keeping their child entertained (46%), their child watching too much TV
or playing too long on the computer (25%) and children staying up too
late (20%). These fears appear be well founded; children are expected
to watch on average watching 67 minutes more TV per day and go to
bed 36 minutes later during the summer break. However, many parents
are actively planning pursuits to keep their child entertained and
occupied as 93% have already planned activities. Nearly 29% are planning
trips to sites of educational interest, whilst 16% will send their child to
summer school. A highly organised 7% of parents have planned activities
for every week of the holidays. The cost of these educational pursuits
is on average 228 per child over the summer break. This rises in the
capital with parents in London spending, on average, 319 per child
during the summer. For the nations children, this works out at a total
cost of 1.9bn for the six week period, approximately 40m per day.
Almost a quarter of parents (23%) admit to feeling the pressure to spend
a lot of money during the summer holidays.
Parragon Books Educational Consultant Geraldine Taylor, who consulted
on the new Gold Stars range, comments: "Asthisresearchshows,many
parentsactivelyfearthesummerholidays.It'satoughaskforparentsto
keeptheirchildrenbothentertainedandstimulatedduringthelengthy
sixweekbreakfromschool.However,reinforcingthegoodpracticesof
termtimeneedn'tbetootime-consuming,arduousorexpensive.Iamso
pleasedthatParragon-withtheir'SummerWithGoldStarsChallenge'-
havehighlightedjusthowmuchlearning,consolidationanddevelopment
can be achieved in a short, regular time over the
holidays.
"Itshouldbeborneinmindthatchildrendoneeda
break from more formal learning as imagination
andcreativitydependonit.The'SummerWithGold
Stars Challenge' allows for structured learning
alongside a full and fun summer holiday. Parents
can rest easy in the knowledge their children are
continuingtolearnanddevelop,whilsthavingfun,
enjoyingthelongsummerbreak."
Parragon Books is launching its Summer with Gold
Stars Challenge to show that supporting a childs
learning over the summer break neednt be
expensive, arduous or time-consuming. For the
challenge, children are encouraged to complete a
page a day of their Gold Stars workbook a
premium range of fun and engaging workbooks for
children, designed to reflect the national
curriculum and designed in conjunction with
teachers and educational specialists - over 30 days
of the summer, which can take as little as 30
minutes a day. All those completing the challenge
will receive a congratulatory letter and personalised
certificate via email; and parents are encouraged
to tweet about their experiences using the
#summerwithgoldstars hashtag.
We were recently sent the Ready For School Big
Workbook (Ages 3-5 Pre-School) and as our little
one is just 3 the first thing that caught her attention
were the stickers but within a few minutes she was
eager to read through and look at all the pictures
which was a positive start. We also received the
Learning Pack which contains 5 x A5 books about
learning phonics, starting maths, starting to write,
starting to count and starting to add. I cant wait
to sit down with her this Summer and start teaching
her new things and seeing how well she progresses!
There is an extensive range available which cater
for Pre-schoolers, Key Stage 1 and 2, with formats
including workbooks, storybooks and wipe clean
activity books.
www.parragon.com/goldstars
Family Focus
Nearly half of UK parents fear summer regression
for their children as six week break hits!
New research reveals that 68% of
parents feel judged on the
decisions they make for their
child. The survey conducted by
Nurofen for Children shows that
the areas parents feel most
judged on are diet and nutrition
(50%), parenting style (43%) and
their childs behaviour (33%).
While 90% of those surveyed would consider themselves
confident parents, 16% of fathers and 14% of mothers
admit to feeling judged by others all the time.
When it comes to being given advice without asking for it,
parents find they get the most guidance from their own
mothers (36%), closely followed by partners (26%) and
friends (23%).
Interestingly, mothers note that other parents (20%) are
those most likely to judge their parenting style, closely
followed by their mother-in law (16%) and their own mum
(16%).
While 20% of dads say their parenting technique never
comes under scrutiny, those that do feel judged list their
mother-in-law as the main culprit (16%) along with other
parents (14%) and their own mother (13%).
When it comes to proactively asking for advice on their
childrens health, those surveyed turn to their own mums
as the first port of call for advice for most parents (39%),
while 34% seek help from their GP, and a fifth talk to either
friends (19%), other parents (20%) or look for information
on the internet (18%).
Dr Pixie McKenna, GP and mum of one comments on the
findings: Being a parent can be one of the hardest but
most rewarding of jobs and one that causes plenty of
second-guessing. Whilst these results show that many
parents feel judged on their parenting choices by others -
there are also positive signs that parents are looking to
each other, whether family and friends in person, or online
support groups - for advice and support. Even as a GP, I
still turn to my family and friends for their top-tips when
it comes to making choices for my child.
A quarter of those surveyed say they would appreciate
more proactive support and advice on childrens health
from their partner (25%), whilst 21% would like more
advice from healthcare professionals (pharmacists and
GPs). The survey also found that 19% of parents would
appreciate more support from their mother and 16% from
their friends.
Almost a fifth (18%) of parents surveyed admit the
decisions they made for their child were not right first time
round, with parents aged 45-55 most readily admitting
their mistakes. Parents aged 18-24 feel most confident with
their decisions with a quarter (25%) saying they definitely
made the correct choices for their child without previous
experience.
A spokesperson for Nurofen for Children comments: There
are plenty of instances where as a parent you question the
choices you are making for your child particularly when
it comes to health issues. We want to encourage parents
to talk to each other for support and advice and be
confident in turning to their GP or pharmacist for further
advice when needed. Crucially we want parents to feel that
they are making advised decisions that are best for them
and their child.
In general, parents feel that finding friendship groups and
socialising their child is the hardest area to make decisions
on (25%), closely followed by decisions on health issues
(24%) and education (23%). Interestingly, fathers are 4%
more likely to worry about their childs safety (24% v 20%)
whilst mothers are more concerned about balancing work
with parenting (24% v 20%), parenting style (19 v 15%) and
food and nutrition (17% v 10%).
Despite these concerns, when it comes to boosting
confidence, the top three things that make parents feel
more confident are; knowing why their child is crying or
upset (56%), making informed decisions for their child
(54%) and being able to get their child off to sleep (53%).
1) The health of my child (47.75%)
2) The safety of my child (47.70%)
3) That my child will fall in with the 'wrong crowd'
(35.80%)
4) My childs education (34%)
5) That my child will be bullied (33%)
6) That my child won't always confide in me (18%)
7) That my child won't make friends (16.5%)
8) That my child will forget their manners when they are
away from me (16.5%)
9) That my child may not grow up in a happy family
environment (13.10%)
10) That one day my child won't want to be hugged (13%)
http://www.nurofen.co.uk
Family Focus
7 in 10 parents feel judged on the
decisions they make for their child
Three-quarters are given advice without asking for it!
A brand new and completely unique
toolkit designed to help parents
nurture their individual parenting style
has just launched in the UK. Developed
by Dr Fin Williams, a Clinical
Psychologist who has been working with
families for more than ten years, the kit
offers a refreshing approach to
parenting.
The insightful toolkit guides parents through a series of fun and
explorative exercises to make them more aware of the value of
their own experiences. The toolkit provides parents with an
opportunity to discover the strengths that they have developed
through previous challenges, and harness these to increase their
resilience to stress in the transition to parenthood.
Dr Fin asks parents to imagine their lives as a story, with distinct
chapters to define key moments and decisions. She explains that
becoming a mother or father is a big change, and in order for
people to make that transition most successful they need to
reflect on their lives so far. By re-enacting their own history and
identifying those significant moments, readers will gain a new
insight into how and why they react in certain ways.
The toolkit explains that re-connecting with our own experiences
helps parents to develop empathy and understanding for other
peoples experiences particularly their babys. It is this empathy
connection that is fundamental to parents being able to follow
their own instincts and feeling confident in whichever way they
choose to parent.
Mums and Dads will find themselves doing all kinds of interesting
things, from filling a home-made suitcase with keepsakes, to
practising breathing techniques and sketching their own
childhood memories. Unlike a parenting manual, the kit gives
parents the tools to learn how to trust their own instincts and
balance the stresses of everyday life. Dr Fin treats parents as the
experts, and trusts that the decisions they make are based on
their own relationship and understanding of their child .
Dr Fin does not tell parents what to do or how to act in the face
of certain situations, but instead encourages them to look deeper
into their own journeys to understand what may cause them to
react in a certain way. With understanding comes great
awareness and confidence.
Parents using the toolkit will explore physical and creative ways
to deal with the stresses and pressures of everyday life. She
encourages readers to be mindful of the present, so that their
attention can remain focused on purely that time with their infant.
This is especially important for todays generation of parents, who
are busier than ever. Once they master the techniques of keeping
a clear and open mind, they will be able to stop being distracted
by everyday worries and concerns that have the potential to get
in the way of parenting.
All exercises discussed in the toolkit are based on clinically and
therapeutically evidenced techniques that Dr Fin has being using
in her work with families and young children for over ten years,
so parents can be confident they have been tried and tested and
make a real difference. Dr Fin describes the kit as a Gin and
Tonic, your run, your weekend break and it is designed to be
exactly that. Its something parents can come back to time and
time again to give themselves reassurance and a confidence boost
to deal with everyday life, challenging situations or a change in
circumstance.
It truly offers a modern approach to parenting, recognising the
fact that mums and dads know exactly what is best for their
babies, sometimes they just need a helping hand to realise it!
Toolkits are available to buy on Amazon, priced at 4.99
Family Focus
Gaining
a new perspective on parenting!
For more information, please visit or contact the following:
Website: http://www.parent-perspectives.com/
Email: hello@parent-perspectives.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPdT1tuZQDw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentperspectives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParentPs
Big Wild
Birthday Parties
Parents looking to make their childs birthday
party a roaring success need look no further than
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, as its brand new birthday
parties are set to guarantee a uniquely wild
celebration.
The birthday boy or girl can enjoy a day at the Zoo
with all of their friends, including an hours play
at the Zoos unique Hullabazoo Indoor Soft Play
Centre, in which they can explore the centres
different animal habitats by swinging like
primates, climbing like insects and sliding down
the ice like penguins.
Birthday parties also include a free ride on the
Zoos Jumbo Express steam train from which the
excited youngsters can discover the fun of riding
on a steam locomotive while watching rhinos,
camels, sloth bears and the Zoos herd of ten Asian
elephants along the journey.
The fun doesnt end there. Party guests are
treated to a special birthday picnic, a goody bag
containing mementos of their adventurous day
out and day entry to the Zoo so that they can stay
and enjoy the furry fun for as long as they like.
To book your party, go to:
http://www.zsl.org/experiences/birthday-parties
News & Features
With just under 15,000 views and downloads online every month and a distribution of 5,000 all over the UK (via 400+ nurseries),
hospitals, Pearsons Department store, Enfield and Harris & Hoole branches and many other outlets, you can get your business
seen from just 75.00 for a quarter page!
Advertising slots are available on our website from just 35 per month (discounts available for 3 months or more)
TOP TIPS ON
CHANGING YOUR
NAME!
50,000 people are unnecessarily spending
money each year on costly deed polls to
officially change their name but there is a
much less expensive yet less well-known
option a statutory declaration of name
change document where you are simply
sworn in by a solicitor.
A formal statement that serves as evidence
that you wish to abandon your former name
and adopt a new name. Signed in the
presence of any registered solicitor, you can
then use it to update important documents
such as your passport, driving licence, bank
account and utility bills.
Our online legal service allows you to create
your first legal document free of charge
(there is also a one-week free trial) and the
document takes less than 2 minutes to
create it just needs to be signed in front
of a solicitor. The swear takes another 2
minutes and costs 5. Any registered
solicitor can witness, sign and stamp your
document.
They both perform the same job. Deed polls
are often printed on heavy duty paper and
bear official-looking seals and crests both
of which serve no legal purpose, they are
more expensive as a result, often costing in
the region of 33. A statutory declaration
is much less expensive (and often free) and
can even be drafted yourself you just need
to have your document sworn in in person
by a solicitor (costs 5).
http://www.rocketlawyer.co.uk
Gwen Stefani
spotted again in
LA with her
CYBEX by
Jeremy Scott
Baby Bag
Most of my readers will know how much
I love Cybex and the range of car seats,
pushchairs and accessories that they
have. Seems Im not the only one! Last
weekend, Gwen Stefani was spotted
again with her favourite CYBEX by
Jeremy Scott baby bag while watching
her two sons Zuma & Kingston play
football.
Holding everything a soccer mum could
need, the CYBEX by Jeremy Scott Baby
Bag (www.cybex-online.com) is not only
stylish and colourful, it is also lightweight
and easy to handle. Gwen Stefani is not
the only celeb to have discovered CYBEX,
which was founded in 2005 and has
rapidly become a synonym for
innovative product solutions in the
babies and childrens sector. Other
renowned CYBEX fans include Sarah
Jessica Parker, Fergie, Katherine Heigl,
Matt Damon, Gisele Bndchen, Amber
Rose and Natalie Portman.
CYBEX was founded in 2005 and has
become the synonym for innovative
product solutions, signature designs and
exciting designer collaborations in the
babies and childrens sector. Products
that are perfectly adapted to urban
lifestyles and the rigorous demands of
modern parents.
For more information please visit
www.cybex-online.com
Today we have a guest post
from Mumma Love Organics,
with lots of tips and advice on
the benefits of Baby Massage.
Human beings have five
incredible senses; sight,
hearing, touch, taste, and
smell. We use these
fantastically important senses
every single day of our lives,
and that includes the day we
are born. Although newborns cant see too well until their eyes become
fully focused (at around 6 to 8 weeks), their hearing isnt fully developed
(until around one month old), and their taste buds only encounter milk
until weaning begins, their other senses are already helping them to
understand the world around them, which is essential for healthy growth
and development. Their other senses being smell and touch. And smell,
although useful, will only account for a small percentage of a childs
ability to learn.
It is, perhaps, touch then that has the most profound impact on a child
from the very start. When adults interact with a small child, they often
automatically reach out to touch or stroke the baby, and certainly when
holding the child they are stimulating the situation with the sense of
touch. As soon as a baby is born, they are handed to their mother for
skin to skin bonding. This isnt just about holding a gorgeous newborn;
this is about comfort and love and for your child to learn who is there to
protect them from the start. So baby massage, with its emphasis on
gentle touching and soothing, is the next logical step for any parent who
wishes to add another element to their childs daily routine. An element
that has many benefits other than simply being a pleasant thing to do
(although that is certainly the case!).
Is Baby Massage Right for You and Your Baby?
There is nothing quite like the touch of another human being. A hug, a
caress, a massage. Just being held is a wonderful experience that lowers
blood pressure and makes both parties feel happy and secure. Babies
may not understand everything that is going on around them, but they
do understand the people who love them when they make literal contact
with them. Sometimes that is all they need to know. Amazingly, a
newborn can soon distinguish between which parent is actually cuddling
them, and their response is different depending on whether it is Mummy
or Daddy. And of course, baby massage allows for uninterrupted quiet
time with your baby, which, in these busy days can sometimes be
overlooked.
Although baby massage has been proven to strengthen the bond
between the parent and child, will give your child confidence, calmness,
and peace, and will even help your baby sleep well (and for longer), there
are other fantastic reasons for getting involved in baby massage. These
include easing the pain of wind, colic, or reflux, soothing eczema and
other skin complaints, and, for you, helping with symptoms of post natal
depression.
How To Start
You do not need any professional qualifications in order to begin
soothing and relaxing your child, although it can be a slightly
daunting idea at first. There are specific baby massage classes
that are often run by local parent and child groups, and these
can be very useful in giving you the confidence to get started. But dont
worry, there is no one way to massage your baby. Do what seems right
for you.
To start, you need to be in the right frame of mind. You need to be
relaxed. You need to be calm. You need to be in a quiet, darkened space
with no distractions and no chance of being disturbed (otherwise all you
good work will be undone in seconds!). Make sure the television is off,
your phone is elsewhere, and you are not playing any loud music. The
idea is to keep the massage room in dim light. Speak in whispers if
possible. Before you bring your baby into the room, make sure everything
is ready, including a blanket or towel for them to lie on (a towel is good
if you are using oils, as it can be washed easily), a fresh nappy, and warm
clothes or another blanket for cuddling up in after the massage.
The Etiquette
Although it may feel strange at first, it is good to talk to your baby about
what you are planning to do as time goes by, they will associate the
sound of your words (and eventually the words themselves) as the start
of their massage time, and they will automatically become more relaxed
and receptive. Before you touch each part of their body, say that you are
going to do so (Im now going to touch your arm, for example), and
ask whether it is all right. You are building trust by doing this, even though
your baby wont be able to speak back to you to begin with. Since that
is the case, it is essential that you watch your baby as you begin to
massage them; if their reaction is not good, stop immediately. And never
massage a poorly baby.
The Benefits
Massage is not simply a purely physical thing; it is emotional too, and it
causes an attachment through touch. Massaging your child benefits you
as it brings you closer to your baby, and it benefits the baby since it makes
them more relaxed and content. Just enjoy the moment, and dont worry
about what is next on the agenda, or the washing up, or where you have
to be at a certain time, or any of the other dozen things on todays to do
list. They are for later. Keep massage time purely as a moment of serenity
for you and your baby, and enjoy it. Massage increases blood flow, which
in turn increases the number of endorphins that are present within the
body. Endorphins are mood enhancing hormones that make us feel
happy and puts us in a good mood. Not only that, but massage soothes
pain and can ease constipation, wind, colic, and reflux. It improves
oxygen flow which eases muscles and joints. And as a bonus, massage
boosts the immune system too! With all these health benefits, baby
massage is a wonderful way to keep your child fit and well in a way that
will also strengthen the bond between you.
