Category Archives: People

Free Virtual ‘weaning workshop’ how to stop your baby becoming a fussy eater

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Charlotte Stirling-Reed (the nutritionist on Joe Wicks’ weaning book), a leading expert in Infant and toddler nutrition will be running a free webinar on ‘Getting Started with Solids/Veg Led Weaning’ on December 8th at 8pm.

Stokke are going virtual with the iconic Tripp Trapp® for an exclusive talk on how to get started with solids and vegetable led weaning, with STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP TOUR @ HOME. The session will cover the basics when it comes to introducing your little one to solid food and will start with some of the science around feeding infants – what does the research say about the very first foods – and then go on to talk about introducing your baby to allergens (something lots of parents are anxious about), as well as how to move on to “family foods” and more composite meals. When: Stokke Zoom 8th December at 8pm.

Few things are more important than nutrition when it comes to raising your children so I will definitely be tuning in.

Tripp Trapp® chair Baby Set Soft Mint, Beech Wood, with Classic Cushion Honeycomb Happy

The iconic Tripp Trapp® highchair was launched in 1972 and has since sold more than 12 million worldwide. It is Mumsnet approved and super stylish.

 

Living with Alzheimer’s – Bob has Covid by Chris Suich

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The phone rang loudly punctuating the silence in the house. My stomach lurched wondering if this was the phone call where I would have to jump in the car to get to Bob as quickly as I could. A solemn voice softly spoken, ‘Duty to inform . . . Bob has tested positive.’ How awful. So he’d got it anyway and I never got to comfort him because of this threat.
It has been 252 days since I hugged my husband Bob. I have never felt such a mix of emotions. I have been rendered utterly powerless.  I have tried everything I can to have some contact.

At the beginning of this nightmare I stood in the street shouting up to the first floor window whilst two carers walked with him towards it. Then we progressed to bringing him downstairs to the Reception area where he sat in the wheelchair looking out at me through a closed window. Then I moved him to a care home that didn’t charge nearly a thousand pounds extra third party top-up fee which, as a part-time teacher, I couldn’t afford.

It was July. There was now a chance to see him outside for thirty mins under a canopy but strictly 2 metres apart – and definitely no touching. But then the carer was OK to touch him without PPE – but not me. I asked why ? I was living on my own, avoiding shops, summer holidays (so off work) but my hands were not deemed safe to hold my husband’s hands. He stretched out for them. He’d shout ‘Chris, Chris,’ and try to stand up in his wheelchair to get to me. I had to watch  from 2 metres  away, getting more and more upset. I begged for another visit at the weekend. Thirty minutes once a week was not enough. I was granted another visit at the window on a Sunday.

I read everything I could about the government guidance and wondered why things were not changing. Our son, Joe, a Covid doctor felt if I saw Bob outside in PPE (and as a frontline worker I was permitted a test which was always negative), I could mitigate the risk.  That wasn’t accepted either.

Meanwhile, Bob’s health and well-being was impacted. He became very sleepy. I’d visit at 11.10 am but he was often still in bed asleep.  I changed the time to 2.10 pm but he often was sleepy then. He wasn’t responsive, barely knew what was happening, and couldn’t focus on me or follow a conversation. He looked clean and tidy but his personality had gone. Bob had disappeared he was a shell of himself.

I wrote letters, several citing new guidance, the breaking of laws such as the Equality Act or Human Rights Act – the right to a family life. My local MP wrote to the regional manager and I wrote to Helen Whately, Minister for Social Care. I wrote to author, Nicci Gerrard after reading her article in the Observer one Sunday evening. She invited me to join a closed group, John’s Campaign set up in her father’s name. The carers on there became a great source of information, comfort and support. I was phoned up by the BBC’s Alison Holt who was doing a piece on how this nightmare had affected me personally. My name had been put forward, would I do a story? Yes,  I certainly would, and I had some film to show my trauma when Bob would scratch the window or shout for me to come in. The article was shown on the main BBC news at 6pm and the 10 o’clock news. Bob would have been so proud of myself and our son, Joe.

