This Week's News.
News from Bright Minds - Prepare the children for the Easter school start – The importance of child development Preparing children for the start of the school year is important, which is why BrightMinds would like to help make the transition from home to school as smooth as possible. There are ways children can be supported in the their development processes such as reading, writing, learning the alphabet, getting dressed and even learning a foreign language. Children develop skills in five areas – cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language and motor skill development. BrightMinds have solutions to assist all of these. Speech and Language Development - It’s as easy as ABC and 123 Learning the alphabet is the first place to start when preparing children for school. The Magnetic Wooden Alphabet Letters (RRP £9.99) kit ensures children can learn every letter of the alphabet; place the letters on the fridge and the children can play and learn in their own time. (Age 3 +) Ready, Set, School (RRP £29.99) ‘abc’ and ‘123’ kits are activities where the children can learn to count and write. The kits provide hours of fun from cutting out shapes to learning new colours and shapes. (Age 3 +) Learning to count is made simple with the One, Two, Tree counting tree (RRP £8.99). There are lots of happy creatures in numbered groups to help make the learning process fun. A great way to learn about wildlife too! (Age 3-6) First Words Snap (RRP £4.99) is a great game and learning activity to spend time with the kids to learn new words and teach them how to pronounce words, and not to forget, teaching them the much loved game of snap! Write and Write Again (RRP £9.99) encourages children to learn to write letters. The pre-printed handwriting guide and dry wipe board offers an ideal base to learn to write and teaches the correct formation for each letter of the alphabet. See and Spell (RRP £19.99) is a great product for combining letter recognition and letter writing. It works by encouraging children to spell words developing a sight-reading vocabulary, in addition to using the letters as stencils to learn their alphabet. (Age 2 +) Telling the TimeBreak time at school is popular time, so if the children are able to tell the time as soon as they start school they’ll really enjoy counting down the minutes. The Teaching Watch Blue (RRP£14.99) is a trendy, time teaching watch which youngsters love to wear to school. Or to teach them a fun way of learning the time, Tell the Time Snap (£RRP £4.99) is an ideal way for the children to learn the different time formats. (Age 5 +)Getting dressed for School Children start to get into the routine of school and getting dressed can sometimes be a little difficult with all those zips, hooks and buttons. The dressing pirate £17.99 will teach children how to tie a shoe lace, hook a button, zip a zipper and hook and loop closures to make putting on the school uniform a lot easier. (Age 18 months +)The Lacing Shoe (RRP £9.99) is ideal practice for learning to tie shoe laces. Whether it’s the school shoes or gym trainers, the children will be changing shoes throughout the day and if they can tie their own laces, they’ll feel a lot more confident and even teach the other children how to do it. (Age 3 +) Learning a foreign language Learning a foreign language is much easier when you are younger and as languages are being introduced into primary schools, BrightMinds has a good selection of learning activities for separate languages such as Latin, Spanish and French.Personalised Products BrightMinds has a great selection of personalised school products to help make the children’s experience more fun. The Personalised Toddler Backpacks (RRP £19.99) come in a variety of colours, has handy internal pockets and the children’s names or initials can be embroidered on the front. Other personalised products include the Wash Bags (RRP £19.99), Personalised Pencil Box (RRP £16.99) and the perfectly sized Named Lunch Bags (RRP£14.99). For full information visit www.brightminds.co.uk
NEW Graco Symbio – share the moments, explore the world SYMBIO - Suitable from birth to 3 years (15kg)· Unique reversible handle allows full interactivity between parent and child· Can be used as a pram, travel system and pushchair· Very manoeuvrable· Stylish, lightweight and compact· Shock absorbing spring suspension· Pneumatic tyres· Harness protectors· Price £349.99 (pushchair only – includes raincover). Parenthood is all about sharing special moments with children, and experts around the world agree that parent child interaction is the key to a relaxed and happy child. Graco has invested considerable time into research with parents, finding that many are looking for pushchair solutions that allow them to interact more with their child. With this in mind, Graco has launched Symbio, an innovative new travel system solution that features a unique reversible handle – allowing the child to instantly go from the ‘facing forward’ position to the ‘facing you’ position, using only one hand, without having to lift the child out of the