So why wait? Even if your child is older than newborn, introducing
massage is still a great idea, and one that will become a fun, enjoyable
part of your daily routine.
If you need any advice or support, please do get in touch
www.mummaloveorganics.com - were always happy to help.
Health & Wellbeing
The Benef its of Baby Massage
Founder of Mumma Love
Organics - Samantha Quinn
By Samantha Quinn
The school summer holidays have already started for some and in just a few
more weeks schools out will be the cry across the whole of the UK, but a
new poll has revealed just how different school summer holiday activities
will be this year versus 30 years ago. While 96% of six to eight year olds
listed playing with an electronic device on their school summer holiday bucket
list, 30 years ago eight year olds number one summer activity was den
making. A comparative list of the top 10 favourite summer holiday activities
enjoyed by 40-year-olds, who were at school in the early 80s, versus their
offspring aged between six and eight also shows that parents could be facing
a whopping 500 bill, per child, to keep little ones entertained during the
school holidays this summer. This is compared to virtually no cost attached
to favoured activities 30 years ago. Even levels of school's-out-for-the-
summer excitement seem to have diminished over the decades, according
to the survey of just under 1000 adults and children carried out by bedding
retailer The Fine Bedding Company as part its new
campaign. And according to life coach for
children, Naomi Richards author of The Parents
Toolkit: Anyone feeling nostalgic about this list
would do well to remember the importance of
sharing childhood memories and games with
children. Children learn so much from hearing
what their parents enjoyed as children and trying
these skills out for themselves. Reminiscing about
some of the toys and make-believe games that
made your summer times so special like den
making and a simple game of elastics is good for
everyone whatever their age. And lets face it you
rarely hear adults say they were bored during the
six-weeks holiday. Plus with the World War One
commemorations this year, nostalgia is a huge
theme in the UK, so put your own stamp on it and
create a summer 80s style.
Sara Wadsworth from the Fine Bedding Company
added: New findings from the Post Office (June
2014) also revealed that over the six-week period
parents will spend a whopping 492 on
entertaining their children - a 26 per increase on last year. They will also
spend an average of 119 on petrol, and a further 106 on childcare. Its
hardly surprising when you look at what todays children voted for in their
bucket list. Our survey also asked both the adults and children to gauge on
a scale of one to 10 their excitement or memory of excitement relating to
the schools holidays and whereas the average score of the grown up looking
back at their feelings was 8.8 todays children only recorded an average of
7.2.
The Fine Bedding Company carried out the survey on the back of its new
Duvet Den Making Activity Guide, that it hopes will encourage parents to
recreate the nostalgic art of den making using household items.
Fore more information, please visit: http://www.finebedding.co.uk/
To view the guide visit www.finebedding.co.uk/blog
Family Focus
Kids Want Screens This Summer
but the bygone art of making a den is better for development
says child expert
1. Den making 1. Play games on the iPad / Wii /
Play Station (Minecraft was a
frequent answer)
2. Playing army in the woods with
sticks as guns and climbing trees
2. Make loom bracelets
3. Playing out on bikes 3. Go to a theme park
4. Making a mix tape recorded
from the radio
4. Watch YouTube videos
5. French skipping and elastics 5. Go to the cinema
6. Waterfights with hose pipes
and buckets
6. Ride bikes
7. Playing in streams/rivers/in
water
7. Play football
8. Making a gang 8. Go to the beach / swimming
pool
9. Banging a tennis ball in Mum's
old stocking against the wall
game
9. Play on the trampoline
10. Making petal perfume 10. Get the Lego out
Simply upload your photo of your own Duvet Den". We are looking for images
which capture the creative fun that can be had over the summer holidays by
taking your duvet off the bed and building a duvet den. The winner will be the
image that we feel captures the spirit of traditional creative play and will be
chosen by a panel of judges from The Fine Bedding Company and its partners.
You can submit as many photos as you like by the submission end date (8
September 2014).
The winner will receive an overnight family activity break for two adults and two
children at Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa and also receive a family
bedding bundle worth over 250 from The Fine Bedding Company.
Enzymes are a key branch of twentieth-century nutritional research,
alongside and equal in significance to vitamins and minerals. They are
complex proteins involved in almost every biochemical process that takes
place in the body and they act as the catalyst or the ignition for these
processes. Minerals including manganese, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium,
plus vitamins, are needed for the function of enzymes within the body.
Without these, the enzymes cannot function.
In the 1930s, when enzymes first came to the attention of biochemists,
some 80 enzymes were identified. Today over 5,000 have been
discovered.
Enzymes fall primarily into three groups:
Metabolic Enzymes
Digestive Enzymes
Food Enzymes
Metabolic enzymes play a role in all bodily functions including behaviour,
movement, breathing, talking, immune system etc.
A sub-group of these metabolic enzymes are also responsible for
neutralizing poisons and carcinogens, pollutants, tobacco smoke and
DDT, changing these into less toxic forms to allow the body to eliminate
them.
Digestive enzymes are the second group and there are around 22 of
them.They are manufactured by the pancreas and secreted by glands
in the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine) and work to break
down the majority of partially digested food leaving the stomach. Food
enzymes are crucially important, particularly when it comes to planning
a persons nutritional plan or educating them about which foods they
should be eating on a regular basis. These enzymes are found in large
amounts in raw foods, and they initiate the process of digestion in the
mouth and stomach.
Food enzymes include:
Proteases for digesting protein
Lipases for digesting fats
Amylases for digesting carbohydrates
Our saliva contains amylases and they begin the digestion of
carbohydrates. This is why it is important to chew our food rather than
just getting it down. All enzymes found in food continue the digestion
process while it is mixed and churned by contractions in the stomach.
Glands in the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen, which
initiate protein digestion as well as the intrinsic factor needed for vitamin
B12 absorption. The enzyme rich small intestine, however, releases all
of the various enzymes needed for complete digestion.
Research by biochemists has revealed the importance of raw and
fermented foods in our diets. These foods reduce the bodys need to
produce its own enzymes and therefore rob us of our own valuable
enzyme stores. All enzymes are destroyed at a wet-heat temperature
of 118 F and a dry-heat temperature of about 150 F. So unfortunately
heat kills, especially when it comes to raw foods and enzymes. The
absence of enzymes in our food is the reason why a large proportion of
the population is unhealthy and overweight.
Without the proper tools to digest the food we are eating it is very
difficult to break down and then, more importantly, absorb the nutrients
within that food. Add to this the fact that a large proportion of people
today have digestive problems, IBS (irritable bowl syndrome), Crohns
Disease and a lack of gut flora and we begin to understand why are we
not digesting our food properly but also not absorbing it. A diet
composed exclusively of cooked food puts a severe strain on the
pancreas, depleting its reserves. If the pancreas is asked to constantly
produce enzymes which should be naturally present in food but are not,
the result is an over stimulated pancreas and will in time inhibit its
function.
According to the work of the late Dr. Edward Howell (a noted pioneer in
the field of enzyme research), an over stressed pancreas and other
digestive organs results in a shortened life span, illness and lowered
resistance to all types of stress. He points out that humans and animals
living primarily on a cooked food diet have enlarged pancreas whilst
other organs and glands, especially the brain, actually shrink in size.
Enzyme rich foods provide limitless energy, a fact that Im all too aware
of when my children are still running around in the garden past their
bedtime!
Fruit and vegetables, but also raw animal proteins and fats in the form
of raw dairy foods, raw fish and raw muscle and organ meats, which are
also found in certain cultures. I dont suggest you do the following but
my pre rugby game breakfast was always blended raw calves liver with
red onion, raspberries and honey. My mum either knew exactly what
she was doing or had completely gone off the reservation Id like to
think it was the former.
Health & Wellbeing
I know there is some concern when it
comes to raw dairy products but I think it
is a good idea to consume raw cheese and
butter for their huge nutritional content.
We will leave milk out for the moment as
that is something I would like to one day
discuss in depth before you all go reaching
for the raw milk, but there are some great
raw dairy products out there.
Cultures that eat like this also traditionally
include a certain amount of fermented
foods; in fact The Eskimo diet consists of
partially fermented fish, to which they
attribute their incredible stamina. That
said, I had the pleasure of trying some
partially semi-rancid shark some years
back on an athletics trip to Iceland and I
didnt much care for the taste. Fermented
foods have been around for thousands of
years and one of my recent favorites is
kefir, a cultured probiotic which is amazing
for aiding digestion, energy and making sure your gut flora is working
optimally. The best on the market is Bio-tiful Dairy. I spend my life
researching food and can honestly say this is the best product, but the
real proof is that my children love it and I can see the difference.
As with everything in life, balance is vitally important and my one piece
of advice is always be as discerning as you can of any fad out there when
it comes to health and fitness. When a certain all-protein diet came out
a few years ago I could literally see people getting less healthy and older
before my eyes. An all-protein diet, especially cooked protein, is
detrimental to your health and definitely worthy of another article. I have
come across many different diets and I like to think I now have enough
knowledge and experience on what is good for you and what isnt. You
can draw upon the good things on all of these diets and ignore the
not-so-good.
Whilst we need to include raw fruit and vegetables in our diets, it is
important to be aware that there are no traditional diets composed
exclusively of raw foods. Even in the tropics where there was warmth
the indigenous cultures would always light a fire to cook some of their
food.
Some of the most enzyme rich foods may surprise you. They include;
Extra virgin olive oil (and other unrefined oils such a coconut oil)
Raw honey
Grapes
Figs
Avocados
Pineapple/papaya which is amazing for healing scar tissue
Dates
Kiwis/mangos
Grains, nuts, legumes and seeds are rich in enzymes as well as other
nutrients, but they also contain enzyme inhibitors and can put great
strain on the digestive system. This is why I always advice the soaking of
the above, especially nuts for at least eight hours before consumption.
Soaking or the fermentation process removes these enzyme inhibitors
allowing the nutrients and enzymes to be more readily available.
In short, our diets should comprise a variety of raw food, slightly steamed
vegetables such as broccoli and kale, raw dairy products such as cheese
and butter, fermented foods like kefir, cooked grains and legumes, super
foods such as cacao, maca, acai, hemp seeds, vegetable juices, fish oils
and of course a plentiful amount of fresh clean water. We are all
individuals, and some of you may not do well on a primarily raw diet, or
find raw foods unappetizing. If this is the case, Asian people usually
include small amounts of enzyme-rich condiments with a diet of cooked
foods.
My final word would be, learn to listen to your body. If you add a
particular thing to your diet then pay attention to how it makes you feel
and make a note of it. We are all individuals and there is no right thing
or way to do things other than drinking water, and taking on board as
many nutrients as possible.
Go raw for better skin, brighter eyes and a general feeling of wellbeing.
Once youve seen the results, I guarantee youll never look back.
My mum either knew exactly what she was doing or had
completely gone off the reservation Id like to think it was
the former. Ruben
Please join me on Twitter and Facebook and
keep your questions coming in to myself and
Peter Marcasciano, one of the worlds top
experts on health, nutrition and
physiotherapy.
To get the inside track to a healthier life,
please follow us on the following:
Twitter: @rubentabares
@petemfitness
Facebook: RubenTabaresFitness
Website: http://www.rubentabares.com
Health & Wellbeing
If you have recently become a parent, the
pervading mood will be one of joy at the new
little life (or lives) which you have brought into
the world (if you can see past the tiredness
and the many fresh challenges your wee one
is creating for you!). Your life is probably being
lived on a day-to-day or even hour-to-hour
basis. In a way this can be refreshing after all
of the planning of the birth, maternity leave
and getting the nursery ready. Children change
your life forever. It can be a difficult, yet
wonderful time. You will soon forget what life
was like without them. You possibly havent
even entertained the thought of what their life
would be like without you. But you should.
Writing a will is the single most important
thing you can do to ensure that your child is
looked after by the people you choose, and
will receive access to their inheritance in a
planned and sensible way.
Sadie and her husband John had
procrastinated about writing a will since their
marriage, three years before the birth of their
first child, Victoria. When it was just the two
of them, it didnt seem to be an issue. If one
of them died, the other would inherit. Sadie
says Once Victoria was born, we realised that
it wasnt just about us anymore. What if
something happened to both of us? Who
would look after her? We quickly realised we
needed to declare the arrangements we would
want in a will.
They decided to ask Sadies brother and his
wife, who already had a child of their own, if
they would agree to be named as Victorias
guardians in the event of John and Sadies
deaths. Johns sister agreed to have
responsibility for holding money in trust for
Victoria for her care as she grew up and then
for her to inherit when she was 21.
We felt much happier once the subject had
been broached with family and although no
one wants to think about their own death and
the consequences for their family, once we
had started the process, we found ourselves
talking about it in a strangely business-like
way. It inspired other family members to make
their arrangements too. The solicitor was very
sensitive to our feelings and presented us with
different possibilities we might wish to
consider to get the best outcome. For
instance, she led us to the decision to only
allow Victoria access to her inheritance when
she was 21. We decided it could be a recipe
for disaster for a 16 or even 18-year-old
to come into a lot of money in one go.
Everyone should consider having a
will written, no matter what
their age, but particularly if
they are a parent. A will
ensures that your proper-
ty and possessions (your
estate), however small,
pass to the people you
actually want them to
go to. A will also gives
you the opportunity
to express your fu-
neral desires, appoint
guardians for chil-
dren, protect your
partner if you are un-
married, minimise in-
heritance tax and
provide financial sup-
port for your family.
Families can be complicat-
ed, and these complications
can be highlighted at stressful
times such as a death. If you do not
have a will, your possessions will have
the Rules of Intestacy applied, which follow
the family tree in a set order of priority. With-
out a will your estate could possibly go to a
family member you dont even like, or havent
seen for years. If you are not married or have
remarried, your current partner or children
may not receive anything.
It is possible to write your own will, but it must
be clear and legal. If your will is not legal, then
the Rules of Intestacy apply. Its helpful to have
professional support. As Sadie and John found,
using the services of a solicitor helped them
to consider options they would not otherwise
have thought about.
Sadie and John decided to ask a friend who
they knew had good organisation skills to be
the Executor of their will. The executor has the
complicated task of paying debts, taxes,
closing bank accounts and paying for funerals
and solicitors costs from the proceeds of your
estate. All of these transactions need to be
carried out properly and in good time. You
should explain the responsibilities of being an
executor before writing your will, so the
person or people you appoint understand
whats involved. Sadie and John felt that asking
either of their siblings to do this task would be
t o o
much of a burden on top of everything else
they had asked of them. After all it would be
a very emotional time for the family.
Benjamin Franklin wrote the famous phrase
In this world nothing can be said to be certain,
except death and taxes." When dealing with
certainties, it makes sense to have a plan. If
you havent written your will yet, do it today.
Busy Bees Benefits is an employee benefits
company offering a range of services includ-
ing childcare vouchers, mobile phones, retail
discounts, cycle to work, car care and car
leasing. A discounted Will Writing service is
offered to employees through its partner so-
licitors.
For more information, please contact:
http://www.busybeesbenefits.com/
or call 0330 333 9100.
Family Focus
Baby Buzz Product Reviews
Our Top Six!
Pushchairs, Travel Systems and Car Seats
Doona - 299 - Group 0+
This has to be one of the most innovative
car seats weve seen to date with the
ability to save valuable boot space and
storage space at home! The car seat turns
into a stroller with a touch of a button and
is so easy to handle. It comes in seven
colours and has great accessories that you
can buy from an amazing sun canopy that
covers the seat right through to the handle
to bags and wheel covers. Having already
won numerous industry awards, I can see
why this is going to be a strong competitor
in the market. We love it!
Britax King II LS - 165
Group 1
BRITAX recently unveiled its latest Group
1 belted seat, the The seat
features an innovative
a clever little light that helps parents to
find the correct harness tension for a safe
and comfortable journey. We reviewed
this car seat in our last issue and loved
how comfortable it was for our little girl.
It provides safety and security and is easy
to install. With four recline positions and
removable covers, its a great option for
your next stage up from Group 0/0+
Cybex Solution Q-Fix
190 - Group 2/3
We absolutely love, love, love the Cybex
range of car seats, from the Sirona, Aton
Q to the Pallas and the Solution Q-Fix.
With such incredible attention to safety,
practicality and functionality you cant go
wrong with the Cybex range. Weve had
the pleasure of reviewing all of the car
seats available and have been impressed
with all of them! We have since heard of
numerous readers investing in the Group
2/3 Solution Q-Fix and each one has loved
it as much as us!
Mamas & Papas
Armadillo - 199
We know what it's like. You're tired of
dragging round a massive pushchair
they've outgrown, but you still want
something that's comfortable. That's why
Mamas and Papas created the armadillo.
It's got all the big features you love, like
loads of stretching room and comfy
padding for long walks and short naps, but
you can fold it away to a surprisingly
compact size in seconds, with just one
hand.
Joie - Chrome - 280
Master multi-tasker - Total versatility with
car seat + carry cot + rearward and
forward facing seat
Infant friendly - From birth, fully flat
recline and adjustable leg rest create a
cocooned seating area for relaxing and
napping
Looks both ways - Pushchair folds with
seat attached in rearward and forward
facing modes, anyway, anywhere.
