Claire Tei

London based writer who loves music, fashion, food, design and beauty.

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EMBRACE THE GOOD LIFE AT THE CONRAN CLINIC

Come February there is often a panic that grows in your chest and a persistent internal voice that starts to berate your neglected personal training sessions, inconsistent beauty regime and desire for the food pyramid dark side. Relinquish your self-imposed guilt over forgotten resolutions with a relaxed stroll around our Chelsea store’s wellbeing pop-up, the Conran Clinic.

This tranquil treasure trove of positivity is bound to rebalance your mindset with a hunger for the healthy and nourishing inside and out. Discover our thoughtful curation of health and beauty products all designed to hit refresh from organic skincare to luxury bathroom accessories.

Kick-start your new wellbeing campaign with the serene spa area filled with a globetrotting menagerie of miracle-working wonders from France’s Compagnie de Provence, Switzerland’s Therme Vals and Brooklyn’s Pelle – whose jewel-like soaps look almost too good to lather up.

Gym and fitness equipment from Technogym offers to tone and shape your body in the comfort of your own home, so you can create a routine that works for you minus the drill sergeant chants of a personal trainer.  Plus, state-of-the-art Aedle headphones will keep you moving and motivated as the Technogym equipment tracks your every step.

Quench your thirst with cold-pressed juices from The Good Life Eatery designed to detox and nutrient-load or visit the rustic wooden Tea House – whose aromatic leaf blends from fair trade favouriteTakeawayporto will soothe the soul wherever you go.

A series of distorting fairground mirrors will stop the urge to smash through the treat-filled ‘In Case of Emergency Break Glass’ cabinets which add a playful touch to this health-conscious setting. Striking the perfect balance between your vices and virtues, this must-see destination promises to be fun, interactive and inspirational.

So what are you waiting for? Rejuvenation awaits at the Conran Clinic – open now until 31st March 2014 in The Blue Room at The Conran Shop, Chelsea, with elements also found at the Marylebone store and online.

Originally published at The Conran Shop/Talking Shop, February 2014

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Top 5 food trends for 2013

Check out my top five trends on the London restaurant and bar scene that have caught my attention over the past 12 months

 American invasion

Whether its burger joints Shake Shack and Five Guys battling it out in central London, American-style craft beers infiltrating pubs to knocking back a pickleback in notable Chelsea, Soho and Shoreditch bars – there’s something of a buzz about the United States of America.

Korean flavours 

Cooking has gone Gangnam style. Sizzling hotplates, chilli spice and all things nice. From street food masters Kimchi Cult in Camden to Korean-inspired toppings at Yum Bun, Korean cuisine is taking over faster than you can say Bibimbap!

Ice attack

No longer reserved for upscale bars now it seems that every establishment wants to amp up the drama by hacking chunks off ice blocks – the bigger the better. Bar Boulud add interest in the form of edible flowers, while Pollen Street Social pimp their ice by serving their Negroni with a gigantic Campari and blood orange ice ball.

Popcorn power

Big flavours transformed the cinema classic into this year’s go-to snack. New frontiers in gourmet popcorn included unusual flavours, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients and healthy options. Firm favourites include Joe & Seph's Gourmet Popcorn and Metcalfe's Skinny Topcorn.

Cooked chooks

British free-range is, of course, top choice with plenty of noise about provenance and a focus on approved ‘happy’ chicken. The Wishbone whirlwind shook up Brixton, while WingWing, Los Pollos and Chooks in Muswell Hill confirmed that bird was indeed this year’s word. 

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Helena Lucas wins Ladies Day Trophy at Cowes Week 2013

Paralympic gold medallist wins prestigious award from strong line-up of nominees

Helena Lucas' sheer determination, that has encouraged many other women to become involved in sailing, contributed to her being presented with the 2013 Ladies Day Trophy award yesterday. The MBE recipient, who was born with no thumbs and limited extension in her arms, made history claiming the 2.4mR Paralympic gold medal at last year's London Paralympic Games.

With this astonishing achievement Lucas became the first ever female winner of the male dominated Paralympic class and Britain's first ever Paralympic sailing gold medallist. Lucas is continuing on the road to Rio 2016 on a quest for her second gold medal. This week Lucas is sailing an SB20 with her coach Ian Barker - Olympic Silver Medallist in Sydney 2000 in the 49er class, and Vicky Rawlinson - former 420 youth world champion and Olympic 470 trialist. Of the many other nominations received for the trophy, four other sailors competing at Cowes Week 2013 were commended at the ceremony and collected runners-up prizes including professional ocean racing sailor Pip Hare, Cowes Week veteran Jan Ford, solo cross-channel challenger Natasha Lambert and expert yachtswoman Julie Hodder.