pushchair. Meaning ‘freedom of movement’, Symbio exudes safety, style and ease-of-use, providing parents with everything they need to remove the worry and enjoy the wonder of each new moment with their child. Already a winner of Mother & Baby magazine’s ‘Best Buy’ award and finalist in the Practical Parenting awards, Symbio’s convenient features are quickly finding favour with parents. The front swivel wheels provide optimal manoeuvrability, even in narrow shop aisles, whilst the system’s lightweight frame can be folded away in a matter of seconds using just one hand. The shock absorbing spring suspension and air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride on any terrain. The full Symbio package is also the only travel system parents need as it adapts and grows with the child. The separate Logico S Deluxe car seat, which has been awarded four stars by the European independent consumer organisation ADAC and top scored in the Spring 2010 issue of Which Car?, ensures newborns are perfectly protected at all times and attaches instantly to Symbio’s frame using Graco’s One-Click system. If parents prefer their newborn to be lying flat, then the Symbio Go carrycot can be bought for children up to 10 months, which also utilises the One-Click system. An adjustable mattress can help baby breathe more easily by aiding congestion and the adjustable angle can also help baby to avoid regurgitation after his last feed, by laying him on a slight incline. Thanks to its intelligent design, the carrycot also folds flat in no time at all. The padded washable seat, which is provided with Symbio as standard, has a five point harness to keep baby safe and secure, while the three recline seat-positions keep him comfortable as he continues to grow up to the age of 3 years. Accessories available include a spacious baby bag and changing mat so parents can keep all the essentials needed for baby, a footmuff, raincovers for both the car seat and carry cot, and a parasol for extra protection from the elements. Find out more visit www.symbiobygraco.co.uk
News- Fun new Jingle Jack from Lamaze. The soft new Jingle Jack from Lamaze is a classic toy young babies will love. The triangular shapes of the ‘Jack’ are easy for baby to grasp and the richly textured fabrics provide wonderful tactile surfaces for baby to explore. The bright, rich patterns, soft textures, colourful ribbons, crinkly surfaces and pleasing jingle sounds make this a pleasing and stimulating toy baby will enjoy from the earliest days onwards. There is also a quick-release clip for perfect ‘on-the-go’ fun. Suitable from birth price: £8.99. Learning CurveLearning Curve is committed to ‘Everyday great value parenting’ by providing products that offer quality, safe, innovative, educational and practical solutions to raising newborns through to early childhood. Heading the nursery portfolio are The First Years ‘What matters most to you…matters most to us’ innovative products, Lamaze developmental play toys and Bella B natural bodycare products. Leading on from these through toddler stage and beyond are Early Engineers, offering the most positive first train play experience for budding engineers aged 18 months plus, and Thomas & Friends™ for children aged three and above. For further information, visit www.learningcurve.com
NEWS Respisense UK recognised as one of the UK’s smartest small businesses. Respisense UK has been chosen by a judging panel including Deborah Meaden and other leading entrepreneurs such as Bebo Founder Michael Birch as a winner of Smarta.com’s inaugural ‘Smarta100’.The Smarta 100 is the ultimate business accolade, recognizing the UK’s smartest small businesses.Smarta.com has uncovered remarkable companies who have gone the extra mile to differentiatethemselves from the market or found clever ways to compete, from their marketing plan to theirethical stance. The result is a fascinating insight into the unique business ideas that are thriving inthe current economic climate.The finalists proved to the judges that they have what it takes to run a successful venture, fromspotting a new opportunity to making it a reality. And the high-profile panel were delighted to seethat ambitious people are saving hard and raising finances to turn their ideas into flourishingbusinesses.Deborah Meaden commented:“Discovering great new businesses is a passion of mine as is encouraging businesses to think andwork better. The Smarta 100 does both of these things – and celebrates the best of British businessat the same time. I was delighted to see ambitious people saving hard and raising finances to turn their ideas into flourishing businesses ”Smarta.com founder Sháá Wasmund said: “Socially conscious, disruptive businesses that are not afraid to challenge the status quo are beingset up in the four corners of the country. I founded Smarta to make sure these enterprises aresupported at any stage of development. The results speak for themselves – the Smarta 100 list is acollection of remarkable success stories.”The full results and details of the winning companies can be found at www.smarta.com/smarta100.