Hauck - London All-In-One
469.99
The London Set - the lightest stroller set
from hauck, pure fun on every ride. What
a lightweight! When combined with the
carry cot Carcooon or the car seat, the
buggy is lighter than 10 kg. The buggy
version is even lighter. So every trip will
become a special treat.
The chassis with lockable swivelling wheels
is very agile and also performs excellently
in cross-country rides. The brake acting on
the rear wheels ensures safety. Your baby
items can be stowed in the large basket.
Baby and Childrens
The Wet Brush - 11.99
With a beautiful, easy to hold, ergonomic
handle, The Wet Brush quickly and painlessly
detangles even the thickest, most stubborn hair
thanks to its revolutionary bristles. Specially
developed to use on wet hair (wet hair is more
prone to tangling, stretching and snapping) and
dry hair The Wet Brushs IntelliFlex bristle is
designed to be ultra thin and flexible, yet still
have rapid recovery memory to instantly bounce
back to its original form. Flexible on one stroke
and firm on the next, the adaptive flexibility of
IntelliFlex eliminates all tugging, tearing,
pulling and ripping resulting in no split ends or
hair loss. In addition, the soft and gentle ball tip
bristles provide a massaging action that
stimulates circulation at the follicle and is a
proven benefit for hair health. With two
children with very curly and easily knotted hair,
I was very sceptical about this and had to rely
on another brand brush to do the job, but this
brush is amazing and actually works even on the
curliest of hair! If you experience the same
problem, this is a must have to stop the tears!
Infacare Nighttime Baby Bath -
3.49 (750ml)
InfaCare Night-time Baby Bath is clinically
tested, reassurance for mums that the
formulation isn't irritating on delicate baby skin.
Plus, it is pH balanced, so it matches the natural
pH balance of your baby's skin and hair, making
it super kind and gentle on even the most
sensitive of skins. A little InfaCare Night-time
Baby Bath is all that's needed to form loads of
long-lasting bubbles - just what babies love at
bath time. A lovely warm bubbly bath is a
soothing experience, and getting your baby
warm, clean and dry is a great way to ease him
into bedtime. This is a great bubble bath and a
little really does go a long way! My little girl
loves the bubbles and the scent is truly relaxing
- even great for mum when she wants to have
a long soak in the bath.
Mumma Loves Organic - Easy
Breathe Baby Balm - 9.95 (50ml)
Our Easy Breathe Baby Balm has been specially
developed to settle baby when congested.
Formulated with eucalyptus and lavender oil, it
provides natural relief to babies. Eucalyptus has
cooling, soothing vapours to help maintain
healthy respiration while lavender relaxes and
settles your baby when poorly. Our Easy
Breathe Baby Balm will lubricate dry mucous
membranes to ensure healthy airways and clear
your little ones head, leaving them comfortable
enough to settle down for the night. My little
girl always gets the sniffles, not quite sure if its
hayfever or just a cold, but we used this on her
to help her sleep and it seemed to ease her
congestion and she slept soundly! With no
parabens or silicons and suitable for
vegetarians, its great to find such a natural
product that actually works!
Philip Kingsley Shampoo & Body Wash - 19
Kids De-Tangling Spray - 9.99
Kids Grooming Brush - 9.99
We were given three new products from the Philip
Kingsley range to try out this month:
PK KIDS Shampoo & Body Wash - ultra-mild and
dermatologically tested; PK KIDS De-Tangling Spray PK
KIDS Grooming Brush.
The shampoo and body wash is incredible and is gentle
on childrens skin, we noticed that Lillie didnt get any
skin irritation when we used this and in fact we all use
it daily. The De-Tangling spray is also excellent, my
oldest daughter Mia has extremely tight corkscrew
curls and this makes it a dream to brush through her
hair, which is no mean feat! Unfortunately the
Grooming Brush wasnt as great for us and caused a
few tears with Lillie, even with wet hair it didnt seem
to go through her hair very easily and we were left a
little disappointed.
Keep It Kind - Childrens
Deodorants - from 2.99
Meeting the huge demand by mums and kids
alike, Keep It Kind (KIK) introduce an all new
category in the wellbeing and personal care
sector. KIK deodorants are free from
aluminium, parabens and alcohol and contain
natural ingredients that care for younger,
sensitive skins. KIK deodorants are
dermatologically tested and are not tested on
animals Three brand new deodorants for
children aged 8-14 will be hitting the UK high
street. This innovative range of natural and
caring deodorants includes Fresh Kidz, a
fragrance free roll-on aimed at children aged
8-10+, Blast a spray deodorant for boys aged
11+ and Missy, a spray deodorant for girls aged
11+. We found that you needed to use a good
amount of the Missy deodorant to stop body
odour but the Fresh Kids was probably the best
for my daughter and worked all day, especially
during the hot days wed been having.
By Carla Eucalyss Travel Blanket -
15.99
Whether you are holidaying at home or abroad,
you can protect your baby from pesky
mosquitoes and biting insects naturally with the
Kit for Kids Eucalyss range. This essential
travelling collection includes a Kit for Kids Baby
foldable or thick travel mattress and a By Carla
luxury blanket, all of which have been treated
with Euclayss; a 100% natural treatment that
repels mosquitoes and biting flies. Made from
Eucalyptus oil, this creates a no fly zone around
the mattress or blanket so you are protecting
your baby from being bitten, so they can sleep
soundly, dreaming of their next family
adventure. We were given a blanket to try out
and use it at home as, with the weather that
much warmer, the windows are open at night
and so far our little one seems to be bite free.
Definitely taking with us when we go abroad!
Rebecca Spragg, of Stamford, had been pulling her hair out for the past few
years trying to get her three children to sleep throughout the night.
The oldest son, Alex woke frequently during the night, while her daughter,
Holly aged 11 was too cold during the night and her youngest child, Harry,
suffered from night sweats and was unable to get comfortable at night. All
three desperately needed to sleep through the night with Harry needing good
sleep to help his body repair from the inside out. "They simply couldn't get
comfortable", says Rebecca. "We'd tried a variety of different duvets, sheets
and pillows, to try and make all three comfortable in their different ways."
"It wasn't until we finally tried The Wool Room's woollen bedding, that we
finally had an answer. Who knew that woollen bedding was so different to
the expensive down filled duvets and pillows we'd been using." "Since we
swapped over all of our children's bedding to wool only they've slept like a
log and we couldn't be more grateful to have found a solution" continues
Rebecca. In a recent survey by The Wool Room, over 34% of respondents
reported to suffer from night sweats. Particularly hard for children to deal
with, these can course interrupted sleep and prevent deep sleep. One of the
well-known cures for night sweats, is sleeping in natural fibres, which includes
bedding such as duvets or mattress toppers. Wool helps to regulate
temperatures throughout the night, reflecting your own body heating and
creating a naturally comfortable night's sleep.
Children need a solid 8 hours sleep every night to recover from their day
and be prepared for a busy day ahead. Sleeping disorders in children can
influence behavioural issues, as well as exasperating medical issues, which is
why it is vital that children get a good night's sleep" says the Wool Room's
Managing Director, Chris Tattersall. "The average person perspires one litre
of water each night and because this perspiration is unable to be absorbed
inside synthetic or down fibres, the moisture sits around the skin, raising skin
moisture levels above the recommended 30 to 50 per cent and causing a
heat build-up which is enough discomfort to pull you out of sleep. "We are
so confident our bedding will provide a better sleep, that we offer a money
back guarantee, if you try it out and don't think the same' he continues.
Wool bedding from The Wool Room start from just 29.99 for a Wool pillow,
rising to 360 for a complete wool bedding set which includes an all season
double duvet, mattress topper and two pillows available in wool or alpaca.
The deluxe range of wool bedding also offers the extra benefit of being
machine washable whilst retaining its 100 per cent natural status.
Health & Beauty Products
Tommee Tippee - The Best of
British Gift Set - 14.99
We have featured Tommee Tippee on many
occasions and couldnt help but show you this
gorgeous little gift set. A great starter kit with
a limited edition Best of British London bus
design, the Tommee Tippee Best of British set
makes a great gift that's perfect for newborns.
The unique shaped bottle teats are designed
with a soft feel and are easy for baby to latch
onto, while the super sensitive valve makes
bottle feeding feel more natural to little ones,
making switching between breast and bottle
easier. The bottles themselves are also easy to
hold, giving you a more comfortable experience
too. Also included in this Tommee Tippee gift
set are two London bus soothers, designed with
an orthodontic shape to promote and
encourage healthy gum and tooth
development. Both the soothers and bottles are
completely BPA free for your peace of mind.
Jackson Reece - Kinder by Nature
Nose Nuzzles - 2.49 | Baby Wipes
- 2.00 | Mucky Mitts - 1.49
Jackson Reece is a brand that is trusted by
mums who want to use natural, chemical free
products on their childrens skin. Made in the
UK, using 99% natural ingredients and
completely alcohol free. Mucky Mitts is a hand
sanitiser which is kind to the skin but tough on
dirt and germs. The Baby Wipes are unscented,
100% alcohol and paraben free and the Nose
Nuzzles are unscented 100% alcohol and
paraben free natural saline wipes perfect for
stuffy noses.
We loved using all three products, as they are
so gentle and contain no harmful products.
They also make great facial wipes for mums too
as they are so delicate to the skin. The hand
sanitiser was a blessing in disguise and has
become an essential product for us to carry
around when out and about!
purepotions Skin Salvation
We featured an introduction to this brand last
month and this month we promised you an
additional review on two of the other products
we hadnt tried yet. Well, weve found a miracle
for dry feet! The purepotions Intensive
Moisturising Ointment is just incredible! With
severely cracked feet, thanks to wearing sandals
all the time, Ive suffered from really sore heels
for many years and Ive started using this in the
evenings just before bed and its worked
wonders! My feet are soft and no longer
cracked and feel amazing. We also have
started using the bath and body oil for both the
childrens bath but also the rare chance I get to
have a long soak as well and it leaves youre skin
incredibly soft too. You only need to use a tiny
amount otherwise it can get a little slippery but
for those people who suffer from eczema, dry
itchy skin or other skin conditions, this is a must
buy.
WOOL BEDDING WAS THE ANSWER TO MY CHILDREN'S SLEEPING PROBLEMS
http://www.thewoolroom.com/
Childrenswear & Accessories
Piccoli & Co, Organic Cotton Kimono All-in-one
with Liberty Fabric - 35.00
Piccoli & Co will create pieces that are generational
and become family heirlooms handed down through
the generations, giving each family the tools to make
timeless and comfortable nurseries through
sophistication and simplicity, says Aine.
Monogramming is a key part of our business, where
we went back to my Italian heritage, explains Leo. In
Italy every family has a set of monogrammed linen in
their home. Our vision is bringing and mixing this
tradition with a fresh approach and offering this service
in welcoming new additions to families.
I fell in love with Piccoli & Co the moment I saw it! It
screams quality, beauty and elegance which was ever
more apparent when we reviewed probably the most
beautiful All-in-one Cotton Kimono that Ive ever seen.
This charming piece from Marquise de Laborde is
perfect for adding a touch of luxury to babys early days.
Crafted from super-soft pure 100% cotton and Liberty
fabric details it is finished with covered feet and popper
fastenings to keep little ones in comfort all day long.
Your child will look like the most beautiful little girl
youve ever seen and you will wish your little girl never
grows out of it.
Clothies - Set of 3 - 14.99
(including delivery)
Clothies are hand made baby burp cloths in
fabulous fabrics and soft super absorbent micro
fleece. Great looking and wonderfully practical,
a modern mums essential accessory! They are
100% Cotton on the front with a 100% Polyester
super soft and absorbent micro fleece backing,
offering comfort on delicate faces and
absorbency for all those milky dribbles. A great
modern alternative to muslin's. Compact
enough to squeeze into your overflowing
changing bag, with eye catching designs to have
draped over your shoulder. They can also be
used underneath baby's chin when feeding and
sat on your lap winding. We gave a set to one
of our mummies (Emily) to try out.
We absolutely loved the Clothies as they are
super soft and really absorbent and as we are
currently feeding solid foods we found that it
was much softer to clean her face afterwards.
They seem to wash really well and keep the
softness and colour. They would make a great
alternative to muslin clothes or as part of a gift.
Bundle & Bow - prices from 13.50
We were contacted by another gorgeous little
company recently called Bundle & Bow who
personalise and create changing mat pillows and
car seat pillows. The specially designed pillow
shape fits all Maxi Cosi infant carriers, The Cybex
Aton, STOKKE iZi Go by BeSafe and the Britax
Baby Safe (once the removable new born padding
has been taken off the seat). Each pillow has a
removable case - machine washable at 40 degrees.
The inner case is also machine washable or if you
wish to clean the soft polyester wadding keep it
inside the inner case, simply hand wash and then
lay on a rack to dry - do not tumble.
Smafollk
The name Smfolk is an old Scandinavian word
meaning "little people" or "children". Smfolk
is always happy colors, in the best quality. 85%
of the collection and nearly 100% of the baby
collection is ecotex certified. Smfolk clothes
can be mixed with earlier or new collections.
We hear again and again from parents, that a
certain T-shirt or dress has been the children's
favourite because the children make stories
from the clothes.
I love this collection, purely because it has so
many different styles and prints to choose from.
The quality of the items are amazing and there
are some great products coming up for winter.
We loved the little hat that looks like a balaclava
for children - as it will guarantee to keep your
little ones head, neck and ears safely tucked up
and warm with just one item as opposed to
loosing a scarf, ear muffs etc. Everything is
made in vibrant colours with big bold colourful
patterns. The prices start from as little as
11.85 for a long sleeved t-shirt to 19.75 for a
babygrow.
I have absolutely loved the gNappies range since it first came out, it was one
of the first products we had to review.! It was great to see the new collection
of clothing that had been released to match the gNappies and I just had to
get some for more readers to review! One of my mummy readers very kindly
tried them out with her little girl and as well as her comments below, you
can see just how cute her little girl looks in the matching set.
Mummy Rebecca Kenyon says: we were sent some lovely gNappies and
matching dress to review recently for Baby Buzz and they came at the perfect
time! We had already used cloth/reusable nappies but it's been super hot
over the last week or so, we are lucky that our house is nice and cool, but
when out and about the cloth nappies can get a bit hot as they're quite thick
for optimum absorbency. The gPant are very slim fitting and light weight
with no heavy materials and breathable due to how they are constructed.
They consist of a cloth outer, a waterproof inner that snaps on and into that
you place the disposable insert. This is another reason why they would be
fantastic for a holiday, when you take full cloth nappies it takes up a lot of
space and you need proper washing facilities, with these you can just remove
the disposable liner and replace so you get a few uses out of the outer and
when the outer needs washing they can be easily hand washed and they dry
very quickly. This means you only need a few outers and a pack of liners
which doesn't take up much luggage space at all, this also makes them
fantastic for long days out. Last but least they are super cute and the range
of matching clothes and accessories they do are gorgeous and fantastic
quality! I will definitely be buying the next size up when she grows out of
these, they fit fantastically, are very absorbent and we've had no leaks. They
are also good for the environment as the disposable liners are eco friendly
and compostable!! Very clever and we are very impressed!!
GNappies
Gingham Girl Dress -
24.95
Gingham Girl gPants -
17.95
http://www.gnappies.com/
General Health & Beauty
The Breath Co Oral Rinse - 13.99 (500 ml)
& Dry Mouth Lozenges - 8.99 (72 lozenges)
TheOralRinseisunconditionallyguaranteedtostopbad
breath. The patented formula uses the natural germ
fighting power of oxygen to attack the source of bad
breathodourandgumirritation.Helpspreventdrymouth
symptoms. Mild natural mint flavour. The citrus mint
lozenge formula quickly eliminates any unpleasant
flavoursandodoursinyourmouth.Theclinicalstrength
powersofZinc,OxygenandXylitolattackthegermsthat
cause bad breath. And our proprietary mouth wetting
agentstimulatessalivaproductiontoeliminatedrymouth.
Although not the most amazing tasting mouthwash, I
liked using this product. It didn't contain any nasty
ingredients or alcohol and it left my mouth feeling fresh
and clean. I will definitely be adding this to my household
shopping list as something the whole family can use. The
mouth lozenges are great to have in your bag for emergency breath
freshening. Sugar free and once again, a product free of any nasty
ingredients, the lozenges were fresh, very minty and were the perfect
antidote to spicy/fragrant food or just as an instant breath freshener. I
also liked that they were individually wrapped. Very hygienic.
EcoHydra Instant Hand Sanitiser -
2.49 (50ml)
EcoHydra Instant Hand Sanitiser quickly kills up to
99.9999% of germs, and can leave no more than just 10
germs on hands; making it an extremely effective hand
sanitiser with proven efficacy against even stubborn
bacteria such as E. Coli, SARS, Bird Flu, MRSA and
Norovirus. With its completely alcohol-free,
antimicrobial formula, EcoHydra is free from the
harshness of alcohol-based sanitisers which can dry out
the skin, and with frequent use leave hands even more
exposed to germs. Enriched with natural moisturiser Aloe Vera,
EcoHydra can be used repeatedly throughout the day making it
pleasant to use as well as highly effective. Targeted directly at
improving hand hygiene in hospitals, homes, schools and other
environments where infection prevention is paramount, EcoHydra
Instant Hand Sanitiser has been developed in response to World
Health Organisation reports about combating the increase in
healthcare associated infections and promoting better hand
hygiene, with the ultimate aim to prevent the spread of infections.
