There I was in the stock room looking at all our beautiful stuff when I saw these Plastisock baby blankets and realised that I hadn’t put them on to Yellow Lolly as yet - not quite a catastrophe but it means our lovely customers and visitors haven’t been able to see them, which is a shame as they are made from beautifully soft, double layered jersey cotton with a contrasting binding and a comfortable size for a buggy or pram at 80 x70cm.

Being from Plastisock they are of course fabulous looking, bright, funky, colourful, playful and fun and carry the Oeko-tex label which shows that the fabric is free from harmful dyes and chemicals. Well, they are on Yellow Lolly for the taking now and with free world wide delivery (our current promotion) they make a nice little purchase!

Click here for further details Plastisock Cherry Blanket, Plastisock Blue Circus Blanket

Posted by claire on June 24, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

I admit that the first line from the ingredients list below might be enough to turn some of you away but this dish is so tasty and packed full of goodness and in my opinion is well worth the effort. The combination of potato, fish and parsley makes it a complete dish and served with a bit of Dippy Dippy (ketchup) on the side it has proven to be incredibly popular with Jude. I found it in ‘Moro, The Cookbook’ and initially made the croquettes as a starter for some friends but have made it several times since and frozen it in portions of four which I have found to be plenty for a two year old.

Ingredients (Makes about 16 Croquettes):

225g salt cod, soaked for 24 hours in cold water in the fridge
600ml milk
2 bay leaves
½ medium onion
350g potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 dessert spoon finely grated onion
1 large bunch fresh flat-leaved parsley, roughly chopped
1 heaped teaspoon plain flour
750ml sunflower oil for deep frying
1 lemon, quartered
Sea salt and black pepper

Method:

While the salt cod is soaking, change the water two or three times.
Drain the fish and place in a saucepan with the milk, bay leaves and onion half and bring to the boil.
Turn down the heat and simmer gently for about 4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
With a slotted spoon remove the fish and place in a bowl.
Put the potatoes in the same saucepan of simmering milk and cook for about 20 minutes until soft.
While the potatoes are cooking, go through the salt cod, discarding any skin and bones. (I admit I found this a bit horrible to do)
Now mash or shred the fish with your fingers or a potato masher, it should have no hard bits, but just be soft fibre. It’s best to do this when the fish is still warm as it goes gluey when cold.
When the potatoes are cooked remove them from the milk, bay leaves and onion and mash.
Mix the potato with the cod, grated onion, parsley and the teaspoon of flour. Make sure they are mixed thoroughly and check for seasoning.
Now you need to shape the croquettes, this is the nice bit….
Using two dessert spoons, scoop the mixture onto one of the spoons and with the help of the other spoon make a rough oval egg shape. Place on a floured board.
At this point they are ready to fry but will keep well for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Put the oil in a saucepan and place over a medium heat for 4 minutes.
Test the temperature by adding a small piece of cod mixture, it should turn golden brown in one minute.
Cook the croquettes in two batches, lowering them into the oil with a slotted spoon, until they are amber in colour.
Lift out and place on some kitchen paper.
Serve with some Dippy Dippy (ketchup)!!!

Posted by Juli on June 24, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

This week we are offering FREE delivery on ALL orders to ANYWHERE in the whole wide world!!!

Take advantage of this fantastic offer and pick up some summer gear just in time for your holiday!

How about the fabulous Plastisock Cherry Berry Short Sleeved Body. It’s bright, funky, colourful, playful and fun and comes in a fabric that carries the oekotex label which shows that the garment is free from harmful dyes and chemicals.

Or the Kik Kid Cotton Summer Romper. This cool grey/blue stripe is one of Kik Kid’s new season’s colours, which are a combination of fresh and bright colours suitable for any skin pallor. This baby romper has cross over straps and is detailed with a very funky flock Kik Kid star to the front. Popper buttons at the crotch for changing. Babies will look adorable in the summer months!

Posted by claire on June 23, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

On my travels around the cyber-world of design for kids, I came across this rather crazy product from quirky Dutch design agency Droog. I wanted to share this with you as in our world of health and safety and BS numbers, I wondered if you would be able to find this high chair in your local Mothercare? I think not!!!