NEWS From Deuter - Shedding Weight – Adding Airtuned fabrics, frame, foam and features to create a stripped down, no-frills day rucksack. Yet, to guarantee For spring/summer 2010, Deuter is introducing a new range of lightweight backpacks: the German brand fine- fantastic comfort and great durability, Deuter added a new, unique back system, functional details and extra strength where needed. The result: the new Spectro is a technical top loader with an additional front entry, features the Dual Frame back system, which provides cooling airflow from three sides – and weighs in at just 1050 gr. (28 SL). These new packs from Deuter are clean-cut and designed for more comfort and less weight. The fashionable and functional top loader presents all the essentials and leaves the superfluous at home. Its new Dual Frame back system is extremely lightweight and flexible, yet delivers great stability and load transfer. This is guaranteed by the perforated, strong waist belt made of a 3D mesh with extra big holes for great ventilation. Yet the coolest effect comes from the patented back system, which utilizes a technical spring steel frame with a mesh back panel. It allows fresh airflow to circulate from three sides and – thanks to its great flexibility, follows the body’s movement. The Spectro is a top loader with an additional front zip access for easy rummaging around. The highly elastic mesh pouch in the front stores extra garments or wet clothing. The mesh side pockets are diagonally cut and thus grant easy access to the water bottle. Further features include side compression straps, loops to attach hiking poles or ice axe and the SOS label. With the tube exit point and integrated tube clip on the shoulder strap, the Spectro is also hydration compatible. This stylish, no-frills range is trimmed to provide lightweight comfort, but not at the expense of strength and durability. Deuter offers the 24 l and 32 l capacity as well as the women’s specific 28 l SL version. The full range can be seen on www.deutergb.co.uk
THE TOTS Fifi’s First Party Album – Flowertot Fun at your Finger Tips!! Release Date: March 15th 2010 Label: USM Junior The Fabulous Forget-Me-Not is Back.... and its Party Season in Flowertot Garden! Fifi and the Flowertots has blossomed into one of the most-loved pre-school programmes in Britain. Fifi lives in the magical Flowertot Garden with all her Flowertot friends immersed in the outdoors, encouraging girls and boys to develop an appreciation of being outside and discovering the world around them. Having fun and singing songs is central to life in Fowertot Garden, with many songs featuring the vocal talents of Jane Horrocks (who voices Fifi Forget-Me-Not and her friend, Primrose) Rock With The Tots - Fifi’s First Party Album - features exclusive extended versions of songs from the show such as Rock With The Tots, Happy Day Party, We Love To Salsa and everyone’s favourite, The Pancake Song, along with the theme tune from the award-winning programme. Party tracks have been specifically selected for the album from Series 1 and 2 , which are perfect for every little child to sing and dance along to (not forgetting Mums and Dads!). It is THE perfect accompaniment to any child’s party, and is an extra special gift for fans of Fifi and the Flowertots. The album is packed full of party songs, but also features exclusive bonus enhanced content, including seven beautiful story scenes, two games and two sing-along videos, guaranteed to keep your child entertained for hours.Fifi had a busy 2009 with live performances up and down the country, along with featuring on the BBC Children in Need single last year with Peter Kay.. 2010 is set to be an equally busy year for Fifi with The Little Big Club live shows, taking place at key dates all around the country (please see below).For more information onThe New York Toy Fair was just the icing on the cake as none other than Becky Worley presenting the ABC News Good Stuff made a beeline for the Mookie Smart Trike. Take a look for yourself the impact Smart Trike made at the recent New York Toy Fair. Watch Becky Worley from ABC news in action. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/video/t
Mookie Smart Trike featured ABC News - The beginning of 2010 marks the roller coaster of Toy Fair events and everyone is showcasing their range of New ‘Must Have Toys’ available for parents. Toys offering a whole host of benefits and value for money. With so much on offer it is difficult to choose some of the most innovative items available for parents t...oday. Mookie Toys have enjoyed an amazing year to-date with the new range of Smart Trikes now available in stores (available in all leading toy stores nationwide). The New York Toy Fair was just the icing on the cake as none other than Becky Worley presenting the ABC News Good Stuff made a beeline for the Mookie Smart Trike. Take a look for yourself the impact Smart Trike made at the recent New York Toy Fair. Watch Becky Worley from ABC news in action. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/video/t
