Food & Nutrition

BPA FREE BABY BOTTLES:

All babies should should be feeding from their mums, if they can, however if they do have a "plastic" bottle/cup for anything else, make sure its BPA free. This is a direct quote from the born free website" Today, more than 95% of baby bottles are produced from polycarbonate, made from a chemical known to disrupt the hormone system called Bisphenol - A (BPA). Research facilities globally have shown BPA's ability to readily leach from plastic. You can buy these products from Babies R US and the brand is "Born Free".

See Forum on "Members Reviews & Recommendations" for more information.

Play & Learning

CBBC's:

I find this programme and the supporting information on the BBC home page an excellent source of activities for adults to arrange for the children. Its also an excellent source of developmental information, so play can be both fun and informative.

See Forum on "Play & Learning" for full review.

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:

The littlest [grandchild - 23 months] loves the Duck in the Truck books (especially Fixit Duck) and he also loves the Hairy Maclary books by Lynley Dodd. He doesnt see much TV but has a passion for Bob the Builder. I have found that The Gruffalo goes down very well with most young children. I read aloud to them several times a day and all of them love a story whether made up or read. I used a firm called photobox to make individual storybooks for them using photos of them and their toys. Hope this is some help.

See Forum on "Play & Learning" for full review.

WOODEN RAILWAY SETS:

Brio or similar wooden railway sets are amazing toys for boys between 2 and 5. I have never known anything give such a level of enjoyment and concentration whether with the popular Thomas series or just trains and accessories. We have bought them for two very different little boys with similar results. Christmas?

See Forum on "Members Reviews & Recommendations".

At Home

FIRST AID COURSE IN NORFOLK:

I did a one day first aider training course... It covered the role of the first aider, starting with the critical path that you follow in order to help the casualty. First aid kits, what to have in them for home, car, boat etc... This course was a great combination of practical and theory. Wayne Challiner ... runs course throughout the north norfolk area for companies and groups of individuals. Phone Wayne 07772000532.

See Forum on "Adult Education" for full review.

GRANDCHILDREN SLEEPING OVER:

I bought a 'chairbed' from John Lewis for my grandson to sleep on when he stays. It's a really nice sude effect comfy chair by day and just pulls out into a single bed. If you need a travel cot or bedding, look at 'Freecycle' if there is an active group in your neighbourhood - a great way to acquire something you do not want to buy - toys, buggy etc. You can then 'freecycle' it again when you've finished with it.

Smart Style

Being Creative

HENNY DONOVAN MOTIF

Travel

CHILD SEAT BELTS ON PLANES:

I have always believe that the current seat belts for children on planes is inadequate. Finally someone has come up with one that is a proper safety harness that uses the lap/sash that is provided to enhance the childs safety. I got mine on the net from a great company who will ship it anywhere in the world. You cannot buy this currently in the UK go to www.littlegullivers.com.au and they will ship it to you. Great product & great service.

See Forum on "Members Reviews and Recommendations" for more information.

Fashion & beauty

HOTTER SHOES

I love wearing fashionable shoes, but my feet are quite wide and I won't wear shoes that pinch. When I saw a pair of Buttercup ballerina shoes advertised on the "Hotter" site, I fell in love. There were four colours to choose from, edged in metallic leather with a bow on the front. I noticed that I could choose between two width sizes, so I decided to order a pair. A few days later the shoes arrived. I opened the box, hoping that I would not be too disappointed. On the contrary, my first impression was that the shoes were exactly as shown on the site. They were pretty, very well made with leather inner soles and smooth edges. As soon as I tried them on, I knew that they fitted my foot. The width allowed comfort, the style of shoe really flattered my foot and the cushioned soles made walking slightly springy. Almost too good to be true, I kept them on whilst at home to see how they felt after wearing them for a while. I continue to be very pleased with the shoes and have worn them a lot with a variety of outfits. I now will seriously consider buying some "Hotter" boots later on in the year as I hate having cold feet. Oh the joys of getting older!

See the Hotter site for more details

Health & Wellbeing

Literature

Technology

At Home

Going Away

B&B IN CAMBRIDGE NEW ZEALAND:

Recently retired my husband and have been travelling around Australia and New Zealand. Hotels aren't too difficult to book but B and B's posted on the internet can be misleading. We have found one in Cambridge, NZ that I would highly recommend. The location, hospitality, breakfast and standard of accommodation is one of the best. If you are interested I would be happy to pass on that contact no.

See Forum on "Travel" for more information.