Seriously though, this chair is actually a product sold in Holland, so I am sure it is safe as houses but the DIY aspect is the part I find most appealing.

This high comes with a set of instructions (as per any high chair) but also comes with a saw! A lot like the famed TripTrap that changes as your child grows - the Droog High Chair designed by Maartje Steenkamp in 2003, shrinks as your child grows by simply sawing the legs down in length!

The following is taken from the droog website where the chair can be purchased:

"This chair is a companion through childhood. As the child grows the chair diminishes. The notches on the legs indicate each stage of the chair. So when you feel the time is right, you can saw off what is not needed any more."

Brilliant! No good for a hand me down though…?

Posted by claire on June 23, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

Former fashion designer, Lynne Johnson and her lighting consultant husband, John, have lavished both their skills on this cluster of five homely but stylish converted barns near the glorious beaches and sophisticated market towns of the North Norfolk coast. The Johnson’s parenting experience is evident in the balance they’ve achieved between style and family-friendly comfort with simple contemporary furnishings that easily ensure stress-free living- even with toddlers in tow! These cottages are ideal for families who enjoy independence and privacy but will appreciate the strikingly beautiful indoor heated pool, toddlers play house and pre-bookable service that aid relaxation when it comes to holidays with toddlers.

Kids love the local steam railways, wildlife centers, dinosaur park, aquarium and seal spotting boat trips. Lynne can arrange cycle hire with tag-alongs and baby seats. A number of nearby National Trust houses have family friendly restaurants, play areas and playgrounds. Other family-friendly dining options include lunches at The Victoria, Holkham and The White Horse at Brancaster, or excellent fish and chips on Wells Quay. Nearby Walsingham Farm Barns sell a fantastic range of speciality foods direct from small suppliers, along with some excellent fresh-made ready meals. Alternatively, use pre-bookable baby-sitting and try the excellent Galton Blackiston’s Michelin starred Morston Hall.

Owl, Tern & Wagtail Cottages each sleep four in two bedrooms (double and twin) with space for both a cot and z-bed. They are all set on one level, which makes them ideal for toddlers and crawlers, and accessible for wheelchair users. They benefit from spacious open-plan living areas with large windows flooding them with light and offering rural views. The kitchens are modern, stylish and fully equipped with microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and hand blenders (washing and drying facilities are available in the shared laundry room). Rentals range from £380- £850 per cottage, per week depending upon size of cottage and time of year. Short breaks are available out of peak season from £228-£520.

Features

-Babysitting by a police-checked and approved local sitter can be arranged
-Baby equipment provided includes cots, high chairs, baby baths, night lights, baby monitors and children’s utensils. There are microwaves and hand blenders provided in the cottage kitchens.
-A selection of DVDs, toys and bedtime story books suitable for all ages are available
-The pool at Cranmer is beautiful with huge windows offering lovely rural views. The water temperature and that of the changing rooms is kept comfortable for babies and toddlers.
-There’s a new timber outdoor play area at Cranmer and a wendy house for younger children.
-Cranmer is primarily self-catering but meal deliveries and private chef services can be arranged
-Treatments via a visiting local beauty therapist can be pre-booked
-Delicious freshly prepared ready meals and hampers of local produce can be arranged. Alternatively, buy them direct from the Walsingham Farm shop nearby

For more information or to make a reservation enquiry please visit Baby Friendly Boltholes

Posted by claire on June 22, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

I was heart broken to see Mathilde’s reaction to the wasp which stung her on her foot last summer when she was 2 years old. A rude interruption of pain whilst quietly looking at a book. Luckily, I have a strange element of calm when something like this happens and after settling and comforting her, I waited to see if we were going to find out if our beloved daughter was allergic to bee or wasp stings - luckily for us she isn’t! A dose of Piriton and the promise of a treat soon had her up and about again. She still remembers her "waps" sting a year later!

The time is upon us again when the summer days bring food and drink outside which attracts the inevitable wasp invasion. Here are 5 ways to deal with a sting.