BrightMinds helping to educate your children -When it comes to education and our children, we all want what’s best for them. BrightMinds helps make learning fun and aims to take the stress out of study with these top tips and fantastic products to make the SATs seem like a breeze! From the 20th February, past SATs papers and answer booklets will be available to download from BrightMinds, offering a helping hand with the revision timetable. The papers will give your children a feel for the test lay out, whilst the answer booklets are there as reference for them to check their answers and see how well they’ve done! Perfect for settling those pre-exam nerves; as we all know practice makes perfect! 1. Remember your child’s education is a partnership. Meet with their teachers as they’ll know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask how you can help 2. Explain that the number of marks allocated to each question gives your child an idea of how much time to spend on each one 3. Don't see revision as simply copying out notes. Make your child jot ideas onto postcards, draw diagrams and use colour as they're easier to remember in the heat of the exam 4. Approach a subject from different angles. Software, games, activities, books, flash cards, and practical applications all make revision time at home as fun and interactive as possible. See www.brightminds.co.uk for guidance and ideas 5. Look through a practice paper together and talk through the answers and draw or act out answers of difficult concepts, such as fractions 6. Ensure your child is aware that getting stuck on questions isn’t a problem; move on and if they have time, come back to difficult ones at the end 7. It is easier said than done but don’t put your child under too much pressure. Have fun – they’ll find things easier to remember if they recall the good times they had learning 8. Most importantly, encourage your child to believe in themselves The following products from BrightMinds are guaranteed to make revision enjoyable and effective! BrightMinds Online: Literacy, Numeracy and Science online – this one year subscription program is packed with more than 1,000 engaging activities from year 3 to 7, closely mapped to the national curriculum and perfect for SATs revision. Each activity provides support and feedback for independent use, and a progress tracker is included for easy monitoring of progress. Once finished print off certificates for successful completion of a section; it works as the ideal home tutor! SATs in a box Key Stage 2 Maths: A comprehensive set containing a variety of activities to keep your child interested and on track for SATs. The set includes games, activities, study books, questions books and practice papers just like the real thing to ensure your child is fully prepare and ready when the exams come round (SATs in a box Key Stage 2 English is also available). For more information click onto www.brightminds.co.uk or call 0844 4122250
TRUNKI'S GOT TRAVEL ALL WRAPPED UP! They have launched an exciting range of Trunki Travel Chums.A range of fun accessories all made from ultra practical neoprene available in pink and blue.The Wrist Purse fastens around little wrists with a Velcro strap so that mini-globetrotters can keep pocket money and small essentials are always close to hand.Keep pens and pencils tidy on the move. The Trunki Pencil Case can beclipped onto a car seat, belt loop or even your Trunki! Tots can pack their toiletries into this reversible neoprene Wash Bag.The practical bag even comes with a waterproof clear pouch for dealingwith liquids at the airport.Trunki Accessories a range of fun multifunctional accessories that can be used with or without Trunki! The Tote Bag is cleverly designed to fit into one side of your Trunki, the multi-functional Tote prevents toys from falling out when opening thecase. It can also be clipped onto the back of the car or plane seat in front ready for the journey. Toys and games are never out of little arms reach, leaving you to relax for the rest of the trip!The Saddlebag is a messenger bag which cleverly doubles as a comfy saddle for Trunki! It’s made from durable fabric and comes in either pink or blue. Features include zip compartments, ID tag, comic book holder, adjustable body strap and even a horn to move oncoming traffic out of the way!The Trunki brand is synonymous with tot-eye-view design and innovation. Designer Rob Law is an ‘entrepreneur of the year’ whilst awards from Nickelodeon, Practical Pre-School, Mother and Baby and IF Design Award have helped turn Trunki into a global success.
Check out new arrivals www.trunki.co.uk
Mummy… By Katie Rodinsky published by Authorhouse. Katie Rodinsky’s charming funny and heart warming real life account of having five children – including a set of triplets – at the relatively tender age of thirty-three is essential honest and inspiring reading for any new or expectant mother.Not a day goes by when Katie Rodinsky isn’t quizzed on how she manages to cope with having five children, a marvellous brood including triplets, who are all under seven years of age. Even the most experienced parents would shudder at the thought of it: the daily struggle of raising five dependents to the absolute best of your abilities, doing their little lives justice, whilst battling a twenty-four hour onslaught of tiredness, self-doubt, illness, irritability and anxiety. Katie and her husband Paul face a never ending cycle of mess and melodrama so chaotic that Paul’s mother even bought them a megaphone for their eighth wedding anniversary, in a bid to help them keep the mini regiment under control!But Katie adores her children and believes that these early years are precious beyond words. She wants to do all that she can to ensure that her babies develop into well-rounded, independent adults full of character and potential. She is however, under no illusion that parenting is an easy ride, especially when multiple births are concerned. During her pregnancies Katie felt as most mothers do, utterly alone and bombarded by an often mean spirited raft of conflicting advice, opinion and parenting doctrines that seemed impossible to follow, So the objective of her book Mummy… is simple: it’s an honest, compassionate, hilarious journey through Katie’s life post children, which explores every inch of parenting from premature births, feeding dilemmas, developmental