Welcome
love
Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…
to Northern Ireland’s Families First paper!
The issue to give you a spring in your step!!! Well, it’s finally here, but sssshhhh don’t tell anyone, it just might go away again.!!!! Many thanks to all of you who contacted us. I am glad you like our paper, and yes there will be lots more interesting features appearing over the next few months. Keep your comments rolling in, we love to hear your thoughts. In this issue we will be showing you’ how to’ decorate a birthday cake like the professionals, ‘how to’ have a successful birthday party and a few other interesting things as well, so read on. Health, wealth along with the latest in fashion and beauty, good reads for kids and parents, and of course the ‘what’s on’ corner, it’s a packed issue. Please send us the funny things your kids say and do, many of these, some we can’t even print brightened our day here in the office, send any correspondence to: admin@babyfacemarketing.com We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Find us on Facebook too! www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI and www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Contents 8 12 16 17 24 28 32 38
- Education - Fashion - Beauty - ‘Mumpreneur’ - The Money Midwife - Fun Recipes - Easter Breaks - What’s On
Disclaimer While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and website. Babyface Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability, loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in the publications or web site, or in any company, individual or firm mentioned , or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.
Vintage Floral
Vintage floral has come about by busy mum of 3 Donna wanting to stay at home and look after her children but still bring in an income. Abigail, Donna’s middle child was born at 27 weeks gestation weighing just 1lb8oz. Now 9 the winter months are still very difficult as Abigail has ongoing respiratory problems so working from home is a perfect soloution and being surrounded by beautiful flowers always puts a smile on everyones face. At Vintage Floral we help to create a magical day for you and your loved ones. From bespoke paper, brooch and foam bouquets to making your venue beautiful with chair coverings and table arrangements. Even thanking your guests with high quality gifts we at Vintage Floral can provide it all! We know that every wedding is unique and with our exquisite eye for detail, we can help your vision become a reality, helping you create your perfect wedding day.
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With indepth consultations we get to know our couples personally and enjoy creating a magical day that you will never forget! Contact 07842 887 143 for a free consultation VintageFloralBouquets@yahoo.co.uk www.vintagefloralbouquet.wix.com/vintagefloral
scan here or visit the website to read Aimee ’ s story slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 3
News
Cyberloafing.
3. ZOOPLA.CO.UK Wondering how much your new neighbours actually paid for their house? This curtain twitcher’s dream will tell you the selling prices of all the properties on your road from the last few years, often with estate agent’s interiors photos.
....who would have them.
NOMPHOBIA: The fear of being without your mobile phone – apparently women suffer more than men! Yeah, as if...........
1. RECIPEGOLDMINE.COM Not one for the dieters, but a site full of classic American recipes and celebrity dishes. Rustle up Dolly Parton’s peanut butter pie, or Liberace’s meatball soup! 2. HS.ORG.UK/GARDENING/GROW-YOUR-OWN. If your thinking of growing your own veg, the RHS gives monthly advice on jobs to do, a full A-Z veg planner for when to sow and harvest.
KIDS
JARGON BUSTER
Three great websites to idle away the minutes.
WIN
A 1 DAY COOKERY COURSE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD AT BELFAST COOKERY SCHOOL! To be in with a chance to win, simply log on to our Facebook page www.facebook. com/FamiliesFirstNI and like and share the picture! Winner will be announced on Facebook on 30th April. Good Luck!!
Tea and a chat @ the Hub Welcome to the hub, Hope you enjoy all our wee bit and pieces.
Your Quick Guide to Storecards....
Kids are many things, their parents greatest gift, their parents greatest achievement, and let’s face it their parents greatest source of entertainment. As the saying goes, kids say the funniest things. Some of parents have shared these wonderful morsels with us, why don’t you email us some of your little treasures to admin@babyfacemarketing.com we would love to share them...
EASY (SWEET) PEASY Ease your way into the new growing season by planting sweet pea seeds. This collection by Sarah Raven rewards you with a succession of sweet peas all spring and summer. They also have a wintersowing variety ‘ Lord Nelson’ .
Here is just a small selection to get us started. Jack is 5, and had just finished his Christmas play, he says to his mum on the way home, “Well that’s us finished with Jesus now,” Oh, his mum replies, what are you going to do now at school? And with great glee he replies “Batman”.
A complete growing chart is supplied. Job done!! Highly Scented sweet Pea collection £11.50 for four packets of 20 seeds, sarahraven.com
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I was travelling on the bus with my then 5 year old daughter, who would point at fellow passengers saying, in not a small voice “why has that man no hair” or” Mummy look at that lady’s really big nose” you know the type of thing. Later that evening when we were getting ready for bed, I thought I would address the situation of the bus, and try and get her not to shout out, so I said “when we are on the bus, it’s not nice to point at other people and shout about them, it might hurt them, and you wouldn’t like them shouting about you, now, would you? Of course she agreed, I was so proud that I had managed the situation, and felt that our wee chat had put a stop to the bus difficulty.
Nectar Card
Boots Advantage Card
Benefit
1 point for every £1 spent. Each point is worth 1p. Rewards are sent out in vouchers every three months.
1 point for every £1 spent, in store and online. 100 points earns you £1 to spend in store. The points can be used as part-payment.
2 points for every £1 spent in Sainsbury’s, BP, Debenhams, Expedia, Homebase and eBay. 500 poiints are worth £2.50
Points for every £1 spent. 1 point is worth 1p.
Use Tesco Clubcard credit card for 1 point for every £4 spent, join Tesco clubs for extra couchers.
Sign up for exclusive email offers. You get discounts on a wide range of things – these include eating out, entertainment and family fun.
Use Nectar’s American Express credit card. Answer surveys. Collect vouchers at Sainsbury’s . Download phone apps for personalised offers.
Use the Extra Offers Kiosk, found in larger branches, for printable vouchers. Mega points weekends to earn double points.
Tesco vouchers expire after two years, so use them or lose them!
You have to use your card within 12 months. If you do, you have 24 months to spend your points.
Check you couldn’t get more for cash than points, for selling an old mobile for example.
Be Careful
Superdrug Beauty Card
Boost Points
HAPIFORK Tesco Clubcard
Pretty fabric shoelaces Add your own stamp to a pair of basic canvas umps by making printed shoelaces. You will need:
• Long strips of fine cotton fabric (cotton lawn is ideal) • Matching threat.
To Make Remove laces from shoes and measure their length. Add 2 cm and cut a 4cm – wide strip of fabric to this measurement. Press under 1cm on all edges, then press in half lengthwise to make a 1cm – wide lace, and stitch close to edges. Thread through lace holes in pumps! Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 4
This Bluetooth-enabled fork has electronic sensors to monitor how much and how fast you are eating. Wolf down a mouthful too quickly and the fork ticks you off by lighting up and vibrating! Claims to help lose weight and aid digestive problems.
Not too long after our chat we again were on the bus travelling to town, we sat quietly looking out of the window, I was really glad that our chat had worked, when all of a sudden she jumped up and with the biggest voice I had ever heard she yells “mummy, when we get home, can we talk about that women’s big fat belly when we get home” Like • Comment • Share
I had been teaching my class capital cities, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, when I asked what is the capital of Scotland, one little boy who had been rather quiet during this question time, shot his arm up in the air and says ‘S’ !
£60, hapilabs.com
THIS MONTH WE LOVE
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Me and my 3 year old son were out shopping and he noticed a man with huge belly. He said to me as we were walking past the man “mummy, why has he got such a big belly? Has he got a baby in there?” I tried to shhhoosh him and he said: “why you saying this, is the baby asleep?” lol Like • Comment • Share
At the local swimming pool, I overheard a little girl announce to her mum in a big loud voice “I know what I want for my birthday mummy, I want an ipad and an iphone!” Everyone in the waiting room laughed
Who K
new?
Tablet an screen d smartpho ne s can h more bacter arbour ia loo se at. Ge than a t out t screen he wipes now
News
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Watching telly the other day at her nans and a couple were having a smooch, when I got home from work I asked what they had watched and she said some people having a struggly kiss!
The Belkin chef stand (£21.78. amazon.co.uk)
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More of us are using recipe apps or following cooks’ videos on our tablets. This has a non-slip base and holds your tablet n a choice of two angles. It comes with a stylus, so there’s no need to touch the screen.
I was about 4.30am when I heard screams of delight coming from the living room, I rushed down and asked, what did you get from Santa, pointing at the stocking hanging over the fire place she screams, look mummy, I got a leg,!!!!! Like • Comment • Share
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Family Health
Family Health
Diabetes explained
Something you must read! Are you at risk of
Type 1
Diabetes??
The body stops producing insulin to regulate blood glucose – this has nothing to do with lifestyle, and treatment is to give insulin. Often, type 1 diabetes develops during childhood or teenage years.
Type 2
The body can’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly. Treatment is to reduce glucose levels generally by losing weight and increasing exercise, although sometimes medication will also be prescribed. Stopping smoking, and maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol are important too. Even once diagnosed, changing lifestyle can reduce the risk of complication.
The number of people diagnosed with potententially deadly type 2 diabetes has quadrupled in a generation to three million in the UK. But there are ways you can avoid succumbing to the condition.
SYMPTOMS • • • • • • •
We’re all aware that it’s important to keep our diets healthy, but it’s difficult to avoid a sugar overload these days. You may not be gobbling up buns and sweets all day, but you could still be eating too much sugar, as it’s added to so many foods. And it’s also in carbs, which are a huge part of most of our diets. Lots of us are having cereal for breakfast, sandwiches or baked potatoes for lunch and pasta for diner – all forms of sugar that could be placing a burden on our bodies. As a result, type 2 diabetes is now the biggest threat to public health. Experts predict the number of people diagnosed could reach five million by 2025. But a massive 80% of type 2 cases are preventable with a few smart lifestyle changes, so it’s not too late to turn the tide.
You can get risk assessed at diabetes.org.uk/riskscore, most pharmacies, or by your GP For further information or support Call
The first step is to address our eating habits and get some exercise. The Atkins diet – which cuts out carbohydrates and focuses on eating protein – was too drastic for many people, but cutting back on sugary foods is good because if your cells are already full of fat, they can’t absorb more glucose so it circulates in the blood instead of being processed. Replacing anything containing white flour with products made from brown flour can also have a big impact, because white is refined and is easily turned
into glucose, whereas your body’s internal factory needs to work hard to convert brown sugar into glucose. To figure out how many equivalent foods, simply divide the amount of sugars given in the nutrition information panel on the packet by four. This means that 75g raw weight pasta has around ½ tsp sugar, while a 200g can of baked beans has 2tsp. Replace some carbs with protein, veg or healthy monounsaturated fats – found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado, and your glucose Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Do you know what different sorts of food do to your body? The answers are below.
TYPE 2 RISK FACTORS: • • • •
intake will improve, also, try drinking a glass of water before you eat – we can think we’re hungry when actually we’re thirsty, and people tending towards diabetes are often slightly dehydrated. But it’s better to try more exercise, which also lifts how positive we feel and burns fat. It has been found that countries that have a diet rich in omega 3 oils have the lowest incidence of depression, so oily fish or supplements are worth considering, too. And increasing your intake of vitamin D, which we get from sunlight, is also a good idea. www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 6
Can drugs make a difference? While there are drugs that help, they can come with side effects, including nausea. And some drugs which are designed to lower glucose levels can make it drop too far, causing hypoglycaemic attacks. These episodes start with anxiety, clamminess and palpitations and, if not treated, sufferers can become drowsy, disoriented and even slip into a coma – as a result, 5000 people are admitted into hospital each year.
We’re breakfast cereal, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread and chapattis. We give you energy and we keep your glucose stores full. Eat some of us at every meal and at snack.
Being overweight: Around 80% of people with type 2 are overweight or obese, having a waist over 37” for men, or 31.5” for women. Having a close relative with diabetes. Being aged over 40, although around 14% of newly diagnosed people are under 40, compared to almost none 30 years ago. Ethnicity. Type 2 is more common in people of South Asian, black African and African-Caribbean origin.
We’re milk, cheese and yogurt. We help your bones grow strong. Eat some of us every day.
Families First
We’re meat, fish, eggs and beans. We help you grow. Eat some of us every day.
Three in 10 children are overweight or obese – and in the past decade, more young people have been diagnosed with type 2.
We’re fruit and vegetables. We’ll make you fit and well. Eat lots of us every day.
It is known that conditions for obesity are set in childhood which is encouraging health authorities to use specialists to help change the behaviour of families rather than individuals.
We’re sweets, chocolates, crisps, chips and ice cream. Everyone likes us, but we don’t really help to keep you healthy. Eat us for treats, not every day.
There are no quick fixes; it has to be achievable and healthy. Understanding what to do when faced with food temptation – or when you lapse – is important too.
Remember... • Having diabetes doesn’t stop you from eating any type of food. • Everybody - with or without diabetes should eat a healthy balanced diet.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
30g cornflakes = ½ tsp 20g baked potato = ½ tsp 1tbsp salad cream = ½ tsp 1tbsp tomato ketchup = 1tsp 30g bran flakes = 2tsp 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar = 1/2tsp ½ large can of mushroom soup = 1tsp
Diabetes UK care line on 0345 123 2399
Most of us know that people with diabetes have a problem with high blood sugar (glucose) and they can fix it with insulin. The real health danger, however, is that by the time a person needs insulin, they may well have already damaged blood vessels and nerves which can lead to blindness, heart attack, stroke, limb amputation and kidney dialysis, meaning prevention is key especially since 50% of newly diagnosed patients will already have some form of complication. How do we avoid diabetes?
Needing to pass urine frequently Feeling very thirsty Feeling tired all the time Unexplained weight loss Regular episodes of thrush, or genital itching in women. Blurred vision Slow healing cuts and grazes.
At a glance sugar chart.
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 7
125g ready made Bolognese sauce = 2tsp 1 slice of white or brown bread = ½ tsp 2 tbsp coleslaw = 1tsp 400g chicken tikka masala ready meal = 2tsp
Education
Education
The term Boarding School is defined as “school which provides accommodation and meals for the pupils during term time”. Boarding Schools are known for their excellent academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities. However, the thought of sending your kids across the water to Boarding School can be daunting for some. The answer to this lies on our doorstep. The south of Ireland offers a great array of boarding schools which allow children to still be far away enough from home to be independent, while not being a plane or ferry trip away.
BOARDING SCHOOOLS
yes or no??
Providing the right education for your children is one of the toughest decisions most parents have to make. There are a huge variety of options available and sometimes the choices can be too many. For some parents, who want their kids to gain as much independence and confidence as possible, Boarding School is the perfect choice.
Regardless of where they go, it is never easy for a parent to see their children leave the nest; but allowing your child to do this before college can be of great advantage. Boarding Schools prepares children for adulthood and allows them to learn how to cope with life and all its many obstacles in an environment where they are surrounded by their peers, who are going through the same things as they are. Living away from home with fellow students, allows children to become a lot more self reliant and independent which can prepare them for university. Attending a Boarding School in the South of Ireland also means that children are mixing with more cultures. We are all familiar with the sinking feeling of offering to help with the homework and upon further inspection, realizing you have no idea where to start! In a lot of Boarding Schools, teachers are also resident and so if children need additional support with school work and projects, help and support is readily available. Boarding Schools also help kids to remain focused on their studies and not get distracted as easily.
THE KING’S HOSPITAL is a co-educational boarding school set beside the M50 on the outskirts of Dublin city and is easily accessible by motorway from Northern Ireland. The school is consistently one of the top academic educators on the island of Ireland, but the real attraction of this school is that all students are encouraged, and have the opportunity, to discover and develop all of their talents so that, alongside academic excellence, each can achieve their full potential in many areas of their lives.
The King’s Hospital, Dublin
Independent Commitment to Quality Education and Ethos Co-educational Secondary School with a welcoming, caring and supportive environment
5 DAY & 7 DAY BOARDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Since 1669, The King’s Hospital has carefully
This long established but modern boarding school is home to 700 students and 50% of the school staff. Alongside some of the best boarding structures available, the facilities and support on the extensive 80 acre campus offers all students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of Sports, Music, Drama, Cultural, Arts and other activities with tutors and coaches available to assist the discovery of new skills which can then be developed to elite status or enjoyed, as part of a healthy and varied lifestyle, or just for fun. The school, being home away from home for so many students offers the opportunities to live and learn within a supportive environment and to grow into confident young adults with a mature sense of personal responsibility, respect and independence.
maintained traditional values and combined them with modern, cutting-edge education and facilities to create a welcoming environment that enhances pupils’ academic, cultural, creative, sporting and social development.
St. Columba’s College is a community uniquely equipped to help a child to flourish, not only in the academic field but also in sport, music and drama. We offer six afternoons of sport each week, produce around a dozen plays each year and provide instrumental music tuition for more than half our pupils. Visitors are most welcome to come and meet the Warden, have a guided tour of the College and learn more about what it is that makes St. Columba’s College special. Please contact: The Warden’s Secretary, St. Columba’s College, Whitechurch, Dublin 16. Tel: 01 - 490 6791 • E-mail: warden@stcolumbas.ie • Web: www.stcolumbas.ie Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Independently committed to excellence and to nurturing and encouraging every pupil to discover and develop all of their talents ensuring that they can realise and achieve their full potential. For more information you are welcome to call
or visit us - or if you prefer - we will travel to meet with you. Please call to make arrangements.
ST. COLUMBA’S COLLEGE is one of Ireland’s leading secondary schools and is particularly specialised in the provision of a high-quality boarding education for its pupils. Founded in 1843, and combining the best of traditional and modern architecture, the College occupies nearly 150 acres in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, overlooking Dublin Bay. Although the grounds have a rural ‘feel’, the College is only seven miles from the city centre and 30 minutes from the airport and principal rail and bus stations. 300 boys and girls are divided into seven Houses and there is a focus on small classes. There is an average of 15 pupils in Forms I - III and 10 in Forms IV - VI. The code of behaviour requires discipline on the part of the pupils but it is fair and, more important, agreed by all, and students are kept busy and stimulated in their daily lives to aid this. The school stresses the values of community respect and support for one another. Academic results are highly credited and the vast majority of pupils continue their education at universities in Ireland, the UK and further afield. As well as providing fantastic education, the school also organises six afternoons of sport for all pupils each week, around half of pupils learn a musical instrument and about a dozen plays are staged in the course of an academic year. Pupils get regular opportunities to debate the issues of our time and public speaking is actively encouraged.
Excellent pastoral care and support Consistently top academic results True value for fees Unrivalled sporting & leisure amenities Social and cultural development Bursary assistance for Protestant boarders
For application enquiries, to arrange a personal visit or for further information please contact 01 643 6564 or email: enquiries@kingshospital.ie www.kingshospital.ie “The King’s Hospital - A school and a way of life”
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Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Education
Senior School
programme: we have an international co-ordinator who monitors their academic and social progress and organises cultural activities at the weekend. That makes us unique.”
Pupils entering the First Year of the Senior School follow a three-year course for the Junior Certificate examinations, Those international students come from all around the world: Spain, followed by Transition Year and a two-year course for the Leaving Certificate examinations. The subjects presented for France, all parts of Europe, China, Russia. The boarding school fosters these examinations include: English, Irish French, German, Spanish, History, Geography, Mathematics, Applied an awareness of cultural diversity and there’s a knock-on effect for day RATHDOWN SCHOOL based in Glenageary in south Dublin, is a students as well. TheMusic school never down, as a traditional school Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Home Economics, Art, Business, andcloses Musicianship and Accounting. girls’ school with a proven track record. “We’re committed to academic excellence and we pride ourselves on academic achievement,” says principal Anne Dowling. “All students are encouraged to take higher level papers. We have a very dedicated teaching staff here, committed to the school’s mission statement and the holistic development of each girl. The very fact that we’re an all girls’ school is helpful and recent research has backed this up: girls benefit better in a single-sex environment”. “We’re a very small school and we’re fortunate enough that we have a number of privately-paid teachers, so our average class size is about 14 at Junior Cert and 13 at Leaving Cert. We have a very wide range of subjects – 23 at Leaving Cert level and 18 at Junior Cert, and that’s an exceptional variety.”
would at 4pm. Within the boarding house there’s a buddy system, with older girls acting as a buddy to younger girls. In fifth and sixth year, boarders have single-bedded study rooms of exceptional quality.
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There are very few girls’ boarding schools, and at Rathdown boarders are accepted from the age of 10. “It’s a real home from home. International students are looked after very well, with a unique
Their 16-acre site on Dublin Bay allows for a raft of sporting activities. The school’s Vision 2020 plan has produced a new community area, built and completed this year. The plan’s second stage contains plans for a new academic wing with new science labs, and planning permission for a second Astroturf has just been granted: exciting developments for the years to come.
It must be stressed that all Leaving Certificate subjects are! taught to Higher level, and that pupils are encouraged to take all Higher level papers within their capabilities. Certain subject choices do have to be made where subjects are timetabled simultaneously. Every effort is made to allow pupils to take the subjects they wish, but no guarantee is given by the School that this will happen, as class sizes have to be controlled. At present, choices are made during the Junior Cycle involving French, Art, Home Economics, Music, German, Spanish and Business Studies. Choices at Fifth Year tend to vary, but basic “core” subjects are always available.
Evening and Weekend Appointments Available
Telephone 028 9127 0800 or 07841202830
Trust Topaz to Deliver! Local Located in the heart of the local community, Topaz Local Fuels have been delivering home heating oil to their customers for over 35 years. And across those decades, they’ve built a relationship based on trust, local knowledge, and strong personal relationships. You can expect flexible delivery and payment options, competitive prices, and great service always.
rathdownschool.ie
THE RIGHT
@ Rathdown SCHOOLITCAN MAKE
Trust
A BIG DIFFERENCE
When ordering home heating oil from Topaz Local Fuels, you can trust that they will deliver quality oil at a competitive price. Whether you order a full tank, a top up or one of their emergency 20 litre drums you can be guaranteed to be charged only for the amount of oil that goes into your tank. Just ask your driver and you can check the approved digital meter yourself.
Choosing the right school is probably one of the most important choices you will make for your daughter’s future. At Rathdown Rathdown School has two in each giving athe student to computer of 2.8: 1. School, we believe thatcomputer each studentlaboratories is unique and with should25 becomputers valued for herself. By choosing right school, you can beratio assured that encourages your child will be encouraged andvirtual nurturedlearning to achieveenvironment her individual potential in all aspects ofwhich her life. The School the use of the based on ‘Moodle’ allows teachers to create
Not only do Topaz Local Fuels guarantee to deliver a quality product with quantity assurance, now their customers can avail of even better rewards by collecting Topaz Play or Park Loyalty points with every single order.
effective online learning sites. Academic results - Extensive Sports & Extra-curricular – Music School – Excellent
Loyalty
7 Day Boarding (age 10+) – Short Term Boarding Options – Small Class Sizes – iPad Learning Technology In today’s world where young people communicate through digital means, Rathdown Bursaries - Art, Music, Sports Awards - Scholarships AvailableSchool recognise the need to
With PLAY or PARK, your loyalty game from Topaz, there’s an Experience of a Lifetime to be won every single month. What’s more, you’re guaranteed to get a Topaz Treat every month that you Play your points. You can pick up points for every litre of Topaz home heating oil purchased.
push the boundaries of ICT learning. Rathdown is the first school in Ireland to have introduced iPad mobile learning devices into the classroom. Our aim is to integrate these new technologies into the class environment and foster educational innovation within Rathdown School and amongst students.
You must register to take part in Play or Park and you will get 200 bonus points when you do. That’s a free PLAY! Ask your Topaz Local Fuels operators about registering for Play or Park when you order your Home Heating Oil and they will sign you up. Each month, everyone who has collected at least 200 points will receive a message inviting them to PLAY or PARK for that month’s Experience of a Lifetime.
RATHDOWN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Pre-School, Junior School, Senior & Boarding School Glenageary Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin Tel: (01) 2853133
You can choose to PLAY at any time on or before the 28th of each month before 5pm. Those who choose to PLAY their points in a month will always get a Topaz Treat to say thank you. There are no hidden costs and all texts are free. If you prefer, you can PARK your points and look forward to next month’s Experience of a Lifetime instead. The more points you put aside, the better your chances when you choose to PLAY! For more information, terms and conditions and details of Experiences of a Lifetime see topaz.ie. Customers must have mobile phone or internet access to play their points.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 10
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Kids Fashion
Kids Fashion Embroidered top and legging set > Monsoon @ £24
Boys Letterman Jacket > Next @ £18
Flipbook T-Shirt > Monsoon @ £14
Denim Jeans > Pumpkin Patch
Kids F A S H I O N
Girls T-Shirt > Pumpkin patch
Boys checked shirt and t-shirt > Pumpkin Patch @ £20
Flower Hairband > Pumpkin patch
Rosie Cascade Dress > Monsoon @ £50
Boys cap > Pumpkin patch
Girls Straw Hat > Pumpkin patch Pink Gingham Shoes > Shoezone.com @ £9.99
Sunglasses > Pumpkin patch
Boys Red Trouser > Sainsburys @£9 Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 12
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 13
Womens FAS H I O N Womens Fashion
Off Shoulder Jumper Missguided, £14
Womens Fashion
Accessorise Premium stone chandelier Accessorize, £14
All Things Bright and Beautiful.....
Spring clean your wardrobe with a few of our favourite fashion buys....
Wow, Silk Scarf Accessorize, £25
Lace Shell Top M & Co, £32 Autograph trouser £45
Phoebe Statement necklace, £25
Printed Linen Dress Dunnes Stores Signature, £34 Orlaith Resin Bangle Oliver Bonas, £26
ASOS cluth bag with neon flower embellishment, £35
Orange vest top La Redoute, £13
Satchel Primark, £9
Pointed Courts Next, £30
Skirt River Island, £40
B Jewelled sandals, Steve Madden stevemadden.co.uk Oasis, £25
Carina Mac Monsoon, £89
Your daily reward
NOW AVAILABLE in 350ml handbag size and larger better value 1.25ltr
When you’re a mum-to-be, Appletiser is a naturally delicious everyday treat!
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 14
The miracle of pregnancy is a wonderful experience. You want to be able to do the very best for your baby and ensure that what you put into your body is healthy and rewarding. Made with 100% pure apple juice and 100% pure passion, Appletiser is 100% perfect for you and your bump. In fact, just 250ml constitutes one portion of your recommended 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake.
It’s important to get your five portions every day to make sure you have a healthy diet – especially when you’re pregnant. You can also rest assured that Appletiser has no added sugar, colourants or preservatives. So if you’re craving something a little indulgent, yet healthy, why not raise a glass, or three, to your little one?
Relaxing at home tips for mums-to-be: While relaxing at home with Appletiser, try these soothing ways to restore and rejuvenate both mind and body.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
s and soak • Light candle le bath, in a warm bubb aromas such using calming illa and as lavender, van chamomile. ss and itchiness • Keep dryne ging your at bay by massa specially tummy with a gnancy formulated pre massage oil. lf a ‘lie-in’ • Allow yourse indulging morning, spent in a good book
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 15
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Womens Beauty
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Put a spring in your step with our latest beauty must haves!! Holly Sharp for Limited Collection mini lip glosses. Marks and Spencer £5
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Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 16
Mumpreneur Lisa, you are a ‘Mumpreneur’ in every sense of the word; why did you decide to start your business? And when? It’s pretty straight forward really, I wanted to create a stable family life for now & the future & have fun in the process! Childcare is the perfect option for us as I can bring my daughter to work with me everyday – also my partner has 16 years’ experience in this field so it suits us perfectly. We started planning LKK about 2.5yrs ago. What age was your child at that time? My baby girl was only 2 How did you build your business? Time, organization & patience played the biggest part building Little Kingdom Kids A LOT of hours are still get pumped in weekly – I doubt we will ever stop growing & making improvements where we can….I guess you get out what you put in! Did you struggle juggling motherhood and business? Not in the slightest, I admit I definitely sleep less! If anything LKK has made me a better mummy. My daughter loves coming to play with her mummy at work and at the weekends we make an extra effort to have family time and focus on fun things! Were there any low points? To cut a long story short, we had a rocky start! We had initial problems with the Trust to get open in the first place as we are the first nursery in Bangor to be open without an exclusive outdoor area – they informed us ‘they never have & never will open a day nursery without an exclusive outdoor play area’ however, the new standards state otherwise – we are open over a year now & 300 plus outings later we have exceeded even our own expectations….to date we have had no complaints & an overflow of outstanding testimonials from parents – we couldn’t be happier! Little Kingdom kids has soared in recent years; sum up the brand and its success in a nutshell... In a nutshell: I believe positive management gets positive results, if people believe in themselves it’s amazing what they can accomplish – this shines through with our Team & our kids, this is how LKK is run & it is crystal clear it is working perfectly!
I have ever worked with – I couldn’t ask for a more outstanding Team…every day they go above & beyond their duties ensuring all kids are having fun & making memories! What sets you apart as the nursery with a difference? We have created a ‘Peeka-boo’ system which is an online diary which records all your child’s meals, sleeps, activities & nappies etc - we are the only day nursery in NI to have this & parents love it! Its real time information & parents can read & see photos of their kids throughout their day with us.
Are your children and husband proud of your success? Husband? Ha ha….I’m not married but I do have a beautiful partner who is also our Manager, we are not married maybe one day?! She is my right arm – LKK would not exist if it wasn’t for her, she’s one pretty special lady! She is very proud of what we have achieved; it has been a dream of hers for years to own her own day nursery so I guess I made her dreams come true ha ha! Our daughter wouldn’t really understand ‘success’ she’s too little, but she loves LKK & our family life.
I believe positive management gets positive results, if people believe in themselves it’s amazing what they can accomplish
We also take our kids out on mini adventures everyday (weather permitting) they are not tied to a back garden with the same toys staring at the same walls, they get to go on fairy hunts, do experiments, go on treasure trails, creepy crawlie chase, crabbing, bird watching – the activities are endless in LKK! The Team love getting out too, it’s great to have a change of scenery & have ‘proper’ fun! (our facebook page to see heaps of photos!) What have been the highlights of the nursery’s success to-date? Firstly getting opened was ace! I will never forget the butterflies I had & the tears of joy! Meeting all the lovely families…we have a great bunch of parents who are all very supportive! Watching the children development is really rewarding!
What’s your advice to other would be ‘Mumpreneurs’ out there? Be organised! Leave housework until after cuddles or even better if you can spare £20 per week get a cleaner! Accept help from anyone who offers it! Treat yourself to a huge glass of wine on a Friday! Stay focused – remember you have to believe to achieve! Actions speak louder than words so do as you say you will! Always find the good in any situation, even the worst ones! All these things pretty much have worked for me. Top tips for succeeding and combining motherhood with business? I would answer this the same way as question 10 but I would add this…..family ALWAYS comes first, it is very easy to get side tracked & bogged under with work, so if your flapping take 5 & grab a cuddle – if your heads not screwed on & focused properly your visions will be blurry!
My fav thing about LKK is our outings – they really are so inventive & fun!
Tell us some background info on Little Kingdom Kids: a. who do you cater for? 0-5yrs at present Our 1st Birthday in December was a laugh, we invited b. how many children do you look after at present? parents too to celebrate with bubbly & canopes. Last time I counted we had 78 kids. Our numbers have doubled on a monthly basis since c. how many staff do you have? 10 at present opening & our Team of Staff have tripled! d. special features of the nursery? Definitely our ultra-amazing Team LKK – these girls We’ve been featured in the newspapers a few times for I think we are very well branded, these days you need s and soak are unstoppable, endless creative ideas & always full • Light candle h, bat le bb being a ‘day nursery with a difference’. the ‘full package’ - your website has to It’s look sharp & in a warm bu The miracle of pregnancy is a wonderful important to get your five portions every day to mas such of positive energy! Their patience is excellent & each Relaxing at aro ng mi cal using user friendly, your to best be eyemake catching experience. You want to belogo able toneeds do the very sure you & have a healthy diet – especially der, vanilla and tips for individual Staff member adds a special vibe to our 1st social service home inspection was fantasticascha–lavmoenanother for your baby and ensure that what you put intoto work when pregnant. You can Our also rest assured mile. inviting, your business name has – you’re everything mums-to-be: reason to celebrate! your body is healthy and rewarding. that Appletiser has no added sugar, colourants or ss and itchinessTeam! ne dry p Kee • we do we have to do bigger, better & with buckets ging your preservatives. While relaxing at home at bay by massa cially my with a spe Made with 100% pure apple juice and 100% pure Appletiser, try Our Peek-a-boo system is a super special feature! FEEDBACK…. I lovewithgetting feedback - our tum parents more enthusiasm. I want LKK to be known as the ‘fun’ gnancy formulated pre passion, Appletiser is 100% perfect for you and So if you’re craving something a little indulgent, these soothing ways to oil. filled out a 4 page questionnaire & 94% of the parents nursery! I personally would like to be recognised as a ssage ma restore and rejuvenate your bump. In fact, just 250ml constitutes one yet healthy, why not raise a glass, or three, We run an employee of the month scheme, so the lf a ‘lie-in’ yourse scored ‘excellent’ overboth all.mind Notandone say great looks after employees! I little think body.negative thing to your one?we portionboss of yourwho recommended 5-a-dayher fruit and • Allow to ulginghighest achiever wins prizes like concert tickets, spa days, rning, spent ind mo vegetable intake. about LKK which is just wonderful…a real egoin abooster! are pretty good at making a huge impression (if I say Gently 100% fruit juicetool & good book duvet days, vouchers etc!sparkling It’s a great motivational so myself lol!) My Team are honestly thee best bunch our Team love it! Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 17
How To... THE CAKE
How to..
have a successful kids Birthday Party on a BUDGET... Musical chairs, another strong contender for unlimited fun, this might need a bit of space and a borrowing exercise from all you know, if you have more than 10 at the party, try to move this outside, turn the tape recorder on and you are away.
VENUE
If the mere thought of hosting the party at home leaves you breaking into cold sweats, I don’t blame you. I tried it once, never again. I spent an hour and a half patrolling every room with a military like surveillance - not exactly the happy memories we all hope for! But if at home is the place to be, it certainly can cut down on expense, and if you muster grannies aunts and uncles neighbours as well as any mums of the invited, it will become less stressful. Why do it all yourself? you are meant to enjoy the day too!! Don’t forget, it’s a fun day..... Limit the party to a particular part of the house, living room, kitchen and outside. Place all the breakables and anything you don’t want the wee angels to get their hands on in the no go areas, such as upstairs bedrooms. Put everything in these off limit rooms and if possible lock the doors. Now you’re motoring As you have enlisted friends and family to help, let’s see how we can entertain the little ones!! Pass the parcel An oldie but goodie. You know how it
Score a goal Give 2 balloons to each player - a round and a long one. Using the long balloon as a bat the players must drive the round balloon into a box which is used as the goal. The player whose balloon is driven into the box the first is the winner. It’s easier to tell whom the winner is if the balloons of the players are different colours or write the players names on the balloons. You might have favourite games of your own, please send them onto us at admin@babyfacemarketing.com we will have these uploaded to our web site www.familiesfirst-uk.com The entertainment is free and you will have endless fun without an expensive entertainer. Now parties not at home Thankfully many schools and community halls can be rented for very reasonable rates. My own daughter has attended a few in her local school hall which works perfect for everyone, and no parent is left frantically Google mapping an address ten minutes before departure. The kids can run freely and let off steam without the worry of sugar
fuelled minors trampling cheesy puffs into your new hall carpet or smearing sticky fingers over every window in reach.
Animal Party
ET First things fir st, there’s no poin latest celebrity kids craze whe t aiming for the purse strings n your do those cash rid n’t match up to what dl stashed away ed A-listers have . Actually a su ccessful kid’s party do esn’ bank by any m t have to break the ea on a budget an ns; it can be done d fun in the proc by having plenty of es Working out ex s. Trust me, I’ve done it! actly what yo u will help dete rmine decision can afford to spend s such as the entertainmen venue, t, décor, food & treats.
Alternatively, if you’re contemplating a venue such as soft play or the cinema, don’t forget to ask if there are more cost effective times such as weekday afternoons and what discounts are available for group bookings. Negotiate and compare prices, after all you’re the one paying for it!
THE GUEST LIST
Keep it realistic. Is there really any need to invite an entire class of 30 when your child only plays with a handful? Sticking to a few good friends can be less over whelming and certainly easier on tighter budgets. It’s also a great option for older kids who may want to hold a sleep-over instead… who could refuse the fun of a DVD, pizza & PJ’s at their besties? Not me, that’s for sure!
THE INVITES
Social Media is awash with boastful parents who love nothing better than to shower us all with details of how privileged their own offspring are. I recently noticed a parent who had claimed to have ordered 30 handmade invites for a whopping cost of £87, I could only wonder as to why someone would choose to spend such a hefty and unnecessary amount. Most 5 year olds are jumping for joy having been invited to a party, regardless of how much the paper it’s printed on costs. The internet is full of templates you can download
and print for free. Alternatively, if you’re really crafty you could give designing it yourself a go!
THEMED PARTIES
What little person doesn’t enjoy a good dress-up? Whether your child loves fairies or is more into pirates, setting a theme can be bags of fun and pretty easy to do. Make invitations at home in the style of your child’s chosen theme, or better still, why not take a photo of your child in their dressing up outfit and send invitations via email?
Pink Party
Naturally little girls love these and fortunately for us mums, they’re a complete doddle to prepare. Create the perfect pink palace with pink food, bunting and balloons or take it a step further and ask your daughters guests to turn up in a pink outfit (what little girl doesn’t have pink in her wardrobe?). Pink cakes are easy to make (or buy) or you could go for fairy cakes topped with icing and pink sugar flowers. Complete the fun with mini pink gifts and a balloon to take away. You can give the fun a boy-ish twist with blue or yellow parties, including coloured party bags, dressing up and blue/yellow based art activities.
PARTY BAGS What to put in them? How much should you spend? Should you even bother with them at all? Personally,
I think so. If guests have made the effort to attend, then of course a small token of thanks will be appreciated in return. However, scouring a multitude of shops looking for daft little odds and ends doesn’t always have to be the case. Recently I popped into a cheap and cheerful bookshop and noticed colouring packs for 60p each. Taa Dah. Problem solved. No more messy bags full of leaky bubble tubs and hyperactive sugary treats! Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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EXCLUSIVE USE of your chosen party facilities TEN PARTY activities to choose from PARTY FOOD available at Ards & Comber* COMPLIMENTARY party invitations
However if time isn’t on your side, buying a simple sponge and personalising it yourself is another option. It’s a really sentimental idea that’s fun, unique and gentle on the pocket – just don’t forget to keep in mind any allergies.
THE BUDG
works, and if you get the birthday boy/ girl, a few days before hand wrap up the prize, they will be thrilled to know what their friends will be winning. There are various twists to this game, e.g. as the parcel is being opened and back into play, change the direction it is being passed around, this is probably better for those who have conquered left and right!!
Party With Us
Instead of ordering from specialist cake makers you might consider rolling up those sleeves to whip up your own wonder sponge. You could even encourage the candle blower to get involved by decorating it with a range of their favourite toppings! Cupcakes are another great idea as they can be handed out as dessert or favours, so no messy cake to cut after.
Animal themes are hugely versatile and enjoyable for children (especially 3-4 year olds). You could plan in advance by asking your child’s guests to come dressed as an animal or provide masks for them to wear when they arrive. Animal masks are relatively cheap to buy or you can spend a day in advance of the party making them. Complete the theme with animal shaped biscuits, animal plates and related games like pin-the-tail on the donkey and sleeping lions (great for calming the crowd down before home time. You can add an extra dose of fun to the party with prizes for the most creative outfit and animal with the best roar or impersonation. Create enough rewards for each child so they all get to go home with a mini treat in hand (these can replace party bags to cut down costs).
Treasure Hunts.
Treasure hunts are ideal for smaller groups of children and will keep them happily focused and entertained for a good half an hour. Prepare things in advance by hiding small treats around the house connected to clues that will help them move on to the next piece of treasure. They can take it in turns and find a single object each or work as a team (a more costly option as you’ll need to hide a small chocolate or treat for each child at each base). Don’t go crazy with the treasure! A treasure hunt is more about the anticipation of what comes next and children will be perfectly happy with small treats like chocolate coins, mini eggs, bubbles or boxes of raisins. As you can see the list is endless, we had a very successful party for 20 boys, we live quite near a farm, and got permission from the farmer to use part of his barn to have a commando party, we put little commando men on the trees, they had to follow an obstacle course made out of hay we borrowed from the farmer, it was a fantastic day, and I can honestly say, it was over too soon.
THE DÉCOR
As most of us are aware balloons, streamers and party banners are all available on the high street, and usually all three can be bought for under a fiver. Yay! However, if you want to add a few unique touches then why not try making
your own? Craft paper, glue and ribbon are cheap essentials for exercising hidden interior design skills. Cutting out triangles and attaching them to ribbon can make colourful and attractive bunting, or stick to the basics and give the simple paper chain ago. Just cut the paper into strips and loop each section through the other – come on, you must remember paper chains?
ENTERTAINMENT
Many of us simply can’t stretch to hiring a Disney Princess (or alternative) for an entire afternoon. Back in my hay day we had immeasurable amounts of fun with traditional games such as Musical Chairs, Pass the Parcel (Poundland’s great for this) or What’s the time Mr Wolf? Am I rekindling any old memories? If not check out Netmums.com - they have a great range of traditional party game suggestions that will keep little ones giggling for the duration.
SELF CATERING available at Ards, Comber* & Portaferry * Self catering only available Monday to Friday and party food at weekends for parties booked at Comber
www.leisureards.org.uk Ards Leisure Centre Tel: 028 9181 2837 William Street, Newtownards Comber Leisure Centre Tel: 028 9187 4350 Castle Street, Comber Portaferry Sports Centre Tel: 028 4272 8833 Cloughey Road, Portaferry
Don’t forget to enlist the help of others… aunties can make great face painters just as uncles can make hilarious clowns for the day. Lure them with cup cakes if necessary!
THE FOOD
Keep it simple. Ideas like sandwiches cut out with gingerbread cookie cutters can add fun little touches to a simplistic selection of party nosh. I recently helped out at a party where the host had pre-set the food the night before. Each little rumbling tummy was presented with a plate containing a few fun shaped sandwiches, some savoury snacks and a top hat bun. No mess, no fuss and no mountain of washing up -just ten little cling film covered plates with corresponding juice cartons all ready to be handed out – easy peasy! Also, don’t forget to check if any guests suffer from food allergies. Consider adding this as a footnote on the invitation, that way it will give any concerned parent an opportunity to highlight a food intolerance or allergy as early as possible. Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Kids Party packages include a game of bowling, choice of kids’ meals, drinks, decorated lane and the assistance of a Party Host to make sure your party is perfect!
Mid-week Party (Mon-Thu only) £8.50 Weekend Party (Fri-Sun) £9.95
Call 028 9045 2100 or email info@odysseybowl.co.uk for booking odybowl_kidsparties_ad.indd 1
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odysseybowl.co.uk f odysseybowl 12/03/2014 11:47
How To...
Kids Accessories... How to..
This is for the pirates:
Cake decorating - make a bear
1 Make a body by rolling a ball and elongating it into a pear shape. Then make 2 arms and legs by rolling a long ‘sausage ‘ of icing and make a “paw” at the end. Attach to the body with a touch of water.
Use the knife to mark on the mouth and use the end of the paintbrush to make dimples and holes to fit the eyes into .You can also use the point of the brush to add 2 ears to the top of your bear.
To make a bear you will need coloured fondant icing Light Brown, Peach, Black and a colour for the bow. You will also need A rolling pin, a dowel ,a paint brush or tool with a point at the end and a straight edge knife.
Roll out the colour for the bow and cut out as the picture. Attach to the neckline.
3 You can place the dowel through the body and attach a ball of icing for the head. Also make a small oval of peach for the front of the face.
When your bear is complete you can just pop it on top of your previously iced cake.
8
Make
someone’s day
4 Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Even wannabe Time Lords need to let their hair down once in a while, and what better way than to throw a Doctor Who – themed party!!!!!
Make 2 very small balls of the black for eyes and a slightly larger ball for the nose.
WOODEN BOXES Pack of 4 £3.96 Pack of 16 £15.20 Made of wood with metal hinges and clasp Wooden treasure chests to personalise Chest size 8cm x 5cm Decorate with our acrylic paint, Deco pens, Decopatch paper and stickers Ideal for storing small keepsakes or to give as a gift www.bakerross.co.uk
Dr Who cake presentation. Range from £2.99
Princess wooden bracelet Kits. Pack of 4 £2.99 Pack of 16 £11.20 Each kit contains ready – painted wooden bead and elastic cord for thread. 4 assorted design. www.bakerross.co.uk
Doctor Who Straws,£2.99
7
SWORDS Pack of 6 £2.88 Pack of 18 £8.10 Made of strong card Sword size 42cm Decorate with acrylic paints or Deco pens then add jewels For decorative purposes only Available at www.bakerross.co.uk
Princess Mirror Kits Pack of 4 £3.49 Pack of 16 £13.44
Doctor Who Plates, £2.99
www.bakerross.co.uk
www.lakeland.co.uk
Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty 24 straws £3.99
special. Hello Kitty cupcake kit £9.99 www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 20
Who’s the fairest of them all? You are, of course. Great ideas for Princess Parties!
PIRATE HAT AND EYE PATCH KITS Pack of 3. £3.99 Pack of 15 £18.99 www.bakerross.co.uk Includes pre-cut foam base, self adhesive decorations, elastic and felt eye-patch 3 assorted designs. Hat size approx 35cm wide Age 5+
6 2
5
The right birthday accessories are really hard to find, especially for themed parties. We have put together some of the best ones around. Hope you find them useful.
Magic Wand Kits Pack of 4 £3.49 Pack of 16 £13.44
Hello Kitty cake stand £8.99
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
www.bakerross.co.uk
www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 21
an i d n3 la 5 rg 0m er l b e ha tte nd r v ba al g ue siz 1. e 25 ltr
AV N AI OW LA BL E
Finance
Your daily reward When you’re a mum-to-be, Appletiser is a naturally delicious everyday treat! The miracle of pregnancy is a wonderful experience. You want to be able to do the very best for your baby and ensure that what you put into your body is healthy and rewarding. Made with 100% pure apple juice and 100% pure passion, Appletiser is 100% perfect for you and your bump. In fact, just 250ml constitutes one portion of your recommended 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake. It’s important to get your five portions every day to make sure you have a healthy diet – especially when you’re pregnant. You can also rest assured that Appletiser has no added sugar, colourants or preservatives. So if you’re craving something a little indulgent, yet healthy, why not raise a glass, or three, to your little one?
Relaxing at home tips for mums-to-be: While relaxing at home with Appletiser, try these soothing ways to restore and rejuvenate both mind and body.
How to have a friendly divorce
les and soak • Light cand le bath, in a warm bubb aromas such using calming nilla and as lavender, va . chamomile s and itchiness • Keep drynes saging your at bay by mas specially tummy with a nancy eg formulated pr massage oil. self a ‘lie-in’ • Allow your t indulging morning, spen in a good book
Gently sparkling 100% fruit juice
No couple wants an acrimonious divorce. They start with the best of grown-up intentions and somehow still find themselves bickering over who gets the matching set of steak knives they had as a wedding present. In ITV’s hit series Cold Feet, divorcing couple Karen and David were determined to treat each other as civilly as possible during their split...yet already that resolution has fallen by the wayside. Divorce is so emotionally wrought that it would be amazing if we didn’t spend much of the experience lurching between extremes of hatred, anger and even a desire for revenge on our ex. While it’s normal to feel all sorts of unattractive emotions during the different stages of divorce, it is still possible to come out the other side on good terms with each other. Here’s how: 1. Expect bad behaviour ‘Bear in mind that some time during the divorce process, you will not like each other, Relate advises. ‘That’s perfectly normal and natural, and if you expect it, it becomes easier to deal with.’ And bracing yourself for unpleasantness may actually defuse it. ‘It’s important to remember that if your feelings of vengeance and bitterness go on too long they will prevent your own recovery,’ adds psychotherapist Jill Curtis, author of Find Your Way Through Divorce (Hodder & Stoughton, £6.99). ‘Bitterness will delay your chance of future happiness. Another way of looking at it is that you are holding on to your anger as a way of keeping a grip on the past. So say goodbye to resentful feelings as quickly as you can.’ 2. Be good to yourself Acknowledge your own hurt and loss. This is not as easy as it sounds, as so many people try to put on a stiff upper lip in front of their partner, as a way of pretending they’re getting over the break-up quickly. A common pitfall is to try and blur the pain by relying on alcohol or drugs, or to stop cooking and eating sensibly. So you should: • Eat well, with friends if you hate eating alone; • Get plenty of rest which will give you time to take in what’s happened and plan more carefully for the future; • Avoid anything other than the occasional social drink, or pills to help you sleep; • Resist the urge to get involved with anyone else. It may be an ego boost, but you won’t be ready and the existence of a new partner so early on could aggravate the situation between you and your ex; • Remember, this is a vital time for you to be clear-headed; if you aren’t, you are far less likely to feel able to handle your ex well and conflict and unpleasant behaviour are going to be a feature of your divorce. 3. Put the children first Whatever has happened between you and your partner, however furious and wronged you may feel, your children’s rights to see both of you are the most important factor in your divorce. ‘Everything else is secondary to this,’ says Relate. ‘You are falling out of love
with each other, not with your children. They didn’t ask for this. You have to put aside your feelings about each other and put their need to see both of you into the forefront.’ One of the most important ways to do this is to make ‘handover time’ (when the children go to stay with the other parent) as smooth as possible. This is very important. Say anything painful and difficult to your ex privately over the phone, not at handover time when the children can hear. Communicate only with each other about arrangements; don’t use the children as messengers. However inhospitable you may feel towards your ex, extending handover time to include a cup of coffee or maybe occasionally a meal will reinforce the idea to your children that their parents have divorced each other, but not them. 4. Be grown-up about money Financial arrangements after divorce are guaranteed to make most adults behave like children. ‘That’s not fair - you’ve got more than I have!’ or arguing about who should keep such and such a possession are as pointless as they are upsetting. You have to accept that one household doesn’t split equally down the middle and it will be practically impossible to work out exactly what’s yours.’ If you find yourself starting to bicker over custody of the CD collection, we suggest you try and remind yourself that this is about the ending of a relationship. This is a very sad thing - there was once love there, and it deserves to be treated with respect. If you can feel yourself getting into this sort of argument, then try and take yourself away from the situation. Ask your ex for time to think, and come back to it when you’re calmer. You’ll respect each other far more. And don’t forget counselling, even if you didn’t go for help when your marriage was breaking up. Relate and other organisations can help you deal with the process of divorcing, including practical as well as emotional issues. 5. Don’t destroy the past You have shared a past together and there must have been some good times. Don’t deny them or try to wipe them all out - all you are doing is hurting yourself as much as your partner by trying to make yourself believe that all those years were just a waste. They weren’t. Don’t give in to rage and try to remove all evidence of your partner’s existence. Destroying all their photos may feel satisfying now, but in years to come you could bitterly regret the loss of such memories. And lastly, get a good solicitor. They have the experience to guide you through this difficult period in your life, and still remain friends with your ex. This will help you to be a shining example to your children and help them to understand that mum and dad may not love each other anymore, but they love us. Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Lead by example. When a relationship breaks down and children are involved it can be a very heart-wrenching time for all involved. Our team of highly experienced lawyers can help you to resolve issues that may arise in respect of who your child(ren) should live with and what contact they should have with you or your partner. It may be that a shared care arrangement would be most beneficial and we can assist you to negotiate this to a successful conclusion. We can also advise you whether you need to have a court order or if matters can simply be resolved by way of an agreement. In addition, we advise grandparents and other family members on children issues and also in respect of obtaining Special Guardianship Orders. We can be there for you at a time when you need us most, make the call today to find out how we can help in your circumstances. For further information, help or advice. For further information, help or advice, please contact us on 02891 811411.
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Finance
Health
Ruth Shaw It was 7 years ago that consultant Ruth Shaw first made that step into a Slimming World group. Being in a new relationship meant the lbs had started to creep on.
Why Women Can’t Won’t Don’t Take Responsibility For Money
……..Or Do We? Money’s a sensitive subject at the best of times often still more taboo than sex. Whether you count every penny in and out or wish that you could just close the door on all things money, hoping that it will miraculously manage itself, is down to what money type you are. Does anything to do with money (except spending it on lovely shoes) make you want to bury your head deeply in the sand? Does the thought of having a ‘grown-up’ conversation about money make you want to stick your fingers in your ears, shut your eyes and go ‘la-la-la’ so there’s absolutely no chance of even lip-reading the word ‘ISA’. When it comes to money are you an ostrich with your head buried deeply in the sand or are you a meerkat – on the look-out for the next great financial deal? You may not be massively in debt but you owe a little bit on a credit card. The few savings you have languish in a bank account earning absolutely nothing, and your pension…….. .... Do
Dawn Herron
you even have a pension? Do you know when your mortgage term finishes, whether it’s interestonly or if your endowments are anywhere near covering it? Do you suspect that you’re paying over the odds for your phone and electricity but the thought of making a choice between the infinite and seemingly identical packages offered by every Tom Dick and Harry utility company out there make you want to weep? Or do you relish the idea of squeezing the best deal possible? The question is, do you know exactly what your monthly outgoings are? Do you care? You may recognise this. You’re extremely loyal and generous to a fault with your time and money, often over-giving of both to the detriment of your bank balance and your own emotional needs. You’ve fallen out with a girlfriend and in order to cheer yourself up your first port of call is your favourite boutique and a new dress to patch up the wound …. and who cares what’s in the bank - you deserve it! Or maybe spending on yourself isn’t so much your thing, but you’re inexplicably drawn to those ‘get rich quick’ offers which always look too good to be true, and usually are. But for you they are so tantalising you can’t help asking yourself, “What if it worked?”………… and you dive in.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Dawns path to weight gain started at the age of 19 when she got engaged. She started university already weighing 13 stone and on her wedding day, aged 27 she had reached 14 stone.
At your most extreme you’re prepared to risk your own financial security. To the onlooker, the money type who counts all the pennies in and out and will sometimes even micro manage money to the point of hoarding and obsession, your behaviour is absolute madness. Understanding your money type, your money alter ego, is the key to understanding your behaviour with money and your relationship to it. When you learn what your strengths are you can learn to run with them and get them working in your favour. Recognising when Temptation is being dangled tantalisingly in front of you in all the guises specific to your money type means forewarned is forearmed. You can fortify and empower yourself by understanding exactly what makes you tick with money.
After her daughter Emily was born her poor diet choices continued until, shopping for post pregnancy clothes, she realised she had grown to a size 22. This was her turning point. Dawn joined Eleanor Clarke’s Comber Slimming World group just 7 months after giving birth weighing 15 stone 4 pounds, unhappy with her health and finding it difficult to play on the floor with her daughter like a new mum, due to her size. Dawn quickly embraced the healthy eating plan and lost 5½ pounds in her first week. She found easy swaps: full sugar drinks for sugar free, homemade spaghetti sauce instead of store bought, FryLight instead of olive oil. Dawn switched to fat free yogurts and increased her intake of fruit and vegetables. She lost on average 2-3 pounds weekly, set an interim target of 2 stone to start with and after just 16 months had lost 5½ stone.
When the next clothes size up began to feel tight she decided to do something about it! Walking through the doors of the group was nerve racking but she was very soon made to feel welcome. She discovered that you could still eat out, have a takeaways, enjoy a glass of wine and STILL lose weight. Ruth says,“I fell in love with the Slimming World extra easy plan andcontinued to enjoy my nights out choosing the healthy options as well as making large portions of fabulous tasty classics such as chicken curry, lasagne and even chips. There was very little weighing meaning I didn’t have to look like I was trying to lose weight to my now husband (who also lost a staggering 5 stone)” Ruth really looked forward to group, where she was given loads of inspiration and support. Fast forward to 2014, a wedding, a house move, 2 babies with another on the way and Ruth is still in love with the plan and so glad she can continue it through her pregnancies and beyond. Consultant of 5 years Ruth, runs her groups in the Strangford Arms Hotel, Mondays, 9:30am, 5:30 and 7:30pm and loves helping men and women as well as young adults (1115) lose weight, feel better about themselves, deal with life’s changes and continue to come to group for free long after they have achieved their target weight!
Dawn continued to attend Slimming World throughout her second pregnancy, free as a target member and again whilst breastfeeding her son, Daniel, now 7 months old. Slimming World has a special plan for nursing mums, and work closely with the Royal College of Midwives. Dawn believes that Slimming World has given her back her life and can now play with her kids with energy and enthusiasm. Dawn has made many friends in the group and together they have started a walking club which she attends almost every day along with her kids.
*Total Weight Loss: 5 ½ stone *Time To Achieve: 16 months Take the full Money Midwife Quiz at themoneymidwifequiz.com to see which money type you are - and get 3 instant tips.
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*Dress Size Before: 20-22 *Dress Size Now: 10-12 Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Feature
Feature
News Release Don’t let food poisoning ruin your meal out
If there is one thing guaranteed to ruin your meal out with friends, family or colleagues, it is a nasty bout of food poisoning. But if you are eating out, how do you know if the restaurant owner takes food hygiene seriously? The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme can help. It rates the hygiene standards of eateries and other places that sell food, based on inspections carried out by Council’s Environmental Health Officers (EHO). d e is operate r This schem ip with you in partnersh ity local author
ENT IMPROVEM URGENT Y NECESSAR
212691 FSA
_English
Hygiene Rating
Sticker.indd
The scheme is operated by both North Down and Ards Borough Councils. It gives each food outlet a rating on a scale ranging from zero (which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of five (meaning ‘very good’).
18/04/2011
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During an inspection, an officer will check how well a business is meeting the law on food hygiene. This is not simply about cleanliness, the following three areas are assessed and the rating given is based on how well the business does in each of the three areas: • how hygienically food is handled when it is prepared, cooked, cooled and stored; and what measures are taken to prevent food being contaminated with bacteria • the condition of the structure of the premises including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, equipment and other facilities • how the business implements procedures to make sure food is safe and how they record these. All businesses are capable of achieving a top rating. A new rating is given after each full inspection and any business that has introduced improvements can request an inspection with the aim of improving their rating.
5kgs of Chicken Fillets
only £20
*Exclusively available with this voucher find your local store online at
corriesonthefarm.co.uk
Hazel McKee, Senior EHO with Ards Council, commented:
“Local authorities such as North Down and Ards Borough Councils have worked with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to successfully roll-out the scheme. When dining out, you’ll choose to go to a place where you like the food and you know you’ll have a good time but you can now also check their rating and be confident that the establishment you choose is safe. It makes sense to ‘look before you book’ so take time to check out food hygiene rating when you are going out to eat.” Colin Magill, Senior EHO with North Down Borough Council wants the public to support the scheme:
FSA/0670/0213
Food hygiene is not always obvious. So check the hygiene rating before you eat out at food.gov.uk/ratings
“If we all ask about the rating that our favourite food outlets have achieved, food business operators will realise that customers will use it as a method of choice and will strive to maintain the highest possible standards. Which will be of benefit to us all.” You can check ratings online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings, or look out for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display. Although display is voluntary at present, the Food Standards Agency is developing the scheme towards making the display mandatory in Northern Ireland.
URGENT IMPROVEMENT NECESSARY
A scheme operated in partnership with Local Authorities.
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AWESOME STICKY RIBS Juicy, sticky and oh so tasty, these ribs are the best. You don’t need knives or forks – just tuck in with your fingers.
CHOCOLATE MERINGUE KISSES Making meringues is great fun. If you don’t have a piping bag just fill a zip-lock freezer bag with the beaten egg whites and snip a tiny bit off one corner. Instant piping bag!
You Need
Method...
FOR THE MERINGUES * 3 eggs * 90g caster sugar * quarter teaspoon cream of tartar * A few drops of food colouring (optional)
You Need
Method...
* 4 tablespoons dark brown muscovado sugar * 2 tablespoons soy sauce * 4 tablespoons tomato ketchup * 2 teaspoons hot mustard * 2 teaspoons smoked paprika * 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar * 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce * 12 pork spare ribs
FOR THE CHOCOLATE ICING * 100g milk chocolate * 100ml double cream
1 Mix everything except the ribs together in a bowl to make a marinade. 2 Whisk well to dissolve all of the sugar. 3 Put the ribs in a large shallow bowl and pour over half the marinade. Set the rest aside for later. 4 Get mucky and rub the marinade into the ribs with your hands! They all need to be completely covered. 5 Cover with cling film and marinate in the fridge. The ribs will be brilliant if you leave them to soak up all the flavours for 2 hours, but less is fine if you don’t have the time. SAFETY TIPS Always wash your hands immediately after touching raw meat and always marinate meat in the refrigerator.
< makes 16 kisses >
1 Set the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas Mark 3. 2 Cut out 2 rectangles of baking paper and line 2 baking sheets. 3 Separate the eggs. 4 Pour the egg whites into a very clean mixing bowl. Beat with electric beaters until little peaks form. If you can lift the bowl over your head and nothing falls out – it’s ready! 5 Sprinkle in the sugar 1 spoonful at a time, beating well after each addition. This makes the mixture go shiny and creamy! 6 Add the cream of tartar and food colouring (if you’re using it) and beat for 1 minute more. 7 Fit your piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Roll down the top of the bag and half-fill with the egg white. 8 Unfold the bag and gather the top in one hand. With your other hand gently squeeze the mixture down to the nozzle end to get rid of any air bubbles. 9 Hold the bag straight down and squeeze out a little blob onto the baking sheet. Stop squeezing when you’ve made a 2cm blob and lift the bag up quickly to make a little peak. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. Don’t worry if the blobs aren’t exactly the same size – they’ll still taste great.
*To make the icing, pour the cream into a small saucepan. Break up the chocolate and add to the pan. Set the pan over a medium heat and stir until the chocolate has melted and it’s thick and shiny. Don’t let the mixture boil! Pour into a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The icing should be thick.
10 Wear gloves to slide the baking sheets in the oven. Set the timer for 40–45 minutes. They will be crisp on the outside when they’re ready. 11 Switch off the oven, leave the oven door open a bit and leave them to cool. 12 Make the chocolate icing following steps outlined below* or just use chocolate spread. 13 Spread a little chocolate icing on the bottom of a meringue and glue another one to it. Repeat.
6 Just before you take the ribs out of the fridge set the oven to 150°C/300°F/ Gas Mark 2. 7 Put the ribs into a large baking tray that’s large enough to hold them in a single layer. Cover tightly with tin foil – make sure it’s sealed well.
< serves 4 to 6 >
8 Wearing oven gloves, slide the tray into the oven. Set the timer for 1½ hours. 9 ADULT HELP ALERT When the timer goes off use oven gloves to carefully take the tray out of the oven. Remove the tin foil and brush the ribs with some of the marinade you set aside. Turn the oven up to its hottest setting.
SUNSHINE ALERT If it’s sunny, cook the ribs on a very hot barbecue grill instead of in the oven for the last 25 minutes. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning regularly so that they don’t burn.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
10 Using oven gloves, put the ribs back in the oven without the foil and set the timer for 25 minutes. 11 Serve the ribs with some of the spare marinade poured over. And a napkin to wipe your hands!
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Computer Apps
As noted by Guardian app guru Stuart Dredge, tablets and smart phones are now well established as “pass-on” devices for children, with an increasing number of apps designed with their tiny digits in mind.
How to..
GET YOUR LITTLE ONE TO KEEP IT TIDY
However, the debate continues: are Apps beneficial for our children? With untold numbers of apps available for children on multiple platforms and controversy surrounding a few greedy developers, it’s not just chocolaty smudges on the touch screen of their Android device that are giving parents a headache.
There is no greater threat than a lump of unseen Lego nestling undetected in the middle of the carpet, just waiting to be trampled upon by an unsuspecting bare foot. The pain is unmentionable as often are the words that follow suit… all in your head of course! Getting little ones to tidy up is no easy feat, after all they have a persevering parent to do it for them along with washing the endless piles of laundry, collecting an assortment of multi-coloured drinking cups, wiping sticky finger prints off every shiny surface in sight and peeling squashed jelly tots from the new hand-woven rug. Surely all these extra chores are part and parcel of the rollercoaster ride we call parenthood? Maybe so, however there’s nothing wrong with promoting a little bit of respect. Getting kids actively involved in cleaning up after their messy little selves is a great way of teaching responsibility, particularly if done so from an early age. Encouraging them to look after their toys and environment will help a child respect their valuables and surroundings – and let’s face it, watching our kids tidy up without having been told forty times, fills us with pride and adoration! However without running the risk of turning them into mini Kim & Aggies, try these few top tips on how to get your little one more involved in respecting their space…
Start them early
As soon as they’re intrigued by the purpose of a duster then by all means encourage them to take part in keeping the nest a neat one. Of course all children love to play they’re creative and enjoy nothing more than revelling in messiness. However, keep in mind you’re not suggesting they ditch the fun you’re simply encouraging them to help tidy up the carnage afterwards. Inspiring them to help a little each day will be much more beneficial than one huge, and oh so boring, room round-up at the weekend,
plus it makes for great routine. Each daily toy tidy will help them learn to adapt this habit after playtime, lowering the risk of toys being abandoned across the living room floor for someone else to pick up. Make it fun by having a countdown or a race to see who can tidy up the quickest. Kids love a challenge, particularly one that ignites giggles and plenty of positive recognition for their achievements. Even children as young as two are thrilled when a parent lavishes praise on them after they’ve done something incredibly helpful, and chances are they will more than likely want to keep doing it. These small but meaningful contributions can have such a positive impact in the long run - they have fun & you have a tidier house. Win win!
Keep It Simple
Without bombarding kiddies with hefty expectations, setting realistic goals such as tidying their shoes away, putting their crayons in the box after use or even popping their rubbish in the bin is a great place to start. They begin to understand the simple basics of looking after their domain, wherever that may be. Naturally you’re not insisting on a full spring clean, just the respect
Make It Fun
of putting belongings away in their rightful place. On encouraging my own daughter to tidy up from a young age, I was amazed at how much longer toys lasted, particularly items such as packs of crayons and jigsaws that normally would have ended up residing in the depths of my sofa!
Reward Charts
Displaying a tally chart in clear sight, on a cupboard for example, is a great way of encouraging your little one to keep up their good behaviour. Every time they’ve tidied up or helped out with chores they get a sticker to put on their charts. After ten stickers they get a treat! Rewarding good behaviour with a surprise at the end of it is an exciting goal to aim for, this could be a trip to the park, their favourite dinner or a visit to soft play. Whatever you feel is realistic. However do keep to your word otherwise you could quickly find the reward chart becoming ineffective.
Out with the old Encouraging your little one to help out with a bedroom declutter is a great way of sorting all those unused or unwanted items that love to lurk below beds or in the depth of drawers and you’ll both
Games like ‘who can match the socks’ is a brilliant way to encourage them to help with the laundry. My own daughter used to love doing this – in fact she still does! In no time you’ll have found all those fiddly little feet warmers and with plenty of laughter along the way. Why not put on some fun music and have a boogie while dusting, or have a race to see who can tidy up first. Praising kids for all their achievements will have a much more positive impact than nagging every negative.
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
have fun making a stash of ‘Trash and Treasure’. It doesn’t take long for children’s rooms to get clogged up with lots of used colouring books, abandoned crayons and old games with vital parts missing. A good de-clutter is particularly useful after Christmas or birthdays when new toys and clothes may be battling for space amongst any unused items. Don’t forget to make a pile for things that can be recycled, these will be warmly received in the local charity shop or you could even try making a bit of extra cash by selling them at a car boot sale or online. Whatever the financial rewards, a good clear out really helps a child understand the need to keep their domain tidy and clutter free. Seeing their neat new space will allow them to keep in mind what tidy looks like, especially after they’ve covered the floor in books, games and Lego!
S
o-called “in-app purchases” have been at the heart of this debate. National bodies for consumer protection have sprung into action following frightening reports of children spending hundreds or even thousands of unaware grown ups’ hard earned cash on software. The British Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has found that children are being unfairly pressurised by some developers of free apps into buying extra features such as virtual currency, extra levels and upgraded features, at up to £70 a pop. Some, according to the OFT, could even be breaking the law in the way they peddle the virtual products. Just this year in the United States, Apple settled a complaint lodged with the Federal Trade Commission by shocked parents whose children had made purchases from the App Store without consent to the tune of (at least) 32.5 million dollars. Cavendish Elithorn, executive director of the OFT, said: “This is a new and innovative industry that has grown rapidly in recent years, but it needs to ensure that it is treating consumers fairly and that children are protected.” According to Elithorn, the sector had worked with the regulator in an “encouraging” way, already resulting in positive changes. Positive changes indeed, but are these apps really positive for your child’s development? Nielsen Book,
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Feature
which conducted a survey of 2,000 British parents and their children in June 2013, claims that the growth in the use of apps and other virtual entertainment by children is causing reading to suffer; non-readers among all children compared to previous years rose from 22% to 28% and other activities such as art, hobbies and going outside to play fell in popularity. Meanwhile, back in the States, the highly active Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, who have previously come up against Disney and won, counteract the claim of many developers that apps for children provide something more than entertainment value. In fact, the group argue that such apps “may be detrimental to very young children”, as they take away from hands-on creative play and facetime with carers. The American Academy of Paediatrics, they further note, advises in general that children under the age of two avoid screen media. However, it cannot be denied that Smartphone games and the likes are being developed increasingly with children in mind and this is in response to significant consumer demand. According to the Disney survey, 37% of the parents questioned considered apps to be an “integral” part of their family life. So while it is advisable to remain open-minded about whether apps are beneficial for children, here are six that your little one might enjoy. In this author’s opinion, it is worth spending a little, as it generally reduces your child’s exposure to advertising and usually guarantees more control over in-app purchases. Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Comics in the Classroom offers history lessons to kids aged twelve and up on events like the attack on Pearl Harbour and personalities such as Florence Nightingale and Jack the Ripper through the medium of comics. The player must demonstrate their acquired knowledge by choosing the right words for the speech bubbles. The app, including three comics, is FREE in the Apple Store. Additional stories can be purchased for 69p. DragonBox Algebra 5+ and 12+ will give young children a surprisingly solid grounding in algebra. Lessons in fairly advanced mathematical concepts such as parentheses are disguised as a puzzle game so as to “secretly” teach the player algebra. Warm textured graphics and bright sound effects hold the player’s attention. There are two versions; one for players from the age of five and up, the other from age twelve - the former for £3.99 and the latter £6.99. Both are supported on iOS and Android. For kids with a creative streak, there’s Drawnimal by Lucas Zanotto. An animal’s face appears on the screen and the child draws the rest of its body around the iPhone or iPad onto paper placed behind the device. There’s a different critter for every letter and they can be animated too. FREE in the Apple Store. If it’s about time the kids took their turn at making the dinner, Great British Chefs Kids HD might come in handy. Over a hundred recipes, created especially for children, come with this FREE app available in the Apple Store, including pizza hearts, bacon roly polies and tropical fruit rockets. Swedish developer Toca Boca, which after three years already has 23 apps and fifty million downloads in Apple’s App Store under it’s collective belt, specialises in digital products for children. Toca Hair Salon 2 is targeted at those between the ages of nine and eleven. Players cut, colour and style as is their whim using a range of tools, with hair-growth tonic on hand in case of any slips. Hair Salon 2 is priced at £1.99 on both iOS and Android. Fox & Sheep’s Nighty Night HD is a kind of virtual bedtime book. With charming visuals by an Oscarnominated animator accompanied by a lilting lullaby, in Nighty Night the reader is given the quite serious responsibility of putting to bed all the animals in the barn and turning out the lights in their stalls. It’s available for FREE in the Amazon app store (for Android) and in the Apple Store for £1.99. www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI • Page 31
Feature It’s that time again….Spring is in the air. The weather is getting milder (dare we say it!) and the dull, damp remains of winter are finally starting to leave. Now the clocks have gone forward, the evenings are getting brighter and we can finally see the outside of our houses after 6pm. Things are looking up! And then you remember…..Easter midterm is on the way and you are about to face 2 weeks of bored kids mayhem!
EASTER
What to do? Where to go?
Bouncy Castle, fantastic Games Room for kids (and adults!!), Family Rooms, children’s menus and Family Changing Rooms. In addition to this, they offer 7 hours of FREE Kids Clubs every day during school holidays (and every weekend off season). If you want to venture a little further South and visit things like Tayto Park or Funtastia Water Park there are some great choices of places to stay.
For those of us who are staying put over the holidays, we are lucky to have lots to do in Northern Ireland. There are arrays of soft play areas where the kids can run off all the energy they want and mum and dad can sit and have a well deserved cup of tea. Or go to the Zoo – pack a picnic and (weather permitting) have a fantastic family day out. Alternatively one of the lovely open farms can provide hours of fun feeding the animals and running free! If you are lucky enough to have some extra time off and can venture further afield, there are some amazing Family Friendly Hotels not too far away. Few places can offer holidaymakers both stunning views and beautiful coastlines right on their doorstep. Chestnutt Holiday Parks are situated in such a unique location and the
good news is that it is only a car drive away. The surrounding area offers a wide range of activities, local events and places to explore. Whether it is enjoying a stroll on Cranfield beach, trying out the new world class mountain bike trails in Kilbroney or Castlewellan Forest Park, climbing to the top of Slieve Donard or watching fishermen bring in their catch at Kilkeel harbour. There are also a wide range of cafe’s, restaurants and ice-cream parlours to enjoy in the area. Chestnutt Holiday Parks offer a holiday and a lifestyle that can help you create happy memories to outlast your holiday. Less than an hour’s drive from Belfast, the ‘Majestically Magical’ Four Star Hillgrove Hotel, Leisure & Spa, is the ideal location for fabulous break away. The Hotel is equipped an Outdoor Playground,
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
The CityNorth Hotel in Dublin has some great Easter Offers for Families. You can relax in a deluxe bedroom and dine from their superb menu in the Mornington Restaurant or Tara Lounge. The kids can look forward to getting their luxury Easter Egg, while the kids club will certainly entertain and a fun time is promised. The D Hotel in Drogheda is another great choice for families. They have a great range of family packages to suit everyone and family fun really is a priority at the d! They also offer a great range of family dining options in the Wm Cairns gastropub and Nicks Restaurant on selected dates. Enjoy a spectacular family break this April on the picturesque grounds of Finnstown Country House Hotel. Set on 45 acres of stunning mature grounds and manicured gardens, this luxurious hotel offers a tranquil setting to spend quality time with your family. Guests are invited to relax and experience
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culinary excellence in the award winning Peacock Restaurant or afternoon tea in the Drawing Room. The property boasts a full gym, swimming pool and tennis courts. Enjoy this and more while your children take part in a host of funfilled children’s activities. Or why not treat yourself to some much needed relaxation time as your children are watched, safe in the care of the superb team of babysitters. Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is Dublin’s leading 4 star family hotel. It is perfect for a great Dublin family hotel break from Northern Ireland. It is located just off the M50 and M3 motorway and its superb location means it’s central to just about everything a family could want. They’re just 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre and beside the Phoenix Park which includes a range of interesting attractions such as Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle and Farmleigh House and Estate. Their 54321 package is extremely popular with families allowing you to choose from a range of family packages that suit your holiday break. There are various lengths of stays available on this package from 1-5 nights with extras such as tickets for the nearby Dublin Zoo or Spa Vouchers for mammy or daddy included on some of the longer stay packages. Plus Kids stay free with breakfast included for children aged under 6. 54321 is not exclusive to families either with double and twin rooms included too.
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How To...
EASTER WREATH
EASTER CHICK
What you will Need: 1. florist’s foam ring (Amazon has reasonably priced ones. 2. 36 tulips 3. 26 narcissi • First, soak the foam. Fill a bucket or large bowl with cold water and add the foam ring. It will take around 30 seconds to become fully saturated. (If in doubt, refer to manufacturer’s instructions.) • Cut the tulip stems about 3cm from the flowers. Push into the foam, spacing evenly all the way around the ring. • Cut the narcissi stems about 5cm from the flowers. Push into the foam to fill the gaps between the tulips. • Hang your wreath on a door, or prop it up on a mantelpiece or shelf.
Cute Creations Make a celebration of Easter with great makes to pretty up your table or give as gifts – they make a change from chocolate!
EASTER EGG HUNT SIGN
54321
Family packages from 1-5 nights Some packages include *Breakfast *Dublin Zoo passes *Spa treatments & Dinners
€
125 £104 5 NIGHTS €595 £492
1 NIGHT
PER FAMILY
PER FAMILY
Outdoor children’s playground, Leisure centre, on site golf course and day spa. 10 minutes from Dublin Zoo, National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, UCI Cinema and Leisureplex
Simpl
e
Sprin Ideas
g
What you will Need: 1. Scissors 2. Spotty fabric 3. Yellow felt 4. Green felt 5. Twine 6. Needle and thread 7. Toy stuffing 8. Beads • Cut two body pieces and one base from spotty fabric. • Cut beak and hair from yellow felt. Cut four wings and four feet from green felt. Cut two 17cm lengths of twine for legs. Stitch pairs of wings together, close to outer edge. • Repeat for feet, inserting twine in top of each as you stitch. Thread three beads onto each leg. • Tack wings and hair to right side of one body piece. Stitch body pieces together, right sides facing, taking 1cm seam allowance. • Trim seams. Stitch base to body, inserting ends of twine and leaving a gap for turning through. Turn right side out and fill with toy stuffing. • Sew up gap. Glue on beak and sew on beads for eyes.
FLYING EASTER CHICK
• Enlarge template to required size and cut out. • Draw the outline onto coloured card and cut out. • Fold a length of twine in half to form a hanging loop and tie knots in both ends for feet. • Fix in place with sticky tape on the reverse of the hen. • Use white chalk to write your directions. Hang up.
• From decorative paper, cut three triangles 1cm wide x 6cm, 8cm and 10cm long. Pin them to the back of the polystyrene egg using a matching glassheaded pin, and cut the ends. • Cut a small triangle of paper, fold in half and glue the edges to the front for the beak. Use two black glass-headed pins for eyes. Cut a 12cm square of paper for wings. Fold it concertina style in 1cm folds. • Cut the edges into points. Tie a long piece of string around a matching glassheaded pin and use to pin the wings to the top of the egg. Suspend chicks from ceiling, a window or in front of a mirror.
Terms & conditions apply - Offer subject to availability. 1 and 2 night packages only available Sunday - Thursday. Sterling prices are merely guidelines.
T: (0) 1 640 6300 E: reservations@chcc.ie www.castleknockhotel.com Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
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Book Reviews... New books for April from Stripes Publishing
The Scruffy Puppy
Dirty Bertie: Smash!
Hour of the Doomed Dog
A brand new tale in the Animal Stories series from best-selling author Holly Webb, about the true meaning of friendship – and how there’s the perfect pup out there for everyone!
Calling all Dirty Bertie fans! Dirty Bertie – the boy with nosepickingly disgusting habits – is back for another helping of comic chaos! Join Bertie in Smash! his 22nd adventure, as he finds himself in a spot of bother with Mrs Nicely next door, tries his hand at a round of golf and joins Gran in a winning game of Bingo!
Hour of the Doomed Dog is the eighth and last in the hugely popular spooky but sweet series by Sam Hay, Undead Pets. From budgies to guinea pigs, Joe has helped lots of pets pass to the other side...
Holly Webb, Sophy Williams 9781847154309 £4.99
Alan Macdonald, David Roberts 9781847154248 £4.99
Bella instantly falls in love with her scruffy puppy Sid when she sees him at the animal shelter. She gets her family to agree that he’s the perfect pet for them and she cannot wait to bring him home! But one person is not too impressed with Sid – Bella’s friend Megan, who is getting her own pedigree pup. Megan is pretty snooty about Bella’s beloved mongrel pet, and she begins to wonder if she’s that good a friend after all. Bella decides to enter Sid into a dog show, so she can prove for once and for all that all dogs are brilliant, no matter where they come from! The Scruffy Puppy is the 27th book in Holly Webb’s Animal Stories series, a must for animal loving girls and boys aged six to eight years. Holly Webb lives in Berkshire with her husband, three children and two cats. She started writing several years ago while working as a children’s books editor. She now writes full-time, and has written over seventy books including the Animal Stories, My Naughty Little Puppy and Maisie Hitchins series for Stripes Publishing. In 2012 she wrote The Clever Little Kitten for World Book Day. Visit the new Animal Stories website www.hollywebbanimalstories. com or Holly’s site http://www.hollywebb.com/. Sophy Williams took a degree in graphic art at Kingston and was runner-up in the Reader’s Digest Young Illustrators Competition. Her first illustrated book, When Grandma Came, was runner-up for the Mother Goose Award.
With each hilarious story approximately thirty pages long and split into chapters with illustrations on nearly every spread, Dirty Bertie is ideal for confident readers to enjoy by themselves, or for sharing with your child. David Roberts worked as a fashion illustrator in Hong Kong before becoming one of the UK’s foremost children’s illustrators. He has worked with a host of writers including Philip Ardagh, Georgia Byng and the Children’s Laureate 2011 – 2013, Julia Donaldson. David won a Gold Award in the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize for Mouse Noses On Toast in 2006, and was shortlisted for the 2010 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for The Dunderheads. Visit his website: http://www. davidrobertsillustration.com/ Alan MacDonald was born in Watford. He dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, but when he won a pen in a writing competition his fate was sealed. Alan has written over eighty children’s books, which have been translated into many languages and won several awards. Alan also writes for TV, including Horrid Henry on CITV.
Sam Hay, Simon Cooper 9781847154323 £4.99
This book tells the story of Frankfurter, a sausage dog who needs Joe’s help before he can pass over. Moments before his encounter with a revolving door, Frankie overheard two men plotting to burgle the hotel that is run by his owner. Frankie needs Joe’s help to stop the robbery and bring the criminals to justice. The books in the Undead Pets series are full of animal zombies and pets with one last thing to do before they pass to the other side! Funny, dark and full of adventure, this series is ideal for children seeking a fast-paced and amusing chapter book. Sam Hay grew up in Scotland. A former journalist, she has written several children’s books including Billy Angel and Bumble the Brave Kitten. She lives with her husband, two children and several pets in a small house with a big garden. Simon Cooper has illustrated many children’s books, including the award-winning Ghost of Uncle Arvie. As well as drawing, he enjoys loud music and zombie films. To request a review copy, interview with the author or competition prizes please contact Laura Vile, lvile@ littletiger.co.uk.
New books for babies and toddlers Baby Look: Baby Bright Samantha Meredith 9781848573796
Again by Emily Gravett £6.99 It’s nearly Cedric the dragon’s bedtime -- there’s just time for his mum to read him his favourite book. Unfortunately for her, Cedric likes the story so much that he wants to hear it again . . . and again . . . and again . . . with incendiary consequences!
Zoe & Beans and the Magic Hoop £5.99 Zoe has found a fun new game to play! When Beans jumps through her hoop he magically transforms into . . . Beans the rabbit with floppy ears, or Beans the crocodile with snappy jaws! But could Beans the elephant be a jump too far? The hoop may be magic but it’s only small - and a great big elephant could easily get stuck..
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Mini Directory
Baby Look: Baby Shine Samantha Meredith 9781848573802 These high-contrast baby board books are packed with baby’s first words! Every page has an eye-catching shiny gold finish and a simple illustration of one of baby’s favourite things. The black and white pages, with a bright colour and shiny foil, are designed with baby in mind. Samantha Meredith graduated from Loughborough University in 2001 with a BA(Hons) in Illustration. She currently works from a little house in North London, drawing pictures all day whilst drinking tea and wearing panda slippers. She spends most of her time designing and illustrating children’s books. She also occasionally works in-house for various studios... but leaves the pandas at home. • Learning disabilities • Mental health • Dementia
I Can Do It! Tracey Corderoy, Caroline Pedler HB: 9781848957459 £10.99 PB: 9781848957466 £6.99
• Traumatic Brain injury/stroke • Autistic spectrum disorders • Speech & language disorders
If your toddler thinks they can do just about anything, then you’ll love the third Baby Bear book from the talented author and illustrator team, Tracey Corderoy and Caroline Pedler. Determined little fingers will love touching the soft, fuzzy textures, while bold, simple illustrations and a gorgeously warm story will help small children learn why it’s ok to accept a little help from Mummy sometimes.
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It’s a big day for Baby Bear. He can now do up buttons all by himself – even the tricky one on his new rucksack! He is so happy. But now Baby Bear wants to do everything himself...
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Tracey Corderoy was born in South Wales and now lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of animals. She is a trained teacher and used to run specialist literacy programmes in schools before becoming a full-time writer. Caroline Pedler illustrated her first children’s book in 1999, and has lost count of how many she has illustrated since! With an MA in Illustration-Authorial Practice under her belt, she always has something creative going on. Caroline lives in a lovely village in Cornwall, where she enjoys walking her dog Bobo, meeting up with friends, and drinking copious amounts of Lady Grey tea.
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Big, Bad Owl Steve Smallman, Richard Watson HB: 9781848957497 £10.99 PB: 9781848957503 £5.99 Big, Bad Owl is a fabulously funny, tongue-in-cheek picture book from best-selling author and master of comedy, Steve Smallman (Dragon Stew and Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom). Children will love the quirky illustrations by Richard Watson about learning to deal with moods and emotions. Feeling cranky? Out of sorts? Perhaps a teeny bit tetchy? Then flap off over to Scowl’s grumpy branch for a good old grouch and grumble... Everybody wants to cheer Scowl up, but there’s one thing that makes him the happiest owl in the world – and that’s being in a good old grump!
Gruffalo Touch and Feel £9.99 Touch the Gruffalo’s terrible tusks, feel his knobbly knees and tickle his purple prickles in this bold, eye-catching book with touchand-feel elements on every page. Part of the exciting new MY FIRST GRUFFALO series featuring all your favourite characters from the Deep Dark Wood.
Families First
Steve Smallman has taken up writing his own stories after illustrating children’s books for over 30 years. He also teaches illustration and mural-painting workshops in schools. When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television gardening and walking in the countryside. Richard Watson grew up in a small village in North Lincolnshire. He studied illustration at Lincoln University School of Art and Design, and began working as an illustrator soon after leaving University in 2003. Richard uses a range of techniques to produce artwork mixing traditional drawing and painting with collage and mixed media. He also loves visiting galleries, watching films, and listening to music.
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ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE - WANTED
Bangor Blue Slate, Fireplaces, Quarry Tiles, Copper, Brass, Lead, Contents of Houses, Barns, Workshops Purchased Tel: 028 9073 2885 Mobile 07710 092201 Bridge End Belfast
Whats On Date: 1st March – 30th April Where: Learning Space What: Eggciting Easter Egg Hunt The Easter Bunny has made a visit to Learning SPACE and hidden Easter Eggs all over the shop! Can you follow all the cryptic clues the Easter Bunny has left to find the eggs and fill your basket to be rewarded with an eggcellent prise!!! Hop on over and enjoy the fun! This event is FREE and is on all day every day during March and April. Telephone 028 9031 9360 Or visit www.learningspaceni.co.uk
Date: 10th-13th April 2014 Where: Odyssey Arena, Belfast What: Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular, Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy, whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3. This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell. Venue website: odysseyarena.com
Date: 11th-13th April 2014 Where: Grand Opera House Belfast What: Aliens Love Underpants This zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort has been adapted and is directed by Adam Bampton –Smith. Aliens Love Underpants is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production will delight the whole family. Friday at 1.30pm and 3.30pm Saturday at 11.00am and 2.00pm For a sneak preview go to www. underpantslive.com Prices: £9.50, £13.50 and £39 Venue website: www.goh.co.uk
Date:12-13th April 2014 Where: Malone House, Belfast What: Spring Fair A weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment, floral art demonstrations and spring flower show exhibitions. 1.30pm - 5.30pm Park and Ride service available from Mary Peters track. Website for more info: www. malonehouse.co.uk Date: 12th April 2014 Where: Belfast Zoological Gardens What: PIXIE THE CHIMPANZEES 1ST BIRTHDAY Bring your little monkeys along and help Belfast Zoo celebrate Pixie the chimpanzee’s first birthday. There will be fun for all the family with special feeding times, keeper talks, face painting and watch as Pixie and her family open their birthday treats. Website: www.belfastzoo.co.uk Date: 12TH April Where: Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey What: MR HULLABALOOS SPRINGTIME STORYBOOK Follow the Easter Bunny and hop on over this spring to join Mr Hullabaloo and his cast of colourful puppet friends for an Easter Eggstravaganza. Throughout this special storytelling event, children will be invited to take part in a series of interactive story adventures. By combining a little fairy-tale magic and a captivating adventure, lots of seasonal fun for all is guaranteed. Recommended Age: 8 years and under Show Times: 1.30pm & 4pm Venue website: www. thecourtyardtheatre.com
WHATS ON* Date:13th April Where: Mount Stewart: What : Pet Nose Day This award-winning charity event returns as part of Pet Month to celebrate our four legged friends. Bring along your dog and be entertained by agility and training demonstrations. 11am - 5pm More info; www.nationaltrust.org.uk Date: 13th April Where: Various Locations What: Workshop – Bird’s Eye View of the City
Date: 18th – 26th April Where: Mount Stewart What: Easter Egg Trail Bring the children to Mount Stewart this Easter to take part in the popular egg trail. Follow the clues around the Lake Walk and return to collect your egg! Egg trail £1 per child. 10am - 5pm Normal admission price. Members free.
Turn a simple balloon and camera in to a high flying Aerial Mapping system and view your city in a way you have never seen it before. All the images will be collected, printed then you get to build your own aerial map of Belfast. This workshop is in partnership with PS Squared and The Bridge Gallery, New York. 11am - 2pm (age 7 - 11) 3pm - 6pm (age 11-15) Starting point : PS2 Gallery, 18 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GP www.visit-belfast.com
All W5’s Easter activities are FREE with Admission to W5. For opening times and admission prices visit www. w5online.co.uk
Families First NI • www.familiesfirst-uk.com
Places are limited for this free event, so you are advised to book early.
Date: 20 – 21 April 2, 2014 Where: Castle Ward What: Easter Fair th
st
The Easter fun continues with the annual Easter Fair, including children’s activities, local crafts and food, horse and carriage rides and Easter egg trails.
Egg trail £1 per child. 11am - 4pm
This Easter Monday, April 21st, The McKee Clock Arena, Bangor, will play host to a special one-off motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike! The Lego Live Show will feature eight of Ireland’s best trials riders who will compete over a challenging course of giant colourful Lego pieces in this specially designed, brightly coloured, arena show. 10am – 6pm Date: 21 April Where: North Down Museum What: Easter Egg Hunt st
Celebrate Easter with the animal characters at Belfast Zoo. Follow the Easter egg trail around the zoo and visit your favourite animals at feeding time.
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A fun packed Bank Holiday weekend at Belfast City Hall exploring the new season and Easter traditions through arts, crafts and more.
Date: 21st – 22nd April Where: Central Station, Belfast What: Easter Eggspress Don’t miss out on the Easter Week fun - hop aboard the Easter Eggspress for a steam train adventure to Whitehead. Fun for all the family plus Easter eggs for the children. There will be two trains each day, departing at 11am and 1.30pm Tickets £11 per person Tickets available from Belfast Welcome Centre www.steamtrainsireland.com
On Easter Monday, North Down Museum will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11am – 1pm (cost £1) and there will be live music in Coffee Cure with “The Woodworms.”
Everyone loves this sightseeing boat tour of Strangford Lough with its abundance of nature and wildlife. See the SeaGen, Angus Rock Lighthouse, surface whirlpools and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve. You might see a pod of porpoise or even a basking shark. Suitable for age 3 years plus. Trips leave from Strangford Pier. Telephone for times. Booking Essential Contact Clearsky Adventure Centre on 028 4372 3933 or fun@clearsky-adventure.com
Tues 22nd April, 12noon - 3pm (Age Group 9 - 13 years) Wed 23rd April, 12noon - 3pm (Age Group 14 - 18 years) www.waterfront.co.uk
Date: 27th April Where: MAC What: Family Fun: Moving Silhouettes Have fun creating a short stop-motion animation, inspired by Kara Walker’s beautiful exhibition at the MAC. Play with shadows and light and bring your silhouettes to life. Age 7 – 11 www.themaclive.com
Date: 21st April Where: Bangor Town Centre What: Easter Parade and Fun Day
Come along for family fun at Titanic Belfast this Easter. There will be lots of family activities going on in the main atrium .Why not come along have your face painted and participate in seasonal themed crafts? 11am - 4pm each day.
Date: 19th – 22nd April Where: Belfast City Hall What: Spring Into Easter
Get the family together at IKEA for Easter Eggcitement. There are lots of fun activities for the little ones which kicks off with a teddy bears picnic. Bring along your soft toy or three and enjoy some free sandwiches and treats. 12noon - 4pm daily. www.ikea.co.uk/belfast
Date: 20th April Where: Castle Ward Estate What: Easter Sea Safari Sightseeing Boat Trip
Date: 18th – 22nd April 2014 Where: Belfast Zoological Gardens What: Easter Extravaganza
Date: 21st – 26th April Where: Ikea Belfast What: Easter Eggcitement
Cottages open 11am-5pm Activities 2pm - 4pm www.northdowntourism.com
With Easter treats and fun for all the family come along this Easter Sunday to Castle Coole. Date: 19th – 22nd April 2014-04-02 Where: Titanic Belfast What: Easter Festival
darkroom and take them home.
Bring your little ones along for an afternoon of Easter themed entertainment and crafts.
Date: 20th April Where: Castle Coole What: Easter Madness at Castle Coole
Date: 12th – 27th April Where: W5 What: Easter at W5 A whole eggs-travaganza awaits this Easter at W5. From Saturday 12 until Sunday 27 April, W5 is a must-visit for all lovers of fun, frolics and fascinating facts. From the ultra popular egg racing to daily science demonstrations W5 has something for everyone this Easter.
Date: 20th April Where: Cockle Row Cottages What: Easter at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Whats On
Let Posh Nosh do the cooking for you this Easter Bank Holiday and join them for a delicious carvery lunch. Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm Price: £20 Tickets are available from Posh Nosh Tel: (028) 9145 9090 www.nomadicbelfast.com
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The Thai Belfast Festival offers all visitors a colourful and vibrant fusion of culture that will promote an understanding of Thai culture, reignite personal connections with the Far East and open visitors perceptions to the welcoming and inclusive culture that is Thai. This will be a memorable day for all the family.The visitors will have an experience of Authentic Thai culture, food, music, Thai dancing and Muay Thai boxing, along with a more relaxing Thai massage, a Thai beer garden, souvenirs, crafts and Thai beauty contest. There will also be raffles, face painting and more kid’s entertainment with live bands and local DJ. 12noon - 7pm Adults: £3, Children (7-12) £1, under 7’s free
Date: April 22nd Where: Rowallane Garden What: Easter Chick Trail
Date: 21st April Where: Nomadic Belfast What: Easter Monday Carvery
Date: 27th April Where: T13 Urban Sports Academy What: Thai Belfast Festival
Explore the nooks and crannies around the beautiful garden while following the clues to get an Easter surprise. Egg trail £1 per child. 10.30am-3pm Date: 22nd – 23rd April Where: Waterfront Hall What: Pinehole Workshop Learn how to make and use your own home made camera and capture your world. Using this traditional form of lenseless photography, expose and develop your own photos in a real
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Date: 29th – 30th April Where: Streamvale Open Farm What: Baby Animal Festival Spring at Streamvale is all about babies – lambs, kids, chicks, bunnies, calves, puppies, ducklings - there is no better time to see, feed and cuddle the newborns. It’s also the time when the nature trail blooms back into life and the walk up to the viewpoint is worth it to see the city of Belfast surrounded by the lush new green grass and sparkling yellow of the whin blossom. The children can get out and play in the playgrounds and drive around on the tractors. This year there is a brand new covered play area – so don’t worry about the weather! The whole family can join in the fun and try out the freshly made ice cream made on the farm.