I really like this hand sanitiser as it kills such a high level of bacteria,
I also like the fact that it is a foam based product because it rubs
very easily into your hands ands dries within seconds! With this
one I know that all eventualities are covered. Another must for
mummys hand bag!
Proactive - Oil Free
Moisture - 15.95 (50 ml)
and proactive - Deep
Cleansing Wash -
15.95 (240 ml)
As mentioned before I have never
been one to tone, cleanse and
moisturise, not out of laziness
but purely out of lack of time.
This month Ive had a lot of
products to try out and so Im
hoping that in a month or so I
should have perfect, flawless
skin (albeit with the 40+ hours
straight I work, the bags under
my eyes will need a lot more
work!) I have to say that after
using the Oil Free Moisture I
didnt really notice a
difference, it didnt really leave
my skin any softer or feel more
moisturised than it had before.
However, I really liked used
the Deep Cleansing Wash
before getting into the shower,
I used this on my face and neck
and I felt great and ready to
jump into the shower onto the
next stage of applying the
Nivea In-Shower Moisturiser. This in itself
is a great combination and Ive never felt
so clean and ready to face the day. Will
definitely be continuing with the Deep
Cleansing Wash as part of my cleansing
and moisturising process.
Nivea In-Shower Body
Moisturiser - Pampering
Honey - 3.56 (250 ml) and
Nivea Body Lotion - Firming -
5.10 (250 ml)
I was never one for moisturising,
firming lotions or creams of any kind
but having had the opportunity of
trying many different products I
have to say I absolutely love the
In-Shower Moisturiser! The
precious time I do get to have a
shower means I dont have time to
get out, dry off, remember to
moisturise and then sort out the
girls, but since using this Ive been
able to start looking after my skin
and find that its so much smoother
than it was before. Ive also got my
oldest daughter using it to save her
a little time in the morning and to
make sure her skin stays supple and
soft. With such a great start and
being able to save a little time I
thought I would start using the firming body
lotion, so Im hoping to see the results of that
in a few weeks time, I will certainly keep you
posted. The scents of both products are lovely
and, especially with the In-Shower body
moisturiser the bathroom smells divine whilst
you are using it! Ive read many comments from
other users all of which differ greatly, but Im
definitely with the majority that for a time-
saving way of moisturising, this is probably one
of the best on the market! Well done Nivea,
amazing products and at an amazing price.
Beauty Pro Hydratest - 59
Keeping skin moist, we are so often
told,isthekeytostayingyoung.But
workingoutwhenyourskinisthirsty
andneedsaboostisfarfromsimple.
Nowscientistshavecomeupwithan
ingeniousnewpenwhichclaimsto
help the beauty conscious prevent
the onset of aging. The HydraTest
device measures oil and hydration
levelsinjustfiveseconds,delivering
a personalised skin prescription to
the user and prompting them to
treat dehydrated skin. Ibs Ansari, director of BeautyPro, which
manufacturesthepen,saiditwasthefirstpocket-sizeddevice,based
on salon technology, of its type to measure skin moisture levels in
real-time. The two prongs on the analyser send a slight electrical
currenttotheskin.Anyonewhousesitwontfeelthiscurrent,because
it is so small, but the amount of resistance to the current is used to
determinetheamountofmoistureandoilintheskintissues.Thepen
will enable individuals to tailor a skin care regime for themselves. It
also allows users to monitor progress to see how their skin is
improving. The pen, which weighs around 40g, and is as big as a
standard pencil, is portable and powered by a single AAA battery
enoughtodeliveraround1,000readings.
As I get older, I'm taking more and more interest in my skin and the
opportunity to utilise products that will help with the prevention of
the signs of aging. So, I was very intrigued to the try this product. It
was extremely easy to use with clear instructions and results and it
showed me that I have much dryer skin than I thought. Although I've
only been using it for a short time, I have begun to change my skincare
regime and I am already noticing an improvement in the the levels of
moisture in my skin. I'm looking forward to the long term benefits of
being more aware of the condition of my skin and it's needs and
requirements and I think this painless, easy to use piece of equipment
will really help.
Childrens Food, Meal Ideas
Ellas Kitchen
New Yummy Greek Style Yoghurts -
0.99 (per 90g)
Ellas Kitchen have
just launched their
new Greek Style
Yoghurts which are
available in three
delicious flavours
Strawberry, Berry and
Mango. 100% organic
and brimming with
loveliness, the yoghurts are wonderfully thick + creamy,
resulting in an extra scrummy taste experience for little
explorers to enjoy. I gave a strawberry one to Lillie to try out,
as she isnt much of a yoghurt eater I knew this would be the
ultimate taste test! I was quite surprised that she enjoyed it
as much as she did and asked for another one immediately
after. I decided to give her the mango one to see what she
thought but she wasnt as keen on the flavour (although I
have to say - after finishing it - that I thought it was great -
really full of flavour and a lot thicker than I had expected. A
great snack on the go to keep your child happy and as they
are in the squeezy pouches, theres no mess! Another
brilliant point to make is that you dont need to chill these,
to theyre even more handy and fun when out and about.
Available at: Asda & Tesco
Kallo Kids - launches new lunch box snack packs - 2.89 per pk
When I was asked to review the new rice cakes from Kallo Kids,
I jumped at it! Whilst many people will think that rather odd,
what I should explain is that I eat rice cakes like there is no
tomorrow! It was my craving with both of my girls and to this
day I cant not have a packet in the cupboard - its almost as bad
as running out of milk! Kallo Kids Chocolate and Strawberry
Yoghurt rice cakes have no artificial colours, flavours or
preservatives and also vegetarian and coeliac friendly, as well as gluten free. The chocolate
Thins contain 121 calories in each portion pack, and the Strawberry Thins contain 126 calories
- just right for a healthy treat as part of a packed lunch or for an energy booster after a long day
at school. If Im honest, for me nothing can beat a plain, uncomplicated rice cake but having
tasted these I can certainly see why children will love them. Giving them just enough of a sweet
taste, this is certain to fill a gap before they have to eat dinner or come in from school a little
hungry. I personally favoured the Chocolate Thins but then, coupled with the fact I am a
chocoholic, it really wasnt a tough decision. Nice to have a healthier option for our children
for when they get home from school demanding whats there to eat?
TIPS FOR PACKED LUNCHES: Mrs Crimbles Gluten Free
Goodies - prices from 1.10 per pack
Making sure children who avoid gluten have a lunchbox which includes
a good mix of nutritious and filling foods as well as a yummy treat can
be quite an art, so Mrs Crimble's - the much-loved gluten free bakery
brand - have some incredibly yummy snacks to help your child enjoy
a healthy, fun and gluten free lunch. Having seen some of these
products in store, I had just passed them by thinking they wouldnt
be that nice, but oh wow, I couldnt have been more wrong! The
Double Choc Chunk Oat Cookies and the Cranberry and Almond Oat
Cookies are to die for! Slightly heavier than your average cookie due
to the ingredients used, but still oh so delicious and dont get even
get me started on the Mixed Berry Oat Flapjacks - just gorgeous! I
would be happy to have these in my cupboard, handbag and lunchbox
every day.
Kiddylicious - Snack Time!
We had the chance to review the latest in childrens snacks from
Kiddylicious with their delicious Wibble Wobble Jelly Pots, the first
ready-made jelly designed for babies from 12 months (1.35 per
pack). Wibble Wobble Jelly Pots are fun to eat and also one of a
childs daily fruit portions so theyre great as part of a healthy toddler
diet. They come in 3 fruit and berry combinations:
apple/blackcurrant,pear/raspberry and peach/strawberry. The jelly
is made with fruit juice and set with pectin, a gelling agent naturally
found in fruit, to create a super soft texture and has little pieces of
real fruit to add texture. We also tried the Gingerbread Buddies
made from fortified wholemeal flour and oatmeal and with a hint of
real ground ginger. They are packed in single 20g bags and will be
available from Asda and Ocado at 0.40p. Crispie Tiddlers are a
slightly more filling fruit snack with a satisfying crunch. They are
deliciously soft and chewy fun little fish shapes, made almost entirely
with real fruit juices and purees combined with crispy rice. Sold in
single 12g packs for 59 pence and will be available in Asda, Tesco and
Ocado. I have never seen my child so excited to see a box of snacks
and was impressed that the 6 pots of jelly were all devoured within
3 days - seriously yummy! Lillie really liked the Gingerbread Buddies
but wasnt too keen on the fruity Crispie Tiddlers and wouldnt eat
more than one. Safe to say weve been instructed to buy the jelly
and gingerbread buddies on our next visit to the shops!
FAMILY FAVOURITE MEALS FOR THE MODERN DIET
With the launch of the first ever free-from
Fajita Kits!
Mexican Feasts are popular in many a
household, with tasty fajitas and yummy
nachos proving to be firm favourites, but
new research shows that almost half (45%)
of people surveyed wish that their fajitas
could be gluten free and 78% of parents
with a coeliac child prepare the same
dinner for all the family, putting a limitation
on what the whole family eats. Until now
the 3.2 million of allergen suffers in the UK are forced to miss out on
this fabulous family fiesta. What's more currently, a single serving of
fajita with all the trimmings can contain a whopping 600 calories - a
huge turn off for those watching the waistline. This is why BFree, the
market leading gluten free brand, is launching the first ever free-from
Fajita Kit. The kit is entirely allergen free, low in fat at only 127 calories
per serving and contains no gluten, wheat, eggs, dairy, soy or nuts and
is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. The kit contains six of
the best-selling healthy Multigrain Wraps, a delicious mild allergen
free and low salt fajita seasoning and a chunky tomato BFree salsa,
which comes in a handy double sachet, meaning you can enjoy half
now and half another time, avoiding food wastage. We put the kit to
the ultimate test with a cooking lesson that my daughter had to
participate in a few weeks ago. The kit is so easy to understand and
the instructions simple to follow! The teachers and pupils were very
impressed with the flavours, although the found the actual fajitas a
little dry. No one could believe it was a free-from kit and all agreed
they wouldnt hesitate to buy one to try at home!
To launch the kit, BFree is giving away a holiday to Mexico. For more
details visit www.facebook.com/Bfreeuk
5 from Tesco
Extra Stores
& Kitchen Gadget Reviews
We featured Fab Finger Foods in the last issue of Baby Buzz Magazine and this month
we decided to put the products to the test with three of our readers.
In case you missed the feature last month, let me give you a little introduction to
Helen, founder of Fab Finger Foods:
I started making risotto fingers and samosas for Ted when we were visiting my mum
because I struggled to find portable finger food without added salt and sugar. Like
any parent I was keen for him to have a balanced diet and many of the finger foods
I made provided a nice mixture of protein, carbs, fruit and veg. The finger foods were easy to pack so great for
on the move, fresh, freezable and much healthier than many snacks.
I love to cook so when I found myself redundant from my job I thought I would try my hand at Fab Finger Foods.
I had a sneaky suspicion that Ted would eat anything put in front of him but friends children who perhaps arent
so easy to please like the food just as much as him. The food is suitable from 6 months+ and satisfies the relevant
compositional requirements for the processed cereal based foods and baby foods for infants and young children
regulations 2003 and all items have been nutritionally analysed (except party food where I will make bespoke
orders of sandwiches etc).
If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please visit:
Risotto Fingers: These are so full of
flavour unlike a lot of baby foods,
you can really taste the herbs and
the chicken in them, they make a
great snack or as the main to a
meal, i served them to my 16
month old as well as my 3 and a
half year old and they both really
enjoyed them. Very handy to pop
in the fridge overnight and take
with you on a picnic the next day
and healthier than grabbing
something from a packet out of the
cupboard!
Raspberry Muffins: These mini
muffins are great as a little treat at
snack time. I heated a couple up
and put them with a bit of ice
cream which they loved. Another
healthy option to pop in your bag
for food on the go or for dessert.
The Banana Bread from Fab Finger Food arrived well
packed with cooling material and had thawed during
transit, but was still feeling cool when I opened it,
so I put it back in the freezer immediately, just
keeping two aside for my little Zayn to try. I loved
the Banana Bread the first time I saw them as they
looked convenient, shaped into small fairy cake sized
balls which are easily held by babies. And I dont find
these messy compared to a big banana loaf cut into
slices. The banana bread comes in a 6 per pack and
retails at 3.00 which I think is quite reasonably
expensive as I know all baby products are priced like
that. The banana and cinnamon flavour was great,
but I give this 4 stars because it is a fantastic base,
yet is missing additional flavours/ taste that my baby
prefers. He wouldnt eat more than one in a go,
whereas he loves home-made banana bread much
more,maybe because its a tad bit sweeter than
this, as I add more bananas and throw in some
chopped dates.
They maybe healthy, with no added sugar, but they
are pretty much baby junk food, (the banana is far
down on the ingredient list to the point that it
contributes no real nutritional content) and I prefer
feeding this as a treat. Overall, these are easy to
hold and eat by little hands, soft and perfect as a
snack or for breakfast with a cup of milk and banana
on the side.
We had the banana bread and
risotto fingers to review. The
banana bread was lovely and great
for trips out, as it is frozen, and can
be chucked in the baby bag and
then come lunch time it has
defrosted and is ready to eat in.
They are lovely portion sizes for
everyone too. They taste lovely
too. Only problem was that we
run out!
The risotto fingers were also great
and made a lovely meal once
cooked and served with veggies.
The kids enjoyed them a lot and
knowing they are so easy to
prepare and also healthy was
great! I will be ordering some
treats soon! I loved the packaging
too with the ice bags, they have
also come in very handy for when
the kids needed cooling down or
when they had hurt themselves.
Probably not for that purpose but
great all the same!
Childrens Toys & Games
Tomy - Aquadoodle Travel Drawing
Bag and Mini Mats - 13.49
(Mini Mat sets are 4.99 which include 3
mats and 1 Aquadoodle pen)
Whether youre hitting the
road, clocking up air miles or
hopping aboard the express
train this Summer, keep your
creative little ones occupied
on the go with easy-to-carry,
Aquadoodle travel mats.
Aquadoodle from TOMY, the
expert in preschool creative
play, continues to entertain
children on the move with its
brilliant range of preschool
character licensed travel play mats. The original and the best,
these no fuss, no mess mats are safe for designing
masterpieces whilst on the go, encouraging creative play in
children aged 18 months and up. And as theres no messy
ink, just water, parents can relax in the knowledge that
therell be no stains. Simply fill the special Aquadoodle Pen
with water before you travel, doodle on the durable mat and
watch as the drawings magically appear.
This came just in time for our review trip to the Isle of Wight
and so we took it with us to see how Lillie would get on with
it. I have to say she loved it and it kept her amused for quite
some time. Its an excellent way for children to get creative
with their favourite characters ranging from Peppa Pig,
Disney Princess and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to name but
a few. I loved how the Aquadoodle allowed Lillie to colour
in and for me not to worry or stress out about getting colour
pen marks on walls or floors plus each pack has three mini
mats inside that once theyve finished the second mat, the
first one is dry again and they can start all over again. This
is definitely something that is coming with us on every trip!
Just brilliant!
Tomy - Chuggington Tunnel and Bridge Playset - 19.99
(Individual train characters are 7.99)
I have a little girl who loves toys any
kind of toys, whether designed for
boys or girls, she simply loves to
play (I mean what 3 year old
doesnt!) When we were sent the
Chuggington Tunnel and Bridge Playset, I did
wonder what she would make of it but I
neednt have bothered really. She absolutely
loved playing with the toy trains. The think I
like most about this is that she understands
how all the pieces click together and so is always dismantling it and then putting it back together.
This has given us a good hour of quality play time, which when you have a toddler is seriously
impressive! A great toy for both boys and girls as Ive since learned, I shouldnt be so stereotypical!
Tomy - Twist 'n' Turn Activity Toy - 10.99
For all Winne the Pooh fans is this fun Twist and Turn Activity Toy
that is sure to keep your baby/ toddler occupied. Our littlest reviewer
is just 14 months and she loved playing with this, Im not sure she
quite understood what each piece did or that they made a complete
picture but with her mummy pointing out the different animals and
colours, she seemed to have a lot of fun.
Tomy - Professor Owl Puzzle Blocks - 13.99
A fun puzzle sorter for babies / toddlers 12+. The actual blocks have
additional shapes inserted to each of them for when hand/eye
coordination improves. We didnt understand at first that you had to lie
the owl down to insert the cubes then stand it up again to push down on
the head to make the bricks pop out again. It would be easier perhaps if
you could do it with it standing up, but that was us having a little niggle,
when ultimately our little tester loved it regardless of it standing up, lying
down or upside down!
Not On The High Street App - Storytime Sounds App for iPhone
and Android
Mums and dads nationwide can now rest easy at bedtime as the magical
Storytime Soundsapp launches this week, and is set to be the perfect
accompaniment to classic fairy tales and futuristic fables for children
and parents alike. From cackling witches to growling pirates,
notonthehighstreet.com's Storytime Sounds pp offers a variety of classic
fairy tale themes, as well as the mysterious noises of a lost world and
the sounds of deep space. With nine enchanting sound effects to hand,
the app has been designed to help parents bring bedtime stories to life.
Ben Carter, Marketing Director from notonthehighstreet.com comments
"The Storytime Sounds app has been created to help parents make story
time an even more magical and interactive experience for children. We
want to show that technology does not always have to be detrimental
to traditional family time and hopefully the app has achieved this." The
app is fun, interactive and simple for kids to use themselves with themes
to help parents make up their own stories or use them with books. Free to download, story time
is about to get a lot more fun for all involved, so let the adventures begin!