Originally published at Ybw.com, August 2013

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Virgin Atlantic Challenger II restored to its former glory

The boat that broke the record for the fastest Atlantic sea-crossing in 1986 takes to the seas again

The Virgin Atlantic Challenger II sailed into British waters for the first time in 16 years - and straight into Plymouth. Originally backed by Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, the iconic record-breaking boat has been restored by Plymouth boatyard owner Dan Stevens and his team after being found languishing in a Majorcan boatyard. It took two months to restore including work fettling its two 2,000HP engines, new paintwork and hydraulics, crucial for controlling the boat at its top speed of 45 knots, also requiring repair.  Mr Stevens, spotted the 72ft (22m) vessel for sale in Majorca for approximately £250,000 last year. Speaking to BBC News, Mr Stevens said: "Now it's as good as new. She has a nice feeling about her and she's more than capable of 45 knots." He declined to say how much the restoration cost, but he believes the boat is good for more record breaking. Mr Stevens plans to race her in the Cowes to Torquay race at the end of September and the round-Britain race in 2014.

Originally published at Yachtingworld.com, August 2013

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Princess Anne visits Cowes Week 2013

The Princess Royal added a regal touch to day three of Cowes Week 2013

As part of a two-day visit to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013, Princess Anne toured the Isle of Wight before visiting the sailing festival race HQ.

Her day started with a visit to Corf Scout Camping Site near Newport. During this time she viewed plans for its redevelopment as well as taking part in Scouting activities such as tent and fire building. 

Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, the Princess Royal finally arrived at Trinity Landing by launch at 1.10pm before making their way along The Parade to Regatta House - the nucleus of the eight-day sailing extravaganza.

Head of Next Generation Results - technical partner for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week - Andrew Rayner said the Princess Royal was particularly interested in finding out more about how the regatta is run.

Mr Rayner said: "She was keen to find out more about the live video streaming of the event on the website, and the ability of being able to deliver fast, accurate information to competitors, and to fans around the world, as soon as possible after the racing finishes."

Looking for up-to-the-minute Cowes Week 2013 news? Visit our Cowes Week 2013 blogs and tune in for live commentary from Cowes Week 2013 Radio.

Originally published at Yachtingworld.com, August 2013

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Review: Balthazar, Covent Garden

They say the original is often the best but New York City’s infamous Balthazar has opened its doors in Covent Garden and is set to impress.

Walking into the expansive room you’re greeted with an energetic rumble of noise and chatter reverberating around it. The décor evokes the beauty of the Big Apple: tarnished mirrors, mosaic tiled floors and leather-clad seating. 

Bread is certainly a big deal here, with a bustling bakery next door and amplitude bread basket, quickly bought to the table. The rye sourdough is excellent but don’t be fooled into filling up before the main event.

  Classic French brasserie and bistro dishes fill the menu. I couldn’t resist the macaroni cheese spiked with bacon lardons and topped with a molten layer of gruyere cheese. My partner opted for the duck shepherd’s pie; jam-packed with pull-apart breast meat swimming in rich sauce and finished with an earthy parsnip mash. Dessert was equally indulgent with a generously portioned crème brulee and oozy chocolate fondant.  

Balthazar perfectly filled my desire for a slice of New York glamour and Parisian cuisine in the heart of London. 

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Think outside the Toy Box

They say the old ones are often the best – and when it comes to playtime, traditional toys can have real benefits for your child 

Most parents will be familiar with the scenario: you spend hours researching the latest must-have toys and gadgets, frantically search on the high street to locate your top choice, spend ages beautifully wrapping said gift – only for your child to open it and spend the rest of the day playing with the box. 

Add to this the stress of undoing fiddly packaging and inserting the batteries before being subjected to 84 different varieties of headache-inducing sounds – and the joy of treating your little one to a thoughtful gift turns into a lot of noisy fuss. 

So it might be a relief to hear that there’s a new consumer trend away from the mass-produced toy world, which will not only soothe frazzled parents but have real educational and developmental benefits for your little one. 

The Slow Toy Movement was launched in 2011 by toy distributor Thierry Bourett, with the noble aim of increasing the popularity of traditional toys, such as building blocks, doll’s houses and rattles. The focus is on quality, tradition and creativity to inspire the child’s mind and encourage real play. 