Over the past few weeks there seems to be a sea change and up and down the country managers are trying to include visitors safely, in sanitised rooms, pods, using Perspex screens or even plastic overalls. But the way forward for visitors is fragmented; it is pretty much up to the care home . The new guidance is exactly that, guidance. I rang Public Health England asking if they had sent information regarding visiting protocols to Bob’s home. No, not at the moment, they should follow government guidance. So I wrote to the regional manager myself to ask that. It was then that I found out there was a Covid outbreak.
How did that happen? No visitors still. So all that time, when I wanted to see Bob and hold his hands in the summer –  when the R rate was low and I was told I was a risk, it didn’t matter anyway because he was destined to get it from within the home. I know it spreads like wild fire. PPE protocols must be rigorous.
It is now a waiting game. Can Bob get over this? I hope so but I am worried, he is fragile, has impaired health already and respiratory illness.
Joe knows this disease, he has been on Covid wards since this it started. It might start mild but it can turn very quickly.
I have been told I can see my husband at end of life. What a shame.  We have lost so much time and all in vain.

INTRODUCING NORFOLK ARTIST AND PRINTMAKER, SUE WELFARE

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I‘m an artist, printmaker and writer living and working in West Norfolk. I’ve got no formal arts training and only began working full time as an artist in my very late 50’s after a career as a freelance writer.  I think one really helped the other – I’m used to being self-employed, self-starting and self-motivating, and I’ve always been very visual – when writing I could always see and hear what was happening to my characters, and I think that visual imagination has really helped me develop as an artist.

I live in a little market town in Norfolk and love the diverse nature of the Norfolk Countryside, its amazing unspoilt coast line and its wildlife – as some-one pointed out recently, I’m all about Birds, Boats and Beaches!

Before becoming a printmaker I tried lots of other arts and crafts. I’ve worked with mosaics, stained glass, wet felting, papercutting – all of that experience and experimentation was really worthwhile, helping to build up skills in composition, mark making, colour, handling tools, finding out about inks and blades and glue. And along the way I’ve also met some amazing people who have been prepared to show me, teach me and share their knowledge.

I now work primarily as a linocut printmaker, which for me is the perfect balance of art and craft. I love working out the composition and drawing the blocks, but then also love the carving and the technical challenge that comes with creating a print.

I also love, and have missed, going to fairs, workshops and exhibitions this year – I enjoy the village feel of events, and showing and explaining to people what I do –  while lockdown may have curtailed the trips and adventures I had planned it hasn’t stopped me enjoying the garden, walking the dogs or imagining trips to favourite places.

Those things have kept me going over the last few months and inspired lots of new work.

 

You can find me on Etsy:  www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SueWelfareArtist

 

 

 

 

Scooting back to school, a new way of life in COVID-19. Scootasoot Review

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Every now and then someone comes along with a very clever parenting hack. Scootasoot is said clever parenting invention. An all-in-one reflective scooting suit for children. It is waterproof and looks fab. Cleverly, the hood fits over a helmet. It has ears though, so it still looks fun. I could not love, nor recommend these fab suits more. They keep kids safe and dry on their way home or to the park, what more could you want?
Scootasoot, scooting, safe scooting, back to school Scootasoot, scooting, safe scooting, back to schoolIt could be said that some parents may be in a panic about getting their kids to school safely without the use of public transport during the new school term, following the British government’s travel guidance. 

Ensuring children get to school on time with a bicycle, scooter or walking may place fear in parents who want to keep their children snug, visible and comfortable as they travel. An all-in-one Scootasoot for your child may aid in keeping them warm and safe this Autumn. 

 A colourfully reflective waterproof suit to make little ones more visible in the darker winter months to come. Scootasoot keeps kids dry when the rain season kicks in, don’t worry about them overheating due to its breathable material. 

