Category Archives: People

Shake and Match Shape Sorter from Hape Review

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Frost loves this colourful and fun shape sorter. Children will learn shapes as well as colours as they have fun. The shape sorter is wooden and well made. The shapes also double as rattles which give a great sound. The design is brilliant without any fuss. Unlike other shape sorters we have reviewed it is also tough and sturdy. So it will not just break after a few uses. A wonderful toy. Frost recommends.

The Shake and Match Shape Sorter from Hape is not just your average shape sorter. Inspiring building in a whole new, way each block has its very own unique sound. Doubling as a rattle, allow your little one to create their own distinct sound as they sort the shapes or just shake a block and ask your child to imitate the sounds you made with his or her own block. It’s the perfect way to allow the relationship between parent and child to blossom.

Each side of the wooden hexagon has fun to be had, watch them overcome the challenge of finding the correct slot to complete the sorter. Discovering new sounds, shapes and colours along the way with this multifunctional toy.

Thoughtfully designed to the highest of safety and quality standards, parents have peace of mind that they can trust in Hape. With a commitment to sustainability, Hape use only eco-friendly materials and water based paints to produce their much-loved and well respected toys.

The Hape Shake and Match Shape Sorter is available at Debenhams.com for £12.00 and is guaranteed to provide your little one with plenty of fun whilst developing a variety of vital skills needed for the years ahead, from hand-eye co-ordination, dexterity & shape and colour recognition.

The beautiful wooden design and enchanting pattern we’re so used to seeing from Hape is once again carried throughout the Shake and Match Shape Sorter good for both the child and the environment, Hape set themselves apart from others by the sturdy construction making it perfect for the rough and tumble of child’s play. While the use of bright bold colours are ideal for developing any little one’s shape and colour recognition, also helping hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity, whilst bringing joy to any young one 12M +.

 

The Business of Books: Fiction, Friends and New Beginnings – Choc Lit’s latest signing Carol Thomas takes over!

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I’d like to start this post by saying thank you to my fellow Chindi Author and friend Jane Cable for inviting me along to share the experience of getting my first publishing contract. She has left me to it, so I am titling this piece Fiction, Friends and New Beginnings and dedicating it to Jane.

This week, I have been delighted to announce that my next novel, currently titled Regret Me Not, will be published by Ruby Fiction – a new imprint of the award-winning independent publishers Choc Lit.

The deal came as a result of attending a Choc Lit live event and pitching to an editor in May 2017. I had never imagined pitching face to face, and probably never would have, had it not been for a conversation Jane and I had just weeks before.

Jane had read my debut novel, Crazy Over You, and said my writing style was well suited to Choc Lit. She told me (in a lovely polite Jane way) I should stop thinking about it and get on and submit to them. With her words in mind, I put my name down for a pitch slot. I then spent a week researching how to pitch, preparing what to say and generally panicking.

I needn’t have worried. Jane accompanied me to the event and shared a fortifying tea and cake before the pitch. The live event was great, and the authors were lovely, as I knew they would be. I have followed Choc Lit for several years and have enjoyed meeting the authors and building online relationships with them since the start of my writing journey. And Choc Lit editor, Lusana Taylor, quickly put my nerves to rest and got me chatting about my book and online presence. At the end of my session, Lusana requested I send my manuscript into the Choc Lit tasting panel (a panel of readers who give feedback before publishing decisions are made).

Three months later I got a call from Lyn Vernham, director of Choc Lit, who said they wanted to moveforward with publishing my book and that it would be one of the first books to be published under the new imprint, Ruby Fiction. I signed my contract a week later.

And so exciting times are ahead. I am told the title of my novel will change, and I await the first glimpse of the cover. All of which is new to me; as a previously self-published author, I have made my own decisions about titles and used my own illustrator for covers. I am keen to see how the publisher and the cover designer will interpret my book and I can’t wait to be able to share it.

I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my writing journey with Ruby Fiction – along with Angela Barton and Caroline James who have also recently been signed.