I have to say Lillie and I really liked this app (even if she did hold her finger down on just one
character to repeat the sound - yes just a little annoying!) Other than that we created some
really wild and wacky stories using each of the characters all in one go that had both of us in fits
of giggles! A great free app for all you iPhone users!
Barbie & Me Colour-Change Glam Bag
- 29.99
Winner of the Toy Fair
Best New Toy Awards
2014, in the Role-Play
Toys Category, the Barbie
& Me Colour-Change
Glam Bag magically
changes colour to match
any outfit. Simply hold
the bag against any item
of clothing and press the button to match over 100 different
shades. The bag comes with lots of fab, clip-on Barbie
accessories, so that it can be personalised to suit any style
statement. There is even a mini matching bag for Barbie
herself. A perfect accessory for little girls aged 3-7 years.
The Barbie & Me Colour Change Glam Bag will be available
from all good UK retailers, including Amazon and Hamleys
who will be listing it in their Top 10 Toys for Christmas. This
fun and innovative interactive toy will make a great present
for little fashionistas everywhere, so grab the glamour, clutch
the colour and become the envy of the block. The bag is
really easy to use and little girls everywhere will love to play
dress up with this. Look out Hamleys for the Christmas rush.
Ive said it before. Working for yourself makes you a team of one, and
whilst having your family and friends can ease that panic of being alone in
business, it doesnt solve that problem. The thing about family and friends
is that sometimes they tend to have quite the opinion on how you are
doing it and how you should be doing it, which lets face it, doesnt always
help. Hence reason for working at all!!! The great thing about networking
is that you meet people in a different capacity and not only are they all
there to help themselves but they get a lot out of helping you too. Us
networkers are forced into the situation of being helped and helping each
other, and unlike some networks where you are forced to help each other,
we at the Buggy network aren't like that. The satisfaction of helping people
comes from the environment that we are in. We arent in a restaurant or
golf club where you are all dressed up wondering if I connect with that
person, then I look good. We are in a cafe with the kids running around
eating our cake and trying to steal our coffee, and yet we seem to make
friends, really connect through being parents but strictly talk about work.
Its a great way to make friends but also get the help that you would
normally get from working in a team. We at the Buggy Network are again
all in the same position but rely on the help of others. We still get nervous
coming for the first time, wondering what on earth we are going to say,
do we stand up (?) do we have to bring our children or can I take a time
out from them to come along. And the answer is yes, you can. You can
leave them at nursery but dont worry if you do bring them, thats the
point. Let them run riot we wont think any less of you or your business
we will think that you are exactly like us. Probably tired and in need of
adult conversation. The thing about coming together and talking and
helping each other out is that it works, firstly. People gain business from
it and connections. But also the most important thing is that we make new
friends that understand and support us. We help each other out and we
understand what we are all going through as regardless of how old our
children are there is always something that we are going through that we
either need someones understanding on. We are the team that we dont
have in business. We are the shoulders to cry on as we were so tired
because the kids have been ill that we couldnt finish what we were doing
and now the client is waiting. We read through each others letters to check
we dont sound crazy as we haven't slept and we ask each other if we are
crazy just incase as we arent sure any more.
This month Ive been suffering from the children having chicken pox and
why they couldn't have it at the same time I can only say is a test of my
sanity. It has been an incredibly long time to not have any meetings for
me and not only have the children been going stir crazy Ive never felt so
isolated its been really hard. But its been really nice getting messages from
my networking friends making sure that Im ok and of course the kids too!
Im really excited though that by the time you are reading this I will be back
out there in the real world children all better and hopefully getting some
meetings in over the summer and getting back to seeing our friends and
those that I appreciate for being on my team. I am excited that I am getting
back to work and will have time to actually think more about all of our
business and how we can help them evolve to be even better next school
year.
(And for those of you that have children with chickenpox, honestly go to
the chemist and buy Pox Clin it will save your life. It takes all of the itchiness
away!! TRUST ME! You will be thanking me for that titbit!)
Have a wonderful summer and get the kids to bed early as you will need
extra time to clear your head to work more efficiently, ( and of course to
have a glass of wine!)
See you soon! X
Eve
Family Focus
By Eve Tudor
Hydration is vital to daily living. Every cell in your body needs water to function
properly. It helps replenish skin tissues and moisturises the skin. Water flushes
out toxins from your organs and intrinsic to any well-balanced diet. Your brain is
approximately 90% water, so drinking water makes you more alert and increases
your ability to concentrate.
Most health professionals agree that the average human requires 2 litres of water
(8 glasses) a day, which is easier when you enjoy the taste. Whilst tap water in
the UK is safe to drink it can contain high levels of chlorine which can have a very
strong smell and taste. Heavy metals such as lead and copper can also be found
in tap water due to both domestic plumbing and supply pipelines. Limescale also
affects many people living in the UK.
You can use filtered water in your small domestic
appliances. With the reduction of limescale, this could
help prolong the lifetime of your kettle, coffee machine,
steamer, rice cooker, steam mop or iron.
I was one of those people who just did not drink water,
unless it was in the form of a coffee or tea and I knew
I had to do something! I am extremely grateful to Brita
for giving me a BRITA Marella Red Jug to review and
now Im drinking at least two jugs a day! Something
even I never thought Id do! They are so easy to set up and you can just leave
them on the side ready to top up!
Prices: 21.00 (which includes VAT)
For more information, please visit: http://www.brita.co.uk/
Are you drinking enough?
The Baby Buzz Magazine
Book Club - Reviews
Learn how to use your babys natural instincts and abilities to give him the very best start in life. This
practical and sensitive guide shows you how following your babys lead will help you develop a strong
and loving relationship from birth.
Baby-led Parenting is a really practical guide without making you feel like you arent doing a good
enough job! Some books that weve seen tend to be a little condescending and point out the obvious
whereas this book allows you to trust your natural instinct whilst giving you a good few pointers as well
as useful and practical advice from the moment you give birth to being at home and adjusting to a new
way of life. I love that there are significant amounts of comments from other parents who all give their
own perspectives and it emphasises that everyone is different and no way is really the wrong way.
A definite must for all parents who whilst may have done it before gives an easier transition into being
a parent.
Have you ever thought: I cant believe I just said to my child the very thing my parents used to say to
me! Am I destined to repeat the mistakes of my parents? In Parenting from the Inside Out, child
psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel and early-childhood expert Mary Hartzell explore how our childhood
experiences shape the way we parent. Drawing on stunning new findings in neurobiology and
attachment research, they explain how interpersonal relationships affect the development of the brain,
and offer a step-by-step approach to forming a deeper understanding of our life stories, which will help
us raise compassionate and resilient children. Combining Siegels cutting-edge neuroscience research
with Hartzells 30 years of experience as a child-development specialist and parent educator, Parenting
from the Inside Out guides us through creating the necessary foundations for secure and loving
relationships with our children.
My first thoughts when seeing this were oh another book telling me what Im doing wrong. In actual
fact, what it does it put everyday situations into a new perspective and give you the tools to understand
the way youre child is feeling without constantly chastising them. I know that on more than one
occasion when I am frantically busy i.e trying to go to print that I tend to become a little snappy but
Im certainly going to put this book to good use and use different ways of explaining why I can or cant
do something without my children feeling that mummy is just irritable and always says no. A really
great asset to families with children of all ages.
Sinner is a companion book to the #1 bestselling Shiver, Linger and Forever trilogy. You thought it ended
with Forever, but there's another story to tell - the one of Cole and Isabel... and this time they're in LA.
There will be wolves, and there will be yearning. But most importantly there will be love.
I gave this book to my 13 year old daughter to read thinking that it would be a slightly more grown-up
book that she would enjoy, but I have to say that she found it a little too depressing and more mature
than what she had thought it would be. However, after realising that perhaps it wasnt appropriate
for her age mentally and that she hadnt really got into the storyline, I thought I would try reading it
instead. I actually really enjoyed it as it was a clear insight into the behaviours of Cole and Isabel and
their feelings towards each other as well as to other people. Sinner can be quite dark in places but is
still a thoroughly enjoyable read but perhaps for an older age range of 16+, I think they may have a
clearer understanding of feelings and emotions and relate a little closer to Cole and Isabel.
The Baby Buzz Magazine
Combining gorgeous touch-and-feel elements with fun activities, parents and baby can explore this great book together
and learn at the same time! It's been completely designed and conceived for new parents and is easy-to-use - each spread
has left-hand page is for the parent, right-hand page is for Baby! Our little tester loved touching and feeling all the different
parts of this book. We really liked the activities that you could do with your baby and the ideas for games to play with
you little one to encourage their development and learning process. A great set of books for your babys library!
A series of mythologically-inspired modern-day parables in board book form, featuring a read-aloud summary of the Greek
myth at the very end. We thought this was a great way for your child to learn right from wrong and written using Greek
mythology. I liked that you could teach your child a valuable lesson from such a unique perspective, a great book for both
home and nurseries / pre-schools to start teaching our toddlers about myths.
To celebrate Ten Years of Muddy Puddles, Ladybird is publishing this fabulous new storybook that is based on the
best-loved characters from Entertainment Ones award-winning preschool TV show - Peppa Pig! Perfectly pitched for
preschoolers with an early childhood theme that will appeal to all fans of the popular show, who will be keen to know
what they were like as babies too! A wonderful opportunity to spark discussion and share precious memories. With a
little girl who adores Peppa Pig, she absolutely loved this book! Currently read every night which Im sure wont stop for
a while! A great book for all little Peppa Pig fans.
This brand new picture book from the hugely talented Lauren Child is a beautiful and moving original take on the arrival
of a new sibling and will undoubtedly strike a chord with children and parents alike. Featuring a new character, Elmore
Green, the struggle of sharing a world with a new small person is told with Lauren Child's trademark wit, humour and
style. A much-anticipated new picture book that won't disappoint - this is Lauren Child at her absolute best. We instantly
recognised the author of this book, as will many others, as the Bafta-award-winning creator of Charlie & Lola. The New
Small Person is a beautifully written story that so many children will understand and would be a great way to explain to
your child that they are about to become a big brother or sister! We loved it.
Four new books within the Fairy Princess series. Primrose: Theres been a storm in Jewel Forest and Bunnys home has
been destroyed. Nutmeg: Its time for Nutmeg to be crowned Pixie Tree Princess, but disaster strikes, Blossom: The
annual fete is happening in Jewel Forest, can Blossom bake the magical treats in time. Willa: Willa is going to be a flower
fairy at a very magical wedding then the wedding dress gets lost! The books are a must for all little girls who wish they
could meet a real-life fairy. A beautifully, easy-to-understand series of books that combine fairy magic, friendship and
fashion. There are many more books in the series with sticker and activity books also available.
Another beautifully written tale with a hidden meaning. As an adult, I almost cried at this, you feel so much for the little
girl, Kate, whose grandfather has died and shes missing him terribly. Her Mum wants Kate to talk about it, but it only
makes Kate angry. Granddad has gone and he's never coming back. At least she has her toy tiger, Amos, to keep her
company. It was a present from Granddad, and somehow holding him close makes Granddad seem less far away. But
she doesn't expect Amos to turn into a real tiger - a big, comforting, friendly tiger who smells of Granddad, and sounds
like him too. An incredible book to give to your child not only to enjoy but if they have experienced a loss of a loved one,
this will help them start to come to terms with their emotions. LOVE, LOVE this book!
Book Club - Reviews
A snowy day, a deserted school and the teacher you least want to see. Welcome to Snow Day, the most magical day of the
year. When Danny goes to school one quiet, snowy morning, the last thing he expects to find is a deserted school and his
least favourite teacher. But that's exactly what he does find. And what starts as the worst day imaginable, ends as the most
life-affirming and magical day of the year. An incredibly moving story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of
places. I loved reading this book and even though Lillie is younger than recommended for, she loved the pictures and seemed
to understand when Danny was sad and then happy. A brilliant book which we thoroughly enjoyed and will do so many
times over.
There are lots of things Algy doesn't like. He doesn't like bright colours. He doesn't like birds. But at the top of the list of
things he doesn't like is the sea. So when Algy, his best friend Cherry and her little brother Brad discover that the shed at
the bottom of the garden is taking them on an ocean adventure, he isn't very pleased. But will the sea turn out to be more
fun than Algy always thought it was? Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early
Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. A great read
for younger children which will stimulate the imagination.
Here is an enchanting and entertaining story, perfect for young readers keen to discover the wonder of plants and animals
in nature and see how they work together in harmony. Meet Belle, a Parisian girl who goes on holiday to the countryside
and is eager to explore on her new bicycle. Soon, though, disaster strikes: Belle falls off her bike and is lost and alone. Now
its time to meet a talking bee! Yes, a bee who speaks! The talking bee rescues Belle and they set off together A beautifully
written story with incredible illustrations, a great read for your child to get lost in
We had the chance to review the first three books in the Whimsy Wood Series last month and they were great for little girls
to enjoy. Your child gets taken on a journey into the woods as Rosie Posie gets paid a visit from someone special, who will
it be and will Rosie be pleased. The illustrations are as beautiful as the first three and its great to be able to allow your child
to continue their adventure.
Is there something strange in your garden? LOOK OUT! It could be an ALIEN from another planet! Pets from Space are cool!
Pets from Space are clever! Pets from Space have gadgets with superpowers! But... WARNING! Pets from Space are naughty
and their tricks might get you into trouble! Find out what happens to Tom, Zack and Daisy when they meet the PETS FROM
SPACE! Each book features two fun stories. We think young children everywhere are going to love these books as the
mischievousness ensues from the pets in space and they get up to their naughty antics! Fun reading.
Bramble goes on a midnight treasure hunt in this brand new edition of Georgie Adams' irresistible animal adventure series
- with gorgeous extra material and a classic new cover look. Perfect for fans of Beatrix Potter or Brambly Hedge. An incredibly
beautifully illustrated and written book which was easy to read and had an easy to follow story with just enough suspense
to keep you wanting to know what happened next. There are 12 books in the Railway Rabbit Series which I would recommend
to all young readers.
Eleven-year-old Hannah Hallett's life has changed. Her mum has recently remarried, and Hannah's got a new dad and twin
sisters! The whole family have moved from the city to a small town so that Hannah's mum can fulfil her life-long dream of
opening a bakery. But things don't start well for the new bakery, and soon Mum's too busy to spend time with Hannah the
way she used to. Hannah knows she can turn the Sugar and Spice Bakery's fortunes around - all she needs to do is convince
Mum she can be useful. Can Hannah use her baking talent to save the bakery, learn to live with her big new family and -
most importantly - make some friends before school starts? An fantastic book that all girls will love to read. A great storyline
that all girls will relate to beautifully and simply written and will keep them preoccupied for a good while!
Baby Buzz Fashion Guide
To view the gorgeous collection available, please visit:
I first found out about The Little Tailor after being invited to see what other brands had coming in for the current season. It
was the first thing that caught my eye and the brand I spent most time looking over.. The collection is beautiful and the
quality is clearly evident, made from the softest material you just cant help but pick it up and run your hands over it.. The
detailing is outstanding with care and attention very much evident.. The prices are affordable whilst the styles are practical.
I hope we get to review this collection for a future issue as it would be a definite essential for any baby / toddler wardrobe.
Baby Buzz Fashion Guide
We love the Seraphine Summer Collection keeping our mums-to-be and new mummies looking gorgeous!
Made in soft and floaty fabrics, the range is designed to keep you stylish, cool and comfortable through
Summer, coupled with their current sales, you can purchase gorgeous pieces for great prices!. Dont miss out
on the range of light maternity knitwear for seasonal layering..
1. Justine Purple Dress - 29 | 2. Kylie Multi-way
Dress - 29 | 3. Seraphine Aqua Ombre Dip Dye
Dress - 39 | 4. Turquoise Colour Block Nursing
Dress - 37 | 5. White Chic Cropped Maternity
Jeans 45 | 6. Blue Denim Mini Maternity
Shorts 32 | 7. White Maxi Maternity Skirt 29
| 8. Studded Loafers - 89
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I love coming across new and exciting brands and this month we really have found a hidden gem! A company that brings a beautiful, fresh and
sophisticated approach to your childrens nurserys with upscale bedding, furniture and accessories. We were also given the opportunity to
review one of the most beautiful babygrows weve seen since launching the magazine and you can read our review in our News & Reviews
Section on Page 48.
A secret for those in the know, Piccoli & Co, Claphams luxury childrens boutique is now accessible to all as
it launches its online store. Set in the heart of South Londons Clapham Common, the nursery store on
Abbeville Road supplies a unique offering of quality nursery furniture and bedding to monogrammed linen
and sleepwear with everything in-between. Piccolis furniture is designed bespoke in-house and based on
19th century antiques. With the recent launch of their online boutique you are now able to get the same
style and luxury delivered straight to your door. Founders Leo and Aine have created stunning, quality pieces
designed to give you the ultimate in sophistication whilst maintaining practicality. Co-Founder Aine says
Piccoli & Co will create pieces that are generational and become family heirlooms handed down through
the generations, giving each family the tools to make timeless and comfortable nurseries through
sophistication and simplicity.