“Toys don’t need to be over complicated,” says Dr Miriam Stoppard, who has developed a new range of baby and toddler developmental toys for Galt Toys. “We know babies and toddlers learn so much through play, and it’s great when they make their own discoveries – making something move, turning something over, putting something in a slot. It may be simple, but it’s all part of the learning process for a baby.” 

Freedom to learn 

The ethos is simple: children should never be in a race to talk or walk first. These milestones are not a competition, and their development should be left to occur at a natural pace. So, instead of filling playtime with highly stimulating modern gadgets which proclaim their various educational benefits, the emphasis is for your child to let his imagination run wild and set his own learning agenda. “For example, a rattle teaches a baby about cause and effect – the baby shakes the toy and it makes a noise. If you don’t shake it, it doesn’t make a noise,” explains Dr Miriam. “Even a simple jigsaw will help develop pre-reading skills, as your baby will be learning about shape recognition.” 

Psychological benefits 

The strength of this movement away from modern, hi-tech toys was highlighted when retailer Selfridges announced its first Slow Toy Awards in the lead-up to Christmas last year. A vigorous judging panel examined independent toy shops for unique concepts which were seen to encourage traditional play and boost creative thinking, inspiring the development of a child’s imagination. 

Lynne Crook, Selfridges’ buying manager for toys, says, “It’s exciting to be able to offer an alternative to the hype around the usual commercial toys – as fun, and as popular, as they are. Confidence in the quality and integrity of a product is incredibly important, especially when shopping for children. These products are beautifully crafted and carefully considered, and indicative of a very touching return to simple values.” 

Dr Amanda Gummer, psychologist and founder of play advice website Goodtoyguide.com, is also a firm believer in Slow Toys, thanks to the reduced pressure it put on parents to keep up with the trends, as well as the psychological benefits in the long-run. 

Strong and durable, made from traditional materials, the toys are built to stand the test of time. “Traditional toys tend to last longer as they are less ‘faddy’, therefore emotions and memories become associated with them. This helps ground a child and supports healthy emotional development,” says Dr Amanda. “Their flexible nature often makes them accessible to children from a wider range of backgrounds, ages and abilities, which can be an excellent way of promoting social development.” 

Inclusive play 

It seems the concept of ‘too much of a good thing’ isn’t a problem for toys in the slow lane. “Very few toys are ‘bad’ for children, but traditional toys can be especially beneficial when they facilitate inter-generational play,” explains Dr Amanda. “Most grandparents are more than happy to help a child with a jigsaw puzzle or a teddy bears’ picnic, but many feel uncomfortable engaging with some of the hi-tech games and toys that children have. Inter-generational play is good for attachment, development of identity and emotional development.” 

Of course, while traditional toys are often less structured and allow for more imaginative play, many hi-tech toys foster creativity and imagination, too. So don’t go giving away the all-singing, all-dancing doll that speaks in four languages, or multi-functional remote-control sports utility vehicle just yet. There’s plenty of room for both – it’s all about getting the right balance, and giving your little one the opportunity to slow down from time to time. 

Top Slow Toys 

Quality, tradition and creativity collide in these beautiful playthings 

HUGGABLE HERO 

A plush Oobicoo, £46.80 (oobicoo.com), is the same size as a 6-month-old baby, so it can be dressed in hand-me-down clothes. Plus, proceeds of each sale go to the Children’s Immunology Fund. 

ROLL THE DICE 

Let your child’s imagination run wild with Rory’s Story Cubes, £9.99 (storycubes.com). To play, simply roll the nine dice then make up a story connecting the images – the possibilities are endless! 

PLANET-FRIENDLY PLAYHOUSE 

Crafted from sustainable rubberwood, the Wonderworld Eco House, £112 (dkltoys.co.uk), teaches little ones about the environment. Best bit? For every tree used in manufacture, another two are planted in conjunction with Thai farmers. 

TEAR-RIFIC TOY 

Inspired by the delight of small children tearing wet wipes out of a packet, the Wondercube, £14.99 (mywondercube.co.uk), helps stimulate your baby 

and develops fine motor skills. 

COLOURFUL CLASSIC 

Bright and bold, this Triangular Activity Centre, £27.99 (bigjigstoys.co.uk), features painted abacus beads, a spinning alphabet and a blackboard for small hands to chalk all over. 

TEXTURAL TOY 

Go ethical with these sensory-rich Stacking Hoops, £40 (playtoz.co.uk). Little hands will love exploring each Fairtrade ring, which has been carefully sourced and holds a fascinating story. 

MODERN MIND-BOGGLERS 

Imaginative and educational, these Multi-solution Puzzles, £14.99 each (ganderkids.co. uk), encourage your child to problem solve and think creatively. 

HOMESPUN CHARM 

Handmade and humanitarian, these quirky Emma Levine Balinese Dolls, from £15 (emmalevine.net), are produced to raise funds for the island’s Group Home Orphanage. 

HARD KNOCK LIFE 

Designed to help with key child development milestones, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity, this Hammer and Pegs, £14.99 (galttoys. com), is a must-have for budding builders. 

Originally published in Practical Parenting & Pregnancy magazine, May 2013

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10 of the best lightweight buggies

Check out our reviews of the best streamlined strollers

3 things to consider when buying a lightweight buggy

1. Can you use it from birth?

Many lightweight buggies are only suitable from 6mths, as their seats don’t recline to a lie-flat position. There are options designed for use from birth, with fully reclining seats, or a detachable carrycot. 

2. How will you be using it?

If you want to use your lightweight buggy every day, it has to be sturdy. For a holiday, buy cheap – in case it gets lost or damaged – and light, because who needs heavy luggage? If it’s a spare for the grandparents’ house, go for a compact fold.

3. Where will you use it?

If you will be travelling across rough ground, pick a more expensive model with pneumatic (air-filled) tyres.

See our pick of the best...

Petite Star Bubble, £199.99

Age range Birth to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 5.8kg

Features One-hand reversible seat, three recline positions; adjustable footrest; umbrella fold and ability to fold in any seat unit setting; extra-light.

Verdict End the debate between forward- and parent-facing prams with this clever pushchair that uses a reversible umbrella fold so you can simply flip and go. 

Available from Petite Star. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Petite Star.

Silver Cross Pop, £130

Age range Birth to 4yrs (max 25kg)

Buggy weight 7.2kg

Features Multi-position seat recline; compact one-hand recline and fold; hood with UPF50+ sun protection and pull-out sun visor; puncture-free tyres and adjustable calf support. 

Verdict Practical and portable, this durable design is brilliant for getting out and about with your baby in comfort, style and safety. 

Available from Silver Cross. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Silver Cross Pop. 

Maclaren Triumph, £135

Age range 3mths to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 5.2kg 

Features Padded seat with multi-position strap recline; lockable front swivel wheels and linked brakes; five-point safety buckle; adjustable shoulder harness; one-hand fold; super-lightweight. 

Verdict The low weight makes negotiating public transport a breeze. The clip means you can lift with ease with no fear of unfolding. 

Available from Maclaren. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Maclaren Triumph.

Cosatto Supa, £180

Age range Birth to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 8kg

Features One-hand recline with four recline positions; adjustable handle height and calf support; compact umbrella fold with auto lock; lockable swivel wheels; chest pads, headhugger and raincover included. 

Verdict Perfect for urban families on the move, with generous storage capacity and a gadget multimedia pocket complete with speaker. But it’s heavier than most.

Available from Cosatto. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Cosatto Swift Lite Supa and Cosatto Yo!.

Mamas & Papas Trek, £79

Age range 6mths to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 5.9kg

Features Compact umbrella fold; locks in place when folded; multi-position backrest; five-point fixed safety harness; three harness height positions and foam grip handles for added comfort. 

Verdict A good-looking, lightweight buggy that collapses in a flash and stores easily. Surprisingly durable and perfect for families on a budget. 

Available from Mamas & Papas.

Read our full mum tested review of the Mamas & Papas Trek. 

Britax B-Agile 3, £229.99

Age range Birth to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 7.8kg

Features Multi-position seat recline; five-point safety harness; lockable swivel front wheels; built-in suspension; easy one-hand pull fold mechanism and detachable click and go adaptors. 

Verdict Great for parents frequently needing to fold and unfold their buggy in a hurry. Built to last, and will support a travel system. 

Available from Britax.

Read our full mum tested review of the Britax B-Agile. 

Graco Evo Mini, £179.99

Age range Birth to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 6.2kg

Features Super-compact one-hand fold; multi-position recline to lie-flat; auto locking frame and self-aligning front wheel; five-point harness and large shopping basket.

Verdict Offers fantastic manoeuvrability and agility – fitting into tight spaces and most car boots. The lie-flat recline is a bonus.  

Available from Mothercare.

Read our full mum tested review of the Graco Evo Mini. 

Babyzen YOYO, £309

Age range 6mths to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 5.8kg

Features Super-compact lightweight design (52x44x18cm when folded); four-wheel suspension; soft-drive system even on rough terrain; folds, unfolds and drives all one-handed; reclining backrest; removable and washable fabrics. 