issues, establishing routines, working with your partner and finding time for yourselves, and encouraging curiosity and independence of though in your children. Katie has been there done it and bought the T-shirt which she wears with pride. Her guide to being mum is so refreshingly tactile, gentle and non-judgemental that it knocks the training pants off other parenting books on the market.Whilst Katie covers in her own words all the trials and tribulations of having children, she focuses on the particular consequences of having triplets, which for her was as terrifying as it was thrilling. Despite scouring text books and journals for advice, Katie felt that there was scant material of any real substance for mothers in her situation, suddenly dealing with babies in triplicate, or maybe more. Katie dug her heels in and worked it out for herself, as most mothers do, but it’s her hope that Mummy… provided the kind of invaluable comfort and reassurance that all new mums crave, regardless of their circumstances.Women of all ages, especially those with or expecting children will relish this earnest and wise account of one woman’s unique yet universal experiences of raising her family. Fresh, fragrant and deliciously funny, Katie’s book is almost as good as having Katie there in person, to giggle and soothe away the stresses and strains that any number of children can produce. Mummy… may just be the only, truly honest account of motherhood available, and Katie Rodinsky a new spokeswoman for mum’s everywhere.About the author: Katie Rodinsky is a thirty-three year old mother of five whose full time job is raising her children. Katie recently completed an access to nursing course during which she studies psychology and is an avid cook and baker of exquisite bagels and challah. She lives with her family in Edgware, North London.Katie is available for book signing events too.Katie Rodinsky 07973542392 Katie.rodin@hotmail.co.uk
FRESHEN UP YOUR BEAUTY CUPBOARD WITH lovely new lush products! The Spring/Summer season calls for fresh, clean looks and what better excuse do you need to freshen up your beauty cabinet – throw away the old and stock up with the new! And Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has a range of brand new products to start you off nicely. Introducing three new Lip Scrubs (£4.50 for 25g) and the decadent Crème Anglaise body moisturiser (£25.00 for 240g) - fantastic products to prepare your skin for exposure and to maintain a great look throughout the season. LIP SCRUBS (£4.50 for 25g) … each made with Fair trade castor sugar and organic jojoba oil to soften and smooth. Exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub helps the skin hold more moisture and prevents chapping, it also rids them of dry flaky skin and makes your lips silky smooth and ready to pucker up. Choose between:Mint Julips … A refreshing tingly mint scrub made with peppermint and chocolate. Tastes like After Eights on your lips, delicious.Bubble Gum … A pink, sweet as candy lip scrub with a bubblegum flavour.Sweet Lips … A lip-smackingly tasty chocolate scrub with added scrumptious vanilla. Leaves a taste of Crème Brulèe on your lips, without the calorific intake! CRÈME ANGLAISE (£25.00 for 240g) … A rich vanilla and almond hand and body cream. A moisture treat for the skin, in Crème Anglaise Lush has blended together into an almond infusion such emollient ingredients as almond oil, Extra Virgin coconut oil, Fair Trade organic shea butter and cocoa butter. Almond oil is exceptionally soothing and softening on the skin, while the butters are finely balanced to give a light feel that sinks directly into the skin. Scented with vanilla, plus sweet orange and a touch of myrrh to help tone the skin. The crème de la crème of body lotions! Stockist info: Lush soaps are available from Lush shops nationwide. For mail order call 01202 668 545 or order online at www.lush.co.uk
Silver Cross - Bill Amberg luxurious leather collection - The perfect Mothers Day gift March 14th - The contemporary Shoulder Bag, £135. This practical everyday bag is perfect for the contemporary parent who likes to mix style and functionality whilst on the move.Large zip fastened internal and external pockets provide plenty of space for baby accessories or your own items such as a Blackberry or purse, and the included changing mat means your baby can enjoy a comfortable change wherever you are. Created with love and skill from 100% cotton and vegetable tanned leather, the Day Bag by Bill Amberg Studio presents a parenting solution with no compromise on style. This item is delivered in a beautiful ribbon bound gift box and protective duster bag. The Adjustable Papoose, £150. The Bill Amberg Papoose is blissfully comfortable for both parents and babies and with its sturdy straps and buckles it can safely hold a toddler of up to 15kg (33lbs).Designed to allow your baby to either face forwards or rearward, and crafted from luxurious 100% cotton and vegetable tanned leather, this is a beautiful and timelessly classic accessory that either father or mother will enjoy using. The Bill Amberg Papoose is protected within its own duster bag and presented in a beautiful ribbon bound gift box.Suitable from birth to 12 months. Practical Tote Bag, £135. This exquisite Practical Tote Bag has been lovingly crafted from 100% cotton and vegetable tanned leather and designed with the chic and pragmatic parent in mind. Plenty of storage is available with two external pockets, two large internal pockets and two webbed pouches. A matching changing mat is also included. This beautiful accessory is presented in a protective duster bag inside an exquisite ribbon bound gift box. Click onto www.silvercross.co.uk to find out more.
NEW Arrival The Pourty–The Innovative Potty that Pours Hygienically. With its patent pending ‘pouring duct’, the innovative new Pourty is designed to be comfortable for toddlers, as well as more hygienic to use, as the waste is poured out through the duct and doesn’t spill or dribble. The handle at the front makes it easy to hold the Pourty, while pouring the waste away through the duct at the back, away from the areas where the toddler sits or touches. Unique pouring duct makes it more hygienic to empty and wash out. Ergonomically designed to be comfortable for boys and girls. Wide base for stability. High front splashguard. Made of smooth moulded plastic so easy to keep clean. Available in: Pink, Blue or White £9.99· Stockists: tel. 01453 549755 www.pourty.com Available in stores early February 2010
Creative cook-in with Plum’s new sauce range. New mouth watering sauces fresh from the kitchens of Plum, help parents to whip up masterpieces in minutes Knowing that parents would love to have the time to indulge in cooking for their babies and children every day, but that a modern, hectic lifestyle can make this nigh on impossible, Plum has created a first – a range of delicious cook-in sauces that will allow mums and dads to create hundreds of different nutritious recipes in next to no time at all. Three new delicious sauces; the Italian inspired Spinach & basil pesto, the French Tomato & ratatouille and the Indian style Mild vegetable masala, Plum‟s latest offering for babies from 7 months allows busy parents to have an active part in the preparation process. Simply by adding pasta, polenta chunks, vegetables or meat, parents can adapt the sauces to create a different dish each time. Inspired by founder and former chef Susie Willis‟ trips around the world, each taste-packed pouch is crammed full of organic „superfood‟ vegetables, is free from additives and contains no added salt or sugar. As good as homemade, these sauces certainly live up to Plum‟s promise of "a taste of things to come". Commenting on the new range, Susie Willis says "Our aim at Plum is to help make parents lives as easy as possible. With busy lives it is sometimes hard to do everything from scratch, but our new sauces will provide some often much needed inspiration, helping mums and dads to create something exciting and different for their little ones. There really is nothing else like these on the market, with premium organic ingredients and tonnes of veg, we really think they‟re something special for babies, toddlers and all the family to enjoy!" Plum‟s new premium sauce range, in 85g single servings RRP£1.29 will be available from February in Waitrose, Ocado, Sainsbury‟s and Boots. www.plum-baby.co.uk
SPACE GIRL BALLISTIC FOR AN OUT OF THIS WORLD BATHING EXPERIENCE! Lush’s latest addition to the legendary bath ballistic range is of astronomical proportions … SPACE GIRL bath ballistic (£1.85) is shaped like a lilac Saturn and sprinkled with space dust, leaving you twinkling like a galaxy of stars. The fragrance is reminiscent of blackcurrant sweeties and contains refreshing bergamot oil and grapefruit oil, a combination that will lift you into another stratosphere! All in all, Space Girl makes for a stellar bath time experience. Inspiration for this product came from a new song of the same name. Lots of Lush products are created this way and Space Girl is in homage to ‘Space Girl’, by Ewan McColl of The Imagined Village, from their new album Empire & Love. Mark Constantine, Lush MD, has been working a lot with Simon Emmerson, also from The Imagined Village, on the spectacular music for the Lush Spa and was more than happy to create a product for this new song when asked. Hence this ballistic was created for us mere mortals to enjoy! Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are the creators of the original bath ballistic, the ingenious invention that when thrown into the bath fizzes to release the finest ingredients at the peak of their potency. Created by Mo Constantine, Lush Co-Founder and product creator, over 15 years ago - each one is formulated to clean, care for the skin and gently deodorise the body as well as make you feel happy all over! Space Girl and other Lush products are available nationwide. For shop details and mail order, please call 01202 668 545, or order on-line at www.lush.co.uk For further information about The Imagined Village please visit www.emmersoncorncrakeconstantine.co.uk or view their Space Girl video on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7ZgShUIfQc
The Halo, created by Silver Cross – Britain’s oldest and most exclusive pram manufacturer – represents the future of pushchair design. The stylish stroller uses twenty-first century engineering to combine practicality with contemporary elegance. Its sleek cantilever design allows for a 150˚ silent-glide recline – conforming with all EU standards for pushchairs that can be used from birth. The Halo is compatible with the Ventura Plus car seat and has a unique folding system, which involves a 3 dimensional fold so its wheels fold inwards. That’s why it will fit in the boot of virtually any car – including a MINI. The Halo’s detachable hood has an extra long rake, with a UV-protected visor, for added protection from the elements. The pushchair has a highly practical wipe clean PVC footwell as well as a reversible and easy-to-wash seat cover – equally suited to both winter and summer. The Halo is also blissfully easy to manoeuvre and steer, and can freestand when it is folded. In short, the Halo makes life as a parent a little less hectic and a little more heavenly… Stockist enquiries: www.silvercross.co.uk or call 01756 702 412
Top new toy from Lamaze this year is the highly versatile Space Symphony Motion Gym. A whole new take on baby gyms, this delightful gym has motorised swaying arches and fun space-themed music guaranteed to keep baby intrigued, amused and fascinated. There are ten developmental features, and, like all Lamaze toys, the gym has been designed to grow with baby, satisfying different developmental needs as baby grows and progresses through the different stages. In the early stages, the Space Symphony Motion Gym encourages visual tracking and motor development while the soothing music and motion feature brings the whole toy to life for auditory and visual stimulation that engages baby’s attention for longer. The overhead motorised arches gently sway back and forth to bring the hanging toys to life as the fun space-themed music plays one of two lullabies. Meanwhile, the rocket toy jingles, crinkles and ‘soars’ when linked to the swaying arches. Once activated, the gym plays music or white noise and sways for 15 minutes to keep baby truly entertained. As baby progresses, there are six individual, detachable toys to play with, including four space characters with appealing, high contrast faces, plush, tactile surfaces and fun sounds to make baby smile. A bright, yellow star and large sun tummy-time mirror, complete with its shiny ribbons, will also catch baby’s eye and keep her happily engaged. Made of the highest quality material and fabrics, the gym’s large soft cushioned mat, which can be used alone by simply detaching the arches, has bright space graphics and is machine washable. And since all the toys are detachable, baby can have her favourite toys with her wherever she goes! This new addition is suitable from birth priced £59.99 so find out more by clicking onto www.learningcurve.com
The new Bib’expresso from BEABA is a functional and stylish way to heat baby milk in just 30 seconds with one hand with the water always delivered at precisely 37°. Designed to be the ideal solution to making baby’s bottles during the day or at night the Bib’expresso has a simple one handed operation that delivers water at an accurate 37° while also helping to mix the water with the formula milk while it is being dispensed. The water takes just 30 seconds to reach the preset temperature, about the same time that it will take to measure the formula. The Bib’expresso easily transforms into an ultra-compact bain-marie ideal for heating prepared bottles and food jars, and because of its compact size it is ideal for taking away. The Bib’expresso has an inbuilt steam cleaning operation to ensure that the appliance is always totally clean and hygienic. Also included with the Bib’expresso is a microwave steriliser with room for 3 bottles which also doubles as a handy storage unit. The Bib’expresso from BEABA. price £90.00 available from leading retailers across the UK. Visit www.beaba.com for stockist details.
Have a ‘Sound’ night’s sleep Customers can now get their hands on the brand new ‘Sound Asleep’ Memory Foam Pillow that will ensure people across the UK will be sleeping sounder than ever. This revolutionary ‘pillow with speakers’ allows snoozers to listen to recordings of their choice without disturbing their partners and having the inconvenience of headphones. Made from high quality memory foam, the ‘Sound Asleep’ Pillow adapts to the natural body shape by providing superior comfort and support for the perfect night’s sleep. Its soft filling means the speaker is undetectable and unnoticeable to the touch – giving you a sound night’s sleep. Numerous research studies have shown the effectiveness of background noise for calming restless sleepers and insomniacs. The ‘Sound Asleep’ Memory Foam Pillow allows slumberers to listen to whatever they want in the least intrusive, most convenient way possible. Lazy learners can even take advantage of the ‘Sound Asleep’ Pillow to study while sleeping. The pillow can be used to help learn a new language, listen to lectures or even help sleepers indulge in some self-hypnosis to lose those extra pounds! There’s nothing more irritating than sharing a bed with a ‘noisy sleeper’. For those unlucky enough to sleep next to teeth-grinders, serious snorers or sleep talkers, the ‘Sound Asleep’ Pillow can provide welcome respite and distraction. A ‘Sound Asleep’ Memory Foam Pillow is the perfect present this Mother’s Day for restless sleepers, students, music lovers, tinnitus sufferers or the person who has everything. In these hectic times, what could be a better gift than the perfect night’s sleep? The brand new, Memory Foam Pillow is the newest edition to the ‘Sound Asleep’ range. The ‘Sound Asleep’ Pillow (pictured above) is filled with hollow fibres and offers a traditional pillow with undetectable speakers. The ‘Sound Asleep’ Memory Foam Pillow costs £30 and the ‘Sound Asleep’ traditional pillow costs £15. Both are available from www.soundasleeppillow.co.uk and at retailers such as such as Argos, Tesco, Amazon and Littlewoods to name a few.