Monogramming is a key part of our business, where we went back to my Italian heritage, explains Leo. In Italy every family has a set of
monogrammed linen in their home. Our vision is bringing and mixing this tradition with a fresh approach and offering this service in welcoming
new additions to families. The impending arrival of Aines first daughter, Aoife - whom Leo is godmother to, is behind the inspiration for this
new business. It was during discussions over this time Aine and Leo felt the childrens market was missing high quality nursery furniture and
bedding. They have a shared vision of the babys room reinvented and wanted to fill this gap. They opened their first store on Abbeville Road
Clapham in September 2013.
Home & Furnishings
I was invited to a recent launch at London
Zoo to introduce Maynards Discovery
Patch bags of fruit flavoured jelly sweets
with an interactive app for your child to
explore different themes from Body Bits,
Myths & Monsters and Animals. The
product has a great philosophy behind it
thanks to a study, commissioned by
Maynards Discovery Patch in association
with child psychologist Dr Amanda
Gummer. revealing the importance
imagination plays in a childs development
and also explores parents views on how they encourage creative play and
attitudes on the importance of imagination at home. Despite the fast paced
nature of todays world, the research found that traditional forms of play
remain the primary choice for 65%* of parents, with mums and dads choosing
the simple world of make-believe, arts and crafts and classic storytelling as
their go-to methods when seeking to inspire their family. Parents who
challenge and nurture their childrens imagination from an early age will help
to better equip them with crucial problem solving and communication skills,
making them more creative and successful in adult life, new academic
research released today has found. The research discovered that activities
that stimulate the imagination can help children better deal with unexpected
events and think more flexibly making them more successful in later life.
Whilst almost half (43%*) of parents view their childs interest in television
and computer games as a hurdle to overcome, Dr Gummers research shows
that when used effectively these areas can have a positive impact. By its very
nature, technology can actually enhance imagination by introducing concepts
and ideas children simply wouldnt have thought of unprompted. The
potential of modern advances allows young minds to imagine without limits
and wonder what else might be possible, leading to the next generation of
inventors. Distractions aside, the research also indicated that 69%* of
parents believe time spent simply being together presented the ideal
opportunity to teach their families and discover and learn new things. When
asked to expand on their answers, parents admitted that they valued this
time together as they felt it removed the pressure to spend money on
expensive activities or force them to try to keep up with their childrens
friends and peers. Parents approach imagination in different ways with
almost three quarters of mums (74%*) preferring to teach their children to
make games out of ordinary activities, from climbing trees to tidying their
toys. In comparison, almost half of dads (42%*) voted the use of games and
high-tech toys as particularly useful to invoke creative play. When asked
about their feelings on the role technology plays, 60%* of parents admitted
that when used in the correct way, it has become an increasingly important
and useful element for both play and educational purposes. Dr. Gummer
advocates that the role of technology is very positive, commenting that this
simple approach is conducive to help children activate their own imagination,
using modern advancements to discover and better understand the world
around them. Pippa Lewis, from Maynards Discovery Patch comments
Imagination and the role it plays within family life is an area we are
particularly interested in, especially in respect to how it can benefit childrens
development. With exciting shapes, fun facts, quizzes and Augmented
Reality, Maynards Discovery Patch offers a world of discovery and fun way
to spark imagination.
Not always giving children the answers to everything they ask, instead,
it is beneficial for children to try and think about their own answers,
so parents should feel free to enable this to happen
Spark a childs imagination with joint story time the parent can start
a story then its up to the child to continue it
Using imaginative language. Phrases such as I wonder what or
imagine if can help children think more imaginatively and
incorporate hypothetical
or fantasy ideas into their every day lives, helping them to imagine
what it might feel like to be in a certain situation and empathise
1. Augmented reality and interactive apps provide an exciting avenue for
new depths of discovery during family playtime. They can excite a childs
imagination and help them to interact with ideas that they simply would
not have thought about.
2. The use of imagery or photos can help children to understand events
that they have never experienced e.g. imagining travelling to the moon
via a photograph of an astronaut
3. Pretend play can help children gain perspective- giving them an
understanding of how to react
4. Model play parents can demonstrate what to do in a certain situation
as this promotes creativity acting out situations or scenarios can help
them gain a clear understanding of how this might apply in real life
5. Establishing a secure and safe environment where the child can freely
express themselves, sharing made up songs or performing poems will
enable them to learn through self discovery, safe in the knowledge that
their parents are interested and supportive
The Maynards Discovery Patch research reinforces parents belief that their
role undoubtedly plays a vital part in their families lives. Their role as a
facilitator allows them to provide their children with confidence and equip
them with the ability to use their imagination, deal with unexpected events,
discover new information and generate new ideas all of which is becoming
increasingly relevant in modern society.
Download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
Scan your pack and discover, learn and explore fun facts about
Animals, Body Bits, Myths & Monsters and Mini Creatures.
http://www.maynardsdiscoverypatch.co.uk
Keeping your childs imagination active
Family Focus
Dr Amanda Gummer
The Baby Buzz Travel Guide
The Baby
Buzz Travel Guide
The journey to the Isle of Wight is via ferry and
can be accessed from Southampton (or
Portsmouth and Lymington which are serviced
by the Wight Link ferry company) with an
approximate journey time of between 25
minutes (if going via the Red Funnel Jet Hi-
Speed Service) for foot passengers only, with
prices starting from just 8.90 per person
return (terms and conditions apply), and an
hour if going with your car. Vehicle ferries run
regularly around the clock, and is within easy
reach of the M3, A3 and M27. Return ferry
travel for a car and up to seven passengers
starts from as little as 39.50 for a day return
crossing or 49.50 for a short-break return
crossing. Red Funnel are the original Isle of
Wight ferry provider and they have just
invested over 2.2 million in the
refurbishment of the Red Falcon
passenger and vehicle ferry to the Island,
with two new lounges, a sun deck and
new food and drink options. This was
the only part of the trip that had me
feeling a little nervous as previous
experiences on a ferry had
left me feeling and
looking rather green!
The crossing was
amazing and so
smooth and we
all enjoyed
watching the
other boats
sailing past.
There is much to
offer on board
from a well
prepared dining
section, bars and
seating aplenty! The
food and beverages on
offer are varied and cater for
everyone. The morning crossing offers
their signature breakfast (which was just
delicious and almost every passenger had the
same idea) or light snacks and cereals, whilst
the afternoon crossing serves a variety
of hot meals, sandwiches and much
more (I had the beef curry which was
probably one of the nicest Ive had in
a long time!). Prices arent hideously
expensive and you get a lot for your
money. Food is prepared fresh in the
kitchens on board. The boat was
extremely clean and organised with
clear instructions on boarding and
exiting, and having never driven on
and off a ferry before I had been a little
apprehensive about this part of the
journey. There is also a certain degree
of flexibility as we discovered, having
arrived at the port
a little earlier than
planned and we
managed to get
onto an earlier
ferry with a very
minimal surcharge.
The journey home
was just as easy and
we left feeling rested
and having had an
incredible weekend. For
more information on Red Funnel
or to book your trip, please visit:
www.redfunnel.co.uk
Mum Nickie and children Mia, 13, and
Lillie, 3.
:
Woodside Beach Lodges, Ryde - Isle of
Wight
Weve had a busy month with two fabulous family holiday destinations. A trip down memory lane saw us visiting the Isle of
Wight and then to the borders of Southampton to a beautiful village called Milford on Sea. I dont think Ive ever been so
excited to revisit a place held with great fondness in my childhood memory and couldnt wait to introduce my children to
the wonders of the the Isle of Wight.
Weve had the privilege of reviewing other
Hoseasons resorts so knew that where we
would be visiting would be something special.
What I hadnt expected was to fall in love with
our destination. Whether it was the scorching
weather, the beach front location, the wonders
of the Isle of Wight or the hot tub outside of our
french doors I just dont know.
Brand new for 2014, Woodside Beach Lodges
is a blissful haven of peace and tranquility
nestling in a secluded beachside location
between Cowes and Ryde and is just a short
drive from the ferry port. Boasting a private
beach and surrounded by the lush woodland,
teeming wildlife and serene waters of a truly
heavenly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
this rural idyll unlocks unrivalled opportunities
for romantic escapes and families seeking to get
back to nature. Complementing the stunning
setting next to picturesque Wootton Creek,
each lodge hosts a high-end design that unites
sumptuous bedding and contemporary luxury
features some with outdoor hot tubs to
maximise relaxation. Factor in red squirrels and
this enchanting base will charm any lover of the
great outdoors!
The park is secluded and at first a little hard to
find, having an almost secluded location
amongst the forest but it really is an
amazing base for families to explore
the island with most tourist
attractions being no more than
an hour away by car. Arriving
at the park, we checked in with
the reception who gave us the
keys and pointed us in the right
direction. The wow factor was
very much apparent with
everything taken care off from the
board games and games consoles to entertain
children to the most exquisite linens and luxury
toiletries from The White Company. The
accommodation screams high end luxury but at
the same time has every necessity that you
could need and if you require cots, high chairs
or other baby essentials they can easily be
provided (for an additional minimal fee). We
used the opportunity to travel all over the Island
and explore many of the attractions that I had
seen as a child and we all loved being there,
with my oldest daughter claiming shed like to
stay forever, a thought very much seconded by
me.
Absolutely! As high end as this park may be,
they highly recommend the park for families,
with its proximity to the beautiful beach just a
minutes walk away from your chalet to the
childrens entertainment provided, this really is
a great place to bring your children. We spent
hours on the beach collecting shells and playing
board games in the evening, whilst making the
most of the local touristy things
during the day. There are many
shops very close to the park so
you never have to worry about
running our of daily essentials.
There is a large Tesco Extra 20
minutes or so away and lots of
local shops should you wish to try
anything home-grown. Hoseasons only
recently took over and updated this park and
they certainly didnt disappoint, each location
has been given the top specification treatment
and you can be sure that whilst you are staying
at one of their parks, you will love every minute!
For those not familiar with the Isle of Wight,
there is an abundance of activities, historical
sites and theme parks to keep everyone
amused! I decided on visiting two of the most
popular destinations on our short visit being
Osborne House and The Needles at Alum Bay.
The Needles is an incredible place to visit and
is one of the first things you think about when
visiting the Isle of Wight. With the iconic
famous Needles Park, chair lift transporting
guests from the cliff-top above Alum Bay down
to the beach below. And giving you the chance
to grab a birds eye view of the multi-coloured
sand cliffs of Alum Bay and the stunning
turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye
can see. We walked around sampling freshly
made sweets in the factory and watching the
glass blowers creating amazing pieces of
glassware in the factory which was just
incredible and then dared to brave the chair lift
(considering that both myself and Mia are afraid
of heights this was a rather odd thing to do).
We absolutely loved the journey down albeit
we were both terrified with Mia having to go on
her own chair and me having to carry Lillie - a
lot of which I did with a deathly grip and my eyes
shut at the highest points! One we had reached
the bottom we decided to get off and walk back
up the multitude of stairs, which when you have
a three year old asking to be carried can be
quite hard work! The day was just beautiful and
we thoroughly enjoyed making our own multi-
coloured sand bottles to keep as a treasured
memory of our visit. There are many traditional
rides and great value family attractions adding
to the experience. Entry to the Needles Park is
completely free of charge and you are best
advised to buy tickets in advance to go on the
rides as it works out at much better value.
After this we had the pleasure of visiting Dans
Kitchen, which was easily the best restaurant
we had visited in a long, long time. The
appearance from outside looked like a high end
cafe / restaurant with a pale blue nautical
theme and as the weather was so glorious, they
had opened all the doors making the restaurant
completely open to the front. The restaurant
was immaculate, organised and very inviting
with diners of all ages seated for lunch. Once
you are inside, you know that you are in for
something truly special. The owner and his wife
run the restaurant with an incredible team
supporting them. They had us
seated in no time and gave
us menus to look at.
Whilst they dont have
a childrens menu
they do offer to
make everything
fresh that would be
suitable for
children and so
Lillie asked for fish
fingers (typical!).
What actually came
were the most
incredible home-made
fish goujons with triple-
cooked chips and mashed
peas. If she hadnt eaten them so
quickly, I probably would have eaten them for
her! The flavours and texture were amazing and
so, so tender. The main menu is nothing you
would expect with so much variety all of which
is local produce. I opted for the
Quails egg salad with pickled
vegetables and having never
had Quails eggs before, I
devoured the plate within
minutes. The taste
sensation is something Ive
never had before and likely to
have again, unless I go back
for more! Our mains were
what really blew us away
with Mia ordering Sausages
and Mash and whilst this
may sound quite ordinary,
they were anything but!
Locally sourced and freshly
made they were exquisite
whilst the mash potato was
so smooth with an apple
puree trim and a fabulous
piece of crackling to the top.
The gravy was rich and you
just knew it had been made
with all the juices from the
sausages (we ended up
taking one home as it was
just too good to leave!) My
main course was also just
magnificent being a Duo of
Pork with a lemon and herb
risotto. The risotto had a
strong flavour and on its
own would have been a little
overpowering but coupled
with the juiciest and most
tender cuts of pork made
the perfect combination.
We then tried to pick our
desserts which proved very
difficult when you want to
order everything! Finally, and
with much debate, we ended up ordering a
Popcorn Crme Brulee with a rich ice-cream
which tasted like butter tablets (much to Mias
delight!) The pairing of popcorn and
Crme Brulee may sound rather
strange but works on every level
and is extraordinary. It was
my pudding that really
sealed the meal and made
me want to order two
more! I had thinly sliced
strawberries, shortbread
and champagne jelly
served with a vanilla
cream and sorbet. If you
decide on a visit to the Isle
of Wight whether it be for
the day or for longer then you
HAVE to go to Dans Kitchen, it
will be the highlight of your trip. We
had the delight of also reviewing a
traditional pub Awarded "Isle of Wight County
Dining Pub of The Year 2014" by the Good Pub
Guide. Enjoying a superb coastal location with
un-equalled sea views over Bembridge Ledge on
the Isle of Wight. The most sought after hostelry
with a proven track record is popular with both
locals and visitors alike, where the locally caught
seafood can be enjoyed all year round. With a
traditional intimate beamed interior and
attractive patio areas it has all the ingredients
for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The
menu is extremely varied and offers a good
choice for children as well as adults.
As it was a particular hot
day, we opted for
something light. Lillie (ah
the joys of being 3 years
old) decided to for fish
goujons again with triple-
cooked chips and peas.
The portion was quite big
and she couldnt quite
work her way through all
of it but what she did eat,
she seemed to enjoy. The
chips were delicious and
nice and crispy. Mia
chose her favourite dish
of Mussels. Again, the
flavours were good with
her only niggle that a lot of
the mussels were a little small, n e e d l
ess to say she ate them all and thoroughly
enjoyed it. I had a prawn sandwich which came
brimming to the edge with juicy plump prawns
and a nice tangy sauce and the bread was thick
and soft and it all came served with a small side
salad and coleslaw. The pub is beautiful and full
of character and the location is just incredible.
Parking is hard to come by due to its popularity
but there is ample parking on the streets nearby.
The village is peaceful and beautiful and you
could happily walk around it exploring little cafes
and local places of interest. Should you want to
stay at the Crab and Lobster then it also has five
en-suite Bed and Breakfast Rooms and has been
awarded 4 AA stars (free Wi-Fi is available).
Our last day was spent visiting Osborne House,
which was the former home of Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert. This was their private home
as an escape from court life in London and
Windsor. The house is just incredible with every
detail being paid attention to. The intricate style
Italianate style known as the Osborne style was
subsequently imitated throughout the British
empire and is breathtaking. Walking through the
house and seeing where Queen Victoria died was
surreal and to see her private quarters that she
shared intimate moments with Prince Albert was
amazing, it really did make you think about how
they must have lived day to day. The grounds
are just out of this world and you can venture
down through them to Swiss Cottage. In 1853
the royal Children laid the foundation stone of a
timber Swiss cottage and was given to them on
Queen Victorias birthday in 1854. You really can
spend an entire day wondering around the
grounds of Osborne House and all that the
grounds have to offer but sadly we had to catch
our ferry home.
All in all, we had an incredible weekend and
didnt want to come home. I would highly
recommend it to families, couples or just a
romantic getaway - just a brilliant experience.
Website:
www.hoseasons.co.uk
Tel: 0844 847 1356
Website:
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/
Tel: 0844 844 9988
Website:
http://www.english-
heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/osborne/
Tel: 0870 333 1181
Website:
http://www.theneedles.co.uk
Tel: 0871 720 0022
Website:
http://www.danskitcheniow.com/
Tel: 01983 872 303
Website:
http://www.crabandlobsterinn.co.uk/
Tel: 01983 872244
We were recently invited on a break with a difference and
as much as my oldest daughter was looking forward to it,
I was a little apprehensive, especially as it included
physical activities (Im not lazy but I tend to rely on my car
a little too much) and I had my youngest with me who at
just 3 I wasnt sure she would particularly enjoy it. Our
trip to the New Forest took a little longer than it normally
would, due to three accidents en-route and so when we
finally arrived 5 hours later, it was with a great sense of
relief. We had been booked into the most gorgeous,
quaint Bed and Breakfast in Milford-On-Sea called The Bay
Trees. Prior to our arrival I had received an email from
the owner Mark to give me more specific directions,
advice on booking places to eat in advance and also
activities in and around the area. As we had such a
lengthy journey, Mark had been lovely enough to call us
to make sure we were okay.