Perfect for scootering or other forms of outdoor activities with a hood that works to fit a helmet, which is necessary due to the dangers of head injuries from slipping on wet roads. Ear and tail accessories in three animals are a better way for children to choose a fun option for their suit instead of just colours. 

This animal outdoor suit was made for children that like to explore and imagine. Due to travel restrictions, why don’t you make the most of exploring your environment with them? Let kids feel the fresh air and play to wake and excite them before they arrive at school. 

The fit is snug for teeny weeny hands and feet, so rest assured no uniform will be destroyed in the school run. The beauty of having a magnetic opening can calm anxieties on practicality. It’s on and off within seconds, chucked into your child’s bag at the school gates and weighs less than your purse and keys!

Getting a Scootasoot gives parents some peace of mind knowing their children will be warm and safe following The Department of Transport’s guidelines “Where travel is necessary, consider whether children could walk, scooter or cycle, accompanied by a responsible adult or carer.” 

 Whilst this can be a necessity, why not consider that it betters a child’s development by ensuring they get some exercise before the school day. Dr Danae Lund from Sanford Health says “Kids that spend more time outdoors are more likely to be inventive, explore and learn about the world around them. It improves their communication and reduces stress levels.” 

Not only are children becoming happier, they’re expanding their minds before they even get to the classroom. And to put it frankly “This is England, there is good reason why we are all obsessed with the weather- we never know what we are going to get!” Quoted from the creator of Scootasoot, Lotty reinforces the importance of being prepared this Autumn. If you’re travelling with your children, it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

To find out more visit https://www.scootasoot.co.uk/basket/ or check out their social media handles @Scootasoot 

Scootasoots are available online in the UK with Worldwide shipping, RRP £24.99 

 

INTRODUCING CORNISH CUBIST, SIMON SMITH

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‘It is the desire to represent the world not as we see it, but the way it actually is’, is the driving force behind this Cornishman’s work. A native of Porthtowan on the wind swept Cornish granite coast, Simon Smith is essentially a modern day cubist. He’s a former Truro Schoolboy (the posh school) and a carries, amongst other qualifications, a degree in fine art – mentored by the great Welsh painter and printmaker David Carpanini.

After a successful career in business Simon essentially retired back home to Cornwall by buying and running a pub, and most importantly returning to his first love of art. “The iconic mining ruins of the heritage coast lend themselves perfectly to the painter,” he says, “with the endless sweeping sky and rolling ocean as the perfect partner”. His home and pub, in Porthtowan, are situated just a dozen miles up the coast from the iconic artist centre of St Ives and the hub of Cornish creativity.

 

But why cubism? “I love to draw and financially speaking I gain a steady little income from my pointillist drawings of local sea life and fauna but, as rewarding as they are to complete, they don’t push the limits. Cubism on the other hand gives me the opportunity to push my limits to the maximum and really work at representing the 4th dimension of time.” And time is clearly important to him in his work with one beautiful triptych showing the not only a cubist sea/cliff scape but also the changing seasons from Spring to Autumn.

So what next? “I’m exploring the classic Analytic Cubist phase of Braque and Picasso and love the limited palette. My musician friends are keen for portraits so watch this space….”

 

See more of Simon’s paintings at https://www.facebook.com/Porthtowanfinearts

 

Introducing Little Hoppa, the award-winning range for children.

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play table, reviews, parting, toys, review, little hoppa The Little Hoppa ® 3-in-1 is the ultimate baby toy and smartest investment you will ever make as a new par- ent. The adventures are endless!

Made completely from sustainable, non-toxic and planet-friendly materials, this multi-functional toy transforms from a wooden baby gym to a baby bounc- er, to a children’s activity table. It’s innovative design grows with your child, keeping them entertained from birth to 4 years.