1- Keep calm. Bee and wasp stings are painful but are rarely harmful. It’s quite a shock for both the child and the parent, but it’s good to remain calm so as not to frighten the poor little mite any further. Whilst I do not advocate animal cruelty, the wasp should get what it deserves for harming your little angel and a swift swat and splat should reassure your little one that the "naughty wasp" will not be back!

2- Hold it high. Raise the affected part of the body high and, if you can, apply an icepack to reduce swelling. Seek medical advice if the symptoms persist and immediate attention if your child shows signs of breathing difficulties.

3- Find the sting. A bee will leave it’s sting behind and then then fly off to die for it’s sins. Scrape the sting off sideways with your nail. Don’t use tweezers as there is the chance you will inject more of the poison into the wound and therefore cause more pain - your little one wont appreciate this.

4- Be Aware. The summer eating activities attract wasps - lollies and ice cream and your beer at the local pub garden table will all smell delicious to the annoying fellows. Wear shoes out doors. A tube of antisan or something similar for when you are about and about wouldn’t go amiss.

5- Take emergancy action - a sting to the throat or mouth- even for a child that is not allergic, can sometimes cause swelling and block the airways. Give your child an ice cube to suck or some very cold water. Any signs of swelling or breathing difficulties should action a 999 call.

Posted by claire on June 18, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

If you flick through any edition of Living etc. or Elle Decoration you will often find an image of the iconic Verner Panton chair in someone’s cool dining area or at a dressing table. A design classic from 1959 and originally made in fibreglass, the chair has been through a number of production phases since it’s original launch. Through a collaboration with Vitra, the Panton Chair was relaunched in 1999 and made from a ‘dyed through’ polypropylene which realised one of Panton’s original fundamental objectives: a plastic chair as an inexpensive industrial product.

The bright colours and smooth curves and lines of the Panton Chair have always been attractive to children plus it’s cool and funky and great to sit on! Verner Panton began to consider the idea of producing a child-size version of the chair together with Vitra. Of course, what was financially unfeasible over 39 years ago is now possible. With a seat height of 348mm, Vitra introduces the Panton Junior, whose production is based on the original plans of Verner Panton. Identical to the regular model with regard to material and shape, it’s about 25 percent smaller and available in 6 colours; lime, light blue, light pink, tangerine, clasic red and white. They’ll look great in any modern kids room or playroom and your off-spring will own their first piece of modern design.

RRP £112.70 inc VAT.

Please contact Coexistence on 020 7354 8817 or email enquiries AT coexistence dot com for further details.

Posted by claire on June 17, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

How many more toys does your little one need? Before you answer, consider that toys do much more than entertain. They educate, stimulate the development of perception and cognition, and may help build muscle strength and control. And, of course, amusement shouldn’t be scoffed at, either. A happy baby is a healthy baby!

The range of educational toys that also entertain little ones is endless. Baby Einstein books are everywhere. Others encourage exploring shapes and sounds. That musical toy that you hear as just a noisemaker is actually helping the baby associate a chosen movement with the creation of a particular sound. Fitting shaped blocks through the right size hole may seem like just a game. But at the same time the baby is amusing him or herself it’s learning that some things fit and others don’t. That ability connects later to learning the alphabet and words where some things ‘fit’ and others don’t.

Don’t overlook the need for a sheer physical outlet, as well. As any parent can testify, babies and toddlers have lots of energy that just can’t be suppressed. They touch, they explore, they push and prod. That’s helping them develop muscle control, fine-tuning hand and eye coordination, and more. Even dolls are more than just ‘playthings’. If they talk, the baby is learning about human sounds and what they mean. If they’re dressing the doll, the baby learns in a different way how some things fit and others don’t. They also learn that some things can break or tear. Valuable lessons while they enjoy the process!

Posted by claire on June 16, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

Family-Friendly Style on Sea’ might best describe The Cove, a grand old building recently converted into stunning contemporary apartments with an acclaimed restaurant and a truly beautiful coastal location. The stylish interiors, original artworks, huge four-poster-beds, sweeping views and sophisticated bar and restaurant (within baby monitor range of the bedrooms) will have most parents wanting to move in for good! Thanks to the timber outdoor play area, heated outdoor swimming pool, and pet rabbits and regular arts and craft sessions, mini guests are likely to feel the same.