We were greeted with such a warm welcome and finally
took in our surroundings. The Bay Trees is a stunning 17
century Grade II listed building and was formerly a Poor
House, Bank and Drapers Shop. It has been excellently
refurbished with antique furnishings, a lot of which are
from Mark and Sarahs family. We were shown up to our
room and given details on breakfast times and how
everything worked and shown the en-suite bathroom
which was astonishing. Being almost the same size as the
overly large bedroom, it had a glistening double shower
in the corner, beautiful claw foot bath to the side and an
antique dresser with sink mounted, I really cant do it
enough justice in trying to describe it. We were also
introduced to the resident pets Cleo the cat (17 years);
Jasper the Spaniel (18 months) and George the Labrador
(15 weeks) - yes we fell in love with them too! Breakfast
in the mornings is an award winning affair with a choice
of cereals (one of which made by Sarah and is beyond
delicious - I forgot to ask for the recipe but that will be
rectified) and fruit followed by either a full English, from
which you could pick and chose your preferences. The
property also boasts a beautifully developed garden
where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet or have
your breakfast, we also had a thoroughly enjoyable play
with Jasper and George (the dogs). Although The Bay
Trees isnt presented as a place for families with children
they are certainly welcoming and if there is availability
they would be happy to welcome you as much as they did
us.
The Bay Trees has three rooms available, all with King Size
Double Beds (with one having a single bed in as well -
which is what we had and it provided more than ample
space!) The charge is 100.00 per room per night for two
people including Full Award Winning New Forest
Breakfast. Due to the age and listing of the property, it is
not wheelchair accessible but that cant be helped
unfortunately. Once we had settled in, Mark gave us
directions to walk down to the beach, which was about a
5 minute walk away. Thanks to the glorious weather and
the times we were able to enjoy the most incredible
sunset whilst the girls made the most of the playground
and collecting yet more shells!
8 High Street, Milford on Sea,
Hampshire, SO41 0QD
http://www.baytreebedandbreakfast.co.uk/
01590 642186
mark.clayson@btinternet.com
The New Forest & Milford On Sea
We were up and early on Saturday morning to head off on our first
family activity break and having eaten a full breakfast (I know, not the
smartest thing to do!) We drove to the New Forest Activities check
point, parked up and prepared ourselves for our adventure. The New
Forest Activities was set up by Rich Pearsall & Sam Sutton as Liquid
Logistics in 2003 on Beaulieu River in the New Forest. The business
expanded in 2009 to become New Forest Activities. There are a
multitude of different activities that families, corporate groups and
adults in general can take part in ranging from archery, kayaking,
horse-riding, cycling, rope courses, battlefield live, canoeing and so,
so much more. The activities are well planned out with maps for
cycling routes depending on ability and each activity is clearly explained
so you are crystal clear as to what you need to do.
As we had a relatively short stay, we decided to go with the cycling.
Now bear in mind that I havent ridden a bike in 20+ years and have
the fitness levels of a newt and then to top this off I had to pull a 3
year old in a tag-along trailer on the hottest day we had had, oh my
god - did I ache. I cant even recall how many times I had to stop and
ask Mia to wait whilst mummy got her breath back and the feelings in
her legs had returned! Even though we picked the easiest of routes,
it was incredible, and thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Lillie had a blast
in the tag-along trailer, which I thought she might not be too keen on
at first, squealing weeeeeee down most of the hills! I easily adjusted
back into riding a bike, even with the attachment, I think it made it a
little more sturdy. On the way back, when my legs could barely carry
me, I switched onto Mias bike so she could do a little bit of the hard
work on the journey back, not that she found it any harder - ah the
joys of youth!
We stopped at various tourist points along the way and ended up in
Bucklers Hard, which is an incredible step back in time where you can
visit the Maritime Museum. The Bucklers Hard Story gives an insight
into the history of this 18th century shipbuilding village focusing on its
vessels including those built for Nelson's Navy. You can also take a
cruise from here which we decided against - wobbly legs and
seasickness really isnt a good combination! There are extensive places
to visit within the New Forest that you just cant get bored and you
always find something to discover.
One of the funniest things we found was, because it is all so open, the
animals i.e. cows and horses are literally walking, sleeping or eating
alongside the road and we actually stopped and took pictures of cows
waiting at a bus stop - I kid you not! I think the next time we go that
we do it for a week to really enjoy all of the different things to do, it
makes a wonderful experience especially for families who want to get
their children out and about to enjoy nature at its best.
If you would like more information on what New Forest Activities
has to offer, please visit:
http://www.newforestactivities.co.uk/
Half day and full day rental available
Superb range of Giant and Saracen bikes on offer
Tags alongs & trailers available on request
Easy pick up and drop off in Beaulieu Village centre
Limited free all day on-street parking on Beaulieu High Street
Free trail with every bike hire
So far its been a summer of mixed fortunes for national sport. But
whether we find ourselves celebrating success or, all too often, coping
with disappointment, its clear the nation needs a new breed of cham-
pions and who knows? They may be sitting round your breakfast table.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel near Sagres in the Western Algarve
offers the perfect time, place, facilities and opportunity to find out. With
availability through July and August there is no better time to get the
kids active. Its a stunning resort for a , and with
banded by age groups, theres something for children
of every age. Fully trained and experienced staff members give lessons
in , and throughout
every week of the summer there are football and tennis tournaments
so boys and girls can take part in their own World Cups and Wimbledons.
Some people have left booking holidays late because they wanted to
see how England fared in the World Cup, said Chitra Stern, Owner,
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, but whatever the reason, they choose
us because they know everyone in the family is going to have a great
time. In our beautiful surroundings theres plenty to keep the children
occupied and with a little extra training and practice with our team,
families may find themselves travelling home with future champions.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is a five star family resort set on a
stunning property with boutique accommodation from chic and airy
hotel rooms to private villas all designed to set the tone for the
perfect escape.
Enjoy modern, luxurious, and open
spaces with an ocean side pool
(and four additional outdoor
pools peppered throughout
the property!) an open-air
tennis court, al fresco res-
taurant, and endless
beaches just waiting to be
strolled upon. Every day
promises a new discovery:
from local foods (expertly
prepared by the hotel chef) to
hiking on deserted coastal paths
and diving into the Algarves
local culture.
http://www.martinhal.com/
We are extremely privileged to be joined by Cbeebies Mr Bloom and renowned
gardening consultant , Dawn Isaac for the Baby Buzz Get Growing Guide for 2014!
Baby Buzz Get Growing Challenge 2014
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is such a great family
activity that gets everyone involved and provides you with an
edible end result - which gives you such a rewarding feeling!
Growing your own doesnt have to be expensive and you can
cultivate your own seeds if you do a little bit of research. Most
vegetables will have seeds that you can keep, dry out and in turn
sow when the time is right. Why not give it a go and send in your
photos to feature in future issues and online. If you are a novice
at growing you own , there are so many websites giving you tips
and suggestions and if you visit Suttons website they have a
Vegetable Garden Planner that suits all types of outdoor spaces
from allotments to pots and gardens to grow bags. Why not get
your school involved too? Suttons have a new online gardening
store aimed at helping schools (primary and junior) to introduce
the joy of gardening across the whole school community. To
register your school or for more information, please visit:
www.littlegreensprouts.co.uk
We have tomatoes, LOTS of tomatoes - some of which are turning
red WHOOHOO!! The weather has been incredible with a few
scorching days. My top tip from my professional brother is not
to water the plants during the peak of the sunshine as this will
cause them to burn, so try doing it first thing or once the sun has
gone down a little. I cant wait for all the tomatoes to start
getting ripe, although it looks like perhaps one of my neighbours
has been a little over zealous and picked one or two already!
Looking forward to tomatoes galore
MONTH FIVE: A GROWTH SPURT!
Dawn Isaac is a garden designer, writer and mother
of three. Her most recent book is 101 Things For Kids
To Do Outside published by Kyle Books (RRP 14.99)
and you can follow her blog about gardening with
children at www.littegreenfingers.com.
Baby Buzz Get Growing Challenge 2014
1. Turn an old strawberry pot into a
by planting a differ-
ent herb in each gap. You can use
acrylic paint pens to write the name
of every herb by its side.
2. Wrap some duct tape, sticky side
outward, around wrists before go-
ing on a stroll. The children can then
collect different items to stick onto
their such as
flowers, leaves, petals and seed
heads.
3. Be water wise and when you've fin-
ished with the
fill the children's watering cans so
they can give thirsty plants a drink.
4. Pick soft fruit such as strawberries
and raspberries and use them to
make a delicious
5. If you're growing pumpkins, give the
children a very shallow-nibbed old
ballpoint pen and let them write
their names in the flesh of the fruit.
As it grows larger, so will their
.
6. Brighten up an old tyre with acrylic
paint, fill it with compost and then
let the children add small plants,
stones, sticks, moss and plastic toys
to create outside.
7. Using pinking shears, cut a circle of
old cloth the size of a dinner plate
then let the children fill the centre
with their choice of garden herbs
such as lavender, thyme, sage or
rosemary leaves. Gather in all the
sides and secure with an elastic
band or pretty ribbon and you have
a to use in the bath or to
scent drawers.
8. Cut out the children's names one
letter at a time using very large piec-
es of cardboard. Lay these on the
lawn, weighed down with pebbles
and leave for a week. When they
remove them, the children will see
their .
9. Give the children a packet of chalk
and let them create a
on a terrace or path.
10. Drag the dressing up box outside so
the kids can stage an
With summer holidays here, it's always useful to have a list of ideas to tempt the
children away from their screens and out into the fresh air. Here are my own top
ten ideas of things to do in July and August.
Food, Recipes & Reviews
This month we are doing things a little differently. Whilst I usually
feature family friendly, baby & toddler recipes, I had the opportunity
of attending a press launch for the Norwegian Seafood Council and
their current collaboration with Morrisons. Salmon is one of those
types of fish that is available at all times of the year and is probably
one of the most reasonably priced fish you can buy, but werent you
ever bored of having it prepared in one of two or three ways? We
had the pleasure of meeting chef Signe Johansen and not only
watched her prepare salmon entrees and mains dishes but got to
sample them too! I can only tell you how delicious the dishes were
and in fact attempted to recreate one of them the following day.
The recipes are so easy to follow and the taste sensations just blow
you away! Often referred to as a superfood, Norwegian salmon is
an oily fish, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA) and vitamins A and D, which makes it a hugely popular
addition to a heart and brain-healthy diet and a great choice for those
looking for a lighter lunch or dinner this summer. Norway's cold,
clear waters are home to an abundance of this favourite fish. If you
go into Morrisons, look for the NORGE
logo on pre-packed Norwegian salmon in
store through July and August 2014. As
an added bonus, purchase four
promotional stickered packs of Morrisons
'M' Norwegian Salmon, choosing from the
varieties (440g 4 x salmon fillets [6.50],
240g 2 x salmon fillets [4 or 3 for 10]
and 240g 2 x lightly smoked salmon fillets
[4 or 3 for 10]) to receive a free Signe
Johansen cookbook, Scandilicious, Secrets
of Scandinavian Cooking (terms and
conditions apply and customers need to
buy their packs of salmon on separate
visits). Believe me, it will be extremely
worth it, the ideas and recipe suggestions will just be so inspiring that
youll never be fed up of eating Salmon.
Grilled Norwegian Salmon
Skewers with Gremolata
4 barbecue skewers (preferably stainless steel)
700g Norwegian salmon fillet (without skin or bones)
2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
Salt
Pepper
1 bunch flat leaf parsley
1 clove of garlic
1 lemon for zesting
First of all, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them for
at least 30 minutes in cold water so they do not burn
during grilling.
Meanwhile, make the gremolata. To do so; wash and pat
the parsley dry. Tear off the leaves and chop finely. Chop
the clove of garlic and then use a lemon zester to remove
about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Combine all ingredients
in a bowl and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
You can mix the ingredients together with a pestle and
mortar or just use the back of a spoon.
Rinse the Norwegian salmon fillet with cold water and pat
dry. Cut salmon into large cubes and place on skewers.
Then brush with rapeseed oil and season with salt and
pepper.
Grill or BBQ for approx. 3-4 minutes. (If it rains, you can
pan-fry the skewers for 4 minutes.)
Add the gremolata mix over the top of the salmon skewers
or place in an accompanying side dish and serve.
Perfect for summer barbeques or casual dining, these delicious
NorwegianSalmonskewersarelightandsucculentandcanbeready
injust15minutes.
Chef Signe Johansen
Norwegian Salmon Burgers
Serves 6
Burgers are always a summertime favourite and this is a great way to
barbecue Norwegian salmon without it falling apart over the flames.
Serve these with pitta pockets and a fresh salad for a healthy BBQ
alternative
800g Norwegian salmon, cut into bite-size chunks
500ml Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp of mustard
1 tbsp of horseradish sauce
2 anchovies
Zest of 1 lemon
1 handful of breadcrumbs
2 tbsp of spring onion
1 tsp of capers
1 tsp chilli flakes or 1 small green chilli sliced
Salt & pepper
1 bunch of dill, finely chopped
1 bunch of mint, finely chopped
cucumber, deseeded and shredded
Pita breads
In a blender process of the Norwegian salmon along with the
mustard, horseradish, anchovies and lemon zest until its a smooth
paste.
Add the rest of the Norwegian salmon, along with the
breadcrumbs, spring onion, capers and chilli. Season to taste.
Pulse together until the mixture is even, but be careful not to over
blend the mixture the salmon flakes should still be about cm
in size.
Shape the salmon into patties and chill for at least 30 minutes and
no more than 3-4 hours.
If barbecuing the burgers its easiest to control the cooking time
by placing them in a barbecue flip n easy basket so they can be
turned at the same time. Alternatively, they can be grilled.
Brush the oven or barbeque grill with a little oil to prevent the
salmon burgers from sticking. Remember, get the embers going
and wait until they go ash grey before barbecuing avoiding an
open flame is vital in order to avoid the salmon oil spitting and
creating excessive smoke.
Grill until golden brown on each side and serve while hot.
Mix the Greek yoghurt with the herbs and cucumber and serve
with the burger in the pitta breads. A salad is optional but makes
a good palate cleanser for these delicious Norwegian salmon
burgers.
Norwegian salmon and
scallop skewers with
tabbouleh
Serves 4
ThesesalmonandscallopskewersmakeforanidealpartyorBBQdishand
aregreatfuntomakeandeat!Thetabboulehisadelicioussaladmade
from bulgur wheat, parsley and tomatoes a perfectly healthy
accompaniment!
8 scallops (fresh or frozen)
400g Norwegian salmon (skinned and boned)
2 tablespoons chilli oil
2 cups bulgur wheat
2 spring onions
3 large tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
Juice of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Firstly, thaw out any frozen scallops.
Then start with the tabbouleh. Boil the bulgur wheat as per the
instructions on the pack (some require boiling, others can just be
soaked) and then drain.
Clean and chop the spring onions. Halve the tomatoes, remove the
skin and cut the tomato flesh into small cubes. Mix the spring onions,
tomatoes, parsley and mint into the bulgur wheat. Stir in lemon juice
and oil and season with salt.
Cut the salmon into cubes that match the size of the scallops.
Thread the Norwegian salmon and scallop alternately on skewers.
Brush with chilli oil and grill the skewers for about one minute on
each of the four sides.
Serve the skewers on a bed of the tabbouleh.
http://www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk/Campaigns/Morrisons-
free-cookbook-campaign
Britain is expecting its longest summer since
1910 with scorching temperatures staying
around until September, but it seems its not just
the forecasters expecting high heats. According
to new research the British palate is longing for
something hotter too! Mexican food is now one
of the most popular cuisines in the UK, with
fajitas featuring in the top ten. So why not join
the fajita craze with taste developer Andrea
Lembke, whos serving up her favourite dish with
a twist this summer with her favourite recipe for
Tangy Chicken and Mango fajitas in this short
video. The recipe is full of flavour, seasoning and spice
and is a simple, sweet and scrumptious meal to enjoy
with the family this summer. Join Andrea and serve
up your own tasty fajitas using the recipe below and
this short video http://youtu.be/eFUJwyTt_9M.
Sizzling summer cooking
with Andrea Lembke
What you will need:
- 450g Boneless Chicken
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling
- 1 Medium Sized Red Onion
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 1/2 Mango
- 1 Santa Maria Perfect Fajita Kit, includes 8
Soft Flour Tortillas, Santa Maria Salsa and
Faijita Seasoning Mix
- Santa Maria Chipotle Paste
- 3 Large Avocados
- 1 Large Lime
- 1 Large Ripe Tomato
- 1 Small Red Onion
- 1 Red & 1 Green Chilli (Optional)
- Handful of fresh Coriander Plant
For more information, please visit
http://www.santamariaworld.co.uk/
Coat the chicken in the oil and Fajita Seasoning
Mix. Heat a heavy based frying pan until very
hot and add the seasoned chicken, this should
be fried for about 3 minutes or until well
browned.
For the guacamole, combine all the ingredients
into a bowl and mix well.
Chop the onion, peppers and mango and add
into the pan, cook for a further 2 minutes or
until the meat is cooked.
Warm Tortillas in a separate pan.
Serve with Salsa, Soured Cream, and
Guacamole. Add some Green Jalapeos for an
extra kick.
One of the biggest complaints you will hear from an expectant mum is
that they cant find anything nice to wear, that everything is too frumpy
or boring and makes them feel and look old! Over the last year we have
been introduced to a number of brands designed to dispel this myth,
with their sole ambition to help all you pregnant mums look and feel
beautiful. Whilst many of these brands have indeed catered for the
exterior fashion, not many have thought about lingerie. Weve had the
pleasure of finding two or three companies now over the last 19 months
that have done just that with one of the nicest weve seen in a long time
being Cake Lingerie. Just because you are having a baby does not mean
you need to sacrifice the desire to look sexy.
