Thursday, 18 June 2009
cheeky funky-ing-it
Thought we would put together a little video clip of all things funky... we love the track and we hope it gets your bum wiggling and your fingers clicking to the website www.cheekyfunky.com. go see what your little friends might like to be wearing. Keep it cheeky, stay funky x Cheeky Funky
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
JUICY LUCY DESIGNS
Go see what the fairies have been busy doing... FREE animated fairy e-cards there is even a Father's Day card - www.juicylucydesigns.com
Sales Person Required - Funky Brand - Flexible Parent Hours
Who we are:
Cheeky Funky is the home of super bright tots clothes, from active tees to colourful blankets and hats. www.cheekyfunky.com
What we are about:
Cheeky Funky was created when we were struggling to buy something a bit different for our baby. So, we created super cool, unique and original baby clothes – yes really! bright and totally funky range of tots clothes. Incorporating a passion for extreme and active sports and a love of all things colourful - Cheeky Funky was born.
The vibe:
With the current buzz around extreme sports and the influence that it has in parent’s buying approaches to their offspring’s clothing – Cheeky Funky was born to accommodate these desires. Gift buyers, mums, dads, aunts, uncles, godparents, grandparents all love us! If you love colour and vibrancy then you’ll love us too.
The Job:
We are looking for a confident and bubbly telesales person. The job will be to convert calls to orders through contacting a named list of retail buyers. We are flexible with working arrangments and would be looking for a minimum of 8 hours a week and maximum 12 hours (school holidays can be flexible). Pay is £6.00 per hour with a comission structure on sales. Would maybe suit a returning to work mum to fit around children.
Action:
Email us your details/cv gemma@cheekyfunky.com
or give us a call on 0788 407 1571 or 01273 323761 email
Cheeky Funky is the home of super bright tots clothes, from active tees to colourful blankets and hats. www.cheekyfunky.com
What we are about:
Cheeky Funky was created when we were struggling to buy something a bit different for our baby. So, we created super cool, unique and original baby clothes – yes really! bright and totally funky range of tots clothes. Incorporating a passion for extreme and active sports and a love of all things colourful - Cheeky Funky was born.
The vibe:
With the current buzz around extreme sports and the influence that it has in parent’s buying approaches to their offspring’s clothing – Cheeky Funky was born to accommodate these desires. Gift buyers, mums, dads, aunts, uncles, godparents, grandparents all love us! If you love colour and vibrancy then you’ll love us too.
The Job:
We are looking for a confident and bubbly telesales person. The job will be to convert calls to orders through contacting a named list of retail buyers. We are flexible with working arrangments and would be looking for a minimum of 8 hours a week and maximum 12 hours (school holidays can be flexible). Pay is £6.00 per hour with a comission structure on sales. Would maybe suit a returning to work mum to fit around children.
Action:
Email us your details/cv gemma@cheekyfunky.com
or give us a call on 0788 407 1571 or 01273 323761 email
What you need to know about coping with sleep deprivation
from Boots Parenting Club
The sheer exhaustion that looking after a new baby brings can be quite a shock to new parents. Read on for our guide on how to get through those first few bleary-eyed weeks
Your baby's sleep patterns
If you’ve just had a baby, you’re probably reading this with the dazed expression that all new parents quickly acquire.
It’s not that new babies don’t sleep. They’ll spend anything between 10 and 20 hours a day in slumber. It’s more that newborns sleep in fits and starts, usually waking every couple of hours.
A new baby needs feeding frequently day and night because her tummy isn’t big enough to hold much milk. This means that for a while, it will be difficult to get more than mere snatches of sleep at a time. But don’t despair. Within a matter of weeks, things will begin to change.
Starting a bedtime routine
There’s unlikely to be much of a pattern to your baby’s sleeping and feeding to begin with, making it difficult to get into a routine. But by eight weeks, her stomach will be able to hold more milk and as her biological clock starts to attune to a day and night pattern, she’ll gradually begin to be more alert during the day and sleep for longer periods at night.
You can speed up this process by helping her differentiate between day and night sleep. Even at this tender age, a consistent bedtime routine, for example, bath, song, last feed in a darkened room, can go a long way towards establishing long-term healthy sleep patterns.
How to make sure you get some sleep too
Remember your baby’s frequent waking pattern doesn’t last forever. But in the meantime, the key to surviving this phase is to look after yourself so that you are fit and able to care for her. Here’s how.