Verdict This innovative stroller is a must-have for globetrotting families as it complies with cabin baggage size regulations, and comes with a shoulder strap. 

Available from Whitestep. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Babyzen YOYO. 

Bugaboo Bee, £439.05 (+£54.95 for Jazz Up canopy)

Age range Birth to 3yrs (max 17kg)

Buggy weight 8.5kg

Features One-piece foldable design; easy to carry and store; three-position recline and adjustable backrest; front wheels swivel 360 degrees for agility; five-point safety harness.

Verdict Fantastically stylish, but pricey, this celebrity favourite buggy is so easy to push you can do it one-handed. Plus, there are loads of features to make life easier.

Available from John Lewis.

Read our full mum tested review of the Bugaboo Bee.

Chicco Liteway, £99.99

Age range Birth to 3yrs (15kg)

Buggy weight 6.9kg

Features One-hand, five-position seat recline; ergonomic soft-grip handles; compact when folded; lockable, front swivel wheels. 

Verdict This simple-yet-sturdy buggy will last from birth until the toddler years. While you may want a lighter buggy for holidays, or a comfier one for newborns, you can’t beat this versatile design. 

Available from Babies R Us. 

Read our full mum tested review of the Chicco Lite Way.

Looking for more lightweight buggy ideas? Check out our 10 of the best lightweight buggies under 6kg, 10 of the best lightweight double buggies and more Lightweight buggies & stollers reviews!

Originally published at Madeformums.com, May 2013

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Family favourite Justin Fletcher launches new Justin's World apps

We chat to the children's entertainer about his new range of apps for preschoolers

Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble, introduces his new interactive apps

Parents will know him from his TV programme Something Special, while little ones will affectionately know him only as Mr Tumble, but children's entertainer Justin Fletcher is set to bring his on-screen energy and fun to a new range of interactive apps for preschool children. 

We chatted to Britain's best-loved children's entertainer about what parents can expect, the joys of storytelling and educational benefits...

Who are the Justin’s World apps suitable for?

The apps are aimed at a pre-school audience, but they can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys watching any of my shows on TV. We hope that parents will sit down with their children and play with the apps together.

What are some of your favourite features of the three apps?  

One of my favourite things about all three apps is the fact that we’ve been able to mix live action video with graphics and animation. You don’t see it very often in children’s apps and I think that it works very well.

Another highlight has been the chance to work again with Allan Johnston, the creator of Something Special. Prior to Something Special, Allan made education programmes for the BBC and this has proved invaluable, especially for Lettersounds which has been developed in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Primary National Curriculum.

Were there any parts that you particularly enjoyed making?

I’ve always enjoyed inventing and playing characters, so playing all the characters in the Goldilocks interactive story book was great fun!

How closely linked is Something Special, Mr Tumble and the Justin’s World app?

None of the apps feature any of my characters that are seen on CBeebies, but I think children will enjoy watching me play other well known characters from traditional stories and songs. In the Jigsongs app children have to complete a jigsaw puzzle featuring a scene from a popular nursery rhyme, so I’ve had the chance to play The Grand Old Duke of York and Old MacDonald as well as the entire cast of Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Mr Tumble and the Something Special TV series were created for kids with special needs. Is this the same case for the Justin’s World app?

No, the Justin’s World apps are for children of all learning abilities. All three apps are structured so that the child can progress at their own pace. In the case of Jigsongs we’ve created three different versions of each jigsaw so that children can choose the level of difficulty to suit them.

Why will the apps appeal to parents?

We’ve been carrying out extensive user testing and parents seem to like the balance of entertainment and education and the fact that there is a definite process and format to each app.  

Which features of the apps do you think will appeal most to children?

I think each app will have a different appeal. Goldilocks is a very engaging mix of storytelling, live action video and games; in Jigsongs there is the challenge of solving the jigsaw and the reward of a song. Lettersounds brings a great sense of achievement as the child takes their first steps in learning to read.

Tell us about some of the educational benefits of the apps...

Lettersounds has the most obvious educational benefit as it is a phonic based game that cleverly mirrors concepts within the Primary National Curriculum. It introduces initial letter sounds to children in a fun and simple yet imaginative way.  Goldilocks is also packed with educational content. As it's a story there are obviously age appropriate language and literacy elements, but there are also interactive moments that challenge and support counting, matching and sorting activities. What makes these apps really stand out and why I'm so proud of them is that they get children laughing, thinking and learning.

Justin’s World Goldilocks is released on 17th May, £2.99, Justin’s World Letter Sounds is released on 21st June,£1.49 and Justin’s World Jigsongs is released on 19th July, 69p, all available from Apple App Store. 

For more information visit Justin's World. 

Originally published at Madeformums.com, May 2013

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10 of the best eco-friendly baby buys

Go green with these great ideas that help the environment and your bank balance

TotsBots Cloth Nappies, from £8.99

Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away per day in the UK. Not only does this impact on the environment, it also adds a real strain on parent’s pockets. 

One of the UK’s leading reusable nappy brands TotsBots, are passionate about the importance of using reusable nappies and encourage parents to make the switch, as the bold, fun designs will make baby and the planet smile.

Available from TotsBots.

Skibz Organic Bibs, £10

Skibz Organic bibs not only look good they feel good too, as the organic range is made from 63% silky bamboo towelling. The cotton lining is super-absorbent and soft, offering protection from messy meals and dribbles. 

Plus, as bamboo is a completely sustainable source, this planet-friendly creation is perfect for your messy baby! 

Available from Skibz. 

TheBabaSling Organic, £44.99

TheBabaSling Organic is a great choice for parents who want an eco-friendly sling. Made from 100% organic cotton, little ones can be carried in five different ways from birth to around two years old.

Mum can breastfeed discreetly in the early stages and dad can enjoy some quality bonding time. The best bit? They've just released two brand new colours for 2013 – Pebble and Berry (pictured) so you’ll look super smart too!

Available from TheBabaSling. 

The Little Green Sheep Crib Mattress, from £145

Newborns should spend the majority of their time sleeping, so choosing the right mattress is a very important decision. The Little Green Sheep specialises in high-quality natural and organic baby mattresses that are entirely chemical-free and safe for babies. 

Free from fire-proofing chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, this completely organic wonder creates a firm-yet-comfy support for your baby.

Available from The Little Green Sheep. 

Oobicoo Soft Toy Tot, £34.90

Soft and huggable, Oobicoo stands at 60cm tall and makes an instant baby brother, sister or best friend to your little one. Designed to be dressed in hand-me-down-baby clothes, this simple idea encourages the reuse of outgrown baby clothes.

Beautifully crafted using recycled and recyclable materials, each Oobicoo sale raises money for the Children's Immunology Fund.

Available from Oobicoo. 

ABC Blocks, from £12.95

Say no to plastic, battery-operated, noisy and flashing toys and go green! Uncle Goose has carved out a niche as the world’s premier manufacturer of beautifully crafted, high-quality alphabet blocks. 

From the classic ABC block, to every language under the sun (including hieroglyphics!), these traditional toys offer keep-forever charm, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscience parents. 

Available from Uncle Goose. 

BecoPotty, £9.95

The BecoPotty is an eco-friendly potty that's made from waste plant material. It will last for years while it's in your home, but as soon as you pop it in your garden it will start to biodegrade.

Ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to use, the BecoPotty starts life as bamboo waste and rice husks, which are leftover materials from farming. This clever creation is not only kind on your baby, it's also kind to the environment.

Available from John Lewis. 

Cuddleduck, £5.99

Handmade in Spain using natural rubber, this cute duck contains no nasties for your little one, and is soft and squashy for tiny hands to hold. This bathtime buddy is also naturally antibacterial and anti mould. 

A quick squeeze and he will give a lovely satisfying squeak to delight your baby! Presented in a pretty organza bag, the Cuddleduck makes a lovely gift for newborns.

Available from Cuddledry. 

Baby Cow Organics Gift Set, £28

Made from ultra-gentle Meadowfoam Oil, a gentle and effective natural moisturiser, Cowshed's Baby Cow Organics range is specially formulated to pamper, protect and soothe baby's delicate skin and hair.  

Parents will love this Baby Cow Organics Gift Set for the natural benefits, while little ones will adore the soft Floyd the Sponge plaything. 

Available from Cowshed. 

Organic Eco-fi Babygrow, £8.50 each or 2 for £15

This new 100% organic cotton babygrow features a cute teddy appliqué design. These hand-appliqued designs are made using Eco-fi; a fantastic and innovative felt fabric made from recycled plastic bottles!

Eco-friendly and soft on your baby's skin, this snuggly sleepsuit is a must-have green buy!

Available from Notonthehighstreet.com. 

Looking for more eco-friendly ideas? Check out our Green parenting - how to raise an eco-baby,  Eco-friendly toys for your baby and toddler and Eco-friendly cots for babies!

Originally published at Madeformums.com, January 2013

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Sienna Miller and baby girl Marlowe hit New York City in style

Stylish mum trades in her Bugaboo Cameleon for an all-black Bee, but keeps the colourful Missoni blanket!

Actress and new mum Sienna Miller was seen out and about in New York City yesterday with her baby girl Marlowe, wrapped in a Bugaboo Missoni blanket.

The 31-year-old looked absolutely radiant, wearing a faux fur jacket, navy pants, leopard print ballet flats and red retro-style sunglasses.

The celebrity mum was spotted leaving the Rag & Bone boutique with baby Marlowe's daddy Tom Sturridge.

The trendy 7-month-old tot appears to have traded in her limited edition Missoni Bugaboo Cameleon for an all-black Bugaboo Bee, complete with hot pink footmuff, although she's kept hold of the colourful limited edition Missoni blanket! We suspect this mini trendsetter will be just as fashion conscious as her stylish mum. 

If you’re looking to update your maternity or post-baby style don’t miss our 10 of the best nautical maternity fashion, 10 of the best maternity party dresses and 10 of the best sportwear buys!

Originally published at Madeformums.com, February 2013

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Black is back

Japanese symbolism, bespoke designs and astrological patterns: behold the rise of the super pram. Where only a few years ago it was rare to spot the classic black pram on the streets, now black is back in vogue – with a stylish twist.

Right now, we are loving the chic black limited-edition Joolz Day Tokyo, £965, a super-sleek collaboration with illustrator Hiyoko Imai, complete with discreet Japanese embellishments.

Meanwhile, The Cybex by Lala Berlin range has looked to the skies for inspiration in the form of starry motifs, the perfect match for cool urban couples, while Concord’s handmade pushchair is fully customisable – from the lightweight frame to the unique serial number and engraved baby’s name. If you’re looking for design classics, read about the Junior Design Awards 2013 at www.juniormagazine.co.uk

Originally published in Junior magazine (Issue 163), March 2013

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Famous footsteps

Meet the superstar offspring who look set to emulate the success of their multi-talented parents…

Actor’s studio

Who? The Jolie-Pitt clan, Maddox, 11, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, six, and twins, Knox and Vivienne, four.

First taste of fame Vivienne is set to star as a young princess in forthcoming Maleficent, with Pax and Zahara also landing small roles.

Future success? With a brood to rival the Von Trapps, surely a remake of The Sound Of Music is on the cards?

Musical maestro

Who? Alicia Keys’ two-year-old son, Egypt.

First taste of fame Showing an early promise for playing piano and drums, this mini musical impresario plans to accompany his mother on her next tour.

Future success? Could Egypt live up to his exotic moniker and compose the score for a lavish theatrical production of Cleopatra?

Future fashionista

Who? Jennifer Lopez’s four-year-old daughter, Emme.

First taste of fame With a Gucci modelling campaign already under her belt, Emme was recently seen sporting Chanel at their catwalk show in Paris.

Future success? J-Lo has dabbled in perfumes, so maybe a fragrance with a nutty aroma to reflect Jennifer’s nickname for her twins: “They’re my coconuts. That comes from when they were little and started to grow hair, like coconuts.”

Originally published in Junior magazine (Issue 161), January 2013

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What’s so great about… Being bilingual?

There's something of a buzz about embracing a language other than your mother tongue. Actress Katie Holmes has reportedly signed up six-year-old daughter Suri to master Mandarin at the prestigious Avenues School in New York, while Gwyneth Paltrow recently revealed she only lets her children, Apple and Moses, watch television programmes in French or Spanish. And if you’re preparing to introduce your child to the wonders of a foreign language, why not do it with a bit of a flourish? These beautifully illustrated ABC Bilingual Flashcards (below), £20 from E-side, are made from recycled cardboard, each containing both English and French text – though we’re not sure how linguistically skilled you have to be to learn “orange”, and, er, “orange.” But while parents appear to be keen to encourage their offspring to dabble in different dialects, what about their own linguistic talents? According to a recent survey by Rosetta Stone, many parents say they want to learn a new language themselves so that they can be an inspiring role model for their potentially multilingual child. Plus, of course, it would be rather handy to be able to translate when your child is giving you a bit of cheeky backchat in their second language! For more ideas, visit www.juniormagazine.co.uk

Originally published in Junior magazine (Issue 160), December 2012

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Every parent wants to know... How to make your kite reach the heights

Mary Poppins has a lot to answer for. Who doesn’t love the feelgood finale of the classic movie, when Mr Banks’ grumpy exterior transforms to pure joy as he takes to the park, wonky kite in hand, for a jubilant bonding moment with his children? They make it all look so fun – and effortlessly easy! However, if you’ve ever seen would-be flyers wrestle with their kites in an attempt to get them airborne, only to see them crash down in an instant, you’ll soon realise the reality is not always quite so straightforward. 

The first thing to do is choose your kite. You can buy kites in lots of different shapes and designs, but the classic diamond is best for beginners (you can advance to a more whizzy multiple-string affair once you’re a little more proficient). Most kites are designed to fly in winds of between four and 20mph (that’s from a mild breeze to the sort of gusts that would turn your umbrella inside out). As kites are essentially wind deflectors, they work on the principle that the wind blows horizontally until it hits the angled surface of the kite wing and gets deflected downwards. The kite can’t move backwards because it is tethered to the line, so the force pushes the kite higher. At a certain point for a given wind speed, the vertical thrust balances the weight of the kite and it hovers. Et voilà. 

Like the good Banks, you need to find a nice location for your kite-flying endeavours: somewhere flat and grassy with enough space so you can run along a little, and away from trees. Positioning is also key. “Stand with your back to the wind and let the wind take the kite out of your hand,” says John Dobson, of the British Kite Flying Association. “If the wind is light, stand your kite on the ground facing the wind, walk backwards into the wind 10m or so, keeping the line taut, then pull sharply on the line to lift the kite.” 

The basic rule is to keep a tight hold of the line. And stick at it. When your kites is flouncing around the skies, eliciting gasps from passersby, it will feel worth it. If you’d rather watch from the sidelines, check out the 15th Streatham Common Annual Kite Day (www.streathamkiteday.org.uk) in London on April 7, or other events nationwide. For more ideas, visit www.juniormagazine.co.uk 

Originally published in Junior magazine (Issue 164), April 2013

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Superbrand Bugaboo announce new Pop Art collaboration

Andy Warhol print turns iconic pushchair into a work of art

In 1968 artist Andy Warhol declared: "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” 

So with the current obsession with celebrity culture and who’s pushing what in the must-have buggy world, it seems rather appropriate that the legendary king of pop culture is the latest collaboration with innovative stroller superbrand Bugaboo. 

The legendary artist’s iconic ‘Flowers’ and playful ‘Cars’ prints collide with Bugaboo’s breakthrough design to create an aesthetically striking collection of Warhol-inspired pushchair accessories. 

Luckily, you don’t need to be an art enthusiast to appreciate the functionality of these colour-pop sun canopies and parasols – they are just the thing for urban parents and stylish babies to enjoy sun-dappled summer days and beyond. 

The Flowers and Cars Collections include a tailored fabric set for the Bugaboo Cameleon3, £149.95, Bugaboo Donkey, £149.95, and a Bugaboo Sun Canopy for the Bugaboo BEE, £99.95 and Flowers parasol, £59.95. For more information visit Bugaboo. 

If you’re looking to indulge in a little pop art culture don’t miss Tate Modern’s exquisite Lichtenstein: A Retrospective exhibition and David Bowie is… at London’s V&A – the first international retrospective of his extraordinary career and the fastest-selling exhibition in the museum’s history. 

Originally published at Juniormagazine.co.uk, April 2013

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Gorgeous pic of Sienna Miller cuddling adorable baby daughter Marlowe

Actress shows how she is truly blossoming into motherhood

New mum Sienna Miller was photographed with her super-cute daughter Marlowe, in a candid shot taken by the actress’ best friend and former roommate, British model Poppy Delevingne (the older sister of Sienna's recent lip-locking buddy, Cara Delevingne at the Met Ball).

The bloomin’ lovely photo was simply captioned: "Mummy Marlowe Love @siennaprivate," by Poppy on Instagram.

The 31-year-old style icon looked as effortlessly chic as ever, her blonde tresses flowing beneath an elaborate floral headband that worked wonders with her deep pink lipstick.

Meanwhile, Marlowe showed off a big grin while wearing a cute red button-down sweater and rocking a “some-up, some-down” ponytail combo. This cute tot’s hairdo reminds us of Una Healy’s daughter Aoife Bell - what do you think? 

Sienna recently stunned on the 2013 British Academy Television Awards red carpet on Sunday in London, where she wore a robin's-egg-blue embroidered box-pleat dress by Matthew Williamson.

Judging by this pretty picture of the stylish mum and daughter, it looks like everything continues to come up roses for the actress in her new motherhood role. 

Originally published at Madeformums.com, May 2013