Cake Lingerie brings you delicious fabrics and indulgent details that give
you a taste of your individual self. Within the practical world of
pregnancy and breastfeeding Cake Lingerie find the
feminine in you. Although you may be a mother, you
are a woman first and most women want to feel sexy,
feel good and most importantly, look good!
Each item has been innovatively engineered. From
the flexible wire bras that mould perfectly to your changing body, to
technically constructed soft cups and seamless transition bras. Each piece
is as intricately unique as the different stages of your changing body.
Going strong since 2008, Cake Lingerie embodies its sophisticated new
look. Strong but subtle, sensual yet familiar & indulgent yet practical!
As a creative arts teacher, I never dreamt of
having my own business let alone creating one
from my personal need. I was 32 at the time,
based in London and about to have my first
child. Used to having nice things and wearing
quality, fashionable clothing, my search began
for maternity & nursing lingerie that was
feminine, stylish, comfortable, functional and fit
correctly. A non-event to say the least.. it did not
exist! My existing bras and nightwear no longer
fit and like most women, I wanted to buy some
underwear, similar to what I was used to wearing before I was pregnant.
Why did I have to compromise? I was young, glowing and pregnant and
loving my curves. I searched high and low, on the web, in the high street
stores, called my friends in other countries. It became clearly evident
that the product I was looking for was unavailable. It saddened me and
made me more conscious about my body, and many other women I
spoke to had the same
complaint. I had no idea
about the bra industry, but I
did know there was a market
for fashionable, comfortable
but yet functional maternity
bras. Having contacted and
discussed the idea, with tons
of women from all walks of
life, I was convinced.
Learning about the product
detail was key, which forced
me to Fashion School. Whilst managing my home and young child, I spent
every spare minute researching manufacturing options. Eighteen months
& 7 manufacturers later I finally found one who
was capable of meeting with my stringent
product & quality expectation. I created Cake
Lingerie to empower pregnant and
breastfeeding women! To make women look
and feel great during this extraordinary period
in our lives. Im inspired and energised with every piece of feedback you
send me. This drives me further to innovate and bring immense joy to
women around the world.
Cake Lingerie is fast becoming recognised throughout the world with UK
former Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh recently singing its praises
in OK! Magazine; saying Some maternity bras can look awful but Ive
discovered Cake Lingerie, which specialises in nursing and maternity
underwear and some of their bras are nicer than the ones I currently
have in my drawer! Theyve managed to make them pretty and feminine
which I love, as usually maternity bras can be quite frumpy.
We also had the opportunity of giving three of our readers the chance
to review a selection of the range at the beginning of the year and all of
them spoke highly about the look, feel, style and most importantly
practicality. We have been very fortunate that we have an amazing
competition featured below for one lucky reader to win an Aqua Cotton
Candy set. For your chance to win, simply enter as per the instructions
below.
For more information, or to see what other gorgeous lingerie they
have available, please visit:
http://www.cakelingerie.com/
Cake Lingerie are the proud winners of
the prestigious inaugural UK Maternity
Brand of the Year Award, for premium
luxury and fit perfection.
"The Luxury Seamless
Maternity/ Nursing Bra is silky soft
& built for comfort. Its carefully
positioneddouble-layeredsidesling,
strength panels and T-back
structurearedesignedtomaximise
lift and support. This bra is ideal
during the initial stages of
pregnancy, immediately post
childbirth and as a sleep-bra, when
yourbreastsarerapidlychangingin
size & shape. This bra will grow to
accommodate your changing bust
withoutrestriction."
For your chance to win this beautiful Aqua Cotton Candy
lingerie set, simply email me your answer to the following
question to: info@babybuzzmagazine.com.
Q: How much does the Aqua Cotton Candy Bra retail for?
A: 29.90
B: 39.90
C: 49.90
Answers can be located on the website:
http://www.cakelingerie.com/nursing-bras/seamless/aqua-
cotton-
candy-luxury-seamless-bra
News & Features
GEOX, the luxury shoe and
apparel brand, is putting the fun
back into back to school
shopping this summer.
Throughout August, GEOX
#LittleSteps #BackToSchool
pop-up photo booths will be
stationed within London stores
to encourage a little frivolity for
little ones whilst they prepare
to go back to school.
From 11 August until 1
September, GEOX classrooms
are due to appear within the
brands Marble Arch and High
Street Kensington Stores,
alongside dressing up boxes
featuring replica teacher
costumes and playful school
items to encourage little ones to take their best #LittleSteps photo when
buying their new
#BackToSchool shoes.
The GEOX A/W14 Junior
range is packed full of
shoes that are comfy
and fun to wear whilst
withstanding the daily
adventures little ones encounter. The Back To School range, available
from July, features GEOXs trademark breathable sole and includes
stylish black lace patent brogues, ballerina pumps, loafers and Velcro
sneakers.
Throughout the activity all images will be posted on GEOXs social media
channels, and once it finishes the brand will select the top 5 best
#LittleSteps #BackToSchool poses from each store. Consumers will then
be asked to vote on who they think should be crowned GEOXs best
#LittleSteps poser, winning them a free pair of shoes!
Ensuring that little ones have fun whilst staying ahead in the style stakes
as they prepare for the start of a new year, GEOX has everything you
need this summer.
After planting the seeds of her A-maize-
ing Maze last month, little Alina Maisie
has been a-maize-d at how tall it has
grown!
Two-year-old Alina Maisie helped Farmers
Andrew and Anna plant the A-maize-ing
Maze at Willows Activity Farm in St.
Albans in preparation for Willows
Summer Spectacular event, which kicks
off from the 19 July. The maze has
already grown to around four foot, so is
well on track to beating last summers
record-setting six foot.
Farmer Andrew said With the mixture of
sun and a little rain we have had, we knew
that the crop would grow quickly, but it
really is a-maize-ing to think it was only a
month ago that Alina Maisie was tending
the shoots of the maize maze. Its already
taller than she is, and it looks like soon
enough it will be taller than me!
Alina Maisie, from Chesham, commented
Its very tall!
Children who enter the maize maze and
successfully navigate its twists and turns
will receive a free sticker, and if they find
the six Willows friendly scarecrows on
their way, they will be entered into a free
prize draw to win 100 of Willows
vouchers.
Willows A-maize-ing Maze is the
centrepiece of the Summer Spectacular
event which also offers acres of fun
activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Take a punt on the Goat Races as Vincent
Van Goat tries to bleat Billy No Mates to
the finish line, and join in Willows special
summer sports day races, with a
certificate for every child who takes part.
As if that wasnt enough, there is plenty
of outdoor activities from Woollys
Workout Agility Play Trail and Tristan the
Runaway Tractor to amuse the kids.
Unexpected summer showers arent a
problem either, as there are plenty of
under cover play activities in Toddler
Town, JCB Little Learners, Woolly Jumpers
Indoor Play Barn and animal friends to
feed in The Farmyard.
Willows Activity Farm is open daily and
offers an all-inclusive price, so families can
rest assured that they can enjoy a
carefree day of fun. Summer Spectacular
is at Willows Activity Farm from 19 July to
31 August 2014.
For more information visit:
www.willowsactivityfarm.com
or call 0870 129 9718.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Excitement as Maisies A-maize-ing Maze reaches four foot!
News & Features
Every day, more than 700 children are born HIV
positive. We can get that number near zero.
Treatment exists that costs as little as 40 cents
a day to prevent the transmission from mother-
to-child.
The aden + anais (RED) collection will help
deliver an AIDS free generation with these
special edition products:
+ classic swaddle 2- and 4-packs + classic snap
bib 3-pack + classic burpy bib 2-pack + classic
dream blanket + musy 3-pack
www.adenandanais.co.uk
10% of the retail price of every aden + anais Special Edition Item will go to the Global
Fund to fight AIDS. Sales from the following products translate into medical support
for mothers living with HIV:
about (RED)
MISSION: (RED) is a simple idea that transforms our
incredible collective power as consumers into a
financial force for good. (RED) partners with the
worlds most iconic brands to create (RED) products
and moments. HISTORY: (RED) was founded in 2006
by Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage the private
sector in raising both awareness and funds to help
eliminate AIDS in Africa.
Hauck fun for Kids Celebrating Double Award Win
Right Start Best Baby Essentials Awards 2014
The London Set Right Start Best baby Essential award Winner
The London Set - the lightest stroller set from Hauck, pure fun on every
ride. Comes with Carcocoon and Car seat and both can be used in the
car. Benefits from reversible seat unit and suitable from birth onwards.
The London Set RRP 379.99 and available Argos, Tesco, Linens Ltd or
click online www.hauckuk.com to find local stockist.
Hauck Varioguard car seat (groups 0+/I) Right Start Best Baby Essential
Award Winner
The Varioguard is an amazingly flexible car seat. It is pioneering in
design and provides your child with the latest technology and the
highest level of safety. The Varioguard is suitable from birth and will
grow with your child. Hauck Varioguard RRP 199.99 Available Tesco,
Argos, Asda, or click online www.hauckuk.com to find local stockist.
Hauck were delighted to hear the Award winning news. The Right Start
Best Baby Essential awards team have been putting hundreds of items
through their rigid testing programme and Hauck were up against
some stiff competition this year. Sue Griffiths stated The Varioguard
car seat was a new concept and we have been working on the design
for many years now, and it means a lot to us to know this is voted an
award winner. Our London Set was designed to make life easier for
parents today with its innovative design and offering parents a Carco-
coon and Car Seat as part of the set which have both been passed to
use safely in the car when travelling with baby.
The wait is not over as Right Start will be announcing the official Gold,
Silver and Bronze award winners at the Right Start Awards Event
London October 2014.
Newly launched this month, Blinx are are collectable soft rubber
charms designed to easily slip on and off the arms of childrens
spectacles, allowing them to be swapped and changed to suit their
mood or outfit. They can be worn individually, as matching pairs, or
mixed together to create a unique and colourful look. The soft plastic
charms fit the majority of childrens spectacles and are available in an
initial range of twenty colours and designs. Blinx are made of soft
silicon rubber and fit approximately 85% of children's glasses. Priced
at just 1.99 each, Blinx look set to become a key fashion collectable
this summer. Blinx can also be used to slide onto our soft silicon Blinx
Bands - adjustable wrist bands that allow you to coordinate your
accessories.
For more information or to make a purchase, please visit:
www.myblinx.co.uk
Blinx eyewear accessories for kids
Our research found that 22% of women used a Tens machine to help
relieve the pain felt during labour. Of those, 28% said they found a Tens
machine very effective, while 40% said it was fairly effective. Only one in
10 found using a Tens machine to be not at all effective in helping to
manage the pain. Tens machines pass small electric pulses to your body
via electrode pads attached to the back. It is not known exactly how a
Tens machine helps to relieve pain, but it is thought that it distracts the
nerves which transmit pain. They can also boost the level of endorphins -
your body's natural painkillers - being produced. Our 2014 survey of
mothers found that, of the women who used a Tens machine to relieve
pain while giving birth, 37% bought their own, 30% hired one and 29%
borrowed the machine from a friend.
said:
The jury is still out on the medical effectiveness of Tens machines but
most of the mothers weve spoken to found them a real benefit. To help
you decide whether a Tens machine is right for you, speak to your
midwife to get their professional opinion and details of recommended
products.
Which? has a Which? Birth Choicewebsite that allows mothers-to-be to
find out more about different types of birth, from water births to home
births, as well as giving informative, impartial information on pain relief
options. The site allows you to view hospital and birth centre statistics and
facilities in your area and also details whether the locations you're looking
at provide Tens machines. For more information, please visit:
http://www.which.co.uk/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
News & Features
A major new report by
Aegon UK on how
women aged 25 and
over, and mothers of
under 18 year olds in
particular, are protecting
the things most
important to them, finds
that despite around
seven in 10 (71%)
mothers seeing the
financial security of their
children as among the top priorities in their life, almost half (49%) have
never discussed with their next of kin what would happen if they died.
This silence is serious, especially as 67% of women, and almost three in
four (72%) mothers, now work to support their growing families, and
seem to be underestimating their financial importance to the family
unit. Aegons research reveals that nearly three in five (57%) women
aged 25 and over dont have any form of protection cover, and almost
one in three (28%) of working women would need to rely on State
support if they were unable to work for six months. Worryingly, more
than half of women (55%) have no idea how much State support their
family would receive if they fell ill, with most completely unprepared for
the projected 21,100 annual income shortfall. When asked to think
through the consequences of being out of work for six months, over one
in four (27%) of working mothers surveyed admitted that heating the
home would have to be given up, and 23% of those paying childcare
would have to stop all paid childcare, as theyd have nobody to help
them pay these bills. One in 20 (5%) working homeowners would
consider selling their home to pay for general living costs.
Children are resoundingly the top priority for mums with children under
18. When asked what they considered to be priorities in their life, the
health (94%), happiness (91%) and financial security (71%) of their
children all came up as the most important. Yet currently, more than
two in five (41%) dont have any form of protection should they die or
be rendered unable to work. For stay at home parents, only around
one in 10 (9%) has critical illness protection, making them half as likely
as mothers of children under 18 (20%) to have this vital cover. If those
at home are unable to look after the kids, the potential added cost to
the working parent would be 7,549 per year (the average fees for one
child in part-time nursery and another in an after-school club). Despite
this, when given 180 to spend on anything they liked, only two per cent
of mums of children under 18 opted to spend it on a years life insurance
at 15 a month. One in four (25%) would put the money toward a
holiday, one in six would splurge at a restaurant (16%) and another one
in six (15%) would treat themselves to a new outfit.
Despite two in five (40%) working women, or just over a third of mums
(34%), claiming theyd rely on their savings to weather the financial
storm if they were unable to work for six months, nearly one in three
(30%) admits to having absolutely no savings whatsoever. A staggering
seven in 10 (70%) claim they wouldnt last six months living off their
savings were something to disrupt their regular income, and only 13%
say theyve enough money saved away to survive for more than a year.
Almost one in three (28%) working women admit theyd need to rely
heavily on State support if they were unable to work for six months.
Aegons research also found that more than half of all women (55%)
have no idea how little this State support pays out, with one in four
(25%) believing it to be more than 87.55 a week, and a further 30%
admitting they just didnt know. Against a womans average annual
income of 23,589 a mother would face an annual pre-tax shortfall of
21,137.50.
For two in five (41%) working women, an alternative recourse would be
major cutbacks to their living expenses if they were unable to work for
six months. Around two in three (69%) would give up on holidays, over
half (55%) would cut down on shopping trips and nights out with friends
(53%), and more than one in three (36%) would knock TV packages on
the head. Worryingly, more than one in four (27%) working mothers
with children under 18 admits that heating would have to be given up,
and a further 14% would have to stop all paid childcare. Six months of
not working is all it would take for one in 20 (5%) homeowners to
consider selling their home to pay for general living costs.
Nearly half (49%) of mothers with children under 18 admit theyve
never had a single conversation with their next of kin about what would
happen if they died. This is even higher for stay at home parents of
which 58% havent spoken to those closest to them. This silence is
perhaps one of the main reasons for the protection gap, but those
women without protection cover also cite affordability (37%) as a key
cause. Despite seeing their childrens financial security as a top priority,
more than a quarter (26%) dont see life or illness insurance as a priority,
and more than one in 10 (12%) admit theyve simply never considered
it. Almost one in five (18%) also think that insurance providers cant be
trusted to pay out on their policies, despite the fact that insurers in the
UK pay out 97% of claims (ABI, 2013).
Whether its a reluctance to discuss the unimaginable, a
feeling that protection isnt affordable, or simply a lack of
awareness about the services on offer, there are plenty of
reasons why women arent insuring themselves for the
benefit of their family. Theres a clear disconnect between
the peace of mind of protecting our most pressing priorities
and our behaviour as a consumer. At Aegon we want to see more
women and their families protected from the worst hands that life can
deal, and know we have our part to play in making these options both
easier to understand and affordable. Aegons ambition is to get the UK
ready for retirement. Being prepared for retirement is about more than
saving - its also about protecting what you have and planning for all
eventualities.
While women are increasingly in charge of family finances,
they are falling behind when it comes to thinking about what
would happen to their finances if they could not work or
couldnt take care of their children. I was struck by the fact
that almost three quarters of mums say that the financial
security of their children is a top priority, but one in three has
no savings and four out of 10 have no protection cover. Preparing
ahead for long-term illness, or worse, isnt just about assessing how
much savings you have or whether you should consider taking out a
protection policy. Its also about discussing who youd like to manage
your finances for you if youre unable to do so; who should look after
your children if both you and your partner die and what arrangements
need to be made after your death. Aegons report shows that half of
mums with children under 18 havent talked about their death with
their closest family. This type of conversation is never going to be easy,
but talking about it and putting plans in place will ultimately make things
a little easier for your family, should the worst happen. Its too
important for us to ignore.
http://www.aegon.com/
http://savvywoman.co.uk/
Family Focus
Women not making a financial Plan B

August 2014 Issue

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

August 2014 Issue

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

www.babybuzzmagazine.

com | Twitter: @BabyBuzzMag | Facebook: Baby-Buzz-Magazine 1

S-ar putea să vă placă și