• Accept all offers of help
• Try to sleep when your baby does. Even a 10-minute nap can take the sting out of your tiredness
• Ignore the housework. Don’t waste time making the bed when you could be lying in it
• Whenever possible, ask someone close to you to look after your baby to give you a chance to catch up on some sleep or just relax in a bath
Common symptoms and quick fixes for sleep-deprived parents
Symptom: Feeling tearful and irritable
Quick fix Put your baby in a sling or pushchair and go for a brisk walk. Exercise increases your energy levels, and will help release endorphins, you body’s natural feel-good hormones
Symptom: Inability to function in the morning
Quick fix Dump the tea or coffee and pour yourself a fruit juice or smoothie. Caffeine gives a momentary boost, but you’ll soon come crashing back down and feel even more exhausted. Fruit will give you energy and the nutrients will help your immune system, which is particularly vulnerable when you’re sleep- deprived
Symptom: Rowing with your partner
Quick fix Talk about your feelings. Creating a breathing space for yourselves is essential, even if it means asking a friend or relative to watch over your baby for an hour or so
Symptom: Feeling shattered during the day
Quick fix Take a power shower to invigorate your circulation and help you feel refreshed
Symptom: Feeling like you’re falling asleep during the day
Quick fix Stop what you’re doing and take stock. A caffeinated drink may help but make sure you grab a nap when your baby’s next asleep
Symptom: Feeling angry and at the end of your tether
Quick fix Put your baby down in a safe place, leave the room and take time out to calm down. Don’t suffer in silence but talk to someone close to you, or contact your GP, midwife or health visitor, who can help you get support
Did you know?
It’s not unusual for new mums to survive on as little as two hours’ consecutive sleep in 24 hours.
Frequently asked question
Should I always go to my newborn when she cries at night?
Leaving your baby to cry it out is not advisable, particularly during the early weeks of life. She needs you to respond promptly. Crying is her way of telling you that she needs something, like a change or a feed. If these needs are met quickly, you both have a better chance of getting back to sleep before long.
Over to mum
‘I’d definitely advise getting blackout blinds. They helped me nap during the day, and helped Sadie to sleep for longer in the mornings.’
Nichole, 32, mum to Sadie, nine months
‘Don’t feel guilty about resting or napping during the day. My partner says it’s my “job” to rest whenever possible, rather than run around doing housework. And he’s right.’
Pia, mum to Fern, nine weeks
The sheer exhaustion that looking after a new baby brings can be quite a shock to new parents. Read on for our guide on how to get through those first few bleary-eyed weeks
Your baby's sleep patterns
If you’ve just had a baby, you’re probably reading this with the dazed expression that all new parents quickly acquire.
It’s not that new babies don’t sleep. They’ll spend anything between 10 and 20 hours a day in slumber. It’s more that newborns sleep in fits and starts, usually waking every couple of hours.
A new baby needs feeding frequently day and night because her tummy isn’t big enough to hold much milk. This means that for a while, it will be difficult to get more than mere snatches of sleep at a time. But don’t despair. Within a matter of weeks, things will begin to change.
Starting a bedtime routine
There’s unlikely to be much of a pattern to your baby’s sleeping and feeding to begin with, making it difficult to get into a routine. But by eight weeks, her stomach will be able to hold more milk and as her biological clock starts to attune to a day and night pattern, she’ll gradually begin to be more alert during the day and sleep for longer periods at night.
You can speed up this process by helping her differentiate between day and night sleep. Even at this tender age, a consistent bedtime routine, for example, bath, song, last feed in a darkened room, can go a long way towards establishing long-term healthy sleep patterns.
How to make sure you get some sleep too
Remember your baby’s frequent waking pattern doesn’t last forever. But in the meantime, the key to surviving this phase is to look after yourself so that you are fit and able to care for her. Here’s how.