Each stage is filled with new discoveries that spark the imagination, whilst developing dexterity and strength. Plus, it’s award-winning good looks mean you’ll never need to store it away.

The Little Hoppa story

It started with a list on a scrap of paper…..

A tired new Mum with a passion for interiors sat surrounded by plastic baby products that were functional but oh so lacking in style.

A tired new Mum searched high and low for products that were fun for her baby, kinder to the planet AND would complement the contemporary home she had so lovingly designed.

A tired new Mum could not find the products she so desperately wanted, and so, whilst feeding her new baby, on a scrap of paper she set about writing a list of all the things that she could only dare to dream existed.

And in that moment the Little Hoppa was born.

Designed by Mum of two and successful interior stylist Sofie Hepworth, the Little Hoppa addresses a serious gap in the children’s market for plastic alternative, multi-functional, children’s toys that are fun for kids, kinder to the planet AND stylish too!

https://bysofieofficial.com/product/little-hoppa-3-in-1

Looking For Things To Do in Lockdown? Little Cooks Co is here to help.

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little cooks, baking, baking with children. Some of the happiest memories of my childhood are of baking with my parents. We were taught to bake and cook at a young age. There are few things more bonding than baking with your children. A lack of time can make things hard I find. Enter Little Cooks Co, a subscription box recipe kit for children. Subscriptions boxes are huge now and this is one of the best.

The recipe is easy to make and there are activities in the box to do as well. I like how all of the ingredients are organic and everything is as healthy as possible. My kids loved making their rocky road. This a subscription box that will make lots of memories, and nothing is more important than that.

Little Cooks Co is a monthly subscription based recipe kit that’s posted through the letterbox, direct to kids, in a neat 100% recyclable box with compostable packaging. The box is packed with all the natural and healthy dry ingredients of that month’s delicious and nutritious recipe for kids to bake in the home.

So if you’re at home, or it’s a rainy summer day then Little Cooks Co is the perfect activity guaranteed to bring excitement to any child and parent / carer, promising to teach children to love cooking (an important life skill), the importance of healthy eating and to create happy family memories along the way.

Little Cooks Co Subscription

Month by month (cancel anytime) £12.99 incl postage

3 months (renews after 3 months, cancel anytime) £35.99 incl postage

6 months (renews after 6 months, cancel anytime) £59.99 incl postage

12 months (renews after 12 months, cancel anytime) £99.99 incl postage
 little cook subscriptions, baking, baking with children.

 

Kits come complete with all of the dry, organic ingredients perfectly measured to make each recipe and also include a small activity or craft for children to enjoy while making their yummy bake.

 

Each recipe is fun and easy to make and has been designed by a registered nutritionist, so is free from all refined sugar and processed ingredients.

little cook subscriptions

The recipes are designed to keep interest at heart, and take no longer than an hour to make from start to finish, so whether it’s Mum, Dad, Granny or Grandpa or favourite Uncle or Auntie – it’s a perfect monthly activity to break up a rainy day or simply to spend quality time with the little one you love.

 

Give and feel good

What’s more Little Cooks Co is a business with purpose. Every box bought pays for a vulnerable school child in the UK to receive a healthy breakfast through its partnership with the charity Magic Breakfast.

 

Little Cooks Co won an award for Children’s Gift of the Year 2019 by the Giftware Association and Best Kids Subscription Box 2019.

 

For more information visit www.littlecooksco.co.uk.

 

World’s First Breath Test Fertility Tracker Launches To Increase UK Pregnancy Rates

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New breath tests will be launching today, that can help to increase pregnancy rates with the world’s first fertility tracker breathe ilo, that uses breath analysis (CO2) to identify ovulation patterns.

fertility, infertility, baby, fertility tracking, breathe, ovulation, get pregnant, help,

With a study revealing that only 12.7% of women correctly estimate their ovulation day¹, breathe ilo is the easiest and most comfortable way to naturally track cycles with a small handheld device that is synced to an app. The technology reads the breath’s CO2 saturation to determine where a woman is in her cycle with incredible accuracy. The device uses real-time ovulation and historic symptom data to offer women precise day-to-day insights into their fertility forecast.