I know that as I begin promoting my book, I will have the support of the fantastic team of Choc Lit authors whose online response to Ruby Fiction has been warm and welcoming, the support of my new Ruby Fiction family and, of course, my fellow Chindi Authors by my side. Without Jane Cable’s friendly nudge in the right direction (that’s the polite way to put it), I might have missed this great opportunity. New beginnings are exciting, but even more so when you have good people by your side. Thank you Jane x

 

To follow Carol Thomas’ journey to publication visit:

www.carol-thomas.co.uk

http://facebook.com/carolthomasauthor

http://twitter.com/carol_thomas2

www.chindi-authors.co.uk

 

 

 

Hape Swimmer Teddy Wind-up Toy Review

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bath toy

Frost loves this adorable wind up bath toy. It is cute and makes children giggle and squeal in delight. A great little bath toy. It is easy to use, just wind it up and watch it go. It has fast become a favourite of the Frost toddler. 

With Swimmer Teddy Wind Up Toy watch the adorable little teddy do his thing as you wind him up and watch him go round and round for entertaining delight. Children can enjoy the magic as Mr Teddy performs his swimming tricks.

With Hape Little Splashers bath time will never be the same again!

All Hape products are created using non-toxic finishes, water based paints and only the highest quality child safe materials. So, while your child enjoys hours of fun, you have peace of mind knowing they are gaining essential skills for the years ahead.

Suitable for 12 months +, £12.89 from Amazon

 

Mindful Pregnancy & Birth: Nurturing Love and Awareness By Riga Forbes

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mindfulness, pregnancy

This is a great book which gives you the inspiration to go through your pregnancy and birth with a mindful approach. As well as advice it also has meditative exercises and insights. A great, helpful book for mothers-to-be. 

Focusing on the entire journey; from pregnancy through to early parenthood, this guide to living mindfully for expectant mothers helps prepare you for birth and improve your wellbeing with the ancient practice of mindfulness. When we talk about making something, it usually refers to creating, manipulating, or forming a material. In pregnancy, our bodies are wrapped up in doing all of these things at once, and on a grand scale. But in the act of making space in ourselves through mindfulness, none of these things apply. In Mindful Pregnancy & Birth we engage in an act of “not doing”. Of not changing, but of simply “being” in the experience of ourselves. Pregnancy is a phase in which to reconcile what has been, with what will become. It is a process, a time of change, and even more so for a first-time mother. It is a recognition of our dreams for the future being in transit, in gestation, in the making.

Mindful Pregnancy & Birth: Nurturing Love and Awareness By Riga Forbes is available here.

Coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum – mums speak out on severe morning sickness

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As news of the Duchess of Cambridge’s third pregnancy makes waves across the nation, we are reminded of the realities of morning sickness and its level of severity in some rare cases.  The UK’s leading support resource for mums to be Emma’s Diary, (verified by the RCGP – Royal College of General Practitioners), has spoken to several mums suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (which affects 1 in 100 pregnant women) about their experiences, in a series of candid interviews.

Around 80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness (and despite its misleading name, it doesn’t just happen in the morning).  For some, like the Duchess of Cambridge, extreme vomiting triggered by pregnancy can be severe, even life threatening for those diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). In a bid to share their stories and raise awareness of this less common condition, these mums have spoken out to warn others that if you believe you are suffering from extreme sickness, not to be fobbed off by suggestions that ‘it’s normal’, because it might not be the case:

Bella Drew from Norwich in Norfolk said:

“My baby is due in just over two weeks time. The moment I first found out I was expecting, my heart filled with excitement but that was soon to be diminished a week later.  My experience of so-called ‘morning sickness’ started at around three weeks, I couldn’t keep anything down but I was told that was normal.  As my suffering worsened I was put on medication which didn’t really help in my opinion.  I had lost around two and a half stone, had sustained haemorrhages within my eyes from the straining while being sick. 

I was being sick every 15 minutes throughout the day and night.  I was bedridden and eventually I gave up.  I couldn’t cope anymore and I was admitted to hospital diagnosed with HG. Despite all of the recent media attention the condition is still massively misunderstood. I wouldn’t wish this debilitating illness on anyone and we really need to spread more awareness of the impact and symptoms of HG.” 