• Accept all offers of help
• Try to sleep when your baby does. Even a 10-minute nap can take the sting out of your tiredness
• Ignore the housework. Don’t waste time making the bed when you could be lying in it
• Whenever possible, ask someone close to you to look after your baby to give you a chance to catch up on some sleep or just relax in a bath
Common symptoms and quick fixes for sleep-deprived parents
Symptom: Feeling tearful and irritable
Quick fix Put your baby in a sling or pushchair and go for a brisk walk. Exercise increases your energy levels, and will help release endorphins, you body’s natural feel-good hormones
Symptom: Inability to function in the morning
Quick fix Dump the tea or coffee and pour yourself a fruit juice or smoothie. Caffeine gives a momentary boost, but you’ll soon come crashing back down and feel even more exhausted. Fruit will give you energy and the nutrients will help your immune system, which is particularly vulnerable when you’re sleep- deprived
Symptom: Rowing with your partner
Quick fix Talk about your feelings. Creating a breathing space for yourselves is essential, even if it means asking a friend or relative to watch over your baby for an hour or so
Symptom: Feeling shattered during the day
Quick fix Take a power shower to invigorate your circulation and help you feel refreshed
Symptom: Feeling like you’re falling asleep during the day
Quick fix Stop what you’re doing and take stock. A caffeinated drink may help but make sure you grab a nap when your baby’s next asleep
Symptom: Feeling angry and at the end of your tether
Quick fix Put your baby down in a safe place, leave the room and take time out to calm down. Don’t suffer in silence but talk to someone close to you, or contact your GP, midwife or health visitor, who can help you get support
Did you know?
It’s not unusual for new mums to survive on as little as two hours’ consecutive sleep in 24 hours.
Frequently asked question
Should I always go to my newborn when she cries at night?
Leaving your baby to cry it out is not advisable, particularly during the early weeks of life. She needs you to respond promptly. Crying is her way of telling you that she needs something, like a change or a feed. If these needs are met quickly, you both have a better chance of getting back to sleep before long.
Over to mum
‘I’d definitely advise getting blackout blinds. They helped me nap during the day, and helped Sadie to sleep for longer in the mornings.’
Nichole, 32, mum to Sadie, nine months
‘Don’t feel guilty about resting or napping during the day. My partner says it’s my “job” to rest whenever possible, rather than run around doing housework. And he’s right.’
Pia, mum to Fern, nine weeks
What you should expect from the first 24 hours
from Boots Parenting Club
You’ve done it and it was probably the most life-altering, amazing thing you’ll ever do. You’re likely to be elated and exhausted, tired and excited and a little bit in shock, despite the nine months of warning, and your baby’s first day will undoubtedly fly by. But what does it really feel like to be a new mum and what should you expect in the first minutes and hours?
Read on to find out about the first tests for your baby, how your body will change in those first 24 hours and what you’ll need to get home from hospital safely.
Your baby’s first test
The APGAR test will be carried out when your baby is one minute old and again at five minutes to check Appearance, Pulse, Grimace (her response to stimulation), Activity and Respiration. She will be given a mark out of 10, with between seven and 10 considered normal
• Your baby will be weighed and the circumference of her head measured. All data is entered onto her developmental chart, which your health visitor will give you as part of her Personal Child Health Record when your baby is about 10 days old
• Between four and 48 hours old, she will have a full newborn examination. This top-to-toe check up is done by a paediatrician or a midwife, who will check her heart, hips and eyes and, for boys, their testes too
Your body after giving birth
• The placenta
What about you? You may be given drugs to speed up the delivery of your placenta, which will happen five to 10 minutes after you’ve delivered your baby. If you’re delivering your placenta without drugs, it will take longer but the nurses will be there to help you and there are a few tricks to getting it to move, like squatting.
After this, your body will release the lining of the womb in a discharge called lochia. At first it's bright red blood, then it becomes brownish and, finally, a yellowish white colour. This will continue for anything between two and six weeks, so make sure you have a good supply of maternity pads. The more you rest, the lighter the lochia will be.
• If you’ve had stitches
Any minor grazes and tears to the neck of the womb, the vagina and the perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) usually heal quite quickly on their own. Recovering from an episiotomy (a surgical cut in the perineum) may take longer, and the stitches may be a bit painful for a few days or weeks. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to pass a stool in the first 24 hours, so don’t worry that you might be constipated. If nothing’s happened by day three, speak to your health visitor about what to do.
• After a Caesarean
If you’ve had a Caesarean, you may have needed a general anaesthetic, and not been conscious during the birth. Some mums feel very disappointed about this but organizing a birthing review with your carers and talking about what happened and why can help you come to terms with this.
There’s no getting around the fact that a Caesarean is major abdominal surgery and you will experience pain afterwards. You’ll be given pain-killing drugs and be encouraged to walk from six hours after the operation, to make sure your circulation is okay. You’ll have to stay in hospital for at least three days and take it easy for six to eight weeks.
Tackling breastfeeding
If you’re well enough, and want to breastfeed, you will be asked to try within the first hour. Don’t worry, you will be given plenty of support and advice in hospital to help you get the right position and latch.
You may feel ‘after pains’ as your uterus contracts – they’re not as strong as contractions and often happen while you are breastfeeding. After delivery your breasts will be soft, as they only contain a little colostrum (the nutritious golden fluid that nourishes your newborn baby). Mums who suckle their babies shortly after birth have a greater chance of successful breastfeeding long-term.
If you’ve had a Caesarean, lying on your side and getting someone else to help hold your baby can make breastfeeding easier for you.
Taking your new baby home
If you're going home by car, don’t forget that you’ll need a special baby car seat as the law requires it. The seat will need to be facing the rear of the car and baby should be wrapped up warmly for the journey home, so make sure you pack a blanket for her in your hospital bag as well as her going home outfit.
Did you know?
Research in Sweden suggests that contact between mother and child shouldn’t be interrupted during the first hour after birth or until the first breast-feed has been given.
Frequently asked questions
I gave birth to my baby naturally, but am worried that I might experience some kind of complications when I get home. What should I look out for?
There’s a slim chance that you might need medical help after you get home. See a doctor immediately or call 999, if you experience sudden or heavy blood loss, severe or persistent headache, raised blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest or calf pain or a high temperature (over 38oC).
Over to mum
I was absolutely ravenous after the birth, and insipid hospital food didn't fill the void. I wish I'd asked friends to bring me a home-cooked meal instead of flowers and baby clothes.’
Sally, 40, mum to Alfie, aged three
‘The most unexpected event for me personally post-birth was the amount of blood loss in the first 24 hours. When packing your hospital bag don't underestimate the amount of underwear (old and comfy) and maternity pads you’ll need.’
Jo, 35, mum to Annie, aged two, and Ewan, four
Dont forget to kit your new baby out in some funky cool gear from Cheeky Funky
You’ve done it and it was probably the most life-altering, amazing thing you’ll ever do. You’re likely to be elated and exhausted, tired and excited and a little bit in shock, despite the nine months of warning, and your baby’s first day will undoubtedly fly by. But what does it really feel like to be a new mum and what should you expect in the first minutes and hours?
Read on to find out about the first tests for your baby, how your body will change in those first 24 hours and what you’ll need to get home from hospital safely.
Your baby’s first test
The APGAR test will be carried out when your baby is one minute old and again at five minutes to check Appearance, Pulse, Grimace (her response to stimulation), Activity and Respiration. She will be given a mark out of 10, with between seven and 10 considered normal
• Your baby will be weighed and the circumference of her head measured. All data is entered onto her developmental chart, which your health visitor will give you as part of her Personal Child Health Record when your baby is about 10 days old
• Between four and 48 hours old, she will have a full newborn examination. This top-to-toe check up is done by a paediatrician or a midwife, who will check her heart, hips and eyes and, for boys, their testes too
Your body after giving birth
• The placenta
What about you? You may be given drugs to speed up the delivery of your placenta, which will happen five to 10 minutes after you’ve delivered your baby. If you’re delivering your placenta without drugs, it will take longer but the nurses will be there to help you and there are a few tricks to getting it to move, like squatting.
After this, your body will release the lining of the womb in a discharge called lochia. At first it's bright red blood, then it becomes brownish and, finally, a yellowish white colour. This will continue for anything between two and six weeks, so make sure you have a good supply of maternity pads. The more you rest, the lighter the lochia will be.
• If you’ve had stitches
Any minor grazes and tears to the neck of the womb, the vagina and the perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) usually heal quite quickly on their own. Recovering from an episiotomy (a surgical cut in the perineum) may take longer, and the stitches may be a bit painful for a few days or weeks. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to pass a stool in the first 24 hours, so don’t worry that you might be constipated. If nothing’s happened by day three, speak to your health visitor about what to do.
• After a Caesarean
If you’ve had a Caesarean, you may have needed a general anaesthetic, and not been conscious during the birth. Some mums feel very disappointed about this but organizing a birthing review with your carers and talking about what happened and why can help you come to terms with this.
There’s no getting around the fact that a Caesarean is major abdominal surgery and you will experience pain afterwards. You’ll be given pain-killing drugs and be encouraged to walk from six hours after the operation, to make sure your circulation is okay. You’ll have to stay in hospital for at least three days and take it easy for six to eight weeks.
Tackling breastfeeding
If you’re well enough, and want to breastfeed, you will be asked to try within the first hour. Don’t worry, you will be given plenty of support and advice in hospital to help you get the right position and latch.
You may feel ‘after pains’ as your uterus contracts – they’re not as strong as contractions and often happen while you are breastfeeding. After delivery your breasts will be soft, as they only contain a little colostrum (the nutritious golden fluid that nourishes your newborn baby). Mums who suckle their babies shortly after birth have a greater chance of successful breastfeeding long-term.
If you’ve had a Caesarean, lying on your side and getting someone else to help hold your baby can make breastfeeding easier for you.
Taking your new baby home
If you're going home by car, don’t forget that you’ll need a special baby car seat as the law requires it. The seat will need to be facing the rear of the car and baby should be wrapped up warmly for the journey home, so make sure you pack a blanket for her in your hospital bag as well as her going home outfit.
Did you know?
Research in Sweden suggests that contact between mother and child shouldn’t be interrupted during the first hour after birth or until the first breast-feed has been given.
Frequently asked questions
I gave birth to my baby naturally, but am worried that I might experience some kind of complications when I get home. What should I look out for?
There’s a slim chance that you might need medical help after you get home. See a doctor immediately or call 999, if you experience sudden or heavy blood loss, severe or persistent headache, raised blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest or calf pain or a high temperature (over 38oC).
Over to mum
I was absolutely ravenous after the birth, and insipid hospital food didn't fill the void. I wish I'd asked friends to bring me a home-cooked meal instead of flowers and baby clothes.’
Sally, 40, mum to Alfie, aged three
‘The most unexpected event for me personally post-birth was the amount of blood loss in the first 24 hours. When packing your hospital bag don't underestimate the amount of underwear (old and comfy) and maternity pads you’ll need.’
Jo, 35, mum to Annie, aged two, and Ewan, four
Dont forget to kit your new baby out in some funky cool gear from Cheeky Funky
Monday, 15 June 2009
What does a baby really need in the first weeks at home?
Heather Corley from about.com
The answer is - not much. This baby needs checklist will help you choose the basic baby items, often called a layette, that a baby needs to have in the first precious weeks of life.
Baby Needs: Clothing and Layette
5-10 Onesies® or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry
5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns
1 cold weather sleeper if necessary
5-7 pairs of baby socks
1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate
Baby Needs: Diapers and Bath Items
2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.
1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes
Waterproof pad for diaper changes
3-5 baby washcloths
1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.
1 bottle of gentle baby wash
Baby nail clippers
Digital thermometer
Baby Needs: Bedding and Feeding
3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, cosleeping bassinet or traditional bassinet
5-7 lightweight blankets
1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate
10 burp cloths
5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding
Breastfeeding pillow, if desired
That's it! While there are many baby products on the market that make a parent's life easier, most are wants, not needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the shelf, remember, your baby will be just as happy with the basic items that he or she really needs.
The answer is - not much. This baby needs checklist will help you choose the basic baby items, often called a layette, that a baby needs to have in the first precious weeks of life.
Baby Needs: Clothing and Layette
5-10 Onesies® or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry
5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns
1 cold weather sleeper if necessary
5-7 pairs of baby socks
1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate
Baby Needs: Diapers and Bath Items
2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.
1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes
Waterproof pad for diaper changes
3-5 baby washcloths
1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.
1 bottle of gentle baby wash
Baby nail clippers
Digital thermometer
Baby Needs: Bedding and Feeding
3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, cosleeping bassinet or traditional bassinet
5-7 lightweight blankets
1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate
10 burp cloths
5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding
Breastfeeding pillow, if desired
That's it! While there are many baby products on the market that make a parent's life easier, most are wants, not needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the shelf, remember, your baby will be just as happy with the basic items that he or she really needs.
10 Father’s day ideas on a teeny weensy budget
by babeecard
With Fathers' day just around the corner, why not show him just how much you care by investing a little time to make his day extra special. Below are some ideas to celebrate daddy’s everywhere.
1. Put a CD together of your dads favourite music
Buy some blank CD’s and make a drive time compilation album of all his old favourites. You can design your own CD cover and then print it out.
2. Wash his car
Cleaning the car needn’t clean out your purse. Have a look at this homemade car cleaning page for a cheap alternative to expensive cleaning products. A squeaky clean car inside and out is enough to bring a smile to any man’s face. So round up the kids and get your rubber gloves on and make his day.
3. Make a money box for his dream fund
We all have dreams and why should your ‘dad’ be any different. Sometimes we dismiss our dreams as unachievable due to a number of reasons, lack of finances usually being the main one. So why not kick start his dream fund and make him a money box to get him started or open up an account that you put a little into each month, even £5 a month will get him on his way to ticking of one of his dreams, be it a power tool or a big ticket item.
4. Write him a thank you letter
Many years ago I wrote my mum, dad and two brothers a letter explaining to them just how much they meant to me. They cherished that letter and it brought tears to their eyes. Sometimes it is hard to say the words you feel to those you love so spending time to write your a gratitude letter will be something he can keep forever and read over and over again.
5. Make a coupon book
Why not make a homemade coupon book entitling your ‘dad’ to a free hug, car wash, breakfast in bed, a lie in etc. You can let him redeem 2 or 3 a week until he runs out. Everyone loves a hug and they don’t cost a penny!
6. Make him a hand painted t-shirt
Why not make a t-shirt with your children’s handprints or footprints on? It’s very simple and your kids will love creating something unique plus they’ll get to get their hands covered in paint. If you sign and date the shirt you can keep tabs on just how much your little ones grow. All you need is a cotton t-shirt and some fabric paint.
7. Make a hamper of all his favourite junk food.
Most men have some favourites on TV, my husband’s is cricket and rugby and my fathers’ is back to back episodes of the Sopranos or Deadwood. Why not get a wicker hamper and fill it with all their favourite junk food and drinks, so they can tuck in and be ready for the next mammoth session of sport or DVD’s.
8. Framed photograph
Pick out your favourite photo of you with your dad or your children with your husband and get it blown up and frame. If you are feeling really adventurous, why not decorate the frame so there is only 1 in the world like it.
9. Make him a D-A-D cake
Pitch together and make him a cake with your fair hands. There are loads of cakes you could make, chocolate is always a family favourite and a good excuse to indulge. There are some great recipes on the net and I have listed some below under further info.
10. Give him a hug in a box
Make your special dad a box with a hug inside, you can attach or write this beautiful poem onto it as the box is intended never to be opened. Why not decorate the box with photographs like a collage and then tie a pretty ribbon around it.
This is a very special gift
That you can never see
The reason it's so special is
It's just for you from me.
Whenever you are lonely
Or are ever feeling blue
You only have to hold this gift
And know I'm hugging you.
You never can unwrap it
Please leave the ribbon tied
Just hold the box close to your heart
It's filled with hugs inside.
Further info
for fun / personalised cards: Moonpig
free card templates: Activity Village
How to make a money box
for cheap photo prints: Photbox : Snapfish
fabric paints: Kidscraft : Crafts4kids
White T-shirts: ASDA
Cake recipes: Family Fun
If you have a BaBeeCard then why not use it to save on some goodies with the following offers below:
15% discount at Moss Suits and Moss Hire
15% discount at I Want One of Those (until 19th June)
15% discount at Viva Box
15% discount at Thorntons
10% discount at Comet
10% discount at realale.com
10% discount at mankindonline.com
10% discount at Halfords
8% discount at Topman
for more on the fab babee card for savings and more see Babee Card
With Fathers' day just around the corner, why not show him just how much you care by investing a little time to make his day extra special. Below are some ideas to celebrate daddy’s everywhere.
1. Put a CD together of your dads favourite music
Buy some blank CD’s and make a drive time compilation album of all his old favourites. You can design your own CD cover and then print it out.
2. Wash his car
Cleaning the car needn’t clean out your purse. Have a look at this homemade car cleaning page for a cheap alternative to expensive cleaning products. A squeaky clean car inside and out is enough to bring a smile to any man’s face. So round up the kids and get your rubber gloves on and make his day.