 

The new technology signals a shift so women no longer need to track their cycles by urinating on a stick or by measuring their temperature early in the morning. The innovative device works by simply breathing and displays the results in just 60 seconds, with no consumables or maintenance needed. Through consistent daily use, the breath analysis tracker empowers women to understand their body and cycle phases better.

 

The breathe ilo app, which is compatible with iOS and Android, features a calendar that displays a clear overview of fertile days and a cycle diary to learn more about individual cycle patterns. breathe ilo’s cycle diary also offers the possibility to document further cycle symptoms like breast tenderness, PMS, cervical mucus, or headaches to help prepare women for their next cycle.

 

Lisa Krapinger, breathe ilo’s spokesperson, says, “We believe that fertility and cycle tracking should not be a tiresome task. breathe ilo is designed to bring fertility tracking into the 21st century and the precise and uncomplicated nature of the device is the future of female health by using their breath.”

 

“Our mission is to not only make fertility tracking as easy as breathing, but we have a wider ambition to create a comfortable space where women can speak freely about trying to conceive and their menstrual cycles, along with all that is in between. With 640,370 women in England & Wales giving birth in 2019², we hope to make it easier and less stressful for those trying to conceive moving forward.”

Pia Haas’s story

 

After two years of trying for a baby, Pia Haas, 32, decided to take a chance on a new piece of tech to increase her likelihood of getting pregnant.

 

As part of a field study for the femtech start-up, Pia agreed to test out the device which claimed to be able to tell her when exactly it’s the right time to try conceive just by simply breathing. Three months later, Pia was stunned and delighted to find out that she was pregnant and became the first woman to give birth to a baby thanks to breathe ilo.

 

Pia, whose son Felix is now 10 months, says of her experience using the breathe ilo: “With breathe ilo my biggest wish came true. I think it is the easiest way of tracking your fertile days. It was less stress than peeing on sticks or measuring temperature. We are planning to use breathe ilo again in the near future to get a sibling for Felix.”

 

fertility, infertility, baby, fertility tracking, breathe, ovulation, get pregnant, help,

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Dr Horst Ruther’s story

 

  • Please can you share your own experience with trying to conceive and the difficulties you and your wife faced?

My wife and I’s wish to have a child was unsatisfied after more than 5 years of trying. The journey to parenthood was tough because it caused private pressure within our relationship as a couple, but over the years also external pressure from friends and family. The available methods to detect the most fertile days were not very user friendly or easy to use, and also quite unprecise. We even underwent some clinical treatment which only made us more frustrated and increased the pressure further. After several years,  Edith and I decided to go down the adoption route and were very grateful to be able to adopt our son Benjamin. To our surprise shortly after adopting Benjamin, Edith became pregnant and our son Bastian was born only 10 months after his brother Benjamin.

 

  • How did the idea behind breathe ilo manifest?

After having gone through a tough journey to become a father, I was super excited to learn about the research Prof. Wildt had done in the area of breath analysis to detect fertile days of women – particularly the great advantages of the method because it was much easier and more pleasant than any other method available. So I organised a meeting with Prof. Wildt and immediately knew that we were going to bring the innovation to the broad majority. While Prof. Wildt did show promising research results in the correlation of CO2 in breath and the female cycle with professional respiratory analysers at the clinic, he lacked the knowledge how to build an affordable respiratory analyser for women at home. But with my engineering background and 30 years’ experience leading successful development projects for blood gas analysers for diagnostic companies like Roche Diagnostics, we were able to collaborate to bring breathe ilo to life.

 

With the option to buy a device for £259.00 or rent for £29.90 a month, breathe ilo is available to purchase exclusively now at  www.breatheilo.com from September 16, 2020.