Emma Eaton from Gosport in Hampshire said:

“I am pregnant and am currently suffering with HG; I was also hospitalised for two weeks in my last pregnancy having almost died from starvation and dehydration.  I have been in and out of hospital numerous times during my current pregnancy to have IV fluids and IV anti-emetics to help control the symptoms. I have to take two different types of tablets to help prevent me from being sick as I have been physically passing out and collapsing – also knocking myself out in the process. I believe there needs to be much greater awareness of this life-threatening condition amongst pregnant women and those who are planning to have children.”

Gemma Edwards from Walsall in West Midlands said:

“I was diagnosed with HG with all three of my pregnancies which has left me with some long term health problems. I am losing my teeth due to the impact of the stomach acid because I was vomiting anything from 20 to 50 times a day. I was also hospitalised for weeks on end with ketoneuria (ketones in my urine – a sign of dehydration) and my veins kept collapsing, this condition made me very ill and my kidneys went into pre-failure meaning my life was at risk and also that of my children.  This is a very serious condition and more awareness of the long term health risks it poses is much needed.”

Many women who are diagnosed with HG say they can’t keep anything down. They can also lose a lot of weight and fluids and sometimes have to be admitted to hospital for re-hydration treatment as well as require antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting.  In terms of adverse effects on the baby, experts say there are usually very few unless weight gain continues to be poor during the second half of pregnancy; or indeed the symptoms are more severe over a sustained period of time.

Sufferers of HG reported:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Depressed mood
  • Tooth loss
  • Kidney failure
  • Severe dehydration (with ketones present in urine)
  • Disturbed salts in the blood
  • Eye haemorrhages
  • Long term health issues

Dr Shauna Fannin FRCGP, Chair of the Editorial Board at Emma’s Diary said: “Every pregnancy is different and whilst pregnancy sickness is extremely common, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) only affects 1% of pregnant women and is a condition at the extreme end of the pregnancy sickness scale. HG sufferers will vomit frequently and can become dehydrated very quickly so it is very important to seek urgent medical advice.”

Faye Mingo, mum of two and Marketing Director at Emma’s Diary said: “It’s really brave for these women to speak out and share their experiences with others.  What is apparent is a desire to build greater awareness on the topic of HG and to dispel any myths about what is considered to be ‘normal’, the message from most of the mums we spoke to is to trust your instincts and to keep pushing for medical support if you believe you or your pregnancy might be at risk.”

 

The Business of Books: Blending Fact and Fiction – Jane Cable meets GP turned author Carol Cooper

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1) How much of your working life does the business of books take up?

About half my working hours are now taken up with book-related activities. It’s not all writing, as there’s social media, marketing, research, and the rest.

The other half of the time, I teach medical students, do some journalism, and fit in a spot of charity work. I’m involved with Tamba (Twins & Multiple Births Association), Lucy Air Ambulance for Children, and APEC (Action on Pre-Eclampsia). I have more time these days because I’m taking a sabbatical from seeing patients. After three decades as a family doctor, it’s lovely to have a break. Before that, writing had to be done during evenings and at weekends, but now my writing doesn’t just get the ‘tired me’.

 

2) What’s your business model to earn a living from writing?

Like most journalists who fell into writing books, I didn’t set out with a business model. My dozen or so non-fiction books bring in more income than my two novels. But journalism is still a more important revenue stream for me than books. Then there are activities like TV and radio appearances, and occasionally work for PR companies. I could earn more if I did more doctoring, but I enjoy the change of pace that I’ve allowed myself.

While I don’t normally spend much on book marketing, I did engage a publicist for my second novel, Hampstead Fever. That probably helped get it into bookstores. It certainly spared me a lot of time and footwork.

3) What do you write and what do you consider to be your major successes?