Lamorna’s natural beauty has inspired many a celebrated artist. Highly recommended is a walk (with back packs or slings recommended rather than pushchairs) along the stunning 2-mile coastal path to Mousehole – try to get a copy of the children’s book ‘The Mousehole Cat’, which is set there to use as a bedtime story before going. The fact that bedrooms are within baby monitor range of the Cove’s acclaimed restaurant allows parents the rare opportunity to ‘dine out’ alone each evening, but its well worth the expense of a babysitter to sample Michelin star dining at The Abbey Penzance. Head chef Ben Tunnicliffe is a Michelin star winner and offers a compelling menu focusing on fresh local ingredients. restaurant. The Cove offer a brilliant range of pre-bookable services including: beauty and massage therapy, tickets to the Minack Theatre (children’s shows often take place in school holiday periods), helicopter flights (including day trips to the Scilly isles), flightseeing tours, chauffeur service, flying lessons, golf, diving, fishing, surfing lessons, bike hire) and picnic hampers.

The Cove has 13 apartments sleeping from two to six and ranging from large studios to one and two bedrooms, all of which can accommodate at least one child bed or cot. With the exception of numbers 6, 8 and 9, all apartments at The Cove feature one large double-bedroom with four-poster bed (apt. 10 has no four-poster)  and spacious living areas with very comfortable sofa beds. All have an open-plan living areas and room for a cot/additional bed in the bedrooms. The kitchens are complete with microwaves, washing machines (not apt. 3) and dishwashers. The lounges have a plasma TV, DVD and CD player plus direct dial telephone and broadband. Rental prices vary widely according to the size of the apartment and the quality of its view. Prices range between £98.50-£164 per night (4nts min. off peak) or £165-£275 per night (1-3nights peak+ season) and  £690- £1150 per week, off peak, or £1200-£1950 per week in peak+ season. Small dogs are accepted (one per apartment) at a cost of £20.

Features:

- Child-minder and babysitting services are available if booked in advance from £8.50 per hour.
- Highchairs, cots/additional beds for toddlers (£20) and baby monitors on request (please book them).
- Little ones are welcome in the heated outdoor pool with parental supervision.
- The Cove has three acres of gardens with a timber outdoor play area (two swings, a climb up cubbie house and small slide), a pets corner with rabbits and, in December, an outdoor ice rink.
- Kids High Tea is served daily and combines fresh local produce with kiddie favourites. Once the little ones are asleep, adults can use baby monitors provided to enjoy the stylish bar and restaurant downstairs. Alternatively, parents can dine closer to ‘home’ with room service or self-catered drinks and dinner on their private terraces.
- Massages and beauty treatments are availble. Yoga sessions can be pre-booked. There is a gym and sauna on site.
- Freshly prepared gourmet ready meals can be delievered to the apartments. Picnic hampers are also available.
- The Cove’s pets corner is home to two fluffy rabbits.
- Beach!
- All one-bedroom apartments are double with space for a cot or additional bed and a sofabed in the lounge.

For more information or to make a reservation enquiry, please visit Baby Friendly Boltholes.

Posted by claire on June 15, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

OK, so this is summer but it’s been raining a lot. It’s always a bit disheartening when you know you have got to try to find some new and exciting things to do on a rainy afternoon with the little ones.

Here we have a project extraordinaire, quite how far you take it is down to you and your child’s imagination. The Billy Rocker from Mr Kaliski, maker of extraordinary things, is a recycled cardboard rocker. It comes flat packed in a cardboard box (we can find use for this later), and the idea is that it can be totally customised by it’s owner.

Get out the paints, the glitter, some glue, the scissors and have some fun. Try a polka dot pony, a fire spitting dragon or glittered unicorn. Here’s where the box it came in comes handy as you can use this for a head and tail to add to the rocker.

The Billy Rocker is a great alternative to plastic and can be recycled after it has had it’s time. A fabulous eco-toy that can be stored flat.

Buy from Yellow Lolly for £28.00 (+£2.50 for shipping).

Posted by claire on June 12, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment