Blimey. You’ve had a hideous day and a worse journey home. You left a teensy bit later than you should have, and the Victoria Line has translated ‘teensy’ into ‘20 minutes late to pick your toddler up from nursery’. It’s all gone Horribly Wrong.
 
Well, thank heavens for small mercies – at least your darling doesn’t attend the Phoenix House Montessori nursery school in Stamford Hill, London, who according to The Observer recently hiked their late-collection fees to an adrenalin-pumping £5 per minute.
 
The nursery claims the fines are necessary to focus the minds of habitual latecomers - and while they certainly hit the northern end of the scale, they’re by no means unusual. There’s a growing trend amongst childcare providers to push late-collection charges to small-fortune levels, in order to dissuade parents from using them as a free waiting-room.  Surprisingly though, most parents surveyed by the Observer thought the charges were fair enough. They’re a ‘necessary evil’, reasoned one, which prevented other less tardy parents having to shoulder the cost.

Posted by claire on December 10, 2009 | Email This Post |

Our summer sale this year has been a huge success but don’t despair, there are still bargains to be had! So come on in and have a browse around our fabulous selection of baby clothes, toys, accessories and more!

Shopping by age is the easiest way to seeing what we have left in the size you require although you can still of course browse by brand to get your hands on your favourites from Katvig, Mini A Ture, Kik Kid, Lille Barn, Moonkids and the rest.

Our Winter 09 collections are starting to arrive and we are very excited with what we’ll have on offer for you all in the coming weeks. If you are not on our mailing list, sign up now to be kept updated with when these exciting new ranges will go online.

Posted by claire on July 29, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

Twin Cottage is as a very special little cottage for adults and children alike. Little ones will head straight for the conservatory play room, whilst adults will adore the romantic fireplace and log burner (especially on crisp winter days and evenings) or the indulgent slipper bath (also a big hit with toddlers!). The New Forest setting will have little visitors playing spot the pony, cow, or deer from the garden gate in no time but despite its rural location, Twin Cottage is less than 20 minutes drive from the coast and a 10-minute stroll from the cosy pubs, galleries, tea rooms and useful shops of Burley. The beautiful setting of the cottage is matched by an equally attractive interior. An elegant colour scheme, solid oak and slate flooring, luxurious antique double bed and aforementioned cosy fireplaces, slipper bath and special toddler zone, just off the well-equipped kitchen, make it the perfect blend of luxury with family practicality.

Top suggestions for things to do include wildlife, elf and fairy spotting, as well as picnics in the forest; Nearby Longdown Farm for its friendly farmyard animals, new indoor ball pool and BIRO wooden play equipment zone; Paultons Park for its big range of toddler rides. Cycle hire with trailer buggies is available in Burley. Of the many seaside towns within a 20 mile radius of the cottage, Highcliffe is recommended for its picturesque castle leading to a scenic sandy beach; Hythe for the train ride along its Victorian pier; and yachting haven Lymington for its great selection of restaurants, boutiques and bistros, which includes the very child-friendly Vanilla Bean Café – great for Sunday brunch and babychinos!

Twin Cottage has two bedrooms both with room for a cot. One is a twin/queen (zip’n'link) and the second has a French antique-style double bed. The bathroom has both a slipper bath and a separate power shower. Downstairs, the lounge has a lovely open fire (guard provided), Flatscreen TV, DVD and Freeview. The dining room has another pretty fireplace, but with a log burner (logs provided). The well-equipped kitchen has all the standard equipment plus dishwasher, breadmaker and Nespresso coffee maker, plus an honesty bar/cupboard. Adjacent to the kitchen is a conservatory with lovely views of the large garden and surrounding countryside, along with a filled toy chest and toddler’s table and chairs. Off the dining room is a small home-office room with free wireless broadband, a PC and a printer. The cottage sleeps four (plus a cot). It can be rented per week or for weekend and mid-week short breaks, year round. Prices are from £595 - £1,575 depending on the time of stay.

Posted by claire on July 28, 2009 | Email This Post | Add your comment

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