I’m now concentrating on fiction. My first two novels, One Night at the Jacaranda and Hampstead Fever, are contemporary tales about dating, relationships, and family life. Set in London, they feature multiple viewpoints. Think of the film Love, Actually, and you’ll have good idea of the structure.

My non-fiction books are mostly on child health and parenting, but there are also two textbooks on general practice, co-authored with medical colleagues. I’m not ruling out writing another health book, but publishing has changed, especially for non-fiction because there’s now so much web-based information.

My major successes include writing for The Sun newspaper for the last 18 years as the Sun Doctor. My role is to write fast authoritative copy as needed when a health story breaks. I know some people are sniffy about tabloid journalism, but it’s a real skill being able to get ideas across in just a few words, and I work alongside some of the best in the business.

I’m also proud of my book Twins & Multiple Births: the essential parenting guide from pregnancy to adulthood. The first edition came out 20 years ago and the title is still going strong. It was also very gratifying when General Practice at a Glance received a British Medical Association book award.

With my fiction, I was thrilled this year when WH Smith picked Hampstead Fever for a front-of-store promotion in their travel bookstores. There’s nothing like your novel being in airports and stations to make you feel you’ve arrived!

 

4) Tell me about your latest project

The novel I’m now working on is a new challenge. It’s set mainly in Egypt where I grew up. While story covers nearly 70 years, and there’s only one point of view, it is still mainly about relationships. It’s the book I want to write.

Carol Cooper is a doctor, journalist, and author who turned to fiction after writing a string of popular health books. She lives in North London and Cambridge, and has three grownup sons. Find out more about Carol here:

Blog Pills & Pillow-Talk

Website drcarolcooper.com

Twitter @DrCarolCooper

 

 

 

Pepe, The Sound Stacker Puppy From Hape – How Cute by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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 When I was asked to review this sweet wooden stacker toy, by Hape, I knew I needed help. So I called in the resident toy expert, Henry.

At fifteen months old, Henry has approximately fourteen months experience of testing toys to destruction, so I was confident in his assessment.

With true professionalism, he started with Pepe’s Overall Appearance. His smile and the way he dashed over to Pepe and pulled off his head awarded the toy a good score on the Appeal Scale.

Next – Functionality Test. Henry removed each of the brightly coloured rings of Pepe’s body from the central stick. He then tested whether the rings could be replaced – both in the correct order and in random order – they could. Henry then discovered that you could remove all the rings, turn the central stick upside down and push the stick into the rings as they lay on the floor. This gave him surprising pleasure. Thus Pepe passed the Versatility and Capacity for Non-standard Usage tests with flying colours.

Next, rings once more in place, I demonstrated to Henry that if Pepe’s head were pushed down, he made a cute barking noise. At this point Henry collapsed into laughter – yes Pepe passed the Amusing Surprise Feature test too.

Finally – the Destruction Test. With typical conscientiousness, Henry took each part of Pepe in turn and threw it with all his force on the floor, which made a pleasing noise, but there was no damage to Pepe, or the floor.

So, all in all, this is a very appealing toy. It encourages colour identification and balance skills, while developing play skills. Most important – Henry really liked it.

The Pepe Sound Stacker from Hape is just one of a whole new range of fun-loving characters in the exciting world of PEPE & Friends. Other toys in the range include an Activity Cube, a Musical Push Along, a Friendship Tower and Puzzle Blocks. Using a range of natural materials and only water-based paints, and avoiding harsh glues and plastics, Hape are the largest producers of wooden toys.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

 

 

No Rhyme Or Reason: Searcy’s At The Gherkin Plays Host To New Opus Art-Curated Exhibition…

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No Rhyme Or Reason: At Searcys, The Gherkin

11 September – 10 November 2017

An exhibition curated by Opus Art in collaboration with G X Gallery

Featuring works by Martin Foot, Eddie Hara, Claudia Meyer, Wu Mingzhong, Sheng Qi and Mitchell Schorr

At Searcys | The Gherkin

Visits by appointment only.