3. Make a money box for his dream fund
We all have dreams and why should your ‘dad’ be any different. Sometimes we dismiss our dreams as unachievable due to a number of reasons, lack of finances usually being the main one. So why not kick start his dream fund and make him a money box to get him started or open up an account that you put a little into each month, even £5 a month will get him on his way to ticking of one of his dreams, be it a power tool or a big ticket item.
4. Write him a thank you letter
Many years ago I wrote my mum, dad and two brothers a letter explaining to them just how much they meant to me. They cherished that letter and it brought tears to their eyes. Sometimes it is hard to say the words you feel to those you love so spending time to write your a gratitude letter will be something he can keep forever and read over and over again.
5. Make a coupon book
Why not make a homemade coupon book entitling your ‘dad’ to a free hug, car wash, breakfast in bed, a lie in etc. You can let him redeem 2 or 3 a week until he runs out. Everyone loves a hug and they don’t cost a penny!
6. Make him a hand painted t-shirt
Why not make a t-shirt with your children’s handprints or footprints on? It’s very simple and your kids will love creating something unique plus they’ll get to get their hands covered in paint. If you sign and date the shirt you can keep tabs on just how much your little ones grow. All you need is a cotton t-shirt and some fabric paint.
7. Make a hamper of all his favourite junk food.
Most men have some favourites on TV, my husband’s is cricket and rugby and my fathers’ is back to back episodes of the Sopranos or Deadwood. Why not get a wicker hamper and fill it with all their favourite junk food and drinks, so they can tuck in and be ready for the next mammoth session of sport or DVD’s.
8. Framed photograph
Pick out your favourite photo of you with your dad or your children with your husband and get it blown up and frame. If you are feeling really adventurous, why not decorate the frame so there is only 1 in the world like it.
9. Make him a D-A-D cake
Pitch together and make him a cake with your fair hands. There are loads of cakes you could make, chocolate is always a family favourite and a good excuse to indulge. There are some great recipes on the net and I have listed some below under further info.
10. Give him a hug in a box
Make your special dad a box with a hug inside, you can attach or write this beautiful poem onto it as the box is intended never to be opened. Why not decorate the box with photographs like a collage and then tie a pretty ribbon around it.
This is a very special gift
That you can never see
The reason it's so special is
It's just for you from me.
Whenever you are lonely
Or are ever feeling blue
You only have to hold this gift
And know I'm hugging you.
You never can unwrap it
Please leave the ribbon tied
Just hold the box close to your heart
It's filled with hugs inside.
Further info
for fun / personalised cards: Moonpig
free card templates: Activity Village
How to make a money box
for cheap photo prints: Photbox : Snapfish
fabric paints: Kidscraft : Crafts4kids
White T-shirts: ASDA
Cake recipes: Family Fun
If you have a BaBeeCard then why not use it to save on some goodies with the following offers below:
15% discount at Moss Suits and Moss Hire
15% discount at I Want One of Those (until 19th June)
15% discount at Viva Box
15% discount at Thorntons
10% discount at Comet
10% discount at realale.com
10% discount at mankindonline.com
10% discount at Halfords
8% discount at Topman
for more on the fab babee card for savings and more see Babee Card
Thursday, 4 June 2009
cool cool cool blogs we must tell you about
Simple Finds...Finding cool things just got {simple}
they love to surf the web looking for those cool things that nobody has. But there's more to Simple Finds than just cool products, they love to hear about new places, sites & pretty much anything that will make life a little more {simple}.
http://www.simple-finds.com/
The weblog for new dads - brillaint blog for the new and rather baffled dad. All super cool and very much male brain orientated.
http://daddytypes.com/
A few mums that track down cool stuff so you can stay busy being fabulous. They know cool stuff doesn't make the mum, but it certainly helps make life a little better.
With a soft spot for non-mainstream products and services, particularly those from indie or emerging designers and mom/women-run companies. They will feature anything that they think is cool, really. Head on over here to see more about the kinds of things we like.
http://www.coolmompicks.com/about.php
Bambino Goodies - cool news for 0 - 4 years
Go check this website out - it is totally the bible for kids fashion, accessories and interior 0-4 years old. Obviously Cheeky Funky has been featured and some other lush products can be found on there.
Bambino Goodies takes out all the legwork by doing the searching and bringing all of its finds together under one very cool, enthusiastic, roof. Published every weekday, the blog comprises of news, reviews, features, and trends. Think coolhunting and a shopping and lifestyle guide to the first four years of family life.
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