Zoe Ball and husband Norman Cook have chosen Concord’s Neo Carbon pushchair, car seat and carrycot for their new baby Nelly May. She joins Coleen Rooney and a host of other celebrities seen using the most exclusive pushchair in the UK and now available in its fabulous new colour way – black and gold. Created from Carb...on and handbuilt in Germany the unique CONCORD NEO CARBON the high-tech carbon material offers clear advantages: ultra light,strong, resilient and features superb damping characteristics. Only providing the best of everything – inner covers in sumptuous gold, leather-covered handle, and personalised laser engraving on the frame – it is a buggy like no other. The NEO CARBON includes the ION car seat and the SCOUT folding carrycot and retails at £2400. For more information visit the website at www.concord.de
The Award winning Sock Ons have a NEW addition the Dribble Ons which received rave reviews on ITV This Morning Show yesterday. Dribble Ons are clever little bandana style bibs that keep babies dry and dribble free. With 5 classic colours available and priced at £4.99 they look as though they are set to be another winner. find out more by clicking onto www.sockons.co.uk
New books taking flight in February 3rd & Bird, The popular animation from Little Airplane Productions, has taken first place in the affections of flocks of pre-schoolers since its launch on CBeebies in 2008. Its fledgling viewers have become captivated by the adventures of the adorable Samuel and Muffin Lovebird as they explore the world around them and learn all about what makes their community tick. To coincide with all-new episodes flying on to CBeebies on 22nd February Monday to Friday at 5.45pm, BBC Children's Books will be publishing a range of fantastic formats to include story books, activity, novelty and a buggy book. Hide and Beak! Buggy Book £4.99. The perfect tweet for little birdies on the move. Printed on sturdy card with rounded corners, this buggy book has vibrant pictures, simple words and comes with a washable cloth strap. Sticker Play Activity £3.99 Packed with simple activities including mazes, matching games, spot-the-difference and 60 colourful stickers.3rd and Bird Wipe-clean Activity Book £3.99Re-usable pages filled with lots of activities and games which can be played again and again. Comes with a special birdie pen.Meet Elliot £3.99New episode based story book. Baby Jordan £3.99New episode based story book.Muffin's Runaway Train: Sound Book £6.99Board book with “choo choo” sound button.Age range: 2-4 year oldsFor more information on the show, including games and activity downloads please visit www.3rdandbird.co.uk
New Breastflow Manual Breast Pump from First Years - First Years has expanded its unique and highly acclaimed Breastflow product range with the introduction of a new Breastflow Manual Breast Pump. As with all Breastflow products, the new manual breast pump is designed to promote and facilitate successful long-term breastfeeding for all mums. The new Breastflow Manual Breast Pump represents a highly efficient yet low-cost option to the miPump electric breast pump. It has been specially designed for comfort and efficiency in consultation with lactation experts. Easily transportable, the pump’s Flexi-Fit shields offer a reliable and comfortable fit on the breast. In addition, this easy-to-use pump is discreet to operate making expressing simple and un-complicated when out and about. For added simplicity, the pump is also very easy to clean. In short, the new Breastflow Manual Breast Pump meets all breastfeeding mums’ requirements for a portable, efficient, easy-to-use pump that is both comfortable and discreet to operate. As with the mi-Pump electric breast pump, the new Breastflow Manual Breast Pump can be used in conjunction with the revolutionary Breastflow bottle feeding system that allows precisely the same natural compression and suckling action a baby uses when feeding from the breast. Breastflow’s dual teat allows baby to go happily from breast to bottle and back again without any fear that she will be ‘alienated’ from the breast, meaning breastfeeding can continue even when occasional bottles of expressed milk need to be offered. All Breastflow bottles are BPA free. Breastflow is available in a 5oz/148ml (Stage 1 - Slow to Medium Flow) and 9oz/266ml (Stage 1 - Slow to Medium Flow) bottle sizes. Stage 2 - Medium to Fast Flow teats are also available. RRP £24.99. For further trade information, visit www.learningcurve.com