Imagery: Shane Finn at VOUZ! Photography

EDDIE HARA

THE THIRD PERSON

2005 Acrylic on Canvas

50 x 40 cm 19 3/4 x 15 3/4 in

WU MINGZHONG

HEY! SLOW DOWN, 2014

Silkscreen Print, Ed of 99

96.5 x 76.2 cm 38 x 30 in

Edition of 99

CLAUDIA MEYER

ACCORDANCE IV, 2015

Mixed Media on Acrylglas, LED

80 x 80 cm 31 1/2 x 31 1/2 in

CLAUDIA MEYER

CURSIVE, 2017

Stainless Steel, Acrylglas

180 x 180 cm 70 7/8 x 70 7/8 in

SHENG QI

WOMAN ON THE TREE, 2013

Watercolour on Paper

29.7 x 42 cm 11 3/4 x 16 1/2 in

SHENG QI

MOVE ALONG, 2014

Acrylic on Canvas

60 x 90 cm 23 5/8 x 35 3/8 in

SHENG QI

YELLOW UMBRELLA, 2014

Acrylic on Canvas

70 x 60 cm 27 1/2 x 23 5/8 in

MITCHELL SCHORR

VIRTUE, 2004

Oil on Canvas

51 x 61 cm 20 1/8 x 24 1/8 in

MITCHELL SCHORR

VICE, 2004

Oil on Canvas

41 x 61 cm 16 1/8 x 24 1/8 in

MARTIN FOOT

SOGNO DI PACE

Travertine Marble

47.7 x 16.5 cm (inc. base) 18 3/4 x 6 1/2 in (inc. base)

Private view – 12 September 2017

About Opus Art…

Nicole Barbezat is a professional art dealer and an avid art collector with a long life passion for art, based in London, offering private solutions to individual collectors and institutions seeking to build and manage their art portfolios.As an artist she has been drawing and painting since an early age, and has attended the Venice International Summer Academy for Fine Arts amongst other. Nicole was also actively involved with Sotheby’s Institute of Art.Over the years, Nicole has supported emerging artists, art foundations and charities that promote the arts.Nicole has also a strong background in Private Banking and Wealth Management having been active in this field for over 15 years. Today, she is fortunate to combine this invaluable financial experience and her passion for art enabling her to better serve and understand her clients, and find the subtle synergies between the beauty of art and the investment aspects of this alternative asset.

www.opusart.co.com

About G X Gallery…

GX Gallery (established 2001) is a leading contemporary art gallery in London. representing emerging and established artists. They have a regular programme of solo and group exhibitions and exhibit at art fairs throughout the year.

The gallery offers a wide range of services including advice on building your art collection, framing, installing artwork and delivery and shipment worldwide.

www.gxgallery.com

About Searcy’s at The Gherkin…

Based on the 39th and 40th floors of The Gherkin are the elegant cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of London. Whether you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, a restaurant with a view in London or a cocktail bar in the city, their restaurant and bar is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic food and drink.

Events

The top three floors of this iconic venue are available for private hire. Their events team can host stunning seated dinners for up to 140 or elegant standing receptions for up to 260. If you are organising a conference, a special family occasion, a private party or a corporate event, the two floors are a truly special space with an amazing view of London.

Weddings

This world renowned building is one of the most impressive wedding venues in London! The beautiful event space is located on the top two floors of the building, both of which are licenced to hold ceremonies, dinners for up to 140 people or 260 guests for cocktail receptions. The Searcy’s experienced events team will be on hand to tailor-make your special day. With breath-taking 360 degree views over London, this is a truly unique venue to say “I do”!

Searcy’s Private Members Club

Searcy’s Club at The Gherkin one of the most unique and exclusive Private Members Clubs in London. Membership allows you access to a club lounge, fine dining restaurant and elegant bar situated under the world renowned dome.  We pride ourselves in handpicking our members; to apply please get in touch where your application will be reviewed by our committee board.

Private Dining

The Gherkin private dining experience is both refined and secluded, offering a privileged perspective to impress your guests. From a special birthday, a business lunch or even an intimate wedding reception, enjoy their private dining rooms with a view of London.

www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk